for and against essay ielts structure

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Mastering the IELTS For and Against Essay: A Comprehensive Guide

The IELTS Writing Task 2 often presents a daunting challenge, especially the “for and against” essay. This essay type requires you to objectively discuss both sides of a given argument, providing supporting evidence and examples. Mastering this skill is essential for achieving a high band score in your IELTS Writing test.

Table of Contents

1 Understanding the For and Against Essay
2.1 1. Introduction
2.2 2. Body Paragraphs (For and Against)
2.3 3. Conclusion
3 Illustrative Example:
4 Tips for Success:
5 Conclusion:

Understanding the For and Against Essay

This essay type, also known as an argumentative or balanced essay, assesses your ability to analyze an issue from multiple perspectives. You’ll be presented with a topic and asked to discuss arguments both supporting and opposing it. The key is to maintain a neutral stance throughout the essay, presenting a balanced view without letting your personal opinion dominate.

Crafting Your For and Against Essay

Here’s a step-by-step approach to effectively structure your essay:

1. Introduction

Start with a hook: Begin with a general statement about the topic to engage the reader.
Paraphrase the question: Rephrase the essay prompt in your own words to demonstrate understanding.
Thesis statement: Briefly state that the essay will discuss both sides of the issue.

2. Body Paragraphs (For and Against)

A balanced approach is crucial. Devote one paragraph to each side:

For (Supporting Arguments): Present two to three strong arguments in favor of the given topic.
Against (Opposing Arguments): Similarly, present two to three strong arguments against the topic.

Structure each body paragraph effectively:

Topic sentence: Clearly state the main point of the paragraph.
Explanation: Elaborate on the point, providing reasons and justification.
Example: Illustrate your point with a relevant example (real-life or hypothetical).
Link: Connect the example back to the main point and the overall argument.

3. Conclusion

Summarize the main points: Briefly restate the main arguments from both sides.
State your opinion (optional): You may offer a balanced personal view, but avoid being overly assertive.
Concluding sentence: End with a final thought or a prediction about the future of the issue.

Illustrative Example:

Topic: Some people believe that the government should invest heavily in public transportation to discourage the use of private cars. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this policy.

Sample Essay Outline:

Introduction:

Hook: Traffic congestion and pollution are major concerns in many cities worldwide.
Paraphrase: This essay will examine the potential benefits and drawbacks of government investment in public transportation as a means to reduce private car usage.

Body Paragraph 1 (Advantages):

Reduced traffic congestion
Environmental benefits (lower emissions)
Improved accessibility for low-income communities

Body Paragraph 2 (Disadvantages):

High initial investment costs
Potential inconvenience for those reliant on cars
Possible need for lifestyle adjustments

Conclusion:

Summary of main points
Optional: Balanced opinion on the effectiveness of such a policy
Concluding thought: Finding sustainable solutions to transportation challenges is crucial for the future.

Tips for Success:

Plan your essay: Spend a few minutes brainstorming ideas before you start writing.
Use linking words: Connect your ideas smoothly with cohesive devices like “however,” “moreover,” “in contrast,” etc.
Be objective: Avoid emotional language and focus on presenting a balanced perspective.
Use evidence: Support your arguments with relevant examples and factual information.
Proofread carefully: Check for grammar, vocabulary, and spelling errors before submitting your essay.

Mastering the for and against essay in the IELTS Writing Task 2 requires practice and a clear understanding of the structure and requirements. By following these guidelines and consistently honing your writing skills, you’ll be well-equipped to achieve success in this section of the IELTS exam. Remember, clarity, coherence, and a balanced approach are key to demonstrating your writing proficiency and achieving your desired band score.

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IELTS Essay – For and Against

By ieltsbhai

“For and against” essays are one type of discursive writing in which you discuss the advantages and disadvantages of a specific topic. 📍 You can find this type of writing in articles and newspapers, magazines, etc. A “For and against” essay should consist of: a) an introduction in which you present the topic, making a general remark about it without giving your opinion; b) a main body in which you present the points for and the points against, in separate paragraphs, supporting your arguments with justifications/ examples; c) a conclusion which includes your opinion (e.g. In my opinion/ view, I believe/ think, etc) or a balanced summary of the topic. 🎙 You must not include opinion words (I believe , I think, etc) in the introduction or the main body. Opinion words can only be used in the final paragraph, where you may state your opinion on the topic. ⚠️ “For and against” essays are normally written in a formal style ; therefore you should avoid using strong language (I know, I am sure, etc), short sentences, colloquial expressions or idioms.

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IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay Structures

Posted by David S. Wills | Apr 11, 2017 | IELTS Tips , Writing | 2

If you want to write a great essay for IELTS, then it needs to have a good structure. Fortunately, this is quite easy to do. Whilst IELTS writing is notoriously difficult , producing a competent structure is something you can learn in just a few hours.

In this article, I will tell you everything you need to know about structuring an IELTS essay. If you want an even more in-depth guide, you can refer to my book, How to Write the Perfect Essay for IELTS, which goes into a lot of detail.

The Importance of Essay Structure

Before we look at how to structure a task 2 essay, we should briefly talk about why we need to do it. This may be obvious to some, but to others it is a mystery.

Essentially, for IELTS you are being marked in four different areas. Each has a basic reason associated with it (although there are many complexities to consider). This is what the IELTS writing band descriptors mean:

	How well did you answer the question?
	Did you effectively connect your ideas?
	Were your words used correctly?
	Did your words connect to each other correctly?

Today, we are only interested in Coherence and Cohesion, so let’s look at that.

Basically, you need to structure your essay well in order to present your ideas effectively. If you wrote a lot of good ideas with good vocabulary and accurate grammar, you could still get a poor score for Coherence and Cohesion if your ideas were not structured well.

There are some other things to consider for Coherence and Cohesion ( transition words , linking of clauses, referencing) but structure is the most basic one and perhaps the most important if you are aiming to score band 6 or 7.

An essay that is not well structured will be hard to read. It will also be the first thing that any reader notices, for it is quite obvious when someone has failed to use proper paragraphs.

The First and Most Basic Thing…

Ok, let’s start at the beginning. The most basic thing about essay structure is… you need to use paragraphs .

This might be obvious, but actually a large number of people simply don’t know this. They write a huge block of text that has no paragraphs or else they put each sentence as a single paragraph. This is not good and you would not be able to get a good score for your essay if you did this.

At the most basic, you need to divide your essay into about four paragraphs. There are various reasons, but essentially 4-5 paragraphs is optimal . Any more or less would surely have serious problems.

Common IELTS Essay Structures

When it comes to task 2, the vast majority of essays can be adapted to one simple structure:

Introduction
Body paragraph #1
Body paragraph #2

Of course, these paragraphs will be dictated by the topic and content of the essay, but almost every question could be effectively answered with this structure. I have a writing correction service and for it I write sample band 9 answers. I used this four-paragraph structure for 99% of my answers.

Some people prefer to write 5 paragraphs and this can definitely be useful, but it is a little more difficult to do, and so I recommend that you write four paragraphs for your essays except when you have a very good reason to do otherwise.

Question Types and Essay Structures

The four-paragraph essay structure can essentially be adapted to any IELTS question type:

Advantage/disadvantage
Problem/solution
Discuss both views
Agree/disagree
Two-part questions

It requires some small changes in terms of internal paragraph structure, but overall you can just use the same basic format.

For example, if you were given this question, you could easily use the four-paragraph structure:

Some people feel that manufacturers and supermarkets have the responsibility to reduce the amount of packaging of goods. Others argue that customers should avoid buying goods with a lot of packaging. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

You would simply structure your essay like this:

Intro	Introduce the idea of pollution Focus specifically on the topic – manufacturers/supermarkets vs average people State your position
Body para #1	1 view – it is the responsibility of companies Explain why (in detail)
Body para #2	2 view – it is the responsibility of average people Explain why (in detail)
Conclusion	Again, give your position This time, review the main ideas to explain

For reference, here is my answer to that question:

Sample Band 9 Answer

The problem of pollution is a major one in the modern era, and in the developed world people have been trying to find solutions for several decades. Currently, one of the biggest debates revolves around whether it should be companies or individual people that bear the majority of the responsibility for this improvement. This essay will look at both arguments and conclude that the responsibility should be shared.

To begin with, some people argue that major corporations are responsible for fixing our environmental problems because they have profited from reprehensible crimes against the environment for decades. If these companies suddenly changed to sustainable, eco-friendly products and packaging, consumers could still continue their normal shopping without having so much of a negative effect on the world. This would take away the individual’s choice and thereby ensure that everyone contributes to repairing our planet. However, companies function on profits and generally single-use plastics are cheap, so many of them are reluctant to make the switch.

On the other hand, people can also make a difference. Companies only sell what there is a demand for, and if people start demanding greener products and more responsible corporate actions, then companies will have to comply. If their customers started complaining about or boycotting overly-packaged goods, companies would quickly change to keep the consumer happy. However, sadly not all people care about the environment, and in many parts of the world cost comes first. If we rely entirely upon people to make this choice, there will be no progress. In many parts of the world, people still think it is fine to throw plastic into rivers so they should not be depended upon to make reasonable choices.

In conclusion, both companies and individuals should take an active role in fixing the damage they have done to the world, but neither can be entirely trusted. Everyone should make some positive effort and it would also be helpful for governments to pass laws with serious punishments for offenders who violate environmental regulations.

Structure: Overall and Internal

One important thing to note here is that there are two ways of viewing essay structure for IELTS. The first is to view it as a matter of structuring your overall essay into paragraphs and the second is that there are some finer details, such as linking sentences.

Indeed, both of these are very important. I have written extensively about internal structure here . You really need to think carefully about both aspects if you want to get a high score for Coherence and Cohesion. Internal linking is more difficult and it is what you should do once you have mastered the basics of overall essay structure.

For now, it is enough to know that you need to write a good introduction, two body paragraphs, and a conclusion if you want to score at least band 6. You should also consider that your introduction and conclusion should, in almost all cases, be shorter than your body paragraphs. This ensures that the body paragraphs are sufficiently developed. Remember that the purpose of the introduction and conclusion is simply to give basic guiding detail and state your position (if needed).

This video gives a pretty good summary of the requirements of Coherence and Cohesion:

About The Author

David S. Wills

David S. Wills is the author of Scientologist! William S. Burroughs and the 'Weird Cult' and the founder/editor of Beatdom literary journal. He lives and works in rural Cambodia and loves to travel. He has worked as an IELTS tutor since 2010, has completed both TEFL and CELTA courses, and has a certificate from Cambridge for Teaching Writing. David has worked in many different countries, and for several years designed a writing course for the University of Worcester. In 2018, he wrote the popular IELTS handbook, Grammar for IELTS Writing and he has since written two other books about IELTS. His other IELTS website is called IELTS Teaching.

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Hey there! Quick question, is it absolutely necessary to use the “outline sentence”? It feels very “I am 10 years old and can’t write a proper thesis statement that actually outlines my essay with the thesis itself.” Is this what you would say is an “official structure”?

No, nothing is really absolutely necessary. However, I would strongly recommend it for IELTS students. It shows a grasp of structure and language, even if, as you say, it may seem rather simplistic in a native speaker’s academic essay.

In learning English writing, I think it’s important students work within a set structure until they have really quite advanced skills, otherwise it tends to turn into a disaster. Giving guides for each sentence is essential. At a certain point they can then break free and try something more complex.

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Ultimate Guide to IELTS Advantages Disadvantages Essays

24 August, 2024

advantages and disadvantages essay ielts

One of the most important parts of evaluating students’ English communication skills in the IELTS exam is the IELTS writing test, especially Task 2. The advantages and disadvantages essay is a typical essay format in Task 2. This type of essay requires students to write about a topic, highlight its advantages and disadvantages, and develop a thoughtful conclusion.

In this blog, we have covered the advantages and disadvantages of Writing Task 2, the advantages and disadvantages of essay question type, samples IELTS Writing Task 2, and other parts of Writing Task 2.

Comprehending the IELTS Writing Task 2

Advantages and disadvantages essay question type, ielts writing task 2 structure advantages disadvantages essay, samples of ielts writing task 2, suggestion to write an effective advantages and disadvantages essay.

In this section, you will learn questions that will aid you in comprehending the advantages and disadvantages of the essay.

Speak about the advantages and disadvantages of smartphone in day-to-day living.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of kids viewing TV? Include any relevant instances from your understanding or experience and the justifications for your answer.

Certain companies and groups require uniform clothing for their staff. What are the benefits and drawbacks of wearing a uniform?

Globalisation offers advantages as well as disadvantages. Talk about both and share your thoughts.

Certain countries currently have an extremely high percentage of young people compared to the number of older people. Do the advantages of this plan outweigh the disadvantages?

Tourism is the primary basis of revenue in numerous parts of the world; however, if tourism is not handled well, it can also lead to issues. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of tourism in the contemporary world. Do you believe that travelling has more advantages than disadvantages?

You will be asked to express your opinions in some of the Task 2 Advantages and Disadvantages essay questions. However, most of the time, discussing the advantages and disadvantages, benefits and drawbacks or pros and cons is sufficient. There are two types of different questions given below:

Type 1 Questions that ask for your Opinion

For Instance, Some believe big businesses and industries would benefit from relocating to regional hubs outside major cities. Do you believe that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?

From the above example, you can learn that you must give your opinion as it is asked.

Type 2 Questions that do not require you to state your Opinion

For instance, e-books are gaining more popularity than books. However, some consider this to be a positive development, and others do not. What are the advantages and disadvantages?

From the above example, the second type of question does not ask you to give an opinion.

Also, read: Describe a female leader you like - IELTS cue card

Writing an essay on an unknown topic from any field of study is a tricky part of the IELTS Writing Task 2. You can practice writing advantage and disadvantage IELTS Writing Task 2 sample essays by using the following structure:

Introduction

Paraphrase the question statement.

State what the following paragraphs will discuss.

Mention your viewpoint (if asked in the question)

Body Paragraph 1

Discuss the advantages.

Explain the benefits with examples in 2-3 sentences.

Body Paragraph 2

Discuss the disadvantages.

Explain the drawbacks with examples in 2-3 sentences.

Summarise the benefits and drawbacks discussed in the essay.

Now, let’s learn about each section of essay writing in detail.

After you have figured out the advantages and disadvantages Writing Task 2, it's time to write your answer. Always use genuine, everyday IELTS Writing practice topics for this kind of exam preparation.

The Essay Introduction

Writing an introduction for an advantage-disadvantage essay is the first task you must carry out.

The essay's topic should be paraphrased in your introduction, and if possible, you must replace the words in the topic with synonyms or other words using your vocabulary.

Next, provide a brief overview of the essay's content.

IELTS Writing Task 2 Body Paragraphs for Advantages And Disadvantages

It is advisable to stick to two paragraphs in IELTS advantages and disadvantages essays; however, there is no such rule that you have to write two paragraphs. However, this practice will help you stick to the word limit and help you write an essay clearly and concisely.

It must describe the advantages of the topic in question.

Suitable ideas should support this; it will be even more significant if the essay has examples.

Every day, events and situations should be brought to attention.

It must list the topic's disadvantages.

Strong arguments should support this, which you can do by emphasising everyday events and examples.

IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay Conclusion

The topic should be concluded with an overview of the main ideas discussed during the essay and an explanation of how the subject's advantages and disadvantages go beyond each other, if appropriate.

Make sure the essay has a comprehensive conclusion at the end.

Connect with the ideas you covered throughout the essay to ensure everything makes sense.

The essay statement and the questions should be addressed.

Also Check: 60+ IELTS Essay Topics 2024: IELTS Writing Task 2

What are the advantages and disadvantages of Globalisation?

One of the most important developments of the past few decades has been globalisation, which has altered many parts of human life on both an economic and social level. The growth of international organisations has contributed to a significant advancement in the financial and economic development of developing nations. Regardless, there are a number of issues with this quick development that must be resolved. Globalisation clearly offers more advantages than disadvantages, which we will learn in this essay.

First and foremost, the rise of various foreign corporations and franchises in developing nations is the most favourable advantage of globalisation. There has been a prominent rise in employment in various nations ever since multinational brands and organisations extended their operations into nations like China, India, Sri Lanka, and many more. Furthermore, people from third-world nations now have access to a considerable amount of goods and services that were once not available to all because of the significant increase in imports and exports.

A significant part of the world's population is concerned about certain adverse effects of globalisation. The exploitation of labour is one of the most problematic consequences. Many firms negotiate their operations with developing nations due to the low cost of labour. This allows them to complete their industrial processes without paying workers fairly. In addition, lower-quality items are produced and supplied to clients as a result of using cheap labour.

In conclusion, globalisation has advantages and disadvantages. However, globalisation has helped countries increase their economic growth with the rest of the world and reduce the obstacles to trade between countries. However, as globalisation has taken place for betterment, it also has many challenges that need to be addressed.

