IELTS Computer Delivered Tests + Band Score

April 2018 - Beginning your IELTS Essay

by IELTS buddy

In this exercise you have a chance to practice writing IELTS essay introductions. Here are three essay questions from recent IELTS tests.

Have a go at writing an introduction for each, then I'll post the best ones taken from your answers.

If you want you can post your answers in the comments box below.

Here are the three questions from recent tests:

Essay Question One

Many people use social media on a regular basis in order to keep in touch with the news and with other people.

Do you think that the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?

Essay Question Two

Some people think that new houses should be built in the same style as older houses in the local area. Others believe that local governments should allow people to build houses in the styles of their own choice.

Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Essay Question Three

In many countries, plastic bags are one of the main sources of damage to the environment, and so they should be banned.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

***

Answers


I've posted below some of the best answers from the comments posted. They are the ones that are clear to follow as the grammar is generally ok (though there may be some errors) and it follows the pattern for a good introduction.

The important thing for the introduction is that it:

1) Introduces the topic with a general factual statement
2) Gives a clear thesis statement

And the thesis statement is usually one sentence and should have your opinion if this is asked for.

There was a problem with a few thesis statements as they were too long, and then a clear message of the thesis is lost or confusing. Keep it simple. This is an example of two thesis statements that are too long:

Although this trend has several merits, it has demerits on the same side. However, I believe that its positives surpass its negatives as this essay will discuss both advantages and disadvantages of using social media for this purpose along with my point of view before the conclusion be drawn.

Many people believe that plastic bags should be prohibited because it is the dominant factors that deteriorate the environment, and I concur with that point of view. In the following lines, my reasons along with examples will be illustrated before the conclusion be drawn.


In both of these, the second sentences should just be deleted.

Unless you are a very good writer who can write at a high level and fast, you should also keep the introduction short as you don't have much time. Time is better spent developing your body paragraphs.

Best Example Answers:

Essay Question One

Many people use social media on a regular basis in order to keep in touch with the news and with other people.

Do you think that the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?

1. A lot of people frequently use the social media basically for reasons of getting in touch with the news, and being connected with some people. In my opinion, the disadvantages outweighs the advantages.

2. There is an increase in the use of social media recently, and this is due to the fact that people wants to relate with friends and get updated. This rising trend has a lot of demerits however, I believe that the advantages outweighs it.

3. The use of social media in keeping intouch with people and news has seen an increase in recent times. I believe the merits of this trend is greater than the demerits.

Essay Question Two

Some people think that new houses should be built in the same style as older houses in the local area. Others believe that local governments should allow people to build houses in the styles of their own choice.

Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

There are different views on the style of houses to be erected in local areas. While some think that new houses should be built in the same design as old ones, others believe that freedom should be given to individuals to build houses of their choice.

It is believed by some people that local authorities should permit the construction of houses as per the likeable design of the owner, whereas others argue that building of recent homes should follow a uniform traditional style. This essay will discuss both sides followed by a reasoned opinion.

Essay Question Three

In many countries, plastic bags are one of the main sources of damage to the environment, and so they should be banned.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Polythene bags have become a pollution issue of prime importance, in recent times, in many countries. As a result, a ban on it seems inevitable. I, completely agree with this statement as plastics bags are non-biodegradable and a law enforcement is the need of the hour to curb the menace.

***


If you look at all of those introductions, they are simple so they won't take long to write, giving you more time to focus on your body paragraphs but they all introduce the topic and give a clear thesis / opinion.

If you have any questions, please post them below.

Comments for April 2018 - Beginning your IELTS Essay

Click here to add your own comments

Aug 30, 2019
 Please comment
by: IM

People have been using social media as a mode of communication as well as to keep themselves updated with the current issues.This has brought many positive and negative impacts to individuals and to the society as a whole. In my view, the benefits are more,and this essay will justify writer's opinion.
Aug 04, 2019
 On use of social media
by: Nnabuko

A lot of people use social media frequently, for the purposes of keeping abreast with recent happenings as well as connecting with others. Although there are a few demerits of this, I however, posit that the merits are more.
Jun 14, 2019
 The increase in use of social media
by: Anonymous

There is an increase in the use of social media due to the fact that is the easiest and fastest way people connect with their families and friends, also is a means people get news update . but i still believe the disadvantages of social media over-weigh the advantages
Apr 21, 2019
 Introduction for social media
by: Akash

Rising trend of social media in every individual's life plays a vital role, as each of us wants to stay updated with current affairs as well as activities of our loved ones. If the use of social media done wisely merits overweight demerits.
Jan 23, 2019
 Introduction Essay topic 1
by: Nemo

