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HOW TO WRITE IELTS OPINION ESSAYS

I. QUESTION TYPES:

IELTS opinion essays are very common in the exam. It can be a bit confusing,
especially if you are new to IELTS, to work out the different types of essay. Below are
the common opinion question types.

Styles Prompts Examples

Advances in technology and automation
To what extent do
have reduced the need for manual labour.
you agree or
Therefore, working hours should be reduced.
disagree?
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
1st style
Many people think that learning history is a
How far do you
waste of time.
agree or disagree?
How far do you agree or disagree?

A big salary is much more important than job

nd Do you agree or
2 style satisfaction.
disagree?
Do you agree or disagree?

Space exploration is much too expensive and

What is your the money should be spent on more
3rd style
opinion? important things.
What is your opinion?

Nowadays, more people are choosing to

th
4 style* <Direct question> socialize online rather than face to face. Is this
a positive or negative development?

II. ESSAY STRUCTURE:

Let's examine a straightforward framework suitable for composing opinion essays.

While it is not the sole structure available, I suggest it due to its simplicity for learning
and its capacity to facilitate the swift planning and composition of a sophisticated
essay.

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Time
Number of
Parts Sub-parts strategy
sentences
(minutes)

Background Statement (the

paraphrase of the question 1-2
statement)

Thesis statement
Clearly state:
INTRODUCTION 2-5
• your opinion
1
• whether you agree or
disagree
• …

(Statement of outline) 1

Topic sentence 1 1

Explanation + Example 2-6

BODY 1
(Concluding sentence) 1
15 - 20
Topic sentence 2 1

Explanation + Example 2-6

BODY 2
(Concluding sentence) 1

Main-point
1-2
restatement/paraphrase

CONCLUSION Your opinion/idea/argument 1 2-5

(Extensions (Prediction / Warning /

1-2
Evaluation / Suggestion…))

TOTAL 14 - 25 20 - 30

This format will yield a well-rounded essay comprising four paragraphs. Now, we
require some ideas to incorporate into the structure, and then we'll have all the
necessary elements for our essay.

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These three errors are common in IELTS opinion essays.

• Not stating an opinion.
• Giving arguments for both views.
• Not supporting your opinion with clear reasons.

III. HOW TO PLAN IELTS OPINION ESSAYS:

Analyze the Decide on Generate

Vocabulary
question your opinion ideas

1. Analyze the question

One prevalent error observed in numerous students is their failure to respond

appropriately to the question. To prevent this, it is crucial to thoroughly examine the
question as your initial step. Proficiency in this skill is of utmost significance. To
encapsulate the key insights:

You just need to identify 3 different types of words:

1. Topic words: the ones that identify the general subject of the question.
2. Other keywords: other keywords in the question tell you the specific topic you
must write about. They define the opinion stated in the statement.
3. Instruction words: the words that come after the question statement. They tell
you exactly what the examiner wants you to do.

Example:

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Some people believe that cell phones should be allowed in the

classroom.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own
knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

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2. Decide on your opinion

After you have already analyzed the question, you need to decide on your opinion. It
doesn’t matter which side of the argument you take or even that you agree with it.
Choose the one you can develop the best argument for. Don’t change your opinion
part way through the essay and don’t give reasons for the opposing idea. Here are a
few tips when you decide on your opinion.

• Choose one side of the argument.

• State your opinion clearly in the introduction.
• Keep the same opinion throughout the essay.
• Give reasons why you hold this view.

3. Generate ideas

The third task involves generating ideas to write about. Given the limited time for idea
generation, it's crucial to have a strategy that works well for you and that you've
practiced in advance. Various methods can be employed to think up ideas, but it's
important to recognize that individuals have different thinking styles. What works for
one person may not be suitable for another. Additionally, different techniques may be
more effective for specific question types. Therefore, it's beneficial to have at least two
methods that you are confident in, ensuring readiness for any type of question.

In this section, I will introduce the four main techniques for generating ideas for your
Task 2 IELTS essay:
• Brainstorming
• Mind-mapping
• Friends technique
• Examples method

Methods What to do
• Look at the question and quickly write down any related ideas
that come to your mind.
Brainstorming • The challenge is you might end up with many ideas, and
there's not enough time to choose the best ones before you
start writing.

• Similar to brainstorming but helps you organize your thoughts

by connecting each idea to a specific part of the question.
Mind-mapping
• Some students find this helpful, especially if they're familiar
with creating mind maps.

