Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge and experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Even though we can lean on one side of the argument partially or fully, I recommend to either completely agree or completely disagree with the opinion in agree or disagree essays in the IELTS test.
This is because regardless of what your personal beliefs are on the matter, scoring high in the IELTS Writing Test involves writing in a tightly-structured format with a clear position on the subject matter.
So, during the test, brainstorm for ideas regarding the topic, and choose to agree or disagree depending on how many arguments you can think of on either side. You need to write about two to four separate ideas in support of your position based on the following format:
Paragraphs | Format for Agree | Format for Disagree |
---|---|---|
1 | ||
2 | Points on why you agree | Points on why you disagree |
3 | More points to support your argument | More points to support your argument |
4 |
If you have only two arguments, then develop them into two separate paragraphs with explanations and examples.
When you come up with three arguments, include two of them in one body paragraph and the other in the next.
Similarly, with four arguments, the two body paragraphs should consist of two ideas each.
You do not need more than four arguments for an agree or disagree essay in IELTS Writing Task 2. More is not always better. Too many ideas may make your essay disorganized and lacking focus.
Questions which ask “Do you think this is positive or negative?” can also be answered in the same format as the agree or disagree essay.
As we have seen before, an Introduction paragraph in essays has three components.
Introduction: |
---|
The role of a school is to make students ready to take on jobs when they graduate instead of preparing them to attend university. I fully agree with this sentiment because most high school graduates do not go into full-time college education. While some of them immediately start full-time employment, others combine further education with part-time work. |
The above paragraph is a good Introduction for IELTS agree or disagree essay question. The first sentence paraphrases the statement given in the prompt. The second sentence asserts that the essay agrees with the opinion as well as provides an argument. The third sentence adds more ideas which will be developed in the body paragraphs.
Introduction: |
---|
Some people claim that environmental issues are better managed at government level as compared to individuals taking actions on their own. I could not disagree more. Apart from the fact that small private initiatives work wonders when tackling big issues, huge bureaucratic projects have the tendency to become inefficient. |
The ideas mentioned in the Introduction paragraph of agree or disagree questions should be extended in the paragraphs that follow. For this, clarification, logical reasoning, and evidences are needed . In Writing Task 2 of IELTS, two body paragraphs work best for an agree or disagree essay.
Just like the Introduction paragraph, the body paragraph also has a three-part structure:
Example: |
---|
The role of a school is to make students ready to take on jobs when they graduate instead of preparing them to attend university. I fully agree with this sentiment because most high school graduates do not go into full-time college education. While some of them immediately start full-time employment, others combine further education with part-time work. The main reason why school education should be job-centric, in my opinion, is that not everyone attends university. Although more and more individuals are joining colleges after high school, a vast majority who enter the job market need practical skills like operating computers, basic accounting, filing documents, meeting deadlines, and behaving appropriately in the workplace. These attributes help people function better in their careers. However, if secondary schools operate like prep schools for universities, students will be taught about abstruse concepts and standardized tests which often are inconsequential in real life. What is more, part-time employments and internships have become part and partial of career development in the modern world. On the one hand, many high school graduates want to experience a working environment before joining college or instead of joining college. On the other hand, even while pursuing a university education, holding a part-time job or an internship has become the norm for most students. They do this in order to earn a living, partially fund their tuition fees, or to make a head start in their careers. Therefore, school teachers should devote their time teaching functional and pragmatic lessons in place of just academic concepts. |
Example: |
---|
Some people claim that environmental issues are better managed at government level as compared to individuals taking actions on their own. I could not disagree more. Apart from the fact that small private initiatives work wonders when tackling big issues, huge bureaucratic projects have the tendency to become inefficient. As far as I am concerned, grassroots movements are more effective in instituting change. Through awareness and education, it is possible to make people realize the vulnerability of our ecosystem and habitat, and how individual actions can safeguard the environment. For example, citizens can control pollution by disposing their wastes appropriately or by recycling. Similarly, we can use energy-efficient devices in our homes to save energy or use unleaded petrol in our vehicles to limit carbon emissions. Beyond that, environment can also be helped by planting trees and curtailing the use of plastic bags for grocery shopping. Such steps, if undertaken by a large number of individuals, can reduce human impact on the environment much better and quicker than any government-backed program. Another reason for my disagreement is a general distrust of the legislative process and bureaucracy. Environmental problems build up slowly and gradually, so there will always be a lag between the time an issue springs up and the time it festers enough to grab the attention of lawmakers and bureaucrats. Then, the political process – which involves research, consultation, deliberation, promulgation, budgeting, and implementation – is a lengthy affair, and it may fail to stitch the problem in time. Finally, even when actions are taken, corruption and incompetence of public officials might still be setbacks to the project. For an instance, community forests in Nepal managed by the local community have been more successful in ecosystem regulation, watershed conservation and carbon sequestration compared to the national parks which are under the control of the federal government. |
Like all other essay questions, the IELTS agree or disagree essay also ends with a Conclusion paragraph . It is here in this last paragraph that we summarize the points made in the body .
Example: |
---|
The role of a school is to make students ready to take on jobs when they graduate instead of preparing them to attend university. I fully agree with this sentiment because most high school graduates do not go into full-time college education. While some of them immediately start full-time employment, others combine further education with part-time work. The main reason why school education should be job-centric, in my opinion, is that not everyone attends university. Although more and more individuals are joining colleges after high school, a vast majority who enter the job market need practical skills like operating computers, basic accounting, filing documents, meeting deadlines, and behaving appropriately in the workplace. These attributes help people function better in their careers. However, if secondary schools operate like prep schools for universities, students will be taught about abstruse concepts and standardized tests which often are inconsequential in real life. What is more, part-time employments and internships have become part and partial of career development in the modern world. On the one hand, many high school graduates want to experience a working environment before joining college or instead of joining college. On the other hand, even while pursuing a university education, holding a part-time job or an internship has become the norm for most students. They do this in order to earn a living, partially fund their tuition fees, or to make a head start in their careers. Therefore, school teachers should devote their time teaching functional and pragmatic lessons in place of just academic concepts. To conclude, I am of the opinion that university should not be touted as an end-all and be-all to every student. In addition to scholarly knowledge imparted to school students, practical lessons on securing, performing, and holding jobs should be instituted in schools. Twelve years of school education should be enough as a stepping stone for a vibrant career. |
Example: |
---|
Some people claim that environmental issues are better managed at government level as compared to individuals taking actions on their own. I could not disagree more. Apart from the fact that small private initiatives work wonders when tackling big issues, huge bureaucratic projects have the tendency to become inefficient. As far as I am concerned, grassroots movements are more effective in instituting change. Through awareness and education, it is possible to make people realize the vulnerability of our ecosystem and habitat, and how individual actions can safeguard the environment. For example, citizens can control pollution by disposing their wastes appropriately or by recycling. Similarly, we can use energy-efficient devices in our homes to save energy or use unleaded petrol in our vehicles to limit carbon emissions. Beyond that, environment can also be helped by planting trees and curtailing the use of plastic bags for grocery shopping. Such steps, if undertaken by a large number of individuals, can reduce human impact on the environment much better and quicker than any government-backed program. Another reason for my disagreement is a general distrust of the legislative process and bureaucracy. Environmental problems build up slowly and gradually, so there will always be a lag between the time an issue springs up and the time it festers enough to grab the attention of lawmakers and bureaucrats. Then, the political process – which involves research, consultation, deliberation, promulgation, budgeting, and implementation – is a lengthy affair, and it may fail to stitch the problem in time. Finally, even when actions are taken, corruption and incompetence of public officials might still invite setbacks to the project. For an instance, community forests in Nepal managed by the local community have been more successful in ecosystem regulation, watershed conservation and carbon sequestration compared to the national parks which are under the control of the federal government. In conclusion, people are more than capable of addressing environmental troubles on their own by taking responsibility of their actions. As relying on the government might prolong the issue, I highly doubt the efficacy of government-level solutions. |
Next lesson:
Advantages and Disadvantages essay in IELTS Writing Task 2
The government should control the amount of violence on television in order to decrease the violent crimes in society. to what extent do you agree or disagree, nowadays technology is increasingly being used to monitor what people are saying and doing (for example through cellphone tracing and security cameras). in many cases the people being monitored are unaware that this is happening. do you think the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages, ielts essay format: solving writing task 2 easily, a 3-step process for powerful ielts essay introduction paragraph.
sir is there difference between – to what extend do you agree or disagree vs do you agree or disagree questions?
The two questions are identical. “To what extent” means you can partially or completely agree or disagree with the prompt. Even when the “to what extent” phrase is missing from the question, you can still partially or fully take a side to argue for in the essay.
For practical purposes, there is no difference.
Updated On Oct 13, 2023
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Ielts writing task 2 agree or disagree essay, tips to write agree disagree essays, ielts agree disagree essay structure, agree disagree essay topics:.
