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How to Write “Agree or Disagree” Essays for IELTS

Posted by David S. Wills | Jan 15, 2021 | IELTS Tips , Writing | 1

There are various types of essay that you may be asked to write in task 2 of the IELTS writing test, but one of the most common ones is the “agree or disagree” question. This will provide some kind of statement and then ask you whether (or to what extent) you agree or disagree.

In this article, I will tell you everything you need to know about writing an agree or disagree essay .

What is an “Agree or Disagree” IELTS Question?

There are various kinds of questions in IELTS writing task 2, and one of them is called “agree or disagree” because that is precisely what you are asked to do. The question will normally contain those words although there are slight variations:

Do you agree or disagree?
To what extent do you agree or disagree?

This question will follow a statement and your task is to give your reaction to that statement. As long as you can understand the precise nature of the statement, this question is quite to understand.

Note that some people would call this an “opinion essay” but I would disagree with that label. Whilst it is certainly a type of opinion essay, there are other question types that require your opinion, so this is a problematic label. Here’s my guide to opinion essays.

How Should I Answer an “Agree or Disagree” Question?

The important thing about this sort of IELTS question is that you answer the question directly . In other words, you should state whether you agree , disagree , or neither agree nor disagree .

Some people wonder whether it is possible to give a balanced answer and others seem to think that you must always give a balanced answer, but the truth is simple:

You can agree, disagree, or neither agree nor disagree. Any of these is acceptable.

Just pay attention to the exact wording of the question. If it asks “to what extent…?” then you should clearly state the extent to which you agree/disagree:

Completely agree
Partially agree
Neither agree nor disagree
Partially disagree
Completely disagree

If it just says “Do you agree or disagree?” then you don’t necessarily need to give the degree and you could just say “I agree” or “I disagree.” However, it is better to provide more explanation and detail.

If you want a more in-depth discussion of the issue of balanced answers, you can read this article .

Structuring “Agree or Disagree” Essays

Some kinds of IELTS essay are easy to structure. For example, “ Discuss both views ” and “ Advantages and disadvantages ” questions can easily be answered with a predictable four-paragraph structure. However, “agree or disagree” questions require a little more thought. Sometimes it can be a little difficult to find the right structure.

Generally, I recommend writing four or five paragraphs and preferably just four. As such, here are two possibilities for structuring your “agree or disagree” essay:

As you can tell, the second structure is more complicated and thus there is more scope for mistakes in terms of Task Response or Coherence and Cohesion . However, if you do this right it can provide a more interesting and developed answer.

In any case, the important thing to know is that your structure should be coherent and logical. Your reader should never feel confused. If you make a plan before writing, this will really help you to stay on topic and deliver your views effectively.

Let’s look at an example:

Some people argue that the government should give every unemployed person a mobile phone and should make sure they have access to the Internet. They believe this is the best way of using public money to reduce the problem of unemployment. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

To answer this question, I would firstly decide the extent to which I agree or disagree. I disagree that it is the best use of public money, so I would structure my essay thusly:

Now let’s look at how I would write that essay:

Sample Band 9 Answer

It has been suggested that governments should give jobless people phones and internet access to alleviate the unemployment problem. This essay will argue that, whilst this may be a good idea, it is certainly not the best way of using public money to solve the problem.

To begin with, it could be seen as a positive step to give unemployed people phones and internet access. This would certainly help improve their lives in a small way and may give them the ability to hunt down job leads. However, it is not a guaranteed method of finding employment. For one thing, phones are severely limited in comparison with computers, which would be far more useful for jobseekers. A computer is more appropriate for writing CVs and scrolling through lists of adverts. As such, perhaps public funds would be better spent on computers rather than phones.

In addition, the idea of just giving unemployed people technology in order to solve their problems seems a little wishful. The fact is that most people have phones and internet access in 2021, suggesting that this is not what prevents them from finding work. Perhaps the money would be better spent on job fairs, counselling, benefits, or even investment in local businesses to spur the hiring process. Indeed, whilst none of these is a perfect solution, they all seem rather more realistic and preferential than buying thousands of phones and internet contracts.

In conclusion, while it may be a good idea to give all jobless people a phone and internet access, it is almost certainly not the best use of public funds in terms of tackling unemployment.

Language for Agreeing and Disagreeing

Once you have figured out the structure for your essay, you need to have the right language to accurately and effectively express your ideas. Most of the grammar and vocabulary you need will be dependent upon the topic , but there are some useful words and phrases to know for all “agree or disagree” essays.

Giving Purpose and Position

In your introduction, you need to clearly state your position vis-à-vis the question. You can also state what you will do in this essay.

Here are some great phrases:

This essay will…

To avoid being overly personal or informal, you can speak as though your essay is writing itself. This might seem a little strange, but it is perfectly normal. It is a great idea to use this for the overview section of your introduction to say “This essay will argue that…” or “This essay will agree with the idea that…”

Alternatively, you can include yourself:

In this essay, I will…

The use of the personal pronoun is a little informal but these questions are directly asking for your opinion and so there is nothing really wrong with it. This is a good way of stating your intentions clearly from the offset.

Just be careful to avoid redundant phrasing here, like “In my opinion, I think that…” It is not necessary to say both “In my opinion” and “I think” because they both express the same basic meaning.

It is also worth making sure that you completely understand how to use the words “agree” and “disagree.” This probably sounds very easy, but many people make mistakes. I have a full article on it here .

One of the biggest mistakes is saying, “I agree to the idea.” Instead, you need to say “I agree with the idea.” The preposition here is a huge difference and completely changes the meaning of “agree.”

Language for Structuring your Ideas

You can use some cohesive devices when explaining your ideas but be careful not to over-use them and make sure that each one is used accurately. For example, the phrases “On the one hand” and “On the other hand” are really useful here but many people make mistakes by saying “On one hand” or “One the other hand.”

You can also use words like “Firstly” and “Finally” to order your ideas but remember that having every sentence start with the same sort of word sounds repetitive, so don’t use these too much.

Some other useful phrases are:

The first reason why I think/believe that [summarise view] is…”

In this case, we are directly communicating to the reader that this is the first (and therefore most important) reason to support our opinion. To remove the personal pronoun, simply change to:

The first reason why [summarise view] is…

Here are two examples:

The first reason why I think that families should take care of their elderly relatives is that it allows more freedom for the individual.
The first reason why families should take care of their elderly relatives is that it allows more freedom for the individual.

Should You Totally Avoid Personal Pronouns?

personal pronouns for agree/disagree essays

For IELTS, some people say that you should always avoid personal pronouns but other people suggest that they are acceptable. It is true that they are acceptable because some questions directly ask for your opinion and experiences. However, it is also true that an advanced writer can answer these questions without personal pronouns, thereby increasing the level of formality .

Take a look at this question:

Rich countries often give money to poorer countries, but it does not solve poverty. Therefore, developed countries should give other types of help to the poor countries rather than financial aid. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

It is clearly asking for your personal opinion, so it would be fine to say “I think…” or “I believe…” However, we could definitely answer it in a more detached, formal sense.

To give my opinion, I will say:

this essay will argue that giving money is not simply enough and that more nuanced, long-term solutions are necessary

Later, in the conclusion, I will use similar language to affirm my view:

whilst it may seem reasonable to donate money to poor countries, it would be far better to help them through education

Here is the full essay:

The topic of international aid is incredibly controversial and there are no simple solutions. However, this essay will argue that giving money is not simply enough and that more nuanced, long-term solutions are necessary.

To begin with, it is important to acknowledge that poor countries need some form of aid and that money is better than nothing. Wealthy countries give vast sums of money, but there are numerous problems that emerge. Firstly, this money usually has strings attached, meaning that the poor countries often end up owing favours or debts, which exacerbates their problems. Secondly, poor countries are typically poor because of endemic corruption, and money donated is usually embezzled immediately after receipt. As such, giving money is understandable but problematic, and other forms of aid are thus preferable.

Nowadays, many people realise that it is better to provide poor countries with the means to help themselves. This can be done in various ways, including education. As such, perhaps the best way to help these nations is to provide them with teachers and educational facilities. This can allow them to raise a generation of intelligent, motivated people who will shape the future. It can clearly be seen that the education of women is of particular importance, as this lowers the fertility rate, further stopping other problems that contribute to poverty. Therefore, the education of young women should be made a top priority.

In conclusion, whilst it may seem reasonable to donate money to poor countries, it would be far better to help them through education.

Writing an essay for an IELTS “agree or disagree” question is probably a little more difficult than writing one for other question types. However, it is not much more difficult and if you follow the advice above, you can definitely create a wonderful essay that will get a high score. Just remember to answer the question directly and also to use appropriate language throughout.

About The Author

David S. Wills

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

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Agree or disagree essay for IELTS writing task 2

Home » IELTS academic task 2 » Agree or disagree essay for IELTS writing task 2

What is an “agree or disagree” essay?

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 experience

Sample “agree or disagree” questions

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.

Always read the question carefully!

Remember our cardinal rule: always read the question carefully. This is a vital point and expanded on in the online IELTS course .

“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.

Stating your opinion clearly and decisively

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.

Addressing all parts of the question

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.

Supporting your argument

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:

addressing all aspects of the question;
stating one’s opinion clearly and decisively
offering full support for all aspects of one’s opinion.

More resources

Take a look at some more IELTS task 2 essay questions to help you practice for your IELTS exam .

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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.

Is an opinion essay the same as an Agree Disagree essay?

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).

Audio tutorial

You can download or listen to the audio version here:

Tutorials and Tips to Prepare for Task 2

How to Get Ideas for Task 2
Extremely Useful Sentences for Task 2
Five Powerful Sentence Structures to use in your IELTS Writing test
How to use comparisons in Task 2
Concession Paragraphs for “do I agree/disagree essays”
How to write an IELTS Essay Conclusion
IELTS Cohesion and Coherence
3 ways to paraphrase for your Task 2 introduction
Marking Criteria for IELTS Writing
Topics Sentences for Your Essays
7 Ways to Improve your Sentences in Your IELTS Essays
Grammar for IELTS Writing
Academic Collocations for Task 2

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

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IELTS Writing: Agree or Disagree Lesson with Sample Answer

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 look at:

Deciding Opinion

Idea generation.

Writing an Effective Introduction
Writing Supporting Paragraphs
Writing a Conclusion

We will use a question from an IELTS past paper to help us understand the task.

Many students fail to do well in this type of question because they do not have a clear opinion and they do not use an appropriate structure .

The best structure you can use for this type of essay is:

Paragraph 1- Introduction

Sentence 1- Paraphrase Question

Sentence 2- Thesis Statement

Sentence 3- Outline Statement

Paragraph 2- Supporting Paragraph 1

Sentence 1- Topic Sentence

Sentence 2/3- Explain Topic Sentence

Sentence 3/4- Example

Paragraph 3- Supporting Paragraph 2

Paragraph 4- Conclusion

Sentence 1- Summary and reiteration of your opinion.

That’s it! Four paragraphs.

Note : You don’t have to use this structure; other structures can get you a high score. However, this structure has been approved by IELTS examiners to allow you to write a clear and cohesive essay. This structure will allow you to focus on generating your ideas and then writing an effective essay.

In this essay, IELTS examiners want you to give a clear opinion, so you must decide when you read the question. You will also need to do this to write an effective thesis statement.

Let’s look at an example:

In some countries, many people suffer from health problems due to eating too much fast food. It is, therefore, necessary for governments to impose a higher tax on this kind of food.

Do you agree or disagree?

With this type of essay, we have two choices:

We agree with the statement or;
We disagree with the statement

Some teachers advise you to partly agree and disagree. However, I would NOT recommend this because it often leads to an essay with NO clear focus and a CONFUSING structure.

Therefore, for this agree or disagree essay, you can say either:

This essay agrees that governments should tax fast food or;
This essay disagrees that governments should tax fast food

I think I will have more ideas for A, so I’m choosing that one. Always choose the one you feel comfortable writing about – even if you don’t feel that way. You don’t get extra marks for writing about how you feel; you want to give the examiner what they need to score your essay a Band 7+.

Now we have to think of ideas for why governments should tax fast food.

Here are some:

Cigarettes and alcohol are taxed in the same way
The money raised could be used to treat people with health problems
Fast food companies should be punished for selling unhealthy food to people
Making the food more expensive would stop people from eating it
The money raised could be used to educate people about healthy eating

We don’t need to use all of these, just two for our supporting paragraphs. I will pick the first and the fourth ones because I know a little about these two and feel confident I can expand on them with explanations and examples. Remember, the examiner wants you to fully support your arguments, not just list many ideas.

Now we have two supporting ideas; we can move on to our introduction.

Introduction

As previously stated, we will use the following structure:

For a more detailed explanation, please see our post on writing an effective introduction.

To paraphrase the question, we restate it with a different meaning using synonyms. I will also reorder the question. Here is the question again:

In some countries, an increasing number of people are suffering from health problems due to eating too much fast food. It is, therefore, necessary for governments to impose a higher tax on this kind of food.

Paraphrased: It is argued that governments should levy a tariff on junk food because the health risks associated with consuming this kind of food are rising.

This is our first sentence.

We now need to write our thesis statement. This is our opinion in one sentence. This essay will agree with the above statement and will, therefore, look like this:

This essay agrees that a higher rate of tax should be paid by fast-food companies.

This is our second sentence.

We now need to write our third and final sentence, which is the outline sentence . This sentence outlines what you will write about in the main body paragraphs.

Firstly, alcohol and tobacco companies already pay higher taxes; secondly, higher taxes could raise prices and lower consumption.

So our full introduction will look like this:

It is argued that governments should levy a tariff on junk food because the number of health risks associated with consuming this kind of food is on the rise. This essay agrees that a higher rate of tax should be paid by fast-food companies. Firstly, alcohol and tobacco companies already pay higher taxes; secondly, higher taxes could raise prices and lower consumption.

