When writing the introduction of an IELTS essay there are two steps that need to be taken. Paraphrase the task question and write a Thesis Statement. If the question asks for an opinion then it must be in the thesis statement. It depends on the type of essay you are writing as they are not all the same. It is advisable to write a thesis in the introduction for every type of essay. A good thesis statement can help you get a good band score in task response in the writing section.
The thesis statement tells the examiner what the essay is going to be about and the conclusion of the essay paraphrases the thesis statement. Some teachers have other views and say that a thesis statement is not needed. There are different approaches to writing an IELTS essay. If you have 10 IELTS teachers in a room there will most likely be 10 different opinions on the matter.
In my opinion, a thesis statement is logical and shows the reader what to expect in the rest of the essay. However, do not confuse Thesis statements with memorised outline sentences. See this link here about that.
What exactly is a thesis statement?
‘A thesis statement tells the reader what your essay is going to be about in one or two sentences. It usually includes your opinion or states your position’
Top Tips:
Don’t use rhetorical questions in the thesis. The thesis statement is not a question.
Make it clear what you are going to write about briefly (1 or 2 sentences)
If it’s an opinion essay, give 2 reasons for your opinion in the thesis statement.
The thesis statement comes after paraphrasing the question.
Do notwrite an outline sentence, these look like a cliche and memorised. Examiners are trained to spot memorised phrases, for instance: ‘ This essay would like to explore reasons for this in more detail’
For each essay type this is what should be in the Thesis statement:
1. Opinion essays: write 2 reasons for your opinion.
2. Advantage disadvantage essays: state the advantage and the disadvantage,
3. Problem solution essays: briefly state 1 or 2 problems and possible solutions. 4. Discussion essays: after paraphrasing both sides of the argument, give your opinion with a reason why you hold that view.
5. Two part question essays: answer the 1st question then answer the 2nd question briefly.
First you have to identify what kind of essay it is.
The first step before you begin to write is to make sure you understand the question, then identify what kind of essay this will be. There are 5 variations on an IELTS discursive essayclick here to see a lesson on this.
Click here to see how to write a good introduction to a Problem Solution essay.
1. Discussion essay.
Here you need to paraphrase both views and then state your opinion. You can agree with one side of the argument when you give your opinion but do not give two different opinions. You must write about the other side of the argument but you have to stick with your opinion on the matter.
This is the Paraphrased introduction with a Thesis statement.
A number of people believe serious crimes need to have a set punishment, whereas others argue that the situation of the crime must be considered. I agree that the circumstances of the crime itself should be taken into account because every case is different.
Thesis Statement: ‘I agree that the circumstances of the crime itself should be taken into account because every case is different’
It is important to give a brief reason for your view, the body paragraphs should expand on this. The examiner can clearly see your position in the introduction. In this essay, my position is that every case is different and a prison sentence would not be appropriate.
Note: For a more academic feel, rather than using a personal pronoun to state your opinion, you could state your position like this below:
This essay agrees that the circumstances of the crime itself should be taken into account because every case is different.
2. Opinon essay.
Again you need to paraphrase the question and then clearly agree or disagree, remember to choose just one side.. the words: ‘To what extent do you agree or disagree’ means how much do you agree/disagree, or how far do you agree/disagree. You should mention the other side of the argument but stick to your own opinion. Balanced essays do not necessarily get a higher band score.
Give 2 reasons for your view in the thesis statement here. This is the Paraphrased introduction with a Thesis statement:
It is argued that society would be better off if every type of advertising was prohibited. I disagree that all advertising should be disallowed as this policy would not benefit society and would negatively impact the economy.
Thesis statement: ‘I disagree that all advertising should be disallowed as this policy would not benefit society and would negatively impact the economy.’
In this thesis statement I have clearly stated why I hold the opinion that advertising should not be banned with 2 reasons (no benefit to society and bad for the economy) Remember to keep the introduction to under 55 words or it will be too long.
As mentioned before, you can use a more academic way to state your view, such as:
This essay disagrees that all advertising should be disallowed because this policy would not benefit society and would have a negative impact on the economy.
3. Advantages disadvantages essay.
In this question I will choose one advantage and one disadvantage. You can still get a good score with just one of each. Notice that this question is not asking for an opinion. Take a look at my thesis statement below. I cover one advantage and one disadvantage which I will then explain more in the main body paragraphs.
