IELTS Opinion Essays (Agree or Disagree)
In an IELTS Opinion Essay, you are asked to state your position clearly and defend it throughout. The prompt will usually end with "To what extent do you agree or disagree?" or "Do you agree or disagree?". Successful Band 9 candidates take a clear position in the introduction and stick to it, building 2 body paragraphs that each support their viewpoint with logical explanations and real-world examples.
Band 9 Model Essays (5)
100% 4-Paragraph FormatLife was better when technology was simpler. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
In many countries, smoking is now illegal in public places. Many people believe that such a ban is justified. Do you agree or disagree?
There are many reasons that can motivate a person to stay working for the same company. Some believe that money is the main reason. Do you agree or disagree?
A person’s worth nowadays seems to be judged according to social status and material possessions. Old fashioned values such as honour, kindness, and trust no longer seem important. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Wealthy countries should accept more refugees and provide them with basic assistance such as food and housing. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
4-Paragraph Structure Formula
1. Introduction
- Sentence 1: Paraphrase the prompt (rewrite the topic in your own words).
- Sentence 2: Thesis statement (explicitly state your opinion: "I completely agree that..." or "I disagree because...").
2. Body Paragraph 1 (First Argument)
- Topic Sentence: Introduce your first reason.
- Explanation: Explain why this reason holds true in 2–3 sentences.
- Example: Provide a concrete, professional example.
3. Body Paragraph 2 (Second Argument)
- Topic Sentence: Introduce your second reason.
- Explanation: Provide supporting logical steps.
- Example: Provide a matching example.
4. Conclusion
- Sentence 1: Restatement (restate your thesis using different words).
- Sentence 2: Summary (summarize your two main body arguments).
Examiner Key Advice
Never sit on the fence without a clear justification. Choosing one side clearly and defending it across two body paragraphs is the most direct path to a Band 8.5–9 score.
Provide plausible real-world examples rather than fabricating fake statistics—examiners prioritize logical idea development.
Focus on natural progression between sentences rather than stacking mechanical connectors like "Furthermore" at the start of every line.
Maintain the same position throughout the essay. Do not contradict yourself in body paragraph 2.
Explore Related IELTS Resources
Sample Essays
- ›Air transport is increasingly used to export fruit and vegetables to countries where they cannot be grown or are out of season. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this?
- ›As most people spend a major part of their adult life at work, job satisfaction is an important element of individual wellbeing. What are the factors that contribute to job satisfaction? How realistic is the expectation of job satisfaction for all workers?
- ›At present, the media affects people’s lives significantly. What impact does this have on society? Is it a negative or positive development?