Detailed instructions on how to write Introduction in IELTS Writing Task 2 from A - Z

Writing Task 2 requires candidates to complete an essay in just 40 minutes. However, you still hesitate to know how to start the article? Did you spend a lot of time for IELTS Writing Task 2 Introduction ? In this article, let's work with Dol to quickly and effectively handle this problem with how to write Introduction in IELTS Task 2!

1. Should I use the Sample Introduction in IELTS Writing Task 2

It is absolutely necessary to  use fixed structures in the opening part of Writing Task 2.

• Many IELTS learners, even when they have a background in the test, still have to 'bite their pen' not knowing what to write and waste time in vain. The use of 'template' helps candidates speed up the completion of the essay and avoid the confusion of not knowing how to start the article correctly.
• In fact, when there is a fixed 'template' for IELTS Writing Task 2 Introduction , learners will have a better orientation when writing, avoiding the situation that each article is one style.

2. How to write Introduction in IELTS Writing Task 2

Like any type of writing, IELTS Writing Task 2 also needs an introduction to introduce the content of the essay. 

2.1. Purpose

When writing the opening paragraph for Writing Task 2, candidates need to ensure the following purposes:

• Impress your readers
• Set the context or topic of the article List the important content in the article . 

A good opening paragraph will create a general direction for the whole article as well as connect coherently with the body and concluding paragraphs.

2.2. General structure

Because the length of the article is generally about 300 words or less, the body paragraph does not need to be too long, but should be summarized in 2 to 3 sentences.

Structure diagram for opening IELTS Task 2

• The first part (1 - 2 sentences) is called General Statement , used to state the topic of the article.
• The second part (1 sentence) is called Thesis Statement , containing the main content or opinion of the writer throughout the article.

2.2.1. GENERAL STATEMENT

• Purpose

General statements are used to introduce the topic of the article, by restating the facts, trends, or opinions covered by the article.

• Writing style

The key to a good General Statement is to rephrase the topic in your own language using the technique of 'paraphrasing' . The writer can replace the given words with synonyms , or change the sentence structure and order of words in the sentence . 

However, it should be noted that the key point of 'paraphrasing' skill is not to change the meaning of the original sentence, add information that is not in the original sentence, or leave out important information in the original sentence. 

2.2.2 THESIS STATEMENT

️🎯 Purpose

In the Thesis statement section , the writer needs to give a clear and direct answer to the question posed by the topic by stating a personal opinion or summarizing the main points of the article.

How to write

First, you need to determine the exact type of question the topic asks. Specifically, IELTS Writing Task 2 is divided into 5 main types of lessons as follows:

• Opinion
• Discussion 
• Advantages and Disadvantages
• Problem and Solution
• Two-part Question

Based on the ACTION WORD of the question, you can determine the article format of the article and answer the questions correctly and fully.

The important point that the writer needs to note is that the Thesis statement should be short, condense the main content of the article, and express a clear point of view.

In addition, this point of view also needs to be maintained and unified throughout the ideas and words of the article, until the conclusion.

There are many differing opinions about expressing a personal opinion in the essay, some people think that it is only necessary to state their personal opinion in the conclusion. However, others say it should be stated in the introduction. The safest and most logical choice is to state your opinion in the introduction, argue for it in the body paragraphs, then restate it in the conclusion.

https://ted-ielts.com/introduction/

2.3. Two steps to write Introduction 

How to write IELTS Writing Task 2 with sample essay

Step 1: Analyze the layout of the topic.

Each topic consists of two parts: 

• Part 1: Introduce the topic or point of view to discuss
• Part 2: Pose a question or request to the candidate

Ví dụ: Some people think that good planning is the key factor for success in life. Others think that there are more important factors that lead to success (hard work, luck). Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

• The first sentence of the essay presents two opposing views: 'Some people think that good planning is the key factor for success in life. Others think that there are more important factors that lead to success (hard work, luck).'
• The second sentence of the test asks the candidate the question 'Discuss both views and give your own opinion.' have them interpret their answers through the writing.

