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IELTS Opinion Essays: Structure, Topics and Sample Answers

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Updated On Sep 17, 2024

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

Table of Contents

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

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

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

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

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

Although there is no specific format for IELTS opinion essays, it is crucial to follow certain pointers while answering these essays during the IELTS Writing exam in order to make the answer effective.

Introduction:

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

Body Paragraphs (Usually 2 paragraphs):

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

Conclusion:

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

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

Sample Question 1

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

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

Opinion Essay

Introduction

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

Body Paragraph 1

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

Body Paragraph 2

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

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

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Sample Answer

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

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

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

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

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

Sample Question 2

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

Paraphrase the topic sentence using synonyms.

Mention the view on the topic.

Body Paragraphs

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

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

Summarize the essay and state the final view.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sample Question 3

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

Paraphrase the topic and mention the view.

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

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

Summarize the essay and mention the final view in brief.

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

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

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

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

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

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

• In the future, it seems more difficult to live on Earth. Some people think more money should be spent on researching another planet to live on, such as Mars. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
• Many people say that the only way to guarantee a good job is to complete a course in university education. Others claim that it is better to start work after school and gain experience in the world of work. How far do you agree or disagree with the above views?
• Although more and more people read the news on the internet, newspapers will remain the most important source of news for the majority of people. Do you agree or disagree?
• Students in schools and universities learn more from their teachers than through other means such as the Internet, libraries, and TV. To what extent you agree or disagree?
• Nowadays university education is very expensive. Some people say that universities should reduce their fees, especially for the less fortunate students or for those coming from rural areas. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
• Some people think that governments must insist on preserving the traditional appearance of old buildings undergoing renovation or redevelopment. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the statement?
• Some people believe that international trade and communication with other countries is a positive trend, while others think it is harmful to nations and they might lose their identities. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give your own opinion and relevant examples.
• Many people believe that schools should teach children to become good citizens and workers rather than independent individuals. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Give your own opinion and relevant examples.
• People should follow the customs and traditions when they start to live in a new country. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• It is impossible to help all people in the world, so governments should only focus on people in their own countries. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• Prevention is better than cure. Do you agree or disagree that out of the country’s health budget, a large proportion should be diverted from treatment to spending on health education and preventive measures?

Looking for opinion essay topics and questions for 2024?

Find out all of them in our IELTS online classes and sharpen your writing skills!

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

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

In the IELTS opinion essays, you need to write your opinion about a topic and back it up with proof and examples. If you use a clear structure and good writing methods, you can improve your chances of doing well! so, let us check out at some important IELTS exam preparation tips for the IELTS opinion essays.

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

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

Also check:.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

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

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

Is it mandatory to write the essay in first person?

Practice IELTS Writing Task 2 based on Essay types

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Nehasri Ravishenbagam

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

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How to Write an Opinion Essay: Examples, Structure, & Tips

An opinion essay is a formal piece of writing which presents the author’s point of view on a particular subject supported by reasoning and examples . The opposing viewpoint is also suggested, but it is followed by arguments that show its inconsistency. Take a look at the guide prepared by Custom-writing experts to learn how to write a perfect opinion essay!

• 🔤 Opinion Essay Basics
• 📑 Essay Structure

🖊️ Opinion Essay Format

• 💬 How to Start an Opinion Essay
• ✅ Dos and Don’ts

👌 Opinion Essay Examples

• 💡 Essay Tips

🏁 Concluding Remarks

🔗 references, 🔤 writing an opinion essay: basics.

You may be wondering: How do I write an opinion essay? How is it different from a persuasive, an argumentative, or a pros and cons essay ?

It’s simple: When you write an argumentative or persuasive essay , you should provide counterpoints and describe the essay topic from different perspectives. In an opinion paper, you don’t have to focus on the advantages and disadvantages in comparison. Instead, focus only on your opinion about the issue .

What Is an Opinion Essay?

An opinion essay, sometimes called “argumentative” or “persuasive,” presents the author’s perception of a subject and supporting arguments. It is written in a standard essay format. In such essays, authors usually try to persuade readers that their opinion is correct.

You may say: “I’m afraid to take a stand,” or “I don’t know what to say.” Relax. There’s nothing to worry about if your arguments are based on well-researched data. Speaking about opinion essay topics, some students find it difficult enough to choose the perfect one. But it’s not so hard: Think about something that engages you and that you feel strongly about.

Do you still have no clues about what to write? Check our 100 free ideas for an argumentative or persuasive essay and choose the topic that you have a strong opinion on. Then pick up a few reasons supporting your point of view and gather the facts that you’ll use as evidence.

📑 Opinion Essay Structure

The next step is to write an opinion essay outline . First of all, it will help you to overcome the fear of the blank page. Second, you’ll have a broken-down list of ideas and an organized place for your random thoughts. This will help you write an assignment faster.

Here’s an example of an opinion paper outline:

• An introduction . Write a thesis statement and the reasons that support your opinion. Give your readers a hook to engage them with the topic
• The main body . Break it into several paragraphs where you provide arguments and supporting examples, statements, and facts.
• A conclusion . When ending a paper, restate the main thesis and summarize the central points of the essay.

Develop an outline while you’re researching the topic and place the pieces of evidence where they make the most sense. You don’t have to write the whole assignment at a time. Just put stand-alone examples and facts in the places where they should go.

A well-prepared outline for an opinion essay is almost 70 percent of the work. All you’ll need to do is simply join your arguments by bridging the language.

Now that you’re familiar with the basic opinion essay structure, let’s see how exactly you should format each part of your paper.

Opinion Essay Introduction

Start your writing with a hook sentence that grabs the reader’s interest. You can use a surprising fact, a provocative question, or a relevant quote as a hook.

Have you ever stopped to consider the impact that social media has on our lives and society as a whole?

Then, provide background information and a thesis statement. It should present your opinion on the topic and the main arguments that support your point of view.

The rise of social media platforms has had detrimental effects on teenagers’ mental health due to increased feelings of loneliness, heightened levels of anxiety, and the negative impact on self-esteem.

Opinion Essay Body

In the body paragraphs, you need to explain your arguments and provide evidence to support them. Each paragraph should start with a topic sentence that introduces the point you are discussing.

The constant exposure to idealized and unrealistic images on social media platforms can contribute to insecurities and anxiety among teenagers, affecting their mental well-being.

Then, provide specific examples, facts, or statistics to support your reason. You may also include personal experiences or anecdotes to make your points more convincing.

According to The Mental Health Foundation’s survey in 2019, four in ten teenagers (40%) admitted that posts on social media had caused them to worry about body image. This statistic highlights the concerning impact of social media on teenagers’ mental well-being.

Opinion Essay Conclusion

The last paragraph of your opinion essay is the conclusion. Here, you restate your thesis and summarize the main points from the body paragraphs.

Social media platforms have negatively impacted teenagers’ mental well-being through the feelings of isolation, increased depression levels, and detrimental effects on the body image.

• Finally, you should end with a strong and memorable closing statement or a call to action. This will help you leave a lasting impression on the reader.

If all people work together raising awareness and advocating for change, we will eventually build a healthier online environment.

Opinion Essay Format

Correct formattion is another essential aspect of essay writing. Here are helpful guidelines you can use:

• Stick to a readable 12-point font, such as Times New Roman or Arial.
• Set 1-inch margins on all sides of the document.
• Double-space the entire essay, including the title and headings.
• Properly cite any sources used in your essay according to your required citation style (APA, MLA, Harvard, etc.)

If you are unsure about any specific formatting requirements for your opinion essay, we recommend consulting your school’s writing guidelines or asking your professor for clarification.

💬 How to Start an Opinion Essay – 30 Ideas

When it comes to opinion writing, a lot of students can’t explain their point of view. This shows a lack of critical thinking skills and leads to low grades. Even the perfect opinion essay format won’t save the situation in this case.

If you need a quick fix for your assignment, check our list of transition words and phrases to help you start putting your opinions:

• As far as I am concerned, …
• I am (not) convinced that …
• In my opinion/view …
• My opinion is that …
• I (firmly)believe that …
• I (definitely) feel/think that …
• I am inclined to believe that …
• Personally, I believe that…
• It is clear that…
• It seems to me that…
• In my mind…
• As I see it…
• My principal reason is…
• Another reason is…
• It is widely known that…
• It could be argued that…
• The well-known fact is…
• Research has shown that…
• For instance/for example…
• This suggests that…
• It would seem that…
• This proves that…
• This supports the …
• Even though / Although…
• In contrast…
• Despite the fact that…
• In spite of…
• In order to…
• In conclusion…

And don’t forget to use nouns, adjectives, and adverbs, or make your own phrases.

✅ Opinion Essay Rules

Writing an opinion essay may seem challenging, but if you keep the following dos and don’ts in mind, you will easily craft a compelling and well-structured essay. Check out the opinion essay rules we’ve collected for you below.

Opinion Essay Dos

• Use formal style. When writing an opinion essay, you should use a formal style, avoiding slang and colloquial language. It means using proper grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary suitable for an academic setting.
• Choose a side on the issue. You should take a clear stance on a particular topic in your essay. For instance, if the prompt is “Should school uniforms be mandatory?” you would need to choose whether you are for or against the idea and prove your position.
• Arrange your supporting points in emphatic order. Start with the weakest argument and end with the strongest. It will help to persuade the reader and leave a lasting impression.
• Begin each body paragraph with a topic sentence . This way, your readers will understand the point you are trying to make from the very beginning.
• Provide support for your arguments. It is essential to back up your opinions with evidence, examples, and reasoning. You can include statistics, research findings, or expert opinions.
• Stay on topic. It is crucial to remain focused on the main issue or question throughout your paper. Be careful not to go off on a tangent or discuss irrelevant topics that do not directly support your argument.
• Use a diplomatic and professional tone. It means avoiding personal attacks, derogatory language, or overly emotional statements. Instead, present your ideas and respond to opposing viewpoints calmly and respectfully.

Opinion Essay Don’ts

• Don’t use informal language. Avoid using colloquial expressions, slang, jargon, or contractions. Instead, use formal language and non-abbreviated word forms.
• Don’t use emotive vocabulary. Emotive vocabulary includes words that provoke strong emotions or bias, such as “amazing,” “horrible,” or “disgusting.” In an opinion essay, it’s essential to use neutral language.
• Don’t overgeneralize. Avoid making broad statements that assume something is true for everyone or everything. Instead, be specific.
• Don’t use sources without proper referencing. When including information from other sources in your opinion essay, it’s crucial to provide appropriate citations and references. This way, you’ll show that you have done a thorough research and give credit to the original author.
• Don’t rely on personal examples. While personal anecdotes can sometimes strengthen an argument, it’s important not to rely solely on them. Instead, try to use different types of evidence, including statistics, expert opinions, and studies.
• Don’t address your readers. Directly addressing the reader by using “you” is considered informal and should be avoided in an opinion essay. Instead, it’s better to present the arguments and evidence without involving the reader directly.

Do you want to better understand what an opinion essay is? You are welcome to use our opinion essay examples! Reading them will help you gain an insight into this form of academic writing.

Opinion Essay Example #1

The USA is a multinational and multicultural country that is advanced in many areas, including healthcare, medicine, and science in general. However, some of the experiments, such as the syphilis studies discussed in this paper, show that the country is still in the process of overcoming intolerance, racial segregation, and social inequality. Talking about these studies aloud brings the question of research ethics to the forefront. In particular, people who participated in those scientific experiments were misled and misinformed about their health. The research group observed how the participants suffered from the disease’s symptoms until death (Brandt, 24). There are a number of diseases and conditions that have not been researched enough. The experience gained during the studies in Tuskegee and Guatemala should be used to eliminate the possibility of unethical conduct and ensure transparency in all the activities.

