IELTS: Writing Introduction

The introduction is very important; as this is the first thing the examiner will see. Look at this introduction, and consider why it is poor.

No, I don't think so. I don't think we should teach languages at an earlier age. I think children should do what they want and are interested in. a bit of languages isn't going to help much, children dont have time to learn enough. It's more important they master their first language.

Problems

Register - this is far too informal ‘help much’ ‘I don’t think so’

Punctuation - there are missing capital letters, apostrophres are missing

Contractions - IELTS is an academic test; you should not be writing ‘don't’ it should be‘do not’.

Sentences - they are too short

Topic - the first sentence should be a topic sentence

Linking Words - they are very basic

A good introduction would look more like this

It is arguable that being overly concerned with children learning a second language is not necessarily worthwhile. More importance should be given to mastering their first language as there is often insufficient time in the day to effectively learn two. Care for what children should learn and getting enough time to express themselves are two factors, however, that should be considered as will now be discussed.

In your introduction try to

1. Paraphrase (rewrite) the title into a sentence, which include the task words.

2. Try not to use more than 40 words.

3. Use formal language and grammar.

What would you do with this title?

The arts should be rejected in favour of more practical studies. Do you agree?

This would be a good start.

There is a feeling amongst many that studying the arts is not a practical idea. There is another side to this argument though; education is beneficial no matter what is being studied, which will now be discussed.

Why is this a good introduction?

1. The title has been rephrased.

2. It is 37 words.

3. We know the writer disagrees with the statement.

4. “will now be discussed” is the passive voice, and sounds better than “I will discuss”.

Common Introduction Errors

1. Copying the question title directly – they want you to show your vocabulary range

2. Using personal pronouns – don’t use ‘I agree’, use the third person ‘some people would agree’ or the passive ‘an argument can be made to …’

3. Using irrelevant details – ‘The arts have always been important’

4. The introduction doesn’t finish by showing, which direction the article will take. It shows the examiner you have planned your answer.

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