How To Write An Introduction

How to write an IELTS writing task 2 introduction

In this post, we will look at how to write a great IELTS writing task 2 introduction. Being able to write a good introduction to your task 2 essay is important because it shows the examiner that you can paraphrase, use synonyms and logically start to organise your writing.

In the introduction to your essay, you want to show the examiner that you can write specifically about the topic, give your opinion or views and outline clearly for them what you are going to discuss in the rest of the essay. You should also make sure your writing is following a formal style as this is an academic essay.

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How To Write An Introduction

Introduction Paragraph Structure

By learning a structure for your introduction and practising it over and over with many questions, you will be able to write one quickly about any topic. 

Your introduction should have 3 main sentences >

  • Paraphrased question
  • Opinion/view (if asked for)
  • Introduce the specific topics that will be discussed in the main body paragraphs.

Paraphrasing the question

To paraphrase text is to read the question then rewrite it in your own words. You should not copy words straight from the question, instead change the order of the words and choose words with a similar meaning (a synonym). This means you are using different words to write about the same idea. 

How To Write An Introduction

Opinion/view

In some questions, like agree/disagree or discussion questions you may be asked to give your opinion. You should give your opinion in the introduction or state your position clearly, as this is the main idea for the whole essay. This tells the examiner that you have read and understood the question. You may say… ‘In my opinion, I believe that…’ or ‘In my view…’ or if you strongly agree with the topic, ‘I strongly agree that…’ This clearly tells the examiner your position on the topic and/or your opinion.

Introduce the specific topics that will be discussed in the main body paragraphs.

The third part of your introduction should be a sentence or two telling the examiner clearly what you are going to discuss in the main body paragraphs in the essay. Each main body paragraph should only have one main idea. This keeps the writing in the main body paragraphs clear for the examiner to read and doesn’t become confusing, you should ideally stick to a structure that you have practised and revised, in order to gain a high band score.


the five steps to a successful IELTS writing task 2 essay introduction

Examples

Here are some example introductions written for common question types. Please take note of how they have been written and structured. 

Cause/Effect Essay Introduction

Question

In current society, many people are struggling with obesity. What is the main cause of this? What are the effects?

Introduction

In many countries all over the world today, there are many people who are extremely overweight. This essay will firstly discuss the main reasons that this is happening and secondly look at the effects this is having on individuals and society.

Feedback

The introduction paraphrases the question and clearly tells the examiner what the essay will discuss in the main body paragraphs. 

IELTS Writing Task 2 - How To Write A Cause-Effect Essay

*Read the full essay here*


Advantages/Disadvantages Essay Introduction

Question

Many people in society believe that having fixed punishments for all crimes is a more efficient way of dealing with criminals in the justice system.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of having a fixed punishment?

Introduction

There is an ongoing debate on the merits of having a rigid discipline system in place for all crimes committed. This essay will firstly discuss, how having fixed punishments could lead to a more competent judiciary system as the biggest advantage. Secondly, this essay will discuss how this may lead to people being punished in the same way for both minor and major crimes as the primary disadvantage.

Feedback

The introduction paraphrases the question and clearly tells the examiner what the essay will discuss in the main body paragraphs. You can see a specific advantage and disadvantage that are both relevant.

*Read the full essay here*


Problem/Solution Essay Introduction

Question

Due to poorer countries experiencing a ‘brain drain’ they are seeing many professionals, such as doctors and teachers, leaving to work in more developed countries.

What problems does this cause? What solutions can be suggested to deal with this problem?

Introduction

In many developing countries, there are a number of skilled academics leaving in search of better pay, increased socioeconomic benefits, and the chance to earn citizenship in a developed country. In this essay, I will examine the impact this has had on the more poverty-stricken countries and suggest how this situation could be improved.

Feedback

The introduction paraphrases the question and clearly tells the examiner what the essay will discuss in the main body paragraphs. 

How To Write A Problem And Solution Essay

*Read the full essay here*


Discussion Essay Introduction

Question

Some people think that developments involving the internet have brought people closer together while others think that people and communities have become more isolated.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Introduction

It is undeniable that modern technology has a huge influence on people’s lives. The use of the internet, for example, has become more common and some claim that it has been able to connect people who are far apart, while others argue that its use can lead to social isolation or confinement. This essay will discuss both views and state my own position.

Feedback

The introduction paraphrases the question, states both views and states that an opinion will be given in the essay. It also clearly tells the examiner what the essay will discuss in the main body paragraphs. 

*Read the full essay here*


Agree/Disagree Essay Introduction

Question

Due to the growing number of overweight people in today’s society putting a strain on the healthcare system, some people think that the best way to deal with the problem is to offer more physical education lessons in the school curriculum.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Introduction

Obesity has become a huge concern as an increasing percentage of the population have become overweight and this has put a tremendous strain on the healthcare authorities, leading to increased costs. One solution that is being implemented is the introduction of physical education lessons in the school curriculum. In my opinion, I strongly agree that the integration of physical education lessons will greatly assist in kerbing obesity. Firstly, this essay will discuss how physical education lessons will increase awareness of the benefits of having a healthy lifestyle. Secondly, this essay will discuss, the importance of combining exercise with a healthy diet.

Feedback

The introduction paraphrases the question, states a position (strongly agree) and gives an opinion. It also clearly tells the examiner what the essay will discuss in the main body paragraphs. 

IELTS Writing Task 2 - How To Write An Agree-Disagree Essay

*Read the full essay here*


Positive/Negative Essay Introduction

Question  

Many employers are now offering their employees the option to work from home.As a result, employees will have much more flexible working hours in the future.

Is this a positive or negative development?

Introduction

In the modern workplace, many workers are being given the option to undertake their job from home, thus leading to the managing of one’s own time. Firstly this essay will discuss, how being able to work away from the confinement of an office can bring positive elements into a worker’s life. Secondly, it will discuss the negative impact this may have on a person when no longer involved in the day to day activities happening in the office environment.

Feedback

The introduction paraphrases the question and clearly tells the examiner what the essay will discuss in the main body paragraphs. 

IELTS Writing Task 2 - How To Write A Positive-Negative Essay

*Read the full essay here*


Direct Question Essay Introduction

Question

The arts, including art, music and theatre are considered to be important in society.

Do you think the arts still have a place amongst our modern lifestyles?

Should the arts be included in school programs?

Introduction

Creative pleasures such as viewing fine arts, listening to music and watching a play are treated by many as enjoyable and essential as part of their everyday living. Firstly this essay will discuss how the arts are a crucial element in most people’s lives and secondly will discuss how it is vital that creative subjects are included in the school’s curriculum. 

Feedback

The introduction paraphrases the question and clearly tells the examiner what the essay will discuss in the main body paragraphs. It shows the student has read the question and understood the topic.

*Read the full essay here*


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How To Write An Introduction
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