1. Opinion Essay IELTS Overview

 

If questions like “Do you agree or disagree?”, “To what extent do you agree or disagree?”, or “What is your opinion?”, etc. appears, you are tackling with IELTS  opinion essay, or Argumentative/Agree or Disagree essay. 

 

This question type in IELTS Writing Task 2 asks you to give opinions after providing a statement or an argument. Following are general types of IELTS opinion essay:

 

  • Ask if you agree or disagree and how much you agree or disagree
    e.g. Some people think that rich countries should support poor countries in terms of aid for health care and education. To what extent do you agree?

    or

    Some people believe that schools should not assess a student’s ability through exams but instead assess them by their course work and project work over the whole academic year. Do you agree?

 

  • Ask you to discusss both sides impartially, not ask for your opinion
    e.g. While some people think that the problem with education in poor countries is the teaching methodology used, others believe it is the lack of resources that is the real issue. Discuss both sides.

 

  • Ask you to discuss both views and give your opinion
    e.g. Many children no longer read books and instead spend their time using modern technology. While some people think this is a positive trend, others think it is a problem. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.

 

opinion essay ielts writing task 2

 

In terms of giving an opinion towards a statement, you have three choices:

 

  • Totally agree

 

  • Totally disagree

 

  • Partially agree or disagree 

 

Let’s get started with our free IELTS online test to pass the exam on your first attempt.

 

2. IELTS Opinion Essay Structure

 

The structure below is highly recommended besides other ways to structure an IELTS opinion essay. You should follow the four-part essay with four different paragraphs:

 

2.1. Introduction

 

– Paraphrase the statement
(e.g. It is argued that IT is playing an ever increasing role in schools and universities and one day teachers will be obsolete.)

 

– Thesis statement with the mention of reasons for your opinion
(e.g. It is disagreed that technology will one day replace educators.)

 

– Outline statement (optional)

(e.g. This essay will discuss, firstly the limitations of technology in education and secondly, the essential role teachers play in maintaining discipline in the classroom, followed by a reasoned conclusion.)

 

2.2. Body 1

 

This paragraph will be the first reason you agree or disagree with the statement given:

 

– Topic sentence: state the first idea you agree or disagree
(e.g. Technology may be able to help students with some things but it has many limitations.)

 

– Explain the topic sentence: elaborate the first idea

(e.g. I.T. can not educate people as effectively as real human beings because computers can not detect things such as context, emotions, and how an individual learns.)

 

– Example: support the first idea with an example

(e.g. A prime example is language learning, in which teachers need to explain not only individual words but how these words work in different situations. However, there may come a time in the very distant future when computers are able to carry out these tasks.)

 

– Brief summary of the first idea (optional)

 

2.3. Body 2

 

The body paragraph 2 will discuss the second reason you agree or disagree with the statement

 

– Topic sentence: state the second idea you agree or disagree 

(e.g. Computers are also unable to ensure good classroom management.)

 

– Explain the topic sentence: elaborate the second idea 

(e.g. A computer may be able to provide a student with lots of information, but it will not be able to motivate or discipline students when they display unacceptable behaviour.)

 

– Example: support the second idea with an example

(e.g. For instance, unruly students could simply switch the device off and do nothing for the rest of the class. Nevertheless, this may not be a problem for highly motivated adult students.)

 

– Brief summary of the second idea (optional)

 

2.4. Conclusion

 

The final paragraph of your IELTS opinion essay will summarize and reinterate your opinion.

 

(e.g. In conclusion, it is not likely that electronic devices will replace teachers in the future because of current limitations in technology and the requirement for teachers to maintain good behaviour in the classroom. It is predicted that computers will play an ever increasing role in the classroom but will never fully replace humans.)

 

➡️➡️ See more: IELTS Writing Practice Test

 

3. IELTS Writing Task 2 Opinion Essay Strategy

 

3.1. Make a short outline

 

  • You had better read thoroughly the topic given and underline the key points in the first place. 
  • Then, note down whether you agree or disagree with the statement.
  • Next, write two main points supporting your idea in the form of a phrase instead of a full sentence. Each point should be supported by an explanation and a example. 

 

Your outline can be organized as a mindmap or a table or simply bullet points with words and phrases only in order to save time and give clearer overview.

 

IELTS Writing Task 2 Opinion Essay Strategy

 

3.2. Write a complete IELTS opinion essay

 

Based on the IELTS opinion essay structure given in the previous part and the outline you have created, it’s now time for you to write your own IELTS opinion essay.

 

3.3. Recheck your IELTS opinion essay

 

Make sure your IELTS writing task 2 opinion essay will be correctly written in terms of spelling and grammar structures. Check your final essay at least once before handing in.

 

>>> Read more: IELTS Discussion Essay

 

4. IELTS Writing Task 2 Opinion Essay Tips

 

  • Do not just list all the reasons without any explanation or example in the body paragraphs

 

  • Your opinion should be mentioned throughout the whole essay, not just in the conclusion part

 

  • Watch out the time limit and word count at the same time. You will be given around 40 minutes to write the essay, so the ideal word range should be 250 to 290 words. 

 

  • You should have several words or phrases showing the opposing or supporting idea at your disposal, especially in the Introduction and Conclusion parts.

 

  • It is not recommended to give two distinctive opinions since your IELTS opinion essay will be much more like a discussion essay.

 

That’s the brief introduction and strategy to effectively produce an IELTS Writing task 2 Opinion essay, or IELTS argumentative/agree/disagree essay. IELTS Test Pro hopes that the above knowledge will help you conquer IELTS route with much success. Visit our website and download the app to practice now!