A Simple Guide To Writing Well On IELTS Writing Task 2 - Type 1: Opinion or Agree / Disagree Essays (Including Example Essays)

Things to keep in mind about Task 2:

- you will have about 40 minutes for this task
- plan, plan, plan! it only takes a minute (it can be in a form of a diagram, rough notes or pictures etc.) but adds to your logic significantly
- it is worth 60% of your final writing score
- do not write fewer than 250 words, as you will be penalized for it
- do not write more than 250 words, as you will surely make more mistakes and you are more likely to lose logic (+10% is acceptable)
- use Academic English (that means no slang, colloquial language, contractions etc.)
- you will be asked to discuss a subject of general interest (see a comprehensive list of topics in this chapter)
- you will need to present your opinion and justify it, offer solutions to a problem or speculate about future trends
- use a variety of structures for a higher score
- think in English when writing, do not translate word for word from your language!
- decide which points will be written as topic sentences and think about how they will be developed into paragraphs
- use topic sentences to clearly identify the main theme in each paragraph
- try to develop each paragraph in a convincing way (this may be done through the use of examples, explanations, details, logical inferences, causes and effects, or comparisons and contrasts)
- ensure that your paragraphs are arranged in logical order (each should contain an appropriate connective word to ensure a smooth transition between paragraphs)
- if the topic requires your opinion, make sure you state it clearly in your introduction, support it throughout your answer and re-state it (in a different way) in the conclusion
- include both simple and complex sentences (with more than one clause) in your essay
- proofread your essay and check for grammar and punctuation mistakes


Types Of Essays On IELTS


1. Opinion or agree/disagree essays
They present the writer’s personal opinion concerning the topic, clearly stated and supported by reasons and/or examples.
The opposing viewpoint and reason should be included in a separate paragraph before the closing one, together with an argument that shows it is an unconvincing viewpoint.
The writer’s opinion should be included in the introduction, and summarised/restated in the conclusion.

If you see the following key words in the prompt:
- To what extent/How far do you agree/think…?
- …agree or disagree?
- … Discuss.
- Give your opinion.

How To Plan And Organize Opinion Essay?

Below is the plan. Follow it in order to write coherently.


Introduction

Paragraph 1
State the topic and your opinion clearly

Main Body

Paragraph 2 & 3 & 4 or 2 & 3
(depending on the number of ideas you have)
Viewpoints & reasons, examples

Paragraph 5 or 4
Opposing viewpoint & reasons, examples

Conclusion
Final Paragraph
Summarise & restate your opinion

Example Essays:
(These essays would obtain Band 8&9)

1. These days many people discuss genetic engineering. What is your stand on this issue?
By and large, genetic modification of the living organisms is essentially based on changing information in their genes. This process is known as recombinant DNA technology. The genes carry pivotal details about each particular cell, which are passed on through generations.
Firstly, genetic engineering is the subject of controversy. The proponents claim it can bring more benefits than risks. For instance, I consider genetic modification the best solution to famine due to the fact that we can already buy ‘improved’ food in shops. Secondly, gene therapy has been recently stated as the way to fight cancer and haemophilia. To my mind, such genetically modified organisms have the potential to help prevent many terminal diseases. Thirdly, those organisms are likely to speed up the production of vaccines or hormones. For this reason, I think GMOs will considerably matter in the development of DNA researches as well as clinical trials. For example, the defective gene will be replaced by the proper one. Owing to the factors mentioned above, I strongly advocate the phenomenon of GMOs as an extremely advantageous one.
On the contrary, the opponents of this issue perceive it as an attempt to interfere with nature. I totally agree with them. Creating new forms of life using such methods as gene modification is immoral. People should not take over God’s power. I believe there are some mysteries in the Universe which should not be controlled by human beings, cloning in particular. This genetic modification entails many drawbacks. If we manage to clone a human embryo, we will immediately long for cloning entire nations. Such possibility could bring despair if we created another Adolf Hitler. I personally believe that our human tendency to gain immortality is highly inappropriate. We are not responsible enough to wield all the world’s power because, as history shows, we often take advantage of it.
All things considered, I can definitely place myself among adversaries of the genetic modification. Even though it has amazing potential to improve our lives, still the question of the user’s intention remains. I am not deeply convinced that humans are able to keep within bounds when it comes to such a crucial matter.

