Writing · Unit 2: Common mistakes
W13: Memorised templates and long introductions
Target band 6 to 6.5
If you've been to an IELTS coaching centre in Bangladesh, you've probably been given a template. Something like: "In this modern era of science and technology, the issue of ___ has become a burning question. People have different opinions about this matter. In this essay, I will discuss both sides and give my opinion." It feels safe. But examiners have read this exact paragraph thousands of times. It doesn't help you. It usually hurts.
Why this matters
Template sentences don't show your real English. They're not about the question. Examiners are trained to look past them, so they add words without adding marks. In the official band descriptors, a totally memorised answer can even be scored at the very bottom. More commonly, templates waste time and make your essay sound like everyone else's.
What a template introduction looks like
"In this modern era of globalisation, technology is playing a vital role in our day to day life. Nowadays, it has become a burning issue whether children should use smartphones. Some people think it is good while others think it is bad. In this essay, I will discuss both sides and give my own opinion."
Problems:
- 60 words, and only one sentence says anything about the actual topic.
- "Burning issue", "vital role", "day to day life" are clichés.
- "Discuss both sides" may not match the question type.
- No clear position.
A natural introduction for the same question
Question: "Some people think children under 12 should not be allowed to own smartphones. To what extent do you agree?"
"Many parents now worry about giving young children their own smartphones. I largely agree that children under 12 should not own one, mainly because of the risks to their sleep and their safety online."
Two sentences. It paraphrases the question, gives a clear position, and previews the reasons. That's all an introduction needs.
Templates vs useful phrases
There's a difference between a template and a useful phrase.
| Template (avoid) | Useful phrase (fine to learn) |
|---|---|
| A whole memorised paragraph | A short flexible phrase |
| "In this modern era of science and technology..." | "I largely agree that..." |
| "This is a burning issue nowadays." | "The main reason for this is..." |
| "In this essay, I will discuss both sides..." | "A clear example of this is..." |
Useful phrases help you express your own ideas. Templates replace your ideas.
Phrases to delete from your essays
- in this modern era
- burning issue / burning question
- day to day life
- plays a vital role (when used about everything)
- every coin has two sides
- in a nutshell
Try it yourself
Rewrite this introduction in two natural sentences:
"In today's modern world, the topic of online learning has become a hot debate. Some people support it and some people oppose it. In this essay I will discuss both views."
Question: "Some believe online learning is as effective as classroom learning. Discuss both views and give your opinion."
Sample answer: "Opinions differ on whether studying online can match the quality of face-to-face teaching. While online courses offer flexibility, I believe classroom learning is still more effective for most students, especially younger ones."
Honest note
Templates feel safe because they remove the fear of a blank page. The real cure for that fear is practice: writing many short introductions until they come naturally.
Your task today
Find your old essays. Highlight every template sentence. Rewrite one introduction in two natural sentences.