We now need to write our supporting paragraphs for our agree or disagree essay:

Supporting Paragraph 1

This paragraph should include:

Topic Sentence
Explanation

A topic sentence tells the examiner about the rest of the paragraph. In other words, it is a summary of your first idea. It should look something like this:

Higher excise on liqueur and cigarettes has proven to curb the harm caused by these substances.

We now need to expand on this point a little. A good way of doing this is to assume that the examiner does not know this subject, and you must explain clearly what you mean. Here is what this could look like:

This revenue has been used to treat health problems associated with these products and has proven useful in advertising campaigns warning people about the dangers of alcohol and tobacco abuse. Tax from fast food could be used in the same way.

We should now think of an example to support our point. Think about any recent news stories, studies or adverts. If you can’t think of one, make one up. The examiner won’t check if it is real or not.

The United Kingdom is a prime example, where money from smokers is used to treat lung cancer and heart disease while at the same time, pumped into health campaigns in schools to warn children about the dangers of smoking.

That’s it. Four sentences. The full paragraph should look like this:

Higher excise on liqueur and cigarettes has proven to curb the harm caused by these substances. This revenue has been used to treat health problems associated with these products and has proven useful in advertising campaigns warning people about the dangers of alcohol and tobacco abuse. Tax from fast food could be used in the same way. The United Kingdom is a prime example, where money from smokers is used to treat lung cancer and heart disease.

Supporting Paragraph 2

We now repeat the same formula with our second supporting point- higher taxes will increase prices and reduce consumption.

Our topic sentence:

Increasing taxes would raise prices and lower consumption.

Explaining this further:

Fast food companies would pass on these taxes to consumers in the form of higher prices, leading to people not being able to afford junk food because it is too expensive. Junk food would soon become a luxury item, and it would only be consumed occasionally, which would be less harmful to the general public’s health.

We now support our point with an example:

For instance, the cost of organic food has proven prohibitively expensive for most people, and that is why only a small percentage of the population buys it regularly.

The full paragraph would look like this:

Increasing taxes would raise prices and lower consumption. Fast food companies would pass on these taxes to consumers in the form of higher prices, leading to people not being able to afford junk food because it is too expensive. Junk food would soon become a luxury item, and it would only be consumed occasionally, which would be less harmful to the general public’s health. For instance, the cost of organic food has proven prohibitively expensive for most people, and that is why only a small percentage of the population buys it regularly.

Four sentences.

Conclusion

As stated before, a good conclusion for agree or disagree essays should include:

Sentence 1- Summary of main points

Sentence 2- Your opinion

Don’t write any new ideas in this paragraph.

A good conclusion should restate your thesis statement and your main supporting points.

In conclusion, junk food should be taxed at a higher rate because of the good precedent set by alcohol and tobacco and the fact that the increased cost should reduce the number of fast-food people buy.

Agree or Disagree IELTS Sample Essay

In conclusion, junk food should be taxed at a higher rate because of the good precedent set by alcohol and tobacco and the fact that the increased cost should reduce the amount of fast-food people buy.

I hope you found this ‘agree or disagree’ essay IELTS lesson useful.

About Christopher Pell

My name is Christopher Pell and I'm the Managing Director of IELTS Advantage.

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

If you need my help with your IELTS preparation, you can send me an email using the contact us page.

IELTS Agree or Disagree Essay

Opinion Essays
Discussion Essays
Problem Solution Essays
Advantages & Disadvantages Essays
Double Question Essays

Example of IETS Opinion essay

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write at least 250 words.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your knowledge or experience.

Structure of IELTS Opinion Essay

Paragraph 1: Introduction
Paraphrase the Essay Topic
Thesis Statement
Paragraph 2: Supporting Paragraph #1
Topic Sentence
Support (Example or Experience)
Explanation
Paragraph 3: Supporting Paragraph #2
Paragraph 4: Conclusion
Restate Thesis/Summarize your ideas

To what extent..

Example vocabulary and phrases: stating your opinion.

In my opinion I believe that education should be free because it helps move society forward.
As far as paying for education is concerned, I believe that you should have to pay because it creates competition which helps to develop stronger institutions.
My impression is that education should require a cost whether it be through tax payer money or private institutions.
Most institutions require tuition to attend. However. I believe that education should be free because it helps move society forward.

Example Vocabulary and Phrases: Arguing Your Point

This proves that free education can provide many opportunities for those who cannot afford it.
According to this, it can be argued that financial aid is a way to support students who cannot afford to pay for education.

Example Vocabulary and Phrases: Adding Adverb

Beginning of the sentence, middle of the sentence.

Clearly, this is an example of numerous afford a proper education.
This is definitely true because there are many students who are unable to attend school because they cannot afford it.
Deciding whether education should be free is absolutely a major challenge to consider.
The right to receive an education is substantially more important than earning money.

Example Vocabulary and Phrases: Verbs

I disagree that education should cost students.
I believe that education should be free.
I have no doubt that society will benefit with free education.
I think that education should be free.
It cannot be denied that education costs money because teachers, faculty, and staff all need to be paid.
As I see it, education has costs, so someone needs to pay for it.

Before You Start

Think about how you will plan to write your essay.
Brainstorm and generate ideas.

Outline structure for IELTS Essay

________________________________

Outline structure for IELTS Opinion Essay

Paragraph I: Introduction
Paraphrase the Essay Topic - I believe that everyone should have access to free education without limitations.
Thesis Statement - Education is a valuable resource and it advances society.
Education is tool that helps us succeed
Germany - Free education
Same philosophy - society advances
Paying for education helps drive competition between institutions, but I believe this restricts social mobility.
Student cannot afford education
If every person of society is allowed to move forward, then all of society will benefit.
In conclusion education is essential to any society
By restricting access to it because of tuition limits societal advancements, it is important that we eliminate sort of barriers to education, Including costs.

Example Essay

Thesis Statement - Education is a valuable resource and it advances society. If there are certain barriers to receiving education like costs, many students would lose the opportunity to pursue an education because of this.
Education is a tool and it advances society and with free universal access to education, there are no limits to what a country and what a society can obtain.
A perfect example of this Is Germany, where universities are now tuition-free.
If all countries developed the same philosophy towards education as German. I have no doubt that society will benefit.
Some may argue that paying for education helps drive competition between institutions and helps to develop stronger schools. However. 1 completely disagree because I believe this restricts social mobility.
In other words, if a student who would like to pursue a degree In higher education, but cannot afford the high tuition rates then he or she will be unable to further their education.
On the other hand, If every person of society is allowed to move forward, then all of society will benefit.
In conclusion education is essential to any society.

Example Essay in color

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How to write an agree/disagree essay for IELTS Writing Task 2

Date Published

01 February 2023

This article was first published on WeLoveIELTS.org (this website is now closed)

Knowing how to write an agree or disagree essay is very important because if you get this type of task question in the test and you don't know how to approach it, you might not get a very high score. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

An agree/disagree question is very similar to the one above. Let’s look at two typical agree/disagree essay questions:

Some people believe that nowadays we have too many choices. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Living in a country where you have to speak a foreign language can cause serious social problems as well as practical problems. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Can you see how these are similar to my question at the beginning? Both include a statement (= a sentence expressing an opinion) and ask you to what extent (= how much) you agree or disagree with it.

OK, so what are you going to do first? Start writing? Absolutely not .

After you’ve carefully read the task question and understood the topic, the first thing to do is to ask yourself to what extent you agree or disagree with the statement. There are three possible cases:

You agree completely
You disagree completely
You partially agree (which means you also partially disagree)

Next, ask yourself: ‘ Why do I think that?’ This is a very useful question because by answering it you will start generating ideas that you will then include in your essay.

How many ideas should you come up with? In all three cases the secret is that less is more, so I recommend having no more than four in total.

Let’s have a look at an example from Cambridge IELTS 11:

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

I’ve read the question and now I’m going to make some notes before I start writing. Here are my notes:

Partially agree - Both needs funding Why?

Safety reasons
Taxpayers expect government investment in both

Two main ideas. Now we have some direction and know where we are going with our essay. Should you now start writing? Not yet. You’ll need to develop these ideas, and the best way to do this is to give explanations, details, reasons and examples. Let’s add these to the notes.

Safety reasons - Both roads and trains are widely used / all ages / need to be kept in good condition / if not, risk of crashes / example: Ponte Morandi collapse 2018 – Italy / lots of casualties / could have been avoided with more funding - maintenance / Trains are crowded at rush hour -> a railroad accident might be a terrible tragedy
Taxpayers expect government investment in both - governments need to provide good services / citizens pay tax for this / example: train commuters pay to have efficient trains / if not – disruptions - late for work / same is true for road users / example: opening a new highway -> less traffic

Notice that I didn’t write full sentences but notes. Keep your full sentences for the essay! If you don’t do this brainstorming exercise before you start writing, the risk is that you’ll write whatever comes to your mind, and your essay will probably be confusing to read.

Top Tip: Think of how you’re going to structure your text. Keep life simple and always aim at four paragraphs: introduction, two body paragraphs and conclusion.

Introduction

Two sentences are enough here. In the first sentence you should paraphrase the task question. In the second sentence say if you (partially) agree/disagree so you immediately let the reader know what you think.

Two main paragraphs

Why these paragraphs? A paragraph contains ideas about a single subject and using them will make your essay organised, structured and easy to read. When writing an agree/disagree essay there are, again, three possible options:

You completely agree - First paragraph: reasons why you agree. 2nd paragraph: other reasons why you agree.
You completely disagree - First paragraph: reasons why you disagree. 2nd paragraph: other reasons why you disagree.
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.

Again, keep life simple and write one or two sentences only. You should briefly repeat and summarise your answer to the question. Don’t introduce information that you didn’t mention in your paragraphs before. We need a conclusion to conclude right? So, don’t introduce other reasons or topics at the end of your text.

Read the topic of the question and make sure you understand it
Ask yourself if you agree or not with the statement in the question
Brainstorm ideas before you start righting
State your opinion in the introduction
Use four paragraphs
Logically organise the main paragraphs (for example, one for reasons why you agree and the other for reasons why you disagree)
Extend and develop your ideas with reasons, examples and explanations
Write a short conclusion.
Start writing immediately
Include too many different ideas. Less is more!
Introduce more information in the conclusion.

Hope this helps you with your writing. Good luck!

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How To Write An Agree Or Disagree Essay?

In writing task 2 you will be asked to write a discursive essay ( 250 words minimum ). You will be given a question asking you to give your opinion and discuss a problem or issue. 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 need to know what they are looking for in the band 7+ boxes.

You should be able to give the examiners exactly what they want, in order to get a 7+ band score.

If you would like to purchase a 31 page PDF download that is easy to read and print out please take a look at the bookshop >

Writing Task 2 Agree/Disagree Essay Structure

The structure that I advise my students to use, will be sure to get you a band score of 7+. You need to practice using this structure, with as many questions as you can, before sitting your IELTS test. This writing task 2 structure has been proven to be successful for my students and when perfected, can easily help you to achieve a high band score.

TIP >> Before you start writing, plan your ideas so that you can organise the information clearly. You must decide how much you agree or disagree and why. Take 5 minutes and plan out your ideas, opinions and examples.

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.

TIP >> Remember to write in a formal tone, this is an academic essay, and therefore your writing should be formal.

IT IS A 4-PARAGRAPH STRUCTURE

Paragraph 1 – The Introduction

This is the introduction to the essay and where you should start off by paraphrasing the question.

Do you understand what I mean, when I say ‘paraphrase’ 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.

Then your next sentence should give your view/opinion on the issue. A good way to say this is to start with…I agree…. or I disagree…… or In my opinion, I believe that……..

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 >>

Paraphrase the question
Give your view/opinion
Outline the specific topics that will be discussed in the main body paragraphs.

Paragraph 2 – Main Body Paragraph 1

In this paragraph, you should write about your first main idea (opinion A) that supports your opinion on the issue from the question. You should give specific information and only write about one main idea in each main body paragraph.

Start the paragraph by introducing the topic. This is where you need to have a topic sentence. The next sentence(s) should explain the topic, going into detail. The third sentence should give an example that supports the view.

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.

This is how the paragraph should look >>

Introduce the topic (topic sentence – opinion A)
Explain/give detail

Paragraph 3 – Main Body Paragraph 2

In this paragraph, you should write about your second main idea (opinion B) that supports your opinion on the issue from the question. You should give specific information and only write about one main idea in each main body paragraph.

Introduce the topic (topic sentence- opinion B)

Paragraph 4 – The Conclusion

In the fourth paragraph, you write the conclusion giving a summary of your main points and restate your opinion/views and justify them. You should not enter any new information or ideas in this paragraph.

Summary of the main points
Restate own views/opinion/justify

Expressing your opinion

To get a high score in IELTS academic writing task 2, you should use as many different structures, collocations and idioms as you can.

Sequencing ideas

You can use phrases like these to make statements, for example; On the one hand sunbathing can give your body vitamin D, on the other hand, it can also be very dangerous for your health.

Sample Agree/Disagree essay

**All questions have been reported by students who have taken the IELTS exam.**

Obesity has become a huge concern as an increasing percentage of the population have become overweight and this has put a tremendous strain on the healthcare authorities, leading to increased costs. One solution that is being implemented is the introduction of more sports lessons in the school curriculum. In my opinion, I strongly agree that the integration of active lessons will greatly assist in kerbing obesity. Firstly, this essay will discuss how sports lessons will increase awareness of the benefits of having a healthy lifestyle. Secondly, this essay will discuss, the importance of combining exercise with a healthy diet.

