IELTS Writing: Task Two Introduction

Your introduction is the first part of the essay, and remember first impressions count. A bad introduction leaves the examiner unhappy, and you will get a lower mark.

Here are some common problems I have seen from IELTS task two essays

1. Too General

Nowadays, in modern society … then some general information about the topic. Don’t be general get to the topic in the first sentence.

2. No thesis statement

You must have one if you are giving your opinion

3. Not outlining what is coming next

You need to show the examiner what is coming in the rest of the essay

4. Trying to be entertaining

Being boring will probably help, this is IELTS there are no points for being interesting

5. Being informal

Again this is IELTS, be academic

What should you do? An opinion essay should have three sentences in the introduction.

1. Paraphrase the question

2. Thesis statement

3. Outline statement

In detail this should be something like this

1. Paraphrasing the question

Repeat the questions with different words that have the same meaning. That and changing the order of the sentences around

2. Thesis Statement

The most important sentence in your essay, it shows your opinion, and that you have correctly understood the essay. Common phrases to start your thesis statement might be

Cause & Solution: The main cause(s) of this issue is …

Opinion Essay:It is agreed that … or it is disagreed that …

Advantage & Disadvantage: The principal advantage(s) is … and the main disadvantage is …

BUT: Remember that thesis statements are only important if a question asks your opinion. If it doesn’t ask don’t write one

3. Outline Statement

You have paraphrased the question, and given your opinion, now you need to show what is coming up in the body paragraph. Again this should be one sentence only

To begin with this essay will discuss …, and secondly it will look at …

This does mean that you need to know exactly what the main idea of each body paragraph is going to be before you write your introduction. So remember to plan!

Advantage & Disadvantage: This essay will first discuss the (main advantage(s)) followed by an analysis of the (main disadvantage(s)), and finally will come to a reasoned conclusion.

Problem and Solution: This essay will analyse the principal problem(s) and offer solutions to this issue, before coming to a reasoned conclusion.

IELTS Triumph

~ Every little helps ~

                                          

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IELTSTriumph

Twitter: https://twitter.com/IeltsTriumph
Email: ieltstriumph.english@gmail.com

Instagram:   @ieltstriumph