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The agree or disagree essay questions are the most commonly asked in the IELTS examination . They are also called as argumentative essays. In this type of essays, you are asked to give your opinion, whether you agree or disagree on the particular sentence that is given. You are given 40 minutes to complete the 250-word essay. Most of the students find it easy because you only have to agree and disagree with the sentence given. You have to support only one opinion.
There are few tips which will help you to write about IELTS agree disagree essay questions, which are as follows:
In all the sections of the IELTS examination, structure plays a very important role because it will be easy for the test taker to write the answer. Also, the examiner will find it easy to evaluate the answer. So here is the structure that you can follow while writing an agree/disagree essay:
How to start an agree disagree essay?
First of all, like any other section, the first sentence must be a paraphrase of the question that is given. In the second sentence, you can state your opinion regarding the topic. In the third sentence, you can write on what you are going to explain in the forthcoming paragraphs.
In the second paragraph, the first sentence should be explaining the central idea. In the second sentence, explain in detail, assuming that the examiner doesn’t know anything about the topic. In the third sentence, you can give examples which support the sentence. In the last sentence, you can give the opposing point of view, but in a positive manner.
The third paragraph is very similar to the second paragraph. The first sentence should explain the central idea. The second sentence, should include supporting details and the third sentence, examples which support the idea.
In the last paragraph, you have to write a summary of the essay. In the first sentence, you can sum up the body paragraphs and rephrase your opinion.
Paraphrasing | |||
Opinion statement | |||
Thesis statement | |||
Central idea | |||
Explanation of the central idea | |||
Illustration with examples | |||
Central idea | |||
Explanation of the central idea | |||
Illustration with examples | |||
Summarizing your opinion |
Take a look at some IELTS Agree/Disagree Essay sample answer
Also check :
Can agree/disagree essays be called as opinion essays?
Can I partially agree?
Can I skip the conclusion part if I’m running out of time. What weightage does that one liner consist of?
Can I use the word “I” such as ” I agree” or “I disagree”?
What is the structure of Agree/Disagree essays?
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Janet had been an IELTS Trainer before she dived into the field of Content Writing. During her days of being a Trainer, Janet had written essays and sample answers which got her students an 8+ band in the IELTS Test. Her contributions to our articles have been engaging and simple to help the students understand and grasp the information with ease. Janet, born and brought up in California, had no idea about the IELTS until she moved to study in Canada. Her peers leaned to her for help as her first language was English.
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Which exam are you preparing?
One of the first things you should do is read the marking criteria to see what the examiners expect. This is really important, as you need to know what they are looking for in the band 7+ boxes.
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TIP >> It is very important that spend a full 40 minutes on this task as the score you get for writing task 2 is two-thirds of your total writing score. You also need to write a minimum of 250 words and use your own ideas.
This is the introduction to the essay and where you should start off by paraphrasing the question.
This means that you rewrite the question in your own words using synonyms. You can’t just copy the question again or use the same words in the question. Paraphrase and show off your vocabulary knowledge by using synonyms. When practising your essay writing, use an online thesaurus to help you. This is a great tool and can help you to learn many new words.
The third sentence in the introduction should outline for the examiner exactly what you will discuss in the main body paragraphs. For example, Firstly this essay will discuss……… Secondly, this essay will discuss…….
There are three sentences you need in the introduction >>
The example you give could be something from your own experience or made up – it is ok to make up something as the examiners will not fact check your information. They want to see your ability to use English at a certain level. You could make up an example from a report, journal, newspaper or University study to support your view.
Sequencing ideas, sample agree/disagree essay, writing task 2 band score 9 criteria.
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How to write an introduction, letter to the training organiser to express interest: semi-formal letter [ielts general writing task 1 ].
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Home » IELTS academic task 2 » Agree or disagree essay for IELTS writing task 2
Here are some examples of agree or disagree essay questions.
1. “Modern life is increasingly chaotic.” Do you agree or disagree?
2. “The death penalty is barbaric and should not be legal anywhere.” Do you agree or disagree?
3. “Libraries are irrelevant in the age of the internet and should not be publicly funded.” Do you agree or disagree?
As an illustration, I’m going to discuss the third of these examples.
I’m going to argue that libraries are not irrelevant in the age of the internet, partly because (as a scholar and teacher of English) that’s what I believe.
It is possible to argue a case opposite to your own real opinion, but you are more likely to argue convincingly if you argue for a case in which you yourself believe.
“Libraries are irrelevant in the age of the internet and should not be publicly funded.” Do you agree or disagree?
Here, it’s essential to note that the view with which you’re being asked to agree or disagree actually consists of two views:
“Libraries are irrelevant in the age of the internet”;
“Libraries should not be publicly funded.”
The two questions are linked, but not identical.
Let’s consider an unclear statement of opinion.
“I suppose libraries are in some ways irrelevant, you can find most things you need on the internet, but after all it is good to have a place to go and study, and many libraries also offer other facilities like cafes etc.”
What is the problem with this way of stating an opinion?
First, the statement of opinion is indecisive, because it is prefaced with “I suppose”.
It is usually a bad idea to preface your statement of opinion with “I suppose”, or “it is my opinion that”, or even “I think that”.
The reader already knows that it is your opinion, because you are stating it!
Every time you are tempted to write “I think that” or “It’s my opinion that”, try simply deleting those words.
The sentence will usually be greatly improved without them.
The other problem with this way of opening your argument is that it is unclear which side you are on.
After the reader has finished reading the opening sentence, it is not fully clear whether the writer agrees or disagrees with the statement offered.
This is not to say that there is no room for subtlety or qualifications to an argument in your essay.
But the main line of your argument needs to be clear because you don’t have much space. Let’s try to find a better opening for the essay.
“Libraries are very far from irrelevant. The experience of reading a printed book is very different from that of reading a text on a screen, and much more is lost than is sometimes supposed when reading electronically.”
This is clear and decisive statement of opinion. A single line of argument is given, followed by a single main supporting reason for it.
Let’s move on to the second main criterion, addressing all parts of the question.
Remember that you’re being asked not only whether libraries are irrelevant, but also whether they should receive public funding (vocabulary like this is great for your essay) .
Obviously, these two questions are linked: if libraries were irrelevant, there really would be no point in funding them.
Yet it does not follow that, if relevant, they must be funded. It’s good to demonstrate your awareness that the question has more than one aspect to it.
Here is an example of how you might do this.
“We have seen that libraries are very far from irrelevant. Clearly, this fact does not, by itself, show that they deserve public funding. Nevertheless, a good case can, in fact, be made for public financial support for libraries.”
With this transition between the first and second aspects of the question, you have done a number of things.
You have shown that you have read the question attentively, and have understood that it consists of two distinct parts.
You have also shown that you understand the need to provide support for your opinion on each part of the statement asked about.
Finally, let’s move on to the third criterion, the need fully to support your opinion.
Evidently, you are not expected to be an expert on any topic about which you might be asked to give your opinion.
You are not expected, for example, to have precise facts and figures about library use at your fingertips!
But you are being asked to show that you understand the general principle of the need to support opinions with reasons , with evidence of some kind.
Let’s consider what might count as supporting the argument that libraries are not irrelevant in the internet age. You would need to be able to show what it is that libraries provide that a computer screen can’t.
Here, “supporting” your argument might simply mean describing some of the valuable features of reading a book which can’t be reproduced by a computer.
Let’s consider an example of how this might be done.
“Not all the merits of books are replicable on a computer screen. Not only are books one of the simplest technologies ever invented, and therefore extremely easy to use, but they are also physical sites of memory. Many readers remember what they have read in a book by remembering the look, feel and even smell of a book as they have read it.”
Watch this tutorial on how to give examples, then click here to subscribe to the Youtube Channel.
This series of supporting arguments has a number of virtues. It points to a number of different specific ways in which books do things which can’t be done by computers; each of these features of books constitutes an implicit reason for valuing libraries.
It draws on the experiences of readers to support a more abstract general point about libraries.
In this tutorial, we have considered some of the main criteria for success in an “agree or disagree” essay.
We have understood the importance of:
Take a look at some more IELTS task 2 essay questions to help you practice for your IELTS exam .
How to write agree disagree essay in ielts.
Rephrase the question in the introduction, say whether you agree or disagree and will explain why in the following paragraphs. Then you need 2 body paragraphs with a main reason for your view and supporting arguments in each, and a conclusion which summarizes these main reasons.
Yes, generally it is although the question might be phrased differently. You need to say clearly whether you agree or disagree with the statement and give at least two reasons why (that’s the opinion part).
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Here I have collected actual IELTS opinion essays (agree or disagree question) from the last several years – enjoy learning about this task type!
Enjoy and consider signing up for my Patreon Ebooks here .
It is important for everyone, including young people, to save money for their future.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Read my essay here.
The working week should be shorter and workers should have a longer weekend.
Do you agree or disagree?
