Write your own answer first40 minutes and at least 250 words, like the real test. Use the editor below, then compare with the Band 8 model essay.
Opinion essays ask whether you agree with a statement. They are the most common Task 2 type, and the easiest to lose marks on, because many candidates sit on the fence or change their position halfway through. The examiner wants one clear position, stated early and supported all the way through.
How to recognise a opinion (agree/disagree) essay#
The question usually ends with wording like this:
- To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- Do you agree or disagree?
- Do you think this is a good idea?
- Is this a positive or negative development? (sometimes; treat it as an opinion)
The structure#
| Paragraph | What to write | Example language |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Introduction | Paraphrase the statement + your position (thesis). | I largely agree, although… |
| 2. Body 1 | Your main reason, explained and supported with an example. | Topic sentence → explanation → example |
| 3. Body 2 | Your second reason, or the opposing view and why you still disagree with it. | Admittedly… However… |
| 4. Conclusion | Restate your position in new words. No new ideas. | In conclusion, I firmly believe… |
Aim for 260–300 words: an introduction and conclusion of 2–3 sentences each, and two body paragraphs of 5–7 sentences.
How to plan it in 5 minutes#
- Decide your position first (completely agree, completely disagree, or partly agree). “Partly agree” is fine, but say exactly which part you agree with.
- Find two strong reasons before you write a word, each with an example you can develop.
- State your position in the introduction and make sure every paragraph supports it. The conclusion must say the same thing.
Practice question#
Some people believe that university education should be free for all students. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Essay practice editor
Model answer (Band 8 style)
Write your own answer first, then compare structure and vocabulary. Task 2 · 279 words.
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In many countries, the cost of a university degree has risen sharply, leading to calls for higher education to be provided free of charge. While I accept that this would create a heavy burden for taxpayers, I largely agree that university should be free, because it would increase opportunity and benefit society as a whole.
The main reason I support free tuition is that it would give talented young people an equal chance, regardless of their family’s income. At present, many capable students from low-income households either do not apply to university or leave with debts that shape their career choices for decades. Removing fees would mean that admission depended on ability rather than wealth. Countries such as Germany, where public universities charge little or nothing, show that this model can work on a large scale.
Admittedly, critics argue that free university is unfair to taxpayers who never studied, and that it encourages students to enrol in courses with poor job prospects. These concerns are understandable, but I believe they are outweighed by the wider economic benefits. Graduates generally earn more and therefore pay more tax over their lifetimes, so much of the original investment is eventually returned. Moreover, a country that needs more doctors, engineers and teachers cannot afford to discourage people from training. The risk of students choosing unsuitable courses could be reduced through better careers guidance rather than through fees.
In conclusion, although making university free would require significant public spending, I firmly believe that the advantages for individuals and for society justify the cost. Education is an investment, and a fairer system would ensure that a country makes full use of all its talent.
Clear position from the start
“I largely agree” in the introduction, repeated in the conclusion, with the same position in every paragraph.
Counter-argument handled well
Body 2 presents the opposing view (*Admittedly, critics argue…*) and then explains why the writer still agrees.
Developed support
Each reason is explained and supported with an example (Germany; graduates paying more tax).
Precise vocabulary
*a heavy burden for taxpayers*, *regardless of*, *outweighed by*, *make full use of*.
Want your own writing scored? With Worddemy Pro, paste it into the app and get a band score with feedback on all four criteria.
Useful language#
| Purpose | Words and phrases |
|---|---|
| Give your position | I strongly agree / disagree that… · I largely agree, although… · I partly agree, but… |
| Add reasons | The main reason is that… · Another key argument is… · Moreover · Furthermore |
| Concede | Admittedly… · It is true that… · Critics argue that… · Although some people believe… |
| Rebut | However, I believe… · These concerns are outweighed by… · This argument overlooks… |
| Conclude | In conclusion · Overall, I firmly believe · For these reasons |
Common mistakes#
- Sitting on the fence (“there are good and bad points”) without saying what you think.
- Changing position in the conclusion. If you “largely agree” in the introduction, you must largely agree at the end.
- Describing both sides equally, which is a discussion essay, not an opinion essay.
- Writing “I agree” without explaining to what extent. Use largely, completely or partly and explain.
More practice questions of this type#
4 more questions of this type, each with a Band 8-style model essay:
Find more questions by topic in our Writing Task 2 topics list.
Other Task 2 essay types#
- Discussion essay
- Advantages and disadvantages essay
- Problem and solution essay
- Two-part question essay
New to Task 2? Start with the complete IELTS Writing Task 2 guide.