What should you include in your IELTS Task 2 introduction?
This can be tricky because there are many different types of Task 2 essays.
Some essays require you to provide causes of a problem and possible solutions.
Today we show you what to include in an introduction for this type of Problem/Solution essay.
You’ll see two examples of high-scoring introductions.
We will also tell you the most common mistake students make in many Problem/Solution questions that ask for effects.
Introduction template
For every Task 2 essay, you should follow a template.
This will save you time on exam day.
For Problem/Solution essays, the template is as follows:
Step 1: introduce the history of the problem / topic of the essay
Step 2: provide background of the problem and your opinion on it
Step 3: thesis statement
Step 1: Introduce the problem
In this sentence, you will restate the topic provided in the essay.
Avoid repeating words and phrases from the prompt.
Instead, paraphrase and use synonyms or parallel expressions.
Make sure you’re confident of the meaning of your synonyms.
If you’re unsure of the vocabulary, don’t take risks!
Instead, use the vocabulary from the prompt.
Step 2: Provide your opinion
This sentence will introduce the background of the problem.
In it, you will include your opinion.
Many students neglect to include their opinion in a Problem/Solution essay.
This is because the essay prompt doesn’t explicitly mention your opinion.
However, it is included in the Writing Task 2 introduction.
Your opinion must be clear and consistent throughout every Task 2 essay.
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Step 3: Thesis statement
This final sentence is a map for the Examiner.
It tells them what you will include in your essay.
We provide high-scoring templates for these in our online IELTS course.
Here is an example of a template for Problem/Solutions essays:
In the following composition, I will explore the causes of this issue as well as offer two plausible solutions.
Sample introduction #1
We’ll show you how to use this template for two Task 2 essay topics
The movement of people to cities is one of the biggest problems facing many cities today.
What are the main causes of this trend?
What solutions can be used to tackle the situation?
Here is a high-scoring introduction for this topic.
Notice the use of the template.
The explosion of urban populations has been an issue for hundreds of years. Today, this trend shows no sign of slowing down, and I predict that resident numbers in cities will only continue to skyrocket. In the following composition, I will explore the causes of this phenomenon as well as offer two plausible solutions.
Sample introduction #2
More and more citizens are relying on private cars as their major means of transportation.
What are some of the problems overreliance on cars can cause?
What are possible solutions?
Now examine the following high-scoring introduction.
Notice how we have used the template.
For decades, a vast amount of individuals turned toward public transit. However, these days, private vehicle ownership is preferred around the world. I feel that the problematic consequences of this must not be ignored any longer. In the following composition, I will explore the consequences of this issue as well as offer two plausible solutions.
Introductions for other essay types
Remember that there are many different types of IELTS Task 2 essays.
- Opinion
- Argument
- Advantages/Disadvantages
- Cause/Effect
- Problem/Solution
- Mixed
What you provide in the introduction will be slightly different for each.
You need templates for every type of IELTS essay.
Check out our IELTS course for every template you need!
Takeaway
IELTS Task 2 introductions should take you very little time on test day.
You should have a template so you know exactly what to include.
Additionally, you should have template sentences for providing your opinion and the thesis.
This way, you can plug topic-specific vocabulary into high-scoring sentences.
Practice using this template for Problem/Solution essay introductions.
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