This is the Paraphrased introduction with a Thesis statement:
In recent times, people can reside wherever they want in the world because of the progress that has made in technology and transport. The main advantage is the career opportunities that a person can get outside their own country, while a possible downside would be the stress of adjusting to living in a different culture.
Thesis statement: ‘The main advantage is the career opportunities that a person can get outside their own country, while a possible downside would be the stress of adjusting to living in a different culture.’
Try keeping the whole introduction under 55 words as you don’t want it to look like a body paragraph. You can write about 2 advantages and 2 disadvantages, but you need to keep the introduction concise.
Another method is to just refer to the advantage and state the disadvantage, such as:
In recent times, people can reside wherever they want in the world because of the progress that has made in technology and transport. Although there are advantages, the downside would be the stress of adjusting to living in a different culture.’
This allows you to keep the thesis statement concise especially if you want to cover two advantages (or disadvantages)
4. Advantages disadvantages outweigh essay (this needs your opinion).
This type of advantage disadvantage essay is special because it asks ‘Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?’. This means you have to write about what side you think is stronger and reflect that in the essay and also in the thesis statement. You need to state an opinion here.
This is the Paraphrased introduction with a Thesis statement:
Some experts argue that children should study a new language at primary school as opposed to secondary school. This essay agrees that the advantages are stronger than the disadvantages because youngsters pick up and master new languages much easier than at a high school age.
Thesis statement:‘This essay agrees that the advantages are stronger than the disadvantages because youngsters pick up and master new languages much easier than at a high school age.’
I have underlined the reason for my opinion here. Giving a reason for your opinion is important in a thesis statement. The introduction is 44 words long so that will be fine. Remember to also address the other side of the issue in the main body paragraphs, the side you think is weaker.
Another method here is to use this style which is very concise at 32 words but it does not contain a reason for my view.
Some experts argue that youngsters should study a new language at primary school as opposed to secondary school. In my view, the advantages of younger children learning new languages outweigh the disadvantages.
5. Problem solution / causes solution essay.
You can go with one problem and one solution here or 2 of each. The only issue with a 2 problem 2 solution essay is that it will be very long at over 300 words. Click the blue button below to see it.
People living in large cities have to deal with many issues in their day to day lives. The main problems people face are high rental costs and overcrowding. Some possible solutions would be to build more affordable housing and more green spaces.
Thesis statement: ‘The main problems people face are high rental costs and overcrowding. Some possible solutions would be to build more affordable housing and more green spaces.’
I have listed 2 problems high rents, overcrowding and 2 solutions affordable housing, green spaces . You can choose just one problem and one solution and that would be fine.
6. Two part question (direct question essay).
This is the Paraphrased introduction with a Thesis statement:
The world wide web is a huge source of knowledge which has created opportunities for people worldwide to study. However, not all information on the internet can be trusted, so the government needs to put measures in place to protect people from false information.
Thesis statement: ‘However, not all information on the internet can be trusted, so the government needs to put measures in place to protect people from false information.’
Two part question essays are sometimes called ‘Direct question’ essays. They consist of 2 direct questions in the task question. Sometimes they will ask for your opinion such as: Do you think….? or What do you think…?
If the question asks for the opinion then you must state it. You should briefly answer the 2 questions in the thesis statement then give more detail in the body paragraphs.
Here is a Discussion essay question where you have to give your opinion. Can you write a Thesis statement for it?
Some people believe that the best way to deal with heavy traffic in city centres is for privately owned vehicles to be banned, others however think this is not a realistic solution. Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.
Task question again:
Some people believe that the best way to deal with heavy traffic in city centres is for privately owned vehicles to be banned, others however think this is not a realistic solution. Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.
Paraphrased introduction:Some people argue that prohibiting private cars from city centres is the best way to tackle traffic congestion, whereas others say that this is unrealistic.
Thesis statement:I agree that private vehicles should be banned from city centres and more investment needs to be put into public transportation to alleviate traffic jams.
Full introduction with thesis statement:
Some people argue that prohibiting private cars from city centres is the best way to tackle traffic congestion, whereas others say that this is unrealistic. I agree that private vehicles should be banned from city centres and more investment needs to be put into public transportation to alleviate traffic jams.
IELTS essay introductions and thesis statements.
