UNIT 4 – WRITING

How to write an introduction

STRUCTURE OF A GOOD INTRODUCTION

An IELTS writing task 2 opinion essay should have three sentences and
these three sentences should be:
1. Paraphrase question
2. Thesis statement
3. Outline statement
1. Paraphrase question
- State the question again, but with different words so that it has the same
meaning.
- We do this by using synonyms and flipping the order of the sentences
around.
Question: There is a good deal of evidence that increasing car use is
contributing to global warming and having other undesirable effects on
people’s health and well-being.
Paraphrase: Rising global temperatures and human health and fitness
issues are often viewed as being caused by the expanding use of
automobiles.
2. Thesis statement
- This is the most important sentence  main idea and how you feel about
the whole issue in one sentence.
- Very basically, it tells the person reading your essay what will be in it. It
may also give your opinion if the question asks you for this.
- It is normally the last sentence of your introduction.
You should start your thesis statement with:
 This essay agrees that….. or this essay disagrees that….. (Opinion
essays)
 The principal advantage(s) is (xxxxx) and the main disadvantage is
(xxxxxx). (Advantages and disadvantages).
a. Writing about Two Opinions
Some questions ask you specifically to discuss two opinions and to give your opinion.
 Some people think that young children should be allowed to do paid work, while others
think that this should be illegal. Discuss both opinions and give your opinion.
Example 1: You could begin by paraphrasing the two opinions, then stating in the thesis
what you will do:
Some people believe that it is acceptable for young children to undertake jobs that they are
paid for, whereas others believe that this is wrong and should be illegal. This essay will
discuss both sides of the issue.
Example 2: Another possible way to do it is by having a sentence to introduce the topic
first, and then paraphrasing the two opinions to make them your thesis:
At present, more and more young children are becoming involved in paid work. Whilst
some people are of the opinion that this is an entirely acceptable practice, others believe
that this is completely wrong and should be made illegal.
a. Writing about Two Opinions
Some questions ask you specifically to discuss two opinions and to give your opinion.
 Some people think that young children should be allowed to do paid work, while
others think that this should be illegal. Discuss both opinions and give your opinion.

Example 3: Or of course you could modify this slightly to include your opinion:
At present, more and more young children are becoming involved in paid work. Whilst some
people are of the opinion that this is an entirely acceptable practice, I believe that this is
completely wrong and should be made illegal.
b. Agreeing or Disagreeing
Another type of question is when you are asked to agree or disagree with one opinion.
 Currently there is a trend towards the use of alternative forms of medicine. However,
at best these methods are ineffective, and at worst they may be dangerous. To what
extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Example 1: A thesis statement that agrees with the opinion:

Alternative medicine is not new. It is accepted that it pre-dates conventional medicine and
it is still used by many people all over the world. However, I strongly believe that this
form of medicine does not work and is possibly a danger to those using it.

Example 2: A thesis statement that disagrees with the opinion:

Alternative medicine is not new. It is accepted that it pre-dates conventional medicine and
it is still used by many people all over the world. I am unconvinced that it is dangerous,
and feel that both alternative and conventional medicine can be useful.
b. Agreeing or Disagreeing
Another type of question is when you are asked to agree or disagree with one opinion.
 Currently there is a trend towards the use of alternative forms of medicine. However,
at best these methods are ineffective, and at worst they may be dangerous. To what
extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Example 3: A thesis statement that partly agrees with the opinion:

Alternative medicine is not new. It is accepted that it pre-dates conventional medicine and
it is still used by many people all over the world. I agree that for certain conditions this
type of medicine is ineffective and could even be dangerous, but for some illnesses it is a
good alternative choice.
c. Advantages and Disadvantages:
 In order to solve traffic problems, governments should tax private car owners heavily
and use the money to improve public transportation. What are the advantages and
disadvantages of such a solution?

Example: Traffic congestion in many cities around the world is severe. One possible
solution to this problem is to impose heavy taxes on car drivers and use this money to
make public transport better. This essay will discuss the benefits and drawbacks of such
a measure.
3. Outline statement
Tell the examiner what you will discuss in the main body paragraphs
 you will outline what the examiner will read in the rest of the essay. This
should be one sentence only.
Question: There is a good deal of evidence that increasing car use is contributing to
global warming and having other undesirable effects on people’s health and well-
being.
Outline statement: Firstly, this essay will discuss the production of greenhouse gases by
vehicles and secondly, it will discuss other toxic chemicals released by internal combustion
engines.
Practice: Choose a topic, write an introduction, plan the body with 2 or 3 paragraphs
1. Learning to manage money is one of the key aspects to adult life. How in your view can
individuals best learn to manage their money?
2. According to a recent study, the more time people use the Internet, the less time they
spend with real human beings. Some people say that instead of seeing the Internet as a
way of opening up new communication possibilities world wide, we should be concerned
about the effect this is having on social interaction. How far do you agree with this
opinion?
3. Unemployment has become an increasing problem in the recent past. What factors
contribute to an increase in unemployment and what steps can be taken to solve the
problem?
4. All high school students should be encouraged to take part in community service
programs. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
5. As computers are being used more and more in education, there will
soon be no role for the teacher in the classroom. To what extent do you agree or disagree?