IELTS advantages and disadvantages essay topics require extensive planning and preparation before you begin writing. The following are some IELTS Writing Task 2 strategies for producing an exceptional essay:

Use Linking Words: Use a variety of linking words and phrases, such as "furthermore," "however," "on the other hand," and "in conclusion" to connect your ideas and generate an effortless writing flow.

Practice is the Key to Success: The more you practice, the more proficient you will become at organising, preparing, and arranging your advantages and disadvantages essay for IELTS Writing Task 2.

Understand the Question: Before you start writing, understand the question and what is asked. Choose which advantages and disadvantages you want to discuss, and you should express your opinion.

Plan your Time Effectively: Spend a few minutes planning your essay, then focus on writing clear, concise paragraphs. Give yourself some time to review and spare some time for any necessary changes at the end.

Generate Ideas: Take a few minutes to list the advantages and disadvantages of the given topic. Write the key points and examples that will help you with the claims you are making.

Support Your Points: Provide specific examples or personal experiences to support each advantage and disadvantage you write. As a result, your views will be stronger, and you will receive a higher score.

Structure Your Essay: Prepare your essay using a clear, logical framework. Start by stating the topic and briefly summarise your main points in the introduction. Then, spend a paragraph on each advantage and disadvantage before concluding with a summary of your main ideas.

In summary, while appearing for IELTS writing task 2 , you must understand and learn how to write about advantages and disadvantages according to the topic. It is always advisable to write advantages and disadvantages in two separate paragraphs. Also, write some examples or personal experiences to support your advantages or disadvantages.

We hope the above information helped you understand the essay better. However, you can contact Prepare IELTS Exam (PI) expert counsellors for further guidance. Our team of education experts is dedicated to providing you with the best guidance in the IELTS exam. You can get a one-on-one counselling session online via our platform. Contact us at [email protected] or call us at +91 9773398388 .

The word count requirement for your IELTS advantages and disadvantages essay can be met if you explain your points clearly and provide appropriate examples to support the essay. If it just lacks a few words, you can always add a desire or recommendation at the end.

These essays ask you to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of a particular topic. "Advantages and disadvantages" will be commented clearly in the essay. They could occasionally be interchangeable, as in "the benefits and drawbacks."

Yes, you can start writing Task 2 first. The entire test can be written in whatever you choose. However, remember that there is not enough time to answer all the questions. Therefore, only take these steps if you can finish them before you planned. Remember that Task 2 writing gets double as many points as Task 1 writing.

It is highly recommended that time management be focused on while attempting the IELTS exam and its different parts. However, if you think you are running out of time, finish writing task 2's conclusion. With a strong conclusion, the purpose of writing an essay will be useful. If you are unable to cover the entire visual topic for Task 1, try covering the main one.

Yes, you must write two paragraphs separately about the advantages and disadvantages. Also, you need to stick to the format since the examiner will be looking for an orderly structure of the paragraphs.

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IELTS Task 2 Essays Understand the 5 Different Types

There are 5 main types of IELTS Task 2 essays:

1) Opinion Essays

2) Discussion Essays

3) Problem Solution Essays

4) Advantages & Disadvantages Essays

5) Double Question Essays

Most questions fit one of these categories. However, questions can be written in many different ways, which can make it difficult to determine which type they are.

On this page, I want to give you an overview of all 5 IELTS Task 2 essay types, with samples questions to help you recognise some of the different wording often used. I’ve also included a basic structure for each that you can use to as a guide for essay planning, a vital step in the writing process.

I go into each type of question in more detail on its own page. Click the links above or at the bottom of this page to see these.

First, here’s the basic 4 part structure I recommend that you use for Task 2 essays:

1) Introduction

2) Main Body Paragraph 1

3) Main Body Paragraph 2

4) Conclusion

Want to watch and listen to this lesson?

Click on this video.

The sort of information you include in each of the 4 sections will vary depending on the question type and that’s what I’m now going to outline for you.

These easy to learn structures will enable you to quickly plan and write any IELTS Task 2 essay.

The structures below are not the only ones you could use but they are the ones I recommend because they’re simple and give proven results.

1) Opinion Essays

These are sometimes called ‘agree or disagree’ or ‘argumentative’ essays and are one of the most common types of IELTS Task 2 question.

The first part of the question will be a statement. You will then be asked to give your own opinion about the statement. Here is some typical wording that might be used:

What is your opinion?
Do you agree or disagree?
To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Here is an example of each:

Choose one side of the argument.
State your opinion clearly in the introduction.
Keep the same opinion throughout the essay.
Give reasons why you hold this view.

It doesn’t matter which side of the argument you take or even that you agree with it. Choose the one you can develop the best argument for.

Don’t change your opinion part way through the essay and don’t give reasons for the opposing idea.

Essay Structure

1) Introduction

Paraphrase the question
Give your opinion
State two supporting reasons

2) Main body paragraph 1

Topic sentence – outline 1st reason for supporting this view
Explanation – explain this idea
Example – give an example

3) Main body paragraph 2

Topic sentence – outline 2nd reason for supporting this view
Summarise opinion and key reasons

2) Discussion Essays

In discussion essays, you have to discuss both sides of an argument. Usually, you will be asked for your own opinion as well.

The easiest way to approach this type of IELTS Task 2 question is to choose one point of view to agree with and one side to disagree with.

Here are 3 examples of discussion essay questions:

Develop both sides of the argument.
Talk about the view you don’t agree with first.

A big mistake many students make is to fully develop only one point of view. This leads to an unbalanced essay and a low score for task achievement.

It is easier to begin by discussing the opinion you don’t agree with and then present the reasons for your opposing view.

2) Main body paragraph 1 – Negative Viewpoint

Topic sentence – outline the view you don’t agree with
Explanation – explain why this view is held by some people

3) Main body paragraph 2 – Positive Viewpoint

Topic sentence – outline the view you do agree with
Summarise the key points and state your opinion

3) Problem Essays

These are sometimes called ‘causes and solutions’ or ‘problems and solutions’ essays. This type of IELTS Task 2 question starts with a statement, then asks you to discuss the problems or causes and the solutions.

Don’t list lots of causes and solutions.
Choose just one or two and develop them fully.
Be sure to link each problem/cause and its solution.

A common mistake is for candidates to list all the problems/causes and solutions they can think of, not necessarily linking them together. They also fail to explain any of them in detail and don’t include any examples.

The wording of this type of essay question can vary considerably. Here are 3 examples of problem essay questions:

State 1 key problem/cause and related solution

2) Main body paragraph 1 – Problem or Cause

Topic sentence – state the problem or cause
Explanation – give detail explaining the problem or cause

3) Main body paragraph 2 – Solution

Topic sentence – state the solution
Explanation – give detail explaining the solution

4) Advantages & Disadvantages Essays

The first part of the question will be a statement. You will be asked to write about both the advantages and disadvantages of the idea stated.

Here is some typical wording that might be used:

What are the advantages and disadvantages of….?
Do you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages and give your opinion.

Here are 3 examples of advantages and disadvantages essay questions:

Each of these different types of questions fits into one of two slightly different essay structures. We’ll look at these in detail on the main IELTS Task 2 Advantages & Disadvantages Essays page. For now, I’ll give you the basic structure.

Outline the view or views stated the statement

2) Main body paragraph 1 – Advantage

Topic sentence – state 1 advantage
Explanation – give detail explaining the advantage
Result – state the result

3) Main body paragraph 2 – Disadvantage

Topic sentence – state 1 disadvantage
Explanation – give detail explaining the disadvantage
Summarise the key points
State your opinion if required

5) Double Question Essays

This type of IELTS Task 2 question is sometimes called a ‘direct question’ or ‘two questions’ essay. It has one statement with two different questions after it. The questions may or may not be linked.

You must answer both questions fully.
Don’t confuse it with an opinion or a discussion essay.
Be careful that you don’t end up with too many ideas to write about.

Here are 3 examples of double question essay questions:

Outline sentence – state your answer to both questions

2) Main body paragraph 1 – Answer question 1

Topic sentence – state your answer
Explanation – explain why you think this

3) Main body paragraph 2 – Answer question 2

Summarise both questions and answers

I hope you’ve found this information useful. You can learn lots more about writing the 5 different types of IELTS Task 2 essay and see sample answers on these pages:

The 5 Task 2 Essay Types:

Step-by-step instructions on how to plan & write high-level essays. Model answers & common mistakes to avoid.

Opinion Essays

Discussion Essays

Problem Solution Essays

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More help with ielts task 2.

IELTS Writing Task 2 – T he format, the 5 question types, the 5 step essay writing strategy & sample questions. All the key information you need to know.

Understanding Task 2 Questions – How to quickly and easily analyse and understand IELTS Writing Task 2 questions.

How To Plan a Task 2 Essay – Discover why essay planning is essential & learn a simple 4 step strategy, the 4 part essay structure & 4 methods of generating ideas.

How To Write a Task 2 Introduction – Find out why a good introduction is essential. Learn how to write one using a simple 3 part strategy & discover 4 common mistakes to avoid.

How To Write Task 2 Main Body Paragraphs – Learn the simple 3 part structure for writing great main body paragraphs and also, 3 common mistakes to avoid.

How To Write Task 2 Conclusions – Learn the easy way to write the perfect conclusion for a Task 2 essay. Also discover 4 common mistakes to avoid.

Task 2 Marking Criteria – Find out how to meet the marking criteria for IELTS Task 2. See examples of good and poor answers & learn some common mistakes to avoid.

Other related pages:

IELTS Writing Test – Understand the format & marking criteria, know what skills are assessed & learn the difference between the Academic & General writing tests.

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IELTS Writing Task 2: How to Structure an ‘Agree or Disagree’ Essay

by Dave | Structuring your essay | 40 Comments

A lot of my IELTS students struggle with how many ideas they need and how to structure their essay.

This article with explain clearly what you need to do and why. if you want to read some examples of different essays you can click here ., let’s look at an example:.

Governments should spend money on railways rather than roads. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Don’t miss out on my new Patreon exclusive essays here if you want to really improve on IELTS!

Clear position, the first thing to remember is for the question above you don’t need to discuss both sides but you can if you want., therefore you have a choice about whether to discuss the ‘agree’ side, the ‘disagree’ side or discuss both sides. we’ll examine these options later., even if you choose to discuss both sides you must clearly state whether your opinion is agree or disagree. this is very important for your task achievement score., you can see from the table below that if you don’t clearly choose a side, you will not score above a 5 for task achievement – no matter how good the rest of your writing is..

So to summarise, for the question above you must have a clear position and you have three possible options:

1. strongly agree. you think it’s better for governments to spend money on rail rather than roads. you discuss only this side., 2. strongly disagree. you think it’s better for governments to spend money on roads rather than rail. you discuss only this side., 3. discuss both sides. you discuss both sides but you have a clear opinion about rail or road., clear essay structure, as you can see from the table above a clear position throughout your essay is very important for your task achievement., so i always recommend to my ielts students that they give their opinion in the introduction as well as the conclusion (for all task 2 questions)., technically, it’s ok to write a very general introduction and leave your opinion to the end., but i strongly suggest that you don’t do this because it’s not as clear., also, you might run out of time before you’ve got to your conclusion, so overall it’s a risky strategy. , therefore my suggested ielts task 2 essay structure is four paragraphs – an introduction, two main (or body) paragraphs and a conclusion., the opinion is presented in the introduction and re-stated in the conclusion, and each body paragraph should only discuss one main idea., now let’s look at the options in more detail., possible essay structures, 1. strongly agree – you feel rail is much more important than roads., you need two good reasons why rail is more important..

2. Strongly disagree – you feel roads are much more important than rail.

You need two good reasons why roads are more important., 3. discuss both sides – you think one side is good but overall the other side is more important., you need one good reason for each side ., in the example below you feel the reason for supporting rail is more important than the reason supporting roads., so in summary, one thing that all three options have in common is that each essay clearly chooses a side and that is clear throughout the essay., none of these options ‘sit on the fence’ (stay in the middle), because you should never write a 50/50 essay., you should never say “both roads and rail have benefits and drawbacks.”, that is not a clear conclusion, so you will definitely lose marks for your task achievement., also, you shouldn’t say “overall i think roads are important and rail is also important so governments should spend money on both.”, technically this is ok as your opinion is clear, but some examiners might not agree so this is risky., so the safest strategy is to choose a side, even if that isn’t your real opinion., now it’s your turn put your answers in the comments., look at the question below then compare your ideas with this sample answer (written by an ex-examiner)..

Check out our expert sample answer with line by line analysis and key vocabulary.

Plastic shopping bags are used widely and cause many environmental problems. Some people say they should be banned. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Brainstorm some main ideas – what are the main benefits and drawbacks of banning plastic bags.

What’s your overall position – do you agree or disagree, which essay structure are you going to choose – will you discuss one side or both, recommended for you.

Latest IELTS Writing Task 1 2024 (Graphs, Charts, Maps, Processes)

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IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer: Agriculture (Cambridge IELTS 13)

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40 Comments

Nowadays, the topic of plastic bags and their adverse effect on environment, has become hot news, which has led many activists and social groups to promote tackling of such item in our everyday life. As far as I am concerned, I strongly concur with taking serious measures to ban plastic bag usage because if we proceed with such pace our global home will be set into serious risk which will in turn be reflected in global population’s health and wellbeing. Truth be told, plastic shopping bags have always been widely used by everyone but in the recent decades due to rapid increase of world’s population their usage and disposal have reached concerning levels which is seriously causing devastating and unreversed damage to our planet. Given the fact that plastic needs years and even decades to degrade, substantial upraise of this product in our environment has released considerable amount of pollutants in the air, water and land putting into risk marine creatures’ lives and human’s wellbeing as well. Everyone must have come across to the widespread video of a diver filming the detrimental truth of marine creatures in the Indonesian waters suffocated by the vast amount of plastic underneath the surface of the sea. As a matter of fact, not only does plastic endanger water habitat but it also has damaging effect on soil fertility putting into risk the quality of our food products which will obviously impact human’s physical and mental health in the future. On grounds of such concern, scientist have long repeatedly pointing out the urgent necessity of plastic replacement with eco-friendly products such as paper or canvas containers, which remain way more effective and environmentally healthy. On the other hand numerous people around the planet are joining environmental activists who are taking substantial steps to tackle such phenomenon as soon as possible. To conclude, I strongly concur with fact that plastic bag should be banned in every country around the world as increasing amounts of non-biodegradable material will soon affect our health and the wellbeing of future generations. Serious steps should be taken by governmental and social actors to prevent such process from becoming irreversible.

Well written Flor!

You don’t need so many introductory sentences. Try to follow my structure more closely – 2 sentences for the introduction, 4-5 for the next two paragraphs and then 2 for the conclusion.

Otherwise really strong vocabulary throughout!

Some of your ideas seem to jump around and it would be better to have clear topic sentences and then develop your answers with specific examples.

Is that clear?

If question ask Do you agree or disagree? Not to what extent.

Can we still discuss both the sides?

When is it important to state an advantage and reject it?

Yes, you can. You can talk about each side and then choose one overall.

I would highly recommend that approach because then you will be able to talk about two different main ideas.

But you can also choose one side and simply defend that one. It is a matter of choice.

Some people consider acknowledging the other side to be a stronger structure but for IELTS both are fine and equal.

Yes, It is clear.

I have one more question related conclusion. In discuss both views and give your opinion and agree or disagree questions.

These questions are type of questions. How we have to state our main points?

Do we have reject which the proponents support? And say other idea is more important?

Or we only have to state the main reason why we support this idea?

I am asking this because there is no consistent pattern in the sample essays.

Hi Mani – great questions!

You do not have to repeat your main ideas – stating your overall opinion is the important part.

Just say your opinion and the main reason why – keep it simple!

There is no consistent pattern because it is only important to follow the rules of the ban descriptors.

They ask that candidates have a clear position – there is more than one way to do that do the structure will not always be identical depending on the question and writer.

Just make sure you have a clear position/opinion!

With the changing times, plastics have become an important accessory of human life, which is produced at large scale, all over the world. The characteristics of plastic has made it one of the widely used item. Few people believe that it should be banned while others think that it should be not be banned. In my opinion, I feel that a plastic has an adverse effect on the environment and on the animals as well as the marine life.

Plastics are so widely used that they are often thrown into the garbage, drains etc. Though gazillions of plastics are sent for recycling but few are still left behind, not properly disposed. The same approach is adopted by the industries or large/ small scale companies resulting in throwing of plastics into sea, in large chunks. This further ends up in a mammals body or at times wrapped around its body, leading to physical injuries and finally results in death. This pattern is observed in the developing countries, also the under developed countries, where lack of awareness is one of the major reason for damage to the other living beings. Educating the people would benefit these countries enormously.

