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Writing Introduction Paragraphs for the IELTS Writing Task Two
For the writing task two essays, you write four paragraphs. The first of those is the introduction paragraph. It operates as an entry to the topic and the argument that you will be presenting later on throughout your writing.
It, also, serves you so well as if written correctly, it creates an outstanding first impression on the examiner. So, here are some tips on how to perfect this piece of writing.
This paragraph consists of only three sentences: a background statement, a paraphrase of the question prompt, and a thesis statement.
SENTENCE ONE: BACKGROUND STATEMENTS
A background statement is a general sentence on the topic in hand. It introduces the general topic and it works as a smooth entrance to the more specific ideas you are asked to present and discuss in your essay.
Bear in mind that you could begin your introduction paragraph with the prompt paraphrase immediately without the need for a background statement if the general topic of your essay is well-mentioned in the paraphrase. So, technically, there are two ways to start the introduction paragraph.
Read the example below from an opinion essay type of question and how it could be written in two different ways.
The question reads as the following:
The most important aim of science should be to improve people’s lives.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Science has changed millions of people’s lives, from inventing home appliances that made house chores much easier to discovering the cure to many life-threatening diseases. > (This background statement includes the paraphrase within it.)
Science has changed millions of people’s lives. Despite being a controversial opinion, the sole purpose of the advancement of science is the improvement of the life of mankind. > (This is an example of two sentences: the first is a regular background statement, and the second is a paraphrase of the prompt).
More examples of the background statement based on different question types, which play no role in the structure of the background statement. However, it is important to read a diverse of examples. (Links to the full essays are provided as well.)
Ex. Two-part questions essay background statement
Some children spend hours every day on their smartphones.
Why is this the case? Do you think this is a positive or a negative development?
The invention of smartphones has changed the world dramatically.
Ex. Discussion essays background statement
In some cultures, children are often told that they can achieve anything if they try hard enough.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of giving children this message?
Children should always be encouraged to fulfill their utmost potential.
Ex. Discussion-opinion essays background statement
Some university students want to learn about other subjects in addition to their main subjects. Others believe it is more important to give all their time and attention to studying for a qualification.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Studying at a university could be a great step into one’s professional and academic life.
Again, at this point, the type of question does not affect how you write your background statement. However, the following two sentences depend heavily on the type of question.
SENTENCE TWO: PARAPHRASE THE QUESTION
You need to paraphrase the prompt to add more information to the exact topic-related ideas you are about to write. It comes second, in some cases first as explained earlier, but it is of the utmost importance.
This is where a lot of people make the most unforgivable mistake in the writing test which is using the exact words from the prompt.
Look at the examples below which differ from one type to another.
Ex. Opinion essay paraphrase of the prompt
The most important aim of science should be to improve people’s lives.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Science has changed millions of people’s lives, from inventing home appliances that made house chores much easier to discovering the cure to many life-threatening diseases.
Science has changed millions of people’s lives. Despite being a controversial opinion, the sole purpose of the advancement of science is the improvement of the life of mankind.
Ex. Two-part questions essay paraphrase of the prompt
Some children spend hours every day on their smartphones.
Why is this the case? Do you think this is a positive or a negative development?
The invention of smartphones has changed the world dramatically. Many young individuals consume too many hours staring at those bright colorful screens, though.
Ex. Discussion essays paraphrase of the prompt
In some cultures, children are often told that they can achieve anything if they try hard enough.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of giving children this message?
Children should always be encouraged to fulfill their utmost potential. In many modern cultures, continuous encouragement is a scientifically proven pedagogical approach to rearing children.
Ex. Discussion-opinion essays paraphrase of the prompt
Some university students want to learn about other subjects in addition to their main subjects. Others believe it is more important to give all their time and attention to studying for a qualification.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Studying at a university could be a great step into one’s professional and academic life. While this institutional education can be sufficient for many students, others prefer to broaden their horizons by studying more advanced disciplines.
SENTENCE THREE: THE THESIS STATEMENT
This could be the most important part of the introduction paragraph. It should present the logical order of the ideas that you are going to include in the following paragraphs. And, it, too, changes according to the question type. The most important aspect of the thesis statement is that when you are asked to provide your opinion on any type of question, you must include this in your thesis statement to show your position from the start.
Check out the examples below.
Ex. Opinion essay thesis statement
The most important aim of science should be to improve people’s lives.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Science has changed millions of people’s lives, from inventing home appliances that made house chores much easier to discovering the cure to many life-threatening diseases. In my opinion, science has always been and should always be about the improvement of human existence. In the following lines, I will elaborate on the rationales behind my premise.
Science has changed millions of people’s lives. Despite being a controversial opinion, the sole purpose of the advancement of science is the improvement of the life of mankind. The reasons behind this rationale, which aligns with my personal views, will be discussed in the following lines.
Ex. Two-part questions essay thesis statement
Some children spend hours every day on their smartphones.
Why is this the case? Do you think this is a positive or a negative development? (This is a two-part question while the second part is a question for opinion. In the cases of asking for an opinion, you have to state your opinion from the early beginning of the essay.)
The invention of smartphones has changed the world dramatically. Many young individuals consume too many hours staring at those bright colorful screens, though. This essay is an attempt to shed light on the reasons behind this new addiction and how, in my opinion, it has negatively affected many lives.
Ex. Discussion essays thesis statement
In some cultures, children are often told that they can achieve anything if they try hard enough.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of giving children this message?
Children should always be encouraged to fulfill their utmost potential. In many modern cultures, continuous encouragement is a scientifically proven pedagogical approach to raising children. While there are benefits to this, drawbacks, unfortunately, subsist. Both the merits and demerits of this issue will be thoroughly explained in the following lines.
Ex. Discussion-opinion essays thesis statement
Some university students want to learn about other subjects in addition to their main subjects. Others believe it is more important to give all their time and attention to studying for a qualification.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Studying at a university could be a great step into one’s professional and academic life. While this institutional education can be sufficient for many students, others prefer to broaden their horizons by studying more advanced disciplines. I agree with the latter approach to education, and both notions along with my own stand will be thoroughly elaborated in the following lines.
