IELTS WRITING TASK 2,
PART 2
Topic Sentences, Generating Ideas, and the Introduction
TOPIC SENTENCES
Topic + 1 Aspect + a main verb and/or noun
Topic sentences function like linkers – they help clarify the whole focus of a paragraph for the reader.
The whole essay has only one topic, so we must include that in order to be very clear what we are
discussing.
Each paragraph discusses one aspect of the topic, so we will tell the reader which aspect this
particular paragraph will be addressing.
Our main body paragraphs have several points, so we should be ready to use a main verb and a
clear noun to help the reader classify our ideas or points. If the aspect is already a noun, one does not
need to be added.
The main verb keeps our sentence from reading like a note.
WRONG - Problems caused with smoking. (no main verb)
ACCEPTABLE - There are many problems caused by smoking. (main verb: are)
Here is an example.
Topic: Smoking
Aspects: Problems caused by/Solutions to help reduce smoking
Instructions: Problem/Solution essay
Topic sentence1: There are many serious issues caused by widespread tobacco use.
The reader will expect to read about several of these issues (noun) in our paragraph. Tobacco use is a
paraphrase of “smoking” in this case.
Topic sentence 2: There are several ways to discourage smoking in societies.
We could use the word “solutions” to indicate the ideas we are about to present, but I used the noun
“ways”. The reader knows they are going to read about several “ways”, due to the clear noun.
Composing topic sentences is possible even before writing the introduction. You simply need to
analyze the question to know what you will be writing about. Once you know the topic and both
aspects, writing the topic sentence can help focus your brainstorming.
Topic sentence do not need to be fancy. Remember, they are like linkers. They are guiding the reader
to a clear understanding of what comes next.
Primarily, they are extremely helpful to the examiner. Most of the time, IELTS candidates do not explain
what they are trying to say. With their language problems, this can make it very difficult for the
examiner to even understand their intention for their paragraphs.
Let’s use some of yesterday’s homework (question
analysis) to form some good clear topic sentences.
• Nowadays many children are playing computer • Over consuming sugar is unhealthy. Some people think that the
games instead of doing sports activities. Why is it government should take responsibility to control it. Others think that
happening? Is it a negative or positive development? individuals should take responsibility of sugar intake. What is your
opinion on this? Discuss both views.
• These days, mobile phones and the internet are very
important to the ways in which people relate to one • All the people in a company should be treated equally and provided
another socially. Do the advantages of this with the same number of vacation leaves per year. To what extent do
development outweigh the disadvantages? you agree or disagree with this?
• Many people believe that it’s better to learn • Some people believe that children should be given lessons on how to
something in a group rather than individually. Do you manage money in the school. To what extent do you agree or
agree or disagree? disagree?
• Some people think that men are naturally more • Some people believe that the museums and historic sites should be
competitive than women. To what extent do you open for free for children under 18 years old. To what extent do you
agree or disagree? agree or disagree?
• Weddings are more expensive in many countries • While recruiting a new employee, the employer should pay more
comparison present and past. What is the reason attention to their personal qualities, rather than qualifications and
behind this? Is this a positive or a negative experience. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Give your
development? opinion and include relevant examples.
• Scientists believe that in order to protect the • Computer games and films containing violence are popular today.
environment, people must use less energy in their Some people think that these are harmful for our society and the
daily lives. However, most people have not changed government should ban them. Others argue that such games and
the way they live. Why do you think many people films are fine for entertainment. Discuss both views and give your
have not taken individual action? What could be opinion.
done to encourage them to take action?
GENERATING IDEAS
Broad vs. Narrow
Ideas for IELTS essays need to be understandable to any educated reader. This means you should use
the broadest possible reasoning. Try to use ideas that effect the most people, or have a wide scope.
For instance – what are the drawbacks of owning a car?
Narrow reason – gas and servicing are expensive
Broad reason – more individuals owning cars increases environmental degradation and destroys the
planet.
The narrow reason is not incorrect, and you can absolutely get a Band 9 using it. But as a general rule
you should focus on arguing for the broadest reasons in order to ensure that you “cover the topic”.
Covering the topic fully is the most important part of the Task Response score.
WRITING THE
INTRODUCTION
• General statement
• Two aspects
• Opinion
Introductions and Conclusions are fairly easy to write. Do not approach them like a novelist trying to
find a “hook” for the reader. This is an academic essay, so your goal is to prove or argue something,
not to amaze the reader with your mind-bending creativity.
Open with a general statement. The IELTS writing questions often begin with these types of statements.
You can learn their style by reading lots of writing task questions.
Many people…
Generally…
In the modern world…
Technology is…
Simply mention the topic that you are going to be discussing. A general statement should be
something that nobody disagrees with.
Example – “Technology is an important part of modern life in every country in the world.”
Next, you need to introduce the aspects your essay will be discussing. The aspects are often in
opposition to each other, so contrasting connectors are useful.
However, although, whereas, while…
Example – “While some people praise our current level of technological development, others argue
that it is having a harmful effect on many aspects of our lives.”
Finish your introduction by including an opinion statement.
If you are writing about a disagreement (for an opinion type essay), you will need to pick a side.
Example - “In my opinion, technology is a primary source for many of the most serious problems the
world is facing.”
If you are writing about two viewpoints in a balanced way, you can express a more neutral opinion.
Example – “I think there are many advantages and disadvantages to studying in another country.”
If you are writing about problems and solutions, you can say that you believe some solutions are
possible.
Example – “In my opinion, careful consideration and collective effort might reduce these problems in
the future.”
An Introduction:
Technology is an important part of modern life in every country in the world. While some people praise
our current level of technological development, others argue that it is having a harmful effect on
many aspects of our lives. In my opinion, technology is a primary source for many of the most serious
problems the world is facing.