Sports play a significant role in promoting physical and mental well-being.
Read the full EBook on Patreon.
Some people feel that the private lives of celebrities should not be openly shared by the media.
Read my full EBook on Patreon.
Individual greed and selfishness have been the basis of modern society. Some people think that we must return to older more traditional values such as respect for the and the local community in order to create a better world to live in.
Everybody should donate a fixed amount of their income to support charity.
In today’s digital age, anyone with a smartphone can capture and share photographs. this accessibility to photography diminishes the value of professional photographers.
Get the full EBook (and more!) on Patreon.
The demand for coaching services has grown significantly in the digital age, with online coaching platforms becoming prevalent. Some now feel online coaching is a superior option to in-person coach.
Read my EBook essay here.
Financial education should be included as a mandatory subject in schools to prepare students for managing money effectively.
Read my essay here on Patreon.
Some people think that certain old buildings are more worth preserving than other ones.
Some argue that music mainly serves as a way for individuals to reduce their stress and anxiety.
Schools should focus on academic success and passing examinations. Skills such as cookery, dressmaking and woodworking should not be taught at school as it is better to learn these from family.
To that extent do you agree or disagree?
Virtual reality be used as a tool for therapeutic interventions and mental health treatments.
Read the EBook on Patreon.
Schools should use films, computers and games instead of books.
Some people think eating meat is bad for health.
Friendships that take place online are not as meaningful as those where people meet each other face to face.
The best way to reduce poverty in developing countries is by giving up to six years of free education, so that they can at least read, write and use numbers.
Some feel that governments should prioritize healthcare instead of other important areas.
To what extent do you agree or disagree
The most important aim of science ought to be to improve people’s lives.
Always telling the truth is the most important consideration in any relationship between people.
Read my essay on Patreon.
Many today feel that attention spans are becoming shorter due to the prevalence of social media.
Some feel that students should not have to take standardized tests in school.
My EBook is on Patreon.
Some feel that movies and tv shows are a good way to study history despite their lack of historical accuracy at times.
Get the EBook on Patreon.
Some believe that new science related to criminal forensics should be used to look at old cases.
Some people think that social networking sites have a huge negative impact on both individuals and society.
Some people say that to prevent illness and disease, governments should focus more on reducing environmental pollution and housing problems.
Doing an enjoyable activity with a child can is better for their overall skills development and creativity than reading.
Learning at university would be more ffective if men and women were educated separetely.
Some people today have argued that countries should interfere less in the affairs of other nations.
Nowadays, distance-learning programs have gained in popularity, but some people argue that online courses can never be taken as good as those taken at a college or university in person.
People living in the 21st century have a better life quality than people who lived in previous times.
Young people committing crimes should be treated the same as adults by the authorities.
Although it is generally illegal, physical punishment continues in many countries. Some argue that parents should have the right to punish their children in this way.
Shops should not be allowed to sell any food or drinks that have been scientifically proven to be bad for people’s health.
The best way to make the road transport of goods safer is to ask drivers to take a driving test each year.
Prison is the common way most countries try to solve the problem of crime. However, a more effective solution is to provide the public a better education.
Some people claim that not enough waste from homes is recycled and that the only way to increase recycling is for governments to make it a legal requirement.
In marriages today, some argue that it is the responsibility of both spouses to earn a living for the family.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Read my sample essay here.
Companies should provide sports facilities for local communities.
The best curriculum is not one based on a static body of knowledge but one which teaches student to cope with change.
Some people claim that too much focus and resources have been spent to protect wild animals and birds.
Educating young people is naturally important. However, some think governments ught to invest more education for adults in need.
Read my Ebook on Patreon.
Some people believe that engaging in an active pastime does more to develop childrens’ life skills than time spent reading.
Some experts say for road safety cyclists should pass a test before being allowed on public roads.
Some people believe that violent media directly results in violent behavior.
My essay for this topic is only available as an Ebook on Patreon here.
Today, many young people spend too much of their free time at shopping malls. This can considered negative for young people and society generally.
Some people think the main purpose of school is to turn children into good citizens and workers, rather than to benefit them as individuals.
In many countries, children are becoming overweight and unhealthy. Some people think that the government has the responsibility to solve this problem.
Many young people today spend too much time following the latest fashion trends in areas such as clothing and technology.
Some believe that nuclear weapons benefit the world at large.
Read my essay on Patreon only.
Some people believe that students should acquire working experience during their gap year instead of traveling.
Do you agree or disagree with this statement?
The governments should give each citizen a basic income so that they have enough money to live on, even if they are unemployed.
Some people think that enjoying the present is more important than planning for the future for both countries and individuals.
Scientific research should be carried out and controlled by the governments rather than private companies.
Read my sample answer here.
The best way to solve the world’s environmental problems is to increase the cost of fuel for cars and other private vehicles.
The tendency of human beings to copy one another is shown in the popularity of areas such as fashion and consumer goods.
Some people believe that it is a good idea that older people continue to work if it is possible for them to do.
Many claim that the fast food industry had a negative effect on the environment, eating habits, and families.
Some people say that it is possible to tell a lot about a person’s culture and character from their choice of clothes.
Read my sample answer essay here.
There are different customs in different countries related to how people eat, dress, and so on. Some think that people visiting a country should behave according to customs of the country they visit.
Because many children are not able to learn foreign languages, schools should not force them to learn foreign languages.
Governments should make people responsible for looking after their own local environment.
Some people say that at all levels of education, from primary school to university, too much time is spent on learning facts and not enough on learning practical skills.
Some claim that men are naturally more competitive than women.
Shopping habits depend more on your age group than anything else.
Smoking is a major cause of serious illness and death throughout the world today. In the interest of the public health, governments should ban cigarettes and other tobacco products.
Everyone should become vegetarian because they do not need to eat meat to have a healthy diet.
Some people think employers should not care about the way their employees dress, but the quality at work.
To what extent you agree or disagree?
In many situations, people who break the law should be warned instead of punished.
Crime rates will fall as advances in technology make it easier to detect and prevent crimes.
Some countries are considering imposing curfews in which teenagers will not be allowed outdoors at night unless they are accompanied by an adult.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this policy?
Some think that fathers should have time off from work after the birth of a child.
Some people think that because children find subjects such as mathematics and philosophy difficult, they ought to be optional instead of compulsory.
Globalization is positive for economies but its negative sides should not be ignored.
Although more and more people read news on the Internet, newspapers will remain the most important source of news for the majority of people.
Fast food has become more common in recent years. Some people think that it has a negative effect on lifestyles and diets.
Some people think that there should be a complete ban on all forms of advertising.
Some feel governments, rather than private companies, should be in charge of medical services.
Large companies use sports events to promote their products. Some people think this has a negative impact on sports.
Some feel that good entertainers are as important to society as scientists.
It is a natural process for animal species to become extinct (e.g. dinosaurs, dodos, etc.). There is no reason why people should try to prevent this from happening.
People are annoyed or entertained by advertising but they are not affected by advertisements when making shopping decisions.
Convenience foods will become increasingly prevalent and eventually replace traditional foods and methods of preparation.
Some people believe that wild animals should not be kept in zoos or other man-made environments as there is no longer a need for them in the 21st century.
Many manufactured food and drink products contain high levels of sugar, which causes many health problems. Sugary products should be made more expensive to encourage people to consume less sugar.
Some people think that children under 18 years old should receive full-time education.
Many believe that reading books is a waste of time and children would be better served doing something more useful.
Traditional ideas from older people about the way to live and behave are not helpful to young people and their futures.
Large companies should pay higher salaries to CEOs and executives compared to other workers.
Many believe that living in a city offers greater benefits compared to life in the countryside.
Some claim that studying abroad has great benefits for a student’s home country.
If a product is good and meets customer needs, then people will buy it and advertising is unnecessary.
It is impossible to help all people around the world in need so governments should focus on people from their own country.
Some people think that the best way to increase road safety is to increase the minimum legal age for driving cars and riding motorbikes.
Instead of requiring primary school students to do experiments themselves, schools should only alllow them to watch experiments demonstrated by teachers.
All fathers should be entitled to time-off from work when their children are born.
The growth of multinational companies and the resulting rise of globalization creates positive effects for all.
Some people say it is more important to plant trees in the open spaces in towns and cities than to build more housing.
To what extant do you agree or disagree?
Some believe it is important for cities and towns to invest heavily in building large outdoor public spaces.
Nowadays many people travel to foreign countries for pleasure. Some believe this travel has a negative impact on the countries travelled to.
Some people say that all popular TV entertainment programmes should aim to educate viewers about important social issues.
To succeed in a business, one needs to know maths.
Computer games are very popular for all ages and nationalities. Parents think this has little educational value and it will be harmful for children.
The first man to walk on the moon claimed it was a step forward for mankind. However, it has made little difference in most people’s lives.
One of the most important issues facing the world today is a shortage of food and some think genetically modified foods are a possible solution.