Banning plastic would mean that we have increased the rate of survival of the other living beings along with the humans. This would not only improve the food chain, which has been disturbed lately but will also result in ecological balance. Burning it in excess, often releases harmful gases, changing the composition of atmosphere, resulting in damage the ozone layer. Air pollution would be another consequence of burning it and may result in health issues.

At last, it would be beneficial for the mankind to ban the plastic and come up with other items that are biodegradable and also not a threat to the other living beings.

Well written, PK!

A couple of notes:

Your intro should only be two or three sentences, then you can write longer body paragraphs.

Great second paragraph!

There could be better linking between your sentences and ideas. Your ideas are great but sometimes don’t flow together naturally.

At the end, you can simple include ‘In conclusion’ not ‘at last’

Over the last few years, people have become increasingly concerned about the overuse of plastic bags, which leads to environmental pollution and other issues. Personally, I am of the conviction that plastic bags should be eliminated because they are not only bad for the environment but also harmful to human bodies. To start, using plastic bags has many negative effects on the environment. Since plastic bags are nonrecyclable, used bags accumulate in landfill as garbage, where they will take a prolonged period of time, sometimes over a hundred years, to degrade. During this process, an extended area of land is wasted and polluted. Worse still, some used bags were dumped in the ocean and consumed by ocean animals, which significantly threatens their well-beings and even their lives. Statistics show that the extinction of several species of tortures is related to the increasing volume of ocean garbage, plastic bags in particular. In addition, using plastic bags can also harm our health. It is generally acknowledged that these bags contain toxic chemicals, which can enter people’s systems via oral consumption and skin contact, and make them sick. In some underdeveloped countries, people carry food in plastic bags, which allow those harmful substances to enter through their month. Besides, our skin also absorbs those unwanted chemicals during handling and manipulating. As a result, an increasing number of people are suffering from illnesses due to the excessive use of plastic bags. This is why they need to be banned immediately. In conclusion, no more plastic bags should be produced, considering how much damage they cause to our home planet as well as our health. If we continue using them for convenience, our children and grandchildren will have to pay the price of this fault. (290 words)

Great paragraphing and well-supported main ideas – keep it up!

Thanks for your helpful writings.

Nowadays government are struggling with a lot of environmental side effects of plastic bags overuse so some people believe that usage of these should be limited.In the following essay, I will discuss my opinion and reasons why I completely agree with this group. The main reason is plastic bags,which are usually thrown out to the environment,are not degradable.It’s takes more than 1.000 years or more for a plastic to be break down and get back to the nature and till then, they will make the environment un pretty therefore,I think e should use other reusable types of shoppig bags rather than thses plastic ones. secondly,as we know,plastic bags are made from oil, which is non-renewable source of energy. I believe that by using more and more plastic bags, we will end up lacking of this kind of energies so we should use plastic bags more considerably. in conclusion,in my opinion,usage of plastic bags should be limited as much as possible because the have number of negative effects on environment like polluting lands and also consumption of oil for producing these.

Good work – keep it up!

Corrections: the environmental, with this viewpoint, thrown out are not biodegradable, to break down, and return to a natural form, litter the land and ocean, lots of spelling mistakes too!

Remember an essay has to be 250+ words!

I wrote this after the railways and roads topic. Can anyone let me know if i can get a band 6 with this. Thank you!!!

People believe that governments should invest in railways transportation rather than the expense on roads. From my perspective, I agree with the statement above. In this essay, I will demonstrate my reasons.

First of all, trains are more eco friendly than automobiles. Since the train is a public mean of transport, it could carry lots more passengers than any car or motorbike, which means the consumption of energy will be cut down. To be more specific, for example, a train transports 100 people would use fewer fossil fuels than the same amount of people use fuel for personal vehicles. On the other hand, according to a forecast of a university, the population on Earth in 2050 will be 10 billion leading to a gradual rise in personal transportations. So that, in order to keep the environment sustainable, politicians should increase the expenditure on constructing and maintaining railways.

The second reason for my agreement with the belief above is railways are safer than roads. Because trains run on certain pathways and separated with other trains and other vehicles then there would be a remarkable reduce on crashing issues. Moreover, the railways net is controlled by a special centre so different trains would schedules and different ways to obey. Besides, not only safer the train is but it is also much faster than private automobiles.

In conclusion, I strongly agree with the statement of spending money on railways rather than roads. The governments should increase the investment in trains because they are safer and more eco than roads

You have a clear opinion in the introduction and conclusion and your second paragraph is great.

I think this essay would be in the band 6 range but you need to clean up the 3rd paragraph – try to focus on a single main idea fully developed and make it more like your 2nd paragraph.

You are capable – just be disciplined too!

over the current century, it have been common to use plastic material for shopping bags because of their excellent quality and their lower price. on the other hands,they surely cause cause variety of environmental as well as human health issues which need immediate concern, one of the possible solution which i firmly believe would work is to prohibit production of them for not only shopping bags but also for other unnecessary items.

there are plenty of serious current problems and upcoming devastating results which could come from using plastic materials. The first and foremost one is the nature of plastic material which is not degradable. it means that it takes up long period of time to being dissolved in the soil or decompose to their original composition. for example, plastic bottle which is unfortunately becoming ubiquitous might maintain their shapes and body for a hundred of years which is real threat for the next generation. they would be detrimental for the soil productivity and reduce its fertility due to their long-term effect on the soil ingredient quality and minerals. therefore, these pernicious effect should incline people to avoid using this type of material and save the natural resources for the future generations,

secondly, although production of plastic materials could be economical for the manufacturer, their recycle would be extremely expensive and bring social problems.there are plenty of measurement Which should be taken in when it come to collect the used synthesized plastic materials and their process of recycling. firstly it notoriously causes creation of labor children searching for plastics and try to divide them form other type of rubbish, including those which may cause illness and serious infectious disease, which is a global problem. besides that, factories which have the industrial equipment to recycle them, need pricey procedure to turn them into raw material. whats more, harmful gasses which is a byproduct of the whole process, surely pollute the atmosphere and make it unhealthy for the children and the elderly. all in all, considering these deleterious impact of plastic materials on society should convince us to prohibit them to preserve the well-being of each member of it.

in conclusion, although addiction to usage of plastic bags would be hard to leave, it is time that we educated us to replace them with more environmentally-friendly materials. i personally agree to ban using of them in the foreseeable future in order to maintain our environment more sustainable.

Good but be more careful with your punctuation and paragraphing, Mehdi!

Majority of people in the world are using plastic every time they go shopping even though they have bad effect to nature. That’s why many people agree that they must be prohibit. I totally agree because many seas lives died by taking plastic and they take long time to be destroyed.

The reason why I support people avoid using plastic bags because there are numerous animals in the sea all around the world were killed by eating it. Moreover, some of them were endangered species. The poor animals took the plastic because they thought the plastics were food. People can see that on the news, and it shows that people are careless about the fact that they are killing many lives by leaving garbage which contain a lot of plastics on the beaches. To illustrate, when I when to the beach with my family on holiday, I saw many tourists were having fun and didn’t realize that they left plastics on the beach.

In addition, in order to get rid of the plastic, it takes more than thousand years because of the substances. It is said that a huge amount of plastics is burned in fire, the substances within plastics can destroy the atmosphere. They are not environmentally friendly for both animal and human being.

In conclusion, I completely agree that plastic bags should be avoided because they can cause animal’s deaths. Furthermore, they are difficult to be destroyed and it takes a lot of time to do. Personally, People must realize how dangerous of using the plastic not only to human but to animal as well. We live in the same world so we should take care of each other.

Try to keep your claims weaker, don’t use contractions in formal writing and reduce the size of your conclusion – the paragraph before should be longer so that you can more fully develop your main ideas.

Keep working hard!

Is the format for “Do you Agree / Disagree” & “What extent do you Agree / Disagree?” the same if I only plan on supporting one side? Is it a necessity to acknowledge the other side?.

For example, if I only support one side, can I support it in both my body paragraphs?

Yes, they are exactly the same.

You can but I would strongly recommend writing about both sides so that you don’t repeat your main ideas.

good morning, I’m very happy that I have read this site, and also everyday I use

Happy to help!

Hello, Dave thank you for your explanation! I’ve written my essay based on yours Dunno whether it is a good tip for acquiring academic writing technique or not ) Thank you in advance

A lot of environmental problems are caused by the wide usage of plastic bags, hence, some people consider that those bags ought to be prohibited. In my opinion, they have a negative effect on landfills and the seas, however, the replacements for plastic bags also carry significant environmental risks, that is why I think that plastic bags should not be bunned.

To begin, the main environmental side effect caused by plastic bags is the earth and water contamination. An insignificant percentage of people may reuse them, but most would simply litter or throw them in the trash. If individuals continue to throw plastic bags in the trash, they will turn to an ever-increasing number of landfills and contribute to soil pollution. For example, the ones that are simply thrown on the street tossed into clog drains after that find their way to the sea and entangle marine life.

Another view is that if plastic bags would be prohibited a harmful effect from biodegradable products. Most people suggest that paper bags and reusable bags made from cotton are the best solutions, however, these remedies are even worse. Paper bags require us to continue clearing forests, besides, reusable bags are plagued by similar problems. Independent studies have shown that the production of cotton and reusable plastic causes more harm to the environment than disposable bags due to factories’ exhausts.

In conclusion, owing to broadly usable plastic bags nature snowed under many problems; some people support the idea to restrict those bags. Plastic bags are the main reason for landscape and water contamination, however, I think that if plastic bags would be bunned the side effects for nature will be even worse, hence, they should not be prohibited.

Nowadays, the massive use of plastic bags has resulted in a lot of environmental issues. It is because plastic is a material that is harmful to the sea and land. To cherish and save our earth, I strongly agreed with the idea that plastic shopping bags should be prohibited.

First of all, marine pollution can be attributed to plastic bags. A pile of plastic bags are discarded into the oceans every year. Most of them are non-biodegradable. Animals like fish, whales, crabs, seabirds might not be able to distinguish between food and rubbish. Marine creatures may mistake plastic for food. Since the plastic is difficult to be digested, it will stay in their stomachs for a long time. If they swallow the plastic bags, it may become a deadly threat to their life. For this reason, plastic waste has brought about a detrimental effect on the world’s ecosystem.

Next, the excessive use of plastic bags are closely bound up with land pollution and agricultural development. Landfill sites of used plastics seem to occupy a large piece of land which will not / is possibly not able to be restored for a long period of time and affect the fertility of the soil. Besides, It will deteriorate the crops’ absorption of nutrients and water, thus reducing productivity. Therefore, plastic products has brought an adverse effect on soil environment and crop yields.

In conclusion, the impact of the use of plastic shopping bags on the environment must be minimised. For the sake of the earth’s health / the planet’s sustainability, It is advisable that plastic bags should be banned while encouraging people to think invent alternative ways on shopping bags.

Plastic bags are in high demand for shopping purposes. Some people believe that there should be a ban on the usage of these bags, and I completely agree with this opinion because of their adverse impact on the environment.

Plastic bags are in high demand due to their cheap cost, however, these materials pollute the environment. One of the biggest causes is, it acts as a pollutant when we burn it after its usage. It produces toxic gases which are not suitable for human lungs and may cause severe lung diseases same as smoking does. For example, In India, items such as vegetables, groceries, and dairy products come in plastic bags. After the single-use, people burn empty bags with other garbage which unknowingly impact their health. If it is not replaced with other alternatives, people will need to compromise with their health.

Furthermore, It does not only make humans unhealthy but also does the same with other species. Animals when in extreme hunger, mostly street dogs or cows, eat things from garbage boxes that contain plastic bags massively because people throw leftover food after wrapping it in these bags. Animals eat these small bags very often, and it sticks to their organs, which is not digestible and creates stomach issues. Apart from animals, Marine life is also in danger because of plastic when thrown on beaches. Plastic does not dissolve in water and many marine species stuck in these bags and can not move freely.

Considering the negative impacts mentioned in the above paragraphs, I personally recommend the government to ban plastic shopping bag’s usage. It will be beneficial for all of the living beings on the planet to live a healthy life.

Great work! Very accurate writing.

Love how specific your answers are though it could be more academic at times.

Keep it up!

It is often argued that it is more advantageous to ban plastic shopping bags because of widely used and environmental problems. I completely agree with this opinion and think that plastic must be banned. Plastics are made from raw materials like natural gas, oil or plants, which are refined into ethane and propane. Plastic is durable and provides protection from contaminants and the elements. It reduces food waste by preserving food and increasing its shelf life. It protects food against pests, microbes and humidity. Without this protection, food is more likely to get damaged and become unusable.

First of all, I believe that plastic pollution is really bad for the environment. Because of, plastic pollution causes harm to humans, animals and plants through toxic pollutants. Plastic pollution is caused by the accumulation of plastic waste in the environment. For instance, if plastic are burned, it releases a toxic substance into the air causing air pollution. That is why it is more important for people to use organic plastic or bring their own shopping bag instead of using new plastic bag

Secondly, in my opinion, It can take hundreds or even thousands of years for plastic to decompose so the environmental damage is long-lasting. Plastic sticks around in the environment for ages, threatening wildlife and spreading toxins. Plastic also contributes to global warming. For example, filter feeding animals, like whale sharks, can ingest plastic by accident and jellyfish-eating species mistake plastic bags and balloon ribbons for jellyfish.

In conclusion, I strongly believe it is better to banned plastic shopping bag because it can encourage people to use less plastic to reduce plastic pollution and environmental issues.

Great work!

Your introduction is a little long though – try to achieve a better balance and develop your ideas more.

Assume that I was given a both side question. Then, my approach was to discuss both side, but I prefered view 1 to view 2.

I want to ask: “if I choose a 60-40 structure, will I have to write view 2 paragraphs less than view 1 paragraph???”

Have a beatiful day, sir!

I don’t think the length of the paragraph matters in the so-calle 60-40 structure.

You just need to choose one of those sides – ideally, it should be a little bit of a longer/stronger argument for that side but as long as you have an overall opinion then that isn’t so important.

Hi, Dave! May I ask for the strongly agree opinion, I have two paragraphs which support rails are more important, should I compare with the roads?

If you are just going to write about one side, then you can just write about that one side.

I wouldn’t recommend it for two reasons:

1. Students tend to repeat their ideas when they just choose one side. 2. I’ve heard some examiners are a little picky/idiosyncratic when it comes to just have one side. Safer and easier for you to discuss both sides!

Respected Sir, In this essay, should we write the reasons for banning plastic bags or results of banning plastic bags ?

means Agree as animals suffers a lot and air pollution increases

Agree because it saves animals life and people become healthy

You should write about whether or not they should be banned.

Both those options would work.

It is believed that the production of plastic bags ought to be abandoned as it causes environmental issues. I find the above arguments to be logical as it saves not only marine lives but also human lives as well.

This development would definitely protects the lives in the oceans. This is because in many developing countries such as China and India, large amount of plastics are being trashed into garbage, and the garbage is directly thrown into the oceans without proper degradation process that consequently damages organ of marine species by feeding them and turn them into death; therefore, if plastics bags are banned to use, no plastics would be thrown into the oceans. Resultantly, it would save millions of marine animals which are responsible for maintaining the ecological balance.

Addition to saving marine lives, it could be also beneficial for the human body. Since large amount of deadly chemical gas omits in air from the plastic manufacturing firms by making plastic bags, masses suffer from respiratory issues, such as asthma and pneumonia, by inhaling the polluted air. For example, a recent study conducted in the USA indicated that owing to the emission of chemical gas from the production of plastic bags in air, the rate of patients suffering from Asthma, the respiratory disease, has increased doubled in recent decade. As a result, health of human would protect, if use of plastic bags is banned.

In conclusion, I completely convinced that production of plastic bags should be banned as it brings benefits to save marine species besides protecting people from respiratory diseases.

In the technologically modern world , where everything has been upgraded to its maximum capacity, material storing and transporting components are also been upgraded into something which is compressible, easy to carry , and has a very complex and unbreakable structure “Plastic”. Due to its compositions, and non degrading structure , it is very harmful to the environment and should be definitely be banned for usage.

Plastics as stated are complex carbon structures with have whatsoever no impact on its structure due to environment. it stays for million of years in the face of earth. the only way to get it out of the ecosystem is to burn it, which in turn releases multiple green house gases , causing global warming.

Plastics were initially manufactured for ease of humans itself. A medium which is waterproof, does not tear easily, Manufactured in bulk and can be recycles as well. but over the years with increased population , and increased use of plastics , it is seen that the waste rate is way up than the manufacturing rate. even thiugh recycling is done, million of bags doesnt even get back to the factories are lost in the envioronment in between , harming soil, aquatic animals, Land animals and also our us in return.

in conclusion , i would like to state that plastics were a tremendous inventions in the early times, But now its abundance in the earth have much more harming effects than positive effects. and thus they should be banned in every country , so as to protect the earth from further degradation.

