How to Identify & Answer Opinion Question Types in IELTS Writing Task 2
In this article, we'll discuss Opinion question types and look at how to identify them and what essay structure you should use to answer them. After learning about this question type, you'll get a chance to look at some practice questions and a complete sample essay.
How to Identify IELTS Writing Opinion Question Types
In an Opinion question type, you will be given a question which contains an opinion. Your task is to write an essay in response to the opinion. This type of question often asks if you agree or disagree with an opinion. Let's look at an example of this.
The drastic increase in cases of obesity is putting a strain on the health care system. Some healthcare workers believe that introducing more physical education lessons in schools is the best way to solve this epidemic. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Now let's look at how to structure your essay for an Opinion question.
IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay Structure - Opinion
There is one main, fool-proof way to outline this type of essay, and we suggest that you follow this without straying from the procedure. This is the best way to map out your ideas for the
Opinion Essay:
I. Introduction
II. First Supporting Argument
III. Second Supporting Argument
IV. Conclusion
Below, we will detail how each paragraph should be written.
Introduction - In general, you will need 2-3 sentences for this paragraph. Since this is the first paragraph of your essay, you should paraphrase the questions that were given to you. In other words, rewrite the questions in your own words using synonyms. This will help you in a few ways. First, it will guarantee that your essay is on target and following the theme given to you in the questions. Secondly, it will give you a chance to show the examiners that you have a wide range of vocabulary and can call upon synonyms when necessary. The second sentence will introduce the specific topics that you plan to discuss in your main body paragraphs.
- Rewritten Question - Paraphrasing the question(s) (1-2 sentences)
- Thesis/Opinion Sentence - This is where you will outline the essay and give your opinion.
First Supporting Argument - This paragraph should be about 4-5 sentences long. In this paragraph, you will describe the specific views with explanations, details, or examples. The paragraph should look like this:
- Topic Sentence - This will introduce the paragraph.
- Explanation/Detail of First Supporting Argument
- Example to Support the Argument
Second Supporting Argument - This paragraph should be about 4-5 sentences long. In this paragraph, you will describe the specific views with explanations, details, or examples. The paragraph should look like this:
- Topic Sentence - This will introduce the paragraph.
- Explanation/Detail of First Supporting Argument
- Example to Support the Argument
Conclusion - This paragraph will wrap everything up, and it is not the time to add any new information into your essay. This paragraph should be around 2-4 sentences, and include the following information:
- Summary of the Main Points (1-2 sentences)
- Reiterate Your Opinion (1-2 sentences)
In short, here is what the final Paragraph Planner would look like for this outline:
A. Rewritten Question(s) (1-2 sentences)
B. Thesis/Opinion Sentence (1 sentence)
II. First Supporting Argument
A. Topic Sentence - This will introduce the paragraph.
B. Explanation/Detail of First Supporting Argument
C. Example to Support the Argument
III. Second Supporting Argument
A. Topic Sentence - This will introduce the paragraph.
B. Explanation/Detail of First Supporting Argument
C. Example to Support the Argument
IV. Conclusion
A. Summary of the Main Points (1-2 sentences)
B. Reiterate Your Opinion (1-2 sentences)
IELTS Writing Opinion Sample Question and Model Essay
Explanations and details are in red.
Examples are in blue.
Introduction:
Some people believe that the death penalty can benefit a nation. I completely agree with this opinion, as the death penalty can positively impact a country through lowering both crime and tax rates. (33 words)
Paragraph 1:
Establishing the death penalty could effectively decrease crime rates in society. The most compelling reason for the death penalty's positive contribution to society, is that it is an effective deterrent to serious crime. For example, people who are thinking of murder or committing violent acts will think twice before doing so, and dangerous criminals who have undergone the death penalty would never be able to reoffend. As a result of this policy, crime rate would go down. (77 words)
Paragraph 2:
Additionally, the death penalty could lower taxes for citizens. With this policy, the government would be able to spend less money on keeping the criminal in prison. If the criminal is jailed for many years or for life, the government would need to pay for the enormous expenses involved such as the cost of food for the prisoners and the salaries for the prison officers. However, with the death sentence, the prisoner will spend less time in prison and this would reduce the cost of imprisonment substantially. (87 words)
Conclusion:
In conclusion, I wholeheartedly agree with the opinion that sentencing serious criminals to death is beneficial for countries. This is because of its deterrent effect, its ability to save the government a lot of money and the fact that we can keep dangerous criminals out of society forever. Given this situation, it is recommended that governments around the world should think about implementing this form of punishment. (67 words)
Total Word Count: 264 words
Note: This type of essay may not have the highest amount of words, since you must only explain your opinion. Other types of essays will most likely have higher word counts, since they involve answering two part questions or adding your opinion.
This section presents a list of common IELTS Writing Task 2 - Opinion questions. If you want to prepare for the IELTS Writing Test, these questions are a must study.
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