Welcome to the IELTS Accelerator Q&A Series!

Every week, I tackle your real IELTS struggles—the confusing, the controversial, and the "why didn’t anyone explain this?!" questions holding you back from Band 7+. From my IELTS journey to yours - honest advice that made the difference for me and hundreds of students.

If there's one problem I hear about daily, it's this: 'I waste half my Writing Task 2 time just trying to start my introduction!' Students tell me they either blank out, repeat the question, or write something too vague - and it's costing them valuable marks before they even reach their first body paragraph.

Today, we’re tackling your top 3 questions about "How can I write a strong IELTS Writing Task 2 introduction in under 5 minutes?". Whether you’re panicking about paraphrasing, unsure about opinions, or just need a fail-proof template, I’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in!

Question 1: "What 3 elements MUST an IELTS essay introduction have?"

(Anna, Philippines)

A strong IELTS essay introduction should include three essential elements to effectively set up your response:

• General Statement (Hook/Background)

-> A broad sentence introducing the topic in a neutral way to provide context.

Example: "Education is a crucial aspect of personal and societal development."

• Paraphrased Question

-> Restate the essay question in your own words to show understanding.

Example (if the question is about whether university should be free): "While some argue that higher education should be free, others believe students should bear the cost."

• Thesis Statement (Your Opinion/Position)

-> Clearly state your main argument or the essay's purpose.

Example (for an opinion essay): "This essay agrees that governments should fund university education because it benefits society as a whole."

Why These Matter:

• Clarity – Helps the examiner quickly understand your stance.
• Relevance – Directly addresses the task (Task Response criterion).
• Coherence – Sets up a logical structure for the rest of the essay.

Pro Tip: Keep it concise (2-3 sentences total) and avoid detailed explanations—save those for the body paragraphs.

Question 2: "Can I memorize a template for any IELTS essay introduction?"

Great question! While memorizing a basic template can help you structure your thoughts quickly, relying too heavily on a fixed formula can hurt your score. Here’s what you need to know:

The Pros and Cons of Memorizing a Template

✅ Pros:

• Helps you start quickly under time pressure.
• Ensures you include key elements (background, paraphrased question, thesis).
• Reduces stress if you struggle with introductions.

❌ Cons (and Risks):

• Overly rigid templates sound unnatural and may not fit all questions.
• Examiners recognize memorized phrases, which can lower your Lexical Resource score.
• If the template doesn’t match the question, your Task Response score suffers.

A Better Approach: Flexible Frameworks

Instead of memorizing word-for-word, learn a flexible structure and adapt it to each question.

Example Adaptable Template:

1. General Statement (Topic introduction)
   • "(Topic) is a widely debated issue in today’s world."
2. Paraphrased Question
   • "While some argue that (View A), others believe (View B)."
3. Thesis Statement (Your stance)
   • "This essay agrees/disagrees that ___ because ___." (Opinion essay)
   • "This essay will discuss both views before giving a reasoned conclusion." (Discussion essay)

Question 3: Should I give my opinion in the introduction for agree/disagree essays?

Yes, in agree/disagree (opinion) essays, you must clearly state your opinion in the introduction—this is crucial for Task Achievement (25% of your score).Why?

• IELTS examiners look for a clear position throughout your essay.
• If you wait until the conclusion to reveal your stance, your argument loses coherence.
• A direct thesis statement helps structure your body paragraphs.

How to Do It Correctly

1. Strong Opinion (One-Sided Approach)

If you fully agree/disagree, state it firmly: "This essay completely agrees that governments should ban fast food because..."

2. Balanced Opinion (Partial Agreement)

If you partly agree, clarify your stance: "While technology has improved education, this essay argues that traditional teaching methods remain essential for..."

3. Avoid These Mistakes

❌ "This essay will discuss both sides..." → Only for discussion essays, not agree/disagree.

❌ "I believe..." → Too informal. Use "This essay argues/supports/contends..." instead.

Crafting a strong IELTS Writing Task 2 introduction doesn’t have to be a time-consuming struggle. By focusing on the three key elements—background statement, paraphrased question, and clear thesis—you can write a high-scoring opener in under 5 minutes and set yourself up for success.

Got another IELTS headache? Drop your question below—I’ll tackle it in the next IELTS Accelerator Q&A! 🚀

Keep pushing forward. Your Band 7+ breakthrough starts here.