Task 2 – introductions and conclusions

How to write a two-sentence introduction with a clear thesis and a concise conclusion for each IELTS Writing Task 2 essay type, with models and mistakes to avoid.

The introduction and conclusion together should take about a fifth of your words and less of your time. Their job is simple: the introduction tells the reader what the essay is about and what you think; the conclusion confirms it. Written well, they frame the essay and make your position unmistakable, which is exactly what the Task Response criterion rewards.

The introduction: two moves

Aim for 40–55 words. Anything longer takes time from the body, where the marks for development are earned.

Move 1: paraphrase the statement

Use the same techniques as in Task 1: synonyms, changed word forms and changed structure. Keep the meaning and the limits of the original.

Question: In many countries, a growing number of employees now work from home for all or part of the week.

Background sentence: Until recently, working from home was a privilege enjoyed by a small minority, but improvements in technology have made it an ordinary part of life for millions of office workers.

This does more than swap words: it gives a little context. That is ideal, but a straightforward paraphrase is perfectly acceptable:

In recent years, it has become increasingly common for people to do their jobs from home, at least on some days of the week.

Avoid openings that could begin any essay ever written: ✗ ‘In today’s modern world, there are many controversial issues.’ ✗ ‘Since the dawn of time, humans have…’ They add nothing and sound memorised.

Move 2: the thesis statement

The thesis is the most important sentence in your essay. It answers the question directly.

Opinion (agree/disagree)

While I accept that traditional retail is under real pressure, I disagree that town centres will die, and I believe governments should help them to adapt rather than try to hold back the change.

Simpler alternatives:

• I completely agree with this view, for two main reasons.
• In my opinion, this proposal would do more harm than good.
• Although there is some truth in this, I believe that…

Discussion (both views + opinion)

Some argue that universities exist chiefly to supply the workforce with qualified graduates, whereas others defend the right of students to follow their curiosity. In my view, both aims are legitimate, but freedom of choice should not be sacrificed to short-term economic needs.

Here the background and the two views are combined, and the opinion follows. Stating your opinion in the introduction is not compulsory in a discussion essay, but it is strongly advisable: it guarantees a clear position ‘throughout’.

Advantages / disadvantages (outweigh)

Although this change brings certain problems, I believe they are outweighed by the benefits, particularly when home working is combined with regular days in the office.

Problem / solution

This essay will examine the main reasons for the decline in physical activity and suggest several ways in which it could be reversed.

For questions that do not ask for an opinion, an outline thesis like this one is appropriate.

Two-part question

This trend is mainly the result of longer working hours and the influence of advertising, and in my view it is a largely negative development.

Answer both questions briefly, in the order they are asked.

‘I’ or no ‘I’?

When a question asks for your opinion, use the first person: I believe, In my view, I would argue that. It is clear and natural, and it is what the task requires. Avoid ✗ ‘In my personal opinion, I think’ (three ways of saying the same thing) and the pompous ✗ ‘This essay shall elucidate’.

Model introductions with comments

Question: In many countries, children and teenagers are far less physically active than young people were in the past. What are the causes of this problem, and what measures could be taken to deal with it?

Health experts in many parts of the world are concerned that young people now spend most of their waking hours sitting down. This essay will examine the main reasons for the decline in physical activity and suggest several ways in which it could be reversed. (45 words)

• ‘far less physically active’ → ‘spend most of their waking hours sitting down’ (explanation instead of synonym)
• Both tasks are announced: reasons and ways.

Question: Some people believe that the best way to reduce traffic in cities is to make public transport free. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Congestion is a serious problem in most large cities, and one frequently suggested remedy is to abolish fares on buses and trains. Although this would certainly attract some drivers, I do not believe it is the most effective solution, because the cost of a ticket is rarely the main reason people choose to drive. (55 words)

• The limiting phrase ‘the best way’ is addressed: ‘not the most effective solution’.
• The thesis gives the position and the central reason, which previews the argument.

The conclusion: one or two sentences

The conclusion does two things:

1. Restates your position (in different words from the thesis).
2. Summarises the main reasons, very briefly.

It should be 25–40 words. Begin with a clear signal: In conclusion, To conclude, To sum up, On balance, Overall.

In conclusion, online shopping is transforming town centres rather than destroying them. Governments do have a role to play, but it is to ease that transformation, not to prevent it.

In conclusion, young people have become inactive because both their leisure and their surroundings have changed. Only a combination of action by schools, local government and families is likely to get them moving again.

On balance, I believe the supposed conflict is exaggerated… Students can then make an informed decision for themselves. (Here the writer’s opinion paragraph also serves as the conclusion.)

What a conclusion must not do

• Introduce a new idea or argument. If it is important, it belongs in the body.
• Contradict the introduction.
• Repeat the thesis word for word.
• Apologise or hedge everything away: ✗ ‘This is only my opinion and everyone is different.’
• End with a slogan or question: ✗ ‘So, what will our future be? Only time will tell.’

A final recommendation or prediction is acceptable if it follows directly from your argument: ‘Unless such steps are taken, the problem is likely to grow.’

If you are running out of time

A missing conclusion harms your score for coherence and can leave your position unclear. If you have two minutes left and an unfinished body paragraph, stop and write the conclusion. One sentence is enough:

In conclusion, for the reasons given above, I firmly believe that the benefits of this development outweigh its drawbacks.

Paraphrasing between thesis and conclusion

Same idea, fresh words. This shows range and avoids the impression of copying yourself.

A quick checklist

Introduction

• Does the first sentence introduce the specific topic of the question (not a general one)?
• Is the statement paraphrased, not copied?
• Does the thesis answer the question that was asked?
• If the question has two parts or two claims, are both covered?
• Is it under about 55 words?

Conclusion

• Does it begin with a clear signal?
• Does it give the same position as the introduction?
• Does it avoid new ideas?
• Is it one or two sentences?

Try it

Write an introduction for this question, then compare.

Some people think that governments should spend money on exploring space. Others believe this money should be used to solve problems on Earth. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Possible answer: Space programmes cost billions, and opinion is divided over whether such spending can be justified while poverty and disease remain widespread. Although I understand the argument that urgent needs at home should come first, I believe that a modest investment in space research brings benefits that more than repay its cost. (52 words)

Key points

• Introduction = paraphrased background + thesis, in about 50 words.
• The thesis answers the question directly and covers every part of it.
• Use ‘I’ when your opinion is requested.
• Conclusion = position restated + reasons summarised, in one or two sentences, with nothing new.
• Never finish without a conclusion.

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