👉 Step 2: Paraphrase part 1 and answer part 2 

First, the writer needs to determine if the problem is giving an opinion (opinion) or a fact (fact) .

Next, the writer can choose one of the following sentence patterns to start his writing and perform 'paraphrasing' to rephrase the topic in his own language.

Use for opinion (opinion)	Used for truth
Used when there is only one point of view: It is (sometimes) believed/ argued/ suggested/ alleged/ said that …Some people think/ argue/ believe/ hold the view that …It is a common belief that …	It is (widely/ commonly) believed that [+ mệnh đề]It is (no doubt) true that [+ clause][A thing/phenomenon] has gained popularity among [a group of people/group of objects]. → used to describe a trend.
Used when giving two opposing views:Opinions are divided on whether [opinion 1] or [opinion 2].People have different views about [+ cụm danh từ/ whether … or …]Some people are of the opinion that … However, others opine that …

Here is a guide to writing a General Statement for the above topic:

Original sentence in the title	General statement
Some people think that good planning is the key factor for success in life. Others think that there are more important factors that lead to success (hard work, luck).→ The sentence gives two opposing views.	To be successful in life, some individuals are of the opinion that wise arrangement skill is of utmost importance. However, others opine that various elements including hard work and luck also contribute to success.
Dùng cấu trúc: Some people are of the opinion that … However, others opine that …The words have been replaced:good planning ~ wise arrangementkey factor ~ of utmost importancefactors ~ elementslead to success ~ contribute to success

For the second part of the introduction - Thesis Statement, the writer needs to do two steps:

• Determine the type of question the topic asks.
• For writers at level 6.0 and above, it is possible to outline the body of the essay first, and then cover those ideas briefly in a Thesis statement .

Question in the topic	Thesis statement
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.→ Discussion post type : The topic asks for a personal opinion on the two opposing views mentioned.	From my perspective, the combination of multiple factors can ensure great achievement for people.

Please see more 7 ways to improve writing skills in IELTS Writing:

3. How to write Introduction in IELTS Writing Task 2 for each type of article

3.1. Agree or disagree essay

Agree or disagree essay format

Agree or Disagree is a type of question that asks the writer to present a personal opinion after providing a certain statement. The writer can identify this type of article through questions such as: 

• Do you agree or disagree?
• To what extent do you agree or disagree?

To write an introduction for this type of article, the writer performs the following steps:

• You can start a sentence with an opinion structure (in the table above) and do 'paraphrasing' the topic in one sentence.
• In the second sentence, give a direct and clear answer to the point the question makes. For the Agree or Disagree question type , the writer has 2 ways to answer and each way has a different sample structure as follows:

One-sided answer	Balanced answer
Agree or completely disagree with the point of view given by the topic.	Only partially agree with the point of view given by the topic.
Đồng ý: From my perspective/ In my opinion/ Personally, I completely agree with this view for several reasons.Disagree : However, I do not agree with this point of view/ the idea of [something] for several reasons.I strongly oppose the idea that ...	While I think, I disagree with the view that.To a certain extent I agree that [part of the opinion agree] ; however, I also think that [part of disagreeing]

Here are some suggested openings for all three approaches to the Agree or Disagree article:

Topic	Approach	Open Suggestions
Nowadays young people mostly learn by reading books or watching movies and TV shows, rather than personal experiences. To what extent do you agree or disagree?	Balanced answer	Juveniles these days demonstrate their personal preference for different media such as books and films instead of putting emphasis on hands-on experienceswhen learning. While I acknowledge that there are still a certain number of people who prefer the latter, I think that it is more reasonable to widen young people’s knowledge via books and movies.
Some people claim that public museums and art galleries will no longer be necessary because people can see historical objects and works of art by using a computer. Do you agree or disagree?	One-sided answer (totally disagree)	As the Internet and computer are becoming more prevalent than ever, many peoplequestion the necessity of cultural and historical museums. I strongly oppose the idea that information that is now easily accessible via the use of computers can replace museums.
Although there is a lot of translation software available, learning a language could still be advantageous. To what extent do you agree or disagree?	One-sided answer (totally agree)	Advancement in technology has fostered the availability of operating systems that can translate text automatically. Despite this development, I hold the belief that the process of obtaining lingual knowledgeis still beneficial in terms of career prospects and cultural experience.

