Agree Disagree Essays in IELTS

Haniya Yashfeen

5 min read

Updated On Feb 13, 2025

Want to ace the IELTS Agree or Disagree essay? Get a clear structure, essential tips, and common topics to write a high-scoring response effortlessly!

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The agree or disagree essay is one of the most common question types in the IELTS Writing Task 2. Also known as an argumentative essay, this writing task requires you to express and support your opinion on a given statement. You have 40 minutes to write a minimum of 250 words.

Many test-takers find this writing task 2 manageable because they only need to argue for or against the given statement, without presenting both sides equally. However, to achieve a high IELTS Band Score, your response must be well-structured, coherent, and supported with relevant examples.

What is an Agree/Disagree Essay in IELTS?

In this type of essay, you must clearly state your opinion on a given statement. You can:

Completely agree – Support the statement fully.
Completely disagree – Oppose the statement entirely.
Partially agree – Acknowledge both sides but lean towards one.

Your response must include well-developed ideas with examples to support your stance.

IELTS Agree Disagree Essay Structure

In all the sections of the IELTS examination, structure plays a very important role because it will be easy for the test taker to write the answer. Also, the examiner will find it easy to evaluate the answer. So here is the structure that you can follow while writing an agree/disagree essay:

Paragraph 1: Introduction

Paraphrase the question.
Clearly state your opinion (agree or disagree).
Briefly outline what you will discuss in the body paragraphs.

Example Introduction:
Some people believe that technology has made life more complicated rather than easier. In my opinion, while technology has introduced some challenges, its benefits far outweigh the drawbacks, making life more convenient.

Paragraph 2: First Body Paragraph

Introduce the first main point supporting your opinion.
Provide an explanation and expand on your reasoning.
Give a relevant example to strengthen your argument.

Example:
Technology has significantly improved communication. Social media, emails, and instant messaging allow people to connect instantly, which was not possible in the past.

Paragraph 3: Second Body Paragraph

Present the second main point supporting your opinion.
Explain your reasoning with supporting details.
Include an example to illustrate your point.
(Optional) Mention an opposing view, but refute it positively.

Example:
Additionally, technological advancements in healthcare have increased life expectancy. For instance, AI-assisted surgeries and telemedicine have made medical care more accessible. However, excessive reliance on technology can cause social isolation. Despite this, the benefits of technological progress in communication and healthcare make it an overall positive development.

Paragraph 4: Conclusion

Summarize your main points.
Restate your opinion in a paraphrased form.

Example:

To conclude, while technology presents some challenges, its role in improving communication and healthcare is undeniable. Therefore, I firmly believe it has made life easier rather than more complicated.

Sample Checklist for Agree/Disagree Essays

Structure	Parameters to Check	Yes	No
Introduction	Paraphrasing the question	✅	❌
	Stating opinion clearly	✅	❌
	Brief thesis statement	✅	❌
Body Paragraph 1	Central idea clearly stated	✅	❌
	Explanation of idea	✅	❌
	Relevant example provided	✅	❌
Body Paragraph 2	Central idea clearly stated	✅	❌
	Explanation of idea	✅	❌
	Relevant example provided	✅	❌
Conclusion	Summary of key points	✅	❌
	Restating opinion clearly	✅	❌

IELTS Agree/Disagree Essay Topics

Here are some sample of agree/ disagree essay topics for practice:

Some people who have been in prison become good citizens later. Some people think that inviting these people to talk to school students is the best way to tell them about dangers of committing a crime. Do you agree or disagree?
The only way to improve road safety is to give much stricter punishments on driving offenses. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
It is generally accepted that exercise is good for children and teenagers. Therefore, physical education and sport should be compulsory for all students in all schools. What do you think?

Tips for Writing an Agree/Disagree Essay

Here are some essential tips to help you write a high-scoring agree/disagree essay:

Choose one side clearly: It is advisable to either fully agree or fully disagree with the statement. Supporting both sides can weaken your argument and clarity.
Maintain a clear structure: A well-organized essay is easier for the examiner to read and evaluate.
Address the opposite viewpoint briefly: You may acknowledge the opposing argument in one or two sentences, but ensure that your main argument remains strong.
Use respectful language: Avoid statements that could offend others while presenting your viewpoint.
Select your stance wisely: Choose the side with stronger supporting points and examples to develop a detailed response.
Paraphrase the question in the introduction: This ensures a strong start without repeating the exact words from the prompt.
Ensure consistency: The introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion should align in their argument.
Develop body paragraphs effectively: Each paragraph should have a clear main idea, supporting explanation, and relevant example.
Write a conclusion: Even if you are short on time, include at least 2–3 sentences summarizing your opinion.

Useful Vocabulary for Agree Disagree Essays

Following are some IELTS vocabulary which can be used in writing agree/ disagree essay:

Expressing Agreement:

I completely agree that…
There is no doubt that…
It is evident that…

Expressing Disagreement:

I strongly disagree with the idea that…
This statement is flawed because…
There is insufficient evidence to support the claim that…

Providing Examples:

For instance,…
A good example of this is…
To illustrate,…

Conclusion Phrases:

In conclusion,…
To summarize,…
Therefore, it can be said that…

Sample Agree Disagree Essay IELTS Writing Task 2

Topic: Some people think that advertising is useful, while others believe it is misleading. Do you agree or disagree?

Introduction:

Advertising plays a significant role in shaping consumer preferences. While some view it as a source of valuable information, others argue that it misleads the public. I firmly believe that advertising is often deceptive due to its exaggerated promises and emotional manipulation.

Body Paragraph 1:

Many advertisements overstate product effectiveness to attract buyers. For instance, skincare brands frequently claim their creams can deliver flawless skin overnight, which is highly unrealistic and sets false expectations.

Body Paragraph 2:

Additionally, advertising exploits emotions to influence purchasing decisions. Fast-food commercials, for example, use vibrant visuals and enticing imagery to trigger cravings, often leading to unhealthy eating habits.

Conclusion:

In summary, advertising is largely misleading as it distorts reality through exaggerated claims and emotional persuasion. Consumers should remain skeptical and verify product information before making decisions.

Overall, Agree Disagree essays in IELTS require a clear stance, strong arguments, and logical organization. By following the right structure, using precise vocabulary, and practicing with sample topics, you can improve your writing skills and achieve a high band score.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can agree/disagree essays be called as opinion essays?

Yes. They can be called as opinion essays.

Can I partially agree?

No. You cannot. You have to choose one side.

Can I skip the conclusion part if I’m running out of time. What weightage does that one liner consist of?

The one line of conclusion definitely has a role in marking criteria. The examiner will look for the structure of the essay. So you cannot skip the conclusion part.

Can I use the word “I” such as ” I agree” or “I disagree”?

Yes. You can.

What is the structure of Agree/Disagree essays?

It is same as that of opinion essays. They are : Introduction – Paraphrase – Give opinion – Thesis statement Main body para 1 – First supporting argument Main body para 2 – Second supporting argument Conclusion