How long should an IELTS Writing Task 2 introduction be?

Two sentences is the target: one background sentence paraphrasing the statement, and one thesis sentence stating your position or previewing your essay. Aim for 40 to 55 words. A longer introduction wastes word count that you need for body paragraph development. A one-sentence introduction is too brief and risks appearing underdeveloped.

Should I state my opinion in the introduction?

Only for agree/disagree (opinion) essays and discuss-both-views essays. For agree/disagree essays, state your position clearly in the introduction and maintain it throughout. For discuss-both essays, signal that you will examine both perspectives before giving your view. For advantages/disadvantages, problem/solution, and direct question essays, your introduction previews the essay structure rather than stating a personal opinion.

Can I copy the question into my introduction?

No. Copying the question verbatim will not contribute to your word count and signals to the examiner that you cannot paraphrase - a direct Lexical Resource penalty. You must rephrase the statement using synonyms and different sentence structures. This paraphrase is one of the clearest signals of your vocabulary range.

Does the order of introduction sentences matter?

The standard order - background sentence first, thesis second - works well for all question types and is what examiners expect. Some advanced candidates reverse this for stylistic effect, but it is unnecessary and risks confusing the reader. Clarity and directness serve you better than structural experimentation.

What makes an introduction score Band 7 vs Band 8?

A Band 7 introduction paraphrases the question adequately and states a clear position. A Band 8 introduction paraphrases with precise, less common vocabulary, uses a complex sentence structure, and positions the thesis with appropriate academic hedging or specificity. The difference is usually in the range and accuracy of vocabulary used in the paraphrase.

Writing12 min read·Updated June 5, 2026

How to Write an IELTS Writing Task 2 Introduction (Band 7-9 Guide)

The examiner reads your introduction first and judges vocabulary range, task understanding, and position clarity within 30 seconds. This guide shows exactly how to paraphrase the prompt, structure a thesis, and avoid the cliches that cap you at Band 6.

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IELTS Writing Task 2 introduction guide showing paraphrase technique and thesis statement structure with band 5 vs band 8 examples

Written by mockDe Editorial Team· IELTS preparation specialists

Last Updated June 5, 2026

12 min read

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Writing guide series

IELTS Writing Practice

Your introduction is the first thing the examiner reads and the last thing most candidates prepare.
This guide breaks down exactly what the examiner is looking for in the first 50 words of your essay, with band-scored examples for all five question types.

IELTS Writing Task 2 series. Essay Templates · Conclusion Guide · Vocabulary Guide

Key Takeaways

Write exactly 2 sentences: a background sentence (paraphrase) and a thesis sentence (your position or essay preview).
Never copy the prompt. Paraphrase every key word using synonyms and different sentence structure.
State your opinion clearly in the introduction for agree/disagree essays. For other types, preview the essay structure.
Keep the introduction to 40-55 words. Longer introductions waste words needed for body paragraphs.
Avoid: 'In today's world', 'It is a well-known fact', 'Nowadays, many people'. These are examined cliches.

What do IELTS examiners look for in a Writing Task 2 introduction?

IELTS examiners check four things in your introduction. First, Task Achievement: have you understood the question and addressed all its parts? The examiner confirms this in your introduction. Second, Lexical Resource: your paraphrase of the prompt reveals your vocabulary range immediately. Third, Grammatical Range: does your introduction use accurate, varied sentence structures? Fourth, Coherence: is the direction of your essay clear from the outset? A strong introduction signals all four criteria from the first 50 words.

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What Examiners Check in Your Introduction

Examiners read hundreds of essays per marking session. Your introduction tells them within seconds whether you have understood the question and whether your language range merits a Band 7 or higher. Specifically, they check:

Task Achievement (25%)

Have you paraphrased the question - not copied it? Have you indicated you will address all parts of the prompt?

Lexical Resource (25%)

Does your paraphrase use precise synonyms and alternative phrasing? Or did you repeat the exact wording from the question?

Grammatical Range (25%)

Does your introduction include both simple and complex sentence structures used accurately?

Coherence (25%)

Is it immediately clear what your essay will argue or examine? Does the introduction flow logically into what comes next?

The 3-Step Formula for Any Introduction

Every high-scoring introduction follows the same logic, regardless of question type:

Step 1: Background sentence

Paraphrase the statement in the prompt. Change the vocabulary, change the sentence structure, but keep the meaning identical. This sentence shows the examiner you understand the context.

Example

Prompt: 'Many people believe that social media has had a negative impact on society.' Paraphrase: 'The growing influence of social media platforms has generated significant concern about their societal consequences.'

Step 2: Thesis sentence

For opinion essays: state your position clearly. For discuss-both essays: state you will examine both perspectives. For other types: signal what the essay will cover. This is the sentence examiners read to check Task Achievement.

Example

Opinion: 'I strongly agree that the risks posed by social media to democratic discourse and mental wellbeing outweigh its communicative benefits.' Discuss-both: 'This essay will explore both viewpoints before presenting my assessment that the benefits of social media, when used critically, outweigh its drawbacks.'