Opinion Essay Example #2

To confront cyberbullying effectively, it is vital to know how to identify what it is and spread this awareness among the children who may unwarily become participants. The tendency to raise this issue in the scientific and public spheres has positive dynamics. As there is legal protection for cyberbullying victims in the USA, it is vital to detect harassment cases. For this purpose, parents and teachers should cooperate to create trustworthy relationships so the child can ask for help from adults. That is why a high level of emotional support from parents and peers is necessary to combat bullying before it has occurred.

Opinion Essay Topics

• Your personal view on money and expenditures.
• Analyze your attitude towards obesity as a public health problem.
• Give your opinion on the importance of container deposit legislation.
• What do you think of different belief systems? 
• Discuss your point of view on The Scream by Edvard Munch.
• Describe your opinion on the climate change issue.
• What do you think of the media’s influence on people’s views ?
• Your opinion on the film Argo directed by Affleck .
• Express your opinion on diets and weight loss programs.
• Analyze the impact of war on society and present your opinion.
• Present your opinion on the question of gay marriage.  
• Describe your attitude towards gender stereotypes.
• Do you support the Biblical point of view on divorce?  
• Explain what you think about racism in employment.
• Discuss your attitude to photography. 
• Describe what love is, in your opinion.  
• Give your opinion on genetic engineering.
• Analyze the necessity of vaccination for public school students and present your opinion.
• Express your views on the death penalty.
• Discuss your views on aging changes .
• Do you like the music of a Classical Era?
• Is it ethical to use animals in research, in your opinion?
• Do you think the government should increase the minimum wage?
• Explain whether you agree that soccer is one of the most popular sports in the world.
• Do you think the Internet plays an important role in your life?
• Describe your point of view on the controversial topic of human cloning .
• Present your opinion on tattoos as a form of art.  
• What does the ideal social meeting place look like?
• How do you think bullies should be punished?
• Do you support the opinion that celebrities should be positive role models ?
• Is remote work more convenient than working in an office?  
• Describe your attitude towards social networks .
• What is justice, in your opinion?  
• Give your opinion on American football.  
• What do you think about classical music? 
• Is the government monitoring its citizens justified by safety concerns?  
• Explain what you think about steroid use in competitive sports.
• Discuss the necessity to ban violent computer games .
• Your personal opinion on using cell phones while driving.  
• Do you think the government should interfere with the contents of TV shows ?
• Express your opinion on net neutrality.  
• Describe your views on online dating.  
• Is protectionism necessary for saving a country’s economy? 
• What do you think of a vegan lifestyle?
• Present your attitude towards physician-assisted suicide.
• Do you support the opinion that college athletes should be paid ?
• Your point of view on cigarette smoking and suggestion to ban it.
• Explain whether you think that public colleges and universities should be tuition-free.
• How do you understand responsibility?
• Express your opinion on canceling grades at schools .

💡 Opinion Essay Tips for an A+ Paper

Want to make your essay truly outstanding? Follow the pro tips below:

• Read the question carefully. Take time to fully understand what you are asked to write about. It will help you stay on topic and ensure your essay addresses it effectively.
• Plan your ideas before you start writing. Before beginning the writing process, take time to brainstorm and outline your ideas. Then, evaluate and select the strongest arguments or points to include in your essay.
• Show an understanding of both sides of the argument. Acknowledging different perspectives demonstrates a well-rounded view and can strengthen your position by addressing counterarguments.
• Make use of linking words and phrases. Transitions such as “however,” “in addition,” and “on the other hand” help create a smooth flow between paragraphs and make your essay easier to read. Our transition words generator can assist you with it.
• Don’t introduce any new ideas in the conclusion. In the last paragraph, summarize your main points and restate your thesis without bringing up new information that wasn’t discussed in the body of your essay.

Thank you for reading! Our free tips will help you get through any kind of essay. Still, if you’re stuck with your essay, you can always count on professional writers’ tips and recommendations!

With the help of the tips above, you’ll be able to create the most unbelievable papers in a blink of an eye. Now that you know the secrets of professional writers, try writing your opinion essay!

The final piece of advice : Don’t forget to proofread your paper. Revise your content, grammar, vocabulary, spelling, etc. Make sure that your essay answers the main question. Check if the evidence you provided is accurate and up-to-date.

• Essay Structure | – Harvard College Writing Center
• An opinion essay | Writing – Advanced C1 | British Council
• 5 Tips for Writing an Opinion Essay – ThoughtCo
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How to write an IELTS opinion essay

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

Updated: February 2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

Instruction words

Opinion essays will have various instruction words such as:

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Do you agree or disagree?

What is your opinion?

Do you think…?

What do you think….?

In your opinion what is ….?

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

‘Discuss both views and give your own opinion’ 

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

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

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

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

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

What is an effective opinion essay structure?

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

Tips on structure:

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

Which body paragraph is better?

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

Task question:

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

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

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

Click below for the answer.

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

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

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

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

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

Analysing the question.

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

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

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

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

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

Model Answer

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

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

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

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

Click below to see more detail and an analysis

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Opinion Writing: a Guide to Writing a Successful Essay Easily

An opinion essay requires students to write their thoughts regarding a subject matter. Relevant examples and explanations back their point of view. Before starting an opinion paper, it is important to study the definition, topics, requirements, and structure. Referring to examples is also highly useful. Perhaps you need help with our admission essay writing service ? Take a look at this guide from our dissertation writing service to learn how to write an opinion essay like an expert.

What Is an Opinion Essay

A common question among students is: ‘What is an Opinion Essay?' It is an assignment that contains questions that allow students to share their point-of-view on a subject matter. Students should express their thoughts precisely while providing opinions on the issue related to the field within reasonable logic. Some opinion essays type require references to back the writer's claims.

Opinion writing involves using a student's personal point-of-view, which is segregated into a point. It is backed by examples and explanations. The paper addresses the audience directly by stating ‘Dear Readers' or the equivalent. The introduction involves a reference to a speech, book, or play. This is normally followed by a rhetorical question like ‘is the pope Catholic?' or something along those lines.

What Kind of Student Faces an Opinion Essay

Non-native English-speaking students enrolled in the International English Language Testing System by the British Council & Cambridge Assessment English are tasked with learning how to write the opinion essays. This can be high-school or college students. It is designed to enhance the level of English among students. It enables them to express their thoughts and opinions while writing good opinion essay in English.

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What Are the Requirements of an Opinion Essay?

Avoid Going Off-Topic: Always write an opinion essay within relevance to answer the assigned question. This is also known as ‘beating around the bush' and should not be included in any opinion paragraph as it may lower your grade.

Indent the First Paragraph: With most academic papers, opinion writing is not different. Therefore, it contains the rule of indenting the first line of the introduction.

A Well-Thought Thesis: The full thesis statement is a brief description of the opinion essay. It determines the rest of the paper. Include all the information that you wish to include in the body paragraphs

The Use of Formal Languages: Although it is okay to write informally, keep a wide range of professional and formal words. This includes: ‘Furthermore,' ‘As Stated By,' ‘However', & ‘Thus'.

Avoid Internet Slang: In the opinion paper, avoid writing using slang words. Don'tDon't include words like ‘LOL', ‘OMG', ‘LMAO', etc.

The Use of First Person Language (Optional): For the reason of providing personal thought, it is acceptable to write your personal opinion essay in the first person.

Avoid Informal Punctuation: Although the requirements allow custom essay for the first-person language, they do not permit informal punctuation. This includes dashes, exclamation marks, and emojis.

Avoid Including Contradictions: Always make sure all spelling and grammar is correct.

We also recommend reading about types of sentences with examples .

Opinion Essay Topics

Before learning about the structure, choosing from a wide range of opinion essay topics is important. Picking an essay theme is something that can be done very simply. Choosing an excellent opinion essay topic that you are interested in or have a passion for is advisable. Otherwise, you may find the writing process boring. This also ensures that your paper will be both effective and well-written.

• Do sports differ from ordinary board games?
• Is using animals in circus performances immoral?
• Why should we be honest with our peers?
• Should all humans be entitled to a 4-day workweek?
• Should all humans become vegetarians?
• Does a CEO earn too much?
• Should teens be barred from having sleepovers?
• Should everyone vote for their leader?
• The Pros & Cons of Day-Light Saving Hours.
• What are the most energy-efficient and safest cars of X year?

Opinion Essay Structure

When it comes to opinion paragraphs, students may struggle with the opinion essay format. The standard five-paragraph-essay structure usually works well for opinion essays. Figuring out what one is supposed to include in each section may be difficult for beginners. This is why following the opinion essay structure is something all beginners should do, for their own revision before writing the entire essay.

You might also be interested in getting more information about: 5 PARAGRAPH ESSAY

Opinion essay introduction

• Address the audience directly, and state the subject matter.
• Reference a speech, poem, book, or play.
• Include the author's name and date of publication in brackets.
• 1 or 2 sentences to make up a short description.
• 1 or 2 summarizing sentences of the entire paper.
• 1 sentence that links to the first body paragraph.

Body Paragraph 1

• Supporting arguments
• Explanation
• A linking sentence to the second body paragraph.

Body Paragraph 2

• Supporting argument
• A linking sentence to the third body paragraph.

Body Paragraph 3

• A linking sentence to the conclusion.

Conclusion paragraph

• Summary of the entire paper
• A conclusive sentence (the bigger picture in conclusion)

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Opinion Essay Examples

Do you need something for reference? Reading opinion essay examples can expand your knowledge of this style of writing, as you get to see exactly how this form of an essay is written. Take a look at our samples to get an insight into this form of academic writing.

Over the past, American popular culture has been strong in creating racial stereotypes. Images displayed through television, music, and the internet have an impact on how individuals behave and what individuals believe. People find their identities and belief systems from popular culture. Evidently, I believe that American pop culture has created racial stereotypes that predominantly affect other ethnic minorities. Analyzing the history of America reveals that African Americans have always had a problem defining themselves as Americans ever since the era of slavery. AfricanAmericans have always had a hard time being integrated into American culture. The result is that African Americans have been subjected to ridicule and shame. American pop culture has compounded the problem by enhancing the negative stereotypes ofAfrican American. In theatre, film, and music, African Americans have been associated with vices such as murder, theft, and violence.

The family systems theory has a significant revelation on family relations. I firmly agree that to understand a particular family or a member, they should be around other family members. The emotional connection among different family members may create functional or dysfunctional coexistence, which is not easy to identify when an individual is further from the other members. Taking an example of the extended family, the relationship between the mother-in-law and her daughter-in-law may be tense, but once they are outside the family, they can pretend to have a good relationship. Therefore, I agree with the theory that the existing emotional attachment and developed culture in the family is distinctively understood when the family is together.

Opinion writing is a form of academic paper that asks students to include their thoughts on a particular topic. This is then backed by a logical explanation and examples. Becoming more knowledgeable is a practical way to successfully learn how to write an opinion paper. Before writing anything, it is essential to refer to important information. That includes the definition, topics, opinion writing examples, and requirements. This is what turns amateur writers into master writers.

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How to Write an IELTS Opinion Essay: A Comprehensive Guide

Ready to master the art of writing an IELTS opinion essay? We've got the perfect roadmap to guide you through each step. From understanding what exactly an IELTS opinion essay is to crafting one that will wow the examiner, we’ve got you covered.

In this easy-to-follow guide, we'll break down all the crucial elements you need to understand. Wondering how to structure your essay? We've got an "IELTS Opinion Essay Template" designed by experts to set you on the right path.

But that's not all. We'll also dissect each section of your essay, from writing an attention-grabbing intro to creating compelling body paragraphs, and wrapping it up with a knockout conclusion. To make it even easier, we offer a convenient "IELTS Opinion Essay Outline" to keep your thoughts organized and your essay on point.

