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Writing Task 2: How to Write
a Good Introduction
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Introductions can be difficult to write. Usually when candidates
analyze the topic they have to write about in Writing Task 2
they have at least some sense of what they want to say in the
body of the essay. They may think of an example or two they
want to use or have a few ideas to help them answer the
questions in the prompt. But what many candidates struggle with
is introducing these ideas in a way that makes sense to their
readers so that these middle parts of the essay don’t seem to just
come out of thin air.
Your introduction in Writing Task 2 will create the initial
impression on the examiner in terms of your ideas your writing
style and the overall quality of your writing. An error-filled
confusing or disorganized introduction will most certainly
create a negative first impression. On the other hand a well-
written engaging and concise introduction will have the
opposite effect which is exactly what you want to achieve. As a
result it’s important that you have strategies for writing a good
introduction for Writing Task 2 in order to achieve this desired
effect.
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Strategies for writing a good introduction
An effective introduction conveys substantial important
information clearly but briefly. Think of your introduction as a
roadmap for the rest of your essay. This roadmap should let the
examiner know what the topic of discussion is as well as your
position in relation to the topic and you may also choose to
briefly explain how you plan to develop the essay. Below are
some strategies for writing an effective introduction:
Read and analyze all the information provided to you.
Your entire essay will respond to the questions in the prompt
and your introduction is the first step towards doing so.
Therefore it is important that you know exactly what you’re
being asked to discuss and that you introduce your answer to all
of the parts of the prompt.
Do NOT copy material from the prompt.
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While the prompt can give you some clues about how to
approach your opening paragraph make sure you use your own
words when writing your introduction. Using the same words or
phrases from the prompt can show limitations in your range of
vocabulary which can affect your band score. Instead use
synonyms put the information in a new order and break down
more complex ideas into smaller ones while making sure you’re
accurately stating the topic. To illustrate this take a look at the
following example Writing Task 2 prompt and notice how the
initial statement has been paraphrased so that it can be used as
introduction:
Prompt:
The first car appeared on British roads in 1888. By the year
2020 there may be as many as 29 million vehicles on
British roads.
Alternative forms of transport should be encouraged and
international laws introduced to control car ownership
and use.
To what extent do you agree or disagree
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant
examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Paraphrase:“It is evident that there has been a massive growth
in car ownership in Great Britain since the first car arrived on
British roads in the year 1888.”
Start off with a ‘big picture’ sentence and then focus in on the
details of the prompt.
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Task 2 prompts normally begin with a broad statement and then
narrow to focus on more specific points or questions on the
topic. As such it’s a good idea for you to use a similar model in
your own introduction: start off with a ‘big picture’ sentence or
two and then focus in on the details of the prompt. If you do
choose to start your introduction with a ‘big picture’ opening
make sure that it’s closely related to your topic and it’s not too
broad. In the prompt presented above the paraphrased statement
is the perfect example of a ‘big picture’ statement and the
details of the prompt would be 1 alternative forms of transport
should be encouraged and 2 international laws introduced to
control car ownership and use. The following sentence is a good
example of focusing in on the details of the prompt:“Some
people believe that encouraging other forms of transport and
introducing international regulations are necessary to keep
future growth in car ownership under control.”
Make your position clear.
Writing Task 2 prompts will always include questions or
statements that will encourage you to give your opinion on a
topic agree or disagree with a statement or address specific
questions e.g. What do you think are the advantages of elderly
care facilities Do these outweigh the disadvantages Your
position then will come as a direct response to these questions
or statements. Given that you’ll be expected to present a clear
position throughout your response you should state it at the
beginning of your essay as part of your introduction. In the
example prompt above you’re expected to indicate the degree to
which you think the statement is true or untrue e.g. “I
completely agree with the mentioned argument as new rules
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and regulations would ensure order in our communities and a
better quality of life for all.” .
Re-read your introduction once you’ve finished writing your
essay.
Because the writing process in itself is a way to organize your
ideas and refine your thoughts as you develop the body of the
essay in Writing Task 2 you may find that you started out
thinking about arguing a particular point but ended up arguing
something different. This is why it’s important for you to revise
your introduction after completing your essay to make sure it
matches your final thoughts and arguments.Just as a good
introduction will help to prepare your examiner for the content
of your essay an effective conclusion will help to remind them
of the strength of your main arguments. Stay tuned for our next
post on how to write a good conclusion for Writing Task 2
Source:- https://ieltscanadatest.com/2019/01/writing-task-2-
how-to-write-a-good-introduction/