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IELTS Writing - Task 2 - Agree or Disagree

IELTS
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Lectures for Writing
Task 2 - Agree or Disagree

IELTS Writing Task 2 — Agree/Disagree

  • Writing
  • Task 2
  • Agree/Disagree

IELTS Writing Task 2 Overview

Task 2 consists of the following:

  • ① A writing prompt that presents a viewpoint, argument, or problem

  • ② One to three questions related to that prompt

Topics can vary widely, covering areas such as culture, government, social sciences, the environment, and technology. You must write a formal essay of at least 250 words in response to the prompt within 40 minutes.

IELTS Writing Task 2 Question Types

The following five types of questions may appear:

  • Agree or disagree with a particular viewpoint or argument
  • Discuss two opposing views
  • Describe the advantages or disadvantages of a topic
  • Explain the causes of a problem and provide solutions
  • Address a given situation divided into two parts (Two-part Question)

Agree or Disagree Essay Overview

Agree or Disagree questions consist of two key elements.

Writing Prompt

  • States a point of view or an argument
  • Consists of 1–2 sentences

Writing Instructions

A question is presented asking for your opinion on the point of view or argument. Typical instructions include:

  • "Do you agree or disagree?"
  • "Do you agree?"
  • "To what extent do you agree or disagree?"
  • "What is your opinion?"

Strategy for Writing Agree or Disagree

  1. STEP 1. Understand the Task

    • Present your own opinion on the prompt and support it clearly and logically
    • Position options: agree, disagree, or partly agree

  2. STEP 2. Plan Your Answer (4-Paragraph Structure)

    • Use four paragraphs for Agree or Disagree questions.
    • Introduction
    • 2 Main Body Paragraphs
    • Conclusion

  3. STEP 3. How to Write Each Paragraph

    Introduction

    • Paraphrase the prompt
    • State your own opinion on the prompt
    • Present the two supporting reasons that will be discussed in the body paragraphs

    Body Paragraphs — Structure of Each Paragraph

    • A topic sentence that presents a reason supporting your opinion
    • An explanation of the reason
    • An example that illustrates the reason

    Conclusion

    • A summary of the main points
    • A restatement of your opinion

Things to Keep in Mind

  • 1. Spend 40 minutes

    Since Task 2 is worth twice as much as Task 1, allocate about 40 minutes to it

  • 2. Plan your answer

    Spend a few minutes brainstorming your answers, explanations, and examples to create an outline

  • 3. Use a variety of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and vary your sentence structures appropriately

  • 4. Proofread

    In the final few minutes, check for grammatical errors and typos, and make sure your writing is clear and coherent

  • 5. Be sure to double-check that your conclusion accurately paraphrases the answers presented in your introduction, and that your essay exceeds 250 words