With the emergence of technology, the role of social media is also enhanced in our daily lives. It is seem people mostly use it as a common methods either to stay updated with current news or to communicate with eachothers. Moreover, there are pros and cons associate with it, but in my opinion, sensible use of this technology can be fruitful for the society.
Nov 16, 2018
 3rd question
by: Anonymous

Plastic bags will no longer used in a lot of nations as it is the major factor for environmental degradation. I strongly agree with this and my reasons are.
Nov 16, 2018
 2nd question
by: Anonymous

For some people, building a new house in a certain area should consider the existing model of the old ones. Others think that local authorities should give a permission for resident to build it by their own design. I strongly agree with the second opinion and here is why.
Nov 16, 2018
 1st trial
by: Anonymous

Recently social media has been used by a lot of people in order to get in touch with other people and keep updated. In this essay, the advantages and disadvantages are going to be elaborated.
Nov 13, 2018
 Essay 1:social media
by: Anonymous

The number of social media users has been on the increase due to the propensity for making friends and getting updated about their environment. However, in my opinion, i believe the demerits of social media are more than its merits
Nov 12, 2018
 1st question
by: Elisa

Social media plays an important role in population awareness, developing and maintaining social connections . While some may argue that people nowadays seem to rely too much on social network, I consider that the advantages outweighs the demerits.
Oct 15, 2018
 Housing Regulations
by: Anonymous

Local governments should allow people to build houses in the styles of their own choosing rather than enforce uniformity on its residents. My reasons are as follows:
Oct 15, 2018
 Social Media
by: Anonymous

Social media is being used on a regular basis to maintain communication with other people and keep up with the news. This is a positive development and in this essay, I will explain why.
Sep 07, 2018
 Type 2 essays
by: Anonymous

1. It is thought that most individuals are using social media regularly to be updated with the current news and keep in touch with their friends and loved ones. In my view, this development has more benefits than drawbacks.

2. It is thought that the styles of the newly built houses should be patterned with the old ones in the local area while some people believe that local authorities should permit house owners to design their houses depending on their choice.

3. It is thought that synthetic bags are one of the primary reasons of environmental damage and therefore, using these materials should be prohibited in most nations. In my view, banning the use of plastic bags should be implemented to protect and preserve the environment.
Jul 15, 2018
 RESPONSE
by: Anonymous

1.The use of social media is rampant worldwide, due to the fact that people wants to keep updated on news and in touch with other people.I beleive the merits is outweighs the demerits.

2.While some people believe new houses should be built in older styles,others believe government authorities should allow people the freedom to choosetheir own style.Both views will be discussed in this essay.

3.Plastic bags are great menace in the society due to the damage caused to the environment.I feel it should be banned.
Jul 03, 2018
 question one
by: monroe

Some say that architecture is the mirror of the society, and it is evident that there is an element of truth in it. Architecture is playing a critical role in shaping the qualities of our environment. At present, whether we should adopt traditional designs for all the new constructions has sparked much debate. From my perspective, many factors should be taken into account when the building exterior is being designed.
Jun 21, 2018
 plastic bag a source of environmental pollution
by: Anonymous

Plastic bags constitutes environmental pollution in a lot of countries and should be banned. In my own opinon i think it is safe to place a ban on them
Jun 21, 2018
 choice of style of houses
by: Anonymous

The style of erecting new houses should be similar to that of old house, however some people are of the opinion that the local government should allow individual choose the style of their houses.
Jun 12, 2018
 Social Media AS a Communication Device
by: dil

Social media could be considered as a latest mean of communication in today's context. In my opinion I believe the advantages would outweigh the disadvantages.
May 26, 2018
 Social Media
by: Anonymous1

Social Media is prevalent in Today's world. Whether or not the existence of social communication gives more boons than banes remain a moot point.
May 21, 2018
 social media
by: Anonymous

The use of social media has greatly increased although it helps in connecting and increasing the knowledge of people, it has its own challenges.
May 20, 2018
 Plastic bags
by: Anonymous

In recent time, many countries use a lot of plastic bags should be controlled by government. It brings amount of rubbish and pollution the environment that could be burnt and lead to air worst, people suck in to lung to become disease of long standing. I complete agree with the statement can be prohibited to use or use shopping bag to instead.
May 20, 2018
 Social Media
by: Anonymous

Social media nowadays plays a significant role in peoples lives, mainly it serves as a mean of getting updated with the news and keeping in touch with other people. In my opinion, the advantages of this innovation outweighs the disadvantages.
May 16, 2018
 Housing
by: Ezo