If you're hunting for even more insights, our comprehensive eBook is chock-full of tips and strategies tailor-made for you. And if you want professional eyes on your work, check out our IELTS Essay Correction Service . You'll get detailed feedback from an examiner, complete with a band 9 sample response to inspire you further.

So, whether you're a newbie still getting the hang of things or an advanced student aiming for perfection, this guide is your go-to resource. Get ready to craft an IELTS opinion essay that will leave a lasting impression. Let’s dive in!

Understanding an IELTS Opinion Essay

Navigating the world of IELTS opinion essays can seem quite daunting at first. However, by acquiring a comprehensive understanding of what this type of essay entails, its importance, and the intricacies of writing it effectively, you can equip yourself to excel. Let's delve deeper into these essentials to gain a better understanding of the task.

​ An IELTS opinion essay, sometimes referred to as an argumentative essay, plays a vital role in the IELTS writing test. The key task here is to articulate your stance on a specific topic, which you then need to substantiate with solid arguments, evidence, or pertinent examples. Essentially, it's a platform for you to exhibit your ability to persuasively express and support your opinion.

Why You Need to Know How to Write an Opinion Essay

Why is an IELTS opinion essay so crucial? The answer lies in its objective. The IELTS test aims to assess your English language proficiency, and the opinion essay is a vital component of this assessment. By evaluating your ability to write a convincing and well-articulated essay, examiners can gauge your language skills, coherence, cohesion, and overall command of the language. Therefore, mastering the IELTS opinion essay becomes essential to achieve a high band score.

Key Elements of a High Band Opinion Essay

Ready to dive into the nitty-gritty of a top-notch IELTS opinion essay? Let's break down the key ingredients that make your essay stand out from the rest.

First up, Cohesion: Imagine your essay like a smooth ride where one point effortlessly leads to the next. You'll want to use linking words and phrases like 'however,' 'furthermore,' and 'on the other hand,' to connect your thoughts. Need examples? Our eBook has a whole section dedicated to mastering cohesion!

Next, Structure: Your essay needs a solid framework to hold it up. That means an engaging introduction, well-thought-out body paragraphs, and a snappy conclusion. Don’t know where to start? Our "IELTS Opinion Essay Structure" discussed in detail in the  eBook lays it all out for you.

On to Compelling Argumentation: Make sure you're not just stating your opinion, but backing it up with rock-solid reasoning and examples. This is where your essay shines. If you're struggling to find convincing arguments, our Essay Correction Service provides personalized guidance and tips from an actual examiner!

Clear Opinion: Your viewpoint should be obvious from the get-go and consistent throughout your essay. Don't beat around the bush—make your stance clear.

Last but not least, Language Proficiency: Your choice of vocabulary , grammar, and sentence structure can either make or break your essay. If you're looking to elevate your language game, our Essay Correction Service goes beyond just marking errors. You'll receive comprehensive feedback, including a band 9 sample essay to show you how it's done.

Writing an IELTS Opinion Essay: A Step-by-Step Guide

Writing an IELTS opinion essay involves more than just pouring your thoughts onto paper. It requires strategic planning and execution to ensure that the reader fully comprehends your viewpoint and the evidence backing it. Below is a step-by-step breakdown of how to approach this task:

Understanding the Question

This is the critical first step that forms the foundation of your essay. A comprehensive understanding of the question is pivotal to crafting a coherent response. Here's how to do it:

Identify the Topic: Every essay has a central topic around which the argument revolves. Identify this and ensure your opinion relates directly to it.

Understand the Question Type: Is it asking for your opinion, a discussion, or a problem and solution? In the case of an opinion essay, the question will require you to provide your views on the topic.

Know What is Expected: Analyze the prompt to know precisely what is expected of your essay. Should it be entirely from your perspective, or do you need to consider others' viewpoints as well?

Planning Your Response

Once you have understood the question, plan your essay strategically. A well-structured essay is easier to follow, makes your arguments clearer, and can significantly boost your score.

Outline Your Main Ideas: Identify the main points that will back up your opinion. These should form the core of your body paragraphs.

Identify Supporting Points and Examples: For each main point, find supporting ideas or examples. These should convincingly substantiate your claims and make your argument robust.

Organise Your Ideas: Arrange your ideas logically. Each paragraph should flow seamlessly into the next, creating a coherent and cohesive narrative.

Writing the Introduction

Your introduction sets the tone for your essay and should clearly state your opinion on the topic. Here's how to craft an engaging introduction:

Paraphrase the Question: Start by restating the question in your own words. This shows understanding and sets the context for your essay.

State Your Opinion: Explicitly present your opinion on the topic. Make it clear and concise so that the reader knows your stance from the outset.

Developing the Body Paragraphs

The body of your essay is where you make your arguments. Each paragraph should be dedicated to one main idea and supported with substantial evidence.

State the Main Idea: Start each paragraph with a topic sentence that introduces the main idea.

Provide Support: This can be in the form of facts, statistics, logical reasoning, or examples. It should convincingly back your main point.

Link to Your Opinion: Show how this point supports your overall opinion. This will tie your argument together and maintain a consistent perspective throughout the essay.

Crafting a Conclusion

Your conclusion provides closure and summarises the main points of your essay. Here's how to write an effective conclusion:

Restate Your Opinion: Reiterate your opinion to reinforce it in the reader's mind.

Summarise Main Points: Briefly revisit your main points to remind the reader of your arguments.

Do Not Introduce New Ideas: Your conclusion should only encapsulate the points made in your essay. Introducing new ideas can confuse the reader and dilute your argument.

Mastering each step of this process can ensure a well-crafted IELTS opinion essay that conveys your thoughts effectively and scores high.

IELTS Opinion Essay  Tips for a High Band

Acquiring an excellent IELTS score demands more than just understanding the basics. To truly excel and obtain a high score, you need to pay heed to these expert tips and tricks:

Maintain Formal Language

Formal and academic language is the bedrock of IELTS writing. This demonstrates your proficiency in English and your ability to use a wide range of vocabulary:

Avoid Slang: Slang and colloquial language should be avoided in your essay. They make your essay sound informal and can impact your score negatively.

Use Academic Vocabulary: Try to incorporate advanced and topic-specific vocabulary. This can show your language proficiency and earn you higher marks.

Follow Grammar Rules: Be sure to use proper grammar, including correct tense usage, subject-verb agreement, and accurate punctuation.

Consistency is Key

Your viewpoint in an IELTS opinion essay should be consistent throughout. This aids in creating a coherent and logical argument:

Maintain Your Stance: Your opinion should not fluctuate or contradict itself in the essay. A steady viewpoint makes your essay easier to follow and understand.

Link Ideas: Ensure that all your arguments and evidence clearly support your opinion. They should form a cohesive narrative that consistently upholds your stance.

Time Management

The IELTS writing section is time-bound, and effective time management can make the difference between a good and a great score:

Allocate Time Wisely: Break down your allotted time for Task 2 (usually 40 minutes) into segments for understanding the question, planning, writing, and revising.

Don't Overwrite: Stay within the recommended word limit (at least 250 words for Task 2). We usually recommends for going around 300 words. Remember, writing too many words, such as 350 or more, can eat into your time without necessarily earning you extra points.

Save Time for Proofreading: Always leave a few minutes towards the end to review your work. Look out for grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, or any ideas that could be expressed more clearly.

Keeping these tips and tricks in mind while writing your IELTS opinion essay can help you attain a high band score. Remember, practice implementing these strategies to become more comfortable and efficient when it's time for the actual test.

An IELTS Opinion Essay Band 9 Sample

To better illustrate all the strategies, tips, and structures discussed so far, let's look at a high-scoring IELTS opinion essay example. For more hundreds of band 9 sample essays, visit  here .

Some people think that developing countries need financial help from international organizations. Others, however, argue that countries should be left to resolve their economic issues independently.

Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

The global conundrum surrounding economic assistance extended to developing nations continues to ignite impassioned discussions among world policymakers. Diverse opinions float in this debate; one segment champions the cause of international aid, while another faction upholds the principle of self-reliance. As for my viewpoint, I posit that a judicious amalgamation of external support and indigenous initiatives presents the most advantageous solution for these nations' economic upliftment.

On one flank of the debate, endorsers of international assistance underscore the acute resource deficit confronting developing nations. They contend that socio-economic challenges such as widespread poverty, underdeveloped infrastructure, and limited educational access necessitate extensive capital investment, which often transcends these nations' fiscal capabilities. In this context, international organizations, with their resource abundance, can facilitate requisite financing for development-centric projects. Importantly, their assistance transcends monetary contributions, extending to invaluable expertise and technological exchange, significantly hastening these nations' developmental pace.

Conversely, detractors of international aid highlight its potential to engender dependency, thereby obstructing self-reliance. They assert that nations must navigate their economic difficulties independently, fostering a culture of sustainable growth. This perspective emphasizes that external aid can, at times, obscure pressing issues requiring immediate attention for long-term progress, such as corruption, bureaucratic inefficiency, and inadequate policy frameworks. Consequently, cultivating self-reliance can nudge nations towards systemic reformation, stimulating endogenous development.

To encapsulate, while international aid can offer a swift respite and a resources boost for developmental pursuits, endorsing self-reliance is instrumental in tackling the fundamental impediments to economic advancement. Thus, my conviction remains that a balanced methodology, marrying external assistance with internally driven reforms, emerges as the most sustainable antidote to the economic hurdles plaguing developing countries.

This example illustrates the structure of an IELTS opinion essay and demonstrates how to maintain a consistent perspective, provide supporting arguments, and use formal, academic language throughout.

Summary of the IELTS Opinion Essay Template

We've reached the end of our deep dive into the world of IELTS opinion essays, and we hope you're feeling a whole lot more prepared! From introducing you to our go-to "IELTS Opinion Essay Template" to breaking down each section, we've aimed to make this a one-stop shop for all your essay needs.

In a nutshell, a killer introduction sets the stage, where you rephrase the question and let your opinion shine. Your body paragraphs are the meat of your essay, where you back up your viewpoint with solid arguments and examples. And don't forget that grand finale, the conclusion, where you tie it all together.

If you’re looking for even more insider tips, you can't go wrong with our eBook . It’s like having an IELTS mentor right in your pocket! Plus, if you want real-time feedback on your writing, consider our Essay Correction Service . We offer personalized advice, a band 9 sample response, and tips to level up your essay game.

Remember, the secret ingredient to acing this is practice. The more you use our template and outline across various topics, the better you'll get at crafting essays that not only sound great but also score big.

So there you have it! With this guide and a bit of practice, you're well on your way to becoming an IELTS opinion essay pro. Happy writing, and best of luck on your IELTS journey!

Ultimate Guide to Writing an Opinion Essay

An opinion essay is often given to students at all levels of schooling. In this type of essay, the writer has to say what they think about a certain topic or issue and back up their point with evidence and examples. Students should learn how to write opinion essays because they teach them how to think critically and how to explain and defend a point of view. Opinion essays are an important part of academic writing, but they are also a great way to learn persuasive communication skills that you can use in your personal and professional life. This article will tell you everything you need to know about how to write an opinion essay. It will also give you 50 examples and ideas to help you get started. We will talk about the basic structure of an opinion essay and how to make a strong argument and back it up with facts and examples.

This guide will give you the tools you need to learn how to write a good opinion essay, whether you are a student looking to improve your academic writing or a professional looking to improve your persuasive communication skills .

