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IELTS Writing Task 2: The Opinion Essay

By the end of this exercise, you can write an opinion essay that states a clear position, keeps it from introduction to conclusion and links ideas logically.

At a glance

Free IELTS Writing Task 2 practice for “to what extent do you agree or disagree” essays: hold a clear position, choose linkers by function and write strong topic sentences.

Level
B2–C1 (CEFR)
For
IELTS Academic
Skills
Writing
Tasks
4 — A model essay · Choose the linker by its job · Strong topic sentences · Write your own opinion essay
Cost
free, no sign-up
About this task in the exam

IELTS Writing Task 2 is an essay of at least 250 words in response to a question or statement. You have about 40 of the 60 minutes for it, and it counts for twice as much as Task 1. “To what extent do you agree or disagree?” questions want your own opinion — stated clearly and kept the same all the way through.

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Ex A – Model answerComplete a model essay so that its position stays clear
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Ex B – Linkers8 items: addition, contrast, result, example
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Ex C – Topic sentences4 paragraphs: choose the sentence that opens each one, plus 1 review item
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Ex D – WritingWrite a full Task 2 essay of at least 250 words
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Exercise A

A model essay

Read the model essay. Choose the word or phrase that keeps the writer’s position clear and the ideas connected.

Before you start — optional, not marked
This is just to get you thinking — you can leave it empty and it does not count towards your score.
Model essay

Some people think that all university students should be required to study at least one subject outside their main field. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

In many countries, university students spend almost all of their time on a single subject. Some people argue that every student should also have to take at least one course outside their main field. I strongly agree with this view, because such courses build useful skills and help students make better decisions about their future.

The main reason this idea is that employers value people who can work across subjects. An engineer who has studied some economics, for example, is better able to judge whether a project is worth its cost. , a single extra course can make a graduate more useful in the workplace.

A second argument compulsory courses is that many students choose their main subject at eighteen, before they know what they really enjoy. A course in a different field gives them the chance to discover new interests while there is still time to change direction.

, some students may feel that an extra course takes time away from their main subject. However, this cost is small: one course is only a fraction of a full timetable, and universities can let students choose a course they find interesting.

, I believe that the benefits of a compulsory outside course clearly the costs. Universities should therefore make it a requirement for all students.

Exercise B

Choose the linker by its job

Decide what each linker has to do — add, contrast, show a result or give an example — and choose the one that does that job.

Complete the sentences
1. Online courses are cheap. , they are flexible.
2. Public transport is cheap; , many people still prefer to drive.
3. Fuel prices rose sharply. , more people began cycling to work.
4. Some jobs can be done from home. Software development, , is often done remotely.
5. the high cost, the project was completed.
6. the course was difficult, most students passed.
7. Rural areas have lost people, cities have grown.
8. Exercise improves health. It reduces stress.
Exercise C

Strong topic sentences

Choose the best first sentence for each paragraph: the one that states the main idea the rest of the paragraph explains. Item 5 reviews Writing Task 1.

Choose the opening sentence
1. “ For example, a student who learns a second language can communicate with more people, and one who learns to code can automate dull tasks. These skills stay useful long after graduation.”
2. “ When cycle lanes are safe and connected, people who used to drive short distances often switch to cycling. This reduces both traffic and air pollution.”
3. “ Students who work part-time learn to manage their time and deal with customers. However, if they work too many hours, their grades often suffer.”
4. “ Lessons can be recorded, so learners can watch them again at any time. Learners in remote areas can also join classes that would otherwise be too far away.”
5. Review from Writing Task 1: “Car use fell 52% to 35%.”
Exercise D

Write your own opinion essay

Write an essay for an IELTS examiner on the question below. State your position in the introduction, support it in two or three body paragraphs and repeat it in your conclusion.

Your essay
Plan first: your position, two reasons and one example for each. In the exam you would have about 40 minutes; here there is no time limit.
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