On the one hand, I believe that the best way to fight health care problems is by utilising health education. By integrating physical education classes into the curriculum, impressionable young children and adults will be exposed to healthy lifestyle practices of sport and exercise, whereas they will also learn about teamwork and see their self-confidence grow. For example, at Westminster primary school in the UK, 10-minute exercise intervals were introduced between classes. The children must run laps around the playground before going to their next lesson. This formed part of a study by Cambridge University, where it reported that 85% of the children performed better on tests and obesity records were at an all-time low.

On the other hand, in my view having more physical education classes in the curriculum is not the only way to teach young people how to have a healthy lifestyle. The children should be educated how to balance exercise with a healthy diet, so that this could extend, not only to the students in the schools but also to the parents. For instance, the NHS in the UK regularly hold talks in schools for both parents and students to educate communities on how to have a balanced diet. They also promote proper exercise, involvement in sports, and having an active lifestyle. As a result of this program, in some areas, they saw a decrease in the number of overweight health issues.

In conclusion, I strongly agree that having more sports lessons in schools will help to fight the growing number of overweight people. By combining this with a healthy diet, the students will be encouraged to be healthy, from a young age, right through into adulthood.

(Word Count = 385 / Band Score 9)

Task Achievement – The answer provides a paraphrased question, to begin with, followed by a clear opinion. The opinion is fully supported in the main body paragraphs in the essay, with fully extended and well-supported ideas
Coherence and Cohesion – The answer has been divided into clear logical paragraphs and each main body paragraph only has one main idea. There are cohesive links between the main body paragraphs and between most sentences.
Lexical Resource – There is evidence of a wide range of vocabulary, with no errors in the text.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy – The answer has no grammatical errors. The sentences have a wide range of structures.

TIP >> Remember to give your opinion, state your opinion in the introduction clearly and develop your main body paragraphs around it. Use each of the main body paragraphs to support your opinion, giving examples that are relevant. In the conclusion, summarise your main points and restate your opinion.

Writing Task 2 Band Score 9 Criteria

If you would like to view more high band score agree or disagree essay examples please click the button below >

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Agree Disagree Essays in IELTS

Updated On Oct 13, 2023

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IELTS Writing Task 2 Agree or Disagree Essay

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.

Tips to write Agree Disagree Essays

There are few tips which will help you to write about IELTS agree disagree essay questions, which are as follows:

When you get these type of questions, it is advisable to completely agree or completely disagree with it. You have to support only one point of view and not both.
By doing this, the essay will be more clear and structured and can be easily understood by the examiner.
You can support the other side of the statement if you want to, but make sure that you do it in a positive way and also say it, only in one or two sentences.
While writing the essay, make sure that the explanation given doesn’t hurt the feelings of the other person.
The choice of agreement or disagreement has to be made carefully. You need to choose the side which has more supporting points and which you can illustrate with examples so that the answer that you write is voluminous. Please note that you have to either agree or disagree and cannot do both.
Also, ensure that the introduction of the topic is not too long. The question should be paraphrased to form the introduction.
The explanation that you give regarding the topic should match with the introduction and the conclusion given.
There will be two or three body paragraphs, make sure that each paragraph has a central topic.
The body paragraphs should include the main features that have to be explained and also your overview and an in-depth explanation of your opinion.
You have to compulsorily write the conclusion. If you do not have time to complete the essay, make sure you at least write 2 or 3 sentences of conclusion, but the conclusion should be included.

IELTS Agree Disagree Essay Structure

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:

Paragraph 1: Introduction

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.

Paragraph 2: Body paragraph

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.

Paragraph 3: Body paragraph

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.

Paragraph 4: Conclusion

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.

Sample Checklist for Agree/Disagree essays:

Agree disagree essay topics:.

Some people who have been in prison become good citizens later. Some people think that inviting these people to talk to school students is the best way to tell them about dangers of committing a crime. Do you agree or disagree?
The only way to improve road safety is to give much stricter punishments on driving offenses. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
It is generally accepted that exercise is good for children and teenagers. Therefore, physical education and sport should be compulsory for all students in all schools. What do you think?

Take a look at some IELTS Agree/Disagree Essay sample answer

Also check :

IELTS Writing tips
IELTS Writing recent actual test
IELTS Writing Answer sheet
IELTS map vocabulary

Frequently Asked Questions

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?

Practice IELTS Writing Task 2 based on Essay types

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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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IELTS Writing Task 2: Agree/Disagree Sample Essay

Person holding 2 thumbs up to represent IELTS agree disagree essay

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.

Agree/Disagree Sample Essay

First things first! Let’s look at the sample prompt.

Example Agree/Disagree IELTS Writing Task 2 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.

Get a higher IELTS score? Start your online IELTS prep today with Magoosh.

Write at least 250 words.

Example Response

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

Why This Essay is Band 9

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.

Scorer Commentary (agree/Disagree IELTS Essay, Band 9)

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

What was done well in the essay:

This essay is above the 250 word minimum. (This is very important for getting full points!)
The writer does a good job of meeting the task requirements. They take a clear position where they favor online shopping and disagree with the claim that it makes people less careful or patient.
The paragraphs are well organized. The introduction and conclusion clearly preview the essay and give good final thoughts, respectively. The body paragraphs each have their own well-organized topics. The first body paragraph provides good explanations and examples to show that online shopping doesn’t make people less patient; the second paragraph provides comparable support to the idea that online shopping allows people to be more careful.
There are some nice key phrases to tie ideas together. Examples include “however,” “in fact,” “actually,” and “not only.”
Vocabulary and grammar show no serious errors, and a good variety of word choice and structure.

Magoosh’s Other Sample IELTS Writing Task 2 Essays

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:

Advantage/Disadvantage Essay
Two-Part Question Essay
Causes/Solutions Essay
Discussion Essay

Want more sample essays? Magoosh has you covered!

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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4 responses to “IELTS Writing Task 2: Agree/Disagree Sample Essay”

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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IELTS Agree/Disagree Essay: How to Write, Structure, Tips, Sample Answers

Updated on
Jan 2, 2024

IELTS General Writing Task 2 presents a challenge for test takers to craft comprehensive essays. One of the most recurring topics in this segment is the agree/disagree essays. Such essays prompt you to articulate your stance on a given topic, demanding concise, clear, and precise expression. Essentially, you aim to present your reasoned opinions with clarity and avoid redundancy or errors in grammar and spelling. For those seeking to delve deeper into the art of crafting impactful agree/disagree essays for IELTS writing task 2, this comprehensive article offers invaluable insights and guidance. Read the article to know more.

This Blog Includes:

Ielts agree/disagree essay structure , how to write an agree/disagree essay for ielts writing task 2 , ielts agree/disagree essay: do’s and don’ts, ielts agree/disagree essay: sample questions with answers .

Mastery of structure is paramount for acing the IELTS agree/disagree essays. A thorough understanding of this format facilitates clear organisation and articulation of your opinions and arguments, leading to a more comprehensive and coherent response. That being said, have a look below to go through the IELTS agree/disagree essay structure.

IELTS writing task 2 frequently features agree/disagree essays. Mastering this format is crucial for success, as these essays offer significant scoring potential. A strong understanding of structure and effective argumentation can pave the way for high band scores. In IELTS Writing Task 2, some essay prompts present a statement and require you to express your level of agreement or disagreement. With that in mind, let’s explore the key elements of crafting a successful agree/disagree essay for this task.

Introduction

This is the most crucial segment of any essay. You must ensure that your introduction is short, crisp and conveys your message. Two sentences are enough here. Whilst writing an agree/disagree essay, always start your introduction by paraphrasing the task question. Once you have paraphrased the task question, you must state your opinion on the topic, i.e., whether you agree or disagree with the given statement. This will let your reader know what you think immediately.

Body Paragraphs

Strong paragraphs play a critical role in structuring, articulating, and ensuring the coherence and comprehension of your agree/disagree essays in IELTS Writing Task 2. Fundamentally, three approaches exist:

Full Agreement: In the first paragraph, present your compelling arguments supporting the statement. The second paragraph can further reinforce your position with additional justifications.
Full Disagreement: Dedicate the first paragraph to clearly outline your counter-arguments against the statement. The second paragraph can strengthen your stance by introducing further dissenting points.
Partial Agreement : The first paragraph should encompass reasons for aligning with certain aspects of the statement. The second paragraph then transitions to explore reasons for disagreeing with other aspects, ultimately presenting a nuanced perspective.

Your conclusion should be crisp and to the point. Brevity can be your ally in this case. One golden rule for writing impactful conclusions is to keep them one to two sentences long. Your conclusion should summarise the entirety of your essay in just a few sentences. Apart from that, you should avoid introducing new information in conclusions. Therefore, it is ideal to not introduce other reasons or topics at the end of your text.

Here is a list of do’s and don’ts that you must keep in mind while writing an IELTS agree/disagree essay.

Here are the best practices for writing an impactful agree/disagree essay in IELTS writing task 2.

In your introduction, leave no ambiguity concerning your level of agreement or disagreement with the prompt.
Structure your arguments logically. Organise your supporting points into distinct paragraphs, ensuring a coherent flow of ideas.
Back up your arguments with relevant examples, statistics, or research findings to bolster your credibility.
Engage in nuanced analysis. Beyond simply stating your stance, explore potential counter-arguments or exceptions to strengthen your overall position.
Employ a range of sentence structures to maintain reader engagement and showcase your language skills .
Maintain strong grammar and vocabulary. Demonstrate proficiency in English language mechanics to avoid detracting from your content.
Limit yourself to writing only four paragraphs.
Write a short conclusion.

Here are the things you must avoid whilst writing an agree/disagree essay in IELTS writing.

Avoid ambiguity in your introduction. Ensure to make them as concise as possible.
Avoid jumping between points or omitting transitions. Doing so can confuse the reader and weaken your argument.
Assertions without supporting evidence appear unsupported and undermine your credibility.
Monotonous writing can bore the reader and limit your ability to showcase language proficiency.
Grammatical errors or vocabulary mistakes can significantly lower your band score, regardless of the strength of your arguments.
Avoid including too many different ideas.

Sample IELTS Agree/Disagree Essays: Here are some sample IELTS agree/disagree essays that you can refer to whilst attempting the IELTS Writing Task 2.

Question : When new towns are planned, it is important to build more public parks or sports facilities than shopping centres for people to spend their free time. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Ans: The discussion that governments must spend more money on railways rather than roads is a complex one. While railways do have certain advantages, I feel that roads should be given more priority because of several reasons.

Roads serve as the backbone of any nation’s transportation system by helping them interconnect cities, towns, and remote areas to ensure accessibility. On the other hand, railways have limited reach and mostly cater to urban and semi-urban regions. Take India as an example where a significant amount of the population resides in rural areas where roads are vital, for commuting, transporting goods, and accessing essential services like healthcare and education. In addition to this, roads accommodate a range of vehicles ranging from bicycles and cars to buses and trucks. This versatility is not replicated by railways that primarily focus on long-distance travel and bulk transportation of goods. Therefore, roads play a crucial role in both city and inter-city transportation.

Finally, the construction and upkeep of roads typically demand lower costs and shorter timeframes in comparison to the development of railways. This inherent efficiency in road infrastructure allows governments to establish and maintain a more expansive network with the same financial resources. The flexibility and adaptability of road systems contribute to their cost-effectiveness, enabling quicker implementation of projects and more immediate responses to changing transportation needs. This advantage becomes particularly crucial in regions where swift infrastructure development is essential for economic growth and accessibility.

In conclusion, while railways hold importance in a country’s infrastructure and overall development, the advantages and adaptability of roads make them more deserving recipients of government funding. Hence, I respectfully disagree with the notion that governments should prioritise spending on railways over roads.

Question: Governments should spend money on railways rather than roads.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Ans : The discussion that governments must spend more money on railways rather than roads is a complex one. While railways do have certain advantages, I feel that roads should be given more priority because of several reasons.

So that was all about IELTS Agree/Disagree Essays. Hope the blog has answered your queries regarding the topic.

Ans. You can write a formal letter by including an introduction (Dear Sir/Madam), body paragraphs (1, 2,3 and more), and a signoff (I hope to hear from you, Yours faithfully).

Ans. Test takers can use a range of linkers, adverbial phrases, references, and punctuations to bolster their overall scores in IELTS writing.

Ans. The IELTS General Writing Task 1 (Letter Writing) requires individuals to complete the task within 20 minutes.

Shubham Das

Shubham Das has been working as an educational content writer for the past two years and has a background in filmmaking & screenplay/ teleplay writing. He is fascinated by the human psyche, literature and cinema.

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How to Plan & Write IELTS Opinion Essays

IELTS opinion essays, also known as ‘agree or disagree’ essays, come up frequently in the writing exam. In this lesson, I’m going to show you how to plan and write them step-by-step.

Here’s what we’ll be covering:

3 Common mistakes
Essay structure
How to plan
How to write an introduction
How to write main body paragraphs
How to write a conclusion

Click the links to see lessons on each of these Task 2 essay writing topics.

Once you understand the process, practice on past questions. Take your time at first and gradually speed up until you can plan and write an essay of at least 250 words in the 40 minutes allowed in the exam.

The Question

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

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

Want to watch and listen to this lesson?

Click on this video.

Here's a question from a past test paper.

A big salary is much more important than job satisfaction.

Do you agree or disagree?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

I’ll be using this question to guide you through the process of planning and writing an IELTS opinion essay.

3 Common Mistakes

These three errors are common in IELTS opinion essays.

Not stating an opinion.
Giving arguments for both views.
Not supporting your opinion with clear reasons.

The most common mistake that students make is not giving an opinion. The question will clearly state that you must choose one side of the argument. If you fail to do this, you will get a low score for task achievement.

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

Make sure that you don’t change your opinion part way through the essay, and don’t give reasons for the opposing view.

Essay Structure

Now let’s look at a simple structure you can use to write opinion essays. It’s not the only possible structure but it’s the one I recommend because it’s easy to learn and will enable you to quickly plan and write a high-level essay.