What You'll Learn

Understanding Opinion Essays

Opinion essays are a type of academic writing in which the writer has to say what they think about a certain topic or issue. In an opinion essay, the writer should back up their point of view with evidence and examples and try to get the reader to agree with them. The point of opinion essays is to teach students how to think critically and talk in a way that makes others want to agree with them. If students want to do well in school, on the job, and in their personal lives, they need to have these skills. Opinion essays are different from descriptive or narrative essays because the writer has to take a clear stance on a certain topic and back up their claim with evidence and examples. It’s also important to have a clear thesis statement that explains the writer’s point of view.

Elements of an Opinion Essay

An opinion essay typically includes the following elements:

1. Introduction paragraph : The introduction should grab the reader’s attention and provide background information on the topic. It should also include a clear thesis statement that outlines the writer’s position.

2. Body paragraphs: The body of the essay should provide supporting evidence and examples to support the writer’s argument. Each paragraph should focus on a single point and should begin with a topic sentence that relates back to the thesis statement .

3. Supporting evidence and examples: It is important to use evidence and examples to support the writer’s argument. This can include statistics, facts, quotes, and personal experiences.

4. Counter arguments: It’s also important to address counter arguments or opposing viewpoints in an opinion essay. This shows the reader that the writer has considered alternative perspectives and has still arrived at their own position. Addressing counter arguments can also strengthen the writer’s position by showing that they have thought critically about the issue .

5. Conclusion paragraph: The conclusion should summarize the main points of the essay and restate the thesis statement . It should also leave the reader with a final thought or call to action.

Opinion essays are an important genre of academic writing that require critical thinking and persuasive communication skills. To write an effective opinion essay, it is important to have a clear thesis statement , use supporting evidence and examples, address counter arguments, and provide a strong conclusion. By mastering the elements of an opinion essay, students can develop their writing skills and become more effective communicators.

Opinion Essay Structure and Outline

Let’s look at an example of an opinion essay to comprehensively understand the structure of an opinion essay

The Impacts of Globalization on Local Economies

Globalization has become a heated topic of debate, with many differing perspectives on its effects. In this persuasive essay, I will form an opinion and provide a point of view on how globalization impacts local economies. As college students interested in reading different viewpoints, you’ll learn about writing an effective opinion piece.

To begin an opinion essay, the most important thing is to establish a clear thesis stating the main argument or belief. My thesis is: While globalization creates economic opportunities through trade and investment, it also poses challenges for local businesses trying to compete with larger multinational corporations. Both the positive potentials and negative pressures of globalization must be carefully considered.

The body of your opinion essay should logically organize evidence to support your stated perspective. One key benefit of globalization is giving local producers access to international markets, strengthening export revenues. Trade agreements facilitate selling goods and services across borders. Additionally, foreign direct investment from multinational companies can create new jobs and transfer technology/skills.

However, globalization also exposes local businesses to heightened competition which can be challenging for smaller firms. They may struggle to match the economies of scale, resources, and distribution networks of huge conglomerates. Domestic companies must innovate to avoid losing market share. There are also concerns about job losses if companies move production overseas.

While globalization allows corporations to efficiently manage worldwide supply chains and operations, this same flexibility enables circumventing local labor laws and taxes. Developing nations may engage in regulatory undercutting to attract investment, harming worker rights and the environment. Governments must strike a careful balance.

In crafting this opinion essay, I defined key concepts related to globalization’s impacts through examples local and international companies. Drawing on evidence from both sides strengthened my argument that globalization has significant trade-offs for local economies. For writers and students, seeing exactly how an opinion essay is structured with a clear thesis, body paragraphs explaining the perspective, and consideration of counterpoints can serve as a useful exercise.

Ultimately, opinion essays require logically organizing one’s thoughts and reasoning on a particular topic. Drafting an outline first, and then revising and proofreading, will improve the flow and persuasiveness. While all viewpoints are important to acknowledge, a good opinion piece persuades readers toward the author’s stance through a crystal clear thesis and well-supported arguments.

This basic opinion essay provides a simple guide on how to write persuasively about globalization’s effects. By establishing a position, giving evidence pro and con, defining key terms, and directly addressing the prompt of analyzing local economic impacts, the goal is to help the reader understand both sides while making a case for the writer’s perspective. For college students starting to pen opinion pieces, examples like this can strengthen essential academic writing skills.

Writing Process of an Opinion Essay

Writing an opinion essay requires careful planning and organization. Here are the steps to follow when writing an opinion essay:

1. Pre-writing strategies: Before you start writing, it’s important to brainstorm ideas and gather information on your topic . This can include researching your topic , making a list of arguments and counterarguments, and creating a mind map or outline.

2. Outlining an opinion essay : Once you have gathered your ideas, create an outline to organize your thoughts and develop a clear structure for your essay . Your outline should include an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

3. Writing the introduction: The introduction should grab the reader’s attention and provide some background information on the topic. It should end with a thesis statement that clearly states your position on the issue.

4. Developing body paragraphs: The body of the essay should provide supporting evidence and examples to support your argument. Each paragraph should focus on a single point and should begin with a topic sentence that relates back to the thesis statement.

5. Using evidence and examples to support your argument: Use evidence and examples to support your argument. This can include statistics, facts, quotes, and personal experiences.

6. Addressing counter arguments: It’s important to address counterarguments or opposing viewpoints in an opinion essay. This shows the reader that you have considered alternative perspectives and have still arrived at your own position. Addressing counter arguments can also strengthen your position by showing that you have thought critically about the issue.

7. Writing the conclusion: The conclusion should summarize the main points of your essay and restate your thesis statement . It should also leave the reader with a final thought or call to action.

Tips and Techniques for Writing a Strong Opinion Essay

To write a strong opinion essay, follow these tips and techniques:

1. Writing with clarity and precision: Use clear and concise language to express your ideas. Avoid using too many complex words or phrases that may confuse the reader.

2. Crafting an effective thesis statement: Your thesis statement should be clear and concise, and it should clearly state your position on the issue.

3. Using transitional words and phrases: Use transitional words and phrases to connect your ideas and make your essay flow smoothly. Examples include “however,” “on the other hand,” and “in addition.”

4. Avoiding logical fallacies: Logical fallacies are errors in reasoning that can weaken your argument. Examples include ad hominem attacks, straw man arguments, and false causality.

5. Editing and proofreading: After you have written your essay, take the time to edit and proofread it carefully. Look for spelling and grammar errors, and make sure that your ideas are presented clearly and logically.

Writing an opinion essay requires careful planning, organization, and attention to detail. By following the steps outlined above and using the tips and techniques provided, you can craft a strong and persuasive opinion essay that effectively communicates your position on the issue at hand.

10 Opinion Essay Examples

To help you understand what makes a strong opinion essay, here are 10 examples of well-written opinion essays, along with a detailed analysis of what makes each essay effective:

1. “The Benefits of a Vegetarian Diet” by Jane Smith

2. The Importance of Early Childhood Education” by John Doe

3. The Negative Effects of Social Media on Teenagers” by Sarah Johnson

4. The Pros and Cons of Online Learning” by Tom Brown

5. “The Need for Stricter Gun Control Laws” by Emily Davis

6. “The Ethics of Animal Testing” by Rachel Lee

7. The Benefits of Exercise for Mental Health” by David Nguyen

8. “The Importance of Diversity in the Workplace” by Maria Hernandez

9. The Harmful Effects of Plastic Pollution on the Environment” by Alex Lee

10. The Need for Universal Healthcare in the United States” by Samantha Jones

Each of these essays effectively communicates the writer’s position on a particular issue and provides strong supporting evidence and examples. By analyzing these essays , you can learn important lessons about how to effectively structure and develop an opinion essay.

50 Opinion Essay Topics That Will Impress Your Professors

To help you choose a topic for your opinion essay, here are 50 unique and engaging opinion essay topics that are relevant and important:

1. The impact of social media on interpersonal communication

2. The benefits and drawbacks of homeschooling

3. The role of technology in modern education

4. The need for stricter penalties for hate crimes

5. The impact of climate change on the global economy

6. The ethics of genetically modified foods

7. The impact of automation on jobs and the workforce

8. The effects of video games on children’s behavior

9. The need for better mental health support in schools

10. The benefits and drawbacks of remote work

11. The impact of social media on mental health

12. The need for stronger anti-bullying policies in schools

13. The effects of the gig economy on workers’ rights

14. The benefits and drawbacks of artificial intelligence

15. The impact of fast fashion on the environment

16. The ethics of animal agriculture

17. The need for more affordable housing in urban areas

18. The impact of immigration on local communities

19. The effects of screen time on children’s development

20. The need for stronger gun control laws

21. The impact of social media on political discourse

22. The benefits and drawbacks of renewable energy sources

23. The need for stronger anti-discrimination laws

24. The effects of legalization of marijuana on society

25. The impact of automation on the environment

26. The ethics of human cloning

27. The need for more accessible healthcare in rural areas

28. The effects of income inequality on society

29. The benefits and drawbacks of online dating

30. The impact of virtual reality on society

31. The need for stronger data privacy laws

32. The ethics of artificial intelligence in decision-making

33. The effects of social media on democracy

34. The impact of globalization on local economies

35. The benefits and drawbacks of autonomous vehicles

36. The need for stronger measures to combat cyberbullying

37. The effects of air pollution on public health

38. The ethics of euthanasia and assisted suicide

39. The impact of the sharing economy on traditional industries

40. The need for better access to mental health care for veterans

41. The benefits and drawbacks of cryptocurrency

42. The impact of space exploration on society

43. The ethics of gene editing

44. The need for stronger measures to combat human trafficking

45. The effects of social media on body image and self-esteem

46. The impact of automation on the future of work

47. The benefits and drawbacks of a cashless society

48. The need for stronger measures to combat domestic violence

49. The effects of social media on relationships

50. The impact of artificial intelligence on education

Choose a topic for your opinion essay that is important to you and about which you have strong feelings. Use the ideas and tips in this article to come up with a strong argument and back it up with proof and examples . With these tools, you can write a great opinion essay that will impress your professors and get your point across clearly.

1. What is the difference between an opinion essay and a persuasive essay?

An opinion essay and a persuasive essay are similar in that they both require the writer to express their viewpoint on a particular topic or issue. However, a persuasive essay is more focused on convincing the reader to take a particular action or adopt a particular viewpoint, while an opinion essay is more focused on expressing the writer’s personal perspective on the issue.

2. Can I include personal anecdotes in my opinion essay?

Yes, personal anecdotes can be a powerful tool for supporting your argument and making your essay more engaging. However, it’s important to ensure that your anecdotes are relevant to the topic and that they support your overall argument .

3. How do I address counterarguments in my essay?

To address counterarguments in your essay, consider presenting them in a separate paragraph or section of your essay . Then, explain why you disagree with the counterargument and provide evidence and examples to support your position.

4. How do I choose a topic for my opinion essay?

Choose a topic that you are passionate about and that you have a strong opinion on. Consider current events , social issues, or topics related to your field of study.

5. What is the recommended length for an opinion essay?

The length of an opinion essay can vary depending on the assignment requirements. However, a typical opinion essay is usually around 500-800 words.

6. What are some common mistakes to avoid when writing an opinion essay?

When writing an opinion essay, some common mistakes to avoid are not having a clear thesis statement, using weak or irrelevant evidence to back up your argument, not addressing counterarguments, and not proofreading your essay for mistakes. It’s important to take the time to carefully plan and edit your essay to make sure it clearly shows your point of view and gives strong evidence and examples to back up your argument.

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An opinion essay is a type of essay that presents the writer's personal viewpoint on a particular issue. It is a form of persuasive writing that aims to convince the reader of the validity of the writer's opinion. Students should clearly state their standpoint and provide supporting evidence to persuade the reader.

