IELTS Opinion essays (Essay on Education)

3 min read

Updated On Dec 01, 2021

IELTS Opinion essays (Essay on Education)

Limited-Time Offer : Access a FREE 10-Day IELTS Study Plan!

Most of the students are scared of ‘Writing task 2’ of the IELTS exam. The test-takers will be given only 40 minutes to complete the 250-word essay. The essays will be opinion-based. In this section, the examiners will assess the fluency and task response.

Structure of IELTS essay

Since there are plenty of topics in IELTS writing task 2, it is difficult to predict which topic will appear in the actual IELTS test. You should be a Jack of all trades ( have some knowledge on every topic). If it is an opinion essay then you can follow this structure to write your answer.

Introduction

The introduction part will be the most important part of the essay, as this paragraph will help you write the rest of the essay. The introduction part should include the topic or the question given in the essay. You can use synonyms and frame sentences. While writing the essay you should decide whether you are for or against the topic. This will make it easy for the examiner to judge your stand. Once you complete paraphrasing the question, give your opinion regarding the topic. Also for opinion essays, you need to include a thesis statement. The thesis statement should indicate what will be discussed in the forthcoming paragraphs.

Body of the essay

The body of the essay is where you explain your opinion in-depth. You have to keep in mind that you do not divert from the topic. There will be two parts of your body paragraph. The first one is important as it involves your opinion about the topic. And the second one will be your opposition to the topic. They are explained in detail below:

Opinion- In favour

In favourable opinion you can use phrases like ‘in my opinion’ or ‘I believe that’ before starting the question so that the examiner knows that you are talking in favour of the topic. The tone used while explaining maybe in the third person. This is usually used while trying to give an example contextual to the topic. While writing the IELTS essay on education, if you think positively about the education you can give interesting ideas in favour of education. If you are not aware of the facts you can highlight the main features of the education.

Opinion- Shortcomings:

We know that education is undoubtedly important but you should explain the shortcomings also. This is to show that, you understand both the sides of the topic given.
Eg: You can also give your suggestions to improve the education system.

Conclusion

In the end, you can close the essay by giving some small notes with reasons. The opinion given by you must be consistent throughout the essay and make sure you do not have two opinions about the question given. You can also sum up the introduction part as well as the body paragraph part of the essay and conclude the overall essay on a positive note. Look at some of the examples we have on the education essay IELTS.

Here are some topics for opinion essay about Education :

Some people say that in all levels of education, from primary school to universities, too much time spent on learning facts and not enough on learning practical skills. Agree or disagree?
Education should be accessible to everyone of all economic backgrounds. All levels of education, from primary school to tertiary education, should be free. To what extent do you agree with this opinion?
University education should be free to everyone, regardless of income. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Some people say that the education system is the only critical factor in the development of a country. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Some people think that students who don’t take a break in studies between the high school and the university are at disadvantage compared to students who travel and work after high school before further continuing their education. Do you agree or disagree?
The best way to help underachieving pupils is to have compulsory after school activities which they must attend. This way they will become more involved in school and their grades will improve. To what extent do you agree?

There are different types of essays that IELTS might test you for. However, it is very common for the aspirants to make multiple mistakes owing to the lack of knowledge of the expected pattern for a particular essay. To make sure, you don’t make such errors, our IELTS online classes take over the responsibility to have a structured preparation ready for you.

Also check:

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it necessary to state one’s opinion in an essay?

As a first step you have to identify the type of the essay. If it is an opinion essay, then it is mandatory to provide your opinion. If you fail to state your opinion, you will end up with a poor score for task achievement which is one of the marking criteria.

Will my opinion play a role in marking criteria? In controversial topics, is it dangerous to give an opinion which the examiner may not approve?

The examiner will remain totally indifferent when assessing you. All that the examiner will look for is a clearly stated opinion (whichever side you may take, however controversial it may be) in case of an opinion essay. The examiner will also mark you for the explanation.

In case of an opinion essay, can I give my opinion in the introduction and then remain neutral in the body paragraphs?

Definitely not. In case of opinion essays, you are including a thesis statement in the introduction part which outlines what is going to be explained in the body paragraphs. You have to support your opinion in the body paragraphs. You cannot remain neutral.

How do I determine if it is an opinion essay?

You can look for phrases like “Do you think?” “What is your opinion?” etc in the question.

In an opinion essay, what is a smart way of choosing which side to support?

Choose the side which you can explain with examples. Doesn’t matter even if it is controversial.

Janet

Janet had been an IELTS Trainer before she dived into the field of Content Writing. During her days of being a Trainer, Janet had written essays and sample answers which got her students an 8+ band in the IELTS Test. Her contributions to our articles have been engaging and simple to help the students understand and grasp the information with ease. Janet, born and brought up in California, had no idea about the IELTS until she moved to study in Canada. Her peers leaned to her for help as her first language was English.