Should I Give My Opinion in IELTS Writing Task 2?

When it comes to IELTS Writing Task 2, most candidates have the same question - Should I Give My Opinion in IELTS Writing Task 2?. The answer is not a simple ‘no’ or ‘yes’. Rather, to know the answer, you have to read the essay question carefully. 

To know more about how to identify which essay requires opinion or not and tips on how to give opinion and IELTS Band 9 essay samples, read this blog further.

Understanding Opinion-Based Instructions in IELTS Writing Task 2

One of the most important skills in IELTS Writing Task 2 is identifying what the question is really asking you to do. A common challenge for candidates is understanding when they are expected to give their opinion. Misinterpreting the question can lead to losing marks under the Task Response criterion, which accounts to 25% of your Task 2 score.

Many question types use different wording but still expect your clear and consistent opinion throughout the essay. Below is a helpful table that includes common instruction phrases used in IELTS Writing Task 2, where you will have to state your view.

When You Should Give Your Opinion?

Let us check the type of essays with example questions where you need to give your opinion. 

Opinion Essays (Agree or Disagree / To What Extent Do You Agree?)

In this type of essay, your opinion is the focus of the task. You are expected to clearly state whether you agree, disagree, or partially agree — and then support your position with relevant arguments.

Sample Questions with Answer

Below are some IELTS essay topics which will help you to learn how to write an opinion or agree disagree essays in IELTS.

Sample 1

Prevention is better than cure. Out of a country’s health budget, a large proportion should be diverted from treatment to spending on health education and preventative measures. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Sample Answer

Sample 2

A person’s worth nowadays seems to be judged according to social status and material possessions. Old-fashioned values, such as honor, kindness, and trust, no longer seem important. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Sample Answer

Sample 3

There have been many inventions in human history such as the wheel. Some people think the most important thing is the internet. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

Sample Answer

Discussion + Opinion Essays

In discussion essays, explore both sides of an argument and present your opinion. These essays evaluate your capacity to present a balanced perspective while ensuring coherence and clarity in IELTS Writing. 

This question asks you to discuss both sides and give your own opinion. So, you need to stay neutral at first, explaining each view fairly, then clearly state your stance.

Sample Questions with Answer

Given below are some discussion questions which will help you to learn how to write an IELTS discussion essay.

Sample 1

Some people think that it is better to educate girls and boys in separate schools. Others, however, believe that boys and girls benefit more from attending mixed schools. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Sample Answer

Sample 2

Some people think that a sense of competition in children should be encouraged. Others believe that children who are taught to co-operate rather than compete become more useful adults. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Sample Answer

Sample 3

Some people enjoy change and look forward to new experiences. Others like their lives to remain the same and do not like any changes. Different people have different approaches to life. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Sample Answer

When Giving Your Opinion is Optional?

Now, we will explore various essay types of sample questions where opinions are optional, and it is recommended that you follow the instructions.

Advantages and Disadvantages Essays

In IELTS Advantages and disadvantages essays, you are not explicitly asked for your opinion. However, you can include a brief opinion in the conclusion or when comparing the pros and cons.

Sample Questions with Answer

Here are a few IELTS essay topics to assist you in practicing advantages and disadvantages essays for IELTS.

Sample 1

The global demand for oil and gas is increasing. some believe that we should therefore encourage the exploitation of remote areas. Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?

Sample Answer

Sample 2

What are the advantages and disadvantages of studying abroad? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Sample Answer

Sample 3

Some people think that young people should be required to do unpaid work helping people in the community. Are disadvantages of this requirement greater than the benefits for the community and individuals?

Sample Answer

When You Shouldn't Focus on Your Opinion?

Now, let's examine diverse essay question examples where opinions are not needed unless specifically mentioned. So, please adhere to the instructions.

Problem-Solution Essays

The IELTS problem solution essay type asks you to identify problems and suggest solutions. Your personal opinion is not required, unless the question specifically asks for it.

Sample Questions with Answer

The IELTS essay topics below will help you learn to structure your problem solution essays without mentioning your opinions.

Sample 1

Overpopulation in many major urban centres around the world is a major problem. What are the causes of this? How can this problem be solved?

Sample Answer

Sample 2

Most countries believe that international tourism has harmful effects. What problems are caused by international tourism? Solutions to change negative attitudes?

Sample Answer

Sample 3

Despite a large number of gyms, a sedentary lifestyle is gaining popularity in the contemporary world. What problems are associated with this? What solutions can you suggest?

