In this in-depth lesson, you’ll learn how you can write a perfect introduction to your IELTS Writing Task 2 essay in three easy steps. We’ll have a look at different types of essays and learn some do’s and don’ts of writing introductions.

Please note that this lesson is a free preview of my IELTS courses. Let’s get started!

3-Step IELTS Writing Task 2 Introduction

We’ll practise writing introductions using the TTP formula: topic, task, position.

IELTS Writing Task 2 Introduction: Opinion Essay

In some countries, an increasing number of children are overweight or obese as a result of eating too much fast food. Banning fast food from school canteens is the best way to fight this problem. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

First, introduce the topic by giving a general statement on what the essay is about, the importance of the topic, its current state, whether it’s a big problem and if it’s a recent one:

Excessive weight gain and obesity have become major issues among children. This is the current state of the issue.

Then, focus on the topic question. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? One way to write this statement is to paraphrase the topic sentence:

It is argued that schools should not be allowed to sell fast food in order to reduce the rates of childhood obesity.

Finally, present your position. Express your opinion if it’s required. Otherwise, provide an outline explaining what you’re going to write about in the essay. An outline is a sentence that usually begins with “this essay will discuss”. You can read my blog post discussing this type of essay. 

In this essay, I’ve given my opinion:

Even though a straightforward ban on fast food in the school cafeteria seems to be a positive step, I do not agree that this is the most effective measure to alleviate this problem.

Your introduction should be written in a single paragraph, without any gaps. Writing longer introductions takes valuable time away from more important paragraphs, so keep them between 40 to 60 words long.

Mine has 66 words.

IELTS Writing Task 2 Introduction: Two Views & Your Opinion

Some people think that children should only read academic books. Others believe that reading books for pleasure is equally important. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

This is a “two views and your opinion” essay.

Your general statement should be brief: “Children are often encouraged to read.”  This is the current state of the issue.

Now, the task. However, there is a debate regarding the kind of books that is best for them. Should children only read for educational purposes or should they also read for fun?

You are allowed to use questions in your essay as long as you don’t copy them from your task. This question presents the two views we’ll be discussing in the essay.

And the position. In this essay, you’re required to choose which view you agree with. Here’s my opinion:

In my opinion, both categories of books are equally important for children’s development.

This introduction is 48 words long.

IELTS Writing Task 2 Introduction: Two Direct Questions

The best way to motivate employees is to increase their salaries. Do you agree with this statement? Are there any other ways to encourage employees to work more efficiently?

In this essay, we need to answer two questions. In the first one, you should give your opinion. As for the second question, you should offer some other ways to encourage employees to work more efficiently. Again, you should mention this question in your introduction.

Here’s my introduction. The first sentence presents the topic:

Companies across the globe recognise the importance of motivating their staff to work more productively. This is the current state of the issue.

Now, let’s focus on our question. Some think that increasing salaries is the most effective incentive. This is the key statement.

Finally, my position: I disagree with this opinion and argue that other methods tend to yield even better results.

Here I give my opinion about the first question, “Do you agree with this statement?”  I also partly answer the second question: Yes, there are other methods to motivate employees, but I’m not saying what methods these are. I’m keeping this information for my conclusion.

This introduction is 41 words long.

Do’s and don’ts of writing an introduction