3.2. Discuss both views

Post type Discuss both views

The Discuss both views or Discussion format requires the writer to discuss two opposing views of an issue and give a personal opinion (which point of view).

The writer can identify this post type through the command 'Discuss both views and give your own opinion.'

How to write Introduction in IELTS Task 2 for ' Discuss both views' is as follows

• Do 'paraphrasing' the two points of view given by the problem, using the sentence pattern used to give two opposing views (in the table above).
• In the second sentence, give a direct and clear answer that you support or agree with which of the two points of view given by the topic, using the following sentences. similar to the one in Agree or Disagree .

Here are some suggested openings for Discuss both views:

Topic	Open Suggestions
Some people believe that pop stars deserve to earn more money than classical music performers. Some disagree. Discuss both views and give your own opinion	Some individuals opine that celebrities performing pop music should be paid a higher salary in comparison to those majoring in classical music, while others are not in consummate accord withthe aforementioned idea. This essay would delve into discussing the two perspectives as well as stating my support for the former one.
In some cultures, old age is more valued, while in other cultures youth is more valued. Discuss both views and give your opinion.	The debate over which group, namely the elderly and younger generations, should be of utmost appreciation is one that has been long contested. I am of the opinion that despite the economic values fostered by young adults, gratitude towards older people should be expressed due to general human morality and their thorough understanding.
Some people think scientific research should focus on solving world health problems. Others think that there are more important issues. Discuss both views and give your opinion.	Whether scientific research should focus on alleviating global health issues or other problems has gained traction. Personally, I agree with the latter opinion for a number of reasons.

3.3. Problems and Solutions

Problems and solutions essay format

The Causes and Solutions or Problems and Solutions format requires candidates to present causes, consequences, and solutions. The writer can identify this type of article through questions such as:

• What are the causes of problems? How to overcome it?
• What is the reason for this?
• What are the problems? Suggest some solutions.

How to write the opening IELTS Task 2 for this type of essay is as follows:

• Do 'paraphrasing' the two points of view that the problem suggests, using a sentence pattern used to present a problem, or an ongoing fact (in the table above).
• In the second sentence, give a direct and concise answer about the causes/effects, or solutions, that will be mentioned in the body of the essay.

Here are some suggested openings for the Causes and Solutions and Problems and Solutions formats :

Topic	Open Suggestions
People aim to achieve a balance between their work and lives. But few people achieve it. What are the causes of problems? How to overcome it?	The rapid speed of advancement in human lives has led us to the dilemma of maintaining the equilibrium between working and living. This essay would delve into the reason why many people encounter the failure of balancing those aforementioned aspects and propose certain solutions to deal with the problem.
Major cities in the world are growing fast, as well as their problems. What are the problems that young people living in those cities are facing? Suggest some solutions.	Increased industrialization has led to the proliferation of young people moving from the countryside to cities. However, the growth of cities has created many social problems. In this essay, I will highlight some of these problems as well as ways to combat them.
Weddings are getting bigger and more expensive. What is the reason for this? Is it a positive or negative development?	An ample amount of money tends to be invested inspecial celebrations, namely weddings. This essay will first explain the reasons for this tendency, and secondly, think that it is a negative development.

3.4. Advantages and Disadvantages

Types of cards Advantages and disadvantages

The Advantages and Disadvantages essay format asks the candidate to present the advantages and disadvantages of an issue. The writer can identify this type of article through questions such as:

• Is this a positive or negative development?
• Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of … ?

