Learn how to write an introduction from high-level models - Task 2 essay

Whether for IELTS or at university, you need to learn how to write a good essay introduction.

1. Read and analyse the question carefully - focus on the task words - AGREE - DISAGREE - ARGUE - DISCUSS - LIST - EXPLAIN - (DIS)ADVANTAGES - SOLUTION(S) - PROBLEMS and more...

2. Plan your essay very quickly

3. Write your introduction/thesis statement first

Then you can start writing your essay. Why follow these steps?

Because you will get a higher score for COHERENCE.

In the IELTS marking criteria to get a 7 you need to

logically organise your information

have clear progression from beginning to end

present a clear central topic in each paragraph

https://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/sites/default/files/ielts_task_2_writing_band_descriptors.pdf

Here is an example from the video lesson.

1. READ THE ESSAY QUESTION CAREFULLY

The continued rise in the world's population is the greatest problem faced by humanity at the present time. What are the causes of this continued rise? Do you agree that it is the greatest problem faced by humanity?

ANALYSE IT - WHAT ARE THE TASK WORDS, WHAT IS THE TOPIC?

Keywords - the greatest problem / causes / do I agree

Topic - rise in population

2. PLAN VERY QUICKLY

The student has to

1. present the problem (ONE problem) - throughout the essay

2. explain causes of this problem

   1. cause 1 better healthcare/medicine - body paragraph 1

   2. cause 2 education/higher knowledge - body paragraph 2

3. give my opinion about whether it is the biggest problem in body paragraph 3 and/or the conclusion

3. MODEL INTRODUCTION

There is no doubt that the earth's population is rising. With better healthcare and education, life expectancy is longer and the birth rate is high. This trend, however, is often thought to be one of humanity's greatest challenges. This essay will argue that other issues deserve more attention, such as global warming and continued political instability.

Watch the video lesson carefully to

- learn the basic structure of an IELTS Task 2 essay introduction.

BACKGROUND - There is no doubt that the earth's population is rising.

PARAPHRASE and give CAUSES - With better healthcare and education, life expectancy is longer and the birth rate is high. This trend, however, is often thought to be one of humanity's greatest challenges.

THESIS STATEMENT - This essay will argue that other issues deserve more attention, such as global warming and continued political instability.

- learn that time expressions and verb tenses matter

Examples

•Recently, car ownership has increased greatly around the world.

•Over the last 20 years, the number of international businesses has gone up.

•In modern society, the typical family looks quite different from that of 40 or 50 years ago.

•Currently, around the world, more and more families are relying on fast food for convenience.

- learn that your introduction (and thesis statement) must match your conclusion

Example

ESSAY QUESTION

Some people work for the same organisation all their working life. Others think that it is better to work for different organisations. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

THESIS STATEMENT

In this essay, the advantages and disadvantages of both choices will be analysed in terms of how the decision affects the worker and the employers.

CONCLUSION

To sum up, the decision to either stay in one workplace for the entirety of one’s career or leave to pursue other opportunities depends on the worker and his or her workplace. If the employment is no longer suitable, then it is better to leave. On the other hand, if the employment suits the worker’s lifestyle, it is better to stay. It could be a case of “the grass not being greener on the other side”.

Do you want a full IELTS preparation course that you can do at home by yourself? And I will answer any of your questions. Follow this link to the IELTS Task 2 Writing video course. There are 11 video lessons to go through - starting at a low $1.99.