IELTS Writing Task 2: How to write an introduction

Learn how to write an introduction for IELTS writing task 2 essays. This page explains the content and technique for writing an high score introduction without wasting precious time in the test. The video tutorial takes you through each statement in your introduction paragraph. This lesson is for academic and GT IELTS essays.

This lesson will teach you:

  • The content of an IELTS introduction
  • How to write the background statement
  • How to write the thesis statement
  • How to paraphrase effectively
  • How long your introduction should be

The same technique is used for a band score 6 as for a band score 9. So, this lesson is for students of all band scores. The only difference will be that a band score 9 student will use richer and more complex English language.

What does the Introduction Paragraph Contain?

An introduction paragraph for an IELTS writing task 2 essay requires only two statements. A Background Statement – This is a paraphrase of the essay question. All essays must have this statement. A Thesis Statement – A direct answer to the essay question and task. An IELTS introduction paragraph does not require anything more to fulfil the requirements of the marking criteria for writing task 2.

How to Write the Introduction of an IELTS Essay

This video lesson will take you through both statements to create a time efficient introduction paragraph. It will show you:

  • How to paragraph correctly for the background statement.
  • How to write a clear thesis statement.
  • What information you do not need based on the IELTS marking criteria and band score requirements.
  • Summary: there’s a summary of main tips listed below video.

Date: this was made years ago but it still 100% relevant today.

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Summary: The Introduction Paragraph

1. Analysing the Essay Question

Now this is the essay title we’re going to look at. “The best way to improve health is to do regular exercise. To what extent do you agree?” Well let’s first look at the statement. IELTS have given us the best way – it’s a method, it’s a solution and it’s a solution to improving health. So our essay is all about improving health and possible solutions. IELTS suggest that exercise is the best solution – you might agree, not agree or partially agree.

What does this mean “to what extent“? Well that means how much do you agree. You don’t need to agree or disagree. You need to think about it and think do you agree with all the sentence, is there something that you don’t agree with? Do you agree with most of it? So that’s how you analyse it.

2. Hooks

Let’s have a look at what information we need to put in our introduction. Now for many academic essays there are three parts to the introduction: the hook, a background statement and a thesis statement.  We use the hook in many essays but …. do we use the hook for IELTS essays? The answer is no. We don’t need it. A hook is there to create interest, but that is not part of the marking criteria for IELTS. Interest is NOT marked and does not improve your score.

3. Background Statements

The next thing is the background statement. What is the background statement? The function of this statement is to present the issues in the essay question. You do this by paraphrasing the question. This means you rewrite the essay question your way. We do this because these are the issues your whole essay will be addressing. It is the only way that your essay (your answer) will make sense. You can see various ways of paraphrasing a background statement on this page: Introduction Background Statement Practice

4. Thesis Statements

The second and final statement is the thesis statement. This is your answer / your opinion. It provides the reader with a clear answer to the task. Your body paragraphs will then explain your answer by presenting ideas which are developed and supported.You need to learn all the different ways to write this statement depending on the type of essay you will get in your IELTS test.

5. Length of Introduction

Most introductions will be between 45 and 60 words in length. They certainly do not need to be longer. The introduction is a functional paragraph and when you have completed its function, move quickly on to the body paragraphs. The main proportion of your marks come from your body paragraphs.

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Reading Practice Magnetic Therapy

This is a practice reading lesson for IELTS students that focuses on sentence completion questions. This topic was reported in the IELTS test this month. Tip: make sure your sentences are grammatically correct when complete.

Reading Passage: Magnetic Therapy

Magnetic therapy is an alternative medical practice that uses static magnets to alleviate pain and other health concerns. So-called therapeutic magnets are typically integrated into bracelets, rings, or shoe inserts, though therapeutic magnetic mattresses and clothing are also on the market.

Many well-conducted studies over the past three decades have shown that static magnetic devices offer no more or no less benefit than sham devices devoid of a magnet. These studies suggest that static magnetic therapy devices may not work at all beyond having a placebo effect on those who wear them. Despite a lack of scientific evidence to support claims that commercially available magnetic therapy devices work, wearable magnets remain extremely popular. Global sale of therapeutic magnets is estimated to be at least $1 billion a year.

