IELTS Writing Task 2: Opinion Essay Guide

• Make the most of your time:

You have an hour (60 minutes) to finish the IELTS Writing Test. Because the IELTS Writing Task 2 is more important for your overall band score, we recommend devoting no more than 20 minutes to Task 1 and 40 minutes to task two. Allow time for planning and double-checking your work. When taking practice examinations, it’s a good idea to stick to a 60-minute time limit.

• Answer the question directly: 

Answer the question in a straightforward manner. Avoid writing an essay on a topic you have already prepared ahead of time. Ensure that your examples and ideas are valid. If you simplify too much and are not particular enough, it will alter how the examiner perceives your ideas.

• Answer all the questions: 

You must carefully evaluate the question to estimate the number of components it contains. To obtain a band 6 or higher, you must answer all portions of the question. Remember that it is critical to take a clear stance in response to the statement to demonstrate that you understand the subject and to maintain that position throughout the essay.

• Use linking phrases: 

You need to begin with an introduction and end with a conclusion. Your ideas must be clearly defined and structured. If you are expected to present both points of view and your viewpoint, begin with your perspective and then move on to the other points of view. The essay might then be finished by returning to your own point of view. This is the most logical order in which these thoughts should be presented.

• Have your essay in paragraphs: 

To separate your writing into various pieces, use paragraphs. The examiner should be able to read your essay easier as a result of this. Make sure each paragraph is well-organized and contains a well-developed topic of at least three sentences. It also shows that you can logically arrange and articulate your thoughts and ideas.

• Make use of unusual vocabulary:

Avoid using old-fashioned words that are not used in everyday language. If you use a synonym, be sure it has the same meaning as the original and does not alter the meaning of the issue. When studying a language, use both common and uncommon words. You may also use phrasal verbs when discussing certain topics or using idiomatic language.

• Avoid using memorized words, phrases, or examples:

Avoid using any memorized words, phrases, or examples in your writing. They do not show off your eloquence in writing. Examiners are well aware of this. Furthermore, because they are vague and do not sufficiently handle a task, they should not be utilized in writing. You should always utilize straightforward language and appropriate word choices to communicate your thoughts properly.

• Make use of a variety of advanced sentence structures:

Using several frameworks, you should accurately explain your ideas and beliefs. Prove to the examiner that you can employ a variety of structures and that your sentences are error-free. In your writing, use a combination of smart and basic sentences.

However, keep in mind that your complicated sentences should not be excessively long or intricate. With perfect capitalization, commas, and full stops, your punctuation should likewise be perfect.

First Paragraph — Introduction

This paragraph gives the reader a sense of the essay as a whole and leaves an impression on the examiners. The first sentence is the question statement’s paraphrasing. The examiner should be able to recognize if you have fully understood the question by reading this sentence.

As a result, we recommend that you compose this paragraph so that examiners can acquire a clear picture of the essay.

More individuals are traveling throughout the world these days, and some of them prefer to do so in tour groups. There are various reasons why people travel this way. However, some people strongly oppose it and would rather travel alone or with a smaller group, such as friends or family. Independent travel is superior to guided tours, according to this essay.

Second Paragraph — 1st Body Paragraph

When composing your body paragraphs, you can choose one of these two options to construct each one: You can either submit two reasons for agreeing or disagreeing or write a single rationale with an example.

The side with which you disagree is discussed in the first body paragraph of the IELTS opinion essay task. Always remember to layout the first body paragraph’s structure before you start writing.

People prefer to travel in groups for a variety of reasons. Some of the most prevalent reasons are that it is less expensive, more convenient and that you will be guided by a professional who will speak your language and provide crucial information. This is mostly accurate, but it also creates an artificial environment by isolating visitors from their destination. Large groups of tourists are primarily surrounded by other tourists, taken to pre-arranged destinations, and allowed access to only what the tour proposes. With this, they are missing out on many of the opportunities that individuals who travel more freely have. 

Third Paragraph — 2^nd Body Paragraph

You make an argument for the viewpoint with which you agree in the third paragraph. As a result, always consider either four or two reasons to support your position, each with an example.

