Step 1: Analyze the topic

One of the mistakes candidates often make is spending too much time opening the essay, writing ramblingly and unnecessarily. This often comes from the fact that candidates do not understand the problem they are talking about. Therefore, reading and analyzing the question is an extremely important first step to help candidates gradually form ideas to implement not only for the introduction but also for the entire article.

The exam usually has 2 parts:

Part 1: Introduce the topic you want to talk about

Part 2: State the requirements

Part 1 will introduce an overview and provide a general context about the problem to be solved, usually the causes, consequences or opposing opinions of the problem. Part 2 will ask candidates to give their opinions and views: agree, disagree, discuss and expand further.

Step 2: Introduce the topic

After analyzing the exam questions, understanding the questions and clearly understanding the tasks that need to be done, candidates will begin writing the introduction.

As introduced above about the opening structure, the first part is to introduce the topic. This part usually introduces a general overview of the issue that needs to be mentioned and candidates will mainly use part 1 of the test to restate. But instead of repeating words or phrases in the question, candidates can consider using synonyms and combining them with reversing the order of sentences. 

At the same time, the sentence introducing the topic is the first sentence that the jury reads, so if it is impressive, it will leave a greater impression. So here are some ways to attract attention:

Use questions to open

A question will always evoke a feeling that makes the reader want to answer it themselves, especially for questions that not everyone can answer. It is at these times that readers will want to continue reading to find their own answers.

Use quotes from famous people

People will often tend to promote the opinions and views of people with certain success and consider them correct. Therefore, providing a quote from a famous person will help candidates make an impression, create a basis for their writing and make readers feel confident.

Use surprising information and numbers

Similar to asking the first question, something the reader doesn't know or something that goes against what they thought will create a strong impression. The more unexpected and surprising, the more the reader will pay attention and want to find answers and explore the article more deeply.

Use an example or a story

Similar to the above methods, giving examples or stories makes it easier for readers to relate, remember, and understand.

Step 3: Statement of thesis

After leading the reader to the main topic, use the next sentence to state your thesis, showing your personal opinion on the issue in question. This is the most important sentence that must be included in an introduction, allowing the reader to understand the candidate's opinion as well as the main content of the entire article and helping candidates follow and develop ideas in the following sections.

To complete a thesis statement, candidates need to determine the type of essay because each type of question will have different ways of writing a thesis statement:

Agree or disagree essay: requires candidates to express their agreement or disagreement.

Discuss both views and give your opinion: ask candidates to discuss both opinions and then give arguments in favor of which opinion is more favorable.