There have been conflict of opinion between two groups of people on housing styles in a locality. One group suggest that new houses should be built with the same design as the old, another group prefers people build their house to individual style and feel.
May 16, 2018
 social media
by: Anonymous

The use of social media has been the main means of keeping in touch in recent times with people, and updating their knowledge in current affairs, has become frequent among people.
May 11, 2018
 1st essay
by: Anonymous

Lots and lots of people use social media as their daily routine in order to keep in touch with the news and other people. Although there are several drawbacks in it, i still think that the advantages outweigh the negative ones.
May 10, 2018
 Introductions
by: IELTS buddy

It's difficult to give you a score as scores are based on many criteria that are connected to the whole essay, not just the introduction.

But the grammar and vocabulary you have in those introductions would get you the score you need for those criteria as there are not really any noticeable errors with grammar and the vocabulary is ok (assuming your whole essay was as good as the introductions).

But as I say, TR, TA and CC are connected to the whole essay structure etc.
May 10, 2018
 Introductions
by: ZK

Thanks for your feedback, how would you score these intros? I am aiming for more 7, I have received 6.5 twice in writing, and now desperately need 7.
May 10, 2018
 Introductions
by: IELTS buddy

They look good, though in the last one remember in the essay you need to specify if you think plastic bags should be banned or not.
May 09, 2018
 Introduction, please give feedback to my responses
by: ZK

Please comment on my introduction paragraphs. I have exam coming up soon.
May 08, 2018
 Introduction, please give feedback to my responses
by: ZK

1. Social media is being increasingly used by many people for the purpose of getting news updates and for socializing with other people. Certainly, the benefits of this trend outnumber the drawbacks.

2. Many people have the opinion that construction of new houses should follow the design of older houses in a locality. However, many others believe that there should be freedom of choice given by the local authorities for building new homes. In my view, a house should be built according to the desires of the people living in it.

3. Plastic bags are considered as one of the main reasons of environmental pollution in many countries. Hence, they need to be stopped being used altogether. I believe, plastic material should be replaced with more ecologically friendly options.
Apr 26, 2018
 Essay one- Introduction
by: Anonymous

The use of social media has become a general norm in today’s society. Many people irrespective of rich and poor have engaged themselves in using different kinds of social media like facebook, whatsapp, telegram, linkedin and many more to communicate with their friends and relative, while others use them to obtain information on general happenings. There are many advantages and disadvantages associated in the use of social media. In my opinion the advantages outweighs the disadvantages

Apr 25, 2018
 Social Media
by: Azir

In this modern era, electronic communication has been a constant means of being updated to reports of recent events and relating with other people. Although there are drawbacks with the habitual use of social media, I believe the advantages outweighs it.
Apr 12, 2018
 April 2018 - Beginning your IELTS Essay
by: Anonymous

In many countries, plastic bags are one of the main sources of damage to the environment, and so they should be banned.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

It has become more and more common to use plastic bags throughout the world, over the recent years.Despit the fact that plastics bags are the major source of environmental deterioration, yet many consume it. I'm of opinion that it should be restricted because of two main grounds that I shall discuss in following paragraphs.
Apr 11, 2018
 social media advantages
by: Anonymous

In the current world social media plays profound influence in the way people communicate with each other acquire news and knowledge on frequent basis Although, this culture possess substantial risk in my opinion abundance of advantages outweighs them all
Apr 10, 2018
 Social Media Essay
by: Abdulgader

Nowadays a frequent usage of social media such as Facebook, twitter, and email as means for communications between individuals . In my opinion this trend has various advantages and disadvantages.
Apr 10, 2018
 social media usage
by: Anonymous

The use of social media in our day to day lives is increasingly gaining prominence as a lot of people, with its use, now communicate and update themselves on the happenings around the world. I, strongly believe its benefits outweighs its drawback.
Apr 10, 2018
 Daryoush Mohammadion
by: Anonymous

The development in technology has made the news update and communication much faster and easier for people around the globe. In my point of view the Advantages outweigh the disadvantages which I will discuss in through this writing.
Apr 07, 2018
 essay 3
by: Anonymous

As a country progresses so does their problems. one of the biggest challanges is the destruction of enviornment and one of the biggest culprit is the use of plastic bags.
Apr 07, 2018
 essay question 2
by: Anonymous

A person builds his house once. The architecture depends on individuals preference and these preferences in turn depends on certain factors such as amount of space available , number of family members and amount of ones budget. I think it should be according to ones choice.
Apr 07, 2018
 social media and news , its advantages and disadvantages.
by: Anonymous

Social media is the latest trend of 21st century . it has made the world a global village and has proven to be the fastest means of news broadcasting.
Apr 07, 2018
 Eassy introduction
by: Michael

With the availability of internet on mobile phones, most people now prefer to get their news from social media and equally reach out to friends and loved ones. While it is very easy to use these various social media Platforms, as information on them are current and up-to-date it can also be a form of distraction, especially when you at work or have to study. In my opinion, the merits of this tend outweighs the demerits.
Apr 05, 2018
 Essay introduction
by: Oluseyi

Question 1

Many people use social media on a regular basis in order to keep in touch with the news and with other people.