A little long but good work Sohini!

You should try to balance your paragraphs a bit better and have clear sentences with periods and good punctuation.

Plastic shopping bags are used widely and cause many environmental problems. Some people say they should be banned.To what extent do you agree or disagree?

It is important to understand the role of plastic in the degradation of the environment. While, Some believe that usage of plastic carry bags should be banned, I tend to disagree with a complete ban because of its economic and technological benefits, and instead plastic use should be regulated by filtering out the ones which do noticeably less harm to the nature.

On the one hand, plastic as a material to make bags is choosen by industry because of its low cost of production and operation. There is continous research in the manufacturing and logistics to meet the evergrowing demand. Furthermore, it is cheap and easy to recycle a plastic bag. As a result, it becomes economically viable to setup recycling units across the landscape close to towns, where the usage is very high. If the same bag was to be made by cloth or paper, then the overall operation would have been costly.

On the other hand, there is a need to place restrictions on the usage of such variant of plastic which has and will cause harm to the environment. Studies have shown that plastic material made using high degree polymer is the main pollutant of the oceans and wetlands. This doesn’t stop with oceans ,as the carry bags which were thrown in the open could seep down the ground and pollute pure underground water. Moreover, such variant of plastic bags are hard to recycle. However, it is worth noting the noticeable decrease in the use of these plastic bags. To sum up, given the pros of using shopping bag made of plastic such as its cost and ease of production, it should not be banned entirely. However, the version of plastic which is proven to be detrimental need to be banned from being used as a shopping bag.

It is often noted that many governments are adopting policies that allow a few offenders to perform charitable services instead of staying in prison. I completely agree with this because it reduces reoffending and develops the personal and practical skills of the prisoners.

Sometimes the criminals are not in their senses while doing the violations such as juveniles. These lawbreakers should allow a chance to reform rather than put with serious criminals which can result them to become dangerous offenders. I believe if these young people are allowed to do some volunteer social services, their minds will get distracted to a positive aspect of life which can be a major step towards stopping them from committing further crimes. For example, this has been confirmed by a recent study in the USA, that most of these ages of criminals have adopted a positive outlook on life after spending some time performing community services.

Some crimes such as drug addiction or burglary may be the outcomes of bad company or poverty. In my opinion, these offenders should be dealt with empathy and a bit of leniency. While serving community, individuals learn a new skill or meet new people. As a result, they develop some personal and professional skills such as adaptability, problem-solving, diplomacy and empathy towards others, that can help them to find suitable employment and live a respectful life in future. For instance, many of these minor criminals have found better employment after coming out of prison due to valuable skills they learned in community services.

In conclusion, crimes should indeed be punished, but the ways of punishment should not be the same for all. Rather, people with less serious crimes should be given the chance to improve by permitting them to do community service where they learn new skills and it will stop them from repeating those criminalities.

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How to write an IELTS opinion essay

Ielts opinion essay: structure, model answer, and analysis..

Updated: February 2023

There are 5 types of essays in IELTS writing task 2 and a common one is an opinion essay.

So how do you know if it is an opinion essay?. You will first need to study the instruction words. These words tell you what you should write about and this should be the first step to take before you even begin to plan. Analyse the task and especially the instruction words so you do not go off-topic or write a different essay altogether.

Here are 2 essay tasks below, which one do you think is the opinion essay?

1. Most people agree that money cannot buy happiness. Why is happiness difficult to define? How can people achieve happiness? 2. Some people believe that nowadays we have too many choices. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Looking at the instruction words we can see that the second one is an opinion essay as it asks ‘ To what extent do you agree or disagree? ‘

The first task is called a ‘Two-part question essay’ or sometimes called a ‘Direct question essay’.

Instruction words

Opinion essays will have various instruction words such as:

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Do you agree or disagree?

What is your opinion?

Do you think…?

What do you think….?

In your opinion what is ….?

In some cases the instruction words ask your opinion it may be a discussion essay such as:

‘Discuss both views and give your own opinion’

The structure of a discussion essay is different from an opinion essay as you will need to explain peoples views before you go into your own opinion.

This task below is a 2 part question essay and the second question asks your opinion.

Most people agree that money cannot buy happiness. Why is happiness difficult to define? How can people achieve happiness?

The opinion essay that I am referring to asks ‘ To what extent do you agree or disagree?’ means how much do you agree/disagree? , do you completely agree/disagree? or somewhat agree/disagree? or do you neither agree nor disagree?

You can write in your thesis statement something like: ‘ I completely agree because…..’ or if you don’t agree, something like: ‘ I absolutely disagree because…..’

What is an effective opinion essay structure?

There is no magic Band 9 structure but my students have found that the structure below works well in an opinion essay.

Tips on structure:

The main body paragraphs will cover the reasons for your opinion; however, do not list ideas just use one central idea and explain and support it.
Don’t wait until the conclusion to give your opinion. It must be throughout the whole essay .
Don’t give 2 different opinions. Do not agree then disagree as it will confuse the examiner. You can balance it with why someone would hold an opposing view but it is not a discussion essay.
I advise keeping the introduction under 60 words , each body paragraph should be approximately 90 to 105 words , the conclusion needs to be shorter than the introduction and no new ideas should be added to the conclusion
Aim for between 270 to 295 words , over 300 words is not realistic as you only have 40 minutes to write the essay .

Which body paragraph is better?

Take a look at these 2 main body one paragraphs to the task below, what do you think will score higher?

Task question:

Some people believe that nowadays we have too many choices . To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

A long time ago people used to go to market places and they bought basic daily necessities, now people can buy online and go to many high street shops. In addition, we can choose any hotel we like at cheap prices. Also, businesses compete with each other which means customers can buy items at low cost as well as a bigger selection of goods. Furthermore, the economy benefits because people can select from so many different products. For example, Amazon.com has millions of products that are much cheaper than buying at a shopping mall.

Admittedly, these days there are far too many choices which can be overwhelming; however, I think that for consumers this is an advantage because it forces businesses to compete with each other. This means that shoppers can benefit greatly from lower prices. For example, over the past two decades, Ryanair and EasyJet budget airlines have considerably reduced the cost of airfares for flights all over Europe. Before this, there was only one airline to choose from at exorbitant costs. Presently, many more budget airline options are serving destinations worldwide with incredible bargains for customers.

Click below for the answer.

The 2nd example is better because I wrote one central idea (lower prices for consumers) and expanded on that. The example given is not entirely true but it looks very feasible. You can just make up examples but they have to be specific and realistic looking. The point of an example is to support your main idea.

At the start of the paragraph I mentioned that too much choice is overwhelming but then contrast that with my opinion (Admittedly, these days there are far too many choices which can be overwhelming; however, I think that…) .

To see how to balance the essay click here for a lesson on balancing your opinion .

In example 1 above this has too many ideas and too many points. It jumps around and is not focusing on one central idea. The points are relevant but there is too much going on.

You will also notice an opinion is not given directly in the first example (I think / I believe etc) the whole paragraph affects coherence and cohesion as well as task response. The example given about amazon.com is also quite weak and not well explained.

Analysing the question.

As with all IELTS essays, it is crucial to spend a couple of minutes analysing the task and underling the keywords so that you are writing relevant points in the essay. If you go off-topic or write irrelevant points it will affect your score.

This is the task question for my model answer below and it is clear that the essay is about having too many choices these days . This means that there is something negative about having many choices, as the word ‘too’ implies something negative. In my model answer, I disagree with this being a negative and in fact, many choices are beneficial.

Click here for the 5 steps you need to take before writing.

I advise 10 minutes of planning time, this includes time analysing the question and getting relevant ideas.

Click here for a lesson about examples in main body paragraphs.

Model Answer

Some people believe that n owadays we have too many choices . To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

It is argued that in recent times people are overwhelmed by so many choices. Although I agree with this to some extent, for consumers I believe that having so many options enables them to purchase more competitively priced and higher quality products.

Another reason why I believe that more choice is beneficial is that the quality of products has improved in recent years. This is because many businesses are vying for customers’ attention, so their main selling points are not only low prices but also much higher quality. For instance, smartphone costs have decreased in the past 5 years and these devices are more powerful and more durable than ever before. This is primarily because manufacturers have focused on quality control to compete with rival products. I would argue that this has been a benefit to consumers which would not have been possible with one or two companies monopolising the smartphone market.

To conclude, despite the argument that there is too much freedom of choice nowadays, I hold the view that this is a positive trend as so many options allows customers to buy inexpensive items without compromising on quality.

Click below to see more detail and an analysis

1. My thesis statement says: Although I agree with this to some extent, for consumers I believe that having so many options enables them to purchase more competitively priced and higher quality products.

I am giving a balanced opinion here and focusing specifically on choice for consumers.

2. I have covered the points about how more choices have resulted in lower prices in main body one, while in main body two I cover the point about higher quality products because of the fact there are more choices. Notice how I have balanced my view: Admittedly, these days there are far too many choices which can be overwhelming; however, I think that for consumers this is an advantage because it forces businesses to compete with each other. .

3. The examples I gave are made up and not entirely true but they look realistic, the examiner does not check your examples for validity. Examples are there to support your main ideas. Do not put statistics in the examples either.

4. The points I have made in the essay connect with consumerism and shopping, but I have linked them to the points about how having many choices are of benefit to customers or consumers , because my opinion is that having many choices is a good aspect

5. In this type of essay, you could write about other areas where having many choices are relevant such as the choices of universities we can attend, the choices of work we might engage in, The choice of health care options available….and so on.

Here is a good news article from ‘ Business Insider’ that connects with this task question. Reading is a very good way to get ideas for IELTS essays.

2 thoughts on “How to write an IELTS opinion essay”

IELTS Essays: Five Types of IELTS Essays

There are 5 types of IELTS essays which can appear in IELTS writing task 2. These types of essays are for both GT and Academic writing task 2. Below you will find sample essay questions for each type of essay and links to model answers. Please note that IELTS teachers sometimes divide essays into different categories based on how they teach.

1) IELTS Opinion Essay

This type of essay is where you are presented with someone else’s opinion and you are asked if you agree or disagree with it. The opinion is often flawed or extreme in its views. Some teachers call this the Argumentative Essay. The instructions can be written in a number of ways. Below are a few examples:

To what extent do you agree?
Do you agree?
Do you agree or disagree?
What is your opinion?

No matter how the instructions are written, you can take any position you want: agree, disagree or partial agreement (balanced view). Below is an example essay question:

Opinion Essay Question: Some people think that only electric cars should be allowed on the road by 2040. Do you agree?

2) IELTS Discussion Essay

This type of essay presents you with a statement and you must present the two sides. This might be two sides of the same issue:

Some people think there should be free health care for all people, but others disagree. Discuss both sides.

Or it might be two separate issues which you need to discuss:

Some people think that urban spaces should be used for parks rather than for housing. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.

3) IELTS Advantage Disadvantage Essays

There are two types of questions in this category.

i) Advantage and Disadvantage Essay

This is similar to a discussion essay where you are given a statement must present the positive and negative side of the issue:

Some people think it is good for students to take a gap year before going to university. What are the advantages and disadvantages of doing so?

ii) Outweigh Essay

This is by far the most difficult of the two essay types in this category. It requires you to present an opinion and explain your opinion.

Some people think the world will eventually have only one language. Do you think the advantages of having one global language outweigh the disadvantages?

4) IELTS Solution Essays

There are a number of types of possible questions in this category:

i) Solution Only

Some children have serious weight problems. What are the possible solutions?

ii) Cause Solution

Children in rural areas are being left behind in their academic development. Why is this is the case? What solutions can you suggest?

iii) Problem Solution

More and more people are moving to cities to look for work. What problems does this cause? What are the possible solutions?

5) Direct Questions Essays

Some teachers call these the Two Question Essay. However, these types of essay questions might contain one, two or three questions for you to answer. Below are some examples.

Pollution around the world is becoming a serious problem. Do you think this is a problem that should be solved internationally or on a local level?

In the question above, you are asked one specific question. Your whole essay must tackle this question only.

More and more people are choosing to work from home. Is this a positive or negative development?

This essay question has just one issue and one question. You must explain what type of development you think working from home is.

Some people spend a lot of money on weddings. Why do they do this? Do you think it is good to spend a lot of money on weddings?

Above, you will see you have been presented with two questions to answer: reasons and opinion (evaluating if it is good or not.)

News editors decide what to print in newspapers and what to broadcast on TV. What factors do you think influence these decisions? Do we become used to bad news? Would it be better if more news was reported?

As you can see there are three questions to answer in this essay question. It is not common to get three questions. If you get three, just tackle them one at a time in a logical order.

Practice Essay Questions for IELTS

You can find over 100 essay questions to practice on this page: 100 IELTS Essay Questions . The questions are divided first into topics and then into essay types. This way you can get lots of practice before your actual test day.

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hi liz, i am taking the ielts next month, so i sincerely hope u can answer my question soon. What about tasks that asks u to give both reasons and opinions? For example, “Research say fewer consumers are influenced by adverts nowadays. Why is this the case? Do you believe this to be a positive or negative development?” So what should be my approach to this question type? Should i focus on detaling the causes and state my opinion briefly at the end or should i dedicate one paragraph to each question?

As you see, your task contains two questions. You can’t decide that one question is more important than the other. They are both equally important. You must have a body paragraph that states the causes and you must have a body paragraph that explains why you think it might be more positive and less negative or more negative and less positive. Always approach IELTS in a logical manner.

Hello, Liz! I wonder can we hold a neutral view in “positive or negative” essays? I’ve found some questions that we really can have a balanced opinion online, so at this point what should I do?

The biggest problem people have is understanding the words “balanced view”. A balanced view is definitely NOT neutral. Not at all. If you take a neutral position for an opinion essay you will fail on Task Response and get a low score. A balanced view means you don’t have an extreme view, such as fully agree or fully disagree. It is more like a partial agreement, where there are aspects you are agreeing with, but not fully. Or it is a specific view point that is unique to you. But it not neutral. You must have a very clear opinion every time you are asked to give an opinion or to choose. See my advanced lessons if you struggle with it: https://elizabethferguson.podia.com/

Thank you, Liz, but I’m afraid I didn’t make it very clear, I just wonder could we say both “negatives” and “positives” in such an essay? As in your model you just mentioned the positivities or negativities if I don’t make it wrong.

I’m sorry. I understand you. Yes, giving both positives and negatives is possible but not by sitting on the fence. You must still present them within your opinion. If you think the positives are more important then you make sure that is clear in your body paragraph and in that case you will also believe that the negatives, whilst existing, are less important – you also make that clear as well. Does that help? Let me know if I’ve miss understood your point.

Yeah, that’s very clear to me. Thank you again for your patience, Liz! That’s totally reasonable to me now!

Hello Liz, I just saw my test results and wanted to tell you about the questions they asked me here in Australia.

In Task 1 of the writing section, they presented a table and a graph. The main topic was the number of internet searches made between 2004 and 2010. The table showed the total searches in 2004 in billions and the number of searches in 2010, also in billions. It was a line graph where the vertical axis showed the percentage and the horizontal axis showed the years (moths with years). The lines represented the different search engines like Google, Yahoo, and two others that I can’t remember.

Regarding Task 2, the essay was about the issue of overweight. Some people think it could be solved by increasing the prices of fattening foods, and the question was how much I agreed with this. They asked for examples from personal or close experiences.

Honestly, I didn’t achieve the required score, but still, this is an excellent source for studying, and I will continue using it to achieve the score I need. Thank you so much, Liz!

Thanks for sharing 🙂 Wishing you the best of luck with your target score!!

Hi Liz, I hope you are doing well. I really do not understand what kind of question is it. I think it is an opinion essay but sill have some doubts. Could you please tell me how to solve this kind of questions? “Many countries are experiencing population growth and need more homes. Should these new houses be constructed in existing cities or should new towns be built in the countryside?”

This is a Direct Question Essay with only one question. It is asking you for your opinion about two possible options. Your task is to decide if you think there should be housing rather than new towns or whether you think there should ne new towns instead of housing. You present your view and then explain it.

Thank you so much Mam.

Hii dear liz, First of all thank you very much for providing us such kind of informative content. I have lot of learn things from your videos and written materials. I have an issue in grammer. Could you please give me any idea which would assist me to overcome my grammatical error….please let me know as soon as possible

I understand. Grammar is counts for 25% of your marks in IELTS writing. This is the reason I put together my Grammar E-book for Writing task 2. You can find it in my store: https://elizabethferguson.podia.com/

Thank so much Mam

Response to opinion based essay:

Electric cars are progressively replacing non-electric cars by the end of 2040. While it is possible that electric ones will eventually replace the other cars, it is unlikely that they will end up serving the same purpose. This essay will discuss why only few electric cars will be carried out by people.

