Your introduction is the first thing the examiner reads and the last thing you should overthink. It does two jobs: it shows you understood the question by paraphrasing it, and it commits to a position. Everything else is decoration that costs you time and words. Use the introduction to orient the reader, then develop the response in the body. Task Response is assessed across the complete answer.
The two-sentence formula
A short introduction can be a useful planning structure. Adapt it to the question; introductions are not independently band-scored.
- Sentence 1: paraphrase the question. State the issue in your own words. Change the vocabulary and the sentence structure. Do not just swap 'children' for 'young people' and call it done.
- Sentence 2: state your position. Make it unmistakable. The examiner should be able to underline your opinion in one stroke. For discussion questions, acknowledge both views here before giving yours. For two-part questions, signal that you will address both parts.
Worked examples across question types
The formula flexes slightly by question type, but the core stays the same: paraphrase, then position.
PromptSome people believe that children should start formal education at a very early age, while others think they should begin later. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
IntroductionOpinions differ on the best age for children to begin their formal schooling, with some favouring an early start and others preferring to wait. While there are clear benefits to starting young, I believe a slightly later start better suits how young children actually learn.
PromptTraffic congestion is a growing problem in many cities. What are the causes of this, and what measures can be taken to reduce it?
IntroductionRising traffic congestion has become one of the most visible challenges facing modern cities. The main causes are rapid urbanisation and underinvestment in public transport, and the most effective solutions involve pricing road use and expanding rail networks.
PromptMore and more people are choosing to work from home rather than in a traditional office. Why is this happening? Is this a positive or negative development?
IntroductionA growing number of workers now operate from home instead of commuting to a central office. The shift is driven mainly by advances in communication technology and changing employer attitudes, and while it brings genuine benefits, the loss of informal collaboration makes it a mixed development overall.
Three introduction habits to check
- Copying the question. Restating the issue accurately can help show your understanding. If you repeat the prompt word for word, the examiner may discount those words from your total and your Lexical Resource score will suffer. Change the vocabulary AND the grammar.
- No clear position. If your introduction ends and the examiner cannot state your opinion in one sentence, you have already lost Task Response marks. Decide before you write and commit.
- Too long. A five-sentence introduction eats words you need for your body paragraphs. Two or three sentences is enough. A long introduction also risks drifting into background information that the prompt does not ask for.
Write your introduction last. Once you have written your body paragraphs and conclusion, you know exactly what your position is and how you argued it. Paraphrasing becomes easier because you already understand the question deeply.
If you want to practise, browse practice prompts on the Task 2 questions page and time yourself: two minutes to plan, two minutes to write the introduction. Then grade the essay and check your Task Response score to see if your position held.