IELTS Writing Task 2: Opinion Essay

 

IELTS tip

• Spend at least 5 minutes analyzing the words and ideas in the statement.
• Make sure your answer is a complete answer which addresses all parts of the task.
• Give a clear opinion.
• Stay true to your opinion throughout your essay.
• Follow a safe opinion essay model.

Government investment in the visual arts, the kind you commonly see in art galleries, is a waste of money. Governments must invest this money in public services instead. To what extent do you agree with this statement?

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Structure + Useful Language 

 

Introduction

Aim to write three sentences around 60 words in total.

1. Sentence 1 – Paraphrase the task question or write a general statement relating to the topic using synonyms of the key words used in the question. 

E.g. These days, many local governments spend large portions of their budget not only on public services, but also on the visual arts. E.g. Some people believe that education is what they really need to obtain to be successful while others claim that despite not getting it they still have a chance to find a place in their life.

 2. Sentence 2 – State your opinion or point of view on the question being asked. 

E.g – Although I agree that it is important to invest in local amenities, I do not think spending on the visual arts is a waste of money. In my opinion, getting a degree is expected to be an essential part of people’s life.

3. Sentence 3 –  Give an essay overview including a summarizing phrase like: 

E.g. This essay will discuss this issue using examples to support arguments and demonstrate points. There are several positive reasons for that.

 Useful language for introduction

 A general statement. What are you going to write about? 

·    It is common knowledge that…» — «Всем известно, что…».

·  The problem / issue / question of… has always aroused heated / sharp disputes /debates / discussions / controversy — «Проблема… всегда вызывала оживлённые дебаты».

·  «The sight of smb Ving*… is familiar to everyone. But have you ever wondered whether…?» — «Вид (кого-то делающего чего-то) знаком всем. Но вы когда-нибудь задумывались… ли…?»

·    «Our modern world is unthinkable / unimaginable / inconceivable without… - Наш современный мир невообразим/немыслим без…

Paraphrase the topic.       

• Many people are in favour of……while others are convinced that…..
•  Our modern world is unthinkable / unimaginable / inconceivable without… However, there are plenty of people who believe that it is not necessary / doubt the necessity / importance / use / benefit / good of…»
•  So the question is: which option is better?
• Let’s speculate who is right: to proponents / defendants / fans of… who claim that… or the opponents / adversaries, who believe in…»

Supporting Paragraphs

 The two supporting paragraphs should include your ideas and supporting examples to answer the task question. Aim to write only two supporting paragraphs with roughly 85 words in each. Each paragraph should contain the following four sentences and stick to one idea per paragraph:

Supporting Paragraph 1

Sentence 1 – State your 1st position.

·        

  E.g. On the one hand, spending a significant amount of the government budget on public services is beneficial for society. Firstly, today, more people are seeing the significance of a college education and its role in providing better job opportunities and a comfortable lifestyle.

 Sentence 2 – Explain why you hold that position.

E.g. Providing for basic amenities, such as hospitals, roads, and schools, helps to determine the quality of life that most citizens will have. 

E.g. Graduates who have a higher education typically have more jobs open to them than those who don’t further their education after high school.

Sentence 3 – Give an academic example that backs up your idea. 

·   

E.g. For example, a recent survey by Education Today shows that countries that spend more on schools have a population that is higher in literacy, by 65%, compared to those that dedicate no money to education. (According to statistics), In fact, employers are raising their educational requirements for the last five years.

Sentence 4 – Summarise the paragraph showing how your example links your idea/argument back to the main idea.

·    

E.g. Therefore, it is apparent that spending on public services is a worthwhile investment for a government.

E.g. Consequently, it is widely accepted that graduate diplomas stand a candidate in better stead for a job.

Supporting Paragraph 2:

Sentence 1 – State your 2nd position.

E.g. However, this does not mean that the visual arts should be completely neglected. 

E.g. On the other hand, there are people who oppose this view and believe that schooling takes a lot of time, finances and endurance.

Sentence 2 – Explain why you hold that position.

E.g. The visual arts also have an important impact on our quality of life. Since college gradation is expensive, not everybody can afford to complete it.

Sentence 3 – Give an academic example that backs up your idea. 

E.g. For example, a recent study conducted by the World Health Organization concluded that individuals that regularly visit art galleries are cited as being 20% happier in life than people who do not.

E.g. According to recent research, about half of bachelor's degree recipients graduate with debts.

Sentence 4 – Summarise the paragraph showing how your example links your idea/argument back to the main idea.

E.g. Seeing the health benefits that many people get from the visual arts, it is important that the government assists such institutions so that they can continue to provide pleasure to the public.

Conclusion

For the conclusion, aim to write just one or two sentences that paraphrase what you’ve discussed in the essay. Try to keep to under 45 words.

Sentence 1 – Summarise the essay. 

Be sure to start this sentence with an appropriate linking phrase (i.e. In conclusion, To sum up, Consequently) followed by an overall summary of what you’ve just written. 

      

E.g. To sum up, although there are clear benefits of ensuring a large amount of investment goes into public services, I do not believe spending money on the arts is a waste of money as this too provides important benefits.

Sentence 2 – Give a Final Thought.

·   E.g. In the future, governments should consider budgeting for both.

·  

E.g. Taking everything into account, the benefits of having a higher education outweigh the disadvantages. Even though, a basic education is enough to read my written words, a degree is necessary to become a successful businessman, lawyer or politician.

OPINION ESSAYS

IELTS Writing Task 2: Opinion Essay 1 - Changes in the 21st Century

The 21st century has begun. What changes do you think this new century will bring? Use examples and details in your answer.

IELTS Writing Task 2: Opinion Essay 2 - A gift for a child's development

A gift (such as a camera, a soccer ball, or an animal) can contribute to a child’s development. What gift would you give to help a child develop? Why? Use reasons and specific examples to support your choice.

IELTS Writing Task 2: Opinion Essay 3 - A traditional house vs a modern apartment building

Would you prefer to live in a traditional house or in a modern apartment building? Use specific reasons and details to support your choice.

IELTS Writing Task 2: Opinion Essay 4 - Borrowing money from a friend

It is sometimes said that borrowing money from a friend can harm or damage the friendship. Do you agree? Why or why not? Use reasons and specific examples to explain your answer.

IELTS Writing Task 2: Opinion Essay 5 - Studying History

Some people think that the function of studying history at all levels is to teach young people about historical facts and information, while others feel that its main function is to acquaint them with the skills necessary in later life.

Which, in your opinion, should be the main function of education?