Formula for compacting the Introduction IELTS Writing Task 2

With only 40 minutes for the IELTS Writing test, we need to make the most of our time to complete both tasks. Therefore, one of the most effective methods for the Introduction IELTS Writing Task 2 is to prepare ready-made formulas for all types of essays to save time. The following article summarizes the expressions you can use for the four most common types of essay prompts in the Introduction IELTS Writing Task 2.

I. Common expressions for the General Statement in the Introduction IELTS Writing Task 2

Before delving into the specific types of essays, let's first point out that for all types of essays in the IELTS Writing Task 2, the first sentence in the introduction will be the General Statement. This sentence's main task is to paraphrase the essay prompt. First, PREP will provide some of the most common expressions to help you write a comprehensive General Statement:

• It is widely believed that
• It is argued that
• In recent years
• Nowadays,
• Many/some people say/think/believe/argue
• It is true that

II. Writing the Introduction IELTS Writing Task 2 for the four popular essay types in the test

We know that in the Introduction IELTS Writing Task 2, after the General Statement, we move on to the Thesis Statement. To have a clear grasp of how to write a concise and focused Thesis Statement, we need to consider the specific requirements for each essay type. Let's now delve into the details of the four essay types mentioned above:

1. Agree or disagree essay

The essay prompt can be in the following question formats:

• To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• What is your opinion on this?

Introduction IELTS Writing Task 2 examples:

General statement: Paraphrase the essay prompt in one sentence.

Thesis statement: Provide a direct response to the essay question, expressing complete agreement, disagreement, or partial agreement with the given statement.

• For complete agreement: Personally, I agree that.../I strongly agree with this idea.
• For complete disagreement: Many people argue that... However, I believe that.../I strongly disagree with this idea.
• For a 50/50 perspective: To a certain extent, I agree that... However, I also believe that.../I partly agree with this idea.

For example:

Essay question: It is inevitable that traditional cultures will be lost as technology develops. Technology and traditional cultures are incompatible. To what extent do you agree and disagree with this view?

If you completely agree:

• General statement: It is true that technology is developing at an incredible rate, and that traditional societies and cultural practices are disappearing as a result.
• Thesis statement: I therefore agree with the view that technology and traditional cultures cannot coexist.

If you completely disagree:

• General statement: Some people would argue the technological developments lead to the disappearance of traditional societies and cultural practices.
• Thesis statement: I completely disagree with this view because I see no reason why technology cannot coexist with traditional cultures and even enhance them.

If you are neutral:

• General statement: Some people believe that technological developments lead to the loss of traditional cultures.
• Thesis statement: I partly agree with this assertion; while it may be true in the case of some societies, others seem to be unaffected by technology and the modern world.

2. Discuss Essay (Discuss Both Views)

The essay prompt will be in the following question formats:

• Discuss both sides
• Discuss these two views and give your opinion

Note: You should add your personal opinion if "give your opinion" is mentioned. If not, strictly present an objective opinion.

Introduction IELTS Writing Task 2 examples:

• General statement: Paraphrase the essay prompt.
• Thesis statement: Directly answer the essay prompt.
• Discuss both views and give your opinion: While it can be argued that (view 1), I believe that (view 2).
• Discuss both views: This essay will examine both views/sides.

For example:

Essay question: Some people prefer to spend their lives doing the same things and avoiding change. Others, however, think that change is always a good thing. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

• General statement: Many people show preference for repeating their daily routine while others always look for change as they believe change would bring more benefits.
• Thesis statement: In my opinion, I would agree with the latter point of view.

3. Problems and Solutions essay

The essay prompt may be expressed differently, but it essentially requires the writer to identify the reasons and propose solutions. For example:

• What do you think the causes are? What solutions can you suggest?
• What are the causes and solutions?

Introduction IELTS Writing Task 2 examples:

• General statement: Paraphrase the essay prompt.
• Thesis statement: Address the essay prompt, such as: Some major causes/culprits of... will be discussed before the solutions are given/drawn.

For example:

Essay question: There is a general increase in anti-social behaviors and lack of respect for others. What are the causes and solutions?

• General statement: The widespread problem of anti-social behaviors and disrespectful attitudes towards others has long been a major topic of concern in society.
• Thesis statement: Some of the major culprits of this problem will be discussed before the most important solutions are drawn.

4. Advantages and Disadvantages & Give your opinion essay

The essay prompt will be in the following question formats:

• Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of ...
• Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?

Note: If the prompt only asks for advantages and disadvantages without requesting your opinion on which outweighs the other, you should not include your opinion in the second part of the introduction. However, if your opinion is specifically asked, you must state whether the advantages outweigh the disadvantages or vice versa.

Introduction IELTS Writing Task 2 examples:

General statement: Paraphrase the essay prompt.

Thesis statement: Introduce the main content of the essay and state your opinion on whether the advantages outweigh the disadvantages or vice versa if asked.

• This essay will discuss the benefits and drawbacks of ...
• ... would create certain benefits but there will also be some drawbacks
• In my opinion, the benefits of …. outweigh its drawbacks
• While ... may bring about some benefits, I would argue they are eclipsed by the drawbacks.

For example:

Essay question: Some people prefer to spend their lives doing the same things and avoiding change. Others, however, think that change is always a good thing. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

• General statement: Many people show preference for repeating their daily routine while others always look for change as they believe change would bring more benefits.
• Thesis statement: In my opinion, I would agree with the latter point of view.

The above formulas provide a streamlined approach to the introduction of the four essay types, enabling you to efficiently handle the Introduction IELTS Writing Task 2. PREP hopes this article provides you with the necessary knowledge to effectively tackle the exam and achieve a high IELTS band score.