Sample Answer

Double Question Essays

Also known as IELTS Direct Question essays, in this type of essay, you need to answer both questions clearly. Again, you do not need to state your opinion unless it helps clarify your answer or is asked directly.

Sample Questions with Answer

The following IELTS essay topics will aid your learning of how to write opinion or agree/disagree essays for the IELTS exam.

Sample 1

Some people spend most of their lives living close to where they were born. What might be the reasons for this? What are the advantages and disadvantages?

Sample Answer

Sample 2

Nowadays, more and more people decide to have children later in their life. What are the reasons? Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?

Sample Answer

Sample 3

Happiness is considered very important in life. Why is it difficult to define? What factors are important in achieving happiness?

Sample Answer

Tips on How to Give Opinion in IELTS Writing Task 2

In IELTS Writing Task 2, giving your opinion can significantly impact your Task Response score. However, the way you present your opinion depends on the type of essay. So, understanding how and when to express your opinion — and doing it strategically — can make the difference between a Band 6 and a Band 8.

Below are the best IELTS Writing Task 2 tips for achieving band 9 for each essay type to help you write more effectively and appropriately for the task.

Tips for Opinion Essay

• Make your opinion clear in the introduction: This sets the tone and tells the examiner your position from the start. Example: I completely agree that technology improves education.
• Support your opinion with clear arguments in body paragraphs: Each paragraph should contain a reason or example that defends your stance.
• Restate or reinforce your opinion in the conclusion: A consistent opinion from start to finish improves coherence and helps your Task Response score.
• Use opinion phrases confidently: Use appropriate opinion phrases or synonyms to express ‘my opinion' in IELTS, like ‘I believe…’, ‘In my view…’, ‘I strongly agree that…’

Tips for Discussion + Opinion Essay

• Explain both views objectively in body paragraphs: Show the examiner that you understand both perspectives, even if you disagree with one.
• Include your opinion clearly (in the conclusion, or optionally in the introduction): You must clearly state which side you agree with. You can introduce your stance early, but you must include it in the conclusion.
• Use balanced opinion phrases: Make sure to use balanced phrases to express your opinion for this type of essay. For example: ‘Although both views have merit, I personally believe…’ and ‘While some argue that…, I am of the opinion that…’.

Tips for Advantages and Disadvantages Essay

• Present advantages and disadvantages clearly in separate paragraphs. This shows organization and helps achieve good coherence and cohesion.
• If giving an opinion, keep it brief and balanced (usually in the conclusion). Don’t let your opinion dominate the essay. A subtle personal stance can be shared at the end.
• Use neutral, measured opinion language. For example: ‘Overall, I believe the advantages slightly outweigh the disadvantages.’

Tips for Problem-Solution Essay

• Focus on identifying the problem and proposing logical solutions. The goal is to be analytical and practical, not personal.
• Avoid using personal opinion language unless summarizing. Phrases like “I believe” or “In my view” can weaken your academic tone in this case.
• Only include a viewpoint in the conclusion if it helps summarize your ideas. Keep it brief and formal. Example: ‘This issue must be addressed with both community awareness and government policy.’

Tips for Double Question Essay

• Treat both questions equally — give each one a clear and developed answer. Avoid spending too much time on one and neglecting the other.
• If you include an opinion, make it subtle and integrated. You can include an evaluative comment (e.g., whether something is good or bad), but it should not dominate the essay.
• Keep the tone explanatory, not argumentative. Example: ‘While fast food offers convenience, its health impact raises concerns.’

To sum up, there is no one single answer for the question - Should I Give My Opinion in IELTS Writing Task 2?. What is important is to read the question carefully. If it includes phrases like ‘Do you agree or disagree?’ or ‘Give your own opinion’, then your viewpoint is essential. If not, focus on answering the question directly and objectively. Giving a well-expressed, clear opinion when appropriate can boost your Task Response and coherence and cohesion scores — which are key to achieving IELTS band score 7 and above.

Useful Links

• IELTS Essays on Technology - Discussion and Opinion Essays 
• Recent IELTS Writing Actual Test & Model Answers
• IELTS Writing Task 2 Band Scores 5 to 8 Explained: Improve Your Score Now
• How to Plan an IELTS Opinion Essay? 
• How to Use Examples Effectively in IELTS Writing?
• IELTS General Training Writing Task 2 Sample Questions with Model Answers PDF
• Recent IELTS Topics in Writing Task 2 for 2025