Lesson 2: Writing a Perfect Introduction

📌 Note: Lesson 2 is designed to be completed in two days. ✨📚⏱️

🎯 Lesson 2 Goals

By the end of this lesson, you will:

  • Learn the parts of an introduction.
  • Write 3 introductions using advanced vocabulary.

Day 1 (Time: ~ 45 minutes)

🎯 Goals: By the end of Day 1, you will write three introductions that contain:

    • 📚 Background: Set the stage for your topic.
    • 📝 Paraphrase: Restate the task using your own words.
    • 🔍 Thesis: Clearly state your position.

    ✅ So your essay flows smoothly from the very first line!

🎥 What’s in the video?

A clear, three-step way to write strong introductions.

🧩 The three parts you’ll learn:

  • 1. Background/Hook : set the context in 1 concise sentence (no long history lessons).
  • 2. Paraphrase the question : restate the task in your own words to show understanding and avoid copying.
  • 3. Thesis statement : state your position and (optionally) signpost your main points.

🚫 Pitfalls to avoid

  • Copying the task wording: always paraphrase.
  • Vague or neutral thesis: make your position clear.
  • Overlong background: keep it to one concise sentence.
  • Formulaic openers like “This essay will discuss…”: use precise, direct language instead.

🧠 Visual Planning: The Introduction Mind Map

Not everyone thinks in sentences. Some people think in structures.

If you ever feel stuck staring at a blank page, this mind map shows how a strong introduction is planned before it is written.

Mind map showing how to write the perfect IELTS introduction

Think of this as a map: once you know where each part goes, the sentences come naturally.

📝 How to Write Introductions

1️⃣ Purpose of an Introduction

Your introduction sets the stage. It tells the reader what the essay is about and what position you will take. A strong introduction is short, clear, and focused (usually 3–4 sentences).

2️⃣ The 3 Essential Parts

📚 Background / Hook

Introduce the topic in general terms, showing why it matters.

🔹 Example 1
🔹 Example 2
🔹 Example 3
📝 Paraphrase the Question

Restate the task prompt using your own words.

🔹 See original tasks & paraphrase examples (click)

Original task:
Some people believe that university education should be free for everyone, while others think students should pay tuition fees.

Paraphrase:
Some argue that tuition fees should be abolished, whereas others believe students should contribute financially to their education.

Original task:
Urbanisation has led to significant changes in modern societies. While it offers many benefits, it also creates serious problems. Discuss both views.

Paraphrase:
While some believe urbanisation brings opportunities, others point out the social and environmental problems it creates.
🎯 Thesis Statement

Clearly state your position and outline your main points.

🔹 See thesis examples (click)

Original task:
Some people believe that education should be completely free, while others think students should share the cost. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Thesis statement:
Although free education can promote equality, a shared-cost system is ultimately more realistic.

Original task:
Economic growth is often seen as the most important goal for a country. However, some people believe environmental protection should be prioritised instead. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Thesis statement:
While economic development is important, prioritising environmental protection is essential.

🎯 Identify the Parts of an IELTS Introduction

As global temperatures continue to rise, societies must decide how to protect the environment while still growing the economy.
Some argue that the government should focus on protecting nature, but others think it should focus more on the economy.
While economic development is important, strong environmental rules are needed because they protect nature and help the economy remain stable in the long run.

📘 Want More Introduction Examples?

We’ve broken introductions down step by step, with more examples, explanations, and common mistakes.

If you want to understand why some introductions score Band 7+ while others stay at Band 5–6, the full lesson walks you through it clearly.

✔ More task-type examples
✔ Clear explanations
✔ Common traps that lower your score

Assessment

Goal: Practice writing introductions.

✍️ Practice: Write Three Introductions

Write an introduction for each of the prompts below.

Topic 1:

Some people believe that children should be taught to be competitive in school. Others believe that cooperation is more important. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Topic 2:

Working from home has become increasingly common in recent years. Do you think this development has more positive or negative effects?

Topic 3:

Government investment in public transport is the best way to solve traffic and pollution problems. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

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