In opinion essays, you will see a tail question like: to what extent do you agree or disagree? Or do you agree? Or do you disagree?? Or do you agree or disagree??
Your primary goal in this essay is to persuade the examiner that your viewpoint is the correct one, based on your logical arguments and strong supporting evidence. This is the ultimate test of your Task Response skill.”
Feature | Description for IELTS Learners | Why it Matters (IELTS Band Score) |
| It is a Persuasive Task. | You must choose one clear side (e.g., I fully agree or I strongly disagree). Sitting on the fence is not a clear position. | Task Response: Band 7+ requires a clear position throughout the response. |
| It is Evidence-Based. | You cannot simply state your opinion; you must support every point with solid, logical reasons, specific examples, or hypothetical illustrations. | Task Response & Coherence: Arguments must be well-developed and supported by evidence. |
| It is Formal. | Maintain a formal, academic tone. Avoid slang, contractions (can’t, don’t), and overly emotional language. | Lexical Resource: Requires appropriate use of vocabulary and a consistently formal style. |
Template:
Question: Lying is always wrong, no matter whether it’s a big lie or a white lie. To what extent do you agree or disagree??
Opinion Essay:
Essay Writing Approaches
100-0 (Strongly agree)
100-0 (Strongly disagree)
50-50 (Balanced view)
75-25 (Qualified agreement/disagreement)
The 100% – 0% Approach (Strongly Agree)
Goal: To fully support the prompt using objective writing.
- Introduction:
- Paraphrase: Restate the prompt in your own words.
- Thesis Statement: State clearly that you entirely agree with the statement.
- Body Paragraph 1:
- Logic: Introduce the first reason for total agreement.
- Explanation: Elaborate on why this logic holds.
- Example: Use a specific instance to justify the logic (e.g., “For example…”).
- Body Paragraph 2:
- Logic: Introduce a second supporting reason.+1
- Explanation: Provide further detail.
- Example: Give another relevant example to solidify the stance.
- Conclusion:
- Summary: Briefly restate the main supporting points.
- Restate Thesis: Finalize the essay by confirming your total agreement.
2. The 100% – 0% Approach (Strongly Disagree)
Goal: To fully refute the prompt while maintaining a formal tone.
- Introduction:
- Paraphrase: Introduce the topic neutrally.
- Thesis Statement: Explicitly state that you completely disagree with the given premise.+1
- Body Paragraph 1:
- Logic: Present the first reason why the prompt’s statement is incorrect.
- Explanation: Explain the flaws in the original statement’s logic.+1
- Example: Provide a concrete example of why this disagreement is valid.+1
- Body Paragraph 2:
- Logic: Introduce a second point of disagreement.
- Explanation: Use “Furthermore” or “In addition” to expand the argument.+1
- Example: Support with evidence or a scenario.+1
- Conclusion:
- Summary: Summarize why the initial premise is flawed.
- Restate Thesis: Conclude by reinforcing your total disagreement.
3. The 50% – 50% Approach (Balanced View)
Goal: To acknowledge the validity of both sides of the argument.
- Introduction:
- Paraphrase: Restate the prompt.
- Thesis Statement: State that while there are merits to the statement, there are equally significant drawbacks or alternative views.
- Body Paragraph 1 (Side A):
- Logic: Explain the reasons why some people agree with the prompt.
- Example: Provide a specific instance supporting this side.+1
- Body Paragraph 2 (Side B):
- Logic: Use a transition like “On the contrary” or “However” to present the opposing view.+1
- Example: Provide a specific instance supporting this side.+1
- Conclusion:
- Summary: Weigh both sides briefly.
- Final Opinion: Conclude that the “right” answer depends on the specific context.
4. The 75% – 25% Approach (Qualified Agreement/Disagreement)
Goal: To support one side predominantly while acknowledging a minor exception.
- Introduction:
- Paraphrase: Introduce the topic.
- Thesis Statement: State that you largely agree/disagree, but with certain qualifications.+1
- Body Paragraph 1 (The 75%):
- Logic: Present the strongest reason for your primary stance.
- Explanation & Example: Provide detailed support for this dominant view.+1
- Body Paragraph 2 (The 25%):
- Logic: Use “Nevertheless” or “While” to introduce a minor point for the other side.+1
- Explanation: Explain that while this point exists, it is less significant than the primary stance.+1
- Conclusion:
- Summary: Recapitulate the main argument.
- Final Opinion: Reiterate that although there are exceptions, your primary stance remains the most valid.