Individuals who travel alone have the freedom to choose their own itinerary and, if desired, to adjust it according to their preferences. Let's imagine they've decided to tour across Thailand's islands. They can fall in love with one island and decide to stay longer rather than stick to the original itinerary. Furthermore, because they will be able to talk with people and explore an area spontaneously, their experience will be more authentic.

Fourth Paragraph — Conclusion

This paragraph sums up your essay and wraps up your supporting points. To create an effective ending, include the thesis from the introduction, but in a paraphrased form to avoid using the same terms twice. Then, summarize the points from your second and third body paragraphs that support your argument.

Some may say that getting lost or having trouble with translation are problems that would ruin a vacation, but they actually bring adventure and experience. Traveling with a guide makes it easier, but it doesn't make it better.

IELTS Academic Writing Task 1

You need to determine the major patterns and characteristics and rewrite the material from the task in the introduction using synonyms and grammar transformations. Describe only the facts that are relevant to the inquiry, not all of it. In conclusion, summarize the main themes from your body paragraphs.

IELTS General Training Writing Task 1 

You need to analyze the question and brainstorm ideas using bullet points. Design paragraphs by addressing your bullet points, and write the letter.

IELTS Writing Task 2

Rephrase the question in the introduction and construct a thesis statement based on your viewpoint. Write topic sentences outlining your essential points – one for each theme – and use one of them to begin each body paragraph. Use explanations and examples to support the main sentence in the rest of the paragraph; in conclusion, summarize your points.

Question:

Because many people own weapons, the number of shootings in various countries is on the rise. How much do you agree or disagree with this assertion?

Sample Response: 

"Many people own guns for self-defense and recreational purposes throughout the world. The ethics of such types of private gun ownership are brought into stark relief by gun-related deaths in households, in particular. In this paper, I will utilize crime statistics to show that having a gun in the house puts a person at a much higher chance of being shot.

To begin with, it is self-evident that possessing a gun in the home puts children and teenagers in danger. This is because minors lack the necessary knowledge and maturity to safely use firearms. For example, according to the US Department of Justice, 150 American children and teenagers die each year as a result of incidents involving domestic guns. As a result, it is undeniable that household weapons contribute to more shootings.

Second, when partners have violent disagreements, domestic weapons become more deadly. This is attributed to the fact that male sexual wrath, in particular, frequently leads to lethal aggressiveness. For example, the International Crime Bureau recently published statistical proof indicating if there is a household gun, a man is twice as likely to shoot his wife in a jealous rage if he discovers she is having an affair. As a result, household weapons have a positive correlation with more shootings.

Finally, there is irrefutable proof that having a gun in the house leads to more shootings. Given the gravity of this evidence, greater legislation limiting individual gun ownership will be needed in the future."

250 Words

Question:

Some individuals believe that international athletic events are the best way to showcase the host country's qualities to the rest of the world. Others argue that these events are primarily an unreasonable waste of money. How much do you agree or disagree with this assertion?

Sample Response:

"The Olympics, the World Cup, the Extreme Games, and even the American Super Bowl provide incredible chances for countries. These legendary events can either bring a country an avalanche of economic advantages or expose it to a public relations disaster. Both points will be discussed in this essay, with Russia and the United Kingdom as examples.

First, keep in mind that simply holding the event and attracting global media attention does not ensure positive advertising. This is mainly because even though the country receives a lot of attention, the media frequently reports on controversial news. Take, for example, the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. The athletes are receiving a lot of media attention, but the debate about homosexuality legislation is also getting a lot of attention. As a result, despite the potential for international recognition, the country may experience backlash.

Second, unless the costs of constructing the huge infrastructures required to host big events are fully amortized, the benefits may outweigh the costs. This is largely owing to the fact that stadiums, Olympic parks, ski runs, and other significant capital expenditures, which are frequently undertaken by the public sector, are costly to build. The municipality commissioned a stadium for athletic events for the Commonwealth Games in Manchester in 2002, which was eventually converted and sold to Manchester City, the city's premier football club. As a result, the cost of such structures and assets can be recovered through proper, fair, and cost-effective administration.

To summarize, a host city or nation stands to benefit much from these events, but only if they are properly managed economically,. The country does not have any contentious issues for the media to bring up."

