⚡ TL;DRYour Task 2 introduction needs only two things: a paraphrase of the question and your thesis statement. Two to three sentences is ideal. A strong introduction takes 3–4 minutes to write and sets up everything that follows. Never use generic openings like “In today’s modern world.”
Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
The Two-Sentence Formula
Sentence 1: Paraphrase the question — restate the topic using different vocabulary and sentence structure.
Sentence 2: Your thesis — state your position or outline what the essay will cover.
That’s it. An introduction does not need background information, definitions, rhetorical questions, or historical context. Every extra sentence in your introduction is time taken from your body paragraphs, where the marks are.
Introduction by Question Type
| Type | Thesis Should… | Example Thesis |
|---|---|---|
| Agree/Disagree | State your opinion clearly | “I strongly agree with this view because…” |
| Discussion | Acknowledge both views and preview your stance | “While both perspectives have merit, I believe…” |
| Advantages/Disadvantages | State that you will examine both sides (and your position if “outweigh” is asked) | “This essay will examine the benefits and drawbacks of…” |
| Problem/Solution | Acknowledge the issue and preview your approach | “This essay will explore the key causes and propose practical solutions.” |
| Two-Part Question | Signal that both questions will be addressed | “This essay will address both the reasons for this trend and its potential consequences.” |
Paraphrasing Techniques
Paraphrasing is not just replacing individual words with synonyms. The best paraphrases restructure the sentence entirely:
- Change word form: “the development of technology” → “as technology develops”
- Use different grammar: Active → Passive, or vice versa
- Reorder information: Move the main idea to a different position in the sentence
- Combine techniques: Change vocabulary AND structure simultaneously
What NOT to Write
❌ Avoid
- “In today’s modern world…”
- “Since the dawn of time…”
- “This is a very controversial topic…”
- “There are many opinions about…”
- Rhetorical questions
✅ Do
- Jump straight into the topic
- Paraphrase accurately
- State your position clearly
- Keep it to 2–3 sentences
- Spend only 3–4 minutes
Related Resources
🔑 Key Takeaways
- Introduction = paraphrase + thesis. Two to three sentences, 3–4 minutes maximum.
- Your thesis must match the question type — agree/disagree needs a clear opinion, discussion needs both sides previewed.
- Never copy the question wording — paraphrase using different vocabulary and structure.
- Skip generic openings. Jump straight into the topic.