IELTS 1 – Writing Task 2- Agree or disagree essay 1

IELTS Writing Task 2: Opinion Essay

Three ways to answer and give your opinion on the issue being discussed:

1. Totally Agree

2. Totally Disagree

3. Partly Agree - Partly Disagree

Essay Structure: Opinion Essay

1. Introduction
2. Body Paragraph 1
3. Body Paragraph 2
4. (Optional) Body Paragraph 3
5. Conclusion

Detailed Structure

1. Introduction

 Sentence 1: Paraphrase the Topic

o Restate the given topic in your own words.
 Sentence 2: State Your Opinion
o Clearly state your opinion (agree, disagree, or partly agree/disagree).

Example Introduction

Topic: Some people think that the best way to increase road safety is to increase the
minimum legal age for driving cars or riding motorbikes. To what extent do you agree or
disagree?

Introduction: Over the last century, road safety has become a significant concern worldwide.
The idea that increasing the minimum legal age for driving cars or riding motorbikes can
enhance road safety has its merits. This essay will argue that raising the age limit would
indeed result in fewer accidents and save lives.
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2. Body Paragraph 1

 Sentence 1: Topic Sentence

o Introduce the first main point supporting your opinion.
 Sentence 2-3: Explanation
o Explain why this point is valid.
 Sentence 4-5: Example
o Provide an example or evidence to support your point.
 Sentence 6: Concluding Sentence
o Summarize the paragraph and link back to the main argument.

Example Body Paragraph 1

There are several reasons why raising the legal age for driving would improve road safety.
First, younger drivers tend to lack experience and often engage in risky behaviors, leading to a
higher incidence of accidents. For example, studies from the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration show that drivers aged 16-19 are three times more likely to be involved in a
fatal crash compared to older drivers. Therefore, by increasing the minimum age, we can
ensure that drivers have more maturity and better judgment.

3. Body Paragraph 2

 Sentence 1: Topic Sentence

o Introduce the second main point supporting your opinion.
 Sentence 2-3: Explanation
o Explain why this point is valid.
 Sentence 4-5: Example
o Provide an example or evidence to support your point.
 Sentence 6: Concluding Sentence
o Summarize the paragraph and link back to the main argument.

Example Body Paragraph 2

It can also be argued that this measure would encourage individuals to use alternative forms
of transportation, such as public transit or cycling, which are safer and more environmentally
friendly. Additionally, with fewer young drivers on the road, traffic congestion would
decrease, further reducing the likelihood of accidents. For instance, cities like New York and
London have seen improvements in road safety following initiatives that promote public
transportation over individual car use.
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(Optional) 4. Body Paragraph 3

 Sentence 1: Topic Sentence

o Introduce an additional point if necessary (useful for partly agree/disagree
essays).
 Sentence 2-3: Explanation
o Explain why this point is valid.
 Sentence 4-5: Example
o Provide an example or evidence to support your point.
 Sentence 6: Concluding Sentence
o Summarize the paragraph and link back to the main argument.

5. Conclusion

 Sentence 1: Summarize Main Points

o Briefly summarize the main points discussed in the body paragraphs.
 Sentence 2: Restate Your Opinion
o Restate your opinion clearly.
 Sentence 3: Final Thought
o Provide a final thought or call to action.

Example Conclusion

My conclusion is therefore that raising the minimum legal age for driving would greatly
enhance road safety. Its benefits outweigh the drawbacks and have a positive effect on many
aspects of our lives, including reducing the number of road accidents and promoting
alternative transportation methods. The evidence clearly supports the idea that older, more
experienced drivers are safer, and this policy could save countless lives.

Common Phrases for Different Sections

Beginnings

 Totally Agree/Disagree
o Over the last century, ...
o The idea that ... has its merits.
o This is a complex issue and my belief is that ...
o There is some dispute whether the best method of …
 Partly Agree - Partly Disagree
o While this is an interesting proposal and has some merit, my own view is that
it would ...
o Despite these arguments, there is an equally strong case to be made that it
would ...
 IELTS 1 – Writing Task 2- Agree or disagree essay 4

o There is much debate about the position. I will discuss both these ... in this
essay.
o There are a variety of potential ways of combatting this problem.
o However, in order to find a solution, it is first of all necessary to understand
what has led to this happening.
o Finding the right policies is not an easy task as it is a complex problem.

Stating Viewpoints

 Totally Agree/Disagree
o There are different viewpoints held in this discussion.
o Some people argue that ..., while others think that ...
o However, there is a large body of opinion which is opposed to …
 Partly Agree - Partly Disagree
o It is said that three-quarters of all children ...

Adding More Points on a Topic

 Totally Agree/Disagree
o There are several reasons why ...
o It can also be argued that ...
o This is certainly not an easy issue though, because ... has caused as many
problems as it solves.
o ... is the only point to be taken into consideration when ...
o ... is an urgent problem that needs to be addressed.
o At the same time, a lot of publicity is given to what the public consider to be ...
o Most of the experts blame … for this problem.
o Given that … is cheap and ..., it is not surprising that ...

Endings

 Totally Agree/Disagree
o My conclusion is therefore that ...
o Its benefits outweigh the drawbacks and have a positive effect on many aspects
of our lives ...
o All things considered, ...
 Partly Agree - Partly Disagree
o In conclusion, I believe that while there are real merits on both sides of the
argument, the moral case against forcing people to work slightly outweighs
any benefit to ...
o My own personal view is that there is merit in both sides of the debate.
o Finally, ...