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• Imagine you're talking casually with a friend, and they ask you
the question. Plan your essay around the simple answers
Friends
you'd give in everyday language.
technique
• This helps you avoid struggling to think of fancy ideas using
complex language.
• Just think of specific examples related to the question from
your own experience or things you've read or heard about.
• You might have seen something in newspapers, magazines,
Examples
or online. You can even make up examples or adjust real ones
method
to fit the question better. The examiner won't check your facts,
but they must make sense. Once you have an example, ideas
for your essay should come easily.

A FEW NOTES:

Getting good at generating ideas, just like learning to write essays, is a skill that
improves with practice. So, my suggestion is to focus on practicing just the skill of
coming up with ideas without going on to write full essays afterward.

1. Get a list of real IELTS questions and find a quiet place, like a desk or a coffee
shop. Your goal is to brainstorm ideas that fit the essay question. Don't write the
entire essay or even sentences. Just try to come up with 3 or 4 main ideas that
match the question.
2. If this seems hard, try brainstorming ideas in your own language and take notes
in your language. This way, you only need to work on one skill (coming up with
ideas) and not both (ideas and English).
3. When thinking of ideas, really consider the topic you're asked to discuss. What
do you truly think and feel about it? If a friend asked for your opinion, what would
you honestly say?
4. If real IELTS questions feel too tough, try simpler ones to start.
• What are the main causes of traffic congestion, and how can we solve it?
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of being self-employed?
• What are the main causes of obesity, and how can people lose weight?
• Sport is a great way of bringing people together. Do you agree or disagree?
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of using social media?
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of travelling?
• Some people like to buy luxury goods (e.g. designer bags). Why do you this
this is? What problems can it cause?

Spend just 10 minutes each day brainstorming ideas. With daily practice, you'll
become an expert idea generator in no time.

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4. Vocabulary:

In an IELTS essay, it’s important to be able to say the same things in different ways,
either by paraphrasing and/or using synonyms. During the planning stage, quickly jot
down a few synonyms of key words you could use to save you having to stop and think
of the right language while you’re writing. For example:

• cell phones – smartphones, cellular phones, wireless phones, mobile devices

• believe – assume, claim, argue, assert, contend
• allowed – permitted, granted, consented, approved
• in the classroom – during class, inside the classroom, during lessons, within
the school setting, while studying

IV. HOW TO WRITE THE INTRODUCTION:

To start an IELTS Writing Task 2 essay, you only need two things. First, a
Background Statement - it's like saying the essay question in your own words, and
every essay should have this. Second, a Thesis Statement - it's a clear answer to the
essay question. Some writers may add an optional Outline Statement. But
remember, a simple introduction with 2-3 sentences and 40-60 words is enough to
meet the marking criteria for Task 2. It usually takes about 5 minutes to write.

1. Background Statement
Start your introduction by paraphrasing the question. For example:

Question: Some people believe that cell phones should be allowed in the
classroom. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• It is assumed that cell phones should be used in the classroom.
• A number of people hold a view that learners ought to utilize phones
during the lessons.
• It is strongly argued that cell phones help learners a great deal during the
lessons and therefore they are expected to be allowed in school.

2. Thesis Statement

After that, you should write the thesis statement. In IELTS opinion essays, the thesis
statement is where you state your opinion. For example:

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Question: Some people believe that students should use cell phones in the
classroom. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• As far as I am concerned, I firmly disagree with this notion for several
ideas.
• From my perspective, I agree with this view for some reasons which are
going to be discussed in the following essay.
• Personally, I firmly oppose students using cell phones in class due to
potential distractions and negative impacts on the learning environment.

Bolded phrases above are often referred to as opinion markers. Here are some basic
one which you can use in your own writing:

Opinion markers: In my opinion, / From my point of view, / According to me, /

Personally (speaking), / In my viewpoint, / From my perspective, / According to my
own way of thinking, / In my way of thinking, / I am of the opinion that… / As far as I
am concerned, /...

3. Outline Statement

Finally in the introduction, you should outline the main points that you’ll cover in the
rest of the essay. Do it in one sentence, or you can add them onto the end of the thesis
statement if appropriate. So, let’s bring the three elements of our introduction together.

Question: Some people believe that cell phones should be allowed in the
classroom. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

It is strongly argued that cell phones help learners a great deal during the
lessons and therefore they are expected to be allowed in school. From my
perspective, I agree with this view for some reasons which are going to be
discussed in the following essay. (46 words)

V. HOW TO WRITE THE HOW TO WRITE MAIN BODY PARAGRAPHS:

A good paragraph in the main part of your essay has three parts: the Topic Sentence,
the Explanation, and the Example. If you can't think of an example, you can use more
supporting ideas.

