IELTS Writing Task 2: Should I give my opinion?
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The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a globally recognised and widely recommended English language proficiency test. Almost all of the world’s top universities and schools accept it.
It is, however, difficult to pass the exam without proper preparation. Furthermore, the only way to clear this exam is by adhering to the guidelines with adequate knowledge.
As a result, you must have a thorough understanding of IELTS Writing task 2 in order to achieve a high score. In addition, students sometimes get confused about the different types of essays and end up answering questions incorrectly.
Types of Essays asked in Writing task 2
- Opinion Essay
- Advantage and Disadvantage Essay
- Cause and Solution Essay
- Discussion Essay
- Direct Essay
Let’s understand how to identify opinion essays.
You should carefully read the instructions given for each task to determine whether or not you should provide your opinion in your essay. If you are asked to write a direct opinion essay, and you don’t give an opinion, it means you didn’t attempt the task correctly. Hence, this would substantially lower your Task Response score, which is responsible for 25% of your task 2 scores.
When to give your opinion?
- If the question asks you to agree or disagree with the statement, then you must give your opinion.
- Throughout the article, stick to your opinion.
- Do not unnecessarily add opinion if it does not directly ask questions like – what “you” think.
Types of questions asked where you are expected to share your opinion:
- “Is this a positive or negative development?”
- “What is your view?”
- “Do you agree or disagree?”
- “Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?”
- “To what extent do you agree?”
- “Do you think…?”
- “Your opinion?”
- “Are there more advantages than disadvantages?”
- “Do you support this statement?”
Let’s see some IELTS essay questions and identify which questions require your opinion.
| 1. People should look after their health as a duty to the society where they live, rather than their own benefits. To what extent do you agree or disagree? |
This question requires your opinion since it asks ‘to what extent do you agree or disagree’
It is an opinion essay.
| 2. Some people think in order to continually improve the quality of education, high school students should be encouraged to evaluate and criticise their teachers. Others feel that this would result in a loss of respect and discipline in the classroom. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion. |
This question does not require your opinion because it says ‘discuss both these sides’.
It is a discussion essay where you’re asked to give an opinion.
| 3. In many countries, traditional foods are being replaced by international fast foods. This is having a negative effect on both families and societies. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion? |
This question requires your opinion since it asks ‘to what extent do you agree or disagree’.
It is an opinion essay.
| 4. Today, more and more people use robots to do tasks at home and at work. Do you think it is a positive or negative development? Why? |
This question requires your opinion since it directly asks ‘Do you think it is a positive or negative development? Why?’
It is an opinion essay.
| 5. The cultures of many countries around the world become more similar than they used to be. What are the reasons for this trend? Is it positive or negative? |
This question does not require your opinion because it asks a direct question ‘Is it positive or negative?’
It is a direct essay where you’re asked to give an opinion.
| 6. Today due to advanced medicine, people are living longer. Therefore, the number of elders is expected to exceed that of young people. Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages? |
This question requires your opinion since it directly asks, ‘do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?’
It is an advantage/disadvantage essay where you’re asked for an opinion.
| 7. Water scarcity is a serious problem in many countries. What are the causes of this？And what solutions can be done by individuals and the government? |
This question does not require your opinion because it asks a direct question ‘What are the causes of this？And what solutions can be done by individuals and the government?’
It is a cause and solution essay.
Also Check :
- Cause and Solution Essay
- Opinion Essay
- Advantage and Disadvantage Essay
- Discussion Essay
- Direct Essay
- Tips to write introduction in IELTS Writing Task 2
- Tips to write great writing essay
- IELTS Sample essays
- IELTS Writing task 2 Preparation Tips
- Tips to Improve IELTS Writing Skills
- How to get band 8 in IELTS Writing Task 2
- IELTS Writing recent actual test
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