1) Introduction

Paraphrase the question
Give your opinion
State two supporting reasons

2) Main body paragraph 1

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

3) Main body paragraph 2

Topic sentence – outline 2nd reason for supporting this view
Example – give an example or expand the idea

4) Conclusion

Summarise opinion and key reasons

This structure will give us a well-balanced essay with 4 paragraphs.

We now need some ideas to add into the structure and we’ll have everything we need for our essay.

How To Plan IELTS Opinion Essays

# 1 decide on your opinion.

The question I've chosen to work on is quite straightforward and easy to understand so we don’t need to spend time analysing it. The first task, then, is to decide on our opinion.

Here’s the question again:

A big salary is much more important than job satisfaction.

Do you agree or disagree?

For this essay, I’m going to disagree with the statement and argue that job satisfaction is more important than a big salary.

# 2 Generate ideas

The second task is to generate some ideas to write about.

Since I‘m going to argue that job satisfaction is more important than a large salary, I need ideas to support this view.

There are several different ways to think up ideas. I cover them fully on the IELTS Essay Planning page.

With this particular question, I immediately thought of a couple of examples of situations where job satisfaction did prove to be more important than a high salary, so I’m going to use the ‘example method’ of generating ideas.

Once you’ve thought of an example or two, ideas to include in your essay should come to you easily.

You might want to try this yourself before reading on for my ideas.

Here are my examples and some ideas they generated.

Both the examples are partly true but I've adapted them to better fit the essay. It's fine to do this as the examiner won't check your facts.

Uncle Barry – boasted about high salary but hated his job. Nervous breakdown – lost job & can’t work.
Me – gave up teaching. Now enjoy my work and am much more relaxed and happy even though I earn much less money.
High-salary jobs are generally more stressful
Stress leads to ill health, both mental and physical
40 hours a week at work – a third of the day
Money doesn’t bring happiness
Better quality of life
Sense of fulfilment
Less stressed – healthier and happier

I’ve got more ideas here than I need so I’m going to pick two to develop in the essay – one for each of the main body paragraphs.

Idea 1 – High-salary jobs are generally more stressful and can lead to ill health.

Idea 2 – Job satisfaction gives a sense of fulfilment.

We’re almost ready to start writing our IELTS opinion essay but first, we have one other small task to do.

# 3 Vocabulary

In an IELTS essay, it’s important to be able to say the same things in different ways, either by paraphrasing and/or using synonyms. During the planning stage, quickly jot down a few synonyms of key words you could use to save you having to stop and think of the right language while you’re writing.

For example:

satisfaction – fulfilment, achievement, sense of accomplishment, content, sense of well-being

salary – income, wages, pay, earnings

important – significant, valued, has more meaning

job – work, employment, position

With that done, we can focus on the first paragraph of the essay – the introduction.

How To Write an Introduction

A good introduction has a simple 3 part structure:

1) Paraphrased question

2) Thesis statement

3) outline statement.

An introduction should:

Have 2-3 sentences
Be 40-60 words long
Take 5 minutes to write

1) Paraphrase the question

Start your introduction by paraphrasing the question.

Question: A big salary is much more important than job satisfaction.

Do you agree or disagree?

Paraphrased question:

It is argued that earning lots of money has more significance to people than being content in their work.

Note that I’ve used some of the synonyms I listed, although it’s fine to repeat one or two words if you need to. Above all, your language must sound natural.

In IELTS opinion essays, the thesis statement is where you state your opinion. For example,

Thesis statement:

This essay totally disagrees with that statement.

That’s all you need to say.

If you decided to agree with the statement, you would write:

'This essay completely agrees with that statement.'

Finally in the introduction, you must outline the two main points (ideas 1 and 2 above) that you’ll cover in the rest of the essay. Do it in one sentence, or you can add them onto the end of the thesis statement if appropriate.

Outl ine statement:

I believe that people are increasingly concerned about the risk of stress-related ill-health frequently experienced by people in highly paid positions and they care more about feeling fulfilled at work.

So, let’s bring the three elements of our introduction together.

Introduction

This introduction achieves three important functions:

It shows the examiner that you understand the question.
It acts as a guide to the examiner as to what your essay is about.
It also helps to keep you focused and on track as you write.

The two ideas in your introduction will become your two main body paragraphs.

Main body paragraph 1 – concerns about the risk of stress-related ill-health

Main body paragraph 2 – a sense of fulfilment at work

How To Write Main Body Paragraphs

The structure of a good main body paragraph has 3 parts:

Topic sentence
Explanation

If you can’t think of an example, you can add further supporting ideas but we already have our two examples so that’s not an issue here.

A common problem when writing main body paragraphs for IELTS opinion essays is having too many ideas. Again, we have already chosen the two ideas we are going to develop, so we are all set to start writing.

You can see how important the planning stage is and how it makes the actual writing of the essay far quicker and easier.

Main Body Paragraph 1

The topic sentence summarises the main idea of the paragraph. That’s all it needs to do so it doesn’t have to be complicated.

It plays an important role in ensuring that your ideas flow logically from one to another. It does this by acting as a signpost for what is to come next, that is, what the paragraph will be about.

If you maintain a clear development of ideas throughout your essay, you will get high marks for task achievement and cohesion and coherence.

We’ll now take the idea for our first main body paragraph and create our topic sentence.

Main idea 1 – concerns about the risk of stress-related ill-health

Topic sentence:

Employees earning a large income are generally under significant mental and emotional pressure to perform well and achieve targets.

Next, we must write an explanation sentence . This explains to the examiner what we mean. It expands on our first idea.

Explanation sentence:

This causes many individuals to suffer high levels of stress which can result in both mental and physical health problems.

Finally, we add an example to support our main point. I thought of this in the planning stage so I have it ready to use.

If you can’t think of a real example, it’s fine to make one up, as long as it’s believable. The examiner isn’t going to check your facts.

Example sentence:

This happened to my uncle. He used to boast about his huge salary but the boss kept increasing his sales targets and in the end, the stress became too great and he had a nervous breakdown. Now he regrets being driven by the money.

That’s the 3 parts of our first main body paragraph complete. Here’s the finished paragraph.

We now follow the same process for our second main body paragraph.

Main Body Paragraph 2

Main idea 2 – Job satisfaction gives a sense of fulfilment.

First, we write the topic sentence to summarise the main idea.

Topic sentence:

Having a job that they enjoy doing, and in which they feel valued, is a major concern for most of the modern workforce.

Now for the explanation sentence to explain this idea.

Explanation sentence:

A significant number of people are giving up well-paid positions to do jobs which pay less but that they find more enjoyable and less stressful.

Finally, an example to support our main point. As before, I thought of this in the planning stage so just need to form it into a couple of sentences.

I am an example of this myself. A year ago I left the teaching profession because the workload had become too great and I am now a gardener. I feel really fulfilled in this work and I am much more relaxed and happy even though I earn far less money.

That’s the 3 parts of our second main body paragraph complete. Here’s the finished paragraph.

Now we need a conclusion and our IELTS opinion essay is done.

How To Write a Conclusion

Conclusions to IELTS opinion essays should do two things:

Summarise the main points
State your opinion

This can generally be done in a single sentence.

If you are below the minimum 250 words after you’ve written your conclusion, you can add an additional prediction or recommendation statement.

Our essay currently has 233 words so we’re on target and don’t need this extra sentence but you can learn more about how to write a prediction or recommendation statement for IELTS opinion essays on the Task 2 Conclusions page.

The conclusion is the easiest sentence in the essay to write but one of the most important.

A good conclusion will:

Neatly end the essay
Link all your ideas together
Sum up your argument or opinion
Answer the question

If you achieve this, you’ll improve your score for both task achievement and cohesion and coherence which together make up 50% of the overall marks. Without a conclusion, you’ll score below band 6 for task achievement.

You can start almost any final paragraph of an IELTS opinion essay with the words:

In conclusion

To conclude

Now all you need to do is briefly summarise the main ideas into one sentence.

Here’s a top tip . Go back and read the introduction to the essay because this is also a summary of the essay. It outlines what you are going to write about.

To create a great conclusion, you simply have to paraphrase the introduction. Let’s give it a go.

Introduction:

Here is the same information formed into a conclusion:

That’s it. We’ve completed our essay. Here it is with the 4 paragraphs put together.

Question:

A big salary is much more important than job satisfaction.

Do you agree or disagree?

Finished IELTS opinion essay.

Go through this lesson as many times as you need to in order to fully understand it and put in lots of practice writing IELTS opinion essays from past exam questions. Practice is the only way to improve your skills.

5 More Model IELTS Opinion Essays

This pack contains another step-by-step lesson and model essay. P lus 4 additional opinion essay questions with model answers.

Carefully created to help you achieve 7+ in your Writing test.

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More help with ielts opinion essays & other task 2 essays.

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

The 5 Types of Task 2 Essay – How to recognise the 5 different types of Task 2 essays. 15 sample questions to study and a simple planning structure for each essay type.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The 5 Task 2 Essay Types:

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

Opinion Essays

Discussion Essays

Problem Solution Essays

Advantages & Disadvantages Essays

Double Question Essays

Other Related Pages

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

IELTS Writing
Opinion Essays
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How to organize agree/disagree essays on your IELTS exam

We're going to show you a simple structure for an IELTS agree/disagree essay that will enable examiners to make their way through your writing with ease.

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When you get to the essay writing component of the IELTS exam, the clock is ticking, and the pressure is on. You have about 40 minutes to determine the key question to address, think of your response, come up with relevant examples and then write the essay.

Wouldn’t it be nice if you knew how you were going to organize your ideas before you went into the exam? In this blog, I’m going to show you a formula that can be modified to fit most IELTS tasks and will save you valuable time. Most importantly, it will ensure that the message in your essay is easy to follow (one of the key criteria for higher-level scores).

There really isn’t any mystery about it. Here, I’m going to show you a simple structure for an IELTS agree/disagree essay that will enable examiners to make their way through your writing with ease – as if they have a roadmap to follow.

Article - How to organize agree/disagree essays on your IELTS exam - Image 1 - map-cyclists

Some people believe that unpaid community service should be a compulsory part of high school programs (for example, working for a charity, improving the neighbourhood or teaching sports to younger children). To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Today it is a popular belief that students attending high school should volunteer in the community as part of their schooling. I strongly agree with this notion. Volunteer work can provide young people with the experiences they need for paying jobs, and it can also help them see themselves as valuable contributors to society.

When completing compulsory work activities with charitable organizations or community organizations, students gain skills that they can add to their resumes and use in future jobs. Working out in the real world quickly teaches young people the importance of time management, clear communication and teamwork. Employers like McDonald’s restaurants, which provide many young people with their first paying jobs, look for volunteer work on resumes as evidence of having developed some relevant work skills. So, although students are not paid for their time, they are building valuable abilities for future employment.

Perhaps even more importantly, when students volunteer, they are more likely to realize that their actions have a positive impact on the world around them. Often the problems of our world can seem overwhelming, but if students are given the opportunity to help others, even in a small way, they will see that they can make a difference. In schools that have been running these programs, there has been an incredible boost in student morale, and the community has benefitted from the talent and time that young people have contributed to the many programs that need support. It’s true that studying for academics is time-consuming, and students already have a lot to do in a day, but if we teach them how to step up and help others, we create a better future for us all.

In conclusion, it is a great idea to have unpaid community service as part of a high school program because it will help the next generation prepare for employment, and it will build a caring community that is willing and able to make our world a better place. It’s my hope to see this in every school.

Paragraph One - Introduction

Now, let’s look at the underlying structure sentence by sentence.

AGREE/DISAGREE ESSAY - 4-PARAGRAPH FORMULA Paragraph One - Introduction

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.

Sentence 3 : Briefly outlines what you are going to write in the next two paragraphs to support your opinion.

Volunteer work can provide young people with the experiences they need for paying jobs, and it can also help them see themselves as valuable contributors to society.

Paragraph Two - Body

Sentence 1 (topic sentence): Tells the reader what this paragraph is about by introducing your first point .

When completing compulsory work activities with charitable organizations or community organizations, students gain skills that they can add to their resumes and use in future jobs.

Sentence 2 : Assumes that the reader doesn’t know anything about this topic, and explains your point clearly.

Working out in the real world quickly teaches young people the importance of time management, clear communication and teamwork.

Sentence 3 : Gives a real-life or made-up example that illustrates and supports this point.

Employers like McDonald’s restaurants, which provide many young people with their first paying jobs, look for volunteer work on resumes as evidence of having developed some relevant work skills.

Sentence 4 : Concedes to a relevant opposing position but redirects to yours.

So, although students are not paid for their time, they are building valuable abilities for future employment.

Paragraph Three - Body – Repeat the above

Sentence 1 (topic sentence): Tells the reader what this paragraph is about by introducing the second point .

Perhaps even more importantly, when students volunteer, they are more likely to realize that their actions have a positive impact on the world around them.

Often the problems of our world can seem overwhelming, but if students are given the opportunity to help others, even in a small way, they will see that they can make a difference.

Sentence 3 : Gives a real-life or made-up example that illustrates and supports this point .

In schools that have been running these programs, there has been an incredible boost in student morale, and the community has benefitted from the talent and time that young people have contributed to the many programs that need support.

It’s true that studying for academics is time-consuming, and students already have a lot to do in a day, but if we teach them how to step up and help others, we create a better future for us all.

Paragraph Four – Conclusion

Sentence 1 : Rephrase your opinion and sum up your two supporting points.

Sentence 2 : Make a prediction or a recommendation based on what you have said.

It’s my hope to see this in every school.

What I hope you see from this example is that when you pay attention to how you organize your essay, it’s easier to read. I also want you to realize that it isn’t difficult to accomplish this clarity when you have a reliable structure in mind.

Check back for future blogs that will show you how to modify this formula for other kinds of IELTS essay tasks.