Magnetic therapy dates back at least 2,000 years. Folk healers in Europe and Asia are believed to have used magnets to try to treat a variety of ailments. These healers may have believed that magnets could actually draw disease from the body. Regardless, the therapeutic magnets sold to ease aches and pains have magnetic fields that are generally too weak to penetrate your skin. This can be tested by observing the weak interaction between a magnetic shoe insert and a paperclip when separated by a sock. Human skin is about 3mm deep, thicker than some socks.

Questions 1-6

Complete the sentences using no more than one word and/or a number from the passage above.

  1. Magnetic therapy aims to ease ………
  2. It is possible to buy ………… to wear on the wrist that contain therapeutic magnets.
  3. Devices using magnetic therapy are considered to have only a …….. effect.
  4. The magnetic therapy market is said to be worth at least ……….. per annum.
  5. Magnets have been historically used to ………. disease from a sick person.
  6. The magnetic fields are unable to ……… human skin which is approximately …….. in thickness.

You can download the passage here:  Reading Passage However questions must be viewed online.

Notice: The passage above has been adapted from a livescience.com article. You can read the full article here: Magnetic Therapy. The picture is from www.emfscience.com. You can read their article on this page: Does magnetic therapy work

Answers

The answers are now available.

Click here: Answers to Magnet Therapy Reading

All the best

Liz

For more reading practice lessons for IELTS preparation, see my Main IELTS Reading Page

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Model Answers for IELTS Essays

Below are two IELTS essay questions with model answers that were reported in IELTS writing task 2. Both model essays show an essay structure with three body paragraphs. While having three body paragraphs is definitely fine for an IELTS essay, having two is more common as you can see in my other model essays link given below. 

Model IELTS Essays 

IELTS Essay Question 1: Some people consider price as the most important thing to think about when buying a product (such as cell phone) or a service (e.g. medical treatment). Do you agree or disagree?

It is thought by some people that the price of a product or service is essential to consider before deciding to purchase something. While I agree that price does play a role in many purchase choices, there are other factors that can influence a person. 

Firstly, when deciding whether or not to buy something, people will invariably consider if they can afford it. Taking the example of cell phones, these items vary greatly in price from under £100 to well over £1,000, which is a considerable price hike for a functional item. In this case, people on moderate or low incomes are unlikely to choose a more expensive product if a cheaper one can perform the role perfectly so as to avoid going into personal debt.

However, price becomes less important for items or services that offer excellent quality. For instance, some high-end phones offer better performance, larger RAM and their cameras take top quality pictures with a variety of editing options. These features could be worth the high price for some people if it impacts their work or if their income is high enough that price is not a factor they need to consider.

Finally, if an item or service is vital to someone’s life, price rarely factors into the decision. To illustrate, in the case of a life threatening condition, people are usually willing to spend hundreds of thousands of pounds if the treatment offers them hope of a cure. This is particularly so when there are long waiting lists for treatments making time a major factor or when certain treatments are not readily available to the public thus requiring costly private treatment.

In conclusion, price is important when making a common purchase for people on limited incomes needing to budget, but it plays less of a role for high quality products and vital services. 

  • Words 302
  • You do not need to write the word count at the end of your essay.  I am stating it here for your benefit.
  • Most essays will be between 270 and 290 words, rarely going over 300 and never going over 310.
  • This is an IELTS Agree Disagree Essay otherwise known as an IELTS Opinion Essay. 

IELTS Essay Question 2: In many cities, many people are living in large apartment blocks. Does this accommodation have more advantages or disadvantages.

An increasing number of people are choosing to live in high rise apartment blocks. In my opinion, although these blocks of flats are often cheaper, they offer cramped living space and can present serious fire risks.

One obvious advantage to living in a multi-story apartment block is that it offers people affordable accommodation in urban areas. With the growth of urban populations, land is becoming increasingly expensive and, as a result, many people are no longer able to afford their own house. Large apartment blocks require a small area of land but can provide a lot of flats which enable people on low incomes to continue living near city centers and near their jobs.

However, high rise apartment blocks usually offer small apartments with no outdoor areas. For families, this can be a problem as each individual member of the family has little personal space which can result in a build up of tension as relationships can become strained. Another problem is that such restricted living quarters offer no space for exercise which is a vital requirement for healthy living.

Finally, one of the worst problems of living in a high rise block of flats is the fire risk that it presents. If a fire should break out in one of the flats, the number of floors in the building means that people can become easily trapped on the top floors, unable to escape the fire. This was unfortunately illustrated by the Grenfell Tower block fire that claimed  71 lives in London in 2017. The speed with which the fire spread through the 24 floors, made it impossible for everyone to escape.