Electric cars may eventually replace non-electric cars that are not compatible for the environment. Many people think that only electric powered vehicles should be allowed on the road because they emit far less emissions,and less maintenance is required. In China, for example many non-electric motors have been replaced by plug-in vehicles that are more environment friendly and budgeted. For these reasons, cars that can be replaced by electricity will be replaced.

Conversely, there are multiple factors that only electric cars will not be allowed only. Put simply, these factors include affordability and infrastructure development. A necessary framework including charging stations, grid capacity must be required. Without charging stations, drivers may face anxiety and hesitant to switch to electric cars. Additionally, switching completely to electric ones will increase a demand of charging from the grid stations.

It is increasingly likely that powered vehicles will end most non-powered cars. In most of the countries, traveling will be done entirely by electric cars; however, where the money and development are major issues they will always exist. Ultimately, addition of very few electrical cars is valuable but it is not a complete replacement of other cars.

Please get my advanced lessons to learn the correct way to write an IELTS essay: https://elizabethferguson.podia.com/ . Each advanced lesson takes 1 hour for me to explain how to write one type of essay. It isn’t something I can explain in a short message. An IELTS essay has specific requirements which you need to learn about. If I could give you small pointers, I would. But you really need to learn the right way in detail.

dear Liz i am very grateful to u for presenting helpful notes here. they are truly informative. i downloaded your series of grammar book last year and learned quite good topics that i used to find challenging. do you have any grammar notes for IELTS beginners?

Sorry, I don’t have anything for beginners. My Grammar E-book basically covers everything I can thing of. Is there something specific you are interested in? If you let me know, I could plan to create something.

Hlo mam ..I am not able to use proper grammer in task 1 ..and to be honest I don’t know which grammer is to be use in different graphs charts etc could u plz tell me mam..r can u plz tell me the accurate souce where ..would I find ..proper … instructions tht how to or what grammer we should use in task 1..I would be very helpful if u rply…??

I don’t have one page or one lesson which focuses on all aspects of grammar for all types of task 1 writing. I suggest you review all my model answers and make notes on sentence structure, tenses, prepositions, articles, noun phrases, clauses, word order etc etc. Model answers can be used for more than only studying structure or general content. Then review all practice lessons and also pay attention to the grammar being used. There’s a lot of free materials to study: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-1-lessons-and-tips/

hy liz i want to sample answers of ielts academic writing task 2

Model essays and tips for writing task 2 are found on this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-2/

Hello Liz, please I want to be receiving updates to enable me prepare for my IELTS exam.

There are over 300 page of practice lessons, tips, model answers and topics on this website which you should be using now for your IELTS preparation. Go to the HOME page to learn how to use this website. I post new lessons and tips once or twice a month because my website already has so many tips and lessons.

Hello mam, thank you for your great note in this important topic. In concern of how to organize the body of the essay writing I think it is hard to follow the arrangement of the question you gave on the note. Can use each paragraph for each opinion and add an introduction and a conculsion for that to develope my essay writing ?

You can find free model essays, tips etc on this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-2/ You can find advanced lessons and e-books in my store: https://elizabethferguson.podia.com/

Hi Liz, Do I write and underline my headings for example, do I write an introduction underline, and do the same with other headings?

My second question is do I write an introduction, overview, Paragraphs 1&2, then conclusion for task 2, essay writing?

As you can see from my model essays, no titles or headings are required for your essay. The paragraph format you can find tips for on the main writing task 2 page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-2/ You’ll also find model essays on that page.

Hi Liz, Kindly advise which are the two top essay types that frequently appears on the test day. I am expecting to take IELTS test two weeks from now and think I do not have enough time to practice all 5 question types. In addition, I assume that each question types are not equally tested. Thank you for your kindness.

No matter what people tell you, all the types of essays are possible. Focusing on only two is really taking a risk. You have two weeks before your test which is quite a lot of time to review the five types and ideas for topics as well. If I had to pick two types of essays, it would be the Opinion Essay and the Discussion Essay – but it really could be any type. Here is my advice, get my three advanced lessons for writing task 2, together they will cover three types of essays in three hours all together. This is a link to my store: https://elizabethferguson.podia.com/ . For the other two types of essays, review my model essays on this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-2/ , also review the linking words, how many paragraphs and other tips as well. Good luck!!

Hello Liz, is it okay to use templates for writing task 2 that is available online some say it decrease our band score while others say it will increase our band scores. I am really confused at the moment.

If you are aiming for a low band score, it’s fine. If you are aiming for a higher band score, it won’t help. The examiners are trained to spot the difference between a templated essay with memorised language in it and an essay that shows your own level of English.

I learnt a lot from Your lessons and only because of You I achieved the score I was aiming for. Honestly, thank You very very much. You are doing a wonderful job.

Best wishes from Lithuania!

I’m glad to hear you got the score you needed. Well done 🙂 Greetings to all in Lithuania!

I just want to ask, in the opinion essay, should we always present both sides? For instance, if the question only asks for our opinion on the matter (no mention of discussing both sides) should we still do it? Alternatively, can we just structure the essay to show our opinion and each paragraph elaborates on reasons why that is our opinion? Will doing it this way (not mentioning both sides) adversely affect our band score? Thank you!

I suggest you get my Advanced Lessons to learn properly. I generally don’t teach how to write an Opinion Essay in a short message. It takes me nearly an hour by video to do this. Here’s a link to my store: https://elizabethferguson.podia.com/

Thank you so much Liz. This video has been helpful. I have a question.

In Britain, when someone gets old they often go to live in a home with other old people where there are nurses to look after them. Sometimes the government has to pay for this care. Who do you think should pay for this care, the government or the family? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Is this an opinion essay which will follow exactly the structure you just taught or a discussion essay.

This is a Direct Question essay. Please remember that each teacher gives different names for essay types. I call this the Direct Question Essay because you are being given a direct question to answer. It might be one question, two or even three questions. Your whole essay explains your answer.

Hi Liz Do you think this is a positive or negative development? What type of essay is this please?

I’ve just added it to the page above. Take a look.

Hello Liz: I recently came across this essay. My question is what type of essay is this? Do you have any model essays on this type of essay? The essay is: In your view, what is the most important thing for governments to spend money on: education, health, transportation, or something else? Give reasons for your answers and include any relevant examples from your own experience or knowledge.

You said that you “came across” this essay question. Where did you come across it? Did you find it in one of the IELTS Cambridge test books? Only use authentic test questions. If you don’t use proper sources for your IELTS preparation, you will easily get confused about the test and this won’t help your preparation.

Thanks, Liz! This is now clear to me as I came across the question from a ‘model IELTS Essay topics’. published by a local company.

That sounds like the problem. You ought to use the IELTS Cambridge test books which are real test published by IELTS. I have collected over 100 essay questions over the years and they are also safe to use. You can find them linked to the main writing task 2 section of this site: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-2/

Thank you, Liz, for your comments and the link. I wish you good health and happiness!

Hope you are keeping well. I am not able to score more than 6.5 in my writing test. I have scored 8.5 in Listening, Reading & Speaking but writing disappoints every time. Where can I find model answer to evaluate where am I lacking? I have taken 2 computer based tests for far and scheduled 3rd one in 5 days. I need band score 7 in Writing to achieve my target.

You can find some model answers in the main writing task 2 section my website along with other essential tips: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-2/ . I also have paid advanced lessons which might help you understand where you are going wrong. They can be bought in my online store: https://elizabethferguson.podia.com/ . Each lesson focuses on one specific essay type and explains paragraph by paragraph what to do.

Liz, thank you so much for your help. Two weeks ago I took the IELTS exam and surprisingly get 9 in Reading section!

Fantastic!! Well done to you 🙂

Hi Liz,I really need help with opinion essays especially for the part that asks to what extent do you agree or disagree?am I supposed to discuss both sides,thank you

I suggest you get my advanced lessons for the opinion essay: https://elizabethferguson.podia.com/ . It isn’t something that can be taught in a short message.

Your materials and videos have sincerely been helpful. Thank you very much for such a selfless act. My exam is in a week time, I have only 10days to prepare for my IELTS GT. I would give you an update on how it goes. Cheers

Hi Liz! I am preparing for my IELTS and I have found your website very helpful, very precise information is given and it talk to the point. thank you for providing good content. keep up the great work.

reagrds Neha Shah

You’re welcome 🙂

Thanks a lot Liz . Your materials and tutorials helped me a lot in my preparation for my IELTS . Followed your tips and videos for 3 weeks . Able to score 7.5 overall.

Thank you again for the great help you provide.

Wonderful news! Very well done 🙂 It’s a great overall score!

Thank you so much Liz for the work you do. Your videos, website and materials helped me in my preparations. I just got my results, it was a band 8 overall. Have a splendid 2022.

Wonderful !! A great result! Wishing you all the best for 2022 !! 🙂

Hi Liz I’m from Sri Lanka. Thank you for all your guidance. Today I sat for IELTS academic paper. Task 1 was a bar chart, percentage of young people in higher education in for countries in 3 years. Task 2- news has no connection with people’s life so it’s a waste of time to read best from newspaper and watch news program on tv. To which extent do you agree. I hope these will help you. Waru

Hi Liz, I follow all your videos and they are very helpful. I gave my speaking exam last week. But now I think the cue card question was to describe a leisure activity I enjoy and I talked about a leisure activity I am planning to enjoy. I am really worried if it will affect my band score. But my talk was fluent . Can you give me your insights?

It won’t make any difference to your score. As long as your talk is based on the main topic (leisure activity), it’s ok. Your score won’t be negatively impacted in any way at all.

Hi Liz, Im Janet from kenya. thank you for the good work you are doing. im preparing for my exams in 4 weeks time. your content is very helpful and I like the way you explain things. im a slow learner and i find your pace very good for me. Thank you again. keep up the good job.

Good luck with your preparation and test 🙂

Thank you Liz

Hi Liz, hope you are doing well. Liz I have silly question I know but I’m really stuck in this problem and I was wondering if you can help me with this issue.. The problem is writing a topic sentence, you said in advanced lectures that topic sentence should be written carefully because it is kind of more important .. Please can you tell me that among these 2 topic sentences of BP1, which one is okay and looks relevant?

1] Although we are living in prosperous times, with people in many countries enjoying a higher standard of living than ever before, there are still millions of people in the world who are living in poverty.

2] Instead of wasting lots of money on exploration of space, governments ought to focus on local problems such as poverty eradication. There are millions of……

Essay statement; Space exploration is a luxury that we cannot afford. Instead of spending billions of dollars on space programs, governments should use this money to fight global problems such as poverty, disease and climate change. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion.

Kind regards

The first step is to underline the key words in the essay question: space exploration, spending billions, fighting global problems (examples). Now make sure your topic sentence covers those aspects. Neither of the topic sentences you have listed really works because, while the second one is obviously more carefully connected to the essay question, it doesn’t leave room for any other paragraph as you are tackling all problems in one paragraph. Also it switches from global problems to local problems which is confusing. However, in terms of which of your sentences connects to the essay question properly, it is the second one. This essay is all about funding for space exploration and whether it is relevant in today’s world or not given all our global problems.

I love your lessons and tips. They are really helpful and you are extraordinarily devoting. Here I have a question about the answer you left under Khola’s comment. What do you mean by “no room left for other paragraphs as you tackled all problems in one paragraph”?

Looking forward to your response.

Sincerely, Ella

It means that if you put all your ideas into one paragraph, you won’t have any more ideas for other paragraphs. By choosing one main focal point for one paragraph, you have the ability to use other ideas for other paragraphs. So many people say “I can’t think of how to make my essay long enough”. The answer is to be more careful about how you use your ideas. First, brainstorm ideas. Then select the best ideas. Then decide carefully which ideas can go into which paragraph. Then pay attention as to whether some ideas should go together or some ideas should be separated into different paragraphs. There is a lot to think about in the planning stage. It is crucial to plan carefully and strategically.

Electric cars are currently being developed by many well-known automotive companies. Many people still question whether electric cars are a feasible replacement for petrol and diesel-fuelled vehicles. In this essay, I will explore the opinions for and against the use of electric cars and their replacement of petrol and diesel-fuelled cars.

On one hand, electric cars are environment friendly. They require no non-renewable energy and are clean to run and maintain on the road. To support this opinion, recent studies show that the use of electric cars helps to curb pollution in urban and rural areas. Clearly, electric cars are one way to tackle ecological concerns and support a ‘greener’ environment.

On the other hand, electric cars are inconvenient to maintain and to dispose of. The driver of an electric vehicle must recharge his car approximately every 100 kms. In addition, the plutonium battery of an electric car is toxic to the environment and must be safely disposed of through expensive means. In brief, scientists are still exploring ways to produce these types of vehicles so that they are easier to manufacture, maintain and use safely.

To sum up, it’s evident that there are both pros and cons of electric vehicles. Despite the expense of development and the inconvenience of recharging electric cars, I still believe strongly that it is well worth the investment to continue research and production of these vehicles. To conclude, we should remain open, supportive to the use of electric cars and to their development in the future.

Recently i sat for IELTS exam, and the GT Writting Task 2 was about transport and they asked “ Do you think it has more advantages or more disadvantage?”

For this would it be option question or Adv/Disadv question? How is the structure for that type?

I wrote both sides and gave my opinion in the conclusion… but not sure if its right… i got 6.5 for writing.

Also, if you can advise how they ask the questions to determine what type of essay it would be so it can easy for us to identify.

Thanks and appreciate all your help.

That is an “outweigh” essay – do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.

Hi Liz I have my exam this week and searching for model questions for April 2021. I checked on your site but model essay questions were available till March so if you can recommend me to follow something for latest Also, can you please share me the link for model answers of March Model Essay Questions?

I am eagerly waiting to hear from you.

The model essays are to be used for all years of the test. The topics are often recycled and the techniques for essay writing are 100% the same as always. The test format hasn’t changed and neither has the marking. All pages of this site are 100% relevant to the test today.

I have purchased material from you in 2019 but somehow because of my system crash I could not recover anything. Please can you share the link to access the notes that will be very grateful as I want to reattempt IELTS again. Because of Corona, I was not in my town to connect with you regarding this.

I’ve just resent your access link. Check both your inbox and spam folder.

Hi I booked my test in May 2021 I was just wondering which one is latest book i can refer? I have heard Cambridge books are best but I’m not aware about which version i should go for. Your help would be really appreciated

The IELTS Cambridge books are numbered, at present, from 1 to 15. Number 15 is the most recent and was published in 2020. However, all the books provide useful practice. The general format of the test has not changed. I personally would recommend books from 7 to 15. In July 2021, book 16 will be published.

Hello Liz, this is my first message ever. I would like to thank you for your devotion. Can I start a “ solutions” body in the problem solution essay with “ to get around these problems “ as I found this linking device from the “ new scientist” journal whose translation is seemingly appropriate to that, at least to me.

This means a way to avoid the problem rather that solve the problem. So, it wouldn’t be appropriate for an IELTS essay which asks for solutions. It is better to use: The most effective way to tackle this problem is… X is the way to deal with this issue The answer to solving this problem is ….

Hi Liz, In my exam I got the question of “Are there more advantages or more disadvantages” Is it similar to “Do advantages outweigh disadvantages” ?

Yes, it is 100% the same.

Thanks mam these are quite useful essays.

In the public version of the IELTS writing marking criteria, some linkers are called mechanical and it limit your band score. Some teachers say words like firstly,On one hand,on the other hand are example. I notice you use such words or phrases in ur sample essays. Are they really mechanical? Can you enlighten on what the band descriptors calls mechanical linker

The linkers themselves are not mechanical. All the linking words you have written are suitable for IELTS up to band score 9. The problem is how people use them. It is there use that becomes mechanical. If you have three paragraphs and each one starts with a linking words: Firstly, Secondly, Thirdly, it is similar to a machine that always does the same thing each time. So, to avoid this you must be flexible. So, use all suitable linking words, but use them flexibly. The mechanical use of linking words is typical of a band 6 in Coherence and Cohesion. This means that if you are aiming for band 7 and above, you need to use signposting more flexibly.

Your website and materials helped me a lot in my preparations for my ielts test.

I scored a band 8 overall after about 4 weeks of regular practice.

Thank you Liz for the work you do.

Great news! Very well done 🙂

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A for and against essay – a balanced essay

Check the ‘explanation’ tab above before doing these exercises. read the following for and against essay sample. for each gap, choose the correct option from the expressions in the box below..

although An important advantage Another point in favour For example Furthermore However In addition On the other hand To sum up

Having an only child is easier for parents and better for kids.

Several centuries ago, it was unbelievable that having only one child could have any advantages. The higher number of children, the bigger opportunities your family had to survive. 0 However , nowadays families with just one child are most common. And as a parent, you will ask yourself what are the advantages and disadvantages of being or having an only child.