An opinion essay as well as a diagnostic essay is something every student will eventually meet. And let’s not question that statement. It is our opinion, and it shall be proved in this guide. But here is where it can get tricky. How can one write such a type of work? You’re always expected to get excellent results, but information about academic writing is rather limited. Or perhaps it’s not limited, but it is written in a highly complicated way. So continue on this journey with our service delivering college essay help , and you will definitely nail the writing of any article, especially the opinion one.

What Is an Opinion Essay?

What does it even mean to write an opinion essay ? Well, it is a very good question, so thank you for asking. This article is a formal piece of writing that presents your point of view on a specific question or subject. More importantly, you have to use the academic devices required for this type of writing. This article usually uses evidence to prove your point or an argument. You can also use examples or any piece of information that would prove that your opinion is actually correct and worthy of remembering. In other words, here you have to prove your point, and that’s all. Before writing this kind of task, browse topics for an opinion essay  and choose the best one for yourself.

Opinion Essay Structure

Writing an opinion essay also involves a very specific structure. Although it may not be dramatically different from other articles, we still want to go step-by-step through creating such a piece of writing together. Keep in mind that we need a clear structure to effectively prove our point. That is why you also would require an outline and planning of all of your paragraphs. Trust us; it will help you a lot in the future, save time and deliver better results. Also, don’t forget that we provide stellar writing assistance for students who ask ‘ write my college essay for me .’

Opinion Essay: Introduction

How to start an opinion essay? Well, you should definitely start strong. The first paragraph of any article is usually an introduction. It includes something eye-catching or the so-called hook. There you can also include a thesis statement which is usually your last sentence of this paragraph. For example, you want to prove that Marvel comics are better than DC ones. Many people might not share your opinion. So you have to prove it.  Your introduction might start with statistics, for example. So answer the question of how many people actually write comics of these brands. In the middle of the paragraph, you can slowly lead into your thesis. In this case, our thesis will state that marvel comics are usually more beloved for light tones, their cinematic universe, and character development.

Opinion Essay: Argument/Reason

An opinion essay obviously involves an argument you’re trying to prove. But try to come up with not one but two or more likely three different arguments that will defend your initial thesis statement. You should also keep in mind that each argument or reason needs its own evidence. He can use statistics, academic sources, or anything relevant to your subject. For example, we are still researching marvel comics and rivals. Our three main arguments state that their comics are more fun, popular because of the cinematic universe and character development. Therefore, we need to provide evidence for each of our reasons like an argumentative essay writer would do. Here we can definitely use comments from fans, statistics from the cinemas, and several comic book arcs of our favorite characters.

Opinion Essay: Supporting Evidence

Writing an opinion essay requires looking for bulletproof evidence, as we said before. But what do we mean by saying evidence?  For example, there are many examples of good evidence that you can use. Usually, researchers try to reach an essay conclusion by quoting an academic paper. Those things are peer-reviewed and contain truthful data. You can also use graphics and statistical data if they fit your research question. Basically, anything that can be trusted will do. However, try not to quote such websites as Wikipedia or non-governmental pages. Your readers will not believe or support your argument if they can tell whether data is trustworthy.

Opinion Essay: Conclusion

How to write a conclusion paragraph for an opinion essay? That was a journey, but it is our last question. Surprisingly enough, this article is not that challenging to understand. Nevertheless, the conclusion is a final opportunity to wrap up all of your points and remind the readers of the main argument of your paper.

For example: as our thesis stated that Marvel comics are the best, we should definitely rewrite this statement for the first sentence of our conclusion. This is the best way to highlight your argument. You can definitely include your own opinion. Also, don’t forget to leave some peace of mind hinting at future research or possible opportunities.

How to Write an Opinion Essay: Tips

We have just covered how to write an opinion essay. But of course, we couldn’t leave you without different tricks and tips for students. So here they are:

• Start with the strongest argument first (it’s like throwing the first punch in the fight. You have to show all of your cards at once).
• Never use a question for an essay title (it is a general rule of writing in public cystic that question and title must be answered with “yes”).
• Try using the active voice (it is simply more convincing this way).
• Don’t overcomplicate things (You’re still writing for readers who must understand you).
• Don’t repeat yourself (with a lot of repetitions, our text might seem slightly dull).

Opinion Essay Examples

We also are here to give you the best possible opinion essay example. We know how hard it is to sometimes understand the theory. So you should definitely use our provided sample to refer to a guide and check what is actually meant. Besides, you can print it out and save it somewhere for inspiration. Go ahead and check the sample down below!

Final Thoughts on Writing Opinion Essay

Congratulations, because now you know everything there is about the opinion essay. We hope that all of the information that we have compiled will help you in your future academic life. Also, don’t hesitate to practice at writing essays . Making mistakes is more than all right, and only by practicing can you succeed.

If you're interested in honing your persuasive writing skills beyond opinion essays, our blog post on how to write an editorial is a must-read.

Our essay writing service is always here. How writers are brilliant in making excellent papers and delivering them in time. Buy a persuasive essay or any other type of writing to get a high grade effortless!

Daniel Howard is an Essay Writing guru. He helps students create essays that will strike a chord with the readers.

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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

        or

• 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

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IELTS Opinion Essay Sample Questions

Below are some IELTS opinion essay sample questions which can come in writing task 2. Another name for these essays is argumentative essays.

Opinion Essays Tips

• spend at least 5 minutes analysing the words and ideas in the statement
• make sure your answer is a complete answer which addresses all parts of the task
• give a clear opinion
• stay true to your opinion throughout your essay
• follow a safe opinion essay model

Opinion Essay Questions

“Prevention is better than cure”. Researching and treating diseases is too costly so it would be better to invest in preventative measures. To what extent do you agree.

With the increased global demand in oil and gas, undiscovered areas of the world should be opened up to access more resources. To what extent do you agree?

We live in a world of technology these days. While the internet brings with it clear advantages, the problems in terms of control and security of information outweighs the advantages. To what extent do you agree?

In many countries today, parents are able to choose to send their children to single-sex schools or co-educational schools. Some people think that children going to single-sex schools have disadvantages later in life. To what extent do you agree?

Scientists and technology experts seem to be more valued by modern society than musicians and artists. To what extent do you agree?

Some people think that success is the best measure for intelligence, while others think that intelligence can be measured in other ways. What is your opinion?

The growing number of overweight  people is putting a strain on the health care system in an effort to deal with the health issues involved. Some people think that the best way to deal with this problem is to introduce more physical education lessons in the school curriculum. To what extent do you agree or disagree? CLICK HERE: MODEL ESSAY

Some people believe that men and women are equal and so women should be able to do any job they want. Others feel that men and women are not equal and therefore there are certain jobs which are not suitable for women. What is your opinion?

Some people think that more money should be spent on protecting endangered species while others think it is a waste of valuable money. What is your opinion?

Other IELTS Essay Questions

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• Solution Essay Questions
• Direct Questions Essay Titles
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Opinion Essays [IELTS Writing Task 2]

Posted by David S. Wills | Nov 14, 2022 | IELTS Tips , Writing | 1

In the past, I have explained how to answer each type of IELTS writing task 2 question and today we are going to look at a set of question types called “opinion essays.”

What do I mean by this? Well, generally we divide IELTS essays into 5 categories:

• Agree or Disagree
• Advantages and Disadvantages
• Problem (or Cause) and Solution
• Discuss both views
• Two-part Question

Sometimes, people call the first one “opinion essays” but I don’t like that term because actually other question types also call for your opinion. Therefore, I think of “opinion essay” as a term that covers several question types.

Let’s look at this topic in more detail.

What is an Opinion Essay?

To put it as simply as possible, an opinion essay is an essay that gives an opinion. In the context of IELTS, that means giving your opinion about a stated topic.

I mentioned above that there are several question types that could require you to give an opinion. These are most common:

• Agree or disagree
• Advantages and disadvantages
• Two-part questions

This is why it’s important to read a question carefully rather than just scan for keywords and then begin writing.

Of these, the agree/disagree and discuss both views question types are always going to require an opinion, but for the others you need to read more carefully. A two-part question, for example, might ask your opinion as the second question, but it won’t always do this.

Note that most advantage and disadvantage questions do not require your opinion but some do. If they ask you whether or not the advantages of something outweigh the disadvantages, then clearly you are required to give an opinion.

How to Write an Opinion Essay

As with all IELTS writing task 2 essays, you need to do several things:

• Read the question carefully in order to analyse it
• Think of a reasonable answer
• Create a coherent structure
• Put your ideas forth clearly and consistently
• Use appropriate language

That’s about as simply as I can put it for you, but let’s explore further.

First of all, any time you are given an IELTS task, you need to read it carefully and analyse it so that you truly understand the question. Some are quite straightforward but others are very difficult. ( Here’s a video about what I think is the most difficult question.)

One of the problems with opinion essays is that you won’t necessarily be asked to “give your opinion.” You will have to use common sense in order to determine whether your opinion is required. Some words that could indicate an opinion are:

Do you agree or disagree?

• To what extent do you agree?
• Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
• What do you think…?

Remember: If you are asked for an opinion, then give one. If you aren’t, then don’t. Failure to interpret the question properly would lead to a poor score.

You then need to think of a response and write about it using intelligent ideas. As you are giving an opinion, you need to justify your viewpoint. One big mistake here is failing to be consistent. For example, some people do not put their opinion into their introductions. This would mean that your score for Task Response would be quite low. Really, you ought to include your opinion in the outline sentence , then explain it in the body paragraphs, and finally reiterate it in the conclusion .

Although it’s possible to produce a good structure in different ways, an excellent IELTS essay will probably look like this:

For more general information about writing a great IELTS task 2 essay, see this article .

How to Start an Opinion Essay

A good essay should begin with a good introduction. There are various ways to achieve this, but in IELTS writing task 2 that means introducing the topic and stating your opinion clearly. I’ve written at length about how to write a good introduction here .

Think of your introduction as having two key components:

• Introduce the topic
• Give your opinion

You can do that in two or three sentences. It isn’t hugely important. However, you must achieve both of those things.

When you introduce the topic, you basically aim to convey the main idea to your reader. A lot of people just paraphrase the question but this isn’t always a good idea. In fact, paraphrasing more often than not leads to big problems in language and logic.

Still, you want to convey the idea in the question and that does mean taking an idea and putting it into your own words. For example:

All cars that burn fossil fuels should be banned and electric cars should replace them. Do you agree or disagree?

In my introduction to this opinion essay, I would write:

During the twentieth century, people around the world began using vehicles powered by fossil fuels, and in this new millennium that trend has continued, with a vast uptick in the number of privately owned cars. However, it has become apparent that this phenomenon is causing major environmental damage and needs to be stopped. This essay will argue that humans ought to switch to electric cars.

This is a little complex, but what you can see is that I have used two sentences to introduce and explain the main idea and then one sentence to put forth my opinion.

Beware: Your introduction should not be too long. This is an example of a band 9 essay. It uses complex language and structures to convey intelligent ideas. If your introduction is longer than your body paragraphs, it is not a good sign.

Opinion Essay Structure

When writing an opinion essay, you should keep the structure simple and use it to convey your ideas as logically as possible. There are different ways to do this effectively, but I generally recommend a four-paragraph essay structure. (You can read about 4 vs 5 paragraphs here .)

It is hard to generalise because your structure will ultimately be dictated by your opinion and that is something personal. However, you should use your essay to state your opinion in the most effective way. For example, if you strongly agree with something, you might create the following structure:

This is a basic structure but can be used very easily. Of course, if you totally disagree, you can replace “agree” with “disagree” and use the same structure.

It is also possible (but not required) to write a balanced essay that neither wholly agrees nor disagrees with an idea. In such cases, you would need to modify your structure a little. For example:

As long as you make this clear, there should be no problem and you would stand to get a good score for Coherence and Cohesion . One big mistake that occurs here is that people start by saying they have a balanced opinion, then they mostly explain one side of the issue, leaving the reader a bit confused. If you want to give balance, then make sure your body paragraphs are fairly even.