In conclusion, while large blocks of flats may be a cheaper living option, they are lower quality accommodation with serious fire risks.

Words 297

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IELTS Diagram: Rainwater

This IELTS diagram appeared a number of times in IELTS Writing Task 1 (academic). It is typical of many diagrams that are used by IELTS. Diagrams are about presenting an overview of main stages and then systematically presenting the details of the whole diagram. The model answer below is estimated at band score 9. Note that diagrams are also known as processes.

Note that you require an overview for an IELTS diagram. In fact, all IELTS Writing Task 1 (Academic) require an overview. Pay attention to the summary of key stages in the process in that statement.

IELTS Rainwater Diagram

Reported Diagram from IELTS candidates. This diagram has been recycled for a number of years and will most likely continue to appear. Make sure you prepare it carefully.

IELTS Diagram Model Answer 

This is an exercise to learn sequencing, linking and signposting for IELTS diagrams.

Don’t rush – your aim is to learn, analyse and develop.

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FULL MODEL ANSWER FOR IELTS RAINWATER DIAGRAM

Have you completed the exercise above? Did you get it all right? Try again if you didn’t.

To see the full model answer, please click below:

MODEL ANSWER

The diagram illustrates how an Australian town processes rainwater to use as drinking water.

Overall, rainwater is collected from houses and then passes through a filter into storage where it is then treated with chemicals to make it fit for human consumption.

Initially, the rain which falls on the rooftop is collected by the gutter and then runs down the pipe at the side of the house into the drain at the bottom. Each house collects rainwater in this way and the rainwater is then passed along underground drains to the water filter.

The rainwater passes through the water filter to remove any impurities. Once it has been filtered, it continues along the pipes to a storage tank. From this point, the water goes from storage to the water treatment. At this stage of the process, the water is treated with chemicals in order to make it fit for consumption. When the water is ready for drinking, it travels along pipes that lead back into the houses in the town where people can use the water for daily consumption.

179 words (note, I’ve put the word count for your benefit. You do not need to put the word count in the real test. Always try to make sure you write between 170 and 190 words. Writing too much or too little will lower your score.

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MORE IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answers

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Deleting Words in IELTS Writing

IELTS Writing. Is it ok to delete words in IELTS writing? Read recommendations about this below.

Many students ask me:

  1. Is it ok to delete words and make corectons corrections to your writing?
  2. Can I write news words above using the “∨” sign to insert the new word?
  3. If your writing is messy, will you get a lower score?

Answers

 

Deleting Words

It is completely fine to delete words in your IELTS writing. Is it natural that might want to change a word when you proof read your writing or when you have made a mistake. Many students put a line through the word they want to delete – make sure it is a strong thick line so it is easy to see. You want the examiner to be able to see clearly that the word has been deleted.

Adding Words using “∧”

It is fine to add new words into your sentences. However, make sure it is easy to read. You should not need to do this often if you plan your essay properly. You should not start writing your essay until you have a very clear plan with all ideas and supporting points planned.

Messy Writing

If the examiner can’t read your writing, then the words or sentences that can’t be read will not be counted. This means it could have a serious impact on your score. So, make sure your deleted words are clear, new words are easy to read and that your handwriting is legible. It might help to practise handwriting your essays before the test.

All the best

Liz

 

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IELTS Speaking Part 2 Answer for January 2018

An IELTS speaking model answer for a Jan 2018 speaking part 2 topic. The IELTS speaking part 2 topic was reported on January 3rd, 2018. Below you will find a sample answer for this topic. On this page you will find:

  1. a part 2 topic for Jan 2018
  2. a sample answer
  3. audio of sample answer (improve your pronunciation)
  4. review questions to analyse the content of the answer
  5. useful links for speaking part 2

IELTS Speaking Part 2 Topic

Describe a time when someone took a nice photograph of you.

  • when it was taken
  • who took it
  • what was happening
  • why you like the photo

 

IELTS Speaking Part 2 Sample Answer January 2018

I’d like to tell you about a photograph that was taken of me which I’ve always liked. It was taken about 10 years ago when I was still living with my parents. I remember that year very well because it was the year before I left home. It was taken during a family get-together. My uncle Andy took the photo while I wasn’t looking. I didn’t know it had been taken until he sent me it a few months later. That’s very typical of him. He’s quite impulsive and full of surprises.

