The IELTS Writing task 2 requires you to articulate your viewpoints in a coherent and effective manner. One of the important things that this task specifically focuses on is the 'opinion essay' questions, where you are asked to either agree or disagree with a given statement.
Understanding this essay type is crucial for achieving a high score on the IELTS test, as it tests your ability to present logical arguments, provide evidence, and demonstrate your command of the English language. In this blog, we will explore effective tips for writing an impactful opinion essay, ensuring you can confidently express your views and achieve your desired score.
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Structure of an IELTS opinion essay (Agree or disagree)?
Here is the structure for your reference to approach the IELTS opinion essay (Agree or disagree). Consider this to score high on your IELTS test:
Introduction
Start your essay with two sentences. First, rewrite the question you're addressing. Next, clearly state if you agree, disagree, or partially agree with it, so the reader knows your stance right away.
Two main paragraphs
Your essay should have two main sections. Each section should focus on one idea to keep your writing clear and structured. When expressing agreement or disagreement, you can:
Fully agree: In the first section, explain why you agree. In the second, offer more reasons for your agreement
Fully disagree: In the first section, give reasons for your disagreement. In the second, add additional reasons
Partially agree: Discuss why you agree in the first section and why you disagree in the second
Focus on a few strong points rather than many weak ones. Support your reasons with examples and details, making sure they're directly related to your stance.
Conclusion
Conclude your essay with one or two sentences. Summarise your response to the question, avoiding any new information or topics that weren't discussed in your essay. Remember, the conclusion is for wrapping up, not introducing new ideas.
IELTS opinion essay examples
Here are IELTS opinion essay examples for your reference as it's really important to learn how to write essays where you say if you agree or disagree. If you get this kind of question in a test and don't know how to write it, you might not get a good score. Do you agree with this idea?
An agree/disagree question is very similar to the one above. Let’s look at two typical agree/disagree essay questions:
1. Some people believe that nowadays we have too many choices. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
2. Living in a country where you have to speak a foreign language can cause serious social problems as well as practical problems. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Do you notice how these are like my first question? Both have a sentence with an opinion and ask how much you agree or disagree with it.
Tips to approach an IELTS opinion essay (Agree or disagree)?
Here are the tips for you to write a well-structured IELTS opinion essay, consider including these tips in your IELTS preparation to score higher:
Understand the prompt: You'll be given a statement on a particular topic or issue. This statement usually presents a specific viewpoint, argument, or idea.
Formulate your opinion: You need to decide whether you agree or disagree with the statement. It's important to have a clear stance and not sit on the fence.
Develop arguments: Your arguments should be logical and supported by examples or evidence. You can draw from personal experience, hypothetical situations, or general knowledge.
Language and style: The essay should be written in a formal style. Use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures to demonstrate your language proficiency.
Coherence and cohesion: Your essay should be well-organised, with a clear progression of ideas and effective use of linking words.
Task response: Ensure that you fully address the question and stay on topic throughout your essay.
Time management: You have 40 minutes to plan, write, and check your essay, so managing your time effectively is crucial.
In the IELTS exam, this task is assessed based on four criteria: Task Response, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy. It's important to practice this type of essay to get comfortable with structuring your thoughts and presenting them clearly within the time limit.
If you want to know more about the IELTS test, you can get in touch with your nearest IDP IELTS test centre. Our team of IELTS experts will guide you through your questions.
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