How to write an IELTS Task 2 introduction

Your introduction has one job: tell the reader what the essay is about and what you think. Two or three sentences are enough. A long introduction uses time you need for the body, where most of your marks are earned.

The two-step introduction

1. Paraphrase the question. Say what the topic is, in your own words.
2. Give your position, or say what the essay will do if the question does not ask for an opinion.

Question: Some people believe university education should be free for all students. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Introduction: Some argue that tertiary education should be provided free of charge to every student. I largely agree, because removing fees widens access to the professions and the cost is repaid through a more skilled workforce.

That is the whole introduction. The reader knows the topic, your answer, and the two reasons your body paragraphs will develop.

Before you move on, answer two questions: what is this essay about, and what do I believe? If your introduction answers both, it is done.

How the second sentence changes by essay type

• Opinion: “I strongly agree/disagree, because…” or “I agree only partly: …, but …”.
• Discussion: name both views, then your own: “While some see a gap year as wasted time, others value the experience it brings; in my view, a planned gap year is worthwhile.”
• Problem and solution: name the main cause and solution: “This is largely the result of…, and the most practical response would be…”.
• Advantages and disadvantages: give your verdict if the question asks for one: “Although remote work has drawbacks, I believe its benefits are greater.”
• Two-part question: answer both questions briefly: “This trend reflects higher incomes and later marriage, and on balance I see it as positive.”

Paraphrasing without strain

Change the words that can be changed naturally, and keep the topic words that cannot. “University” can become “higher education” or “tertiary education”; “free” can become “free of charge” or “funded by the state”. You do not need a synonym for every word, and forcing one (“gratis academic instruction”) does more harm than repeating the original. The paraphrasing guide shows more.

What to leave out

• Memorised openers such as “In this contemporary era” or “It is an undeniable fact that”. Examiners recognise them and give them no credit. Our word counter flags the common ones.
• A list of everything the essay will say. One line of reasons is plenty.
• Copying the question word for word. Copied words do not count toward your 250.

Practise

Take any question from the question bank, write only the introduction, and time yourself: aim for four minutes. Then compare it with the introductions in our sample essays.