In an IELTS opinion essay for writing task 2, your introduction has a Background Statement and a Thesis Statement. You should aim for between 40 to 50 words for the length of your essay introduction. While the background statement introduces the topics, the thesis statement is your answer to the task given by IELTS. It should introduce the main points and show the direction your essay will take. Below are two possible introductions with different thesis statements for the following IELTS task.
IELTS Task 2
The increase in the amount of traffic is responsible for growing problems in many large cities and this has resulted in more traffic congestion, particularly at rush hour. What measures could be taken to deal with this problem?
IELTS Essay Introductions – Comparing Thesis Statements
The introductions below have different thesis statements. Which one do you think is the best?
1. The growth in the quantity of traffic in most major cities has led to problems of congestion in the peak travel hours. There are a number of solutions to this issue which I will discuss in this essay.
2. The growth in the quantity of traffic in most major cities has led to problems of congestion in the peak travel hours. This can be solved by having a traffic free zone and improving the public transportation system offered to the public.
ANSWER
Click below:
AnswerNumber 2 is the best introduction because the thesis statement is more specific and directly related to the topic.
Explanation:
- Introduction 1 contains what is called a “generic” thesis statement. This means it is a learned phrase which the writer has memorised to use for all solution essays. This is the type of sentence that isn’t useful for your score. All your sentences need to be relevant to the specific topic you have been given. This is a very common sentence that is taught by teachers who do not fully understand IELTS marking. Students like it because it’s easy to learn and easy to use – but it doesn’t help your score.
- Introduction 2 provides a clear, relevant thesis statement. It introduces the main points clearly. This allows the reader to know what is about to be explained in the body paragraphs. It provides coherence for the whole essay. This will help your score.
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RECOMMENDED FOR YOU:
- IELTS Opinion Essay Model Answer
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RECOMMENDED VIDEO:
This is an old video but it is good and still relevant over a decade later. Please watch to learn:
HOW TO WRITE AN INTRODUCTION FOR IELTS WRITING TASK 1
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What is contained in the conclusion of an IELTS essay? Thank you.
A conclusion contains a summary of the main points which is usually stated in just one sentence, maximum two. It is also possible to add a final comment, but I wouldn’t recommend doing that for any essay that requires you to give an opinion. You can find free information about structure and paragraphing as well as linking words, model essays and more tips on this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-2/. You can find advanced training in my store: https://elizabethferguson.podia.com/
What if I fail to write the thesis statement in the introduction of task 2? All others parts were okay, I guess. Thank you!
There would be a lack of coherence in your essay and a problem with Task Response. I do not mean there is an automatic penalty, but rather it would impact your score. Your thesis statement is your answer which helps the reader understand the body paragraphs.
I don’t think the first example is not good. I’ll say it’s just normal, but as long as you fully expand the “solutions” in depth in the body paragraphs, that’s totally fine. The second one is clearly better in language. However, if we have, say, 4 or even more solutions to it, it would be impossible to include them all in the introduction. If I were about to do this, I might rewrite the first example, but with a more specific and personalised sentence to state my answer, instead of something that can be put everywhere.
I’ve just edited the page above to provide more explanation in the answer. Have a read.
Hello Liz!
I hope you are doing great!
I appreciate your hard work, patience and dedication so much! I have purchased your advanced lessons and I am a bit confused about the use of “we” in the task 2 essays. You said in your discussion essay explanations that only in case of ” as people we do not live …” we can use this pronoun. My question is can I use ‘we’ in sentences like- ” …the food we intake…” or “exercise helps keep our body….” ?
I am trying to follow your lessons as closely as possible, and I found them very helpful!
Thank you so much for everything you are doing for us! God bless you!
Regards,
Mouli
There are no rules that state we cannot use “we”. It is not a pronoun that is often used in IELTS essays, but there are times when we can use it. Your examples are fine. Just remember, most IELTS essays are about people in general, not “we”. For example, “We should all do more exercise” is better written “People should do more exercise.”
Hi, Liz! Do you give private lessons on writing essays? Thank you.
I only offer my Advanced Video Lessons: https://elizabethferguson.podia.com/
To what extend do you agree or disagree?
I completely agree with this ideology. Before mustering the end point, I will shed light on my views in the following paragraphs.
Is it correct?
It sounds like you have memorised sentences to use in your essay. IELTS do not accept memorised language.
Liz, love your website. I have a question with respect to thesis statement. Is it okay to pose a question as a thesis statement.
