After teaching IELTS for almost 11 years (yep, it’s been that long! 😅), I’ve checked more than a thousand IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. And there’s one small—but mighty—thing I keep seeing that could be costing you Band 8 in Writing Task 2.
It’s something simple. So simple that most learners think they’ve nailed it… but they haven’t. And that sneaky little thing is:
👉 The Introduction.
Let’s talk about it 💬
“But Huyen, I do know how to write the introduction!”
Yes, you do know the structure of the introduction. You’ve got it down: paraphrase the task, and give your thesis (or core idea). 🎯
But here’s the thing…
Most people stop at the structure.
And that’s exactly where they go wrong.
Because knowing the structure is not necessarily the same as making a strong first impression.
Why Your Introduction Matters So Much
Remember, the introduction is:
✅ The first thing you write
✅ The first thing the examiner reads
So if it’s weak or vague, the whole essay starts on the wrong foot. 🙈
And over the years, I’ve noticed two major mistakes that keep showing up in clients’ introductions. Let me break them down 👇
Mistake #1: Lazy Paraphrasing 😴
Let me show you an actual IELTS Writing Task 2 question that my client got (and it’s been reported by many others too):
Many museums charge for admission while others are free. Do you think the advantages of charging people for admission to museums outweigh the disadvantages?
Now, here’s how many candidates paraphrase this:
While some museums charge money for admission, some others are free of charge.
See the problem? It’s basically the same sentence with just a few words changed. The paraphrasing is minimal, and examiners can spot that a mile away. 🚨
Mistake #2: Vague Thesis Statement 😕
Next up—the thesis statement.
Here’s what many people write:
In my opinion, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.
Sounds familiar? 😬
The problem? You could literally copy-paste that sentence into any essay. It gives no topic-specific information and does nothing to show your understanding of the topic.
Let’s Fix It! 💪
So what should a Band 8-worthy introduction look like?
🛠️ Step 1: Put more effort into paraphrasing
🛠️ Step 2: Add clear, topic-specific ideas to your thesis
Here’s how I rewrote the same introduction:
In the contemporary world, a perpetual debate surrounds the practice of charging admission fees at museums, with some advocating for free access while others argue in favor of charging. Personally, I firmly believe that the advantages of implementing admission fees overshadow the disadvantages.
See the difference? 💥
✅ Paraphrased with meaningful changes
✅ Clear thesis that introduces your opinion
✅ Topic-specific vocabulary like “admission fees” in the thesis statement.
That’s how you impress the examiner right from the start! 🌟
What You Can Do Next 🚀
Next time you write IELTS Writing Task 2 essays, pay extra attention to your introduction. Ask yourself:
❓ Did I paraphrase in my own words?
❓ Did I include a topic-specific thesis?
❓ Would this make the examiner want to read more?
Still unsure? 🤔
✅ You can get 50% off my detailed evaluations (Upload your writing here or take a free test here)
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