Sometimes, when writing main paragraphs for IELTS opinion essays, people have too
many ideas. But we've already picked the two ideas we'll talk about, so now we're

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ready to write. Planning is really important, and it makes writing the essay much faster
and easier.

1. Main Body Paragraph 1

The Topic Sentence tells what the paragraph is about. It doesn't need to be tricky,
just clear. This sentence is like a sign saying what's coming next in your writing. If you
keep your ideas organized in your essay, you'll do well in showing you understand the
task and your writing flows nicely.

First, we normally start with a beginning connector. This sentence helps link the ideas
in the body with that in the introduction. Then, write the Topic Sentence for our first
paragraph by using the idea we have.

Clearly, cell phones profit a learner in different ways, especially in modern-day

lessons. Firstly, they can provide learners with authentic and up-to-date
information which cannot be found in any coursebooks.

Next, we must write some explanation sentences. They explain to the examiner what
we mean.

In this digitalized world, when the world is rapidly changing, the information is
therefore constantly updated. As for some classroom activities such as debates
or seminars, without a cellphone, it can be really challenging for a student to
find arguments or specific details to support his or her own view. However, with
the assistance of a smartphone, real-life examples can be easily found and they
may make a student’s view more persuasive and reliable.

Finally, we add an example to support our main point. If you can’t think of a real
example, it’s fine to make one up, as long as it’s believable. The examiner isn’t going
to check your facts. Another option is that you can use more supporting ideas.

2. Main Body Paragraph 2

When you write the Main Body Paragraph 2, you nearly do the same steps as in Main
Body Paragraph 1. However, a problem is that you might find you have too many ideas
to choose! If you have too many ideas, here’s a golden rule:

CHOOSE THE IDEAS THAT ARE EASIEST TO EXPLAIN.

Remember, for a high band score, the IELTS examiner is looking for relevant ideas
that are well developed, not interesting or complicated ideas. So choose the ideas that
are easiest to write about.

Putting everything together, your body paragraph may look like this:

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Clearly, cell phones profit a learner in different ways, especially in modern-day

lessons. Firstly, they can provide learners with authentic and up-to-date
information which cannot be found in any coursebooks. In this
digitalized world where everything is rapidly changing, the information is
therefore constantly updated. As for some classroom activities such as debates
or seminars, without a cellphone, it can be really challenging for a student to
find arguments or specific details to support his or her own view. However, with
the assistance of a smartphone, real-life examples can be easily found and they
may make a student’s view more persuasive and reliable.

Secondly, cell phones can help speed up the learning and teaching
processes. In other words, the activities in the classroom can be done more
successfully and easily without much time being spent on time-consuming
processes such as taking notes or looking up information in coursebooks. For
example, in a traditional classroom, students have to repeatedly and constantly
spend most of the time taking notes of the lectures, which is believed to be really
arduously boring and time-consuming. However, thanks to the presence of a cell
phone, with the camera, a student can take a picture or record what is being
presented by the teacher. The extra time he or she earns can be used
strategically for other activities in the class and maybe for self-reflection. As a
result, it is undeniable that students can benefit very much if cellphones are
allowed to be used during the lessons. (251 words)

VI. HOW TO WRITE THE HOW TO WRITE THE CONCLUSION:

In IELTS opinion essays, conclusions should accomplish two tasks: summarize the
main points and state your opinion, usually in a single sentence. If your essay falls
below the minimum word count of 250 words, you can add an extra prediction or
recommendation statement after the conclusion. Despite being the easiest sentence
to write, the conclusion is crucial. A well-crafted conclusion neatly ends the essay,
connects all ideas, summarizes your argument, and answers the essay question.
Successfully achieving this enhances your score for task achievement and cohesion
and coherence, which together contribute to 50% of the total marks. It's important to
note that without a conclusion, you risk scoring below band 6 for task achievement.

You can start almost any final paragraph of an IELTS opinion essay with the words:

Conclusion markers: In conclusion, / In all, / By and large, / In general, / To

conclude, / To sum up, / All in all, ...

Here's a helpful tip: revisit the essay introduction since it serves as a summary of your
essay, outlining the key points you'll discuss. Crafting an effective conclusion is as
simple as rephrasing the introduction. Let's give it a try.

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In all, due to the aforementioned ideas, cell phones are generally believed to
bring a great number of benefits to learners in educational contexts and they
should be allowed in school. However, in order to maximize the role of cell
phones and avoid cases of misusing them, students should be trained to use
them and regulations should be imposed to prevent any wrongdoings relating to
the devices. (67 words)

VII. SAMPLE ESSAYS:

WRITING TASK 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Some people believe that cell phones should be allowed in the classroom.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own
knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

SAMPLE ESSAY:

It is strongly argued that cell phones help learners a great deal during the
lessons and therefore they are expected to be allowed at school. From my
perspective, I agree with this view for some reasons which are going to be
discussed in the following essay.