Using the above question (about electric cars), I would create the following essay structure:

You can read my answer in the next sentence:

Opinion Essay Example

Sample question.

All cars that burn fossil fuels should be banned and electric cars should replace them.

Sample Answer

The damage done by traditional style cars is obvious. One only needs to look at a big city like Beijing or Los Angeles to see the vast smog clouds lingering over highways to recognize that these vehicles are emitting unpleasant chemicals from their exhausts. Scientific studies over the past few decades have confirmed that these chemicals cause significant damage to our health and our environment, as they turn into acid rain or are inhaled into our lungs, where they cause certain types of cancer. This is in addition to the fact that fossil fuels are a finite resource, and that their extraction from the earth is often incredibly destructive.

On the other hand, electricity can be generated in any number of ways, many of which are relatively harmless. It is possible to generate electricity from the wind or sun, thereby gathering energy without damaging the earth or causing harm to human beings. As an infinite source of energy that can be gathered and used without harm, it is obvious that electricity is the power that should drive cars in the future.

In conclusion, traditionally powered vehicles are destroying our world and need to be phased out in favour of electric vehicles. Electricity can be generated harmlessly and endlessly and is therefore superior to fossil fuel.

When it comes to writing opinion essays, you need to make sure you understand the question, then formulate an appropriate response. You should devise an intelligent structure that allows you to convey your ideas clearly and consistently throughout the whole essay. Make sure that your ideas are realistic and try to avoid being overly complex as this could create further problems.

It is worth reading articles about common IELTS topics in order to prepare for this sort of essay. These can teach you both vocabulary and ideas. They can also help with coherence. For example, you could Google “electric cars” and find an article there. The recent one was published in the New York Times.

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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• Essay Task 2

IELTS Writing Task 2: Opinion Essays- Benchmark IELTS

• Essay Types
• Double Question
• Advantage Disadvantage
• Problem Solution
• Essay Length

Opinion essays are a very common writing task 2 essay type. As you would expect from the name, you need to write a well-structured IELTS writing essay topics that give your opinion. We’ve put together a guide with everything you need to know to write a great IELTS writing task 2 opinion essay. Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

1.1 understanding the question, 1.2 example opinion questions.

• Essay Structure for Opinion Essays
• 3.1 Identify key words and phrases

3.2 Organise your ideas

3.3 identify vocabulary, 4.1 introduction, 4.2 main body paragraphs, 4.3 conclusion.

• 5.1 Complete the sample opinion essay

5.2 Opinion Sample Essay

1. opinion essay overview.

An opinion essay is also known as an agree or disagree essay . As with all writing task 2 essays, you will have 40 minutes to write at least 250 words .

Read on to find out how to produce a great opinion essay.

It is important that you first understand what writing task 2 essay question you have been given before you start writing. The type of essay question you get will slightly change the structure of your essay.

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

• Advantage/disadvantage
• Double question
• Problem/solution

You will be given an IELTS statement and a question . Here are some common questions/sentence starters that tell you that you have been given an opinion essay:

• What is your opinion
• Do you think…

To what extent do you agree?

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

• Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

The main aims of this type of essay are:

• Choose one side of the argument
• To state your opinion about a given topic
• Support your opinion with clear reasons and examples

A common mistake test takers make when writing an opinion essay is that they treat it like an advantage/disadvantage essay and try to write about both sides of the argument in detail (see our guide on advantage/disadvantage essays and compare the difference).

For an opinion essay, you need to pick a side : it does not matter which side of the argument you choose, just pick the one that you can develop the best argument for.

However, you should briefly acknowledge the other side of the argument, and will show you how to do this in your introduction , main body paragraphs, and conclusion .

You should not give reasons to support the opposing argument , only support one side with reasons and examples.

Make it clear to the examiner what your opinion is from the beginning to the end of your essay (this is called a thesis-led approach: leading with your opinion).

Here are some example opinion writing task 2 questions to help you recognize them in the IELTS exam:

Some people think that more money should be spent on protecting endangered species while others think it is a waste of valuable money.

What is your opinion?

Also, read the following IELTS Essay Writing Guides

• IELTS Discussion Type Questions
• Double Question IELTS Essay Topics
• IELTS Advantage Disadvantage Essay Type
• Problem Solution IELTS Writing Task Statement

Systems of funding university education are different from country to country. While some countries charge students for studying at university, others offer university education for free.

Do you think students should pay for higher education?

Every school system in the world includes regular tests and exams, and many people think that it is important for students to take lots of exams.

Children should not start school until the age of six or seven because they need to have more time to play and develop before they go to school.

Scientists and technology experts seem to be more valued by modern society than musicians and artists.

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2. Essay Structure for Opinion Essays

Although there is more than one way you could choose to structure your essay, we have provided you with a foolproof structure you can always use for opinion essays to score highly in Coherence and cohesion , as well as address all parts of the task to do well in Task achievement :

3. Planning your Opinion Essay

Don’t skip this step! Taking 5 minutes to plan your essay could be the difference between your desired score and a missed opportunity.

3.1 Identify keywords and phrases

By identifying the topic of your essay, you are making sure that you are going to write about the correct topic and not go off-course. Test takers that rush and panic can make the mistake of writing about a completely different topic to the one they have been asked to write about. Don’t be one of those test taskers and make a plan !

Let’s take a look at the question for our sample answer where we have underlined the topic words:

The topic words are underlined and show the general topic of this essay question is protecting endangered species .

Now that we have identified the topic sentence, we should also look for any other keywords or phrases that give more information about the topic. Look at the words in bold below:

Some people think that more money should be spent on protecting endangered species while others think it is a waste of valuable money .

So this question is not only asking you to give your opinion on protecting endangered species, but also the amount of money that is spent on this cause.

A test taker that had only addressed the first point would likely have scored poorly in Task achievement.

There are so many ways you could choose to organize your ideas. We have chosen to note down our ideas by paragraph:

We give more note taking and idea generation tips in  Master Guide for IELTS writing task 2 .

If any useful IELTS vocabulary for writing comes to mind during the planning process, it is useful to write it down so you don’t forget (remember to cross out any notes or planning before the end of the 40 minutes so the examiner does not mark this as your essay).

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4. Writing your Opinion Essay

Paraphrasing means being able to write something in your own words without changing the meaning . This is an essential skill needed for the IELTS exam, especially writing task 2.

There is no one right way to paraphrase an IELTS statement. You could choose to use synonyms or parallel expressions (phrases with more than one word but have the same meaning). You could also change the sentence structure, but make sure it is still grammatically correct. Another paraphrase technique is to change a word class, for example, a noun to a verb form.

Take a look at our example, can you see the main changes we have made?

Although this is a formal essay, you are still allowed the use of the first person ‘I’ and ‘my’, you will need to use this when giving your opinion (just don’t over-do it).

Notice that in this example, the opinion has been clearly stated whilst presenting both sides of the argument :

Opinion: However, my view is that more government funding should be used for wildlife conservation.

Other side of the argument:  It is argued by some that the protection of endangered animals is wasteful.

Not all sample essays will show this, but you can choose to briefly state what your essay will do, for example:

This essay will explain my opinion in more detail.

Now let’s move on to the main body paragraphs.

A topic sentence is usually found at the beginning of your paragraph. This should give the reader the main idea of your paragraph in one sentence.

Here are two examples taken from the sample answer:

• One reason that I believe more money should be spent on the conservation of wildlife is that animals are an essential part of maintaining the health of an ecosystem.
• Another reason to support spending on wildlife protection is that it also benefits humanity.

The start of your sentence indicates to the reader that you are clearly stating a reason for your opinion and that you are going to develop this idea throughout the paragraph.

You could also choose to start your topic sentence with the following structures:

• One reason that I believe…
• One argument in favor of… is that…
• The main reason that I think…
• Another reason to second…. (note that second here means ‘ to agree with an idea ’ )

You could also use the grammatical structure ‘ Not only… but also…’ to avoid repetition and put emphasis on the second reason, for example:

Not only does spending money on conservation help the animal kingdom, but it also benefits society as a whole.

Not only will preventing the extinction of species help the animals themselves, but it will also have a positive effect on the quality of air, water, and agricultural land.

As this is an opinion essay, it is essential that you use a range of phrases to give your opinion. Far too often, candidates just repeat the phrase ‘In my opinion…’ Here are some other sentence starters you can use to impress the examiner

• My point is that…
• I am of the opinion that…
• My argument is that…
• As far as I am concerned,…
• In my view…

Your conclusion is a very important part of your essay. You need to restate your opinion (in different words than your introduction) as well as choose the most convincing argument from your essay.

Remember to also briefly mention the other side of the argument to show the examiner that you understand there are two sides and you have clearly chosen one.

Here is a useful structure to do this:

Although it is true that… on balance I believe that/ I am of the view that/ another opinion phrase)…

And here is the full example from our sample essay :

… although it is true that there are valuable uses for funding that could aid environmental protection, on balance I am of the opinion that governments should invest in the protection of endangered species.

5. Example Opinion Essay and Exercise

Now it’s time to test your knowledge about IELTS writing task 2 opinion essays. We’ve created a model answer, but removed some of the keywords and phrases.

You need to select the correct missing words and complete the model answer. Good luck!

5.1 Complete the Sample Opinion Essay

These days, the number of species facing extinction is growing, and as a result,  a larger number of people are becoming involved in environmental issues.  It is argued by some that the protection of endangered animals is wasteful. However, my view is that more government funding should be used for wildlife conservation. This essay will explain my opinion in more detail.

One reason that I believe more money should be spent on the conservation of wildlife is that animals are an essential part of maintaining the health of an ecosystem. If a species becomes endangered, it signals that an ecosystem is out of balance. As a result, the loss of one species may trigger the loss of others and may lead to irreversible consequences for the animal kingdom.

Another reason to support spending on wildlife protection is that it also benefits humanity. For example, if the ecosystem is out of balance then the health of the environment is also negatively affected, for example, the loss of wildlife can affect the quality of clean water and air for a population. In addition, the fertility of agricultural land may also be reduced with the loss of certain species. Having said that, there are those that argue that this is a costly and inefficient use of public funds. They think that money would be better spent on other schemes such as renewable energy projects.

In conclusion, having looked at the topic in detail, although it is true that there are valuable uses for funding that could aid environmental protection, on balance I am of the opinion that governments should invest in the protection of endangered species. The main reason is that the protection of wildlife will not only benefit the animal kingdom, but also the human race and the environment we inhabit.

2 thoughts on “IELTS Writing Task 2: Opinion Essays- Benchmark IELTS”

Hey. Thanks for a great material. I have one concern though. In the ” common questions in opinion essay” part, you mentioned this question ” Discuss both view and give your opinion.” But isn’t it included to the “Discussion essays”??

Hi, I just wanted to ask this question cuz it made to think about it thoroughly.