For a question on bringing tablets and computers to schools, I framed my thesis statement this way: …”Do students gain or benefit from these resources?”
Is this correct?
Your thesis statement is your answer. You should not write it as a question. It is best to avoid writing questions in your essay. Present statements, supporting points, ideas – not questions.
Hi Liz
Could I give specific solutions in the introduction? I think it should be put in the body paragraph
It is fine to introduce your main ideas in the thesis statement and then put details and examples in the body paragraphs.
I agree that the second introduction is better. However,I have a question which is what is the difference between an introduction and a conclusion. You said that the second introduction is better because it sums up the main points. But, this is what a conclusion is supposed to do. Please clarify my confusion dear teacher.
The introduction introduces the reader to the issues in the question and presents your answer. The conclusion summarises your ideas – it restates your opinion.
Exactly, this is what I am trying to say. If we already summarize our main points in the introductory paragraph, what would we write in our conclusion? This is my question.
You have introduced your ideas in the introduction and summarised them in the conclusion. They are the same ideas – introduced and concluded.
Hi Liz,
I like your teaching standard and methods. I have written introduction something different, could you please let me know anything is wrong except not included the opinion.
Many large cities have big problem of growing amount of traffic during a peak travel hours due to hight traffic congestion.
Thanks in advance
Nishi
traffic congestion is a serious concern in metropolis, which is due to the increase in traffic flow especially in peak timings. in my opinion, improving public transportation facilities as well as having traffic free zones would eradicate this issue.
hi MS.liz back ground and thesis statement are only for opinion essay or applicable all types of essay in task 2 ??
please let me know
thanks in advance
All types. You can see my model essays on this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-2/or you can purchase my writing task 2 lessons: https://elizabethferguson.podia.com/
Liz could you give me some good introduction sentences to start with in the opinion essay
There are no sentences which you can learn for a high score. Any sentences you learn to put in your essay will lower your score. You should start by paraphrasing the statement given – that’s all. Then add your thesis statement and your introduction is complete. See this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-2/
Dear Madam,
Can I write all advantages in one body paragraph and all disadvantages in one body paragraph.
Sure you can for an advs/disadvs essay. It’s a logical way to organise ideas into body paragraphs.
Anne says:
April 5, 2017 at 7:53 pm
Hi Liz I wanna ask a question.
In this essay question:
Some people think that the best way to reduce crimes is to apply longer prison sentences, while other people think that there are better methods of doing so.Discuss both points of view and give your opinion.
Can I write :
Some people believe that the most effective method towards reduction of crime rate is to lengthen prison sentences while others think that mandatory, unpaid community work would be better. In my opinion, capital crimes should attract longer prison sentences while minor offenders should be rehabilitated.
Now the question did not state what other people think, it just stated” while others think that there are better methods of doing so”.
Is it OK for me to insert what I think that “other people” thought so that I can use and develop it in the body paragraph. Or should I just leave it and add all my points in my thesis Statement.
Thanks..looking forward to getting a reply from you.
Always paraphrase the background directly from the statement given. The actual views of others should be explained in your body paragraph. In your intro just mention “while others do not agree and believe in other solutions”.
Liz I am bit confused about advantages and disadvantages essays.do I need to put advantage and disadvantages separately or just like option essay in a paragarph.??????
See my model essays: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-2/
Hi Liz,
I have been attempted IELTS more than 6 times.
Each time I get the required overall score which is 7.5. However I don’t get the required score for the individual modules(which is 7). For instance if I get a score 8 in listening, 7.5 in reading and 7.5 in speaking, i get only 6.5 in writing. At the same time , in the next attempt i get a 7.5 in writing with a reading score of 6.5. this continues to happen in each attempts i make. Any one of the module will be scored 6.5 each time (even I got a 6.5 in listening when i had all my modules markred 7.5. This make me depressed . Please help me .
