IELTS Task 2 introductions and conclusions that score 8

A band 8 introduction does three things in two or three sentences. It paraphrases the question, it sets the scope where the question has several parts, and it states the writer's position. A band 8 conclusion restates that position in new words, summarises the main points and adds nothing new. Both should be short. The examples below show weak and strong versions for the three most common Task 2 types.

The formula

1. Paraphrase: restate the topic in your own words, without copying the question.
2. Scope (optional): say what the essay will cover, if the question has more than one part.
3. Position: state your answer to the question. In a discussion essay, state which view you support, or how you weigh the two.

Aim for about 40 to 60 words for an introduction and the same for a conclusion. Longer introductions usually contain examples that belong in the body.

Opinion essays

Question: Some people think that children should start learning a second language at primary school. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Weak introduction

Nowadays, learning languages is very important. Some people think that children should learn a second language at primary school. In this essay I will discuss this topic and give my opinion.

Why it is weak: The first sentence is a generic opening. The second copies the question. The third announces the essay without stating a position.

Strong introduction

Schools in many countries are debating whether pupils should begin a foreign language before secondary school. I largely agree with this idea, because children acquire pronunciation and confidence more easily at a young age, although schools must ensure that the teaching is of high quality.

Why it is stronger: The paraphrase uses different words. The position is clear in the second sentence. The reason and the condition are both visible, so the reader knows what the body paragraphs will develop.

Discussion essays

Question: Some people believe that the main purpose of a university is to prepare students for employment. Others think it should develop general knowledge and critical thinking. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Weak introduction

There are two views about university. Some people think it is for jobs and others think it is for knowledge. I will discuss both views and give my opinion at the end.

Why it is weak: It lists both sides but gives no position. The promise to give an opinion "at the end" pushes the answer out of the introduction, and the reader has to wait for it.

Strong introduction

Universities are often judged by how well their graduates find work, yet they also shape how people think and weigh evidence. Preparing students for employment is a legitimate aim, but I believe that developing critical thinking is the more important purpose, because it prepares people for jobs that do not yet exist.

Why it is stronger: Both views are presented as reasonable. The writer's position is stated directly, with a reason that will shape the body paragraphs.

Problem-solution essays

Question: In many cities, traffic congestion is becoming worse. What are the causes of this problem, and what solutions can be suggested?

Weak introduction

Traffic is a big problem in many cities today. There are many causes and there are also some solutions. In this essay, I will talk about the causes and the solutions.

Why it is weak: "A big problem" is vague, and the introduction names no causes or solutions. The reader learns nothing about the argument.

Strong introduction

Congestion in large cities is largely caused by rising car ownership and by the lack of reliable alternatives. This essay will argue that the most effective responses combine better public transport with measures that make driving more costly in the busiest areas.

Why it is stronger: It names the two causes the body will explain, and it states the solution the writer will defend. For a model answer on a similar topic, see the public transport usage essay.

Conclusions

A conclusion should restate the position in new words, summarise the main points and, optionally, end with a short forward-looking comment or a recommendation. It should not introduce new arguments or examples. Three patterns work well.

Pattern 1: restate, summarise, look ahead

To sum up, although early language learning places demands on schools, the benefits for pronunciation and confidence are considerable when teaching is well planned. Governments that introduce language lessons at primary level should therefore invest in trained teachers before the curriculum changes.

Pattern 2: restate with a condition

Although preparing students for work is a legitimate concern for universities, I maintain that developing thinking skills serves graduates better over a lifetime. Universities can meet both aims, but they should not treat employment as the only measure of success.

Pattern 3: summary with a recommendation

Congestion will not be solved by roads alone. Cities that combine reliable public transport with charges for driving in the centre are more likely to see lasting improvements, and this is the approach I would recommend to local governments.

Mistakes to avoid

• Copying the question. Paraphrase the topic in every introduction and conclusion.
• Announcing the structure at length. "In this essay I will first discuss X, then Y, and finally Z" is more than the reader needs. One short sentence is enough.
• Introducing new ideas in the conclusion. If an idea matters, it belongs in a body paragraph.
• Changing the position. The conclusion should match the introduction. A writer who argues for one side in the introduction and concludes with the other has lost the reader.
• Using a formula word for word. Examiners see the same opening sentence in many scripts. Build the sentences around your own argument.
• Writing long introductions. Save the examples and statistics for the body paragraphs.

To see how a strong introduction connects to the body, compare your own essay with a band 8 Task 2 sample. The band 7 writing tips cover the wider checklist, and the how to get band 8 guide explains where introductions and conclusions fit in the overall score.

Practising introductions and conclusions under timed conditions helps you keep them short. IELTS A has practice tests for Writing, so you can time your planning and rewrite the opening and closing in the same session.