In this type of essay, the question will often ask if you agree or disagree or to what extent you agree or disagree.
It is extremely important to state your view (opinion), and justify why you think that. It doesn’t matter which view you take but you want to make your view clear.
Don’t suddenly change your opinion part way through this can make it more difficult for the examiner to understand your view and may well negatively affect your score.
Try answering some of the below questions. Give yourself 40 minutes and write at least 250 words.
Example Question
Although more and more people read the news on the internet, newspapers will remain the most important source of news for the majority of people.
Do you agree or disagree?
Nowadays university education is very expensive. Some people say that universities should reduce their fees, especially for the less fortunate students or for those coming from rural areas.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Many people believe that schools should teach children to become good citizens and workers rather than independent individuals.
To what extent do you agree or disagree? Give your own opinion and relevant examples.
People should follow the customs and traditions when they start to live in a new country.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
It is impossible to help all people in the world, so governments should only focus on people in their own countries.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Common Mistakes
The most common mistake that I see students make is not giving a clear opinion. If you don’t show a clearly justified opinion you will score badly for Task Response.
It does not matter which opinion you adopt, but make sure to explain it and don’t change your opinion, or give someone else’s opinion halfway through the essay.
Opinion Essay Structure
Introduction
- Paraphrase the question
- Give your opinion
- State two supporting reasons
Main body paragraph 1
- Topic sentence – outline 1st reason for this view
- Explanation – explain the idea
- Example – give an example or expand this idea
Main body paragraph 2
- Topic sentence – outline 2nd reason for supporting this view
- Explanation – explain the idea
- Example – give an example or expand this idea
Conclusion
- Summarise opinion and key reasons for this opinion
For information about the other IELTS Writing Task 2 question types see below: