Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Classnote January 8 2021
Classnote January 8 2021
WRITING INTRODUCTION
When you write an introduction, you should make sure you do two things:
1. Write a sentence introducing the topic and giving some background facts about it
2. Tell the reader what you are going to be writing about
KEEP IT SHORT!
1. Common Problems
Talking too generally about the topic. Most of these essays start off with ‘Nowadays……’ or ‘In modern
life….’ followed by general information about the topic. Remember that you are supposed to answer the
question not write generally about the topic.
Not including a thesis statement. This is the most important sentence in the essay, as it lets the readers know
what the topic is and how the essay is organized.
Not outlining what you are going to do. If you don’t include a sentence outlining what your essay will say, the
examiner doesn’t really know what you are going to write about in the rest of your essay.
Trying to write a ‘hook’ or be entertaining. Remember this is an IELTS exam, not a university essay. There are
no extra points for being interesting, and you only have 40 minutes for the whole essay.
Using an informal style. Know your audience. You are expected to write in an academic style.
Final Example
Question: Learning to manage money is one of the key aspects to adult life. How in your view can individuals
best learn to manage their money?
Good answer: One of the keys to adulthood is appreciating how to budget your finances. It is clear that the best
way someone can learn this, is by managing money during childhood. Firstly, the essay will discuss the
importance of parental involvement during childhood and secondly, the essay will look at the importance of
having a part time job during childhood.
PRACTICE:
Write the introduction for the following question:
Televised talent shows = TV talent shows, talent competitions on TV, TV program on talent seeking
Become popular = become common, grow in popularity/ enjoy its popularity …
In many parts of the world, talent shows on TV have grown in popularity in recent years. While supporters of
these shows claim that these programs are an effective way to seek for talent/discover talent, I am of the
opinion that these/such shows are merely/solely entertaining. (This essay will discuss two reasons why talent
shows are just entertainment.)
2. The impact of growing demand for more flights has had on the environment is a major concern for many
countries. Some people believe that one way to limit the number of people travelling by air is to increase tax on
flights.
To what extent do you think this could solve the problem?
Vocab: impose tax
Way = method, solution, alternative, measure, approach
The detrimental effects of frequent air travel on the environment has been long a concern in many parts of the
world/for many governments. Imposing more tax on flights is considered to be an effective measure to reduce
the number of air traveller/ discourage people form air travelling. However, this essay argues that this could
not be a proper approach to the problems for many reasons.
3. In the modern world, it is no longer necessary to use animals for food, clothing or medicine. To what extend
do you agree or disagree?
Modern technology allows substitution for animals in food, clothes or medicine. This essay agrees that animal
as a source for food, clothing and medical products is no longer necessary/essential due to some reasons.
4. In some cities and towns all over the world, the high volume of traffic is a problem. What are the causes of
this and what actions can be taken to solve this problem?
Collated by Khanh Nguyen khanhnv135@gmail.com
The increasing amount of traffic has posed a big challenge for many urban areas in the world. The major
causes of this trend can be named as overpopulation in big cities and the availability of highly convenient
means of transport, and one of the answer to this problem is to improve the public transport system.