Introduction
Good day everyone!
My name is Moyo, and today we will be discussing IELTS Writing Task 2, focusing on essay writing, specifically the opinion essay. This tutorial applies to both General Training and Academic modules of the IELTS test.
The opinion essay is one of the most common types of essays in the IELTS Writing Task 2 section. Understanding how to approach this essay type is essential for achieving a high band score.
You can watch the full class in the video below:
What is an Opinion Essay in IELTS?
An opinion essay in IELTS requires you to state your position clearly and justify it with logical reasons and examples. It often appears with phrases like:
- Do you agree or disagree?
- To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- Is this a positive or negative development?
Whenever you see these phrases in the exam, you are being asked to write an opinion essay. The task must be completed in 40 minutes with a minimum of 250 words.
Structure of an Opinion Essay
An opinion essay is typically divided into four paragraphs:
- Introduction
- Body Paragraph 1
- Body Paragraph 2
- Conclusion
1. Introduction
Your introduction should include three key elements:
- General statement / Background statement: Paraphrase the essay topic to show understanding.
- Thesis statement: Clearly state your opinion (e.g., I agree, I disagree, or I partially agree).
- Scope: Briefly outline the main points you will discuss in the essay.
Most IELTS introductions are 3–5 sentences long.
2. Body Paragraphs
Each body paragraph should cover one main idea that supports your opinion. Use examples, statistics, or personal experiences to strengthen your argument.
- Start with a topic sentence that clearly states the idea.
- Explain the idea logically and connect it to your thesis.
- Provide examples to illustrate your point.
3. Conclusion
Summarize your key points and restate your opinion. Avoid introducing new ideas in the conclusion. Keep it concise and impactful.
Watch more educational videos and past questions: https://youtube.com/@allcbts
Tips for Writing High-Band Opinion Essays
- Understand the question: Identify if it asks for full agreement, partial agreement, or a balanced discussion.
- Plan before writing: Spend 5 minutes outlining your ideas.
- Use linking words: Examples include furthermore, however, in addition, on the other hand.
- Maintain formal tone: Avoid contractions (e.g., don’t, won’t) and slang.
- Check grammar and spelling: Errors can reduce your band score.
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- Further Mathematics Senior Secondary Questions
- Senior Secondary School Biology Questions
Conclusion
Mastering the opinion essay for IELTS Writing Task 2 is crucial for scoring Band 7 and above. By learning how to structure your introduction, develop logical arguments in body paragraphs, and summarize effectively in the conclusion, you can confidently tackle any “agree or disagree” or “positive/negative development” question on test day.
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