IELTS Writing Task 2 Lesson 5 Opinion Essays

In this lesson, we will explore the Opinion essay type of the IELTS Academic Writing Task 2.

First, we will go over the 4 steps to approaching the Opinion essay type of the IELTS Academic Writing Task 2. Then we will take a closer look at how to plan each paragraph. Finally, we will go over two example questions and model essays.

After this lesson, you will be prepared to master this portion of the exam. Let’s get started!

As we’ve learned in IELTS Writing Task 2 Lesson 1, the four steps to approaching the IELTS Academic Writing Task 2 is as follows:

1. Read and Understand - The first thing you will need to during Writing Task 2 is to fully understand the question and underline key words. Additionally, think of these two things:

2. Plan your Outline - Now you are ready to map out your outline. This should take only 2 or 3 minutes and will act as a reference for you going forward. 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

The difference between the Opinion Essay compared to other types (such as the Two Part Essay) is that the test-taker must develop their opinion first, in order to effectively outline the rest of the essay.

3. Make Outline Notes - Now that you’ve chosen and drafted your outline, make notes in your outline using keywords of the main sentences of each paragraph. This will help you “map out” your essay and give you a bird’s eye view of what it will look like. At this stage, you should already be able to understand the main topics of each paragraph. (We will look at this more in depth in our example later).

4. Start Writing - After planning your outline, begin writing with your introduction and continuing on from there. Be sure to use a formal tone (do not use contractions, write out numbers lower than 10, etc.) and indent after each paragraph.

Below, we will detail how each paragraph should be written. As a reminder, the outline for this question type is as follows:

1. Introduction
2. First Supporting Argument
3. Second Supporting Argument
4. Conclusion

In short, here is what the final Paragraph Planner would look like for this outline:

I. Introduction
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)

Now, let’s analyze the question and do some planning before we start writing the essay.

1. Read and Understand

Let’s underline the key words in this question:

“Some people argue that capital punishment is good for a country. To what extent do you agree or disagree?”

Model Essay

Topic sentences are in bold.
Explanations and details are in red.
Examples are in blue.

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.

Write your essay on paper. To see the model essay, go to the next part.

Model Essay

The protection of wildlife has become a frequent subject of debate, with strong arguments both for and against it. Personally, I believe that humans are paying too much attention and allocating too many resources to this issue.

The disappearance of certain species does not always signify a disaster. Some may argue that biology will be seriously affected if birds and wild animals are on the verge of extinction, but I believe this is an exaggeration. Fossil evidence suggests that the mass disappearance of dinosaurs did not cause lasting harm to other species on Earth, but instead triggered the emergence of others such as mammals. Therefore, we should not devote excessive attention to the protection of wildlife.

Secondly, public money should be spent in more effective ways. In other words, the national budget should be allocated to more urgent issues rather than spending too much on the conservation of wild animals and birds.

For example, more resources should be diverted to medical research to find remedies for fatal diseases such as HIV and cancer, which may help save thousands of lives. The government can protect wildlife by continuing campaigns to raise public awareness of habitat protection and by imposing stricter punishments on activities that harm wild animals.

The debate regarding the protection of wild animals is becoming increasingly important in today’s society. While I do not refute the case for conservation, I believe that it should attract less attention and fewer public resources.

Total Word Count: 262 words