1 for parents who have just one child is that they need to spend less money and time and can survive with just a small two-bedroom house. 2 , an only child doesn’t have to share anything, and they get all their parents’ attention and affection. 3 of only children is that having just one child prevents traditional problems related to the partition of the parents’ last will.

4 , there are also well-known disadvantages. 5 , only children tend to become more selfish and have a more difficult personality. 6 , if you have a brother or sister, you will always have someone to play with or talk to if you need help or advice. And 7 you are the centre of the universe as a child, when your parents grow old, you will be the only one to look after them.

8 , either having or being an only child has numerous advantages and disadvantages, and if you are thinking of becoming a parent, you will have to think carefully what you believe is the best for you as a parent, but also for your child.

List three advantages and three disadvantages

Write the composition using linking expressions, discuss the pros and cons of streaming video platforms like netflix or hbo.

Everyone knows about streaming platforms. Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, HBO, and the list goes on. It’s true that they offer their audiences numerous advantages, but maybe they are not for everyone, and before you sign up for one of them, you should also consider their disadvantages.

The main advantage of streaming video services is that you can take your favourite shows and movies anywhere, you just need a phone or tablet and an internet connection, and you are good to go. Another advantage is the great availability; you can access almost any show or film you can think of, and you don’t have to wait a week to see another episode of your favourite series. Furthermore , if you are learning a language, you can easily find movies in the original version and decide whether you want to add subtitles.

However , not everything is positive about these platforms; there are also some disadvantages that we should consider. An important disadvantage is that if you go somewhere with a poor internet connection or with no internet connection, then you’d better go straight to bed or read a book because you’re not going to watch your series. In addition , although you can watch almost anything, there are significant limitations. Not everything you want to watch is there; for instance , if you love old movies, you will probably not find what you are looking for, and if you have Netflix, forget about watching Game of Thrones. Another negative point is that since so many films and series episodes are available, you may end up sleeping less than you need.

In conclusion , streaming video platforms are great, and they are the present and future of TV entertainment, but people who want to use one of these platforms should know that not everything is positive about these services.

Use linking expressions…

to list advantages and disadvantages:

The main advantage of … is that …
An important advantage of … is that …
Another advantage is that …
Another point in favour of … is that …
Another negative point is that …

to add more points:

In addition,
Furthermore,

to introduce examples:

For example,
For instance,

to introduce contrasting points:

On the other hand,

to introduce the conclusion:

In conclusion,

Don’t give your opinion unless you are asked to do it

This is a ‘for and against’ essay where you will discuss two contrasting views about a topic. You should only give your opinion if you are explicitly instructed to do so.

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A for and against essay.

Look at the essay and do the exercises to improve your writing skills.

Instructions

Do the preparation exercise first. Then do the other exercises.

Preparation

Reality tv shows are good entertainment.

Reality shows are a very popular form of entertainment on TV nowadays. There are dozens of different types of programmes such as singing contests, cooking competitions or going to live in the jungle.

Firstly, I think that there is a lot of variety in reality TV. People at home can choose which types of programme they want to watch depending on what they are interested in. Some people like watching singing or cooking competitions while others prefer watching programmes about building houses or travelling around the world. In addition, reality TV programmes are a great opportunity to discover talented singers, dancers or chefs. Several people who take part in these programmes get jobs as a result of being on TV. Another advantage is that the people on the shows have interesting experiences and meet new people.

On the other hand, some people think that reality TV is an easy way for them to become famous. However, most successful singers, actors or chefs have worked hard all their lives and are good at their job because of their hard work. Also, sometimes the people on the shows have to do really difficult or dangerous things. The competitions are very hard and there is only one winner. Another disadvantage is that some programmes always follow the same format and this can be boring to watch.

To sum up, I think that reality TV is good entertainment. There is lots of variety which means there is something for everyone and they are interesting to watch.

Top Tips for writing

1. Start each paragraph with a word or phrase so the reader knows what to expect, for example Firstly , On the other hand or To sum up .

2. Link your sentences with these words: In addition ; Another advantage is that ; However ; Also ; Another disadvantage is that .

3. Organise your essay in paragraphs.

paragraph 1 – introduction
paragraph 2 – arguments for the subject
paragraph 3 – arguments against the subject
paragraph 4 – conclusion

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What are your views on reality TV? Are these types of shows popular in your country?

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IELTS Argumentative Essay Structure: Here’s the Step by Step Guide You should Know

When you write a convincing article, you need more than an argument to make your voice felt. Even the best position would not be convincing if it is not well formulated and reinforced by sound logic and proof. Learn what elements each argumentative essay should contain and how to present the essay in a clean and attractive manner in this simple step-by-step tutorial. Read the article below to get a clear view of IELTS argumentative essay structure

What is an Argumentative Essay?

An argumentative essay is a form of essay writing that takes a stand on the matter. In a strong argumentative article, the writer tries to convince readers to consider and accept their point of view on the matter by outlining their reasoning and presenting facts to back it up.

Argumentative essay writing is a common task for high school students as well as IELTS aspirants Normally, argumentative essay subjects are linked to science, technologies, economics and medical care.

Argument Essay IELTS Structure: IELTS Essay Format

Argumentative essays should have a clear structure such that they are convenient for readers to understand. The purpose of the argumentative essay is to explicitly outline the perspective, the logic and the proof. Follow the IELTS argumentative essay structure below, to write a perfect essay for your IELTS writing task

Introductory Paragraph: IELTS Essay Structure Task 2

The first section of your essay should outline the subject, include the context details required to explain your case, outline the facts that you will be presenting, and state your topic.

The Topic Statement: IELTS Essay Structure Task 2

This is part of the first line of your order. This is a succinct, one-sentence description of your key argument and assertion.

Body Paragraphs: IELTS Essay Structure Task 2

A standard argumentative essay consists of three or four paragraphs that clarify why you endorse your topic. Each topic sentence should cover a different theory or bit of proof and contain a theme sentence that simply and concisely demonstrates why the examiner should agree with your argument. Body paragraphs are where you support up your arguments with examples, analysis, statistics, tests, and text quotes. Discuss and disprove contrary points of view or justify that you disagree with them. Presenting facts and considering a subject from both perspectives adds integrity and can help you win the confidence of the examiner

Conclusion: IELTS Essay Structure Task 2

One section that reiterates the topic and outlines all the points set forth in the sections in your body. Instead of adding additional evidence or further claims, a successful conclusion would cater to the feelings of the reader. In certain cases, authors will use a subjective opinion to illustrate how the topic affects them directly.

Also Read: Art is Considered an Essential Part of All Cultures: A Topic of IELTS Essay

IELTS Writing Task Sample Topic

It is often argued that not many students go to university, while others claim that college education should be a fundamental right. Discuss all sides of the debate and express your own view.

In certain developing nations, it is not uncommon for more than 50% of young people to attend university or college. Reviewers, though, contend that certain undergraduate programmes are useless and that young people will be best off learning expertise at the workplace. In this article, I’m going to discuss all sides of this debate and attempt to draw a conclusion.

Break the Paragraph: IELTS Argumentative Essay Structure

There are many reasons why students now feel that they have the right to higher education. Second, increasing growth in many parts of the world has expanded the number of families with resources to build for the future of their children. Around the same time, declining birth rates mean that one or two kids’ families have become normal, raising the amount of spending for each child. It is not shocking, however, that young people are able to let their families sustain them until they are 21 or 22 years of age. In addition, millions of new positions have been generated in the information industries, and these jobs are normally only available to university graduates.

Nevertheless, it also seems that graduates end up in jobs that are not relevant to their university studies. It is not rare for major English literature to end up employed in sales, or for an engineering graduate to retrain as an instructor, for example. Any commentators have indicated that young people are avoiding their entrance into the workplace rather than learning technical skills. The more important concern is that the higher cost of higher education would ensure that many families are hesitant to have more than one child, alleviating the declining birth rate in some countries.

In summary, while it can be claimed that so much focus is placed on higher education, my own view is that university years are a critical period for personal growth. When individuals enter the workplace at the age of 18, their career opportunities can be heavily limited. Attending a university gives them opportunities to think more about themselves and make a more fitting career decision.

Also Read: Is there a Fact Check in Essay Writing in IELTS? Here’s a List of Do’s and Don’ts

IELTS Argumentative Essay Structure Key Points

Make a question and answer it.

Set a major question that was asked of your essay or in the first few words. Then, accumulate your short paragraph to address the question. For illustration, in your title or introduction, you may ask, “What is the best kind of sandwich? ” And then respond with your sentence fragment: “The best type of sandwich is sour cream and jam.” This approach is successful since interesting questions pull readers in and inspire them to keep reading to find answers.

Make an Argument and Clarify It

Implement a concept that conflicts with your view, and clarify explicitly why you disagree with it. “While some people think that peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are too easy, they are flexible. Transform the subject into a question and answer it. Set a major question in the title of your essay or in the first few words. Then, accumulate your short paragraph to address the question. For instance, in your title or introduction, you may ask, “What is the best kind of sandwich? “And then respond with your sentence fragment: ‘The best form of sandwich is sour cream and jam.’ This approach is successful because interesting questions attract readers and inspire them to continue to read to figure out the answer.

Outline the Crucial Points

Introduce the key argument and clarify how you are going to back that up. For instance, “You can turn whipped cream and jam sandwich into a fine meal by using hand-made bread, toasting bread, and creating extra ingredients.” This approach is useful because it gives readers a good picture about what you’re about to cover in your article. It also acts as a route map to help you remain focused and on schedule.

Also Read: IELTS Writing Task 2 Samples: Exam Questions & Answers to Target Minimum Band 8

5 Argument Types: IELTS Argumentative Essay Structure

When you decide what you’re speaking about and know your conclusion point, imagine how you’re going to make your case. There are five forms of statement statements that can be used to guide your essay:

Idea: whether the argument is valid or not.
Description: a dictionary definition of what you argue, and your own personal understanding of it.
Value: The value of what you’re talking for.
Cause and consequence: what triggers the dilemma in your article and what effect it has on it.
Strategy: why the examiner should take care of it and what they should do with it after reading it.

We hope we have given you a perfect article regarding the IELTS argumentative essay structure. To write a perfect argumentative essay you must practice daily. Opt for a lot of mock tests to get better.

Want to become perfect in the IELTS argumentative essay? Follow similar blogs from IELTS Ninja

Also Read: IELTS Essay in Writing Task 2: Here’s How to Organize it Well

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What is a Good IELTS Score? Is 7.5 a Good IELTS Score? Here’s All You Need to Know

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Essay Task 2

Guide to Advantage Disadvantage IELTS Essay Type

Essay Types
Double Question
Advantage Disadvantage
Problem Solution
Essay Length

IELTS advantage/disadvantage essays ask you to write about the benefits and drawbacks of a topic as well as (sometimes) asking for your opinion. This guide covers everything you need to know to complete an Academic IELTS advantage/ disadvantage essay. Let’s start preparing with Benchmark IELTS!

1.1 understanding the question, 1.2 example advantage/disadvantage questions, 2.1 essay structure 1, 2.2 essay structure 2.

3.1 Identify key words and phrases

3.2 Organise your ideas

3.3 identify vocabulary, 4.1 introduction, 4.2 main body paragraphs, 4.3 conclusion, 5.1 complete the sample advantage/disadvantage essay, 5.2 advantage/disadvantage sample essay, 1. advantage/ disadvantage essay overview.

This section of the guide will show you how to identify an IELTS advantage/disadvantage question.

Remember, there are five main types of writing task 2 questions:

Advantage/disadvantage
Double question
Problem/solution

It is very important to understand what type of question you are given in the exam so you can respond in an appropriate way: different question types will require different responses.

Advantage/disadvantage essay questions can be presented in several different ways.

Here are some examples of the way an advantage/disadvantage question may be worded:

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages and give your opinion.
Describe the advantages and disadvantages of _____ and give your opinion.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of _____?

You may also see questions using synonyms for advantage and disadvantage, for example:

What are the benefits and drawbacks of…?

Be careful, the question itself might not always use words or phrases relating to advantage/disadvantage and they could be hidden in the statement, as seen here:

Some people believe that using a bicycle as your main form of transport has a lot of advantages , whereas others believe that it has many disadvantages . Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Here is another example of a question where you are asked to give your opinion:

Do the advantages of … outweigh the disadvantages

After you have identified the essay type , you need to understand what you are being asked to do. To do well in the Task achievement marking component, you need to ‘ address all parts of the task’ .

This type of essay question will always be split into two parts:

The IELTS statement
The question

You must always write about both the advantages and disadvantages of the given topic. As we can see in example questions 1-6, sometimes you are asked to give your opinion on the question, and sometimes you are not. Let’s compare the following questions:

You are not being asked to give your opinion

Here are some example advantage/disadvantage essay questions:

In the past, when students did a university degree, they tended to study in their own country. Nowadays, they have more of an opportunity to study abroad.

Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?

Today children spend a lot of their free time watching TV.

Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages of this practice?

Also, read the following IELTS Essay Writing Guides

IELTS Discussion Type Questions
Double Question IELTS Essay Topics
Opinion-based Task 2 IELTS Guide
Problem Solution IELTS Writing Task Statement

The threat of nuclear weapons maintains world peace. Nuclear power provides cheap and clean energy.

The benefits of nuclear technology far outweigh the disadvantages.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

In the past, when students did a university degree, they tended to study in their own country. Nowadays, they have the opportunity to study abroad.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of this development?

More and more people prefer to read news online rather than on paper.

Do you think the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge and experience.

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2. Essay Structures for Advantage/Disadvantage Essays

There is more than one way to structure your advantage/disadvantage essay. You could take a thesis-led (opinion in the introduction) or an evidence-led (opinion in your conclusion).

You could also choose to focus on one or more than one advantage/disadvantage in each of your main body paragraphs.

The next two sections will give you two possible ways that you could structure your essay using four clearly organized paragraphs.

Thesis-led approach

Evidence-led approach

3. Planning your Advantage/Disadvantage Essay

Before you start writing your essay, you should give yourself 5 minutes to analyze the question and organize your ideas . Follow the tips below to create a well-planned essay!

3.1 Identify keywords and phrases

It sounds simple, but it is very important that you read the question carefully and understand what you are being asked to write about. To analyze the question, first, identify any keywords and phrases .

You should first identify the topic of the essay. If you do not write about the correct topic, you will score poorly in Task achievement . The general topic can always be found in the IELTS statement.

Let’s take a look at one of the previous examples:

The threat of nuclear weapons maintains world peace . Nuclear power provides cheap and clean energy .

The topic words are underlined and show the general topic of this essay question in nuclear weapons/power/technology .

After you have identified the general topic, you need to locate other keywords that give you more detail about the topic. In this question, the words world peace and cheap and clean energy in bold give you more information about the general topic. Therefore, your essay should only relate to these aspects of nuclear weapons/power/technology .

Now take a look at the question for our model answer at the end of this guide. Can you identify the general topic?

This is an important step that is often skipped by test-takers. By quickly writing down your key ideas, you will avoid repeating or missing any points and improve your score in both Task achievement and Coherence and cohesion .

You could use bullet points , columns , or another preferred method of writing down ideas . Here is an example for our sample essay:

Take a look at our Master Guide for a more in-depth look at idea generation and organizing your ideas.

Taking a moment to write down more uncommon vocabulary related to the essay topic will not only make you feel more relaxed in the exam but will also help you to improve your score in Lexical resources .

This doesn’t have to be a long list, just a few ideas that come into your mind. Here are some examples of the topic of studying abroad:

Culture shock
Language barrier
Broaden one’s horizons

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4. Writing your Advantages/Disadvantages Essay

Your introduction should be the shortest paragraph in your essay (about 40-60 words is perfect).

You need to rephrase the IELTS statement in your own words. This is known as paraphrasing (a key skill to develop for the IELTS exam).

Take a look at our example:


In the past, when students did a university degree, they tended to study in their own country. Nowadays, they have the opportunity to study abroad. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this development?

You can also briefly state what your essay will be about in one clear sentence. For instance:

This essay will discuss both points of view and then I will give my opinion.

If you are taking a thesis-led approach, you can use one of the following sentence starters to briefly give your opinion:

I believe that…
It is my belief that…
In my opinion,…

A note on the use of the first person ‘I’: Unlike writing task 1, it is appropriate to use the first person in your writing task 2 essay. In fact, it is unavoidable when giving your opinion. But , you should not overuse ‘I’ in your essay and we recommend you limit your use to your introduction and conclusion.

Topic sentences Usually, the first sentence of your main body paragraph will be a topic sentence . The purpose of your topic sentence is to introduce the main idea of your paragraph .

