The 3-Sentence Formula for a Band 9 IELTS Introduction

Your introduction is the first impression you make on the IELTS examiner. A strong introduction sets the tone for your entire essay, demonstrates a clear understanding of the question, and provides a roadmap for your response. A weak or unfocused introduction, on the other hand, can lead to a lack of clarity and a lower band score before the examiner has even read your main points.

But how do you write a powerful introduction in just a few minutes, under exam pressure? The secret is a simple yet effective 3-sentence formula that can be adapted to any IELTS Writing Task 2 question.

The Formula for a High-Scoring Introduction

Sentence 1: The Paraphrase

First, show the examiner you have understood the question by rephrasing it in your own words. This involves more than just changing a few words; it’s about rephrasing the entire concept using synonyms and a different sentence structure.

Example Question: “Some people believe that unpaid community service should be a compulsory part of high school programmes. To what extent do you agree or disagree?”

Paraphrased Sentence: “It is sometimes argued that volunteering should be made a mandatory component of the secondary school curriculum.”

Sentence 2: The Thesis Statement

This is the most important sentence of your introduction. It is a clear and direct answer to the question, stating your position. Don’t be vague – the examiner needs to know exactly what you think.

Thesis Statement Example: “I completely agree that high school students would benefit greatly from being required to participate in unpaid work for their local communities.”

Sentence 3: The Outline Sentence

Finally, briefly outline the main points you will use to support your thesis in the body paragraphs. This shows that your essay has a logical structure.

Outline Sentence Example: “This essay will argue that such a policy not only enhances students’ personal development but also strengthens community bonds.”

Putting It All Together: A Model Introduction

Let’s see how these three sentences combine to create a concise, coherent, and high-scoring introduction:

“It is sometimes argued that volunteering should be made a mandatory component of the secondary school curriculum. I completely agree that high school students would benefit greatly from being required to participate in unpaid work for their local communities. This essay will argue that such a policy not only enhances students’ personal development but also strengthens community bonds.”

This introduction successfully addresses the prompt, presents a clear position, and outlines the structure of the essay, all in just 48 words.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Being too general: Avoid vague opening statements like “Technology is a very important part of our lives.” Get straight to the point.
• Not stating a clear position: The examiner should not have to search for your opinion. State it clearly in your thesis.
• Memorising introductions: Examiners are trained to spot memorised phrases. Always tailor your introduction to the specific question asked.

Your Next Step: Practice

Mastering this 3-sentence formula will give you the confidence to write a strong introduction for any IELTS Writing Task 2 question. Of course, the key to making this technique second nature is practice.

To put this formula to the test and get valuable, timed practice on a wide range of essay topics, try our IELTS mock test app. It’s the perfect environment to hone your writing skills and build the confidence you need to achieve your target score.