Society is based on rules and laws. It could not function if individuals were free to do whatever they wanted to do.
Some people think that the most important function of music is to help people relax.
Computers today can quickly and accurately translate languages, therefore, it is a waste of time to learn a foreign language.
Some think that it is more important for children to engage in outdoor activities instead of playing videogames.
To what extent to you agree or disagree?
Whether or not a person achieves their aims in life is mostly related to luck.
Some people believe that family is more important than friends.
To what extent do you agree and disagree?
Some people think that it is a waste of time for high school students to study literature, such as novels and poems.
Parents should take courses in parenting in order to improve the lives of their children.
To what extent do you agree ?
Nowadays nurses should not just be required to do basic training but they must have other qualities as well to do their jobs well.
Studies show that crime rates are lower among those with educational degrees. Therefore, the best way to reduce the crime rate is to educate criminals while they are still in prison.
The internet means people do not need to travel to foreign countries to understand how others live.
Cooking at home is a waste of time because there are so many convenient fast food options that make life less stressful.
Some think the current generation should take steps to protect the environment for the next generation.
In many countries, traditional foods are being replaced by fast food. This has a negative impact on families, individuals and society.
Some educators believe that every child should be taught how to play a musical instrument.
Some people believe that the government should spend more money putting in more works of art like paintings and statues in cities to make them better places to live in.
When a person spends most of his or her time working a job with little job satisfaction, their life loses meaning.
Historical objects should be brought back to their country of origin.
Many people think technological devices such as smart phones, tablets and mobile phones bring more disadvantages than advantages.
It is better for children if the whole family including aunts, uncles and so on are involved in a child’s upbringing, rather than just their parents.
The government should lower the budget on the arts in order to allocate more money to education.
Read my answer here.
Many today feel that most urgent problems can only be solved by international cooperation.
Although families have influence on a children’s development, factors outside the home play a bigger part in their lives nowadays.
It is better to learn the way people lived in the past through films and video records than written documents.
Many people think that mobile phones should be banned in public places such as libraries, shops and public transport.
Some think that students must travel to another country in order to learn its language and customs.
Full-time university students spend a lot of time studying. Some say they should do other activities too.
In the future, nobody will buy printed newspapers or books because they will be able to read everything they want online without paying.
Some feel that countries should produce most of the food that is eaten in their country and import as little as possible.
In the future, people may have to live on other planets. Some think that it is therefore important to spend money researching other planets such as Mars.
Governments should spend more money on medical research and less on researching the environment.
After graduation many students take a year to travel. Some think that it would be more useful to work for a year.
Some feel that it is a waste of time to plan for the future and it is more important to focus on the present.
Some today argue that schools are no longer necessary because children can learn so much from the internet and be educated at home.
In many schools and universities today, women have a tendency to study the humanities (such as the arts and languages) while men more often major in science related subjects. Some believe this tendency should be changed.
Some believe that people will purchase a product based on their needs and advertising is not needed.
Many people believe that film is a less important art than other forms such as literature and painting.
There are severe social consequences to housing shortages in cities and only the government can solve these problems.
Watching a live performance such as a play, concert, or sporting event is more enjoyable than watching the same event on television.
Some people believe that smartphones are destroying social interaction today.
Throughout history, male leaders have led us into violence and conflict. If a society is governed by female leaders it will be more peaceful.
Many feel that students today should learn practical skills at school such as car maintenance and managing a bank account.
Many people think that it is better to get advice from old rather than young people.
Some believe technology has made our lives too complex and the solution is to lead a simpler life without technology.
One good way to promote world peace is through international sporting events.
In the future it will become more difficult to live on Earth so more money should be spent researching how to live on other planets such as Mars.
Some think that governments should tax unhealthy foods to encourage people to eat healthier.
As well as making money, businesses also have a responsibility towards society.
Developing the economy will always damage the environment.
Too much money is wasted on repairing old buildings that should be used to knock them down and build new ones.
Many believe that the best way to ensure a happier society is to reduce the difference in income earnings between the rich and poor.
Extreme sports such as sky diving and skiing are very dangerous and should be banned.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this view?
The crime rate nowadays is decreasing compared to the past due to advances in technology.
Many believe that individuals can do little to improve the environment. Only governments and large companies can make a real difference.
Many people believe that social networking sites (such as Facebook) have a huge negative impact on both individuals and society.
Some people think that it is better to build more public parks and sports facilities in new towns rather than shopping malls.
Students should be primarily taught academic subjects so that they can pass exams, and practical skills such as cooking should not be taught.
Some people think that the news media has become much more influential in people’s lives today and it is a negative development. Do you agree or disagree?
Many psychologists recommend that the best way to relieve stress is to do nothing at all for a period of time during the day.
People today often use the internet to learn about the culture of other countries. This means that it is not that important to travel to those countries.
The most common solution for criminal behaviour is prison but many believe education is a better method.
The job market today is very competitive and it is best to choose a career or field of study early in order to get a good job later in life.
Some countries are struggling with increases in crime rates. Some believe that having more police on the streets is best way to reduce and combat crime.
Some people believe that the best way to increase the road safety is to increase the minimum legal age for driving cars..
Some people believe that nowadays we have too many choices.
Living in a country where you have to speak a foreign language can cause serious social problems, as well as practical problems.
Traffic and housing problems in major cities could be solved by moving companies, factories and their employees to the countryside.
Some people say that school children should be mainly taught about the literature (e.g fiction and poetry) of their own country because it is more important than that of other countries., when designing a building, the most important factor is the intended use of the building rather than its outward appearance., plastic shopping bags are used widely and cause many environmental problems. some people say they should be banned., climate change is a phenomenon that affects countries all over the world. many people strongly believe that it is the responsibility of individuals, rather than corporations and governments, to deal with this problem., recommended for you.
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Thank for your samples
You’re very welcome!
are these questions from Cambridge books?
Some are but most are reported on real IELTS exams.
Hello, can u please tell me the ideas of the following essay? ( From the agree side please) For the married couples nowadays, some people say that it is the responsibilities for both spouses to earn a living for the family. To extent do u agree or disagree?
hello dave, can u please reply me?
Can u please tell me the ideas of the following essay? ( From the agree side please) For the married couples nowadays, some people say that it is the responsibilities for both spouses to earn a living for the family. To extent do u agree or disagree?
I think I’ve written about that or a similar topic – if I get a chance, I’ll write a sample answer for that specific one, Eric!
Thank u dave
Can u just give me the ideas of the essay? Just in short notes. Not the whole essay. Thank U.
Hello Mr. Dave. I find that your writing style is amazing but it is quite difficult to imitate, especially the body part of the essay. I see I could have learned from you how to write an introduction and conclusion, but it seems too difficult to learn how to write the body. but I must emphasize that I still learn a lot of good vocabulary and phrases from you. It would be great if you have a detailed tutorial on how to write the body so that it is easiest to follow. dear
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Watch the video on how to answer the agree or disagree essay type.
Requirements
The task requires you to give your opinion (level of agreement) about a statement.
The questions “Do you agree or disagree?” and “To what extent do you agree?” are exactly the same and can be answered in the same way.
When you approach this question, first decide on your position or opinion. There are 2 positions that are advisable to take in order to write a balanced answer. Your position should be stated clearly in your introduction and expanded in your body paragraphs.
A. 100% agree or disagree
B. Equally agree and disagree. 50-50
If you take the position of “partly” or “mostly” agree (disagree) it becomes more difficult to write since you will need to give more reasons for one side than the other and your answer will be unbalanced.
Always chose position A or B
Sample Answer: 100% disagree
It is claimed by many that the contemporary practice of students interacting with teachers in actual classrooms is forecast to disappear by 2050. I strongly disagree with this statement and this essay will detail the reasons why.
While it is incontrovertible that remote learning has become an increasingly popular and convenient method of learning especially for adults and college students, I believe that this approach is not effective when it comes to children and adolescents. This is because, these groups of pupils lack the concentration levels for distance learning where it is necessary to sit in front of a screen for long periods, usually at home where there are too many distractions. For instance, in my country in 2018, political leaders implemented a pilot scheme of studying remotely with several secondary schools. The result was that 80% of pupils had worse academic results when compared to other institutions that did not employ such a system.
Another drawback is that many courses are not practically suited to digital teaching, especially courses that involve a high degree of hands on practice, supervised by a tutor. Science subjects such as physics and chemistry require students to conduct experiments in a lab setting, which would be impossible with online class. It is simply not realistic to expect students to have access to the necessary equipment and, obviously, there are health and safety issues associated with youngsters conducting hazardous experiments without guidance.
In conclusion, classroom tuition, with tutors and pupils in the same room, will never be completely replaced because remote learning not a suitable approach for youngsters and, what is more, it is impractical for subjects requiring explicit practice.