Blank template for you

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 on the matter.

Sentence 3:

Briefly outline what you are going to write in the next two paragraphs to support your opinion.

Paragraphs Two and Three – the Body of Support

Sentence 1 (topic sentence):

Tell the reader what this paragraph is about by introducing your first point .

Assume that the reader doesn’t know anything about this topic and explain your point clearly.

Give a real-life or made-up example that illustrates and supports this point.

Sentence 4:

Concede to a relevant opposing position but redirect to yours.

Paragraph Three – Repeat the above

Sentence 1 (topic sentence)

Tell the reader what this paragraph is about by introducing second point .

Give a real-life or made-up example that illustrates and supports this point .

Rephrase your opinion and sum up your two supporting points.

Make a prediction or a recommendation based on what you have said.

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Agree Disagree Essay for IELTS Writing Task 2: Click to know All about Agee Disagree Essay

If you are already on board with the IELTS preparation, then you must have noticed that the essays in writing task are quite varied. There are several common types and among them, the most popular is the agree disagree essay in IELTS.

This is a fairly simple type where you will be presented with an idea or a situation, to which you will have to either agree or disagree.

How to Write Agree and Disagree Essay in IELTS Writing Task 2?

You must remember a few tips while structuring this kind of essays:

It is a good idea to completely agree or disagree with the statement in these kinds of questions.
This will lead to a clear argument and a more coherent essay.
You can show the other side of the argument in concession statements, but these should be done only in one or two sentences.
You should also not let personal feelings get involved.
Pick the side that you feel you are most confident about and can back up with explanations and examples.

Here is how you should structure the essay –

Paragraph 1- Introduction

Sentence 1- Paraphrase of the question
Sentence 2- Thesis statement
Sentence 3- Outline statement

Paragraph 2- Main Body Paragraph 1

Sentence 1- Topic sentence
Sentence 2- Explanation of the topic sentence
Sentence 3- Example
Sentence 4- Concession sentence

Paragraph 3- Main Body Paragraph 2

Sentence 2- Explain the topic sentence

Paragraph 4- Conclusion

Sentence 1- Summary
Sentence 2- Prediction or recommendation

Sample Format of Agree Disagree Essay for IELTS

Big salary is much more important than job satisfaction.

Do you agree or disagree? Provide relevant examples if necessary.

Also Read : IELTS Exam Dates 2021 In India: Know When the Exam will be Conducted In 2021

Agree Disagree Essay Topic Introduction

Sentence 1- It is often argued that it is more advantageous to choose a job with a high wage, even if it doesn’t appeal to you at all.
Sentence 2 – I completely disagree with this opinion and think that job satisfaction is much more important than salary.

Body paragraph 1

Sentence 1 – First of all, I believe that job satisfaction gives people a sense of fulfilment that no money can guarantee.
Sentences 2-3- Even if someone is earning a high salary but feels tensed and compromises with his conscience, this person won’t enjoy his life. While pursuing one’s interests will always bring pleasure and a feeling of satisfaction.
Sentence 4 – For example, a lot of famous researchers made their career choices, not because of appealing wages, but because they were passionate about science.
Sentence 5 – That’s why it’s more important to choose the kind of work that makes you happy than to look only at a high salary.

Body Paragraph 2

Sentence 1 – Secondly, doing what you like keeps you motivated and therefore leads to career growth.
Sentences 2-3 – In other words, there is a strong relationship between job satisfaction and productivity. People who love their jobs can easily excel in their fields of work and achieve better results than those, who put a salary in the first place.
Sentence 4 – For instance, Henry Miller decided to leave his everyday job despite a good wage and ventured to become a writer. And after enduring years of ups and downs, he became one of the most famous and well-paid authors of the twentieth century.
Sentence 5 – Thus, the advantages of jobs that keep you satisfied outweigh the drawback of a low salary in a long-term perspective.

Agree Disagree Essay IELTS Conclusion

Sentence 1- To conclude, I strongly believe that job satisfaction is more beneficial than a high salary.
Sentence2- This is because it makes people happy and motivated.

Also Read : Band Requirement for Australia Study Visa: Learn about Australia Study Visa Requirements

Sample of an Agree Disagree Essay for IELTS

Question 1:

Governments should spend more money on education than on recreation and sports. Do you agree or disagree?

Introduction

It is argued that countries should allocate more funds to education than to leisure and competitive games. It is agreed that national budgets should prioritise schools and universities over sports and play. This essay will discuss firstly, the economic benefits education can bring to a nation and secondly, the social benefits it has; followed by a reasoned conclusion.

Mid of the Content

Investment in its education system is one of the best ways to improve a country’s economy in the long term. The more students entering third-level education, the more skilled a workforce will be and this leads to higher innovation and productivity. For example, South Korea and Finland took the decision to invest a large proportion of their budget in education and this has reaped benefits in the form of high-tech companies such as Samsung and Nokia. However, people cannot work hard all the time and these companies do provide leisure facilities for their workers.

Break the Paragraph

Education is not just about improving the economy it also has many social benefits. Well educated people tend to be more aware of social evils such as drugs, alcohol and sexual health. For example, Singapore educates all of its citizens on the dangers of drugs and this has resulted in one of the lowest levels of drug abuse in the world. Despite this, sports can also teach children valuable soft skills, such as teamwork and work ethic which also help curb social ills.

Concluding Paragraph

In conclusion, education should take precedence over sports when it comes to funding due to the many socio-economic benefits it brings. It is recommended that governments continue to pump money into schools and universities in order to realise long-term goals.

Also Read : IELTS Essay Topics with Answers: Simplifying Writing Task 2 for 2021 Exam

Sample Agree Disagree Essay Topics Question 2

Most high-level positions in companies are filled by men even though the workforce in many developed countries is more than 50 percent female. Companies should be required to allocate a certain percentage of these positions to women. Do you agree?

It is argued that corporations should be compelled to give a certain proportion of their executive-level roles to females given that that over half of the workforce is female in the West. It is agreed that businesses should be obliged to assign a significant percentage of top-level posts to women. This essay will discuss firstly, that women should be paid an equal amount of money for doing the same job as a man, and secondly, the fact that girls are currently outperforming boys on many university courses; followed by a reasoned conclusion.

Despite years of so-called ‘equal rights’ for women in the workplace they continue to be underpaid. Many women who do exactly the same job as their male colleagues earn less money and this is unfair. For example, a recent survey of accountancy and legal firms in the United Kingdom found that women earn on average 17% less than men with identical roles. However, this may be due to women taking maternity leave and falling behind their male counterparts.

This unfairness is compounded by the fact that females are currently getting higher grades in most university courses. Even previously male-dominated fields, such as law and medicine, now see women in the ascendency and they should, therefore, be rewarded with top roles. For example, females recently outperformed males for the first time in law in U.K. universities. Despite this, employers should bear in mind that roles should be handed out on merit, not gender alone.

In conclusion, women do deserve an equal share of the good jobs available, namely because they are capable of doing an equally good job as men and are achieving higher academic standards than men at university. It is recommended that companies heed the advice in this essay and make their hiring practices fairer.

Any essay if approached in the right way turns successful. In IELTS writing, it is important to keep in mind that different type of essays needs a different kind of approach. In case of an ‘agree-disagree’ essay, a combination of good structure and proper information is a game-changer. You must therefore spend some time planning and structuring your essay to score band 9 in IELTS Writing.

Also Read : Linking Words for IELTS Writing Task 2: What is Linking Words in IELTS?

One Comment

Thank you for providing tips on agree diagree essay, the opinions here are the most important, what do you guys think about it?

About the Author

Shilpa is a professional web content writer and is in deep love with travelling. She completed her mass communication degree and is now dedicatedly playing with words to guide her readers to get the best for themselves. Developing educational content for UPSC, IELTS aspirants from breakthrough research work is her forte. Strongly driven by her zodiac sign Sagittarius, Shilpa loves to live her life on her own notes and completely agrees with the idea of ‘live and let live. Apart from writing and travelling, most of the time she can be seen in the avatar of 'hooman' mom to her pets and street dogs or else you can also catch her wearing the toque blanche and creating magic in the kitchen on weekends.

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A Simple Formula for Organizing Agree/Disagree Essays

When you get to the essay writing component of the IELTS exam, the clock is ticking and the pressure is on. You have about 40 minutes to determine the key question to address, think of your response, come up with relevant examples and then write the essay.

Wouldn’t it be nice if you knew how you were going to organize your ideas before you went into the exam? In this blog, I’m going to show you a formula that can be modified to fit most IELTS tasks and will save you valuable time. Most importantly it will ensure that the message in your essay is easy to follow (one of the key criteria for higher level scores).

Today it is a popular belief that students attending high school should volunteer in the community as part of their schooling. I strongly agree with this notion. Volunteer work can provide young people with the experiences they need for paying jobs and it can also help them see themselves as valuable contributors to society.

When completing compulsory work activities with charitable organizations or community organizations, students gain skills that they can add to their resumes and use in future jobs. Working out in the real world quickly teaches young people the importance of time management, clear communication and teamwork. Employers like McDonald’s restaurants, who provide many young people with their first paying jobs, look for volunteer work on resumes as evidence of having developed some relevant work skills. So, although students are not paid for their time, they are building valuable abilities for future employment.

Perhaps even more importantly, when students volunteer, they are more likely to realize that their actions have a positive impact on the world around them. Often the problems of our world can seem overwhelming but if students are given the opportunity to help others, even in a small way, they will see that they can make a difference. In schools that have been running these programs, there has been an incredible boost in student morale and the community has benefitted from the talent and time that young people have contributed to the many programs that need support. It’s true that studying for academics is time-consuming and students already have a lot to do in a day but if we teach them how to step up and help others, we create a better future for us all.

In conclusion, it is a great idea to have unpaid community service as part of a high school program because it will help the next generation prepare for employment and it will build a caring community that is willing and able to make our world a better place. It’s my hope to see this in every school.

Now, let’s look at the underlying structure sentence by sentence.

AGREE/DISAGREE ESSAY - 4 PARAGRAPH FORMULA Paragraph One - Introduction

Paragraph Two - Body

Paragraph Three - Body – Repeat the above

Paragraph Four – Conclusion

Check back for future blogs that will show you how to modify this formula for other kinds of IELTS essay tasks.

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:

Briefly outline what you are going to write in the next two paragraphs to support your opinion.

Paragraph Two and Three – the Body of Support

Sentence 1 (topic sentence):

Tell the reader what this paragraph is about by introducing your first point .

Assume that the reader doesn’t know anything about this topic and explain your point clearly.

Give a real life or made up example that illustrates and supports this point.

Sentence 4:

Concede to a relevant opposing position but redirect to yours.

Paragraph Three – Repeat the above

Sentence 1 (topic sentence)

Tell the reader what this paragraph is about by introducing second point .

Give a real life or made up example that illustrates and supports this point .

Rephrase your opinion and sum up your two supporting points.

Make a prediction or a recommendation based on what you have said.

By Angela Rutherford

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Academic practice
General practice
Task 1 Academic
Task 1 General
Task 2 (essay)

To what extent you agree or disagree essay

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

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:

how to decide on your opinion
how to generate ideas to justify your opinion
how to give a band 9 answer for agree/disagree question

To what extent you agree/disagree question sample

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?

Choose your opinion & generate ideas

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

Art, music and theatre don’t help to solve urgent problems of the society
Art and music can develop as hobbies, and saved money can be directed towards urgent needs of the society
If artists and musicians were employed at more traditional jobs, there would be a great benefit for science and industry

DD: Investment in arts, music and theatre is NOT a waste of money

The arts and music preserve unique culture and heritage, passing nation’s cultural character and traditions to future generations
Arts, music and theatre are an integral part of the society’s cultural and intellectual development and amusement
A strong arts, music and theatre sector is an economic asset that creates new jobs and attracts tourism revenue

For this opinion, just combine ideas from the previous points.

For our essay, we’ll choose the last opinion - partially agree / disagree (AD).

Band 9 answer structure

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 :

Introduction

Body paragraph 1 - the 1st supporting point

Body paragraph 2 - the 2nd 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.

Sentence 1 - paraphrase the statement (you can use ‘ it is argued/considered/thought that ’ to start):

It is often argued that the government should finance public services instead of spending its budget on arts, music and theatre.

Sentence 2 - give your opinion :

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.

Sentence 1 - state the first reason you agree/disagree .

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.

Sentences 2-3 - explain the reason .

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.

Sentence 4 - example .

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.

Sentence 5 - a short summary of your ideas in this paragraph :

That’s why the government should adequately finance public services in the first place.

Body paragraph 2 - the 2nd reason you agree/disagree

Sentence 1 - state the second 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.

Sentences 2-3 - explain the reason (assume that your examiner doesn’t understand the topic at all):

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.

Sentence 4 - support your idea with an example :

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.

Sentence 5 - a short summary of your thoughts in the 2nd paragraph .

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!

Model answer

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.

Join us at My IELTS Classroom today for our video courses, marking service, 1-2-1 lessons and so much more…

How to write IELTS agree disagree essay introductions!

Hey! Today Nick and I are trying a new style of lesson. Instead of giving you lots of information about one topic, we are going to break down one element of essay writing – how to write an introduction to an IELTS agree disagree essay. Join us to learn the three ingredients that you need to write an introduction well (they may not be what you expect) and how you can tackle questions that include “some people” or a background statement.

By the end of the short lesson, you should be able to write an introduction to any agree / disagree essay with ease, which should give you more time to tackle the body of the essay, which is where all of the points are to be gained.

Below, you can find a summary of the episode, which includes all of the links to useful materials and the times of each part of the discussion (so you can go directly to the part you want to listen to) 🚀

Subscribe to My IELTS Classroom podcast on Apple podcasts here
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The three ingredients for a great IELTS agree disagree essay introduction

In IELTS writing, there are no real points to be gained in the introduction. If you take a look at the band descriptors, you will see that most points for Task Response come from your paragraphs in the body of the essay, where you need relevant arguments that are well developed (and if you don’t know how to write those, you can take at this recent blog post ).

