IELTS Academic Task 2: How to write at a band 9 level

2.1

H ow to write an introduction paragraph

The introduction paragraph acts as a roadmap for the entire essay. In the case of
an argument essay, it declares the topic, the writer’s position on the topic, and the
supporting points that will be used to uphold and prove this position. Thus, when an
IELTS examiner reads the introduction to a essay, they should already know exactly
what the rest of the essay will look like.

Review the four sentences that appear in an argument essay’s introduction para-
graph:

• Background sentence

• Detailed background sentence

• Thesis

• Outline

To illustrate these sentences in action, this same essay question will be used:

Technology is becoming increasingly prevalent in the world today. In the

not too distant future, technology will completely replace the teacher in the
classroom. Do you agree or disagree with this statement?

The background sentence of the introduction paragraph declares something general

about the essay question’s topic. Typically, this sentence will paraphrase the mes-
sage delivered by the keywords and qualifying words. For example:

The use of technology is increasing rapidly in the modern world.

Here, a general sentence has been written about the nature of one of the main key-
words in the essay question: technology. The second sentence in the introduction

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IELTS Academic Task 2: How to write at a band 9 level

paragraph needs to narrow the focus of the essay further. In this instance, the can-
didate would connect the idea of increasing technological adoption with the class-
room. For instance:

Growing technological influence can even be seen in the classroom.

Now that the background sentences are finished and the essay has been narrowed
to the topics outlined in the essay question, it is time to compose a comprehensive
thesis. As explained, the thesis is the most important sentence in the entire essay
because it addresses the essay question directly. In this instance, the candidate
has been given the choice to support or refute a statement on technology’s role in
the future classroom. Choosing the position — support or refute — that is easiest to
write enhances the candidate’s chances of greater grammatical and lexical accuracy,
overall coherence and cohesion, and increased achievement of task, and in effect
helps establish a writing scenario within which the candidate is more likely to suc-
ceed. For candidates serious about maximising their band, the IELTS Writing exam is
not the place to take chances on a straddled position that tries to concurrently agree
and disagree.

To demonstrate how an effective thesis can simplify the writing process, review
what the essay question is in essence asking: will technology someday take the
place of a human teacher in the classroom?

What would this mean?

…students would learn entirely from computers

Is this likely?

…probably not

Why not?

…because a robotic teacher would not be able to discipline misbehaving students

…because a robotic teacher would be unable to cater to a student’s learning needs

…because a robotic teacher would not be capable of encouraging students as well as a

human

…because a robotic teacher’s classroom would be boring and difficult to learn from

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IELTS Academic Task 2: How to write at a band 9 level

Is it easier to agree or disagree with this statement?

…disagree!

With the easier position selected, the candidate can confidently write a fitting thesis:

I disagree that technology will completely replace human teachers in the foresee-
able future.

Following this declaration of position, the candidate needs to state what points they
will use for support. This is done in the fourth and final sentence in the introduction
paragraph: the outline sentence.

The outline sentence declares two points that will be used to uphold the thesis.
These points are expanded upon in the supporting paragraphs of the essay.

Supporting points should be selected based on how easily real-life examples can be
brainstormed. Here are two supporting ideas from the above brainstorm session and
a real-life example of each:

1. A robotic teacher would be unable to cater to a student’s learning needs.

Example: A robotic teacher cannot recognise human physical cues.

2. A technology-driven teacher would have difficulty encouraging students.

Example: Children learn better when emotionally connected to their teacher.

The outline sentence is formed by grouping these points and declaring a progression
for the essay:

Analysing the inability of a technology-driven teacher to both cater to student

learning needs and instil motivation will show this.

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IELTS Academic Task 2: How to write at a band 9 level

This marks the completion of the introduction paragraph. Here it is in its entirety:

The use of technology is increasing rapidly in the modern world. Growing technologi-
cal influence can even be seen in the classroom. Despite this, I disagree that tech-
nology will completely replace human teachers in the foreseeable future. Analysing
the inability of a technology-driven teacher to both cater to student learning needs
and instil motivation will show this.

As can be seen, anyone looking at this introduction paragraph knows exactly what
will be examined later in the essay. The introduction paragraph introduces the can-
didate’s topic in the background sentences, presents the candidate’s argument in the
thesis, and declares the supporting ideas in the outline sentence. To an examiner, an
introduction like this clearly defines the candidate’s position and plan for progres-
sion through the rest of the essay and establishes the link between the essay and the
essay question.

Try it yourself!
Look at the essay questions below. If the question permits, brainstorm points that
support and points that refute. Then choose to agree or disagree based on which es-
say would be easier to write. Finally, write the introduction paragraph for each essay.

Of all public transportation options, a metro is the most convenient way to

get around a large city. Do you agree or disagree?

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IELTS Academic Task 2: How to write at a band 9 level

The world’s wealthiest countries have increasingly been outsourcing la-

bour-related jobs to cheaper alternatives in other nations. Write an essay
supporting the case for the outsourcing of labour.

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Many people feel violent media encourages real-life violence among young
people. What do you think causes young people to behave violently?

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IELTS Academic Task 2: How to write at a band 9 level

More than one university degree is required to get ahead in many profes-
sions today. In the future, it is likely that people will attain a number of
degrees before even starting work. Respond to this argument.

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Try it yourself! (Answers)

Of all public transportation options, a metro is the most convenient way to

get around a large city. Do you agree or disagree?

Population dense cities around the world require developed transportation systems
for public mobility. Underground rail has proved to be a very effective example of one
such system. I agree that a metro is the most convenient way to get around a city.
This will be shown by looking at a how a metro seamlessly blends into a city’s infra-
structure and allows the rider to avoid traffic.

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