Sample: Agree or Disagree 1 PDF
Sample Answer: 50-50 agree/ disagree
An increased awareness of how a meat free diet can benefit our health and the environment has resulted in the widely held belief that everyone should become vegetarian. I equally agree and disagree with this proposal and this essay will outline the reasons why.
On the one hand, there are several benefits to becoming a vegetarian. Specifically, medical research has proved conclusively that vegetarians are less likely to develop health-related issues such as obesity or cardio-vascular diseases. High cholesterol levels, moreover, can be reduced and controlled by eliminating meat from our diet. Additionally, sourcing food from alternatives to meat can reduce the negative environmental impact of industrial meat farming where huge swathes of natural habitat are lost every year to deforestation.
Meat consumption, however, is considered to be a reliable and essential source of vitamins and minerals that are crucial in maintaining physical health. A vegetarian diet lacks the important nutrients which are vital, for example, when it comes to the healthy development of children. As a result, these deficiencies need to be addressed by a high intake of supplements. One more consideration is that meat production is a billion-dollar industry on which millions of people rely upon for employment and switching to a vegetarian culture would result in the loss of their livelihood.
To conclude, I believe a balance of meat and vegetables in one’s diet is the healthiest option that would have the advantage of safeguarding peoples’ jobs. However, consumption of meat ought to be reduced for health and environmental reasons and alternatives should be considered.
Sample: Agree or Disagree 2. PDF
IELTS Writing Task 2 asks you to give your opinion on an important social issue. In this particular opinion essay IELTS sample, the question type is called “agree/disagree.” Agree/disagree essays want you to take a position on an issue that is stated. From there, it’s your job to say if you agree or disagree with the initial statement, supporting your own opinion with examples and details. For more details on this and other question types for the second part of the IELTS Writing section, check out our complete guide to the most common IELTS Writing Task 2 questions .
Below, we’ll look at a model essay, based on an example question. The question is original to Magoosh, but is patterned closely off of real IELTS questions. The model essay is based on an excellent IELTS Writing template for Task 2 created by Rachel, one of Magoosh’s top IELTS experts. Note that this essay is at band 9, the highest IELTS Writing score you can receive. More information on why this is a band 9 response can be seen below the essay.
First things first! Let’s look at the sample prompt.
It is now possible to order almost any item over the Internet and have it delivered to one’s home. As a result, people are no longer patient or careful in their shopping habits. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Online shopping and home delivery causes concerns that consumers may become more hasty and less cautious. However, I do not believe that online shopping has this effect. In fact, I would say that the opposite is true. In this essay, I will discuss the reasons that online shopping actually helps shoppers make smarter choices.
Internet shopping actually makes people more patient while they shop, not less patient. This is because, even with home delivery, online shopping is actually less “instant” than traditional shopping in stores. After all, if someone goes into a store, they can leave minutes later with the items they purchased. However, even the fastest delivery methods for online goods take at least a day. As a result, people are actually more accustomed to longer waits before they receive something they’ve bought.
Not only does online shopping make buyers more patient, it also facilitates careful, informed choices for buyers. This is because there is more competition between different sellers online than there is in a single store. If someone goes to a store in person, they will see a relatively small range of brand names, and they certainly won’t see the offerings of other stores. In contrast, online customers can compare just about every brand of any given product and browse the websites of multiple stores. This gives customers all the information they need to make the best possible purchases.
When shopping on the Web, customers can learn patience because they must wait for their items to be delivered to them, and even more importantly, customers can access all of the information they need to choose the right items. Ultimately, online shopping is truly a positive development, not a negative one.
Word count: 283
This is a very strong essay because it satisfies the level descriptors in the official IELTS Writing Task 2 rubric . Read that official score guide carefully and compare it to this essay, and you’ll see why the example above scored so well. Also, for a more detailed band 9 level score report from Magoosh, see the scorer commentary immediately below.
This score report is patterned after the official level descriptors for IELTS Writing Task 2 . This report also looks a lot like the Magoosh IELTS essay scoring service .
Overall Band Score: 9
CATEGORY | Task Achievement/Response | Coherence and Cohesion | Lexical Resource | Grammatical Range and Accuracy |
---|---|---|---|---|
SCORE | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 |
What was done well in the essay:
We have model essays for each of the question types for the second IELTS Writing task. Click the links below to access our other sample essays:
To read out model essays for the other Task 2 IELTS Writing question types, click the links below:
David is a Test Prep Expert for Magoosh TOEFL and IELTS. Additionally, he’s helped students with TOEIC, PET, FCE, BULATS, Eiken, SAT, ACT, GRE, and GMAT. David has a BS from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and an MA from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. His work at Magoosh has been cited in many scholarly articles , his Master’s Thesis is featured on the Reading with Pictures website, and he’s presented at the WITESOL (link to PDF) and NAFSA conferences. David has taught K-12 ESL in South Korea as well as undergraduate English and MBA-level business English at American universities. He has also trained English teachers in America, Italy, and Peru. Come join David and the Magoosh team on Youtube , Facebook , and Instagram , or connect with him via LinkedIn !
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How many paragraphs are there in to what extent agree or disagree essay as some says that there are 5 para 2 on which we are agree and one Disagree. What is the best structure to get 7 or above for this essay type. Please let me know as my exam in next month.
Hi Sheetal!
Some people might write 3, 4 or even 5 paragraphs–there is no strict requirement. It is important to organize your essay well, however, and ensure that your use of paragraphs makes sense for the content of the essay. Additionally, remember that you need to write at least 250 words for a Task 2 essay, and most students who score the highest are closer to the 300-400 mark. So you should aim for that amount of words if you want a 7+ score. I’d recommend taking a look at more sample Task 2 essays to see how they are structured, and that should help! Best of luck on your test. 😀
in the introduction part, writer mentions his/her own opinion, is it correct we write our own idea in the introduction part?
Yes, that is correct because the IELTS Writing Task 2 asks you to give your opinion on an important social issue. Additionally, note that this question directly asks “To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.”
I recommend reading over several sample Task 2 essays so that you can get a better idea of what they should include/how they should be written. Additionally, be sure to check out our Complete Guide to IELTS Task 2 .
Happy studying! 😀
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The following blog is a complete guide to those wondering how to write agree and disagree essays in IELTS? One of the most popular types of questions on the IELTS writing paper is agreement or disagreement, so it is crucial that you learn how to correctly write them. Read on to know more about the same.
Some people believe that there is a fixed way that you must answer these types of questions. The truth, however, is far from it, You may attempt this question however you wish to. There is however a format that you must keep in mind while doing so.
If you are already on board with the preparation of the IELTS, then you must have found that the writing assignment essays are very diverse. There are many common forms, and the most prominent among them is the IELTS agreement disagreement essay.
This is a fairly straightforward type of idea or scenario that you would have to agree with or disagree with. You may even agree to disagree if you wish to.
Also Read: IELTS Essay Topics with Answers: Simplifying Writing Task 2 for 2021 Exam
– Your essay must have a structure,
– You should have an opinion to determine
– You should be able to generate a Concept and an idea
– It is essential to possess powerful introduction writing
– Don’t forget to write a strong supporting Paragraphs in your Writing
– Writing a summary for the conclusion
Unlike traditional questions of agreement/disagree, to what degree you agree or disagree with questions, you are NOT required to explicitly decide if you agree or disagree with the statement given. You may even agree to disagree.
You currently have 3 key choices for your opinion:
AA: You absolutely agree with that (provide 2 ideas that strengthen the statement)
DD: You absolutely disagree with that (provide 2 ideas that weaken the statement)
AD: You partially agree or disagree with AD (provide 1 idea that strengthens the statement and 1 idea that weakens it)
Generate 2-3 supporting points for it after you’ve determined your view.
Also Read: Opinion Essay for IELTS: How to Plan and Write a Perfect Opinion Essay?
When structuring this sort of essay, you must note a few tips:
In these types of questions, it is a good idea to agree or disagree absolutely with the argument.
A strong argument and a more concise article will contribute to this.
In concession statements, you can demonstrate the other side of the argument, but they can be done only in one or two sentences.
Often, you should not let personal emotions get involved.
Choose the side that you feel more secure in and can back up with clarity.
Some people say it’s bad for kids to watch television. Some individuals claim that watching TV is educational for kids. What opinion are you in agreement with, and why? In your response, give clear details and examples
In order to protect the environment, the government should close businesses that manufacture hazardous waste products without their own waste treatment facilities. To what point are you in agreement or disagreement? To justify your stance, use concrete arguments and examples.
The customs and culture of the new nation should be practised by people who go to live in other nations. To what degree do you agree or disagree?
Also Read: How to Disagree or Partially Agree in the Agree Disagree Question
Some people feel the government should take care of people who are vulnerable, such as the poor and the homeless. Are you agreeing or disagreeing?
Do you agree with the following argument or disagree with it? Protecting the environment is the government’s responsibility. To support your opinion, use clear explanations and examples.