281 Words

Question:  

Some individuals believe that children's recreational activities must be instructive; otherwise, they are a waste of time. Do you agree with this statement or not? Give explanations for your choice and any relevant instances from your own life.

Sample Response:

"Over the last 30 years, the East has fought for a greater 'slice of the economic pie,' aiming for living standards comparable to those of the EU and the United States. This has put more strain on natural resources, prompting calls for governments to set consumption limits. This concept is faulty since it undermines product safety and harms the poor by designing items to last.

To begin with, the notion that governments prohibit people from acquiring "up to date products" would limit the option for customers to improve their safety. This is because, as technology advances, new discoveries can be applied to improve the utility of existing technologies. Consider the automobile sector, where technologies such as anti-lock brakes, airbags, and seat belts have all resulted from a continuous stream of advances. As a result, if governments were allowed to regulate purchases, automakers would be hesitant to invest in new features, and safety would never improve.

Second, while it is true that we are consuming more due to rising populations, the rationale that "items should be created to last" is no longer valid. Products would be more expensive if they were made to be more durable. This would be detrimental to the less fortunate consumer, yet these things can often be recycled at a later date, thanks to current technology. Glass, plastic, paper, batteries, and even cellphones are being gathered to repurpose, reuse, and recycle. As a result, durable products are superfluous and would damage people with lower incomes.

To summarize, allowing the government to discourage use would jeopardize product advances and, eventually, consumer safety. Interfering with product durability would almost certainly be detrimental to the poor. As a result, I am vehemently opposed to both of these ideas. 

288 Words

Question:

Parents should be required to attend a parenting training course to learn how to raise their children. How much do you agree or disagree with this assertion?

Sample Response:

"Many people feel that prospective parents must take a course to learn how to raise children. However, due to the wealth of parenting information accessible and the intrinsic capacity to raise children, I disagree that it should be mandated.

First and foremost, parents have raised perfectly healthy children for generations without participating in a training program. They have been successful in providing for their children by relying on their natural maternal or paternal instincts. To demonstrate this argument, parenting courses were not available in the United Kingdom until recently, and the vast majority of children have grown up to be healthy and well-adjusted adults. This would not have been the case if parenting lessons were required.

Another aspect in favor of new parents is that they have access to a variety of knowledge without having to attend a training course. For example, millennials are at ease getting information from video sharing platforms and internet knowledge bases like YouTube and Wikipedia. Furthermore, there are a slew of apps made just for aspiring parents that can allay any fears about parenthood. Furthermore, new parents can gain essential wisdom from their friends and relatives, particularly those with past child-rearing experience. If they run into any problems, they will never be short on information or assistance.

To summarize, while there is nothing wrong with taking parenting classes, I do not believe they are required. The main reasons for this belief are that parents have ample resources, which they can combine with their natural desire to nurture their children." 

256 Words

Question:

In the previous 100 years, advances in health, biology, and other sectors of society have changed the way we live as well as postponed the day we die. There has never been a finer time to be alive than right now. How much do you agree or disagree with this assertion?

Sample Response:

"Because of its direct connection to survival and health, biology is one of the most significant fields of science. Because of the tremendous advancements, it has been stated that now is the best moment to be alive. For two reasons, I strongly agree with this statement: first, lives have been better, and second, risks have been decreased.

To begin with, when comparing life today to life a century ago, it is feasible to identify new benefits such as hospitals, doctors, medicines, diagnoses, donors, and transplants, all of which were previously highly unusual. Science has made a significant difference in people's lives all throughout the world. Consider a procedure performed several years ago in France on a woman who had a total face transplant. This would have been unthinkable in 1910, thus her life has clearly improved as a result of science.

Second, health hazards have decreased dramatically, to the point that it is now possible to go to tropical areas that previously posed significant concerns. This is due to the lack of typical prophylactic methods like immunizations, immunization, and prescription pills. Furthermore, their cost has decreased over the previous thirty years, making exotic travel accessible to practically anyone with sufficient cash. As a result, contemporary science has improved the opportunities and lowered the risks associated with travel in ways that have never been seen before in history.

To sum up, I believe that advances in biology and science have improved people's well-being and the opportunity to explore the globe. This is unquestionably the first time in history that such circumstances have arisen."

261 words