However, that does not mean that your introduction is not important.

What you write here will be the first thing that the examiner reads and you really do want to make a good first impression. Plus, the introduction will be the place where you first clearly express your opinion, and this really is an important element of Task Response , so you want to make sure that you get it right.

The good news is that there are just three ingredients in a good introduction for an IELTS agree disagree essay, and if you spend as little as 30 minutes practicing them, you will be able to write one in your exam without even thinking! That will give you more time and brain space to focus on the body. So, what are the three ingredients?

1. Introduce the general topic of the essay

Many students write IELTS agree disagree introductions in the following way:

Paraphrase the task in the first sentence
Write a memorised sentence such as “I agree with this statement and will explain why in the following paragraphs”

We do NOT recommend that you use this approach. Firstly, the second sentence here is entirely memorised so will be discounted by the examiner as it can be used in any essay. More importantly, no English writer would ever present their opinion in this way. There is no need at all to present your opinion in a separate sentence.

As we will see in a moment, you can easily present your view along with the paraphrase in ONE sentence.

If you do this, you will have space in your introduction for an opening sentence that introduces the general idea of the essay. There are no “models” for these sentences, but some useful structures are:

Nowadays, the number of people suffering from obesity is increasing at an alarming rate. = CHANGE STILL IN PROGRESS
Nowadays, more people than ever use social media to keep in touch with family and friends = FACT
Recently , the number of electric cars on the road has increased. = CHANGE FINISHED
Being able to speak a foreign language is one of the most important skills that a person can have in the modern world.

Want to learn how maximise your writing score with an ex-examiner? Then why not find out more about our Gold Writing Package . It contains everything you need to get a 7.0+ in Writing Task One and Task Two.

2. Present your opinion

This should be the easiest sentence that you write in the introduction. If you agree in an IELTS agree disagree essay, you will simply start the sentence by saying “I agree” and then paraphrase the task. If you disagree, you will do the same, but you will start the sentence with “I disagree”.

I agree that countries should invest in railways instead of roads.
I disagree that countries should invest in railways instead of roads.

In the episode, Nick and I will discuss how you can paraphrase well by identifying words that CANNOT be paraphrased, and changing the word order. The easiest way to tell if you have paraphrased well is to give your paraphrase to a friend and check that they can understand it. If they cannot, try again.

Remember that it is better to use a word directly from the prompt than to replace it with a word that does not have a clear meaning.

3. Make sure you have good cohesion

The final ingredient in our introduction to an IELTS agree disagree essay will be adding a few words to make sure that you have good coherence and cohesion. Firstly, you will need to add a transition signal between the first and second sentence in your introduction. This will either be “However” or “In fact” depending on the relationship between the first sentence and your opinion.

Take these introductions for example. My opinion is the same (I agree) but the transition is different as in the first introduction, there is contrast between the opening sentence and my opinion sentence, and in the second introduction there is not.

Cleaning is not usually a job that people look forward to. However, I agree with those who feel that having a tidy, well-organised home or workplace is important. Cleaning is a common chore that most people have to complete on a regular basis. In fact, I agree with those who feel that having a tidy, well-organised home or workplace is important.

Then, to complete your introduction, you should foreshadow the structure that are going to use by telling the examiner how many paragraphs that they should expect to read. To do this, all you need to do is add “for 2 main reasons” or “for three main reasons” to the end of your introduction (depending on how many reasons you are going to offer!)

Cleaning is not usually a job that people look forward to. However, I agree with those who feel that having a tidy, well-organised home or workplace is important for two main reasons .

Let’s practice writing IELTS agree disagree introductions together!

This week, we want you to work as hard as we do, so we are inviting you to write your own introductions to the following questions as you listen to the lesson.

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

Universities should accept equal numbers of male and female students in every subject. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Some people say it is important to keep your home and workplace tidy, with everything organised in the correct place. What is your opinion about this?

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. Do you agree or disagree?

Every year several languages die out. Some people think that this is not important because life will be easier if there are fewer languages in the world. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

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Advanced IELTS

IELTS Opinion Essay: Choosing one side or partially agreeing?

In an IELTS opinion essay, you can either agree, disagree or take a balanced approach which means to partially agree. However, you need to learn more so that you fulfil the requirements of the higher band scores.

See the answers to the 4 questions below. Also see useful links for writing task 2 below. All tips are for GT and Academic students.

1. Is it better to choose one side?

It won’t alter your score if you choose to support one side or partially agree. As long as you give a clear opinion, the examiner will be happy.

If you don’t understand a partial agreement essay, then choose one side. It’s easier to choose one side for most students and you can still get band score 9 by choosing one side.

Sometimes it might be hard to find enough ideas to support one side. In this case, go for a partial agreement. BUT if you need training to learn how to do this correctly.

2. Will you get a higher score if you partially agree?

No. It’s doesn’t matter what your opinion is – one side or partial. The only thing the examiner wants is a relevant opinion which is fully explained.

3. Can you write a discussion essay instead?

NO. Let me repeat that – NO !!! An opinion essay is only about your opinion. It is not about what other people think. You can’t change the type of essay you have been given. Look at the instructions below:

You must explain both sides of what other people think and also give your opinion
You must present your opinion and nothing else. Your opinion must cover all aspects of the essay question.

4. Can you use “I” or “my” in an opinion essay?

Yes. Of course. You MUST use “i” or “my” – it’s the only way to give your own personal opinion. Look at the language below:

it is believed / it is considered / it seems – This language does not express your own individual opinion. It is perfect for discussion essays but it can’t be used for your own views.
I think / I agree / I disagree / In my opinion – This is how you clearly express your view. The examiner wants to see this language when you give your opinion.

Useful Links for IELTS Writing Task 2

Click below to open useful links for IELTS writing task 2:

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Using “I” or “my”: Free Video

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All Writing Task 2 Tips & Model Essays

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Would this essay work on the opinion essay:

Q.) Public celebrations (such as national days, festivals etc) are held in most countries. These are often quite expensive and some people say that governments should spend money on more useful things. Do you agree or disagree?

Ans: The public display of culture through celebrations has been a matter of debate for years as most people argue for its necessity as it contributes to a huge loss in the nation’s capital. In the meantime, certain groups of people often express their dissatisfaction to the government cutting funds to such events, debating in support of large public celebrations, with the argument that those public celebrations are the sole identity of the nation. Both the arguments are much compelling as there doesn’t exist a harsh dark and light in the situations, but it lies in the gray area in actuality.

Public celebrations including festivals, jatras(cultural rallys popular in Nepal), national days, ets are unique to a culture,group or a place, and are the markers for their identity. So, cutting funds to those celebrations for sparing some bucks for the government might risk these unique heritages to go to extinction as we move throughout the years. Moreover, it may risk the extinction of an entire culture which for a country with a diverse heritage like Nepal, based predominantly on cultural tourism might be a much bigger problem in the future. The government cutting corners in some public celebrations while not in others, might also come off as discriminatory to the people of different cultures having their faith attached to those events.

On the other hand, in the time of an economic crisis like the one we are currently in, the government spending their funds off lavish displays and events could be debated as an unwise decision. People can debate how those funds can be utilized in works of social reforms and development rather than a lavish display. Furthermore, as the government has its own limitations for the sources of revenue, spending it off for events which might bring profit to the nation through tourism rather than on solid projects and developments works that are guaranteed to bring back the investment would be a better decision if taking things logically.

Taking all those things in consideration, it is fairly a matter dependent upon the situation and the economic state of the nation. If I were the one to decide, considering the current situation of the government, I would probably choose to mobilize the funds to development projects rather than extravagant public displays.

“Parents should encourage children to spend less time on studying and more on doing physical activities. To what extent do you agree or disagree?”

For this kind of question, can I say I think studying and physical activities are equally important?

Similarly, “Some people think the government should not spend on international aid because there are disadvantaged people in their country, such as the unemployed and homeless. To what extent do you agree or disagree?”

Can I say I think solving issues in their country and spending money on international aid are both important?

Do I have to say which one is more important than the other one?

When you have an opinion essay with two issues, you must address them both. But you don’t want to sit on the fence. You need to think more deeply about your opinion. You will usually find that you feel more strongly about one side than the other. Or you might find that you agree with A in a certain situation and B in another situation. Looking at the first question. Are you really trying to say that study and physical activities should have equal time spend on each? At the moment, school children study for about 7 hours a day and have one hour homework. They do physical activities for no more than about 1 hour a day. So, are you saying that schools should completely alter their curriculum and have 50% study and 50% physical activity? Really? I doubt you think this. Do you really want children playing games outside for four hours a day and only studying for four days? This is a common example of not analysing your thoughts enough. IELTS writing is about thinking more deeply and presenting a well thought out point of view. Think very carefully about how you express your opinion and explain it. For example, you could say studying should take priority but at the same time physical activity should be increased in schools and made available as extra curricular activities. Also note, the essay question is not about which is more important, it is about how much time should be spent on each. Pay very close attention to the wording in the question so that you address the issue directly. Hopefully, now you can apply these principles to the second question.

It was the what extend do you agree question.. Instead of writing “I partially agree” I wrote “as per my view.. And stated both points about my partial agreement with the statement but I didn’t write I partially agree.. Will this make me suffer a huge loss..? Please reply Thank you

There are no specific words that must be used in IELTS. If you agree with the statement, you don’t need to write “I agree” specifically. If you partially agree, you don’t need to use those particular words. IELTS is about meaning and clarity, not rules about using one or two words.

Hi Liz, I have an opinion essay of my own to write and I am quite confused as to what approach I should take with the topic. “Traditions can be found all over the world, some of them ancient and some of them recent. They often serve to bring communities together, but can also be the subject of heated debate and controversy. To what extent do you believe traditions can be harmful?” If I choose partially agree, how should my essay be structured? Should I write about how traditions could be harmful in one paragraph, and list out how it might not be the case in other situations in another paragraph? Wouldn’t that seem more like a for and against essay instead? Thanks a lot!

Where did you get this essay question? Did you get it from an Official IELTS website or an Official IELTS test book, if so which one?

Hi liz, I am confused on how to write an essay being agree partially. Essay- Today, the life expectancy of people is much higher than before. Some people think that older people should continue to be involved in the workforce.

I hope for your reply 🙏

In that essay question there is only one issue – do you think older people should continue to be involved in the workforce? If you partially agree, it means you do not fully agree. In other words, there might be one or two reasons why you do not fully agree with it. You therefore have to state what those reasons are and in what cases you do actually agree.

In this case (To what extent do you…), If I take one side and explain it further, isn’t it similar to an Agree or Disagree essay? (Here I am assuming that in an Agree or Disagree essay we have to take one position.)

There is no difference at all between “to what extent..” and “do you agree/disagree”. They are the same instructions paraphrased.

Thank you Liz.

For this essay – paying all workers the same salary in a company promotes harmony and respect amongst colleagues. To what extent do you agree or disagree. Can I write an essay like this: I strongly disagree with the above statement and in this essay will discuss the reasons as to why first of fall its impractical to pay the same salary and then will elucidate the reasons as to why paying all the employees the same salary will in fact result in a less harmonious work environment.

Thanks a lot for your help!

Sounds like you have been learning phrases to put in your essay. Do NOT use learned phrases “this will essay discuss the reasons…” / “then elucidate the reasons as to why…” The examiner is not stupid. The examiner knows these are not your own language. Each sentence must be uniquely created by yourself. Why don’t you just write normally: “I strongly disagree with the above statement because it is impractical to pay the same salary and cause friction in the work environment.”. Be clear. Be direct. Safe the details for the body paragraphs.

Hi Liz! Thank you so much for your reply. English is kind of my first language and I am used to using those phrases. Should I tone down my English for IELTS? Thanks again for your great help!

If English is your first language, you should write naturally. This is not an academic essay, it is a formal essay. You don’t use academic phrases. You write naturally and avoid informal tones or language. The title “academic ielts” is given because the test is often taken for entry onto educational courses. The essay itself is only formal in nature.

Thank you! This is really helpful.

I myself am an IELTS trainer (for the past year after being in the BPO sector for 20 years) and am a fan of yours and your IELTS tips, lessons, and videos that you have generously posted for free have been immensely helpful to me and my students. In continuation to the above hot discussion on opinion essays, I would like your say on the below situation.

One of my students had written an essay on the below question.

“Modern technology products such as smartphones and wearables are very addictive and should be banned. To what extent do you agree or degree with this view?”

He took an one-sided view (like many students would prefer to do or were taught to do) that “I completely disagree with the statement.” and wrote about the necessity of smartphones, advantages of the industry generating employment to many and revenue to government in the form of taxes, etc. (He did not mention about the addictive part whether he agrees it is addictive or not). I felt the task is not met like you rightly pointed out in one of the comments above(do you concur).

However, I feel there are two parts in the statement a) smart phones are addictive and b) it should be banned.

So shouldn’t we address both parts, that is, whether I agree if they are addictive and if so whether banning it is the solution for the same.

In that case there cannot be an answer which says I completely disagree with the statement unless you mean to say they are not addictive and hence need not be banned.

Are the below options correct: OPTION I: I partially agree with the statement a) it is addictive however disagree with b) should be banned, probably use can be restricted or limited.

OPTION II: One-sided, I agree they are addictive and hence need to be banned.

OPTION III: One-sided, I disagree, they are not addictive and hence need not be(should not be) banned.

Are there any other variations possible. Thanks for taking your valuable time to read/respond to this lengthy post, which in my humble opinion will be of great help to all other millions of IELTS aspirants worldwide who visit your web page.