thank you
This means that you have the ability to hit band 7.5 in all sections but fail to do so repeatedly. This is can be due to your understanding of the requirements of the band scores. You may produce a band 7.5 essay in one test without realising why but then fail on your technique when you write the next test. Also tests have an element of luck involved. Your performance may vary depending on the topics and questions given. I suggest you review your reading skills: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-reading-tips-how-can-i-improve-my-score/. Make a list of all errors you make in reading practice – why you made the error, the trap used and the paraphrasing used. Then review your understanding of the writing requirements. Don’t just look at the requirements for the score you want, read all band score requirements to learn why your score goes up or down: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-1-band-scores/ and also: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-2-band-scores-5-to-8/. Also consider getting one or more of my advanced writing task 2 lessons so see where you are going right and where you are going wrong: http://subscriptions.viddler.com/IELTSLizStore
Some people think that the government spend money on public service rather that wasting money on the arts .to what extend do you agree ? Allocating state funds for arts considered to be unfair for many , so according to them state funds should used used for the betterment of the public services. In my opinion , major share of public funds should necessarily be used for the basic requirement for the people such as health care system and public transport , but minimal support from state would help for the conservation of arts and culture for the future . Firstly, spending huge amount of state revenue on arts adversely affect on service sectors , mainly based on health . Recently , there is a tremendous growth in number of people who rely on hospital for both acute and chronic illness .lf the government fail to cope up with the public needs ,that lead to the deterioration of health of a society as a whole . Consequently , this would worsen the standard of health delivering services of the country. Another point to consider before investing public funds on arts is , it can weaken transportation system of the country . Whether the country developed or developing ,popularity of the public transport always remains the same , most citizen rely on public transport for their daily commuting . In such cases scarcity of enough funding would cause ineffective services . Moreover many solitary agencies will take over from government , which can result service users to pay exorbitant ticket prices . This would certainly become unaffordable and that weaken the infrastructure of the specific country . Finally , role of art and museums on prosperity of country’s culture is undeniable,so that sufficient contribution on conservation of those arts are worthwhile . More precisely , museums and art galleries are valuables that handed over by our ancestors , so it’s our turn to give adequate protection and also hand that over to our future generation . For that, little aid from state would be better off for the protection of those valuables. In conclusion , investing state funds on art is not feasible because government has got various other sectors to consider . However , offering financial aid for art is applicable for its protection and promotion .
Can you please tell me band score as well ,thank you
https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-band-scores/
Sorry I don’t comment on writing.
Liz your teaching system is very good.
HELLO LIZ I HAVE A QUESTION
CAN WE WRITE “THE RELATIVE IMPORTANCE OF TRAFFIC AND ITS PROBLEM IS A FREQUENT TOPIC OF DISCUSSION ” IN THE START OF THE INTRODUCTION…..
Sorry I don’t comment on writing.
Liz
Is “has lead” correct?
No, it should be “led”.
All the best
Liz
hello mam!
kindly tell me about different discourse markers one can use in speaking?
thanks
They are listed on the speaking page under “linking devices for speaking”.
All the best
Liz
thanks alot!
🙂
hello mam, is this thesis is right ?
in the following text , I will ponder upon the entire articulates verdiction on it
Hi Liz,
Thank you for all the stuff you’ve been doing so far because I find them really helpful in order to achieve a great band score on the IELTS test.
I have a question here. I know that the introduction 2 is way better. But I’m afraid that if I write my introduction in that way which gives the two main solutions then I probably won’t be able to paraphrase these two in the beginnings of each of my body paragraphs and also my conclusion. As a matter of fact, this might lower my score in terms of lexical resource because I run out of vocabulary. Am I right ?
You can repeat words in IELTS and still get a high score. Paraphrasing skills should be demonstrated but that doesn’t mean you change the words all the time. English has a limited number of words in the language so it is normal that some words are repeated. Aim for accuracy at all times.
Liz
Hi Liz,
Is it necessary to include all my solutions in the introduction part? I’m afraid that I can not expand the two ideas of having a traffic free zone and improving the public transportation system enough, so in order to reach 250 words, I may include more small solutions which take one or two sentences each. But if I include them in the introduction, it seems tedious. How can I do in this case?
Thank you very much!
I don’t really understand what you mean. Each body paragraph should contain one solution and each body paragraph should be equally developed. You can’t put one solution in one body paragraph and then two solutions in the next body paragraph. Your paragraphs must be planned properly and your solutions must be explained clearly.
All the best
Liz
I get it!
I was just afraid that I have no enough descriptions for one solution a while back so I hoped to achieve 250 words by adding more solutions which seems not working now. I will try to focus one solution with more actual examples.
Thanks a lot !!!
Your task is to answer the question and the question is about language not tourism. Don’t get distracted because there is extra information given by IELTS. You must identify what the issues are that you are responding to. This essay is easy because there’s a direct question for you to answer.
All the best
Liz
OK! I know what to do.
Thank you!