9. IELTS Task 2 : "Introduction thesis statement"

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In podcast 8 we learnt how to write the first sentence of our task 2 introduction. This is known as the “background statement” and its purpose was to contextualise the essay in the real world. Today let’s move on to the second sentence of our essay which is called the “thesis statement”. The purpose of this sentence is to let the audience know what we will do in the essay. We can also introduce our main argument here if we want to.

Let’s keep using the same essay question that we used in podcast 8. Here it is again for those that have forgotten:

(1) Some people believe that it is best to accept a bad situation, such as an unsatisfactory job or shortage of money. (2) Others argue that it is better to try and improve such situations.

(3) Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

And here is the background statement we came up with last time for this question:

S1: These days, many people are of the belief that rather than accept a difficult situation like a disappointing job or a lack of finances, it might be better to try and make such a situation better.

Now we need to write the second sentence, or the thesis statement. We should always begin this sentence with one of the following phrases. Of course there are better phrases for a higher mark, but for a 6.0-6.5, these two should be adequate:

1. The following essay will..

2. This essay will...

OK let’s try to make it.

S2: The following essay will discusswhy human beings should always strive to better themselves, and give some examples to arguethis case.

This thesis statement has stolen the verb “discuss” from the question, and used the verb “argue” to clearly show that we are giving our opinion. It has also laid down a clear plan for the two body paragraphs. Let’s look at the entire two sentence introduction of 58 words.

(Background statement) These days, many people are of the belief that rather than accept a difficult situation like a disappointing job or a lack of finances, it might be better to try and make such a situation better. (Thesis statement) The following essay will discusswhy human beings should always strive to better themselves, and give some examples to arguethis case.

Although not too complex, this method of writing a Task 2 introduction thesis statement will help you write quickly and clearly, setting the path for a very nice body section.