IELTS Academic Writing Task 2: Introductions

[Pages:5]IELTS Academic Writing Task 2: Introductions

Top Tips There are many ways to write a good introduction. But one which works well for the IELTS Test is a 3-line introduction something like this (but put them all together in one paragraph!):

1

General Statement - a neutral fact about the situation

2

Question the statement - introduce a problem

3

Give your opinion

Here is an example from an essay we know:

`It is cruel to keep animals in zoos' To what extent do you agree or disagree?

1 General Statement - a neutral fact about the situation Keeping animals in zoos is an important issue today.

2 Question the statement - introduce a problem Proponents of animal rights think that it is cruel to cage animals for entertainment, whereas others believe that zoos are necessary for the protection and survival of many vulnerable species.

3 Give your opinion I will outline both arguments and argue that imprisoning animals for our own entertainment is both cruel and unnecessary.

Benefits

It shows the examiner that you understand the question. It shows the examiner that you are answering the question. It tells the examiner how you want to answer the question. It shows the examiner that you are aware of the issues.

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IELTS Academic Writing Task 2: Introductions

It lets the examiner know what to expect. It helps the examiner follow the rest of your essay It allows you to show both sides of the argument. It keeps you on track and focused on the question It's about 50 words - perfect!

Task 1: 5 minute planning

1) Brainstorm just some IDEAS for the question below

Some people believe that unpaid community service should be a compulsory part of high school programmes (for example working for a charity, improving the neighbourhood or teaching sports to younger children). To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

Agree/Advantages

Disagree/Disadvantages

2) Write your plan in the table below, using one of the structures we discussed in the last lesson:

General Statement

Introduction

Question the statement

Your plan/opinion

Para 1

Para 2

Para 3 (optional)

Conclusion

To sum up,... Final thought/recommendation/consequence

(leave this blank for now) (leave this blank for now)

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IELTS Academic Writing Task 2: Introductions

Task 2: Look at the introductions below. Which one might be suitable for your essay?

1. Community service is generally seen as worthwhile. However, whether such service should consume high school curriculum time may be more controversial. In my opinion, schools should foster not only academic skills but also those which prepare students to live as decent citizens in society, and therefore I will argue that there is a place for such activities.

2. Making community service a compulsory part of the secondary school curriculum is one way of teaching social values or notions of "citizenship" to the young. However, this proposal raises important ideological and practical issues, and so whilst there is a clear case for such a move, it would have to be implemented with great care.

3. Involving high school students in community-based projects would appear to benefit both students and the community alike. However, before drawing any conclusions, it is important to examine issues related to unpaid compulsory work of this nature, and to consider the possible advantages and disadvantages for those involved.

4. As young people near the end of their secondary education, I believe it is right that they should be encouraged to develop some wider life skills which will build their confidence and help prepare them for the demands which will face them once they leave school. Offering time to do unpaid work, whether in the school environment mentoring younger children or in the wider local community, is a valuable way to gain this enriching experience.

5. The role of school education is a much-discussed topic these days. Some people believe that schools should focus on traditional subjects such as Maths and English, while others see the school as providing a more holistic education. In this essay I will argue that children need to learn how society works and the responsibilities of its citizens, and that by participating in community service schemes, important lessons can be learned.

All of these examples fit the 3-line introduction pattern. For example:

1 General Statement - a neutral fact about the situation Community service is generally seen as worthwhile.

2 Question the statement - introduce a problem Fiona Wattam IELTS Exam Training Courses Follow my podcast on anchor.fm/ieltsetc, facebook/ieltsetc, instagram@ieltsetc , YouTube and Flipboard

IELTS Academic Writing Task 2: Introductions

However, whether such service should consume high school curriculum time may be more controversial.

3 Give your opinion In my opinion, schools should foster not only academic skills but also those which prepare students to live as decent citizens in society, and therefore I will argue that there is a place for such activities.

Look back at the other examples and see how they fit this pattern.

Task 3: More practice. Look at the question below.

`Modern technology has increased our material wealth but not our happiness.' To what extent do you agree with this statement?

Now match the General Statements for this question with the sentences which best follows them:

General Statements

a) Technological development is a priority in many countries throughout the world. b) Modern technology can provide enormous benefits in terms of material goods. c) For most people, technological development means an improvement in their lifestyle. d) Some people claim that modern technology is harming society's spiritual and traditional values. e) Technology has brought many changes to people's lives, not all of which are beneficial. Following Sentences i) However, while some people enjoy an easier life, others are often made redundant because of new technology, and many people now feel insecure and unhappy as a result. ii) In fact in many cases people have suffered enormously because of these changes. iii) In my opinion, however, this is an old-fashioned view, and I believe that technological inventions actually allow people to have more time and leisure to satisfy their spiritual needs. iv) However, by focusing too much on this goal, governments have lost sight of the fact that both inequalities in society and levels of depression continue to grow. v) However, the most important thing for happiness is not possessions, but relationships.

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IELTS Academic Writing Task 2: Introductions Answers (don't peek!) 1) (iv) Technological development is a priority in many countries throughout the world. However, by focusing too much on this goal, governments have lost sight of the fact that inequalities in society and levels of depression continue to grow. 2) (v) Modern technology can provide enormous benefits in terms of material goods. However, the most important thing for happiness is not possessions, but relationships. 3) (i) For most people, technological development means an improvement in their lifestyle. However, while some people enjoy an easier life, others are often made redundant because of new technology, and many people now feel insecure and unhappy as a result. 4) (iii) Some people claim that modern technology is harming society's spiritual and traditional values. In my opinion, however, this is an old-fashioned view, and I believe that technological inventions actually allow people to have more time and leisure to satisfy their spiritual needs. 5) (ii) Technology has brought many changes to people's lives, not all of which are beneficial. In fact in many cases people have suffered enormously because of these changes.

NEXT: Go back and focus on all the general statements in the examples.

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