IELTS Task 2 Introductions

Why the Introduction Matters

The introduction in IELTS Writing Task 2 sets the tone for your whole essay.
It shows the examiner immediately whether you can:

• Paraphrase effectively without changing the meaning.

• Answer the question clearly.

• Structure your ideas logically from the very first line.

A good introduction does not need to be long or complicated.
In fact, shorter, focused introductions usually perform better.

The Structure of a High-Scoring Introduction

A Band 9 introduction should do two things, and nothing more:

1. Paraphrase the question statement clearly and accurately.

2. Answer the question or outline what will be discussed, depending on the essay type.

There should be no hook sentences, no background information, and no generalisations about society.
Examiners are looking for focus, clarity, and relevance — not creativity.

Step 1: Paraphrase the Question Properly

Paraphrasing means expressing the same idea in different words and structure, without changing the meaning.

The safest way to paraphrase is by following two clear steps:

First, Change the Structure (Where Possible)

Before changing any words, see if you can slightly alter the structure of the sentence.
You can often:

• Move the subject or object.

• Start with a dependent clause.

• Rearrange the order of ideas without changing the meaning.

Example:

Original:
Many tourists are able to fly overseas due to the rise of low-cost airlines.

Paraphrased Structure:
Due to the rise of low-cost airlines, many tourists are now able to fly overseas.

Why this works:

• The meaning stays identical.

• The flow is natural and controlled.

Then, Adjust the Vocabulary Using Word Families

After changing the structure, adjust the vocabulary carefully — staying inside the same word family.

This means:

• Using different grammatical forms of the same root word.

• Changing nouns to verbs, verbs to adjectives, or adjectives to nouns as needed.

• Always keeping the original meaning exactly the same.

Example Using Word Families:

Original:
Competition between companies is a key driver of innovation.

Good Paraphrase:
The need to compete among companies is a major factor encouraging innovation.

or:
Competitive pressure between businesses plays a vital role in driving innovation.

Important:
Do not drift into different ideas (e.g., “business growth” would be wrong).
Stay strictly within the meaning of the original task.

Example of Strong Paraphrasing:

Task Question:
Thanks to budget airlines, many people are now able to travel abroad.

Strong Paraphrase:
The growth of budget airlines has made international travel accessible to a larger number of people.

Example of Weak Paraphrasing:

Weak Attempt:
Nowadays, people can go different places because planes are cheap and they like travelling.

Why it’s weak:

• Adds irrelevant information (“they like travelling”).

• Shifts focus away from airlines.

• Uses vague language (“different places”).

Step 2: Answer the Question Clearly

After paraphrasing, you must directly answer the task.
This depends slightly on the type of essay:

• Opinion Essays (Agree/Disagree or Positive/Negative):
  Clearly state your opinion.

• Discussion Essays:
  Introduce both sides briefly and state your view.

• Advantage/Disadvantage Essays:
  Mention that there are both advantages and disadvantages.

• Outweigh Essays:
  State clearly whether the advantages or disadvantages are stronger.

You must answer the question directly in your introduction.
General comments or vague ideas will lower your Task Achievement score.

Example of a Strong Introduction:

Task Question:
Thanks to budget airlines, many people are now able to travel abroad.
Is this a positive or negative development?

Strong Introduction:
The expansion of budget airlines has enabled more people to travel internationally. In my opinion, this is a positive development as it promotes tourism and creates economic opportunities.

Example of a Weak Introduction:

Weak Attempt:
Travelling is something humans have always done. Nowadays, it is easier to travel using different types of transport. Some think it is good; others do not.

Why it’s weak:

• Adds historical background not required.

• Paraphrasing is poor.

• No clear opinion is stated.

Final Tips for Writing an Effective Introduction

• Keep it short: 2–3 sentences are enough.

• Paraphrase the question by adjusting structure first, then using word families.

• Answer the question directly based on the essay type.

• Avoid listing examples or giving background information.

• Stay focused on setting up the essay logically and directly.

Summary

A strong IELTS Task 2 introduction is clear, focused, and tightly controlled.
Paraphrase the question by changing the structure and using word families to adjust vocabulary.
Then answer the task directly without adding extra information.
Following this method every time will help you start your essays with confidence and precision.