Any essay is satisfactory if it is approached in the correct way. It is important to bear in mind in IELTS writing that a different kind of essay needs a different kind of approach. A combination of strong structure and proper data is a game-changer in the event of a ‘agree-disagree’ essay. Therefore, to score band 9 in IELTS Writing, you must spend some time preparing and structuring your essay. For more on this, go onto IELTS ninja .
While practising I identified that I was lacking this structure, I’ll prepare with this structure now
Great tips on how to write the essay, will follow the advice and structure in mock tests.
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This lesson will guide you how to write essays in IELTS Writing that ask you to what extent you agree/disagree . Such questions are very common for IELTS Writing task 2 . In such essays your task is to say whether you:
and justify your opinion .
In this lesson you will see IELTS writing task 2 sample question + model answer . Also, you will learn the following points:
Let’s look at an example of IELTS writing task 2:
The government's investment in arts, music and theatre is a waste of money. Governments should invest these funds in public services instead.
To what extent do you agree with this statement?
Unlike classic agree/disagree questions, to what extent you agree or disagree questions do NOT ask you to clearly determine whether you agree or disagree with the given statement.
In fact, you have 3 major options for your opinion :
AA : You completely agree (provide 2 ideas that strengthen the statement) DD : You completely disagree (provide 2 ideas that weaken the statement) AD : You agree or disagree partly (provide 1 idea that strengthens the statement and 1 idea that weakens it)
After you’ve decided your opinion, generate 2-3 supporting points for it .
Now let’s generate supporting points for each of the opinions:
AA: Investment in arts, music and theatre is a waste of money
DD: Investment in arts, music and theatre is NOT a waste of money
For this opinion, just combine ideas from the previous points.
For our essay, we’ll choose the last opinion - partially agree / disagree (AD).
There are a lot of ways to structure your essay, but we’ll use a structure that has been approved by many IELTS examiners to be high-scoring and coherent. Band-9 essay structure :
Body paragraph 1 - the 1st supporting point
As you already know, you can write the supporting points of your body paragraphs in the following ways: agree + agree, disagree + disagree, agree + disagree. We’ll use the last option as our opinion is partially agree / disagree .
Let’s take a look at each of these sections in detail.
It is often argued that the government should finance public services instead of spending its budget on arts, music and theatre.
Although I agree that government’s investments in public services play a very important role, I think that proper funding of arts sector is also crucial for the society.
This sentence should contain the main idea of the whole 1st paragraph. In our case we’ll use the reason A: why it is important to finance public services. As we’ll be considering opposite opinions, it is a good idea to use a collocation on the one hand to introduce the first reason:
On the one hand, the government should definitely allocate a large part of its budget on public services.
To explain the reason effectively, you can imagine that your examiner didn’t understand what you were talking about and you have to explain every detail:
This economic sector determines the overall quality of life, ensuring that some basic services, like schools, hospitals and roads, are available to all citizens irrespective of their income or social status. Public services satisfy the primary needs of the society and thus need a proper funding, while artists and musicians are not curing diseases or building houses, so their role is secondary.
It’s always good to give examples in your body paragraphs, even if you’re not asked to do it (like in our case):
For example, any country can live without music concerts, but absence of medicine will create significant problems.
That’s why the government should adequately finance public services in the first place.
Body paragraph 2 - the 2nd reason you agree/disagree
This statement should contain the main idea of the whole 2nd paragraph. This time we’ll use the reason D: why it is important to finance public services. As we are considering opposite opinions, it is a good idea to use a phrase on the other hand to introduce the second reason:
On the other hand, arts, music and theatre are not a waste of money, since they are an integral part of the society’s cultural and intellectual development and amusement.
Firstly, art and music draw people’s attention to diverse phenomena and represent the inward significance of things. Quite often a single drawing, piece or song can exhort myriads of people to reconsider their attitude towards some situation. This way, art serves as a major source of nation’s personal and intellectual development. Moreover, visiting museums, watching movies and listening to music are common ways of relaxation and entertainment.
The question doesn’t ask us to give examples, plus we’ve already written a lot in this paragraph, so we’ll skip this point.
Thus, art sector is also important for the society and should not be neglected.
You can write the conclusion in one sentence that summarizes your opinion + 2 reasons for it :
To conclude, though I agree that the government should allocate a large part of its budget on such urgent needs of the society like public services, I think that arts, music and theatre should also be financed since they play an important role in people’s development and entertainment.
DO NOT write new ideas in the conclusion!
This is a full band-9 answer for to what extent you agree or disagree IELTS Writing question above:
It is often argued that the government should finance public services instead of spending its budget on arts, music and theatre. Although I agree that government’s investments in public services play a very important role, I think that proper funding of arts sector is also crucial for the society.
On the one hand, the government should definitely allocate a large part of its budget on public services. This economic sector determines the overall quality of life, ensuring that some basic services, like schools, hospitals and roads, are available to all citizens irrespective of their income or social status. Public services satisfy the primary needs of the society and thus need a proper funding, while artists and musicians are not curing diseases or building houses, so their role is secondary. For example, any country can live without music concerts, but absence of medicine will create significant problems. That’s why the government should adequately finance public services in the first place.
On the other hand, arts, music and theatre are not a waste of money, since they are an integral part of the society’s cultural and intellectual development and amusement. Firstly, art and music draw people’s attention to diverse phenomena and represent the inward significance of things. Quite often a single drawing, piece or song can exhort myriads of people to reconsider their attitude towards some situation. This way, art serves as a major source of nation’s personal and intellectual development. Moreover, visiting museums, watching movies and listening to music are common ways of relaxation and entertainment. Thus, art sector is also important for the society and should not be neglected.
Opinion essays are a very common writing task 2 essay type. As you would expect from the name, you need to write a well-structured IELTS writing essay topics that give your opinion. We’ve put together a guide with everything you need to know to write a great IELTS writing task 2 opinion essay. Let’s get started!
1.1 understanding the question, 1.2 example opinion questions.
3.3 identify vocabulary, 4.1 introduction, 4.2 main body paragraphs, 4.3 conclusion.
1. opinion essay overview.
An opinion essay is also known as an agree or disagree essay . As with all writing task 2 essays, you will have 40 minutes to write at least 250 words .
Read on to find out how to produce a great opinion essay.
It is important that you first understand what writing task 2 essay question you have been given before you start writing. The type of essay question you get will slightly change the structure of your essay.
Remember, there are five main types of writing task 2 questions:
You will be given an IELTS statement and a question . Here are some common questions/sentence starters that tell you that you have been given an opinion essay:
To what extent do you agree?
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
The main aims of this type of essay are:
A common mistake test takers make when writing an opinion essay is that they treat it like an advantage/disadvantage essay and try to write about both sides of the argument in detail (see our guide on advantage/disadvantage essays and compare the difference).
For an opinion essay, you need to pick a side : it does not matter which side of the argument you choose, just pick the one that you can develop the best argument for.
However, you should briefly acknowledge the other side of the argument, and will show you how to do this in your introduction , main body paragraphs, and conclusion .
You should not give reasons to support the opposing argument , only support one side with reasons and examples.
Make it clear to the examiner what your opinion is from the beginning to the end of your essay (this is called a thesis-led approach: leading with your opinion).
Here are some example opinion writing task 2 questions to help you recognize them in the IELTS exam:
Some people think that more money should be spent on protecting endangered species while others think it is a waste of valuable money.
What is your opinion?
Also, read the following IELTS Essay Writing Guides
Systems of funding university education are different from country to country. While some countries charge students for studying at university, others offer university education for free.
Do you think students should pay for higher education?
Every school system in the world includes regular tests and exams, and many people think that it is important for students to take lots of exams.
Children should not start school until the age of six or seven because they need to have more time to play and develop before they go to school.
Scientists and technology experts seem to be more valued by modern society than musicians and artists.
Although there is more than one way you could choose to structure your essay, we have provided you with a foolproof structure you can always use for opinion essays to score highly in Coherence and cohesion , as well as address all parts of the task to do well in Task achievement :
Don’t skip this step! Taking 5 minutes to plan your essay could be the difference between your desired score and a missed opportunity.
By identifying the topic of your essay, you are making sure that you are going to write about the correct topic and not go off-course. Test takers that rush and panic can make the mistake of writing about a completely different topic to the one they have been asked to write about. Don’t be one of those test taskers and make a plan !
Let’s take a look at the question for our sample answer where we have underlined the topic words:
The topic words are underlined and show the general topic of this essay question is protecting endangered species .
Now that we have identified the topic sentence, we should also look for any other keywords or phrases that give more information about the topic. Look at the words in bold below:
Some people think that more money should be spent on protecting endangered species while others think it is a waste of valuable money .
So this question is not only asking you to give your opinion on protecting endangered species, but also the amount of money that is spent on this cause.
A test taker that had only addressed the first point would likely have scored poorly in Task achievement.
