Your introduction and conclusion are the shortest paragraphs in an IELTS essay, yet they carry the most weight with the examiner. They are the only parts read with full attention at the start and end of marking — and they are where your Task Response score is largely decided.
Many candidates write them as an afterthought, spending three minutes on the introduction and then rushing the conclusion at the end when time is short. That is a mistake. In this guide, I will show you exactly how to write a Band 9 introduction and conclusion, with examples for every essay type.
Why the Introduction Matters So Much
The examiner reads your introduction first and forms an immediate impression of your position. If your introduction is vague, off-topic, or simply paraphrases the question poorly, the examiner may decide you have not answered the task — and that judgement colours how they mark the rest of the essay.
A strong introduction does two things clearly: it paraphrases the question, and it states your position. Nothing more. Two or three sentences is enough.
The Two-Part Introduction Formula
Every Band 9 introduction follows the same structure:
- Sentence 1: Paraphrase the question in your own words
- Sentence 2: State your position or outline what you will discuss
That is it. Do not add background information, do not include statistics, and do not write more than three sentences. A long introduction wastes time and loses focus.
How to Paraphrase Properly
Paraphrasing means rewriting the question using different words while keeping the meaning. It is not the same as copying the question with a few words changed — examiners spot that immediately.
Original question: “Some people believe that university education should be free for all students. To what extent do you agree or disagree?”
Weak paraphrase: “Some people think university education should be free for all students. This essay will discuss to what extent I agree or disagree.” — This simply copies the question.
Strong paraphrase: “The question of whether higher education should be funded entirely by the state or partly by students is one of the most debated issues in education policy.” — This uses different vocabulary and structure while preserving the meaning.
Introduction Examples by Essay Type
Opinion essay
“The question of whether university education should be funded entirely by the state is widely debated. While free tuition has obvious appeal on grounds of fairness, I believe a system in which graduates contribute a modest amount is more sustainable.”
Discussion essay
“The question of when children should begin formal education is a matter of ongoing debate among educators and parents. This essay will discuss both perspectives before presenting my own view.”
Advantages and disadvantages essay
“The shift towards remote working has accelerated dramatically in recent years, fundamentally changing how millions of people approach their professional lives. While this trend presents certain challenges, I believe the benefits it offers are considerably more significant.”
Problem and solution essay
“Urban traffic congestion has reached unprecedented levels in cities around the world, causing significant economic and environmental harm. This essay will examine the principal causes of this issue before proposing a range of practical solutions.”
Why the Conclusion Matters
Your conclusion is your last chance to reinforce your position. It should restate your view in different words and summarise your main arguments. Do not introduce any new ideas — that is the most common conclusion mistake.
A strong conclusion does two things: it restates your position in different words, and it summarises your main points. Two sentences is usually enough.
Conclusion Examples
Opinion essay
“In conclusion, while free university education promotes equality and benefits society, it is not without its costs to taxpayers. A hybrid system, in which the state provides the bulk of funding and graduates contribute an affordable amount, offers the most balanced and sustainable way forward.”
Discussion essay
“In conclusion, both early and delayed education have their merits. However, I believe that a balanced approach that introduces formal learning at a moderate age, while still allowing plenty of time for play and exploration, is the most effective way to support children’s development.”
Common Introduction Mistakes
Copying the question word for word
Examiners treat this as a sign that you have not understood the task. Always rewrite in your own words.
Writing too long
An introduction longer than three sentences wastes time and loses focus. The body paragraphs are where your marks are earned.
Not stating a position
In an opinion essay, you must make your position clear in the introduction. Sitting on the fence costs you Task Response marks.
Common Conclusion Mistakes
Introducing new ideas
The conclusion is for summarising, not for adding new arguments. If you have a new point to make, it belongs in a body paragraph.
Simply repeating the introduction
Do not copy your introduction. Restate your position in different words and summarise your main arguments.
Writing a one-line conclusion
A conclusion of “In conclusion, I think education is important” does nothing to reinforce your argument. Give it two sentences and make them count.
Timing Tips
You have 40 minutes for Task 2. A sensible split is 5 minutes planning, 30 minutes writing, and 5 minutes checking. Within the writing time, allow about 3 minutes for the introduction and 3 minutes for the conclusion — they are short, but they deserve proper attention.
Never rush your conclusion to finish on time. If you are running short, write a shorter conclusion rather than an absent one. A brief but clear conclusion scores better than nothing.
Related Reading
These guides cover essay structure in more detail: