IELTS Writing Task 2: Opinion Essay Guide (Agree or Disagree)

When preparing for the IELTS Writing Task 2, one of the most common question types you will encounter is the opinion essay, also known as the agree or disagree essay. In this task, you are asked to present a clear position on a specific statement, usually related to society, education, technology, or global issues. Because your opinion must remain consistent and well-supported, mastering this essay type is essential if you aim for a Band 7 or higher.

This guide will break down the structure, strategies, and sample language you can use to succeed.

Understanding the Task

In an agree/disagree essay, the question typically looks like this:

• “Some people think that the best way to reduce crime is to give longer prison sentences. Others, however, believe there are better alternatives. To what extent do you agree or disagree?”

• “University education should be free for everyone. To what extent do you agree or disagree?”

The phrase “to what extent” means you must choose a side: either fully agree, fully disagree, or partially agree with a balanced approach. However, IELTS examiners prefer clarity. Taking a clear stance is often safer, especially for candidates aiming at Band 7 or above.

Key Features of a High-Scoring Opinion Essay

1. A Clear Position Throughout
   You must state your opinion in the introduction and maintain it consistently until the conclusion. Changing your stance halfway will confuse the reader.

2. Well-Developed Arguments
   Each body paragraph should contain one central idea, explained with reasoning, evidence, and examples.

3. Cohesion and Coherence
   Use linking phrases such as “Firstly,” “On the other hand,” “As a result,” to connect ideas smoothly.

4. Formal Academic Tone
   Avoid contractions (don’t, can’t), casual language, and personal anecdotes that do not sound academic.

5. Balanced Word Count
   Your essay should be 250–300 words in the exam. Practicing with longer essays (350–400 words) at home can improve fluency, but keep time limits in mind.

Step-by-Step Structure

A reliable structure will help you remain confident during the test. A four-paragraph essay is the most common approach.

1. Introduction

• Paraphrase the question.

• State your opinion clearly.

• Outline the main points you will discuss.

Example:
It is argued that universities should provide education free of charge to all students, regardless of their financial background. I completely agree with this view because it promotes equality and benefits society in the long run.

2. Body Paragraph 1: First Reason

• Topic sentence with your first reason.

• Explain why this reason supports your opinion.

• Provide an example (real or hypothetical).

Example:
Firstly, making higher education accessible to everyone ensures equal opportunities. Many talented individuals cannot afford tuition fees, which prevents them from reaching their full potential. For instance, countries such as Germany, where public universities are free, show high levels of innovation and social mobility. This demonstrates how free education can positively influence society.

3. Body Paragraph 2: Second Reason

• Topic sentence with your second reason.

• Extend with explanation.

• Add supporting evidence or example.

Example:
Furthermore, an educated population contributes to national development. When more citizens gain advanced knowledge and skills, they are more likely to create businesses, work in specialized fields, and contribute to the economy. For example, research shows that nations with higher university participation rates tend to enjoy faster economic growth and lower unemployment levels.

4. Counterargument or Additional Support (Optional)

Some students prefer writing a third body paragraph to show balance. Here you can acknowledge the opposite view briefly but emphasize why your stance is stronger.

Example:
Admittedly, free university education could strain government budgets. However, the long-term benefits, such as a more skilled workforce and increased tax revenues, outweigh the initial costs. Therefore, the advantages clearly surpass the disadvantages.

5. Conclusion

• Summarize your main points.

• Restate your opinion strongly.

• Avoid new ideas in the conclusion.

Example:
In conclusion, providing free university education guarantees fairness and strengthens the economy. Therefore, I firmly believe governments should prioritize this policy for the benefit of both individuals and society as a whole.

Language and Vocabulary for Opinion Essays

Using precise and formal vocabulary will boost your score in Lexical Resource and Grammatical Range. Here are useful expressions:

Introducing Opinions

• I strongly agree/disagree that…

• In my view…

• I firmly believe that…

• It is my opinion that…

Giving Reasons

• This is because…

• The main reason is that…

• This can be explained by…

• For example / For instance…

Counterarguments

• Admittedly, some people argue that…

• It could be claimed that…

• Nevertheless, I maintain that…

• Although this view has merit, I believe…

Concluding

• In summary…

• To conclude…

• Therefore, I strongly support the view that…

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not Taking a Clear Position
   Saying “Both sides have advantages” without choosing one is risky. Always show your stance.

2. Writing Too Many Ideas
   Two strong reasons are enough. Quality matters more than quantity.

3. Being Too Informal
   Avoid phrases like “I think it’s a good idea” or “Nowadays, people like…”. Instead, use “It is widely believed…” or “A significant advantage is…”.

4. Poor Time Management
   Some candidates spend too long on the introduction. Keep it short (2–3 sentences).

5. Not Supporting with Examples
   Examiners expect concrete support. Even invented examples are acceptable if they are realistic.

Practice Strategy

To improve your performance in agree/disagree essays:

1. Analyze Sample Questions
   Collect past IELTS questions and practice identifying whether you agree, disagree, or partially agree.

2. Write Under Timed Conditions
   Practice writing full essays in 40 minutes to simulate the exam environment.

3. Review Vocabulary
   Build a bank of academic words for common topics (technology, health, education, environment).

4. Seek Feedback
   Ask teachers or peers to check your essays for clarity, grammar, and task achievement.

Example Band 9 Essay (Sample)

Question: Some people believe that children should not use smartphones until they are teenagers. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Answer (excerpt, ~300 words):

It is often argued that children should not be allowed to use smartphones until they reach their teenage years. I completely agree with this view because early exposure to smartphones may harm both their physical health and social development.

Firstly, the excessive use of smartphones can negatively impact a child’s physical well-being. Prolonged screen time has been linked to eye strain, poor posture, and lack of physical activity. For example, health studies have shown a significant rise in childhood obesity rates due to sedentary lifestyles connected with screen-based entertainment. Therefore, restricting smartphone access can encourage children to participate in outdoor activities, which are essential for growth.

Secondly, smartphones can hinder social and emotional skills. Children who spend hours on devices may become isolated, as they interact more with virtual platforms than with real people. This limits their ability to develop communication skills and build strong relationships. In contrast, delaying smartphone use allows children to engage more with peers and family, leading to healthier emotional growth.

Admittedly, smartphones provide educational benefits through apps and online resources. However, these advantages are better appreciated by older children who have developed self-control and responsibility. For younger children, the disadvantages clearly outweigh the benefits.

In conclusion, I strongly support the view that smartphones should not be introduced to children until they are teenagers. This policy would safeguard their physical health and foster better social development, ensuring they are prepared for the challenges of adulthood.

Final Tips

• Stick to 4–5 paragraphs.

• Use formal language consistently.

• Support arguments with clear explanations and examples.

• Practice until writing within 40 minutes feels natural.

With proper planning, strong arguments, and consistent practice, you can master the IELTS Writing Task 2 opinion essay and significantly increase your chances of achieving a Band 7 or higher.

FAQ:IELTS Writing Task 2: Opinion Essay Guide (Agree or Disagree)

What is an IELTS “agree or disagree” (opinion) essay?

An IELTS opinion essay asks you to present a clear stance on a debatable statement (for example, “University should be free for all”). You must state whether you agree, disagree, or agree to a certain extent, and then support that position with logical reasons, explanations, and relevant examples. Your position should be explicit in the introduction, sustained throughout the body, and reaffirmed in the conclusion.

Should I fully agree/disagree or partially agree?

Both approaches can score well. However, clarity is king. If you struggle to maintain consistency, a full agreement or full disagreement is safer because your single line of argument is easier to develop. If you choose a balanced view (e.g., “I mostly agree, but…”), make sure your thesis and topic sentences reflect this nuance and that every paragraph still clearly supports your overall stance.

How should I structure my essay in 40 minutes?

Use a simple four-paragraph structure:

1. Introduction (2–3 sentences): Paraphrase the statement, state your position, preview your reasons.
2. Body 1 (1 reason): Topic sentence → explanation → specific example → mini conclusion.
3. Body 2 (1 reason): Same pattern as Body 1 with a different main point.
4. Conclusion (2–3 sentences): Summarize key reasons and restate your position without new ideas.

How do I write a strong thesis statement for this task?

State your opinion directly and connect it to your reasons. For example: “I strongly agree that public universities should be tuition-free because the policy promotes equal opportunity and long-term economic growth.” Avoid vague language like “there are many reasons” without naming them.

What counts as a strong main idea in each body paragraph?

A strong main idea is specific, debatable, and directly supportive of your thesis. For instance, if you agree that remote work should be encouraged, Body 1 could argue that it increases productivity due to fewer interruptions; Body 2 could argue that it reduces urban congestion and emissions. Each main idea should be distinct to avoid repetition and should be developed with logical steps and an example.

Do I need real statistics and studies?

No. IELTS assesses your ability to argue and write clearly, not to fact-check. You may use credible, realistic examples, including brief hypotheticals (e.g., “For example, in many mid-sized cities…”). Keep them short and believable. The key is relevance and clarity, not data density.

What linking and signposting phrases should I use?

Use cohesive devices naturally and sparingly. Helpful phrases include: “To begin with,” “Furthermore,” “Consequently,” “As a result,” “Admittedly,” and “Nevertheless.” Avoid mechanical overuse. Each sentence should clearly connect to the one before it. Topic sentences should signal the main idea of the paragraph; concluding sentences can tie the point back to your thesis.

How formal should my tone be?

Maintain a formal, academic register. Avoid contractions (write “cannot” instead of “can’t”), slang, and chatty fillers. Use precise vocabulary, but do not sacrifice clarity. It is better to be accurate and straightforward than to overreach with awkward word choices. Keep pronouns controlled—“I” is acceptable for stating your position, but do not make the essay personal or anecdotal.

How can I paraphrase the prompt without changing its meaning?

Identify the key nouns and verbs, then substitute with synonyms or restructure the sentence. For example, “Some people believe that children should not use smartphones until they are teenagers” can become “It is argued that smartphone access ought to be withheld from children until adolescence.” Ensure that the scope and direction of the claim remain unchanged.

What is the ideal word count?

Write at least 250 words. Most high-scoring responses fall between 270 and 320 words. Longer is not always better; focus on task achievement, coherence, and accuracy. Overly long essays may lead to errors, repetition, or weak conclusions.

How do examiners score opinion essays?

Essays are graded across four criteria:

• Task Response: Clear, consistent position with well-developed ideas.
• Coherence & Cohesion: Logical organization, effective paragraphing, and cohesive devices.
• Lexical Resource: Range and precision of vocabulary with minimal errors.
• Grammatical Range & Accuracy: Varied sentence structures and accurate grammar/punctuation.

Balanced performance across all four is necessary for Band 7+.

Can I acknowledge the opposing view?

Yes, briefly. A single sentence like “Admittedly, this policy can strain public finances; however, the long-term social return justifies the investment” can demonstrate maturity. Do not over-develop the counterargument, or your stance may appear inconsistent. Keep the focus on supporting your position.

How can I avoid common pitfalls?

Typical mistakes include:

• Unclear stance: A vague thesis or contradictory topic sentences.
• List-like paragraphs: Several ideas with no depth. Choose one idea per paragraph and develop it.
• Off-topic examples: Ensure examples directly support the stated reason.
• Overuse of memorized templates: Echoing clichés without real content can reduce your score.
• Timing issues: Spending too long on the introduction or brainstorming. Aim for a strict 40-minute rhythm.

What is an efficient 40-minute plan?

Try this repeatable workflow:

1. Brainstorm (4 minutes): Choose your stance and list two strongest reasons.
2. Outline (2 minutes): Write your thesis and topic sentences.
3. Draft (28 minutes): Introduction (2–3 sentences), Body 1, Body 2, Conclusion.
4. Check (6 minutes): Fix grammar, articles, subject–verb agreement, and punctuation; tighten wordiness.

What sentence structures help me reach Band 7+?

Use a variety of accurate structures:

• Complex: “Although tuition-free policies require public funding, they ultimately enhance social mobility.”
• Cause–effect: “Because access widens participation, the economy benefits from a larger skilled workforce.”
• Contrast: “While critics emphasize short-term costs, the long-term returns are more compelling.”
• Conditionals: “If governments prioritize preventive healthcare, national expenses may decline over time.”

Which vocabulary is useful for opinion essays?

Prioritize precise, topic-appropriate words. Examples: “equity,” “feasibility,” “trade-off,” “oversight,” “mitigate,” “incentivize,” “allocation,” “externalities,” “long-term returns,” “stakeholders,” “scalability.” Combine them with clear verbs: “undermine,” “bolster,” “curtail,” “facilitate,” “safeguard.” Avoid misusing high-level words; correctness outweighs impressiveness.

How many examples should I include?

One brief, relevant example per body paragraph is enough. It can be a real-world case, a logical scenario, or a generalized observation (e.g., “many metropolitan areas have observed…”). Keep examples concise and explicitly connect them to the paragraph’s main point.

Can I use first person (“I”)?

Yes, but strategically. It is an opinion essay, so “I strongly agree” is natural in the thesis and conclusion. The body paragraphs should focus more on arguments than on personal stories. Avoid excessive personal pronouns; prioritize evidence-based reasoning.

What does a strong conclusion look like?

A strong conclusion restates your position and synthesizes your two key reasons in different words. Do not introduce new examples or arguments. For instance: “In summary, I firmly support free tertiary education because it equalizes opportunity and strengthens the economy; despite initial costs, the policy’s long-term dividends make it both ethical and pragmatic.”

How should I revise my essay for maximum gains?

When time allows, revise for:

• Clarity: Replace vague nouns (“things,” “stuff”) with specifics.
• Precision: Check prepositions, articles, and collocations (“commitment to,” “beneficial for”).
• Grammar: Verify subject–verb agreement, verb tense consistency, and punctuation.
• Cohesion: Ensure topic sentences align with the thesis and paragraphs flow logically.

What practice routine builds reliable performance?

Adopt a cycle: analyze 5–10 prompts, choose a stance within 60 seconds, outline two reasons, write one full essay under timed conditions, and self-check against the four band criteria. Keep a personal “error log” for grammar and vocabulary, and rewrite the weakest paragraph to improve development and coherence. Consistency, not occasional brilliance, drives higher bands.

Sample mini-outline I can adapt quickly?

Thesis: I strongly agree that governments should subsidize public transport because it reduces congestion and promotes equity.

Body 1: Congestion → productivity loss → subsidy improves frequency → example of a city with faster commutes → mini conclusion linking to growth.

Body 2: Equity → access for low-income residents → job opportunities → example of expanded service areas → mini conclusion reinforcing social inclusion.

Conclusion: Restate stance + summarize two reasons; briefly note long-term fiscal benefits.

Final checklist before you submit

• Did I state and maintain a clear stance?
• Do my topic sentences reflect that stance?
• Does each body paragraph develop one main idea with explanation and a relevant example?
• Are cohesion devices varied and natural, not overused?
• Is my vocabulary precise and appropriate for an academic audience?
• Have I checked grammar, articles, and punctuation?
• Is my conclusion a synthesis, not a new argument?

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