Short answer: a strong Task 2 introduction is just two sentences — paraphrase the question in your own words, then state your position (your thesis). Keep it around 40–50 words. Its only job is to answer the question directly and set up your body paragraphs.
✍️ Open Typehush and practise introductions on real Task 2 questions →Sentence 1 — Paraphrase. Restate the question in different words. Change the vocabulary and the sentence structure, but keep the meaning identical. Never copy the prompt — copied words are ignored by the examiner and don't count toward your total.
Sentence 2 — Thesis. State your answer to the question clearly. For an opinion essay, say how far you agree. For a discussion essay, signal that you will look at both sides and give your view. This sentence is the most important in the whole introduction: a vague or missing position is the number-one reason strong essays stall at Band 6.5.
An optional third sentence can briefly outline the two ideas your body paragraphs will cover, but it is not required.
Question: Some people think children should start school at a very early age. Others believe they should not start until they are older. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Introduction: "There is ongoing debate about whether formal education should begin in the first years of childhood or be delayed until children are more mature. While early schooling can build useful routines, I believe children benefit more from starting somewhat later, once they are ready to learn effectively."
Notice the question is fully paraphrased ("start school at a very early age" → "formal education should begin in the first years of childhood") and the position is unmistakable.
Don't paraphrase every single word — forcing a synonym for a technical term ("the internet," "climate change") often makes it worse. Paraphrase the frame, keep the essentials.
The common errors are all avoidable: copying the question word-for-word; writing a long, general background paragraph ("Since the beginning of time, education has been important…") that says nothing; and hiding your opinion so the examiner can't tell what you think. Keep it short, specific, and decisive. Two sentences that clearly answer the question beat five that circle it.
The introduction should take you two or three minutes, not eight. You get there by writing dozens of them until the paraphrase-then-thesis move is automatic. A fast, efficient way is to read high-band model introductions and type them, feeling how each one restates the question and commits to a position — then reproduce the pattern on a fresh question. On the computer test, a tight two-sentence introduction also protects your pacing, leaving more of the 40 minutes for the body paragraphs that carry your argument.
The two-sentence formula stays the same, but your thesis changes shape with the prompt. For an opinion (agree/disagree) question, state how far you agree — partially, completely, or not at all — and commit to it. For a discussion question, signal that you will examine both views and then give your own. For a problem–solution question, your second sentence can preview that you will identify the main causes and propose realistic responses. For an advantages–disadvantages question, indicate whether you think the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. In every case the reader should finish your introduction knowing exactly what the essay will argue. That clarity is what examiners mean by a clear position, and it is worth far more than an elegant opening line that leaves your stance ambiguous.
Type all 156 Cambridge Band 6–8 model essays with live word count →About 40–50 words, usually two sentences: a paraphrase of the question and your thesis. Keep it short so you save time for the body paragraphs.
Yes, for opinion and discussion essays state your position clearly in the introduction and keep it consistent through to the conclusion.
No. Copied text is ignored by the examiner and does not count toward your word total, so always paraphrase the prompt in your own words.
No. A general background sentence usually adds words without adding meaning. A paraphrase plus a clear thesis is enough for Band 9.
Typehush — practise typing high-band IELTS model essays for the computer-based Writing test. Start practising · Model-essay library · Task 2 conclusion · Paraphrasing