Task 2 – Introductions – Single sex schools
Study the Writing Task 2 question below and follow the instructions given.
You should end up with an introduction.
Write yours before you read mine.
Some people think that single sex schools are the best option for young people. Others believe that co-educational schools are better.
Discuss advantages of both and give your opinion.
What is the question about?
Comments on Task 2 introductions
The purpose of an introduction
After reading your introduction, the reader should know
- what the question is and
- what your position is
Give your opinion in the introduction
You should know your position before you start writing, so don't keep it a secret from the examiner.
Make it easy for him to give you a 7 for Task Response (presents a clear position throughout) by telling him your position in the introduction.
Background statements
Background statements are useful but it is not necessary to write one. Candidates attempting to write a background statement often fall into traps like these:
- They write a very clichéd sentence with phrases like Nowadays in the world, with advances in technology and globalisation, etc. Examiners are not impressed memorised sentences.
- They copy the premise of the question without changing the wording sufficiently
- They end up using incorrect paraphrasing of the question. Here's an example of poor paraphrasing in an introduction to this question:
The advantage of using opnions are divided is that once you've changed the structure, there is no longer the need to paraphrase everything, so you can repeat words from the question. For the question above, it would be much simpler and better to say
Opinions are divided on whether job satisfaction is more important than job security. I believe [...]
A higher level candidate might say more:
Opinions are divided on whether job satisfaction is more important than job security, or whether having a permanent job is better. I believe [...]
Note the second whether, which is necessary because there's a second subject - underlined.
Is it necessary to include all the ideas from the question?
No it's not. Just give the most important information, and you should not copy the examples. Here's an example of what not to do:
For 2 part questions, I prefer a simple 2 sentence introduction, with each sentence addressing one of the two questions:
Supporting ideas in the introduction
There is no need to give supporting ideas in the introduction - save them for the main body paragraphs. You don't want to repeat information, and neither do you want to forced yourself to have to paraphrase.
Thanks for answering Teacher, ı’ve already seen your sentence , it is so clear to understand what is the question ? I was able to write your sentence in a different way. I understood your warnings which are related to my grammar mistakes 🙂 Thank you again .
My introduction sentences is :
People divide school education into two groups in respect of going to co-educational school or single sex school. In my opinion, registering children for co-educational college seems more advantageous than other option.
İs that useful for introduction ?
thank you
Hi UĞUR ONAR
It looks too complicated to me.
They’re not really two groups of schools – they are different types.
Schools should be plural, not singular
With respect to is the correct phrase. However, in this case, I’d use namely co-ed and […]
College is not a synonym for school – we’re talking about children’s schools, not adult education.
I recommend “Opinions are divided on whether …”