You have hit the nail on the head. Your understanding of the question is correct. Your understanding of a one-sided view when there are two issues to address is correct. The only other option you haven’t tackled is a specific view point: I agree they are addictive, however I think banning them is not the right solution – a better solution would be X. It is a great way to fully address and expand the topic given. I hope that helps.

Thank you Liz for your clarification. I’m doubly happy. God bless you for your wonderful work and big/kind heart.

Hello Liz! I am really worried about opinion essays! I ordered the advanced lesson but it says ‘not supported’. I don’t know what to do. Please help me .My exam is on saturday.

Please email me with more details about your problem: [email protected] . Do this immediately. Thanks

Hii Liz what can we write to give a partial view ?

Hi liz, Does it affects my TR score if I only discuss about “Benefits of planting tress” and do not talk about “building houses” in the following essay:- My thesis statement is: I completely agree that planting trees is more significant to solve many problems confronted by urban dewellers than constructing infrastructure.

Some people think that planting trees in open spaces in cities and towns is more important than building houses. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

It would negatively affect your score. Your opinion is “I believe planting trees is more important than housing”. You must explain why planting trees is important and why housing is not so important. Answer fully!

Hi Liz! How can I improve doing T/F/NG reading questions?

See this tips on this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-reading-lessons-information-and-tips/

Hi Liz, I just recently took my IELTS exam last Saturday.I may say thay I am blessed with my writing task 1 and 2 topics. In writing task 1, I need to write a letter from a complaints that turns a commendation for the staff. Writing task 2, is need to give my opinion from the suggestion that suggestion that all ages of students to join in same class. I hope this will help. Now, I’l pray that all my exam ,reading and listening will have a good results. God is good I know! 🙂 from Mhae

Thanks for sharing and good luck with your results 🙂

I pray for best,thank you for helping us to our review.God bless Us!

That test I had it on the 26th! I said that I believe that children should learn both of them. I don’t know why they gave me only 6…I’m struggling with the writing and I don’t know where I’m doing so many mistakes…I sit this exam for 4th times and I am quite desperate because I don’t know what I should change…I watched your videos, I worked a few books…and nothing….only 6. Thank you!

If u agree you cannot explain about world history. Throughout your essay should be about local history and supporting sentences. Watch her advanced ielts videos. She is explaining more in detail.

Your opinion must answer the all issues. If you agree, then your opinion is that local history should be taught and world history should not be taught. That is your full opinion.

If you agree – then you need to explain why you think money shouldn’t be spent protecting wildlife and also what other problems should be solved with the money.

Hello Liz, How can I buy all three advanced writing videos together? As each purchase cost can extra fee for international transaction, buying together would be beneficial, if that is possible.

I’m sorry but I haven’t put them in a package yet.

Dear LIZ I get more motivated when I read your texts. Although my handwriting is not much more qualified, but I’m preparing for IELTS test.Actually, I live in Finland as an asylum seeker, considerd to my teacher’s opinion I am not ready to take ILETS test yet. Would you please share me some links for improving my writing and listening? Thank you so much

I would be happy if I could submit, but because I live here illegally without any Bank account. That’s made me crazy.

Check your email – I just sent you a present 🙂

You’re not only the best teacher ever, you’re the model of human being. Thanks for inspiring me!

Hi Liz, Can i use words such as ‘what is more ‘OR ‘ to be more clear’ to explain my points between paragraphs? Thanks in advance

See my list of linking words: https://ieltsliz.com/linking-words-for-writing/ . Then see my main writing task 2 page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-2/

Hi mam, 7 years back I took ielts exam & I got 6.5 overall . Later I stopped thinking of exam as it finds difficult for me to reach the required score.But after watching all your lessons I am planning to take exam again .Really impressed by all ur videos . Thanks you so much .

My exam is tomorrow I have one question please help me

In any questions like agree or disagree, advantages or disadvantages, to what extent do you agree or disagree??? In such OR questions…can we partially agree or disagree?? Can we fully go for disagree or agree??

Can we write for example in body paragraph(if we agree) writing 4 positive points and in next paragraph 3 points showing its negative side and in conclusion going with agree one

please reply

Hi my best ielts teacher,kindly tell me if it is correct to write your opinion as ,”This essay agrees with the statement or should i always write, “In my opinion.Thanks in advance

If you want to give YOUR opinion, you need to use “I”. The words “this essay …” does not express your opinion.

In the partially agree,is it possible to write 2 body paragraphs on agree and 3rd one on disagree. I am little confuse about it.

Thanks in advance

For the Partial Agreement/Disagreement Essay (Balanced View) is it possible to still write 4 Paragraphs with such essay or it must be 5 paragraphs?

You can have either four or five paragraphs in writing task 2. It depends on your main points.

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Relationships

Six Steps to Disagreeing Better

Here's a guide to disagreeing with respect and understanding..

Posted May 20, 2024 | Reviewed by Davia Sills

Why Relationships Matter
Find counselling to strengthen relationships
Disagreements are natural; managing them well improves people's relationships and well-being.
Recognizing the roots of conflict helps people to handle disagreements more effectively.
Empathy, respect, and openness to diverse views are essential for mastering the art of disagreeing.
Not all disagreements can be resolved; learning to agree to disagree maintains respect and relationships.

Conflict and disagreements surround us every day. We can’t turn on the television or engage in social media without seeing disputes of some sort; these often become toxic and unhealthy, with people attacking each other for their opinions.

For most of us, these disputes can be small and not amount to much. Yet, other times, they can result in tension, conflict, and even disconnection.

Whether with friends, family, coworkers, or even strangers online, the way we manage these disputes is important to not only our relationships but also our well-being. The ability to disagree better isn’t just a skill but a mindset that can improve communication and relationships, creating a more empathetic society.

Why Disagreements Happen

So, why do we disagree in the first place? The fact is that disagreements are a fundamental part of human interaction. Conflicts arise naturally from differing viewpoints, values, or knowledge bases. However, other factors exacerbate or intensify these arguments.

Cognitive Processes

Our individual experiences shape our understanding and interpretation of information, forming unique cognitive schemas—mental structures that assist in organizing and interpreting incoming data. As we encounter different situations, we process them using these schemas, which can result in varied conclusions and, therefore, disagreements. Douglas (2015) notes that relational schemas, whether healthy or maladaptive, are significant in understanding closeness and conflict negotiation styles.

Cognitive Bias

Confirmation bias causes us to unconsciously favor information that aligns with our beliefs and dismiss evidence that contradicts them (Peters, 2022). This mechanism affects how we gather, interpret, and recall information, leading to varied viewpoints even with the same facts.

Similarly, motivated reasoning involves actively seeking to justify our beliefs while rejecting contradictory evidence. Both of these, as well as other biases, contribute to the development and maintenance of disagreements.

Emotional Influences

We develop strong emotional attachments to our beliefs, which are closely linked to our sense of identity and values. This is particularly evident in the current U.S. political climate, where debates are often emotionally charged, sometimes discounting factual information.

When our beliefs are challenged, it can trigger emotional responses. These reactions may cloud our judgment and rational thinking, resulting in disagreements and a diminished capacity to listen to others genuinely.

How Do We Disagree Better?

Having an understanding of why disagreement happens is only half the battle. We must also have thoughtful strategies to transform disagreements into opportunities for connection and understanding. Here are my six steps to disagreeing productively:

1. Listen Actively.

Active listening requires fully engaging to hear, acknowledge, and retain what the other person communicates. During disagreements, it’s easy to fall into the trap of formulating a rebuttal while the other person is still speaking rather than genuinely listening to their words and intentions. For instance, in a workplace disagreement about the direction of a project, instead of immediately dismissing your coworker’s ideas, ask clarifying questions to understand their perspective thoroughly.

2. Seek Common Ground.

In the middle of many disagreements, there’s usually some common ground. Identifying, highlighting, and expanding on shared values or common goals can show mutual respect and open the door for constructive dialogue. For example, if you and a partner are arguing about financial priorities, start by acknowledging a shared goal, such as securing a comfortable future.

3. Embrace a Growth Mindset.

At the heart of constructive dispute is the belief that we can grow from our encounters. Dr. Carol Dweck (2007) coined the term “ growth mindset ,” which encourages us to view disagreements not as threats but as opportunities to learn and understand different perspectives. Thus, being curious rather than defensive opens us to new ideas and deepens our connections with others.

For instance, when you and a friend have a heated discussion about politics , pause and then respond, “This is a complex issue. We might not agree, but I’d be interested in understanding your viewpoint better.” This invites dialogue and shows openness to growth, even if you don’t agree.

4. Use “I” Statements.

To prevent heated discussions from becoming personal, focus on facts and express your feelings using “I” statements. This avoids assigning blame and reduces defensiveness. Communicate clearly and calmly, taking responsibility for your own emotions and avoiding generalizations or accusations.

For example, if you’re a parent at a school board meeting disagreeing with a new policy, instead of accusing, “You don’t care about our school and students,” you could say, “As a parent, I feel concerned about the impact of this policy on the safety of our students and staff.”

5. Rethink Cognitive Distortion.

We all have cognitive biases, including confirmation bias and motivated reasoning, among others. Be aware of your thoughts and look at ways to rethink the situation.

Maybe at a work meeting, a colleague questions your proposal publicly. You might initially think, “They’re trying to make me look incompetent,” which could lead to frustration or anger . However, by acknowledging your bias, you can pause and respond constructively by saying, “I appreciate the feedback. Could you clarify your concerns so I can address them better?” This allows you to stay professional and open to feedback, focusing on the issue rather than perceiving it as a personal attack.

6. Agree to Disagree.

Despite our best efforts, not all disagreements can be resolved to everyone’s satisfaction. Learning to agree to disagree respectfully allows both parties to maintain their views without feeling pressured to concede or dominate. For example, if a family member holds vastly different political views, acknowledging the impasse and shifting the conversation to less controversial topics can maintain the relationship while respecting the diversity of thought.

As we face growing divisions in opinions and viewpoints, mastering the art of disagreeing is more than a personal skill—it’s a societal necessity. This isn’t about avoiding conflict, as contrasting ideas often result in significant growth. Instead, it’s about engaging in discussions with empathy, respect, and an openness to diverse thoughts.

Remember, the goal isn’t always to win a disagreement but to broaden our understanding and strengthen relationships, even with those who hold different views.

Douglas, A. (2015). Cognitive schemas, adversity, and interpersonal functioning: An exploratory study within undergraduate women. Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment, & Trauma, 24 , 466-483. https://doi.org/10.1080/10926771.2015.1024371 .

Dweck, C. (2007). Mindset: The New Psychology of Success . New York, NY: Ballantine Books.

Peters, U. (2022). What Is the Function of Confirmation Bias?. Erkenn, 87 , 1351–1376. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10670-020-00252-1

Ray W. Christner, Psy.D., NCSP, ABPP, is a licensed psychologist and a certified school psychologist in Pennsylvania, a nationally certified school psychologist, and a nationally registered health service psychologist.

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At any moment, someone’s aggravating behavior or our own bad luck can set us off on an emotional spiral that threatens to derail our entire day. Here’s how we can face our triggers with less reactivity so that we can get on with our lives.

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In Idaho, don’t say ‘abortion’? A state law limits teachers at public universities, they say

Idaho's public university professors say a law barring state employees from ‘promoting’ or ‘counseling in favor of’ abortion limits their ability to teach..

Demonstrators gather in front of the Supreme Court as the court hears oral arguments in the case of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration v. Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine on March 26, 2024 in Washington, DC.

This story was published in partnership with the Center for Public Integrity , a newsroom that investigates inequality.

University of Idaho student Bergen Kludt-Painter started school in August 2022, a few months after a U.S. Supreme Court decision struck down Roe v. Wade. Soon after, abortion was banned in Idaho in almost all instances.

The political science major was eager to discuss the precedent-shattering case in class, but, she said, “we talked about everything except for abortion.”

During a political science course on how to write a research paper, her professor said he could not give her feedback on her chosen topic — abortion. The issue didn’t come up in her other political science classes either, even as state after state changed their abortion laws. Nor did abortion get mentioned in her Introduction to Women’s Gender and Sexuality Studies course.

“It wasn’t discussed,” she said, “which I found odd, personally, because it feels like something that would be relevant to talk about in a class like that.”

But few, if any, public university professors in Idaho are talking about or assigning readings on abortion these days. That’s due to a 2021 law that makes it illegal for state employees to “promote abortion” or “counsel in favor of abortion.” Professors have said those two phrases put them at risk of violating the law, known as the No Public Funds for Abortion Act , just for discussing abortion in class. The possible penalties include significant fines and even prison time.

Six named University of Idaho professors and two faculty unions filed a lawsuit against the state in August for violating their First Amendment right to free speech and academic freedom and their 14 th Amendment right to a clearly worded law. Lawyers from the American Civil Liberties Union are representing the professors.

“The more I heard about it, the more worried I was that I really can't teach my class in a responsible way without putting myself at risk,” said Aleta Quinn, an associate professor of philosophy for the University of Idaho and a plaintiff in the case.

Quinn teaches a course in biomedical ethics that typically features readings and class discussions about abortion. When she saw that the highest penalty for breaking the law was 14 years in prison, “I decided I would not — I couldn't — teach the subject of abortion.”

The bulk of the arguments in the case center on the due process clause of the 14th Amendment, which the Supreme Court has interpreted to mean that a statute “so vague that men of common intelligence must necessarily guess at its meaning” violates a person’s right to fair treatment under the law.

The case also raises an important First Amendment question about protections for academic freedom in America: Are public university professors exempt from laws that could otherwise govern the speech of state employees?

Supreme Court precedent suggests the government has significant leeway to regulate the speech of the people it employs while they are performing their professional duties.

Still, the most recent court opinion on the issue left open the question of how much that speech could be regulated for one key group: public university professors.