There are so many ways you could choose to organize your ideas. We have chosen to note down our ideas by paragraph:
– Funding should be used for wildlife conservation | |
– Animals are an essential part of maintaining the health of an ecosystem – Species becomes endangered: signals that an ecosystem is out of balance – Loss of species leads to other environmental problems | |
– Benefits to the human race – Quality of clear air, water, agriculture – Reduction of other species – Money could be spent on renewable energy | |
– Protecting species also protect people and environment |
We give more note taking and idea generation tips in Master Guide for IELTS writing task 2 .
If any useful IELTS vocabulary for writing comes to mind during the planning process, it is useful to write it down so you don’t forget (remember to cross out any notes or planning before the end of the 40 minutes so the examiner does not mark this as your essay).
Paraphrasing means being able to write something in your own words without changing the meaning . This is an essential skill needed for the IELTS exam, especially writing task 2.
There is no one right way to paraphrase an IELTS statement. You could choose to use synonyms or parallel expressions (phrases with more than one word but have the same meaning). You could also change the sentence structure, but make sure it is still grammatically correct. Another paraphrase technique is to change a word class, for example, a noun to a verb form.
Take a look at our example, can you see the main changes we have made?
Some people think that more money should be spent on protecting endangered species while others think it is a waste of valuable money. What is your opinion? | These days, the number of species facing extinction is growing, and as a result, a larger number of people are becoming involved in environmental issues. It is argued by some that the protection of endangered animals is wasteful. However, my view is that more government funding should be used for wildlife conservation. |
Although this is a formal essay, you are still allowed the use of the first person ‘I’ and ‘my’, you will need to use this when giving your opinion (just don’t over-do it).
Notice that in this example, the opinion has been clearly stated whilst presenting both sides of the argument :
Opinion: However, my view is that more government funding should be used for wildlife conservation.
Other side of the argument: It is argued by some that the protection of endangered animals is wasteful.
Not all sample essays will show this, but you can choose to briefly state what your essay will do, for example:
This essay will explain my opinion in more detail.
Now let’s move on to the main body paragraphs.
A topic sentence is usually found at the beginning of your paragraph. This should give the reader the main idea of your paragraph in one sentence.
Here are two examples taken from the sample answer:
The start of your sentence indicates to the reader that you are clearly stating a reason for your opinion and that you are going to develop this idea throughout the paragraph.
You could also choose to start your topic sentence with the following structures:
You could also use the grammatical structure ‘ Not only… but also…’ to avoid repetition and put emphasis on the second reason, for example:
Not only does spending money on conservation help the animal kingdom, but it also benefits society as a whole.
Not only will preventing the extinction of species help the animals themselves, but it will also have a positive effect on the quality of air, water, and agricultural land.
As this is an opinion essay, it is essential that you use a range of phrases to give your opinion. Far too often, candidates just repeat the phrase ‘In my opinion…’ Here are some other sentence starters you can use to impress the examiner
Your conclusion is a very important part of your essay. You need to restate your opinion (in different words than your introduction) as well as choose the most convincing argument from your essay.
Remember to also briefly mention the other side of the argument to show the examiner that you understand there are two sides and you have clearly chosen one.
Here is a useful structure to do this:
Although it is true that… on balance I believe that/ I am of the view that/ another opinion phrase)…
And here is the full example from our sample essay :
… although it is true that there are valuable uses for funding that could aid environmental protection, on balance I am of the opinion that governments should invest in the protection of endangered species.
Now it’s time to test your knowledge about IELTS writing task 2 opinion essays. We’ve created a model answer, but removed some of the keywords and phrases.
You need to select the correct missing words and complete the model answer. Good luck!
, the number of species facing extinction , and as a result, a larger number of people are becoming involved in environmental issues. It is by some that the protection of endangered animals is . However, my view is that more government funding should be used for wildlife conservation. This essay will my opinion in more detail. One reason that I more money should be spent on the conservation of wildlife is that animals are an essential part of maintaining the health of an . If a species becomes , it signals that an ecosystem is out of balance. As a , the loss of one species may the loss of others and may lead to irreversible consequences for the animal kingdom. Another reason to support spending on wildlife protection is that it also benefits . For example, if the ecosystem is out of balance then the health of the environment is also negatively , for example, the loss of wildlife can affect the quality of clean water and air for a population. In addition, the of agricultural land may also be reduced with the loss of certain species. Having said that, there are those that argue that this is a costly and use of public funds. They think that money would be better spent on other schemes such as energy projects. In conclusion, looked at the topic in detail, it is true that there are valuable uses for funding that could aid environmental protection, on balance I am the opinion that governments invest in the protection of endangered species. The main reason is the protection of wildlife will not only benefit the animal , but also the human race and the environment we inhabit. / 21 |
These days, the number of species facing extinction is growing, and as a result, a larger number of people are becoming involved in environmental issues. It is argued by some that the protection of endangered animals is wasteful. However, my view is that more government funding should be used for wildlife conservation. This essay will explain my opinion in more detail.
One reason that I believe more money should be spent on the conservation of wildlife is that animals are an essential part of maintaining the health of an ecosystem. If a species becomes endangered, it signals that an ecosystem is out of balance. As a result, the loss of one species may trigger the loss of others and may lead to irreversible consequences for the animal kingdom.
Another reason to support spending on wildlife protection is that it also benefits humanity. For example, if the ecosystem is out of balance then the health of the environment is also negatively affected, for example, the loss of wildlife can affect the quality of clean water and air for a population. In addition, the fertility of agricultural land may also be reduced with the loss of certain species. Having said that, there are those that argue that this is a costly and inefficient use of public funds. They think that money would be better spent on other schemes such as renewable energy projects.
In conclusion, having looked at the topic in detail, although it is true that there are valuable uses for funding that could aid environmental protection, on balance I am of the opinion that governments should invest in the protection of endangered species. The main reason is that the protection of wildlife will not only benefit the animal kingdom, but also the human race and the environment we inhabit.
Hey. Thanks for a great material. I have one concern though. In the ” common questions in opinion essay” part, you mentioned this question ” Discuss both view and give your opinion.” But isn’t it included to the “Discussion essays”??
Hi, I just wanted to ask this question cuz it made to think about it thoroughly.
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As you know, the IELTS Writing test is always the most challenging part for candidates when taking the IELTS exam. This exam requires you to have the skills to classify the types of articles and develop the pieces so that they are as close and reasonable as possible. If there is no preparation and practice, it is a big problem for you.
Below About IELTS will share how to write IELTS Writing Task 2: Agreement or Disagreement format.
Table of Contents
The Agree or Disagree format is a question that asks you to state your opinion after providing you with some opposing view or idea, which can also be arguments, reasons, or explanatory information. This form is usually divided into two types:
First, ask if you agree or not and how much you agree/disagree. Ask directly for your agreement/disagreement with a firm tone, like asking a Yes/No question.
With the type of essay (opinion essay) Agree/Disagree. The question usually has two parts, and part 1 is the argument, opinion on a particular issue, and part 2 is a question part, usually has the following form: What is your opinion? Do you agree or disagree? To what extent or disagree? Example:
A standard essay of the agree-disagree format in IELTS Writing Task 2 includes the following sections:
Introduction
Note: Do not answer the question indirectly or roundabout; you will lose points if you do not answer the question directly. The length of the introduction only needs to be 2-3 sentences.
The body is where you present your points along with arguments and examples. Usually, 2 points corresponding to 2 paragraphs is enough.
Note: Do not add any main idea not mentioned in the body of the essay in conclusion. In addition, you are not allowed to rewrite the same opening for your closing.
See more types of essays in IELTS Writing Task 2:
IELTS Writing Task 2: Format Advantages And Disadvantages
1. analyze the question and determine the answer.
For the agree-disagree question type, you will have two ways to answer:
Immediately after reading the topic carefully, you must have the answer in mind to quickly determine writing direction.
One note and a secret to help you determine the direction of writing are that IELTS is an English language proficiency test, not a social knowledge test. You don’t have to answer exactly what you think.
Instead, choose the answer that is easiest for you to write. Then, select an answer that gives you the point, argument, and example right away.
2. make an outline.
Many of you think that outlining is unnecessary and takes time and instead should focus on writing. This way of thinking is not wrong, and the article is the only scored part. However, without an outline, a clear overview will bring a lot of consequences.
Think about it, and ideas are easily duplicated because they are not organized systematically. Writing in a direction that is not in any order is very easy to make you write erroneously, which can lead to digression and point deduction.
Making an outline, with regular practice, will only take you 5 minutes. Your ideas will be organized systematically. From there, you need to write according to the outline of the article, and the article will be completed faster and more effectively:
Introduction (2 sentences):
Some people think that a huge amount of time and money is spent on the protection of wild animals and that this money could be better spent on the human population. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
Example: Some people say that reading newspaper online is more beneficial than harmful. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
–> It is commonly believed that reading newspaper on the internet is more positive than negative. Personally, I hold the opinion that this view is convincing.
