Band 7+ IELTS Task 2 Introductions

What Examiners Expect from a Task 2 Introduction

Examiners are trained to read Task 2 essays quickly and consistently. When they reach your introduction, they are not looking for originality or dramatic language. They are checking whether you understand the question and can frame your response clearly.

A strong introduction does three things. It shows that you understand the topic, it signals how the essay will approach the question, and it establishes a clear position where one is required. When these elements are present, the examiner reads the rest of the essay with confidence.

Band 7 introductions do not feel rushed or vague. They feel deliberate, even though they are usually only two or three sentences long.

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Why Many Task 2 Introductions Limit Scores

Many introductions sit at Band 6 or 6.5 because they are technically correct but logically weak. Candidates often paraphrase the question accurately but stop there, leaving the examiner unsure about the essay’s direction.

Another common problem is over-generalisation. Introductions sometimes make broad statements that could apply to almost any topic. This creates a sense of distance from the actual question and weakens Task Response.

Some candidates also try to sound impressive too early. Complex sentences and abstract language in the introduction often lead to grammar errors or unclear meaning, which immediately affects the examiner’s impression.

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The Core Purpose of a Band 7 Introduction

At Band 7 and above, the introduction acts as a map, not a decoration.

It tells the examiner what issue is being discussed, how it will be addressed, and — when required — what the writer’s position is. It does not attempt to argue, explain, or persuade. Those jobs belong to the body paragraphs.

A useful way to think about the introduction is that it answers the examiner’s silent question:
“Do I understand what this essay will do?”

If the answer is yes, the introduction has succeeded.

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Paraphrasing the Question Without Losing Meaning

Paraphrasing is a core skill in IELTS essay introductions, but it is often misunderstood. Paraphrasing does not mean changing every word. It means expressing the same idea in a natural, accurate way.

At Band 6, paraphrasing often becomes mechanical. Candidates swap words without adjusting sentence structure, which can sound unnatural or unclear. At Band 7, paraphrasing feels smoother because meaning is prioritised over variation.

For example, a Band 7 introduction might shift the focus of the sentence rather than simply replacing synonyms. This shows control rather than vocabulary display.

A helpful visual here would show the task question on one side and a natural paraphrase on the other, with arrows showing how structure changes, not just words.

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Taking a Clear Position When the Question Requires It

Some Task 2 questions require a clear opinion. Others do not. A common reason essays fail to reach Band 7 is that the introduction avoids commitment.

When an opinion is required, the examiner expects to see it clearly stated in the introduction or very early in the essay. Hiding your position until later creates uncertainty and weakens Task Response.

This does not mean your position must be aggressive or absolute. Calm, balanced language is perfectly acceptable. What matters is clarity.

A Band 7 introduction makes the writer’s stance easy to identify without over-explaining it.

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Adjusting Introductions for Different Task 2 Question Types

Although Task 2 questions vary, the logic of the introduction remains stable.

For opinion questions, the introduction typically paraphrases the topic and states a position.
For discussion questions, it usually introduces both views and signals that they will be explored.
For problem-solution questions, it frames the issue and indicates that causes or solutions will be examined.

What changes is emphasis, not structure. Candidates who understand this avoid rigid templates and adapt naturally to the question in front of them.

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Language Tone: Calm, Academic, and Controlled

One of the clearest differences between Band 6 and Band 7 introductions is tone.

Band 6 introductions often sound either too casual or too dramatic. Band 7 introductions sound calm, neutral, and academic without being stiff.

This tone comes from simple choices. Moderate sentence length, accurate verbs, and controlled grammar create a professional feel. There is no need for rhetorical questions or emotional language.

Examiners associate calm tone with confidence and control.

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Sentence Structure in High-Scoring Introductions

Band 7 introductions usually contain a mix of simple and slightly complex sentences. They avoid long, multi-clause constructions that are difficult to control under exam pressure.

Many candidates believe complexity equals quality. In reality, examiners reward accuracy and clarity far more.

A short, well-constructed sentence that clearly frames the essay is more effective than a long sentence that sounds impressive but risks error.

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Common Introduction Mistakes That Hold Writers Back

Several mistakes appear repeatedly in Task 2 introductions.

One is repeating the question almost word for word. Another is writing a general statement that does not clearly connect to the task. Some introductions also promise too much, suggesting the essay will cover ideas that never appear.

Another common issue is mismatch. The introduction suggests one direction, but the body paragraphs go another way. This confuses the examiner and weakens coherence.

These problems are not about English level. They are about planning and focus.

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How to Check an Introduction Before Moving On

Before writing your first body paragraph, it is worth taking ten seconds to check your introduction.

Ask yourself:

• Have I clearly paraphrased the question?
  
• Is my position clear where needed?
  
• Does this introduction match what the essay will actually do?
  

If the answer to these questions is yes, your introduction is doing its job.

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How Strong Introductions Support Higher Band Scores

A strong IELTS Task 2 introduction does more than start the essay. It supports multiple marking criteria at once.

Clear framing strengthens Task Response. Logical signalling improves coherence and cohesion. Controlled language supports lexical resource and grammar accuracy.

This is why improving introductions often leads to better scores overall, even when the rest of the essay changes very little.

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Conclusion

Band 7+ introductions are not clever or dramatic. They are clear, controlled, and purposeful.

By focusing on accurate paraphrasing, appropriate tone, and clear positioning, you can write IELTS Task 2 introductions that give your essay the best possible start and align with examiner expectations.

To build on this skill, explore related Learn English Weekly guides on Task 2 paragraph logic, essay structure, and examiner marking, where introductions are shown in full context.

Glossary

Introduction (noun) — The opening part of an essay that frames the response
Paraphrase (verb) — To express the same idea using different words
Position (noun) — The writer’s opinion or stance on the question
Tone (noun) — The overall feeling or attitude of the writing
Task Response (noun) — How well the essay answers the question

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Practice Questions

1. True or False: A Task 2 introduction should include detailed arguments.
   
2. Which is more important in an introduction?
   A) Impressive vocabulary
   B) Clear framing of the essay
   
3. Why is avoiding a clear position a problem in opinion essays?
   
4. Short answer: Name one feature of a Band 7 introduction.
   
5. True or False: Longer introductions usually score higher.
   
   

Answers

1. False
   
2. B
   
3. It weakens Task Response and clarity
   
4. Clear paraphrase / clear position / calm tone
   
5. False