Step 3 (optional): Outline sentence

Some candidates add a third sentence briefly signalling the structure. This is optional and only worth including if it adds clarity without repeating what is already implicit in the thesis. Do not say 'First, this essay will...' mechanically - this signals formulaic writing.

Example

Only use if genuinely clarifying: 'This essay will examine the economic drivers of this trend before considering the implications for rural labour markets.'

Step 1: How to Paraphrase Effectively

Paraphrasing is not just swapping one word for another. It involves changing sentence structure, using synonyms, and sometimes reversing the order of clauses. Here are the three main techniques:

Synonym substitution

Original

Many people believe that governments should invest more in public transport.

Paraphrased

A significant portion of the population argues that state authorities should increase funding for mass transit systems.

Clause restructuring

Original

Some argue that the internet has made it harder for young people to concentrate.

Paraphrased

The question of whether online connectivity has diminished attention spans among younger generations is the subject of growing debate.

Nominalisation (turning verbs into nouns)

Original

Governments should control the amount of sugar in processed foods.

Paraphrased

Government regulation of sugar content in processed food products is an increasingly advocated public health measure.

Introductions for Each Question Type

The paraphrase technique is the same for all types. The thesis sentence changes based on what the question asks.

Agree / Disagree

"Some people believe that governments should ban fast food because of its negative health impacts. To what extent do you agree or disagree?"

Band 5

Many people think fast food is bad for health and governments should ban it. I agree with this statement.

Band 8

The role of government in regulating citizens' dietary choices has become a contentious issue as fast food consumption continues to rise. I strongly agree that legislative restrictions on the fast food industry are justified, given the mounting evidence of its contribution to preventable disease.

What makes it Band 8: Band 8 paraphrase uses 'contiguous issue', 'legislative restrictions', 'preventable disease'. Position is stated clearly but without repeating the prompt wording.

Discuss Both Views

"Some people think technology has made our lives more complicated. Others believe it has made life simpler. Discuss both views and give your own opinion."

Band 5

Some people say technology is complicated but others say it is simple. This essay will discuss both views.

Band 8

Whether technology simplifies or complicates daily life is a matter of vigorous debate among sociologists and ordinary citizens alike. This essay will examine the arguments on both sides before presenting my view that technology is, on balance, a force for simplification when used with intentional restraint.

What makes it Band 8: Band 8 paraphrase avoids the word 'technology' and 'complicated'. Specific position is stated clearly. Academic register with 'vigorous debate', 'sociologists'.

Advantages and Disadvantages

"In many countries, elderly people are being cared for in residential facilities rather than by their families. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this trend."

Band 5

In some countries old people live in care homes instead of with family. There are advantages and disadvantages to this.

Band 8

The growing tendency to place older relatives in professional care facilities rather than supporting them within the family home is reshaping social norms around aging in many societies. This essay will examine the principal benefits and drawbacks of this shift.

What makes it Band 8: Band 8 paraphrase uses 'professional care facilities', 'reshaping social norms', 'principal benefits and drawbacks'. Previews structure without being mechanical.

Problem and Solution

"Traffic congestion in cities is increasing. What are the causes of this problem? What measures can be taken to solve it?"

Band 5

Traffic is a big problem in cities. There are many causes and solutions to this problem.

Band 8

Urban road networks in many major cities are reaching their capacity limits as vehicle numbers outpace infrastructure development. This essay will analyse the key drivers of this crisis and propose policy measures that could meaningfully reduce congestion.

What makes it Band 8: Band 8 paraphrase uses 'urban road networks', 'capacity limits', 'outpace infrastructure development'. Previews the essay's scope precisely.

Direct Question

"Young people are increasingly moving from rural areas to cities. Why is this happening? What problems does this cause?"

Band 5

Many young people move from villages to cities nowadays. This essay will explain why and what problems it causes.

Band 8

Urban migration among younger generations has intensified across both the developed and developing world, draining rural communities of their working-age population. This essay will examine the economic and social factors driving this trend before considering the difficulties it creates for those who remain.

What makes it Band 8: Band 8 paraphrase 'Urban migration among younger generations', 'draining rural communities'. Previews both questions without numbering them mechanically.

5 Introduction Mistakes That Cost Marks

Copying the question directly

Fix: Paraphrase every word. Replace nouns with synonyms, restructure the sentence. The examiner knows the original question - your paraphrase shows your vocabulary range.

Using generic openers like 'In today's world...' or 'It is a well-known fact...'

Fix: Start with a specific claim about the topic. 'Urban migration among younger generations has intensified...' tells the examiner something. 'In today's world, many changes are happening...' tells them nothing.

Writing three or four sentences

Fix: Two sentences is the target. Every word in your introduction is a word not developing your body paragraphs. Examiners do not give extra credit for longer introductions.

Stating your arguments in the introduction

Fix: The introduction previews - it does not deliver. Save your arguments for the body paragraphs. If you explain your reasons in the introduction, your body paragraphs become repetitive.

Giving an unclear or fence-sitting position in an opinion essay

Fix: For agree/disagree essays, state your position directly: 'I strongly agree...', 'I largely disagree...', 'While there is some merit to this view, I believe...'. A hedged position like 'there are points on both sides' fails Task Achievement.

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