Templet: To begin with, this viewpoint is (un)convincing merely because…
Templet: In addition, two other reasons are worth considering. First, … (roughly three sentences). Second, … (roughly three sentences).
Templet: All things considered, when it comes to the view that…, I totally agree/disagree with it. This is simply because (of) …, …, and…
Example: All things considered, when it comes to the view that reading online is more advantages, I totally agree with it. This is simply because (of) ( 3 reasons that mentioned in Body)
Note: You should get into the habit of taking a few minutes to check your work after you’re done to spot grammatical and spelling mistakes. This will help you avoid deducting points in the IELTS Writing test criteria: Grammatical Range And Accuracy and Lexical Resource.
IELTS Test Basics You Need to Know Part 2
6 Easy Ways to Improve Your IELTS Listening Score
How To Write An Introduction
How To Organize An IELTS Essay
Tips for Writing IELTS Task 2
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Donald Trump’s campaign said he “will continue to strongly protect Social Security and Medicare in his second term,” clarifying more ambiguous comments in a CNBC interview.
By Kellen Browning
After former President Donald J. Trump appeared to suggest he was open to cutting federal entitlement programs such as Social Security and Medicare, President Biden immediately seized on the comments, saying, “Not on my watch.”
Mr. Biden, as he gears up for a general election rematch against Mr. Trump, has been eager to highlight his promise not to touch Social Security or Medicare. He has argued that Republicans, led by Mr. Trump, would strip away those benefits. But in a sign of the issue’s political potency, Mr. Trump’s campaign quickly sought to clarify that Americans who rely on the programs do not need to worry.
In an interview that aired Monday on CNBC , Mr. Trump, when asked whether he had changed his stance on altering those programs in order to rein in the national debt, said that there was “a lot you can do in terms of entitlements in terms of cutting and in terms of also the theft and the bad management of entitlements, tremendous bad management of entitlements.”
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IMAGES
VIDEO
COMMENTS
Choose your opinion & generate ideas. Agree or disagree question asks you to clearly determine whether you agree or disagree with the statement. Unlike questions that ask you to what extent do you agree or disagree, this question asks you to have a super-clear opinion.After you've decided your opinion, generate 2-3 supporting points for it. For the task above you have two possible options:
As such, here are two possibilities for structuring your "agree or disagree" essay: Introduction. Introduce the topic. State your position ( essay outline) Body paragraph #1. Main argument #1. Support with explanation and example. Body paragraph #2. Main argument #2.
Paragraph 2 (body 1) Explain and support your first reason why rail is more important. Paragraph 3 (body 2) Explain and support your second reason why rail is more important. Paragraph 4 (conclusion) Re-state your overall opinion (rail is more important) and summarise your main reasons. 2.
For an IELTS agree disagree essay you can either agree with the statement, disagree with the statement or give your opinion which contains a balanced approach to the issues in the statement. However, this does not mean you can discuss both sides impartially - you must give a clear opinion to get a good score in the criterion of Task Response ...
IELTS Agree or Disagree Essay. For IELTS Writing Task 2 you can receive one of five different essay types. Much of the structure for each type is similar, but there are some differences that you need to pay attention to and learn if you want to succeed on the writing section of the exam.
Sentence 1 : States the premise that the essay will address (you can simply rephrase the words in the task). Today it is a popular belief that students attending high school should volunteer in the community as part of their schooling. Sentence 2 : States your opinion on the matter. I strongly agree with this notion.
5) IF YOU AGREE AND DISAGREE AT THE SAME TIME. 1§ Introduction: Paraphrase the Task + My Balanced Opinion: I accept that … , but I disagree that… (2 SENTENCES!) 2§: What I agree with +The reason (s) why I agree + Explanation + Example. 3§ What I disagree with +The reason (s) why I disagree + Explanation + Example OR result.
Agree or Disagree Essays: IELTS Writing Task 2 Lesson. This lesson will teach you how to write 'agree or disagree' or 'opinion' IELTS task 2 essays that could score a Band 7, 8 or 9. Agree or disagree question types are among the most common on the IELTS writing paper, so you must learn how to write them properly. In this post, we will ...
You partially agree - First paragraph: reasons why you agree. 2nd paragraph: reasons why you disagree. Remember: it's much better to have few well-developed ideas than a lot of poorly developed ones, so when you write the paragraphs make sure to give reasons, examples and details. All these must be relevant to the reason you agree/disagree.
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.
In the meantime, here is a blank template for you to use when you write your next agree/disagree essay. AGREE/DISAGREE 4 PARAGRAPH FORMULA. Paragraph One -Introduction. Sentence 1: _____ State the premise that the essay will address (you can simply rephrase the words in the task). Sentence 2: _____ State your opinion in the matter. Sentence 3 ...
Similarly, with four arguments, the two body paragraphs should consist of two ideas each. You do not need more than four arguments for an agree or disagree essay in IELTS Writing Task 2. More is not always better. Too many ideas may make your essay disorganized and lacking focus.
The agree or disagree essay questions are the most commonly asked in the IELTS examination. They are also called as argumentative essays. In this type of essays, you are asked to give your opinion, whether you agree or disagree on the particular sentence that is given. You are given 40 minutes to complete the 250-word essay.
You could also be asked to provide solutions, evaluate a problem, compare and contrast different ideas or challenge an idea. In this post, we will be focussing on how to write an agree/disagree/opinion essay. One of the first things you should do is read the marking criteria to see what the examiners expect. This is really important, as you ...
An "agree or disagree" essay offers a statement and invites you either to agree or disagree with it. For this type of task 2 essay, you are expected (1) to state your opinion clearly (2) to address all parts of the statement with which you are agreeing or disagreeing (3) fully to support your opinion with reference to further knowledge or ...
To what extent do you agree or disagree? Read my essay here. 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? Read my essay here. Climate change is a phenomenon that affects countries all over the world. Many people strongly believe that ...
A. 100% agree or disagree. B. Equally agree and disagree. 50-50. If you take the position of "partly" or "mostly" agree (disagree) it becomes more difficult to write since you will need to give more reasons for one side than the other and your answer will be unbalanced. Always chose position A or B. It is claimed by many that the ...
Here are links to four of my essays, each of which demonstrates one of the four "systems" that I recommended in last week's lesson. 1. Click here to see a strong answer with two supporting ideas. 2. Click here to see a strong answer in which I refute the opposite view. 3. Click here to see a balanced answer. 4. Click here to see an "almost balanced" answer, favouring one side. Remember: All ...
IELTS Writing Task 2 asks you to give your opinion on an important social issue. In this particular opinion essay IELTS sample, the question type is called "agree/disagree.". Agree/disagree essays want you to take a position on an issue that is stated. From there, it's your job to say if you agree or disagree with the initial statement ...
Format. - Your essay must have a structure, - You should have an opinion to determine. - You should be able to generate a Concept and an idea. - It is essential to possess powerful introduction writing. - Don't forget to write a strong supporting Paragraphs in your Writing. - Writing a summary for the conclusion.
This lesson will guide you how to write essays in IELTS Writing that ask you to what extent you agree/disagree. Such questions are very common for IELTS Writing task 2. In such essays your task is to say whether you: completely agree with a given statement. completely disagree with a given statement. partly agree / disagree.
Example Opinion Essay and Exercise. 5.1 Complete the sample opinion essay. 5.2 Opinion Sample Essay. 1. Opinion Essay Overview. An opinion essay is also known as an agree or disagree essay. As with all writing task 2 essays, you will have 40 minutes to write at least 250 words. Read on to find out how to produce a great opinion essay.
Do you agree or disagree? 2. Agree-Disagree Article Structure. A standard essay of the agree-disagree format in IELTS Writing Task 2 includes the following sections: Introduction. The purpose of the introduction and the goal you need to aim for is to introduce the reader to your answer (agree/disagree/partially agree) to the given issue threads.
Do you agree or disagree? A section of society believes that the government should demolish all the ancient buildings and make modern frameworks in place of them. I completely disagree with this statement and through this essay I will express my views on this topic.
everyone else is wrong about. You may disagree with me on a visceral level. You would not be alone. It is chic to roll your eyes at the D.M.V., to express exaggerated condolences when people say ...
The committee is likely to disagree with Mr. Trump's characterization of Justice Merchan as the most conflicted judge ever, as it has recommended judges disqualify or recuse themselves in many ...
"The childless left has no physical commitment to the future of the country" — 30 percent agree; 47 percent disagree. ... 60 percent disagree. In a July 24 Politico opinion essay, ...
David Koppett San Jose, Calif.. To the Editor: I agree with most of this editorial concerning the need for transparency in the upcoming presidential election but disagree with the use of debates ...
"So I don't necessarily agree with the statement," Mr. Trump said. Still, the White House was quick to respond. "Cutting the Medicare and Social Security benefits that Americans have paid ...