How to Plan an IELTS Opinion Essay?

IELTS opinion essays mainly focus on agreeing or disagreeing with a particular fact or information. It presents two opposite views and you have to develop your argument supporting one view (strictly one!) You get 40 minutes to complete this task. You have to write at least 250 words on the topic given.

Given below are some examples of IELTS Writing Task 2 opinion essays along with their structure. So, let’s understand how to frame the IELTS opinion essay from the sample answers given in the blog!

3 Common Mistakes in IELTS Opinion Essays

In IELTS opinion essays, it’s easy to make some common mistakes but fixing them is the key to a higher IELTS band score.

They are:

• Not giving a clear opinion.
• Presenting arguments for both sides of the issue.
• Failing to support your opinion with well-defined reasons and examples.

Opinion Essay Structure

Let’s now look at a proper and simple format to write your IELTS opinion essay.

Note: We highly recommend this structure, as it is easy to quickly plan a band 8+ answer using it!

How to Plan an IELTS Opinion Essay?

It is crucial to follow certain pointers when answering them during the IELTS Writing exam to craft an effective essay. Read ahead!

Introduction:

• Keep it short, usually around 2-3 sentences.
• Decide your opinion.
• Introduce the topic and clearly state your opinion.
• Provide a brief overview of the main points you will discuss in the body paragraphs.

Also Check: Tips to Write an Effective Introduction for IELTS Writing Task 2

Body Paragraphs (Usually 2 paragraphs):

• Each paragraph should focus on a single main idea that supports your opinion.
• Start with a topic sentence that introduces the main idea.
• Provide evidence, examples, and reasoning to support your main idea.
• Aim for coherence and cohesion within each paragraph by using appropriate transition words.
• Make sure to use appropriate IELTS Vocabulary and grammar while explaining an idea in the body paragraphs.

Conclusion:

• Summarize the main points discussed in the body paragraphs.
• Restate your opinion, emphasizing its importance or relevance.
• Avoid introducing new ideas in the conclusion.

IELTS Opinion Essay Sample Answers

Given below is an example of an IELTS Writing Task 2 opinion essay. Let’s understand how to frame the essay from the ideas we have!

Sample Question 1

Introduction

Certain individuals say that newspapers, books, journals, magazines, etc. will not be actively used by people as they will read everything online. While some others deny the idea. I agree with this statement that the population will read everything online shortly and will explain it further with relevant examples in the essay.

Body Paragraph 1

Technological improvements have increased the level of ease and convenience to a point where people can access news and information at the click of a button. This has led to print media becoming outdated.

Body Paragraph 2

The development of news websites and sites that freely distribute information and print media in a digital form has led to a trend of availing such services and content without paying.

Conclusion

Summarize the essay and re-state the opinion on the topic.

Sample Answer

Certain individuals say that newspapers, books, journals, magazines, etc. will not be actively used by people as they will read everything online. While some others deny the idea. (Paraphrasing)

I agree with this statement that the population will read everything online shortly and will explain it further with relevant examples in the essay. (Opinion + Outline)

Firstly, it is a well-known fact that in this day and age, if an individual wants to read a book or just go over the news of the day, the first step that they take is to search the internet. For example, devices such as smartphones and tablets have improved the time efficiency of searching for information online to such an extent that a person can access their preferred form of media in the comfort of their homes in a matter of minutes. (Body Paragraph 1)

Consequently, people have started to abandon their preference for print media due to the presence of much more convenient alternatives. Additionally, the various forms of print media enjoyed by people can often be availed free of charge on several websites. For instance, most news organizations publish their daily news on their official website, which can be accessed by anyone. Also, some numerous sites and databases provide popular books, journals and magazines in a digital form to the public for a nominal subscription fee or sometimes even for free, leading to a majority of readers of such forms of media shifting away from buying hard copies. (Body Paragraph 2)

In conclusion, I would like to say that people always prefer the more comfortable alternative that is available. Therefore, it can be safely said that in the coming years, there will be a complete shift from traditional print media to online media services and products. (Conclusion)

Tips to Answer IELTS Opinion Essay Questions

In the IELTS opinion essays, you need to write your opinion about a topic and back it up with proof and examples. If you use a clear structure and good writing methods, you can improve your chances of doing well! so, let us check out at some important IELTS Exam Preparation Tips for Band Score of 8+ for the IELTS opinion essays.

• Spend 5 minutes on a mind map before writing.
• Stick to one viewpoint throughout the essay.
• Use a single main idea to support the topic in each of the two body paragraphs.
• Express your opinion throughout the essay, not just in the conclusion.
• Keep the introduction short, a maximum of 50 words.
• Ensure each body paragraph explains a main idea within 100 words.
• The conclusion should be shorter than the introduction.
• Write a complete essay following the given structure.
• Aim for a word count of 280 words or less.
• Revise the essay to avoid IELTS Grammar and spelling errors which can affect your score.

Latest IELTS Opinion Essay Topics of 2025

A few Common IELTS Essay Topics for Writing Task 2 of opinion essay topics are listed down below, which you can practice. These opinion essay questions may appear in the actual examination.

• In the future, it seems more difficult to live on Earth. Some people think more money should be spent on researching another planet to live on, such as Mars. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
• Many people say that the only way to guarantee a good job is to complete a course in university education. Others claim that it is better to start work after school and gain experience in the world of work. How far do you agree or disagree with the above views?
• Although more and more people read the news on the internet, newspapers will remain the most important source of news for the majority of people. Do you agree or disagree?
• Students in schools and universities learn more from their teachers than through other means such as the Internet, libraries, and TV. To what extent you agree or disagree?
• Nowadays university education is very expensive. Some people say that universities should reduce their fees, especially for the less fortunate students or for those coming from rural areas. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
• Some people think that governments must insist on preserving the traditional appearance of old buildings undergoing renovation or redevelopment. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the statement?
• Some people believe that international trade and communication with other countries is a positive trend, while others think it is harmful to nations and they might lose their identities. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give your own opinion and relevant examples.
• Many people believe that schools should teach children to become good citizens and workers rather than independent individuals. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Give your own opinion and relevant examples.
• People should follow the customs and traditions when they start to live in a new country. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• It is impossible to help all people in the world, so governments should only focus on people in their own countries. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• Prevention is better than cure. Do you agree or disagree that out of the country’s health budget, a large proportion should be diverted from treatment to spending on health education and preventive measures?

Here are the 10 Examples for the IELTS Opinion Essay Topics

• Do You Think Students Need to Wear School Uniforms
• Some People Think That it is More Important to Plant Tree in Open Areas
• People's Shopping Habits Depend More On The Age Group That They Belong to Then Other Factors
• University Education Should be Free for all Students
• Music is a Good Way of Bringing People of Different Cultures and Ages Together
• Crime Rate Nowadays is Decreasing Compared to the Past Due to Advances in Technology
• Rich Countries Often Give Money to Poorer Countries
• In Some Countries an Increasing Number of People are Suffering from Health Problems
• Salary is The Most Important Consideration
• Business Culture