How to Write a Good Introduction for IELTS Writing Task 2

The IELTS Writing Test consists of 2 parts where in both the parts the candidate has to write an essay with different word count. In the IELTS Writing task 2, candidates are required to write an essay. The minimum word count for this task is 250 words and is to be completed within 40 minutes. This article addresses the approaches test takers can adapt in order to frame an appropriate introduction. There are few key points that can be addressed while writing an introduction in IELTS writing task 2. An hour is allotted for completing the task. Writing task 2 carries double the weightage when compared to task 1. Thus, candidates are advised to spend more time on IELTS Writing Task 2. IELTS writing score is marked based on band scores. The band scores range from 0 to 9. Since the topics are very diverse, candidates must go through IELTS Writing practice papers to become familiar with a lot of topics.

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How to Approach Writing Task 2

In order to perform well in this part, you need to understand the question statement properly and address every part of the question in their essay. The question statement usually has several parts to it, which includes a claim or a premise. Along with a question about opinion and discussion of the viewpoints given in the question. Or simply the advantages and the disadvantages of the claim.

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Few Primary Things to Keep in Mind Before Starting an Essay

• Candidates should ensure their Essay is at least 250 words. Anything below 250 words can lead to deduction in marks.
• The candidate should have a mind map of the essay before penning it down or else the essay will be unstructured with scattered thoughts.
• Sticking to the question statement and addressing every part of it is sacrosanct for a good score.
• The essay should have a distinct introduction, body and conclusion.

The Significance of an Introduction in an Essay

A well-structured essay gives a wholesome idea about the given topic. The controlling idea of the essay should be the claims mentioned in the question statement. The idea needs to be introduced properly with some necessary background information. Every statement requires a certain context with which the essay should start. Which makes the introduction part of the essay very crucial. An introduction is like forming a first impression about someone, so it has to be brief, well-articulated and attention grasping. The introduction should not only give an outline of what the essay will explore and also intrigue the examiner with the style of writing.

How to Write a Good Introduction?

• Word limit: A good introduction should be around 100 words. The key to writing a good introduction lies in keeping it brief and simple, without giving away too much information.
• Understanding of the question: Analyzing the question statement is very important. A good introduction should contain an outline of the answer to each and every part of the question. This will ensure that the examiner knows from the beginning that the essay is well-thought. And that you’re going to cover all the parts with proper explanations ahead. So, taking some time to read the question and forming a mind map will help you to write a good introduction.
• Background information and Context: Starting the introduction with certain background information about the controlling topic of the question statement. Gives the examiner some context to the topic, thus setting the scene for the rest of the essay.
• Position statement: Stating your position clearly is a crucial part of the introduction, while outlines every part of the question. The examiner now knows what to expect in the essay and it also shows that the essay is well-thought and not random.
• Development of ideas: A good introduction should also mention the game plan meaning how the candidate plans to address the topic in the essay. And what all the essays will include to substantiate your stated position. This statement helps you to organize your essay well. And it is wise to come back to this statement a few times to ensure that you’ve included all the points mentioned in the plan statement.
• Coherence, cohesion and eloquence: A well-written essay should have an unity of ideas with thoughts which are well connected. The aim is to write an essay where every sentence serves a certain purpose in relation to the question. The essay should be written in your own words with no spelling or grammatical errors and the thoughts should be expressed eloquently. If you do not know the contextual meaning for a particular word, it is best to avoid it.
• Reviewing the introduction: Once the essay is written, it is important to re-read the introduction to ensure that all the parts are addressed. And the ideas elaborated are in sync with the given outline in the introduction. At times, candidates drift away from the topic, but going back to the introduction will help you to organize your thoughts better.

Sample question: Some people think playing computer games is bad for children.To what extent do you agree or disagree?Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Sample Introduction

(Read the model answer to get an overview of the topic and how to approach it.)

Computer games are increasingly gaining popularity among young minds, especially teenagers. Who are in awe of the animation and the technology employed to curate such mind-blogging computer games. Which allows them to experience various scenarios virtually. Most children get hooked to various computer games easily. Now this behavior becomes a debatable matter as many people think that computer games are bad for children. I do agree with this notion as though computer games inculcate a few soft skills. But that can’t counter its negative impact on children both healthwise and behavior. This essay will explore both the negatives and positives of computer games. And give reasons as to why it is at large bad for children along with relevant examples from real life.

Background information/ general topic-related statement: Computer games are increasingly gaining popularity among young minds. Especially teenagers, who are in awe of the animation and the technology employed to curate such mind-blogging computer games. Which allows them to experience various scenarios virtually.

Details: Most children get hooked to various computer games easily. Now this behavior becomes a debatable matter as many people think that computer games are bad for children.

Position: I do agree with this notion as though computer games inculcate a few soft skills. But that can’t counter its negative impact on children both healthwise and behavior.

Plan: This essay will explore both the negatives and positives of computer games. And give reasons as to why it is at large bad for children along with relevant examples from real life.

Explanation of the sample introduction: The above sample introduction is broken down into parts to help you understand and reiterate the ideas explained above through an example. Remember that this is the basic skeleton used for an introduction but you should not memorize any sentence. Nor should you copy the exact statements given in the question. The candidate is expected to understand the topic and accommodate the outline of all the ideas in the introduction in a structured way. The structure will vary slightly according to the question.