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IELTS Opinion Writing Samples Band 9

Task 2 ; --- childhood obesity is an increasing problem in australia as many as two thirds of children are now obese. schools have a responsibility to monitor what their students eat and the amount of exercise they do. to what extend do you agree to this statement, virtual reality should be used as a tool for therapeutic interventions and mental health treatments. to what extent do you agree or disagree, some people think that human needs for farmland, housing, and industry are more important than saving land for endangered animals. do you agree or disagree with this point of view, nowadays environmental problems are too big to be managed by individual persons or individual countries. in other words, it is an international problem. to what extent do you agree or disagree, some people think that instead of preventing climate change, we need to find a way to live with it. to what extent do you agree or disagree, both government investment in public transport systems and reductions in public transport ticket prices would help to reduce transport pollution greatly. do you agree or disagree with this statement, as well as making money, businesses also have social responsibilities. to what extent do you agree or disagree, aircraft have been increasingly used to transport fruit and vegetables to some countries where such plants hardly grow or are out of season. some people consider it a good idea, but some people oppose itdiscuss both views and give your opinion., first impressions are important. some people think that doing well in interviews is the key to securing a good job. to what extent do you agree, in many countries around the world, rural people are moving to cities, so the population in the countryside is decreasing. do you think this is a positive or a negative development give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience., the current trend in education is to move away from traditional exams and instead have continuous assessment over the school year what did you think of this trend , some people believe that technology has made man more social. to what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion, some people believe that modern technology is increasing the gap between rich and poor, while others disagree and say that it is helping reduce the gap. discuss both views and give your own opinion., the crime rate nowadays is decreasing compared to the past due to advanced technology which can prevent and solve the crime. do you agree or disagree, some people say that parents have the most important role in a child development. however, others argue that other things like television or friends have the most significant influence. discuss both views and give your opinion., it is widely believed that children of different levels of intelligence should be taught together, while others think that more intelligent children should be taught separately. discuss and present your opinion., the best way to solve the world’s environmental problems is to increase the cost of fuel. do you agree or disagree with this view, it is common aspiration among many young people to run their own business, rather than work for an employer. do you think the advantages of working for yourself outweigh the drawbacks, a person should never make an important decision alone. do you agree or disagree with this following statement, some children spend hours every day on their smartphones. why is this the case do you think this is a positive or a negative development.

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Opinion Essay Example, Guidelines and Outline: Get A+ in 2018 – 2019

Whether we voice them or not, we all have opinions about just about anything. How about expressing your opinion in formal writing? Usually, I provide my students at Homework Lab with opinion essay examples as such papers  dramatically contrast with all the other academic writing tasks .  After college and high-school tutors train students to avoid first-person speech, use excessive citation and stick to academic language style, opinion essays entirely disrupt their writing habits.

At the end of this article, you will find my model examples with references  — it was successfully used to teach yet 26 students to deal with opinion essays 👇. Before that, I will explain all the rules and tricks that make opinion essays special and provide some excellent topics that rock. Are you ready to book your A+ for your paper?

Contents (Clickable)

   Opinion Essay Example Guide

An opinion essay is a piece of formal writing that reflects the opinion of the author . Exactly, no surprise here.

Since this type of an essay actually requires you to voice and defend your own point of view, you can and should use the first person :

• In my opinion
• In my point of view
• My thought is
• By my reckoning
• From my perspective
• From my standpoint

Takeaway: in an opinion essay, express your own opinion and use the first person

However, the devil is in details — your sole beliefs are not enough to write an essay. I will show that matters in this type of paper next. References, structure, and thesis are as crucial as in other essay types. Nevertheless, they are implemented differently.

      How To: Opinion Essay

Right off the bat, let’s clear several things out about writing an opinion essay:

• To write an opinion essay, you need to have an opinion on the chosen topic. If you don’t have your own standpoint on this issue, research it and determine what you think about it. This is, of course, easier to do when you’re interested in the topic you’re writing about. Further in the article, check my top 10 topics , on which you must already have an opinion and don’t need to research ! 👇
• You need evidence to support your beliefs. Any student who has ever written an opinion essay will tell you that the major pitfall of this process is the lack of evidence – facts and details that somehow back your opinion up. Whoever will be reading your opinion essay, will be asking, “Why do you think so?”, so your task is to provide killer evidence
• It’s okay to have an unpopular opinion . If you can find enough evidence to support it, you’re golden.
• Whenever you introduce a fact that supports or contradicts your opinion, make sure to explain why exactly your evidence is relevant . It should go something like this: “Numerous studies have proven that smoking has various negative health effects. This is why I think smoking is bad for health.”
• For an opinion essay, use basic essay structure . Introduction, body paragraphs, and the conclusion are all you need. More details on opinion essay structure below! ⬇️

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      Opinion Essay Sample Structure

It might seem like an opinion essay is difficult to nail because it is slightly different from your typical academic paper. Fear not! You can use the basic essay structure for an opinion essay.

What to include in each paragraph? Nothing fancy, just this:

1. Introduction – the first paragraph of an essay that should include:

2. Hook – the first sentence or two of an opinion essay introduction that will grab readers’ attention. We have a  Foolproof guideline to creating a great hook   — worth checking even for experienced writers. 👍

a) Some background on the issue – tell your readers what the essay is about, a brief overview of the topic b)  Thesis statement – basically your opinion on an issue. This is the main idea of your opinion essay that you’ll align all facts and findings to in the paper c) Transitional hook – a sentence that concludes the introduction and hints on the content of the body paragraphs.

3. Body – the best part of an opinion essay that contains all the findings and arguments. Your readers ask you, “Why is this your opinion on the issue?” and here is where you explain why. Don’t forget to include:

a) Topic sentence – the first sentence of each body paragraph that contains the main idea of a paragraph, it’s a must b) Conclusion and/or transition – summary of the paragraph and (if it’s appropriate) some hint on the content of the following section.

4. Conclusion – the cherry on top of your opinion essay where you include:

a) Summary of the key findings – no need to repeat them word-for-word, just briefly review them b) Thesis restatement – reformulate your main idea of paying attention to your findings

Remember: don’t introduce any new facts or revelations in your conclusion – that’s what body paragraphs are for! Now you know what to include in each part of the opinion essay! Let’s take a look at a sample outline of an opinion essay below!

Do want to make some strong statement in your essay, but your tutor warned to avoid weak allegations ? With our Four Types of Claims Guide , every statement in your essay will be as hard as a rock.

      Opinion Essay Outline Example

An outline is an excellent tool for any student. Think about it a list of ingredients you make to cook an awesome dinner. To give you an idea of how an opinion essay can be structured, let’s take a look at an opinion essay outline sample.

Marriages are outdated and unnecessary to create a happy family

1. Introduction:

a. Groucho Marx: “Marriage is a wonderful institution, but who wants to live in an institution?” b. Thesis statement: In my opinion, successful marriage results from love, friendship, and companionship, not a legal marriage. We need to redefine marriage

a. History of marriage and how it came to be so important in our society. Marriage and religion b. Health benefits from marriage – do they really exist? c. Marriage is what society expects couples to do; it has more symbolic value than real life value d. Divorce rates are very high – marriage doesn’t guarantee the ‘happily ever after’

3. Conclusion:

a. Summary of the main points b. I think we need to redefine marriage as a society

As you can see, opinion essay outline provides you with a perfect idea of what the paper is about.

   Opinion Essay Topics You Are Able to Start With Immediately

Below, you can find 10 brilliant opinion essay topics that aren’t conventional but will resonate with your readers because they are 100% controversial:

• Should beauty contests be banned?
• Is body positivity movement just a cover for fat acceptance and celebrating obesity? Is there such a thing as ‘health at every size’?
• Illegal immigration: should countries allow refugees in or stop illegal immigration at any cost?
• Ideal female body image: should it exist or not?
• Tattoos: do they influence people’s perceptions and attitude?
• War on terror: was it necessary to begin with? Did the end justify the means?
• American militarism: how much does it shape the U.S. foreign policy?
• Is it worth becoming a student-athlete?
• Do we need stricter laws to combat cyberbullying?
• Biotechnology and GMO: where do we draw the line? How do we define what’s ethical and unethical?

How to pick the best topic for an opinion essay? On the one hand, make sure that:

• The topic is controversial  — if a topic can stir a debate, it’ll be interesting to write and read about
• There’s enough info about it  — you’ll need to get evidence from somewhere
• People care about the topic  — it means it’s interesting

On the other hand, skip topics that:

• Are settled — the majority of people has made up their minds about it, and nobody’s interested in it anymore
• Lack of information  — even with the best arguments in your mind, you still need some sources to support your opinion and provide substantial academic research
• You are passionate about – if you have a firm opinion about the topic, you might be unwilling to consider various arguments about it, which can harm the quality of your research

Choosing a great topic is the first step to success while writing an opinion essay. If your topic is interesting, controversial, AND unconventional – consider half of the job is done! Below, you will find my essay example with comments — use it as a reference to guide your writing 👇.

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   opinion essay example: see my guide in practice.

Now it’s time to see a great opinion essay that was made with an outline!

Marriage is outdated and needs to be redefined

“Will you marry me?” Isn’t it the question that so many people expect to ask or answer while starting new relationships? Groucho Marx once said, “Marriage is a wonderful institution, but who wants to live in an institution?” We seem to focus much more on the symbolic value of marriage than real life value and potential to improve people’s happiness and well-being. In my opinion, marriage has become antiquated the way it is and the way we know it. Surely, it doesn’t mean that marriage as an institution doesn’t work anymore for anyone. Rather, it’s time for us to come to terms with the fact that our society has changed a lot and marriage did, as well.

Note: the introduction starts with a question – it is to grab readers’ attention and intrigue them. Thesis statement starts with “In my opinion” and reflects the main idea

The history of the concept of marriage in human society has been transforming alongside social and cultural environment over hundreds of years. In fact, the history of marriage is closely connected to the history of the family (Everitt, 2012). However, while the family can exist without marriage or matrimony, marriage is an institution rather than a step in family development. Over the years, the concept of marriage has become synonymous with the concept of family and associated with the same values, such as partnership, support, and security. That being said, the family remains a building block of the society and inseparable part of human life, while marriage, from my perspective, can hardly be considered a “one size fits all” solution anymore.

Note: in body paragraphs, evidence from credible sources is used and discussed to back the main idea up

Today, the role of marriage is changing rapidly because society is redefining values and transforming views about various aspects of life. Being married used to mean being more successful, financially stable, and reliable. In my opinion, a lot of stereotypes about marriage derive from religion and church promoting marriage as “divine matrimony.” All six major religions promote and support marriage, while religious people are more likely to get married than nonreligious (Gordon, 2018). From my point of view, this finding suggests that people seek not to fulfil their own needs and achieve happiness but to conform to society’s expectations. In addition, if people get divorced, they are still scorned upon (Wygant, 2017). Thus, the institution of marriage can ultimately result in pressure that pushes people to compromise their own happiness in order to avoid being judged for their life choices. Finally, it is important to note that people pursue marriage chasing the elusive values that are found to be not true, such as happiness, health benefits, and the “happily ever after.” Indeed, happy marriage can provide a lot of benefits, such as social and emotional support, financial resource boost, and social control, but so does happy cohabitation (Perelli-Harris et al., 2018). Marriage also isn’t found to be associated with better health and healthier BMI (Mata, Richter, Schneider, & Hertwig, 2018). In my opinion, the most crucial aspect to note is that half of all marriages end up in divorce and even more marriages turn out to be unhappy over the years (Kennedy & Ruggles, 2014). This finding means that people aren’t content with their choice of partner and suffer from it. In addition, divorce causes severe stress, which detracts from people’s ability to live a fulfilling life. On the contrary, making a decision to stay in a bad marriage means living in torture and compromising one’s own well-being to avoid social stigma around divorce and being single. Therefore, the concept of marriage can no longer qualify as a valid solution for everyone. Our society has changed drastically and it’s time to promote and support freedom in intimate relationships because there is more than one way to build a happy family.

Note: no new facts are introduced in the conclusion – it is a summary of previous findings and discussion and restatement of the main idea

In conclusion, I would like to note that marriage doesn’t mean what it used to mean even two decades ago. While we know that no relationship can be perfect, we also need to realize that marriage isn’t the ultimate recipe for happiness. In my opinion, our society needs to redefine marriage and encourage everyone to decide who they are and what kind of relationship works for them.

   More Opinion Essay Samples to Your Inspiration

Also, there are more exciting examples of opinion essays for you.  I asked Geeks to re-check them before linking here — you may be sure that they reflect the best practice.

