How to write the introduction to essay in writing Part 2 IELTS
As you’re probably aware your essay should start with an introduction which gives the examiner the first impression of your writing skills, in other words it’s vital to know what should and should not be included in this part of the essay.
Academic Writing Part 2- Introduction : Guidelines:
- Your introduction has to be clear and concise (2-3 sentences)
- Sentence 1-2 – Write a sentence introducing the topic and giving some background facts about it
- Sentence 2-3 Write your opinion – only if asked (give your answer/opinion in the introduction and not just the conclusion)
- Paraphrase (use synonyms – different words with a similar meaning) and move the order of the sentence around, don’t copy exact words from the topic!
- You must not start answering the question in the introduction you write this in the main body.
- Avoid “In this essay I will discuss”
Bottom line is: All the information you should include in the introduction is within the topic question you just have to paraphrase it and sometimes include your opinion.
There are 7 types of essay in the writing part 2, so here are 7 examples of the introduction with explanation + additional topic for your own practice.
1. Discuss two views plus your opinion essay
Topic:
Some people think that the best way to reduce crime is to give longer prison sentences. Others, however, believe there are better alternative ways of reducing crime. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Sample answer:
Nowadays, crime is increasing at an alarming number all over the world. Although many people consider prolonged imprisonment as the best way of tackling this problem, others, myself included, are of the opinion that alternative measures could be applied to address the issue.
Note:
Computers are being used more and more in education. Some people say that learning online is the best way to learn, whereas some claim that it is still better to attend a class with a teacher. Discuss both sides of this argument and then give your own opinion.
Successful sports professionals can earn a great deal more money than people in other important professions. Some people think this is fully justified while others think it is unfair. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion
2. Agree or Disagree essay
Topic:
Many children these days have an unhealthy lifestyle. Both schools and parents are equally responsible for solving this problem. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Sample answer:
An upward trend of school children leading an unhealthy way of living has been noticed recently. While many believe educational institutions as well as parents share equal responsibility for resolving this issue, I disagree and feel that parents are fully liable for changing the far from being healthy style of living of their loved ones.
Note:
Write your own introduction to one of these topics:
When a country develops its technology, the traditional skills and ways of life die out. It is pointless to try and keep them alive. To what extend do you agree or disagree with this opinion? Nowadays celebrities are more famous for their glamour and wealth than for their achievements, and this sets a bad example to young people. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
3. Advantages/Benefits outweigh Disadvantages/Drawbacks essay
Topic:
More and more students are choosing to study at colleges and universities in foreign countries. Do the benefits of studying abroad outweigh the drawbacks?
Sample answer:
Increasing number of students deciding to study at universities and colleges in foreign countries, has become a familiar sight in recent years. Although, it is argued that there are many drawbacks of this tendency, advantages this provides in areas of education and personal development are overwhelming and outweigh the negative aspects.
Note:
Write your own introduction to one of these topics:
In some countries, governments are encouraging industries and businesses to move to regional areas outside the big cities. Do the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?
People now have the freedom to work and live anywhere in the world due to the development of communication technology and transportation. Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?
4. Problem/ Causes and Solution essay
Topic:
More and more city workers are deciding to live in the country and travel into work everyday. The result is increased traffic congestion and damage to the environment. What measures do you suggest that would encourage people not to travel such long distances to work?
Sample answer:
Nowadays, more people are moving away from cities for more affordable and comfortable lifestyles in the countryside, resulting in long distance commuting to their work in the cities. This massive transition on daily basis has created enormous problems such as overcrowding and environmental issues. I believe measures such as promoting telecommuting and establishing remote offices will reduce the number of long distance commuters and therefore their impact on the environment.
Note:
Write your own introduction to one of these topics:
Crime rates tend to be higher in cities than in smaller towns. Explain some possible reasons for this problem and suggest some solutions.
Nowadays many people eat very badly in spite of the information which is available about ways to have a health, balanced diet. What could be the possible causes of this? Suggest some solutions which may improve the eating habits of the young.
5. Discuss two views only (no opinion) essay
Topic:
The number of elderly people in the world is increasing. What are the positive and negative effects of this trend?
Sample answer:
Thanks to improved living standards and universal accessibility of medical facilities great majority of people have prolonged life expectancy. Without a doubt, longevity is a positive sign in societies, however one might argue this rising tendency leads to other, less fortunate, consequences within the modern world.
Write your own introduction to one of these topics:
Many people believe that an effective public transport system is a key component of a modern city. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of public transport.
In some countries, some young people are encouraged to work or travel for a year between finishing high school and starting university studies. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages for young people who decide to do this.
6. Opinion essay
Topic:
According to a recent study, the more time people use the Internet, the less time they spend with real human beings. Some people say that instead of seeing the Internet as a way of opening up new communication possibilities world wide, we should be concerned about the effect this is having on social interaction. How far do you agree with this opinion?
Sample answer:
A recent research has shown that as people use the Internet more, they have been spending less time with human beings. I believe that although this has increased the communication around the world in positive ways, it has also led to negative effects on the day-to-day social interactions.
Write your own introduction to one of these topics:
Research indicates that the characteristics we are born with have much more influence on our personality and development than other experiences we may have in life. Which do you consider to be the major influence?
Some people believe that sport should be made compulsory in schools, while others take the view that more time should be spent on academic subjects. What is your opinion?
7. Two questions essay
Topic:
There are many types of music in the world today. Why do we need music? Is the traditional music of a country more important and should it be preserved or is international music that is heard everywhere nowadays more useful to a society?
Sample answer:
Music has played a significant part in everyone’s life, it unites people, gives them a feeling of belonging and even lifts up their souls. Although, the contemporary music, which allows the society to unwind and forget about all the troubles, prevails on the radio worldwide, we must not forget about the importance of our heritage which is deeply rooted in the lyrics written in and about our fatherland.
Write your own introduction to one of these topics:
To some people studying the past has little value in the modern world. Why do you think it is important to do so? What will be the effect if children are not taught history?
Many old buildings protected by law are part of a nation’s history. Some people think they should be knocked down and replaced by news ones. How important is it to maintain old buildings? Should history stand in the way of progress?
Practice makes prefect!
So practice writing introductions quickly to sample task questions, don’t bother with the whole essay – focusing on a skill is better for learning. Write different types of introduction – this will help in the test – you can’t predict the question you will have
Practice for your IELTS exam with the new tests
Cambridge IELTS 10 Student’s Book with Answers: Authentic Examination Papers from Cambridge English Language Assessment (IELTS Practice Tests) Paperback – 16 Apr 2015
