IELTS ADVANCED

IELTS Advanced

Task 2
Argument Essays
Lesson 4

Writing Task 2 - Argument/Opinion Essays

EXAMPLE QUESTIONS
Below are examples of possible essay questions that you may come across in IELTS
Task 2 writing. These are commonly known as Argument or Opinion essays.

Schools should prepare pupils for their future lives and for the world of employment.
Learning about history is not necessary and more emphasis should be placed on
more practical school subjects.

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To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Free tertiary education is essential for every country since tertiary graduates help
countries to progress in the modern world.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Health is very important to people these days.

Do you think that having a balanced diet and eating balanced meals is the key to a
healthy life?

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PARAGRAPH STRUCTURES
(ONE-SIDED ARGUMENT)

One-sided argument essay structure

1. Background sentence (general statement about topic)

Introduction 2. Paraphrase question

3. Opinion (ideas NOT “I agree”)

1. Topic Sentence (first idea)

2. Developing Sentence - give a reason, explanation, result or example
Body 1
3. Developing Sentence
4. Developing Sentence

1. Topic Sentence (second idea)

2. Developing Sentence - give a reason, explanation, result or example
Body 2
3. Developing Sentence
4. Developing Sentence

1. Topic Sentence (third idea)

2. Developing Sentence - give a reason, explanation, result or example
Body 3
3. Developing Sentence
4. Developing Sentence

1. Summary (repeat) of main ideas

Conclusion 2. Opinion (ideas NOT “I agree”)

3. Prediction or Suggestion

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PARAGRAPH STRUCTURES
(TWO-SIDED ARGUMENT)

Two-sided argument essay structure

1. Background sentence (general statement about topic)

Introduction 2. Paraphrase question

3. Opinion (ideas NOT “I agree”)

1. Topic Sentence (weaker idea)

2. Supporting Sentence 1 - introduce first idea
3. Developing Sentence - give a reason, explanation, result or example
Body 1 4. Developing Sentence
5. Supporting Sentence 2 - introduce second idea
6. Developing Sentence ) - give a reason, explanation, result or example
7. Developing Sentence

1. Topic Sentence (stronger idea)

2. Supporting Sentence 1 - introduce first idea
3. Developing Sentence - give a reason, explanation, result or example
Body 2 4. Developing Sentence
5. Supporting Sentence 2 - introduce second idea
6. Developing Sentence ) - give a reason, explanation, result or example
7. Developing Sentence

1. Summary (repeat) of main ideas

Conclusion 2. Opinion (ideas NOT “I agree”)

3. Prediction or Suggestion

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SAMPLE QUESTION / ANSWER

Modern communication means that it is no longer necessary to write letters.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

In years gone by, before the age of the telegraph or telephone, letter writing was the main
means of communication for most people. Since then, modern technology has provided
faster and more direct methods of contacting people and personal mail has become relatively
rare. Although modern communication methods may be much easier and faster, there are
still some circumstances where a letter is needed.

It is true that in many cases where previous generations would have written a letter, people
today prefer to call, email or text instead. For example, these are perfectly suitable ways of
inviting friends to visit or exchanging news with a family member. Furthermore, they have the
advantage that the communication is immediate and a reply can be received very quickly.
This is also extremely useful for business purposes.

However, there are times when there is no alternative to a letter. Letters are generally more
formal and carefully composed that emails. This makes them more suitable for occasions
when they are likely to be kept and re-read several times by the recipient, as with formal
letters of thanks or sympathy. In addition, letters provide a written record, unlike telephone
calls, so they are also a better way of setting out an important or complex argument, as in
official complaints or legal matters.

In conclusion, it is clear that there are fewer times when it is necessary to write letters than in
the past. On the other hand, there are still some important occasions when a letter is the
most appropriate form of communication.

(256 words)

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WRITING PRACTICE

Keeping animals in captivity is harmful to the animals. There is no reason for zoos to
exist in the 21st Century.

How far do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

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Step 1: Analyse the question, and brainstorm some

ideas

 Is keeping ALL animals in captivity cruel? No. Consider endangered animals.

 Are SOME zoos (not all) harmful to animals? Yes. Consider the conditions.

Arguments supporting zoos

Main Idea Explanation

1. Breeding Why?
programs for
endangered
species How?

2. Education for Why?

children about
why these
animals are How?
endangered

Arguments against zoos

Main Idea Explanation

Which animals (example)?

1. Cramped
conditions
Why harmful?

Why harmful?
2. Dirty
conditions
Result?