IELTS Opinion Essays (Agree or Disagree)

An opinion question gives you a statement and asks how far you agree. The examiner is testing whether you can take a clear position and support it, so an answer that argues both sides equally rarely reaches Band 7. Decide where you stand before you start writing.

How to structure it

  1. Introduction

    Paraphrase the statement, then state your position in one sentence. Make your opinion impossible to miss.

  2. Body 1

    Give your strongest reason for your position, explain it, and support it with a specific example.

  3. Body 2

    Give a second reason, or address the opposing view and explain why your position still holds.

  4. Conclusion

    Restate your position in different words. Add no new ideas.

Common mistakes that cost marks

  • Sitting on the fence. If you only partly agree, still commit to a side and say to what extent.
  • Changing your position between paragraphs, which leaves the examiner unsure what you actually think.
  • Listing reasons without developing any of them. One well-explained reason beats three thin ones.
  • A conclusion that introduces a brand new argument instead of restating your view.

Opinion (agree or disagree) practice prompts (7)

  • education Some people believe that university education should be free for all students, regardless of their financial background. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • technology Some people think that mobile phones should be banned in schools because they distract students. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • environment Many people argue that individuals can do little to protect the environment and that only governments and large companies can make a real difference. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • health Some people believe that governments should spend more money on preventing illness than on treating it. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • work and careers Some people think that the main reason people work is to earn money, and that job satisfaction is far less important. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • crime and punishment Some people believe that community service is a more effective punishment than prison for people who commit minor crimes. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • media and advertising Advertising encourages people to buy things they do not really need. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

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Common questions

Do I have to completely agree or disagree?

No. You can partly agree. The phrase "to what extent" invites a balanced position, as long as you state clearly how far you agree and stay consistent throughout.

How many reasons should I give?

Two well-developed reasons across two body paragraphs is enough for Band 7. Depth matters more than the number of points.