Do you think that the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?

Answer:
A great number of people frequently use social media so as to get updates about happenings and interact with people. Despite this development, I will argue that the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.

*****

Question 2

Some people think that new houses should be built in the same style as older houses in the local area. Others believe that local governments should allow people to build houses in the styles of their own choice.

Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Answer:

The opinion of some people is that newly built houses in the local areas should be of similar design as the older ones, whereas others believe that people should be given the freedom to choose any building design they so desire. In this essay, both views will be discussed.

*****

Question 3

In many countries, plastic bags are one of the main sources of damage to the environment, and so they should be banned.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Answer:
All over the world, the use of plastic bags have been identified as one of the major contributors to environmental degradation, as a result regulations to totally stop the use of this product should be enacted.
Apr 05, 2018
 Social media
by: Judith

A good number of people have resorted to the use social media as a means of keeping in touch with friends and loved ones and also assessing news. I am of the opinion that this development has more merits than demerits as i will highlight in this essay
Apr 05, 2018
 No notifications for questions posted on the site
by: Julia

I am not receiving any email notifications for the questions posted on the site except for the answers. Please do something about this, so that I can participate in the activity. I am already subscribed to the email notifications
Apr 05, 2018
 Introduction
by: Anonymous

Please let me know if my responses are good enough
Apr 05, 2018
 Introductions
by: Anonymous

Many people use social media on a regular basis in order to keep in touch with the news and with other people. 

Do you think that the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?

Answer:
In recent times, social media has become one of the number one sources of communication used regularly by people to keep up with news and in constant communucation with others. In my opinion, there are many advantages and disadvantages to consider due to this development.

***

Some people think that new houses should be built in the same style as older houses in the local area. Others believe that local governments should allow people to build houses in the styles of their own choice.

Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Answer:
Even though modernisation has improved greatly during the 21st Century, some people prefer new houses be built the same way as older hosuses in the area. Meanwhile, others think the local government should make it possible for people to build their houses in thier preffered style of choice.

***

In many countries, plastic bags are one of the main sources of damage to the environment, and so they should be banned.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Answer:
It is often said that plastic bags are most dangerous to the envitonment in most contries and should be banned as a result of the damages that is being done to the environment.
Apr 05, 2018
 APRIL ESSAY INTRO
by: Anonymous

1.)
The usage of the social media by individuals in recent times has observed a great increase which can be attributed to said individuals seeking ways to relate and interact with friends and also as a means of updating themselves on the current affairs of the world. It is my belief that while the social media has a number of demerits, the merits of the social media far outweigh its demerits.

3.)
The usage of plastics bags in many countries today has been noted as one of the many sources contributing to the degradation of the environment and as such its ban has been called for. It is my opinion that the excess usage of these plastics bags have actually contributed to environmental degradation.
Apr 04, 2018
 Plastic Bag Essay
by: Mero

There is no doubt that, recycling plastic bages and any other sources of pollution will keep our enviroment save. So, many countries beleive that industry of plastic bages should be banned. I tend to disagree with the latter argument.
Apr 04, 2018
 Houses essay
by: Mero

Some people think that new houses should be built in the same style as older houses in the local area. Others believe that local governments should allow people to build houses in the styles of their own choice.

Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

It is important to consider how your house style should be in order to feel relaxation and comfortable. Some people believe that new houses style should be built in old fashion style as in rural area. Others argue that, government should give them opportunity to choose. I completely agree with the later opinion.
Apr 04, 2018
 Social Media Essay
by: Mero

There is no doubt that, using social media spreading among people nowdays rapidly. They belive that it is part of moderniztion to keep in touch with each other and to be updated with current news. In this essay we will discuss its advantages and drawbacks.
Apr 04, 2018
 Number 1-social media..2-Building houses.3-Plastic bags.
by: A.S

1-A lot of people frequently use the social media basically for reasons of getting in touch with the news, and being connected with some people. In my opinion, the disadvantages outweighs the advantages.

2-Many people are with the opinion of building new houses in the same fashion as those in the older houses in the local area. Some think that the government should permit people to build houses in the fashion of their own interest. This essay will suggest points of view for both opinion.

3-Plastic bags are one of the major reasons of destruction to the environment in a lot of countries, and therefore it ought to be abolished. I certainly agree that plastic bags ought to be abolished.
Apr 04, 2018
 Ielts introduction to essay
by: Suzy

Many people use social media on a regular basis in order to keep in touch with the news and with other people. Do you think that the advantages of this development outweighs the disadvantages?

Social media is a medium or platform, that use internet connection. examples are Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, whatapp to mention a few. social media is now the best and fastest means to reach out to people both home and abroad. it also a means of advert for goods and services. believe the advantages out weighs the disadvantages.
Apr 04, 2018
 Social Media Essay
by: Nekky

A number of individuals depend largely on the social media platform for there day to day communication with people as well as a source of information. In my opinion, the benefits outweigh the disadvantages and this essay will discuss that in detail.
Apr 03, 2018
 social media and its impact on news and human relations
by: Helen

Considerable number of people make use of the internet to know current information and also to maintain good social relationships.In my own opinion, I believe that the benefits of using social network is more than the negative aspect. The benefits of using social media helps to know what is happening globally and also helps to build good interpersonal relationships amongs people in the society.
Apr 03, 2018
 3 question
by: Setna

1. In recent time social media become more attractive for all age. However some people use it in promoting way to them self and to the world. In other hand there is dangerous behaviour can make when use it. And it is matter of dealing with negative and positive thing in wisdom way.

2. The style of building have inner soul reflect on who see it. Some people prefer the all area to be in one old manner, and in other hand some they prefer to project their soul and feeling on it. And which of these choice have reflect in government and people.

3. The human affect the envirnment in many different component of it. Human activity and need can damage environment also it can promoting it in very good way. one of the domastic human is plastic bag which have dangerous if it does not destroy in good way.
Apr 03, 2018
 Answers
by: Anonymous

1. There is an increase in the use of social media recently, and this is due to the fact that people wants to relate with friends and get updated. This rising trend has a lot of demerits however, I believe that the advantages outweighs it.

2. there are different views on the style of houses to be erected in local areas. While some think that new houses should be built in the same design as old ones, others believe that freedom should be given to individuals to build houses of their choice.

3. plastic bags has been seen to constitute drastically to environmental pollution and thus should be banned. However, I do not agree with this as they can be recycled and properly disposed.
Apr 03, 2018
 Use of social media
by: Anonymous

The use of social media in keeping intouch with people and news has seen an increase in recent times. I believe the merits of this trend is greater than the demerits.
Apr 03, 2018
 2nd april
by: Anonymous

Social networking is being used as a tool to keep oneself updated with latest news and people. The merits in terms of easy accessibility and updated info are certainly more than demerits such as, addiction.

It is believed by some people that local authorities should permit the construction of houses as per the likeable design of the owner, whereas others argue that building of recent homes should follow a uniform traditional style. This essay will discuss both sides followed by a reasoned opinion.

Polythene bags have become a pollution issue of prime importance, in recent times, in many countries. As a result, a ban on it seems inevitable. I, completely agree with this statement as plastics bags are non-biodegradable and a law enforcement is the need of the hour to curb the menace.
Apr 03, 2018
 Essay Introduction
by: Ahmed Tealeb

Many people use social media on a regular basis in order to keep in touch with the news and with other people.

Do you think that the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?

***

At the present time, social media applications such as Facebook, Twitter, and Whatsapp are utilized by different individuals in daily life communications. Although this trend has several merits, it has demerits on the same side. However, I believe that its positives surpass its negatives as this essay will discuss both advantages and disadvantages of using social media for this purpose along with my point of view before the conclusion be drawn.

***

Some people think that new houses should be built in the same style as older houses in the local area. Others believe that local governments should allow people to build houses in the styles of their own choice.

Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

***

Whilst some people believe that oldfashioned style should be followed in constructing the recent residences, others contest that belief because authorities should permit individuals the ability to innovate and select their styles. Personally, I partially agree with the second view with a set of regulations which must be forced by the government related to the unified external structure. In the following lines, the reasons of both sides will be explained along with my point of view before the conclusion be drawn.

***

In many countries, plastic bags are one of the main sources of damage to the environment, and so they should be banned.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

***

In the twentieth century, many nations suffered from environmental threats and crises. Many people believe that plastic bags should be prohibited because it is the dominant factors that deteriorate the environment, and I concur with that point of view. In the following lines, my reasons along with examples will be illustrated before the conclusion be drawn.

***

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