How to Write an IELTS Task 2 Introduction in Two Sentences
Deepa from Thiruvananthapuram starts her essays with ‘Education is the backbone of society’ and spends ten minutes drafting her opening. The examiner reaches her actual position only in the last line of her introduction.
A strong IELTS Task 2 introduction needs just two sentences and about 40–55 words: one that paraphrases the question in your own words, and one that states your thesis. Skip broad generalisations and give your answer immediately.
Practice question: Some people believe that the best way to reduce crime is to give longer prison sentences. Others, however, think there are better alternatives. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
The Two-Sentence Formula: Paraphrase + Thesis
A strong introduction has two jobs:
- Sentence 1 (Paraphrase): Rephrase the question in your own words.
- Sentence 2 (Thesis): State your direct answer or central argument.
Ten minutes on an opening leaves too little time for the body, so keep it to 40–55 words.
Three Paraphrasing Techniques
The band descriptors treat reliance on language from the question as a weakness, so paraphrase it. Use three techniques:
1. Natural Synonyms
Replace words only when a natural equivalent exists, such as longer prison sentences becoming extended prison terms:
Incorrect: Prolonged captivity will diminish felonies across society.
Correct: Extended prison terms can lower national crime rates.
Forced synonyms are the kind of inaccuracy typical of Band 6 Lexical Resource; see synonyms and shades of meaning.
2. Changing Word Forms
Turn verbs into nouns: to reduce crime becomes a reduction in criminal activity; see nominalisation in formal writing.
3. Changing the Sentence Structure
Reorder the ideas: While some consider longer prison terms the best way to cut crime, others favour alternative approaches.
Writing the Thesis Statement for Any Essay Type
This table gives a thesis pattern for each main essay type:
| Essay type | Thesis pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Opinion | “I firmly believe that…” | I firmly believe that investment in renewable energy should take priority. |
| Discuss both views | “While …, I believe…” | While longer sentences deter offenders, I believe education is more effective. |
| Outweigh | “In my view, the benefits of … outweigh…” | In my view, the convenience of digital payments outweighs the security risks. |
| Problem–solution | “This essay argues that … and that … could help.” | This essay argues that vehicle emissions cause smog and that better public transport could help. |
| Two-part | Answer both questions directly | People migrate mainly for higher salaries, and this is largely a positive development. |
Adapt these patterns rather than memorising them: the descriptors list inappropriate formulaic language as a weakness.
Model Introduction for the Practice Question
Model Introduction (Band 7+)
Some people argue that extended prison terms are the most effective way to deter crime, while others favour different approaches that they consider more successful. In my view, although longer sentences may deter some offenders, education and job training in prison are more effective at preventing reoffending.
Sentence Analysis
| Sentence | What it does |
|---|---|
| Sentence 1 | Paraphrases both views in new words and structure (Lexical Resource) |
| Sentence 2 | States the writer’s position clearly (Task Response) |
Tip
Decide your position during your 5-minute plan, so the introduction is just two sentences to write out.
What to Cut From Your Introductions
Examiners are trained to spot memorised formulas. Cut general statements (Education is the key to life), dictionary definitions and rhetorical questions.
Incorrect: In this modern era, crime is a burning issue in every corner of the world.
Correct: Opinions differ on whether longer prison terms are the most effective way to cut crime.
Open with a concise paraphrase of the debate; for more clichés to cut, see Indianisms and clichés.
Incorrect: This essay will discuss both sides of this controversial issue and give an opinion.
Correct: While strict penalties deter some criminals, reforming offenders through vocational skills makes communities safer.
State your actual viewpoint in the thesis rather than promising to discuss the topic.
Try It
Practice question: Some people think that children should start school at the age of four, while others believe they should start at seven. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Write a two-sentence introduction between 45 and 55 words.
Show sample answer
Opinions differ on when children should begin formal education, with some people favouring the age of four and others preferring seven. While early schooling offers structured social contact, I believe that a later start is better, because children gain emotional maturity and a love of learning through play before lessons begin.
Key Takeaways
- Write introductions in two sentences: one paraphrase and one thesis statement.
- Paraphrase with natural synonyms, word-form shifts and new clause structures.
- Give your viewpoint in the thesis, not an empty announcement.
The bottom line: An introduction needs only two sentences: the question in your own words, then your answer.