The family get-together, when the photo was taken, was in the summer. It was one of the hottest summers I remember and the temperature rose to a scorching 35 degrees. Almost 40 people turned up and stayed over the weekend. We enjoyed endless food, like seafood, salads, pies, meat and loads of desserts, different types of drinks and lots of dancing which was all hosted for by my mother. It isn’t often that my family all meet up together so this was a really special weekend.

At the time the photo was taken, I was chatting to my grandfather and we were laughing and enjoying each other’s company. That was the last time I saw him. He died later that summer. That conversation has stayed with me and will continue to stay with me all my life. He was telling me to reach for the stars and never hold back, to follow my dreams and not to be worried about the outcome. He was an inspirational man and I know he died without a single regret. If I could speak to him again, I would tell him just how much his advice has helped me throughout my entire life. I keep this photo on my bedside table. Whenever I look at it, it brings me a feeling of calmness and hope. For me it symbolises all that is possible in life as well as the importance of having a loving, supportive family.

Audio of Sample Answer

 Reviewing the Sample Answer

    1. Pay attention to the different grammar tenses used.
    2. See what extra information has been added.
    3. See how clearly it is structured. I followed the prompts but also added my own ideas and memories.
      1. If you don’t expand your talk to showcase your English, you will struggle to get a high score.

Useful Links for IELTS Speaking Part 2

Below you can click on useful links to improve your speaking part 2.

I will post more speaking topics for 2018 when students report them to me. Please post your topics after your test: Recent Exam Questions Page

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Answers to improving sentence exercise

Answers to improving sentences.

Below you will find different ways sentences could be improved to get a higher band score in IELTS writing task 2.

International charities have large funds. Local charities have small funds.

  1. International charities have large funds, while local charities have small funds.
  2. Larger funds are available to international charities compared to local charities which have relatively smaller funds.

Some natural disasters affect thousands of people. These situations require the aid of international charities.

  1. Some natural disasters affect thousands of people and, therefore, require the aid of international charities.
  2. Natural disasters, such as earthquakes and tsunamis, can have disastrous consequences for thousands of people and for this reason the amount of aid required can only be provided by international charitable organisations.

Local charities know the needs of local people. Local charities can support both individuals and small groups.

  1. As local charities know the needs of local people, they are able to support both individuals and small groups.
  2. Local charities are able to support both individuals and small groups because they understand the needs of local people.

Local charities do not have big financial resources. They are still vital to the welfare of people within local communities.

  1. Even though local charities do not have big financial resources, they are still vital to the welfare of people within local communities.
  2. Despite local charities having limited funding and resources, they still play a vital role in providing support and caring for the welfare of people within local communities.

All charities need donations. International charities can draw donations from many wealthy countries. International charities have the money needed to promote their organisation. Local charities are less known but still require donations. Local charities must rely mainly on fund raising events.

  1. It is clear that all charities need donations in order to do their work effectively and offer aid when needed. International charities are able to draw donations from many wealthy countries through their capacity to promote their cause on a global scale. This is not the case with local charities who are not as well known and rely on receiving money through fund raising in local communities.
  2. It is clear that all charities need donations in order to do their work effectively and offer aid when needed. While international charities are able to draw donations from many wealthy countries through their capacity to promote their cause on a global scale, local charities are not as well known and rely on receiving money through fund raising in local communities. (This last sentence is very long. Do not try this unless you are excellent in English)

Let me know if this lesson was useful to you. 

Thanks

Liz

 

Can you improve these sentences?

Below are some sentences about the topic of international aid organisation.

How can you improve the sentences below?

Write them again by linking sentences together. You can also alter words and change the order of information if you need to. Question 5 does not need to be written as one sentence, it might be written as two or three.

  1. International charities have large funds. Local charities have small funds.
  2. Some natural disasters affect thousands of people. These situations require the aid of international charities.
  3. Local charities know the needs of local people. Local charities can support both individuals and small groups.
  4. Local charities do not have big financial resources. They are still vital to the welfare of people within local communities.
  5. All charities need donations. International charities can draw donations from many wealthy countries. International charities have the money needed to promote their organisation. Local charities are less known but still require donations. Local charities must rely mainly on fund raising events.

Answers

the answers and model sentences are now available to view.

Click here: Answers to improving sentences

 

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