Many candidates spend far too long on the Task 2 introduction, writing three or four sentences when two carefully crafted sentences are sufficient — and preferred. A strong IELTS introduction does exactly two things: paraphrases the topic and states your position. This guide explains how to write both components effectively, with five model examples across different essay types.
1The 2-Sentence Introduction Formula
Sentence 1 — Paraphrase the topic: Restate the general idea of the prompt in your own words. Change the vocabulary, use synonyms, restructure the syntax. Do not add your opinion here. Sentence 2 — Thesis/position statement: State your view, your approach, or what you will argue. Make this specific. Example prompt: 'Some people believe that unpaid community service should be compulsory for high school students. To what extent do you agree or disagree?' Sentence 1: 'There is growing debate about whether secondary school students should be required to perform voluntary work in their local communities without pay.' Sentence 2: 'I strongly agree with this proposal, as I believe such programmes develop civic responsibility and practical skills that formal education often fails to provide.'
25 Model Introductions by Essay Type
Opinion (agree): 'As urbanisation accelerates globally, the question of whether private car ownership should be restricted in city centres has become increasingly contested. I fully agree that such restrictions are both necessary and beneficial, as the social and environmental costs of unlimited car access in dense urban areas far outweigh the individual inconvenience of using alternative transport.' Discussion: 'The rapid rise of artificial intelligence has prompted debate about whether human workers will be displaced by machines on a large scale. This essay will examine both the concerns surrounding job losses and the potential for technology to create new employment opportunities, before offering a personal perspective.' Problem-solution: 'Increasing levels of plastic waste in the world's oceans represent one of the most urgent environmental crises of our time. This essay will analyse the primary causes of this problem and propose practical measures that governments and individuals can take to reduce its impact.'
3Paraphrasing Techniques for the Introduction
Use four main paraphrasing techniques. (1) Synonyms: 'children' → 'young people' / 'minors' / 'the younger generation'. 'governments' → 'authorities' / 'policymakers'. 'problem' → 'issue' / 'challenge' / 'concern'. (2) Word form change: 'pollute' (verb) → 'pollution' (noun). 'globalise' → 'the process of globalisation'. (3) Sentence restructure: 'Technology is changing the workplace' → 'The workplace is being transformed by technological advances'. (4) Perspective shift: 'Some say X is good' → 'X is regarded by many as beneficial'. Practise these systematically, and you will never need to copy a prompt word for word.
4What NOT to Include in the Introduction
Do not: use rhetorical questions ('Have you ever wondered…?'), make sweeping generalisations ('Since the beginning of time…'), define words from a dictionary, announce your conclusion ('In this essay, I will conclude that…'), write more than 3 sentences, copy the prompt verbatim, or state 'In this essay, I will write about X.' Examiners see these patterns in hundreds of scripts per week and they signal a limited command of English academic writing conventions. The most common Band 6 introduction error is: copying the prompt, then stating 'I will discuss the advantages and disadvantages in this essay.' This wastes words and demonstrates no language skill.
🎯 Key Takeaway
A Band 7 introduction is concise, original, and clear. Two sentences — paraphrase, then thesis. Nothing more is needed. Spend no more than 3 minutes on your introduction and allocate the time saved to developing your body paragraphs, where most of the marks are determined.