To write an introduction for this type of article, the writer performs the following steps:

• Do 'paraphrasing' the two points of view that the problem suggests, using a sentence pattern used to present a problem, or an ongoing fact (in the table above).
• In the second sentence, give a direct and concise answer about the advantages and disadvantages, possibly adding personal opinion phrases such as “From my perspective”, “From my perspective”, 'Personally', or 'In my opinion'.

Here are some IELTS Writing Task 2 Introduction suggestions for the Advantages and disadvantages essay format :

Topic	Open Suggestions
Nowadays people depend on technology for leisure activities. Is this a positive or negative development?	Technological advancement has encouraged the proliferation of ample high-tech means of recreation. From my perspective, although some regarded this phenomenon as positive, I deemed it more detrimental.
Some people think that young people should be required to do unpaid work helping people in the community. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?	Many people are currently proposing a solution to solve problems in the local area: have young people do volunteer, unpaid work to help people in their neighborhood. Although there are some drawbacks to this policy, I believe it is generally beneficial to society.
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?	Nowadays, many parents, especially Asian ones, tend to educate their children to always try hard because as long as they do so, they certainly will be successful. I think there are many advantages as well disadvantages to this philosophy.

Method of doing Introduction IELTS Writing task 2

4. Notes to know when writing Introduction IELTS Writing Task 2

For an effective opening, DOL has some advice for you:

• Only spend a maximum of 5 minutes on the introduction, because you need enough time to complete the body - the main and most important part of the essay.
• You should follow the 2-sentence opening structure (including General Statement and Thesis Statement).
• When writing the General Statement, do not copy the entire topic without any corrections. This will probably make the examiner not have a good impression of the article, as well as evaluate your vocabulary and grammar level.
• Avoid misinterpreting the issues or points of view presented in the essay
• Do not add or subtract ideas from the original topic/opinion that the topic has given.
• Try to make an impression at the opening
• Pay attention to word usage, avoid informal expressions

5. Distinguish good and bad Introduction

Let's look at an example of a poor Introduction (around band 4.0) and a good Introduction (around band 8.0) for the following topic:

There is a good deal of evidence that increasing car use is contributing to global warming and having other undesirable effects on people’s health and well-being. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

• Poor introduction :

Nowadays, cars are a very popular way of getting around. Day by day many more people drive cars around but others feel that they cause global warming. Global warming is one of the most serious issues in modern life. They also affect people’s health and well-being which is also a serious issue.

• Feedback:

+ Expression is too long and not to the point (Nowadays, cars are a very popular way of getting around” or “Day by day many more people drive cars around”)

+ Open this article without Thesis Statement

• Good introduction :

It is a common belief that rising global temperatures and detrimental impacts on human beings’ overall health are caused by the increasing usage of automobiles. Personally, I am totally convinced by this viewpoint.

=> Characteristics of a good Introduction:

• Performing 'paraphrasing' to complete the General Statement is extremely effective with a diverse vocabulary.
• Thesis Statement expresses a clear personal opinion, and directly answers the question the topic asks.

Epilogue

Above are DOL's detailed instructions on how to write Introduction in IELTS Writing Task 2 . Hope you can apply the above notes well when practicing writing Task 2 essays, as well as in your upcoming official exam. Let's start practicing right away! Wishing you success on your way to conquering the Writing skills of the IELTS test.

frequently asked Questions

How to write a good introduction in IELTS Writing Task 2?

The essay introduction should include three main things, in the following order:

• An opening sentence to grab the reader's attention
• Relevant background information that readers need to know
• A thesis statement that presents the writer's point of view or argument

Which tense should be used in IELTS Writing Task 2?

The present perfect is used a lot in IELTS Writing Task 2.

What mistakes lose points when writing Introduction in IELTS Writing Task 2?

There are 5 common mistakes when writing an introduction in IELTS Writing Task 2:

• Being too general on the subject
• Does not include a statement
• Do not outline what will be presented
• Try to write a "hook" or entertaining sentence
• Use an intimate style