“We need not, and for that reason do not, decide whether the analysis we conduct today would apply in the same manner to a case involving speech related to scholarship or teaching,” then Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote in the 2006 majority opinion in Garcetti v. Ceballos .

The Supreme Court has not yet returned to that decision.

“So establishing that legal principle, in and of itself, is an important endeavor for those [Idaho] professors,” said Helen Norton, a professor of constitutional law at the University of Colorado who is not involved in the case.

Interestingly, none of the professors suing in the Idaho case are nursing instructors or even biology professors. They aren’t teaching anyone about the physical nature of abortion. Their concerns, as scholars of subjects like philosophy, political science, gender studies and English, are focused on whether they can speak about abortion as an ethical, political and historical issue.

For example, a sworn statement by an English professor named in the case explained that he used to assign Sallie Tisdale’s 1987 Harper’s Magazine essay, “We Do Abortions Here,” in one of his classes. The essay about her work as a nurse in an abortion clinic explores the complicated morality of helping women end their pregnancies. It’s also considered to be an example of powerful writing. He has now removed it from his syllabus.

Lawyers for the state of Idaho agree that professors fall under a different regulatory framework than other public employees when it comes to what they are permitted to say in the course of their duties. In their motion to dismiss the lawsuit, the state’s attorneys concede that settled law establishes protections for academics’ speech.

A month after the case was filed, Idaho’s attorney general, a defendant in the case, issued a non-binding opinion that the law does not apply to the “teaching or scholarship” of public university professors. If it did, Raul Labrador wrote, “the prohibition would likely be unconstitutional.”

A spokesperson for the attorney general’s office declined to respond to repeated requests for an interview.

Republican state Rep. Bruce Skaug, the sponsor of the No Public Funds for Abortion Act, later introduced legislation to create a specific protection for classroom discussion of abortion, but it failed to pass. Skaug did not respond to requests for an interview.

Rather than arguing about the First Amendment claim, lawyers for the state focused on the professors’ assertion that the law is unconstitutionally vague under the 14th Amendment.

“Plaintiffs have alleged that there is a law that prohibits them from teaching college courses concerning abortion, producing scholarship in favor of abortion, and grading papers concerning abortion,” the state’s lawyers write in the November motion to dismiss. “There is no such law in the state of Idaho.”

The state’s attorneys argue that any reasonable reader of the law would see that the statute refers only to the act of advising a specific person to have an abortion. As written, they argue the law could not be interpreted as a prohibition on, say, giving a strong grade on a writing assignment where the student had chosen to make an ethical argument in favor of abortion.

Because of the attorney general’s opinion and the “plain language” in the law, the state’s lawyers say the professors are imagining themselves to be at risk of prosecution when, in reality, no such risk exists.

Lawyers for the plaintiffs disagree. Federal courts have issued rulings with varied interpretations of the word “promote.” And the lawsuit offers numerous hypothetical situations in which a professor could be prosecuted for promoting abortion even if that were not their intent.

Norton, the University of Colorado law professor, said it was reasonable for the professors to question the law’s language.

“That’s shown so far to be the focus of the dispute — what does ‘promoting’ or ‘counseling’ mean?” she said. “And it seems like that’s an important thing to nail down.”

Because there’s no definition of the terms in the law, she said, “there’s absolutely room for folks to argue about whether or not we should be quick or slow to interpret broadly or narrowly.”

The current case challenging Idaho’s No Public Funds for Abortion Act does not directly include the state’s many other public employees, like social workers and school counselors, who are unlikely to qualify for any special First Amendment protections.

Public school teachers in the K-12 system do not have the same level of academic freedom protections as professors, either. But a high school history teacher could face the same concerns that speaking about abortion in class could be construed as either promoting or counseling in favor of it.

However, those employees would no longer have their speech curtailed if the professors prevail and a court strikes the law down.

That matters because Idaho’s restrictions surrounding abortion are so tight at this point that nearly every other action connected to encouraging abortion has been outlawed some other way. At this point, regulating how public employees speak about abortion is arguably the only thing the No Public Funds law still does. Opponents of the law have questioned why the state is fighting to uphold it, if not to limit speech about abortion.

Wendy Heipt, a reproductive rights attorney with Legal Voice who is working on a challenge to Idaho’s ban on helping minors travel to receive abortions without parental consent, calls the state Legislature “extremist.” She worries that the state has become a “testing ground” for the far right.

“You would notice [these laws] in Texas,” where more than 30 million people live, she said, “not Idaho,” home to less than 2 million.

Indeed, copycat travel ban bills restricting the movement of minors seeking an abortion were introduced in Alabama, Tennessee, Mississippi and Oklahoma this session, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a research and policy organization that works to advance sexual and reproductive health and rights.

No one interviewed for this story had heard about a copycat law that raised the same combination of First and 14th Amendment concerns as Idaho’s No Public Funds measure.

A judge heard the professors’ case in Idaho District Court in April. His decision on whether the preliminary injunction they’ve asked for will be granted is expected soon. The judge could also decide to dismiss the case, as the attorney general’s office has proposed. If the judge doesn’t dismiss the case, he will likely ask both parties to reconvene for another hearing before a final resolution.

In the meantime, professors are continuing to stay quiet about abortion in class.

For someone dedicated to the free exchange of ideas like Quinn, that silence feels wrong. When she started teaching, her goal was to make the world a slightly better place by helping young people learn how to think, not what to think. She feels like she’s not fulfilling her duty to her students by ignoring an ethical debate as relevant to daily life as abortion.

“Philosophy is thinking critically about ideas and concepts and arguments, and considering which arguments are stronger and which are weaker and how they apply and all their implications,” Quinn said. “My goal is to enable people to have the skills to evaluate positions on their own.”

Kludt-Painter, the University of Idaho student, is the president of the Young Democrats. But her issues with the No Public Funds law weren’t about the politics of abortion. It’s an education she wants and feels she is being at least partially denied.

“It's a form of censorship,” she said. “College students should be able to handle hearing about these difficult topics. And educators should be able to discuss them and have a free exchange of ideas without being worried about getting fired or having criminal charges be brought against them.”

Hayden Cassinelli, the vice president of the College Republicans at the University of Idaho, said the topic of abortion came up in one of his classes recently but was "quickly avoided" when a teaching assistant told students he couldn’t discuss it.

Despite Cassinelli’s opposition to abortion, the sophomore education major believes the topic should be discussed in class. He doesn’t think the No Public Funds law prevents such discussions. But he supported his university’s decision to issue guidance to professors in fall 2022, urging them to be cautious when talking about abortion.

"Given many professors' thoughts on abortion — including the fact that some of them may advocate for it and [encourage] a student to commit a crime — a temporary hold on any abortion-related discussion until legal clarity is established is a sound decision," Cassinelli wrote in an email.

Kludt-Painter thinks professors are just trying to protect their jobs when they avoid discussing abortion in class, but she wishes they didn’t feel that way.

“It takes away from the whole academic freedom thing that post-secondary education is supposed to be about,” she said.

IMAGES

How to write an Agree-Disagree Essay for IELTS
Agree Disagree Essay Sample
How To Write An Agree Or Disagree Essay
Writing WEEK 5 Agree Disagree Essay
How to Write an Agree Disagree Essay
How to Write “Agree or Disagree” Essays for IELTS

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Writing task
How to Write an Agree Disagree Essay
ielts writing task 2 tips| 2 Dec 2024 ielts writing task 2| To what extent agree/disagree essay
How to write a to what extent do you agree or disagree essay?
Format for Agree or disagree essay...for IELTS and PTE Tips by Rachna Gupta
agree or disagree essay

COMMENTS

How to Write "Agree or Disagree" Essays for IELTS
Generally, I recommend writing four or five paragraphs and preferably just four. 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.
IELTS agree or disagree essay
This is a band 9 guide to writing agree/disagree essays in IELTS Writing. Agree or disagree essay questions are very common for IELTS Writing task 2.This type of questions asks you to say whether you agree or disagree with a given statement and justify your opinion.. In this lesson you will see IELTS writing task 2 sample question + model answer and learn
IELTS Writing Task 2: How to Structure an 'Agree or Disagree' Essay
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.
How to Start your Agree / Disagree Essay in Writing Task 2
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 ...
IELTS Agree Disagree Essay Sample Answer
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. ... All IELTS writing task 2 essays, for both the GT test and Academic test, are formal essays. That means you are not writing about friends, family or ...
Agree or Disagree Essay- Complete 2023 IELTS 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 look at: We will use a question from an IELTS past ...
IELTS Agree or Disagree Essay
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.
How to write an agree/disagree essay for…
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.
How To Write An Agree Or Disagree Essay?
Writing Task 2 Agree/Disagree Essay Structure. The structure that I advise my students to use, will be sure to get you a band score of 7+. You need to practice using this structure, with as many questions as you can, before sitting your IELTS test. This writing task 2 structure has been proven to be successful for my students and when perfected ...
Mastering the IELTS Agree Disagree Essay: Tips for Success
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.
IELTS Writing Task 2: Agree/Disagree Sample Essay
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 ...
IELTS Agree/Disagree Essay: How to Write, Structure, Tips, Sample
Whilst writing an agree/disagree essay, always start your introduction by paraphrasing the task question. Once you have paraphrased the task question, you must state your opinion on the topic, i.e., whether you agree or disagree with the given statement. This will let your reader know what you think immediately.
IELTS Opinion Essays
IELTS opinion essays, also known as 'agree or disagree' essays, come up frequently in the writing exam. In this lesson, I'm going to show you how to plan and write them step-by-step. Here's what we'll be covering: 3 Common mistakes. Essay structure. How to plan. How to write an introduction. How to write main body paragraphs.
IELTS Task 2 Sample Band 9 Agree:Disagree Essay
In this video, I am going to teach you how to write a Band 9 sample essay for the IELTS Task 2 Agree/Disagree question. We will break down the essay structur...
How to Write Agree and Disagree Essays in IELTS? Tips to Write the
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.
How to organize agree/disagree essays on your IELTS 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.
Agree Disagree Essay for IELTS Writing Task 2: Click to ...
Agree Disagree Essay Topic Introduction. Sentence 1- It is often argued that it is more advantageous to choose a job with a high wage, even if it doesn't appeal to you at all. Sentence 2 - I completely disagree with this opinion and think that job satisfaction is much more important than salary.
IELTS Task 2 Question Types: Opinion Essays (Agree or Disagree)
IELTS Task 2 Question Types: Opinion Essays (Agree or Disagree) by Dave | Understanding Task 2 Writing | 13 Comments. 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.
A Simple Formula for Organizing Agree/Disagree Essays
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 in the matter. I strongly agree with this notion.
To what extent you agree or disagree essay
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.
How to write IELTS agree disagree essay introductions!
2. Present your opinion. This should be the easiest sentence that you write in the introduction. If you agree in an IELTS agree disagree essay, you will simply start the sentence by saying "I agree" and then paraphrase the task. If you disagree, you will do the same, but you will start the sentence with "I disagree".
IELTS Opinion Essay: Choosing one side or partially agreeing?
In an IELTS opinion essay, you can either agree, disagree or take a balanced approach which means to partially agree. However, you need to learn more so that you fulfil the requirements of the higher band scores. See the answers to the 4 questions below. Also see useful links for writing task 2 below. All tips are for GT and Academic students. 1.
Six Steps to Disagreeing Better
We must also have thoughtful strategies to transform disagreements into opportunities for connection and understanding. Here are my six steps to disagreeing productively: 1. Listen Actively ...
Law barring Idaho employees from promoting abortion limits teachers
The essay about her work as a nurse in an abortion clinic explores the complicated morality of helping women end their pregnancies. It's also considered to be an example of powerful writing. He ...

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How to Write “Agree or Disagree” Essays for IELTS

What is an “Agree or Disagree” IELTS Question?

How Should I Answer an “Agree or Disagree” Question?

Structuring “Agree or Disagree” Essays

Sample Band 9 Answer

Language for Agreeing and Disagreeing

Giving Purpose and Position

Language for Structuring your Ideas

Should You Totally Avoid Personal Pronouns?

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David S. Wills

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Agree or disagree essay for IELTS writing task 2

What is an “agree or disagree” essay?

Sample “agree or disagree” questions

Always read the question carefully!

Stating your opinion clearly and decisively

Addressing all parts of the question

Supporting your argument

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is an opinion essay the same as an Agree Disagree essay?

Audio tutorial

Tutorials and Tips to Prepare for Task 2

IELTS Writing: Agree or Disagree Lesson with Sample Answer

Deciding Opinion

Introduction

Supporting Paragraph 1

Supporting Paragraph 2

Conclusion

Agree or Disagree IELTS Sample Essay

About Christopher Pell

IELTS Agree or Disagree Essay

Example of IETS Opinion essay

Structure of IELTS Opinion Essay

To what extent..

Example Vocabulary and Phrases: Arguing Your Point

Example Vocabulary and Phrases: Adding Adverb

Example Vocabulary and Phrases: Verbs

Before You Start

Outline structure for IELTS Essay

Outline structure for IELTS Opinion Essay

Example Essay

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How to write an agree/disagree essay for IELTS Writing Task 2

Introduction

Two main paragraphs

How To Write An Agree Or Disagree Essay?

Writing Task 2 Agree/Disagree Essay Structure

IT IS A 4-PARAGRAPH STRUCTURE

Expressing your opinion

Sequencing ideas

Sample Agree/Disagree essay

Writing Task 2 Band Score 9 Criteria

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Agree Disagree Essays in IELTS

IELTS Writing Task 2 Agree or Disagree Essay

Tips to write Agree Disagree Essays

IELTS Agree Disagree Essay Structure

Paragraph 1: Introduction

Paragraph 2: Body paragraph

Paragraph 3: Body paragraph

Paragraph 4: Conclusion

Sample Checklist for Agree/Disagree essays:

Frequently Asked Questions

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