IELTS Writing
Task 2: opinion essays
Opinion questions ask 'To what extent do you agree or disagree?' or 'Do you agree?'. You must give your own view, state it clearly in the introduction, and keep it the same to the end.
You can agree, disagree or partly agree, but say exactly how far: 'I agree that… but only when…'. Each body paragraph gives one reason, explained and supported with an example.
A four-paragraph plan
- Introduction: paraphrase the question and state your answer or position clearly.
- Body paragraph 1: one main idea, explained, with a specific example.
- Body paragraph 2: a second main idea (or the other side), explained and supported.
- Conclusion: restate your position in new words; no new ideas.
More practice: IELTS Writing Task 2 questions by topic →
How to answer
Recognising Opinion Questions
- Look for wording that asks for your view, especially “To what extent do you agree or disagree?”
- State your position clearly in the introduction, then keep it consistent throughout the essay.
- You can fully agree, fully disagree or partly agree; make the extent of your position clear.
- Do not only describe the issue. Explain whether, or how far, you agree with the stated view.
Example: Task Two prompt and model position. Prompt: Some people believe that public parks should be replaced by housing. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Model opening: I strongly disagree with this view because parks provide valuable public space and support people’s well-being.
Planning a Position
- Choose a position that answers the opinion stated, rather than simply discussing the topic.
- Pick a view you can defend, not just the one that sounds strongest.
- A qualified position is valid when it states a clear degree of agreement or disagreement.
- Check that your position does not cancel itself out or shift later in the essay.
Example: Task Two prompt: Some people think cities should ban private cars from city centres. To what extent do you agree or disagree?. Chosen position: partly agree. Restricting cars in the busiest central areas is defensible, but supporting a total ban would be harder to justify.
Qualifying Your Position
- State your position directly before adding a qualification.
- Limit the claim by naming the relevant roles, circumstances or conditions.
- Make the qualification precise enough to show where your position applies.
- Avoid vague hedges such as “perhaps” or “in some ways”; they blur your argument.
- Keep the qualification consistent with the reasons you develop in the essay.
Example: Essay prompt: Some employers should allow staff to work from home whenever possible. Do you agree or disagree?. I agree that employers should offer remote work when a role’s tasks can be completed effectively off site and staff can coordinate well. This position applies less readily to work that depends on specialist equipment or direct in-person service, where regular attendance is necessary.
Evaluating the Extent Asked
- Treat “To what extent” as a request for degree: state how strongly you agree, disagree, or support the proposal.
- Choose wording that matches your case: “to a great extent” needs substantial support; “completely” implies an unqualified position.
- Make each claim no broader than its evidence; use “can” or “in these settings” when effects are conditional or local.
- Keep your stated degree consistent across the thesis, reasons, and conclusion; narrow support cannot carry an absolute claim.
Example: Task 2 prompt: In cities, governments should spend more on public transport than on roads. To what extent do you agree or disagree?. I agree to a great extent that cities should prioritise public transport over road expansion. Frequent, reliable buses and trains can carry many passengers while using less road space, and better services can reduce some commuters’ reliance on cars. These benefits support a clear spending priority for public transport.
Practise
Short items from the ielts.coach lessons. Answer them, then check to see why each answer is right.
1Which prompt clearly asks you to give your own position?
2Prompt: Some people think that working from home is better than working in an office. Do you agree or disagree? Which opening gives a clear position?
3Prompt: “Schools should replace printed textbooks with digital materials. To what extent do you agree or disagree?” Which is a direct, defensible position?
4Prompt: “Advertising aimed at children should be prohibited. To what extent do you agree or disagree?” A learner writes: “I completely agree that such advertising should be prohibited, although I believe it should remain unrestricted.” What is the main problem with this position?
5A learner writes: “I support this policy in most situations, but not when it causes serious harm.” Which broad position does this express?
6Which thesis gives a clear position with a precise qualification?
7A writer supports replacing some examinations with coursework. Which qualification is most precise?
8A pilot in two districts found that a new bus service reduced average peak-hour car use. No data were collected elsewhere. Which conclusion best matches the evidence?
Test hacks
Task 1: describe, don't explain
In Academic Task 1, report what the data shows. Don't give opinions or guess reasons that aren't in the chart.
Why it works: Speculation isn't asked for, and takes words away from the key features.
Task 1 needs an overview
Write a sentence that sums up the main trends or the biggest differences, without numbers. Many writers skip it.
Why it works: An overview is essential for a high Task Achievement score.
Answer every part of Task 2
Underline each question in the prompt. A two-part question needs two clear answers.
Why it works: Missing part of the task limits your Task Response score, however good your English is.
Practise with feedback on every answer
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