IELTS Writing Task 2

Funnel Introductions  ·  Module 1 · Lesson 1

What an introduction has to do

An IELTS introduction is short — about 40 to 50 words, three sentences. Its job is simple: show the examiner you understood the question, and tell the examiner what you are going to argue.

The funnel: wide to narrow

Strong introductions move from a broad statement about the topic, to a focused restatement of the question, to a sharp position. That shape — wide opening, narrow ending — is called a funnel.

1. General statement about the topic
2. Paraphrase of the question
3. Your position + 2 reasons

Worked example

Question: Some people believe that schools should focus on academic subjects only. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Funnel introduction:

The role of schools in shaping young people has long been the subject of debate.
Some commentators argue that schools should restrict themselves to traditional academic study, while others believe a broader curriculum is essential.
This essay strongly disagrees with the academic-only view, both because non-academic subjects build essential life skills and because they support the wellbeing that academic study itself depends on.

[48 words — click each sentence to see its function]

Discuss:

Why does the examiner want a paraphrase of the question rather than a direct copy? What does copying the question signal?

Paraphrasing — say it differently

Copying the question word-for-word is the single most common mistake in IELTS introductions. The examiner wants to see your own English, not theirs. Three techniques will get you most of the way:

The three paraphrase moves:

1. Swap words for synonyms — "children" → "young people"; "important" → "essential"
2. Change the word class — "the government should regulate..." → "regulation by the government..."
3. Restructure the sentence — turn "Do you agree?" into "Some argue that... while others..."

Common paraphrase swaps

Click each card to see useful synonyms for words that turn up in IELTS questions all the time.

people / children young people, individuals, adolescents, the public, citizens
"Many people believe..." → "Many individuals hold the view that..."
important / good essential, crucial, beneficial, valuable, vital, significant
"It is important that..." → "It is essential that..."
think / believe argue, claim, hold the view, maintain, contend, suggest
"Some people think..." → "Some commentators argue that..."
should ought to, are required to, must, have a duty to, need to
"Schools should teach..." → "Schools have a duty to teach..."
nowadays / these days in recent decades, in the modern era, today, in contemporary society
"Nowadays, technology..." → "In recent decades, technology..."
problem issue, concern, challenge, difficulty, drawback
"This is a problem because..." → "This is a serious concern because..."
help support, enable, facilitate, contribute to, assist, foster
"Sport helps young people..." → "Sport enables young people to..."
because since, as, owing to the fact that, given that, due to
"...because it is cheaper" → "...given that it is more affordable"

Paraphrase practice

Rewrite each question sentence in your own words. Then compare with the model paraphrase.

Original: Many people believe that children should learn a foreign language at primary school.
It is widely argued that young learners should be introduced to a second language during their early years of education.
Original: Some people think that the government should pay for healthcare and education.
A common view is that funding for medical services and schooling should be the responsibility of the state.
Original: In many countries, children spend a lot of time watching television and playing computer games.
In numerous parts of the world, young people devote a substantial portion of their day to screens, whether watching programmes or playing video games.

Discuss:

Which of the three paraphrase moves do you find easiest? Which is hardest? Why?

The thesis sentence — your position, sharply

The third sentence of the introduction tells the examiner exactly what you are going to argue. It does two things: states your position, and signposts the two reasons you will develop in the body. A vague or wishy-washy thesis costs you marks across all four criteria.

The thesis formula:

This essay [position] the view that [paraphrased claim], both because [reason 1] and because [reason 2].

Phrases for stating a position

Avoid "I think" — it sounds informal and weak. Use phrases that sound like an essay, not a chat. Click each card to see usage.

This essay strongly agrees that… Direct, confident, formal. Use when the question asks "to what extent do you agree or disagree?"
This essay will argue that… Useful for opinion essays where you take one side. Sets up a clear position before the body paragraphs.
In my view, … A short, clean way to introduce your opinion. More formal than "I think" but still personal.
It is my firm conviction that… Strong, formal, slightly literary. Use sparingly — once per essay maximum.
While there is some merit in [view], it is clear that… A "partial agreement" opener. Use when you mostly agree but want to acknowledge the other side.
This essay will discuss both views before concluding that… For "discuss both views and give your own opinion" essays. Signals the structure you will follow.

Build a thesis

Each transform below gives you a position; your job is to extend it with two reasons. Reveal the model after you've drafted your own.

Question: University education should be free for all students. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
→ Write a thesis using "This essay strongly agrees that..."
This essay strongly agrees that university education should be funded by the state, both because it widens access for talented students from poorer backgrounds and because a more educated population produces clear long-term economic benefits.
Question: Some people think working from home is better than working in an office. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
→ Write a thesis using "While there is some merit in..."
While there is some merit in the flexibility that home working provides, this essay argues that office-based work remains more effective overall, both because face-to-face collaboration drives stronger team performance and because separating home and work supports better mental health.
Question: Some people think that the best way to reduce traffic congestion is to increase the price of fuel. Others believe that there are better ways to solve the problem. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
→ Write a thesis using "This essay will discuss both views before concluding that..."
This essay will discuss both views before concluding that, although fuel pricing has a role to play, the most effective long-term solution lies in serious investment in public transport, both because it offers a genuine alternative to private cars and because it tackles the underlying cause of congestion rather than punishing individual drivers.

Discuss:

What is the difference between a "weak" thesis and a "strong" one? Can a thesis be too long?

Three introductions — rank them

All three introductions below answer the same question. Read them carefully, decide which is strongest, which is weakest, and which is in the middle. Then check the analysis.

Question:

Some people believe that the best way to reduce crime is to give longer prison sentences. Others believe that there are better alternative ways to reduce crime. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Discuss:

What single change would lift the weak introduction to "middle"? What single change would lift the middle introduction to "strong"?

Write a funnel introduction

Choose one of the questions below. Write a three-sentence funnel introduction: general statement, paraphrase, position with two reasons. Aim for 40–55 words. The timer below gives you eight minutes to practise. In the exam, aim to write your introduction in about five.

Choose one question:

▸ Some people believe that mobile phones should be banned in schools. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

▸ In many countries today, people in cities live in flats rather than houses. Some think this is a positive trend. Others think it is negative. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

▸ It is widely believed that international tourism has done more harm than good to the countries that receive it. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

08:00

Introduction checklist: