Page 82 - mindset for ielts 3_Neat 1

I WRITING AN INTRODUCTION I
@
There are a number of ways to
write an introduction for an essay
� Read the exam task and the introductions (1-4). Match each one with the like this. However, all
teacher's comments about them (a-d). introductions should clarify what
the question is asking you to
People today are more concerned with owning material possessions than with discuss, and should explain how
developing friendships and family relationships. you plan to answer it. As with all
To what extent do you agree with this statement? IELTS Writing introductions, you
will score higher if you paraphrase
1 It has been argued that in today's world, everybody spends more of their time the question in your own words.
preoccupied with what they buy and less concerned with maintaining close ties
with the people around them.
2 It is said that people today are more concerned with owning material
possessions than with developing friendships and family relationships. In
this essay I will explain the extent to which I agree with this idea. It is good practice to make
3 I agree with the statement and in this essay I will explain why. your position (to what extent
you agree) clear in the
4 It has been suggested that these days we tend to prioritise the accumulation of introduction in case you run
possessions over the development of relationships with those closest to us. Whilst out of time in the exam and
there is some truth in the assertion that the world has become more materialistic, don't finish your essay. This
it is not necessarily true that this is at the cost of our loved ones. will prevent you losing too
many marks on Task
A You have explained your position on the statement but have failed to include any Response.
information relating to the statement in your introduction.
B Your introduction is clear, but you should paraphrase the question statement in your
own words.
C This is a good introduction that paraphrases the question and clearly explains the line
of argument you will take in the body of your essay.
D You have paraphrased the question statement well, but have failed to explain how
you will answer it.

� Look at the following plans for three essays for the task in exercise 4 {main body only,
introduction and conclusion missing). Discuss with a partner how each essay differs
in its overall approach to answering the question.

Essay Type 1 Essay Type 2 Essay Type 3
Paragraph 1: 'Agree' Paragraph 1: 'Agree' Paragraph 1: 'Disagree'
- Sales of gadgets/ luxury - Today's world = more materialistic than - Most people understand that material
items at highest point ever ever; economy relies on debt and possessions are less important than
- Gadgets allow you to consumer spending human relationships
create social media - Popularity of luxury goods is increasing, - Owning material possessions does not
profiles= encourage people friends competitive about owning the = greed; today's world is run on
to create false image of most exclusive brands expensive technology - people need
material success this to function in society

Paragraph 2: 'Disagree' Paragraph 2: 'Agree' Paragraph 2: 'Agree/Disagree'
- People have always - Methods of communication less - Some people point to popularity ofTV
needed human contact and personal as a result of expensive shows about being rich= materialistic
always will technology (e.g. people speak less on the society
- Material possessions phone, use instant messaging apps - Other people argue that greed/
actually al!ow more contact instead) selfishness is rewarded with money/
with friends and family Paragraph 3: 'Disagree' status
around the world - Not everyone is materialistic, depends on - BUT there have always been
(e.g. smartphones = social personality, upbringing, friendship groups materialistic people obsessed with status
media) - Not necessarily 'people today' - it is
- Some cultures still maintain family unit
as strongly as ever just more visible with modern media