You should include one topic sentence for each advantage/disadvantage . This means that, if your main body paragraphs focus on two advantages/disadvantages , then you should have two topic sentences per paragraph.

Here’s an example: One advantage of studying abroad is that students can improve their language skills.

Here are some other sentence starters you can use for your essays (you can replace the underlined words with vocabulary linked to your topic):

One advantage of studying abroad is that ….
Another benefit of studying abroad is that…
One downside of studying abroad is that…
Another downside of studying abroad is that…

Supporting sentences You should then expand on your topic sentence with a supporting sentence/sentences . Your sentence(s) could either describe a result of the advantage/disadvantage, go into more detail , or explain the reason(s) why these benefits/drawbacks occur.

Our example supporting sentence describes a result of the advantage given in the topic sentence.

Topic sentence – One advantage of studying abroad is that students can improve their language skills.

Supporting sentence – This means that when the students return to their home countries, they will have more employment opportunities.

Here are some sentences starters you can use to begin your supporting sentences:

This is because…
The result/consequence/reason is that…
This means that…
As a result/consequence,…
In other words,…

Giving examples For all writing task 2 essay types , you must support your response with examples. Do not personalize your examples and link them to your life instead, Keep your examples more general . Also, do not refer to made-up statistics .

Here are some instances of suitable and non-suitable examples:

Suitable For example, many young people who study in an English-speaking country for a few years develop strong communication skills and have the confidence to work in an international company when they return home.

Not suitable My cousin spent three years in an English-speaking country and they got an excellent job with an international country when they came back to Spain. ( this example is too personal as it refers to the writer’s family ) ❌

According to statistics, international students are 30% more likely to get a job in an international company when they study overseas. ( this example contains a made-up statistic )

You must include a conclusion to achieve a good score in Task achievement . Your conclusion does not have to be very long, but it needs to be clear and do two main things:

Paraphrase yourself : summarise the key points in your body paragraphs
Give your opinion : It depends if you have taken an evidence-led or thesis-led approach, you will either be re-stating the opinion given in your introduction or giving your opinion for the first time.

Make your conclusion easy to identify for the examiner by starting with linking phrases such as:

To sum up,…
To summarise,…
In conclusion,…

When you are paraphrasing the main points of your essay, you need to state that you have examined both sides of the argument (as that is what the question has asked you to do). To do this, consider using a phrase like:

In conclusion, having looked at this topic in detail, it is clear that there are both advantages and disadvantages of studying abroad .

You would need to replace the underlined section with your essay topic.

To give your opinion, you need to use a range of cohesive devices to introduce each example such as:

From my perspective,…
In my view,…

You then need to clearly state which side of the argument you agree with (advantage or disadvantage). Remember, your actual opinion does not matter, it is how you present your opinion using English that is important.

Here are some example sentences to do this effectively:

In my opinion, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.
From my perspective, the drawbacks outweigh the benefits .

5. Example Advantage/Disadvantage Essay and Exercise

Now you’ve taken a look at how to write an advantage/disadvantage essay, let’s look at a model answer.

We have removed some of the words so you can put your knowledge to the test.

Select the correct missing words and complete the model answer.

years, it has become much more common for to complete their degree overseas instead of their country. Many believe that there are significant of doing this, while others argue that there are also connected to studying abroad. This essay will discuss both points of and then I will give my opinion.

One advantage of abroad is that students can improve their skills. This means that when the students return to their home countries, they will have more employment opportunities. , many young people study in an English-speaking country for a few years develop strong communication skills and have the confidence to work in an international company when they return home. benefit of studying abroad is that you can develop a better understanding of other cultures, for , learning about a country's customs, traditions and cuisines. The consequence of this is that people become more open-minded.

, there are some disadvantages of studying abroad. One is that students may miss their friends and family and feel . They may also find it difficult to connect with other students and make friends due to a . Another disadvantage is that students can experience a real culture shock when moving to another country. This is because the culture and language may be different which could lead to frustration for the student and with their study experience.

To , it is clear that there are both advantages and disadvantages of studying abroad. In my , the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. Although it is true that the experience may be challenging at first, on , if you study abroad you will have an enriching experience that will broaden your horizons and increase your future prospects.

/ 21

In recent years, it has become much more common for students to complete their degree overseas instead of their house country. Many persons believe that there are significant benefits of doing this, while others argue that there are also drawbacks connected to studying abroad. This essay will discuss both points of mind and then I will give my opinion.

One advantage of study abroad is that students can improve their employee skills. This means that when the students return to their home countries, they will have more employment opportunities. An example, many young people who study in an English-speaking country for a few years develop strong communication skills and have the confidence to work in an international company when they return home. On the other hand benefit of studying abroad is that you can develop a better understanding of other cultures, Example , learning about a country’s customs, traditions and cuisines. The consequence of this is that people become more open-minded.

In the other hand, there are some disadvantages of studying abroad. One backdraw is that students may miss their friends and family and feel homesad. They may also find it difficult to connect with other students and make friends due to a language barrier . Another disadvantage is that students can experience a real culture shock when moving to another country. This is because the culture and language may be different which could lead to frustration for the student and dissatisfaction with their study experience.

To overall , it is clear that there are both advantages and disadvantages of studying abroad. In my thought, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. Although it is true that the experience may be challenging at first, on balance , if you study abroad you will have an enriching experience that will broaden your horizons and increase your future prospects.

One thought on “Guide to Advantage Disadvantage IELTS Essay Type”

This was very useful to improve my writing skill

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Writing Task 2 Discuss Both Views Lesson

How to write a Task 2 discussion essay:

Introduction: paraphrase the question, state both points of view, make a thesis statement and outline your sentence.
Main body paragraph 1: state the first viewpoint, discuss it, state whether you agree or disagree and give an example to support your view.
Main body paragraph 2: state the second viewpoint, discuss it, state whether you agree or disagree and give an example to support your view.
Conclusion: summarise and state which viewpoint is better or more important.
Remember that each Task 2 essay requires a different structure. It is important to learn each structure and practise your writing at home.

Introduction

This lesson will help you answer IELTS Writing Task 2 discussion (or discuss both views and give your opinion) questions.

These particular questions require a different approach to opinion essays because you have to discuss both sides rather than argue in favour of one side.

This post will look at:

Identifying the question

Example Questions

Sample Answer

Task Achievement

Coherence and Cohesion

Lexical Resource

Many students fail to do well in these questions because they do not do what the question asks them to do and do not use an appropriate structure . This post will help you overcome these problems and give you a sample answer.

We will also look at ‘lexical resource’ and ‘coherence and cohesion’; two of the IELTS examiners’ marking criteria when marking your essays. Understanding the marking scheme will help you get inside an IELTS examiner’s head and give them exactly what they want.

Identifying the Question

Look at the three questions below and choose the one you think is a discussion question.

Computers are being used more and more in education and so there will soon be no role for the teacher in education.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Computers are being used more and more in education.

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages and give your own opinion.

Computers are being used more and more in education. Some people say that this is a positive trend, while others argue that it is leading to negative consequences.

Discuss both sides of this argument and then give your own opinion.

The first question is an opinion question, and we can tell this from the instructions ‘To what extent do you agree or disagree?’.

The second question is obviously an advantages and disadvantages question.

The third question is the discussion question. We can tell this from the typical instructions in the question, ‘Discuss both sides of the argument and then give your opinion’.

You may also be asked to ‘Discuss both views and give your opinion’ or ‘Discuss both sides of the argument and give your opinion’.

Each of these questions is asking us to do different things, and we, therefore, need a different structure for each question .

Here are a few other typical discussion questions:

A growing number of people feel that animals should not be exploited by people and that they should have the same rights as humans, while others argue that humans must employ animals to satisfy their various needs, including uses for food and research.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Bloodsports have become a hot topic for debate in recent years. As society develops it is increasingly seen as an uncivilized activity and cruel to the helpless animals that are killed. All blood sports should be banned.

Discuss the main arguments for this statement and give your own opinion.

Some people think that the best way to reduce crime is to give longer prison sentences. Others, however, believe there are better alternative ways of reducing crime.

As you can see, they typically state two opinions and then ask you to discuss both and give your opinion. Make sure you do these things in the essay. If you only discuss both views and fail to give your opinion you will lose marks.

For discussion questions, I suggest you use the following four-paragraph structure.

Introduction

1- Paraphrase Question

2- State Both Points of View

2- Thesis Statement

3- Outline Sentence

Main Body Paragraph 1

1- State first viewpoint

2- Discuss first viewpoint

3- Reason why you agree or disagree with viewpoint

4- Example to support your view

Main Body Paragraph 2

1- State second viewpoint

2- Discuss second viewpoint

Conclusion

Sentence 1- Summary

Sentence 2- State which one is better or more important

Practice

Here is a sample answer, but I have mixed up the sentences. Can you match the sentences below to the structure above?

This exercise will help you understand the structure.

In conclusion, while the benefits of technology, particularly the internet, allow students to tap into limitless sources of information, some still feel that people should be wary of this new phenomenon and not allow it to curb face-to-face interaction.
There is an ever-increasing use of technology, such as tablets and laptops, in the classroom.
The internet has provided students with access to more information than ever before.
Moreover, learners can research and learn about any subject at the touch of a button. It is therefore agreed that technology is a very worthwhile tool for education.
However, many disagree and feel that technology deprives people of real human interaction.
Human interaction teaches people valuable skills such as discourse, debate and empathy.
Despite this, human interaction is still possible through the internet, and this essay disagrees that technology should be dismissed for this reason.
This essay agrees that an increase in technology is beneficial to students and teachers. This essay will discuss both points of view.
For instance, Skype and Facebook allow people to interact in ways that were never before possible.
Wikipedia is a prime example, where students can type in any keyword and gain access to in-depth knowledge quickly and easily.
However, as long as we carefully consider the importance of human interaction in education, the educational benefits are clearly positive.
It is often argued that this is a positive development, whilst others disagree and think it will lead to adverse ramifications.

Example Answer

Computers are being used more and more in education. Some people say this is a positive trend, while others argue that it leads to negative consequences.

There is an ever-increasing use of technology, such as tablets and laptops, in the classroom. It is often argued that this is a positive development, whilst others disagree and think it will lead to adverse ramifications. This essay agrees that an increase in technology is beneficial to students and teachers.

The internet has provided students with access to more information than ever before. Moreover, learners can research and learn about any subject at the touch of a button. It is therefore agreed that technology is a very worthwhile tool for education. Wikipedia is a prime example, where students can type in any keyword and gain access to in-depth knowledge quickly and easily.

However, many disagree and feel that technology deprives people of real human interaction. Human interaction teaches people valuable skills such as discourse, debate and empathy. Despite this, human interaction is still possible through the internet, and this essay disagrees that technology should be dismissed for this reason. For instance, Skype and Facebook allow people to interact in ways that were never before possible.

In conclusion, while the benefits of technology, particularly the internet, allow students to tap into limitless sources of information, some still feel that people should be wary of this new phenomenon and not allow it to curb face-to-face interaction. However, as long as we carefully consider the importance of human interaction in education, the educational benefits are clearly positive.

This is one of the four areas you will be assessed on in the IELTS writing test.

Task achievement refers to your ability to address all parts of the question and present a fully developed answer. By following the structure above, we have fully discussed both sides of the argument and given our opinion. This is exactly what the question asked us to do, no more, no less.

Discourse markers (words like ‘however’, ‘despite this’ and ‘In conclusion’) are also referred to as ‘linking words’ and ‘linking phrases’, or ‘sentence connectors’. They are quite formal and are used more in academic writing than informal speech.

You gain marks for using these under the ‘coherence and cohesion’ section of the marking scheme. These words ‘stick’ the other words together and lend continuity to sentences and paragraphs.

If you do not include discourse markers in your IELTS writing, your answer will appear illogical and more difficult to understand.

However, this does not mean that you should try to insert as many of these words into your writing as possible. This is a common mistake in IELTS writing. Using too many of them, or using them inappropriately, can make your writing sound too heavy and unnatural. They are important but must only be used at the appropriate time.

Try to identify any discourse markers in the essay above . Don’t look at the essay below yet. How many can you find?

Student Sample Answer with Discourse Markers

Here is the sample answer again with the discourse markers in bold .

The internet has provided students with access to more information than ever before. Moreover , learners can research and learn about any subject at the touch of a button. It is therefore agreed that technology is a very worthwhile tool for education. Wikipedia is a prime example , where students can type in any keyword and gain access to in-depth knowledge quickly and easily.

However , many disagree and feel that technology deprives people of real human interaction. Human interaction teaches people valuable skills such as discourse, debate and empathy. Despite this , human interaction is still possible through the internet, and this essay disagrees that technology should be dismissed for this reason. For instance , Skype and Facebook allow people to interact in ways that were never before possible.

In conclusion , while the benefits of technology, particularly the internet, allow students to tap into limitless sources of information, some still feel that people should be wary of this new phenomenon and not allow it to curb face-to-face interaction. However , as long as we carefully consider the importance of human interaction in education, the educational benefits are clearly positive.

This is also one of the four criteria you will be marked on, and it refers to your ability to use a wide range of accurate vocabulary.

A common mistake is to repeat the same words over and over again. You will lose marks if you do this. A solution to this problem is to use synonyms. You can either think of synonyms as you are writing or leave time, in the end, to add them in.

Can you identify any synonyms in the essay above?

Here are some examples:

Computers- technology

Computers- the internet

Education- in the classroom

Education- students and teachers

Positive trend- positive development

Negative Consequences- adverse ramifications

By varying your vocabulary this way, you are demonstrating that you have a wide vocabulary, which will boost your band score. However, like discourse markers, be careful not to use inappropriate/inaccurate words. Only use words you are confident about. Mistakes will lead to fewer marks.

Do you need me to correct your essays and give you feedback on them? Check out our essay correction service .

I hope this post helps you with discussion questions, and if you have any questions, please comment below.

About Christopher Pell

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I started IELTS Advantage as a simple blog to help 16 students in my class. Several years later, I am very humbled that my VIP Course has been able to help thousands of people around the world to score a Band 7+ in their IELTS tests.

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IELTS Opinion Essays: Structure, Topics and Sample Answers

10 min read

Updated On Aug 01, 2024

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The article provides guidance on writing IELTS opinion essays, emphasizing structure: an introduction, two body paragraphs supporting one view, and a conclusion. It includes examples, common mistakes to avoid, and tips for clear, concise essays.

What is the ielts opinion essay format, ielts opinion essay sample answers, latest ielts opinion essay topics of 2024, top 3 common mistakes of ielts opinion essays, tips to answer ielts opinion essay questions.

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IELTS opinion essays mainly focus on agreeing or disagreeing with a particular fact or information. It presents two opposite views and you have to develop your argument supporting one view (strictly one!) You get 40 minutes to complete this task. You have to write at least 250 words on the topic given.

Given below are some examples of IELTS Writing Task 2 opinion essays along with their structure. So, let’s understand how to frame the IELTS opinion essay from the sample answers given in the blog!

If you’re gearing up to tackle the Opinion Essay in IELTS Writing Task 2, know that it’s all about writing your opinion on a specific topic with supporting examples. To make sure your essay ticks off all the criteria of a band 8+ essay, organizing it in the right way is key! You can also check tips to write an effective introduction in IELTS Writing Task 2 to present a great IELTS opinion essay!

Let’s now look at a proper format to learn the structuring of an IELTS opinion essay.

Introduction:

Keep it short, usually around 2-3 sentences.
Introduce the topic and clearly state your opinion.
Provide a brief overview of the main points you will discuss in the body paragraphs.

Body Paragraphs (Usually 2 paragraphs):

Each paragraph should focus on a single main idea that supports your opinion.
Start with a topic sentence that introduces the main idea.
Provide evidence, examples, and reasoning to support your main idea.
Aim for coherence and cohesion within each paragraph by using appropriate transition words.
Make sure to use appropriate IELTS Vocabulary and IELTS Grammar while explaining an idea in the body paragraphs.

Conclusion:

Summarize the main points discussed in the body paragraphs.
Restate your opinion, emphasizing its importance or relevance.
Avoid introducing new ideas in the conclusion.

Given below is an example of an IELTS Writing task 2 o pinion essay. Let’s understand how to frame the essay from the ideas we have. Additionally, you can review the IELTS Writing Task 2 practice tests on a regular basis to achieve your desired band score.

Sample Question 1

In the future, nobody will buy printed newspapers or books because they will be able to read everything they want online without paying. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Given below is a brief outline of what to write in the essay after identifying the essay type.

Opinion Essay

Introduction

Paraphrase the topic of the essay using synonyms for the words used in the topic statement. Clearly state the view on the topic.

Body Paragraph 1

Technological improvements have increased the level of ease and convenience to a point where people can access news and information at the click of a button. This has led to print media becoming outdated.