2.“Although the position of women in society today has improved, there is still a great deal of sexual discrimination.” Do you agree?
Throughout this century, the role of women within society has changed, and the majority of people feel that this change is for the better. More women work than ever before, and it is accepted in Western culture that many women now have careers. Nonetheless, in my opinion there is still a great deal of sexual discrimination against women within society, and the belief that sexual equality has been achieved is not altogether accurate.
To begin with, many women find it very difficult to return to work after having children. The main reason for this is that there are rarely any provisions made for childcare in the workplace and, in these cases, women are forced to find someone to look after the children while they are at work. Obviously, this can prove to be a time-consuming and expensive process, yet it must be done if mothers are to be able to resume their careers.
Secondly, the traditional views of the position of women within society are so deeply ingrained that they have not really changed. For instance, not only is the view that women should stay at home and look after their family still widely held, but it is reinforced through images seen on television programmes and advertisements. An example of this is that few men are ever seen doing housework on television, since this is traditionally thought of as “a woman’s job”.
Thirdly, since families often need two incomes in order to enjoy a good standard of living, a woman finds herself doing two jobs: one at home and one at the office. So, it could be said that a woman’s position has, in fact, deteriorated rather than improved, with the result that women carry the burdens of equality but get none of the benefits.
In contrast, there are some people who claim that the problem of sexual discrimination no longer exists. They point out that women do, after all, have legal rights intended to protect them from discrimination. In addition, a few women are now beginning to reach top positions as judges, business leaders and politicians, while a number of other previously all-male professions are operating their ranks to women. Nonetheless, these examples are not the norm and discrimination is still very much with us.
Taking these points into consideration, I would say that the position of women has improved only slightly. While rules and laws have changed, it is the deep-rooted opinions of people within society which are taking a longer time to evolve. Needless to say, until these attitudes have changed, sexual discrimination will remain a problem which we all need to face and fight against.

3. It is inevitable that as technology develops so traditional cultures must be lost. Technology and tradition are incompatible – you cannot have both together. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Undeniably, technological advancement has rapidly eroded traditional culture we inherited from our ancestors. Traditional games, musical instruments, performances and celebrations are given less and less attention in this era of globalization.
To illustrate, traditional games such as kites and spinning tops have given way to the new, modern and sophisticated video games. Children nowadays are more interested in playing video games rather than traditional games which they deem old-fashioned. Apart from this, traditional instruments such as banjos are being replaced by new innovations such as pianos and electric guitars.
In addition, the number of traditional performances organized such as the Chinese Opera have also been decimated over the past few decades. This is mainly due to creation of idiot boxes which broadcast a variety of TV shows, making traditional performances pale in comparison with all the comedies and soap operas broadcasted.
Indeed, traditional culture is slowly being wiped out by the strong current of technology. However, they are not mutually incompatible. In other words, both of them can exist together. Concrete steps can be taken in order to bring these forgotten traditional cultures back into our society. One way of doing this is to educate our younger generation on our traditional cultures. Traditional games can be introduced as a kind of a sport in schools. Parents also play a major role in educating their children to appreciate traditions which have been passed down from generation to generation. Traditional performances and the use of traditional musical instruments can be revived through the promotion by the media.
In conclusion, the strong current of technological advancement has indeed washed out some of our traditions; nevertheless, those two issues are not mutually incompatible. We can preserve our treasured traditions which reflect our origins and roots but at the same time manage to develop our country with full utilization of technology.