IELTS Writing Task 2: introductions

Here are some example introductions for 3 different types of essay. My technique is to write 2 sentences:

1. A sentence to introduce the topic
2. A sentence giving a general response to the question or instruction

Problem & Solution Essay:

It is true that children's behaviour seems to be getting worse. There are various reasons for this, and both schools and parents need to work together to improve the situation.

Discussion (& Opinion) Essay:

People have different views about how children should be taught. While there are some good arguments in favour of teaching children to be competitive, I believe that it is better to encourage co-operation.

Opinion (Agree / Disagree) Essay:

In recent years it has become more common for women to return to work after having a child. However, I do not agree that this has been the cause of problems for young people.

My advice:
Keep your introduction short. Main body paragraphs are more important.

Comments

[Jay]

Hi Simon,
It is a good work from you to understand how to write an introduction. but in some ways the essay questions are very dificulut to write means in a paraphrase so at that what we can do?
I like your teaching method and it become very helpful for me. In my second last exam I got 7 band in acedamic writing but last time I got 6 band and I dont know why this happened? I think my poor section is task 1. So can you please help me to acheive 7 band again? I need your little help.

Thanks!
Jay

[Simon]

Hi Jay,

You just need to keep practising. Don't try to learn anything new - just review the techniques and look over my examples again. All of my best advice is here on the site.

Best regards

[Sunny]

Hi,Simon
I recently read the on-line material abour IELTS writing task2.
"Don not repeat any part of the question in your introduction.Your introduction should first say what you understand by the question,then give main issue or issues that you intend to bring into your answer."
Is this statement consistent with your opinion?

Thank you very much!
Sunny

[hardikkumar]

HI simon my name is Harry(Hardikkumar) and I wrote ielts 4 times and at all times I mised by 0.5 band in writing, I need 7 band each in academic module and my last test was very good as I wrote introduction as per your format and I think it was worth 7 band. please help me out.
Thanks

[Bishnu kharel]

hi Simon I took ielts exam many times as i need 7 in each band but my scors fluctated substantially my average score is between7-8 but i couldnot achive over7 at same time for all bands.for example, i got8 in writing last time but i got only 6 in recent exam and viceversa to listening.so i am terribly confused of my own level and lost my hope to reach a goal.i cant afford fees for ielts class as well so could u advise me proper way.pls...................

[Sara]

Hi Simon,

If I write in a conclusion two sentences which are rewrite a thesis statment and To a certain extent I agree that... However, I also think that...
Is that enough to get a good mark?

Thanks,

[Simon]

Hi Sunny,

This is a bit different to what I'm saying. You must not copy the question, but it's ok to use one or two key words from it.

My advice is simple: introduce the topic, then give a general response to the question or instruction.

...

Hi Harry,

Unfortunately, the introduction is not the most important part. If you didn't get a 7, it must be because of your main body paragraphs - I'll write a lesson about these next week.

...

Hi Bishnu,

I'm afraid it's impossible for me to give you good advice without speaking to you or seeing your work. You need to find a teacher who can look at your work and point out your weaknesses - you need to identify the problem before you can solve it.

...

Hi Sara,

Do you mean 'introduction'? Yes, that's fine, but remember that your introduction doesn't get you a high mark (even if it is perfect) - the main body paragraphs get you a high mark.

Hope this helps!

[Sara]

Thanks a lot Sion for your responce. No, I mean a conclusion.

Cheers

[Sara]

Sorry, Sion=Simon :(

[Sara]

Hi Simon,

Could you please write an essay about problems in developing countries and solutions.

[Simon]

Hi Sara,

Have a look at my advice for conclusions:

http://ielts-simon.com/ielts-help-and-english-pr/2010/03/ielts-writing-task-2-conclusions.html

There is a good chapter about developing countries in my ebook if you want it quickly. If you can wait, I'll try to do a lesson about this topic soon (maybe in a few weeks).

Best regards

PS. Don't worry about the misspelling!

[z]

hi simon,

when counting the words in ielts writing to reach 250 should we count "a" , "an" ,"the"...etc or not?

[Simon]

Yes, all words are counted.

[Anh]

Hi Simon,

Does the discussion essay in your post mean "argument essay that give both sides"?

Thanks

[Simon]

Hi Anh,

It comes from a "Discuss both views and give your own opinion" question.

I call it a 'discussion' question when you are told to mention both sides. I call it an 'opinion' question when it doesn't tell you to mention both sides (e.g. Do you agree or disagree?)

[Harwinder Kaur]

Hi simon ,
i am harwinder , preparig for ielts .is it possible if i can attend any class in which you gave writing tips before exam . T book my exam date on 19th march.
thaks

[Simon]

Hi Harwinder,

If you live in or near Manchester, you can come to one of my lessons. Have a look through the information on the website below:

http://ielts-simon.com/manchester/

You can email me at: ieltssimon@gmail.com

[Hasan]

Hi simon
These are 3 introduction for different types of writing task .what shall we choose if the task is of advantages and disadvantages type. how can we manage it? thank you

[Simon]

Hi Hasan,

"Advantages and disadvantages" is a discussion (type 2).

[FAHAD]

HI SIMON I WANT TO GIVE IELTS EXAM WITHIN 1 MONTH SO PLEASE GUIDE ME IN WRITING AND READING.

[Simon]

Hi Fahad,

You just need to keep practising and working hard. Try to follow the daily lessons on this site, use the Cambridge IELTS books for test practice, and try to find a teacher or native speaker who can check your work, correct your mistakes, and help you to improve.

Good luck!

[simran]

how about this introduction , sir?

Traffic and housing problems in major cities could be solved by moving large companies and factories and their employees to the countryside. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

These days with increasing urban populations, there are major problems with congestion and not only the price, but also availability of accommodation in large cities of the world. it seems to me that one possible solution could be to relocate large companies and factories as well as their respective employees out of these urban areas and into more rural ones. In my opinion, I strongly agree that this would have a desired effect in making cities more livable.

[Simon]

Hi Simran,

My advice is to keep introductions shorter. Use most of your time for the main body paragraphs, and put your best ideas there - an introduction should not be longer than a main body paragraph.

[janan]

Hi Mr Simon
I obtain IELTS 5 Academic but I need 7 .
I dont know how to write but I want ask can i memorize some good essay , Do you think if I memorize essay is good or not , please tell me wht i must to do ?

[navjot kaur]

hello,plz give me some writing essay i am weak in writing.my exam is on 28 july 2012

[Sanjana]

Hi Simon,

I have problem with beginning the introduction of essay. i have to achieve 8 in order to apply my Permanent residency.

I would really appreciate if you could provide me some suggestion as how to improve my writing.

Thanking you in advance.