Body Paragraph 2

The development of news websites and sites that freely distribute information and print media in a digital form has led to a trend of availing such services and content without paying.

Summarize the essay and re-state the opinion on the topic.

Struggling to Crack the IELTS opinion essays? Our 8+ band trainers have got you! Sign up for a FREE demo now!

Sample Answer

Presently, newspapers, books, journals, magazines, etc. are still actively used by a section of the global population. However, with the arrival of news sites and the availability of books, magazines and other forms of media online, totally free of cost, many believe that such forms of media are on their way to becoming outdated. I agree with this statement, and will explain it further with relevant examples in the essay.

It is a well-known fact that in this day and age if an individual wants to read a book or just go over the news of the day, the first step that they take is to search the internet. Devices such as smartphones and tablets have improved the time efficiency of searching for information online to such an extent that a person can access their preferred form of media in the comfort of their homes in a matter of minutes. Consequently, people have started to abandon their preference for print media due to the presence of much more convenient alternatives.

Additionally, the various forms of print media enjoyed by people can often be availed free of charge on several websites. For instance, most news organizations publish their daily news on their official website, which can be accessed by anyone. Also, some numerous sites and databases provide popular books, journals and magazines in a digital form to the public for a nominal subscription fee or sometimes even for free, leading to a majority of readers of such forms of media shifting away from buying hard copies.

Nevertheless, there is still a sizable chunk of the population that enjoys the conventional forms of print media. That being said, with the cost-effective nature of making such information and content available online, organizations will soon completely shift to internet-based services.

In conclusion, I would like to say that people always prefer the more comfortable alternative that is available. Therefore, it can be safely said that in the coming years, there will be a complete shift from traditional print media to online media services and products.

Sample Question 2

Some people say that international sporting events contribute greatly to peace and stability in the world. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Paraphrase the topic sentence using synonyms.

Mention the view on the topic.

Body Paragraphs

International sports tournaments are events where teams and the general public of various countries come together and collectively participate in the event.

Sports events, especially cricket and football help distract the minds of the citizens from the ongoing difficulties in their country and enjoy these events.

Summarize the essay and state the final view.

Sports has always been a magnificent platform for the finest talents of a country to showcase their skills and represent their nation. At the same time, sports is also one of the few occasions where every citizen of the country unites in support of their favourite teams. It is considered by many that sports are a great approach to maintain stability among countries. This essay will elaborate on the given topic and justify why sports can successfully bring and preserve global peace.

One of the greatest characteristics of any popular sporting event is that supporters of every team involved in the tournament almost always attend the matches that are organized in their cities. Some veteran fans even travel to different parts of the country to witness a match between their favourite teams. These events also unite the populace of a nation as every patriotic individual prays for the success of their national team. For instance, the entire nation wishes for the victory of their national team in the Olympic Games as winning an Olympic Medal is one of the most prestigious honours that can be bestowed upon a country.

It is a well-known fact that the people of a country collectively face several challenges on a day-to-day basis. These issues can be caused by numerous factors and are the typical difficulties that ordinary citizens have to overcome. Sports help people enjoy a few moments of excitement and take a break from the monotony of everyday life.

That being said, sometimes the passion of overenthusiastic sports fans ends up leading to harmful and conflicting situations among communities. Nevertheless, the overall impact of sports on our lives is undoubtedly positive.

Finally, sports are one of the aspects of human life that bind a whole community together. This is enough evidence to understand that sports help maintain peace and stability in a nation.

Ready to grab the latest IELTS writing task 2 question papers of 2024?

Sample Question 3

Our personalities are predetermined as a result of our genes before we are born and there is nothing that can be done to change our character traits. To what extent do you agree?

Paraphrase the topic and mention the view.

Genetics are only a part of the entire list of factors that affect a person’s personality.

One of the most important influences on an individual’s personality is their childhood and upbringing.

Summarize the essay and mention the final view in brief.

Even between small periods of time, there are subtle variabilities in our disposition. Such alterations are quite natural and are a part of a human being’s existence. However, it is often assumed that our personality is entirely dependent on genetics. The following paragraphs will explore the different aspects of personality and justify why genetics are not the only factor influencing our personality.

An individual has countless experiences in their life from childhood to adulthood and finally until death. Every one of these experiences has an impact on a person’s mind, no matter how giant or small. The kind of people present in a person’s immediate surroundings also has a huge influence on their nature and characteristics. Thus, it can be safely surmised that a person’s genes are not the only contributing factor when it comes to personality.

One of the most significant influences on our personality is our childhood experiences and the teachings of our parents. Children are always known to follow in the footsteps of their parents. Thus, if the parents of a child are successful in teaching their children the right values and morals, they are bound to grow into responsible and decent individuals.

It is true that the personality traits of an individual are determined by the features of their parents. Nevertheless, these traits can be altered over the course of many years and different experiences.

In conclusion, genetics affect our personalities in a trivial manner as compared to all the other aspects of our temperament. That being said, our life experiences and learnings are the consequential factors in developing our character.

A few IELTS Writing Task 2 sample essay of opinion essay topics are listed down below, which you can practice. These opinion essay questions may appear in the actual examination.

In the future, it seems more difficult to live on Earth. Some people think more money should be spent on researching another planet to live on, such as Mars. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Many people say that the only way to guarantee a good job is to complete a course in university education. Others claim that it is better to start work after school and gain experience in the world of work. How far do you agree or disagree with the above views?
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?
Students in schools and universities learn more from their teachers than through other means such as the Internet, libraries, and TV. To what extent 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?
Some people think that governments must insist on preserving the traditional appearance of old buildings undergoing renovation or redevelopment. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the statement?
Some people believe that international trade and communication with other countries is a positive trend, while others think it is harmful to nations and they might lose their identities. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give your own opinion and relevant examples.
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?
Prevention is better than cure. Do you agree or disagree that out of the country’s health budget, a large proportion should be diverted from treatment to spending on health education and preventive measures?

In IELTS opinion essays, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that can lower your IELTS band score . Getting aware of them is the key to not committing them knowingly or unknowingly while you prepare! The top 3 common mistakes to avoid are:

Not giving a clear opinion.
Presenting arguments for both sides of the issue.
Failing to support your opinion with well-defined reasons and examples.

In the IELTS opinion essays, you need to write your opinion about a topic and back it up with proof and examples. If you use a clear structure and good writing methods, you can improve your chances of doing well!

Spend 5 minutes on a mind map before writing.
Stick to one viewpoint throughout the essay.
Use a single main idea to support the topic in each of the two body paragraphs.
Express your opinion throughout the essay, not just in the conclusion.
Keep the introduction short, a maximum of 50 words.
Ensure each body paragraph explains a main idea within 100 words.
The conclusion should be shorter than the introduction.
Write a complete essay following the given structure.
Aim for a word count of 280 words or less.

Here are the 10 Examples for the Opinion Essay Topics IELTS:

Also check:

Tips to write great writing essay
How to get band 8 in IELTS Writing Task 2
IELTS Writing recent actual test
IELTS 2024 Study Plan for 1 month (30 Days) / 15 Days / 7 Days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the structure for writing the introduction for an opinion essay?

Is it mandatory to state my opinion in the introduction? Can I skip it and introduce my opinion in the body paragraphs?

What are the words that I can use to state my opinion?

Can I underline the important sentences, to attract examiner’s attention?

Is it mandatory to write the essay in first person?

Practice IELTS Writing Task 2 based on Essay types

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Nehasri Ravishenbagam

Nehasri Ravishenbagam, a Senior Content Marketing Specialist and a Certified IELTS Trainer of 3 years, crafts her writings in an engaging way with proper SEO practices. She specializes in creating a variety of content for IELTS, CELPIP, TOEFL, and certain immigration-related topics. As a student of literature, she enjoys freelancing for websites and magazines to balance her profession in marketing and her passion for creativity!

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IELTS with Fiona

Your comprehensive guide to IELTS

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3 IELTS essay structures you can use for any Writing Task 2

By ieltsetc on June 22, 2018

IELTS writing structures are important to organise your ideas and strengthen your arguments. Here are 3 options.

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Reader Interactions

December 4, 2020 at 4:40 am

I have been preparing for my IELTS examination and this article will surely be of much help. Am grateful that you have shared this information about the structure that can strengthen my argument. It’s a very insightful article. Thank you for the post it will be very useful.

December 4, 2020 at 4:11 pm

Thanks Anna – I’m really glad you found it helpful. Good luck with your IELTS test! Best wishes Fiona

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A sample 'For and Against' essay. Ielts Writing Academic, Essay Writing
A FOR AND AGAINST ESSAY (WRITING AND SPEAKING)
A for and against essay
3 IELTS Essay Structures that strengthen your argument
For and Against Essay Эссе «за и против»
Ielts Writing Task 2 Essay Structures Ielts Advantage

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Mastering the IELTS For and Against Essay: A Comprehensive Guide
Mastering the for and against essay in the IELTS Writing Task 2 requires practice and a clear understanding of the structure and requirements. By following these guidelines and consistently honing your writing skills, you'll be well-equipped to achieve success in this section of the IELTS exam. Remember, clarity, coherence, and a balanced ...
IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay Structures + Band 9 Essays
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IELTS Essay
IELTS Essay - For and Against. "For and against" essays are one type of discursive writing in which you discuss the advantages and disadvantages of a specific topic. c) a conclusion which includes your opinion (e.g. In my opinion/ view, I believe/ think, etc) or a balanced summary of the topic. You must not include opinion words (I ...
IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay Types and Structures + Samples
Band 9 Guide: IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay Types and Structures + Sample Essays In the IELTS Writing Task 2, you are required to craft a compelling essay on a given topic. The approach and structure will largely depend on the question type presented. This guide offers a detailed look
PDF Writing Task 2 Essay structure and writing an introduction
Procedure: introduce focus of the lesson: Writing Task 2 - Essay structures and introductions. give each student a copy of Worksheet 1 and one minute to read the Task 2 question. elicit possible next steps before writing i.e. brainstorming ideas. draw attention to the True / False task and clarify the importance of spending time with the ...
PDF Writing Task 2 Developing arguments
Information about this section of IELTS In Writing Task 2, test takers will be asked to write an essay in response to a point of view, argument or problem. They will be expected to write at least 250 words and are advised to spend 40 minutes on this task. The essay should be written in formal, academic English. Time 45 minutes
7 Steps to Structuring an IELTS Task 2 Essay
IELTS Essay Structure: The Basics. Before we begin with the 7 steps, I would like to give you a short overview. Writing an IELTS essay requires many skills and you have a lot of different criteria to meet in order to get a band 7 or above. Your essay will be judged in four ways, each accounting for 25% of the total score: Task Achievement
IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay Structures
When it comes to task 2, the vast majority of essays can be adapted to one simple structure: Introduction. Body paragraph #1. Body paragraph #2. Conclusion. Of course, these paragraphs will be dictated by the topic and content of the essay, but almost every question could be effectively answered with this structure.
IELTS Opinion Essays
IELTS opinion essays, also known as 'agree or disagree' essays, come up frequently in the writing exam. In this lesson, I'm going to show you how to plan and write them step-by-step. Here's what we'll be covering: 3 Common mistakes. Essay structure. How to plan. How to write an introduction. How to write main body paragraphs.
PDF Writing Task 2 Essay Structures
Main Body Paragraph 1. Answer first question directly. Explain why. Further explain. Example.
Ultimate Guide to IELTS Advantages Disadvantages Essays
IELTS Writing Task 2 Structure Advantages Disadvantages Essay. Writing an essay on an unknown topic from any field of study is a tricky part of the IELTS Writing Task 2. You can practice writing advantage and disadvantage IELTS Writing Task 2 sample essays by using the following structure: Introduction. Paraphrase the question statement.
PDF IELTS Academic Writing: Organising Paragraphs
and discuss the good features of each one.7. Assign pai. s/small groups to 'for' or 'against'. Ask each group to plan their paragraph either 'for international laws' or 'against internationa. laws' using a grid as they did for step 4. Ask 'for' groups to compare work with each other and 'against' grou.
IELTS Task 2
There are 5 main types of IELTS Task 2 essays: 1) Opinion Essays. 2) Discussion Essays. 3) Problem Solution Essays. 4) Advantages & Disadvantages Essays. 5) Double Question Essays. Most questions fit one of these categories. However, questions can be written in many different ways, which can make it difficult to determine which type they are.
IELTS Writing Task 2: How to Structure an 'Agree or Disagree' Essay
Therefore my suggested IELTS Task 2 essay structure is four paragraphs - an introduction, two main (or body) paragraphs and a conclusion. The opinion is presented in the introduction and re-stated in the conclusion, and each body paragraph should only discuss one main idea. Now let's look at the options in more detail. Possible Essay ...
IELTS opinion essay, model answer, structure, and analysis
As with all IELTS essays, it is crucial to spend a couple of minutes analysing the task and underling the keywords so that you are writing relevant points in the essay. If you go off-topic or write irrelevant points it will affect your score. This is the task question for my model answer below and it is clear that the essay is about having too ...
IELTS Essays: Five Types of IELTS Essays
There are 5 types of IELTS essays which can appear in IELTS writing task 2. These types of essays are for both GT and Academic writing task 2. ... Is this an opinion essay which will follow exactly the structure you just taught or a discussion essay. Reply. Liz says July 26, 2022 at ... I will explore the opinions for and against the use of ...
A for and against essay
Exercise 1. Check the 'Explanation' tab above before doing these exercises. Read the following for and against essay sample. For each gap, choose the correct option from the expressions in the box below. although An important advantage Another point in favour For example Furthermore However In addition On the other hand To sum up.
A for and against essay
Top Tips for writing. 1. Start each paragraph with a word or phrase so the reader knows what to expect, for example Firstly, On the other hand or To sum up. 2. Link your sentences with these words: In addition; Another advantage is that; However; Also; Another disadvantage is that. 3. Organise your essay in paragraphs. paragraph 1 - introduction.
50 Latest For and against IELTS Topics
50 Latest For and against IELTS Topics. Get a band score and detailed report instantly. Check your IELTS essays right now! Read more ». Opinion. Zoos are sometimes seen as necessary but poor alternatives to a natural environment. Discuss some of the arguments for and against keeping animals in zoos as an IELTS topic and give your own opinion.
IELTS Argumentative Essay Structure: Here's the Step by ...
Body Paragraphs: IELTS Essay Structure Task 2. A standard argumentative essay consists of three or four paragraphs that clarify why you endorse your topic. Each topic sentence should cover a different theory or bit of proof and contain a theme sentence that simply and concisely demonstrates why the examiner should agree with your argument. Body ...
IELTS Essay Structure
2.2 Essay Structure 2. Planning your Advantage/Disadvantage Essay. 3.1 Identify key words and phrases. 3.2 Organise your ideas. 3.3 Identify vocabulary. Writing your Advantage/Disadvantages Essay. 4.1 Introduction. 4.2 Main body paragraphs. 4.3 Conclusion.
2023 IELTS Discuss Both Views and Give Your Opinion Lesson
Introduction: paraphrase the question, state both points of view, make a thesis statement and outline your sentence. Main body paragraph 1: state the first viewpoint, discuss it, state whether you agree or disagree and give an example to support your view. Main body paragraph 2: state the second viewpoint, discuss it, state whether you agree or ...
IELTS Opinion Essay
Download Study Plan. IELTS opinion essays mainly focus on agreeing or disagreeing with a particular fact or information. It presents two opposite views and you have to develop your argument supporting one view (strictly one!) You get 40 minutes to complete this task. You have to write at least 250 words on the topic given.
3 IELTS Essay Structures that strengthen your argument
3 IELTS essay structures you can use for any Writing Task 2. By ieltsetc on June 22, 2018. IELTS writing structures are important to organise your ideas and strengthen your arguments. Here are 3 options. Thank you for your interest in my IELTS lessons and tips. Come and join the Bronze Membership to access this fabulous lesson and lots more.

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Mastering the IELTS For and Against Essay: A Comprehensive Guide

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Ultimate Guide to IELTS Advantages Disadvantages Essays

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Body Paragraph 1

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The Essay Introduction

IELTS Writing Task 2 Body Paragraphs for Advantages And Disadvantages

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IELTS Task 2 Essays Understand the 5 Different Types

1) Opinion Essays

Essay Structure

2) Discussion Essays

3) Problem Essays

4) Advantages & Disadvantages Essays

5) Double Question Essays

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IELTS Writing Task 2: How to Structure an ‘Agree or Disagree’ Essay

A lot of my IELTS students struggle with how many ideas they need and how to structure their essay.

Don’t miss out on my new Patreon exclusive essays here if you want to really improve on IELTS!

So to summarise, for the question above you must have a clear position and you have three possible options:

2. Strongly disagree – you feel roads are much more important than rail.

Brainstorm some main ideas – what are the main benefits and drawbacks of banning plastic bags.

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