• Abortion opinion essay example shows a unique view on the extraordinarily topical and controversial issue of abortions from a medical specialist’s perspective. This opinion essay example stands out because includes a variety of arguments about the issue of abortions, both pros and cons. This is a great approach to opinion essay writing if you want to impress your tutor.
• Study of Female Nude Bending on Hands and Knees essay example provides a detailed review of the amazing drawing by Adolph Hirémy-Hirschl. When it comes to art, most often you’ll come across reviews that use dry technical language that describes artist’s technique. In this opinion essay example, you’ll see how a piece of art can be the focus of an opinion essay and learn how to use elements of an opinion essay.
• Social Equality opinion essay example is a great example of how the topic of social equality can be discussed in an opinion essay using film as an example. This opinion essay sample investigates racism in the perspective of the movie “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” and will help you master voicing your opinion. Using this example, you’ll be able to learn how to express and defend your opinion, which will earn you the highest grade from your tutor.

Browse and download essay examples from the most full and up to date Free Online Essay Database at Homework Lab . All the examples of college essays have been donated by the students to boost your writing creativity.

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

IELTS Writing Task 2 - giving opinion

In this guide you'll learn how to answer IELTS writing task 2 questions that ask you to give your opinion . This type of questions is very similar to agree/disagree questions : it states two opposite views and asks you to give your opinion .

In this lesson you will see IELTS writing task 2 sample question + model answer and learn

• how to choose your opinion
• how to generate arguments
• how to give a band 9 answer for giving opinion question

IELTS giving opinion question

Let’s look at an example of IELTS writing task 2 question that asks you to give your opinion:

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Some people believe that violence on television and in computer games has a damaging effect on the society. Others deny that these factors have any significant influence on people's behaviour. What is your opinion?

Write at least 250 words

Choose your opinion & generate arguments

First of all, you need to choose your opinion out of the two given ones . For the task above, you need to choose from these opinions:

• violence in media has a damaging effect on the society
• violence in media doesn’t have a damaging effect on the society

Then, you have to generate your arguments for the chosen opinion . Let’s figure out some supporting points for each of the given opinions:

• people often copy actions they see on TV
• violent video games teach people that aggressiveness is normal in everyday life
• you have an example of the connection between violence in media and social violence
• people act from their motives, regardless what they see on the television
• video games and television can reduce social violence by providing a safe outlet for aggressiveness
• you have never seen the connection between violence in media and social violence

For our essay, we’ll choose the second opinion.

How to answer this task?

Introduction

Paraphrase the statement (sentence 1) and give your own opinion (sentence 2):

These days, the amount of violence in media is growing. While some people argue that this trend will undoubtedly lead humans to dangerous future, others claim that it has no damaging effect on the society. I believe that in most cases media violence doesn't affect people's behavior.

Body paragraphs

Describe each argument to support your opinion in a separate paragraph. Your essay should have 2-3 body paragraphs. Use linking structures , vocabulary to write essays and some words from academic wordlist :

Firstly, I think that people act from their motives, regardless what they see on the television. That is to say, if someone intends to do harm to somebody, that is not because of watching TV or playing computer games, but due to that person's character and education. Although it is generally considered that violent media accustoms viewers to cruelty, I doubt this opinion. In my view, reasonable and intelligent people treat others humanely irrespective of what they see or hear in fictional stories. Moreover, video games and television may even reduce social violence by providing a safe outlet for aggressiveness. In other words, truculent people may fight in virtual reality instead of evincing their combative spirit in real world. This may not only help those people, but also reduce the level of social violence in long-term perspective. Finally, despite many claims and assumptions about negative effects of television and computer games I have never seen any proven connection between violent media and illegal activities in social life.

In the conclusion paragraph briefly summarize what you have written and restate your opinion:

Taking everything into consideration, I would say that violence in contemporary media has no substantial influence on people's behavior. Television and computers are not the main factors that shape personal character, and they can even be useful in reducing the level of violence.

Model answer

Firstly, I think that people act from their motives, regardless what they see on the television. That is to say, if someone intends to do harm to somebody, that is not because of watching TV or playing computer games, but due to that person's character and education. Although it is generally considered that violent media accustoms viewers to cruelty, I doubt this opinion. In my view, reasonable and intelligent people treat others humanely irrespective of what they see or hear in fictional stories.

Moreover, video games and television may even reduce social violence by providing a safe outlet for aggressiveness. In other words, truculent people may fight in virtual reality instead of evincing their combative spirit in real world. This may not only help those people, but also reduce the level of social violence in long-term perspective.

Finally, despite many claims and assumptions about negative effects of television and computer games I have never seen any proven connection between violent media and illegal activities in social life.

(255 words)

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T he b allot is stronger than the b ullet.” Abraham Lincoln’s age-old wisdom ha s resonated with the people of Jammu and Kashmir, as evident in the A ssembly elections 2024, the first to be held in ten years . The results are out, with a thumping majority for the National Conference or NC, wh ich has won 42 out of 90 seats in the high-decibel Union Territory , and Congress , which has won 6. The BJP has, in terms of seat mathematics, performed above average, securing 29 seats— its best-ever performance in the region.

It is noteworthy that whil e NC’s Omar Abdullah will call upon Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to form the g overnment and tak e possession of the historic Raj Bhavan, it is the BJP that has claimed the maximum share of the electorate pie by polling 25.5 per cent of total votes, followed by the NC at 23.4 per cent , the Congress ( whose Rahul Gandhi claims Kashmiri ancest ry) at 11.9 per cent, and Mehbooba Mufti’s Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP ) at 8.8 per cent .

More words of wisdom from Abraham Lincoln : “Elections belong to the people. It’s their decision. If they decide to turn their back on the fire and burn their behinds, then they will just have to sit on their blisters.” The people of Jammu and Kashmir have voted unequivocally in favour of democracy, choosing to turn their backs on terrorism and eschew the gun in favour of gucchis (uber-expensive morel mushrooms that are distinctive to the region) , thereby paving the path for progress, peace, and prosperity in the region. It may be considered a win not just for democracy, but also for the BJP, which has shown the world that it practice s what it preach es. This is in line with PM Modi ’s recent statement at the UN: “Success of humanity lies in our collective strength, not in the battlefield. ”

New J&K narrative

The world watched as Jammu and Kashmir went to vote for the first A ssembly election s after the abrogation of Article 370. And the BJP today stands vindicated, as does the value of j ustice enshrined in the Preamble of the Constitution. Th is was also the first election in Jammu and Kashmir where the power of the gun was veiled—as veiled as the burqa-clad women voters who turned out in droves to exercise their franchise in the three phases. Inflation, unemployment, development, and mental health were the concerns raised by the women who voted for the betterment of their families.

The voter turnout was 63.88 per cent . A total of 873 candidates contested 90 seats, including ‘independent’ members of the banned Jamaat-e-Islami and Engineer Rashid’s Awami Ittehad Party. There was little talk of the much-misused word azaadi (freedom) , which instead turned into the real freedom to exercise the right to vote this time around .

Stray act s of violence in the first-ever peaceful election s can be attributed as a win-win for democracy, the people of Kashmir, Omar Abdulla h ’s NC, and, most of all, the BJP, which is running the central government and is a national party. It has pledged to bring peace and prosperity to a region torn by violence in the past. The results have debunked many a myth and ha ve brought a fresh perspective o n democracy, azaadi , peace, prosperity, and participation. The narrative has changed from j i had to justice, from azaadi to awaam (people) , and from bandook (gun) to berozgaari (unemployment) .

Who but the BJP, with the visionary team of PM Modi and HM Shah, could and would bring about this 180-degree turn? The p eople of Jammu and Kashmir have realised that their interests are aligned with the greater interests of the rest of Bharat. The w inds of c hange are tearing through Kashmir and it is a proud moment for our country to see the juggernaut of democracy rolling through the streets of Srinagar and Jammu.

When some biased media houses’ headlines scream, “Party opposed to India’s stripping of Kashmir’s aut onomy comes to power,” does it belie the fact that rumour-mongering and fear-mongering about the dis enfranchisement of Kashmir have been part of the rhetoric with regard to the beleaguered s tate since 1947 to 2017? While one may assign entertainment value to the exit polls for the sake of revenue generation, it has negligible value in the world of real politik.

Also read:  Nayab Saini is behind BJP’s win in Haryana. He started as an assistant in party’s office

Rights of all Kashmiris

Speaking of disenfranchisement, there were Kashmiris who migrated to this side of the region under duress from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in 1947—Mirpuris. I n 75 years, however, they had never vote d . Thanks to the abrogation of Article s 370 and 35-A, they were finally able to exercise their f undamental r ight as India n citizens .

Valmikis, a Scheduled Caste group who were brought to Jammu as safai karamcharis (sanitation workers) and always treated as outsiders, were finally able to vote. The Gorkhas from Nepal, who sacrificed themselves in Kashmir as part of the Gorkha regiment, were another disenfranchised group that had no status in Jammu and Kashmir despite having lived there for nearly a century.

It is easy to understand that vested interests in a corrupt political system can deny a person their fundamental r ights. PM Modi’s mantra, “ Sabka saath sabka vikaas (take all along),” indicat es the BJP’s policy of inclusion as a hallmark of development. This opportunity to participat e in the democratic process itself is the biggest achievement of this election for the disenfranchised section s in Jammu and Kashmir .

Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin called the election result a “stupendous victory” for democracy , adding, “This moment marks the beginning of a just and inclusive future that honours the hopes of every Kashmiri.”

While some democracies are struggling with paper ballots, the latest elections in Jammu and Kashmir have established the reliability of the Election Commission, its procedures, s ecurity forces, administrative measures, and EVMs. T hese protocols ensured a free and fair election, which itself is a great victory for India . Do we hear any calls that the EVMs were doctored or sabotaged? Even AIMIM c hief and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi acknowledged the Congress’ tendency to blame election losses on EVMs: “It is very easy to blame EVMs. You [Congress] win due to EVMs and when you lose, then it is wrong.”

N ot a single voice can be hear d in the clamouring congratulation s for the NC that finds defective EVMs responsible for the so-called defeat of the BJP in post- Article 370 Jammu and Kashmir . The BJP wears this ‘defeat’ as a badge of honour and claims it as a victory for the people of India, for Jammu and Kashmir, and for the Constitution.

Also read:  A defeated Congress doesn’t guarantee BJP victory in states. Prepare to fight regional parties

Beyond c ourtes ies

PM Modi, in the true spirit of statesmanship, congratulated the NC on its victory. Omar Abdullah responded by thanking the PM and stated : “We look forward to a constructive relationship in the true spirit of federalism so that the people of J&K may benefit from continued development & good governance.”

Beyond extending courtesies lies the road of inclusion and development on which Omar Abdullah’s government will have to deliver, especially for Jammu. The people of Jammu have exhibited deep distrust and disillusionment with NC due to their past experiences. Elections have further brought out the anomalies in the 2011 Census data, biased budget allocation, devolution of the development and inclusion of the Jammu region, and the process of delimitation . The people of Bharat expect Abdullah to recognise that he will soon be the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and thus must deliver on the promise of good governance and not treat Jammu differently.

T he world looks on, especially our pesky neighbour, whose agenda has been to destroy the land of our revered s age Kashyap. I t is imperative that the NC, under Abdullah’s leadership, leave the spectre of terrorism behind and lead from the front to bring peace and prosperity to Kashmir, the crowning glory of Bharat.

The BJP has not only succeeded in changing the narrative but also the destiny of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Meenakshi Lekhi is a BJP leader, lawyer, and social activist. Her X handle is @M_Lekhi. Views are personal.

(Edited by Prasanna Bachchhav)

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