Tips in Writing IELTS Task 2 (Simplified) Opinion Essay

 Task 2 - An Essay About your Opinion on a Given Topic 

250 words minimum



Question Types:

1. Opinion Essay

 Examples: 

A. Some parents think that their children do not know how to socialize anymore these days because they are always on their smartphones. Do you agree or disagree that children these days do not know how to socialize anymore because they spend most of their time on their smartphones?


B. Joining clubs or activities in school has more disadvantages than advantages. Do you think participating in clubs or activities in school has more disadvantages than advantages?


C. Children who study hard are the ones who are most likely to succeed and become rich in the future. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion? 


2. Cause and Solution

 Example: 

Some countries have a declining birth rate and fertility rate and people get busier and busier in their jobs. What do you think are the causes of these problems and what possible solutions could be done to solve them?


3. Advantages and Disadvantages 

Example: 

There are many natural disasters happening recently in the world and one of the solutions to this problem is decarbonization and thus there is a growing market for electric vehicles. 

Describe the advantages and disadvantages of using electric vehicles. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?



4. Double Question 

Example: 

Having a work-life balance can solve low fertility rates and low birth rates.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

What other solutions can you think of?


5. Discussion 

Example:

Some people think that it's almost impossible to regulate our use of smartphones these days while others believe that we just have to establish a  habit and discipline ourselves when it comes to the use of our phones. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.




Band Descriptors (Evaluation)

1. Grammar Accuracy (correct grammar)

2.  Grammar Range (sentence types/forms/structure e.g. more complex sentences, compound or conditional sentences, and not always simple sentences)

3. Vocabulary (wide range of vocabulary)

4. Coherence and Cohesion - (organization, sequencing, logical arrangement, and transition)

5. Task Performance (a spot-on response to the question)


Structure

1. Introduction

* Paraphrasing the question or topic (Background)

* Your opinion or take on the topic (Thesis Statement)


2. Body

Paragraph 1

* Topic Sentence (Point 1)

* Explanation and example 


Paragraph 2

* Topic Sentence (Point 2)

Explanation and example 


Paragraph 3

* Topic Sentence (Point 3)

Explanation and example 


3. Conclusion

* Restating the thesis statement

* Restating and simplifying the points


Common Tips

1. Analyze the question and outline your response (4 or 5 min).

2. Your response to the task should be complete and spot-on.

3. Avoid making your ideas too complex that you can't make your points comprehensible anymore. It should be just understandable to the reader.

4. Avoid using very simple vocabulary words; try to level up.

5. Avoid using highfalutin words and end up with unnatural and incomprehensible expressions.



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