IELTS Writing Task 2
How to write an IELTS essay introduction
A strong Task 2 introduction does two things and nothing more: it paraphrases the question, then it states your thesis. In two sentences the examiner learns what the essay is about and where you stand. This guide shows you how to build that introduction, why generic openers cost you, and how the thesis maps your whole answer.
In short
- Write just two sentences: a paraphrase of the question, then your thesis or outline.
- Reword the prompt, never copy it; copied text is excluded from your 250 words.
- Skip weak openers like "Nowadays"; the thesis should signal your entire structure.
Sentence one: paraphrase the question
Your first sentence restates the prompt in your own words. This is not decoration. The examiner discounts any text copied directly from the question when counting your minimum of 250 words, so a copied opening simply does not count and signals weak Lexical Resource. A good paraphrase changes both the vocabulary and the grammar while keeping the meaning identical.
Take the prompt "Some people believe that university education should be free for all students." A weak paraphrase swaps one or two words. A controlled one rebuilds the sentence: "It is sometimes argued that higher education ought to be provided at no cost to every learner." Notice the changes: "university" becomes "higher education", "free" becomes "at no cost", and the passive "It is argued" replaces "Some people believe".
Aim to change roughly half the content words and at least one grammatical structure. Do not force rare vocabulary you are unsure of; an accurate everyday synonym beats a wrong "impressive" one every time.
Sentence two: the thesis that maps your essay
The second sentence is the thesis. It tells the examiner your answer before they reach the body, and it previews your structure. This single sentence carries a lot of weight for Task Response, because an essay with no clear position or outline is capped no matter how good the rest is.
The thesis changes with the question type, but the job is the same: signal what is coming. For an opinion question you state your view: "In my view, free tuition is justified because it widens access and benefits the wider economy." For a discussion you flag both sides: "This essay will examine the case for state-funded tuition before considering the argument that students should contribute." For advantages and disadvantages or problem and solution, you name what each paragraph will cover.
A reader who finishes your two-sentence introduction should already be able to predict your body paragraphs. If they cannot, the thesis is doing too little. That predictability is exactly what supports Coherence & Cohesion across the whole answer.
Weak openers vs controlled introductions
Most lost marks in introductions come from two habits: empty filler openers and a missing thesis. The table contrasts the phrasing examiners see far too often with the controlled alternative that earns credit across Task Response and Lexical Resource.
| Element | Weak (avoid) | Controlled (use) |
|---|---|---|
| Opening words | Nowadays, in today's modern world... | It is often argued that... |
| Handling the prompt | Copying the question word for word | Rewording vocabulary and structure |
| Position | No view stated, or "I will talk about this" | "In my view, the benefits outweigh the costs" |
| Length | A long four-sentence paragraph of background | Two focused sentences, around 40 words |
| Structure signal | No hint of what the body covers | Thesis previews both body paragraphs |
The controlled column is shorter, commits to a position, and never repeats the prompt verbatim. Practise writing the two-sentence introduction in under five minutes so you can spend the rest of your 40 minutes on the body, where the bulk of your marks sit. A marked correction on your own introductions shows exactly where filler and weak paraphrasing creep in.
IELTS essay introduction FAQs
How long should an IELTS essay introduction be?+
Two sentences are enough: one paraphrasing the question, one giving your thesis or outline. That is usually 40 to 50 words. A short, focused introduction leaves time for the body paragraphs, where most of your marks are earned.
Should I paraphrase the question in the introduction?+
Yes. Reword the prompt in your own words rather than copying it. Examiners ignore copied text when counting your 250 words, and clean paraphrasing shows Lexical Resource and Grammatical Range. Change the vocabulary and the sentence structure, not the meaning.
What is a thesis statement in an IELTS essay?+
The thesis is the second sentence of your introduction. It states your position or signals what the essay will cover, so the examiner knows your answer before reading the body. A clear thesis directly supports the Task Response criterion.
Can I start my IELTS essay with 'Nowadays'?+
Avoid it. 'Nowadays', 'In today's modern world' and similar openers are overused, add no meaning, and waste words. Begin straight away by paraphrasing the question. Examiners see these phrases constantly and they do not help your score.
Is the introduction the same for every Task 2 question type?+
The two-sentence shape stays the same, but the thesis changes. For an opinion essay you state your view; for a discussion you signal both sides; for advantages and disadvantages or problem and solution you outline what each paragraph will address.