Clearly, cell phones profit a learner in different ways, especially in modern-day

lessons. Firstly, they can provide learners with authentic and up-to-date
information which cannot be found in any coursebooks. Nowadays, when the
world is rapidly changing, the information is therefore constantly updated. As
for some classroom activities such as debates or seminars, without a cellphone,
it can be really challenging for a student to find arguments or specific details to
support his or her own view. However, with the assistance of a smartphone, real-
life examples can be easily found and they may make a student’s view more
persuasive and accented.

Secondly, cell phones can help speed up the learning and teaching processes. In
other words, the activities in the classroom can be done more successfully and

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easily without much time being spent on time-consuming processes such as

taking notes or looking up information in coursebooks. For example, in a
traditional classroom, students have to repeatedly and constantly spend most of
the time taking notes of the lectures, which is believed to be really arduously
boring and time-consuming. However, thanks to the presence of a cell phone,
with the camera, a student can take a picture or record what is being presented
by the teacher. The extra time he or she earns can be used strategically for other
activities in the class and maybe for self-reflection. As a result, it is undeniable
that students can benefit very much if cellphones are allowed to be used during
the lessons.

In all, due to the aforementioned ideas, cell phones are generally believed to
bring a great number of benefits to learners in educational contexts and they
should be allowed in school. However, in order to maximize the role of cell
phones and avoid cases of misusing them, students should be trained to use
them and regulations should be imposed to prevent any wrongdoings relating to
the devices.
(361 words)

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WRITING TASK 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Some parents believe that comparing their children with others is the best way
to educate them.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own
knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

SAMPLE ESSAY:

Some parents assume that the optimal educational method is to compare them
with their peers. Personally, I disagree with that opinion for some arguments
which are going to be delineated in the following essay.

Obviously, comparisons may negatively affect children’s mental health.

Children’s psychology is very fragile; as a result, just a few short comments are
enough to make them sorrowful and depressed. Therefore, the fact that parents
compare them with their peers just because they are not equally competent is
something that parents need to reconsider. In fact, that can make them feel more
stressed and pressured. Furthermore, it is highly likely that children who are
compared to someone will not have sympathy for that person, and they may have
a negative relationship with that individual. In the long run, if parents still
juxtapose their children with others in terms of their performances, the
foreseeable consequence is that jealousy and toxicity may rapidly grow in their
children’s personalities.

Secondly, such comparisons could cause their children’s physical health to be

seriously/gravely affected. Normally, children who experience this condition will
suffer stress. It is scientifically confirmed that one’s health is highly susceptible
to diseases and if they are subjected to more pressure. Having a huge impact on
a developing child, stress will distort his or her sleeping habit, causing serious
symptoms such as insomnia. Moreover, children with mental stress can have
their immunity be weaker than others of the same age, making them more
susceptible to different types of diseases. It can also cause stomach upset in

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children, from which they will lose their appetite and lose weight. If this
condition persists, the child’s existence may be at stake.

By and large, although the fact that parents compare children to others is
sometimes beneficial, more often than not, that juxtaposition will hurt children
physically and mentally. Because every child has advantages and
disadvantages, as parents, they should educate their children to change
children’s weaknesses and promote their strengths.
(328 words)

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WRITING TASK 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Many people think that learning history is a waste of time.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own
knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

SAMPLE ESSAY:

It is widely believed that the study of history is of no great importance these

days. From my perspective, I disagree with this assumption for some reasons
which are going to be analyzed in the following essay.

Undoubtedly, studying history to better understand the roots and to preserve

the exceptional artifacts of the ancient, then develop them. History often records
relative or exact times, places, events of peoples, countries or the world.
Therefore, those who learn about history will have a complete view, and partly
understand the origins and causes of certain problems. The latter is to
appreciate and preserve what the predecessors left behind, then cherish and
develop it to perfect the future. For instance, by studying history, mankind has
come to know the presence of the most famous inventor of all time - Thomas
Edison and the incandescent light bulb. From that successful invention of
Edison, scientists have gradually been inventing many other devices in order to
facilitate people’s lives. Not only light bulbs, everyday objects in today’s society
are also the results of the ingenious minds of the ancients with some slight
modifications to fit the fastidious needs of the world.

Secondly, the study of history is not only to provide people with insights about
their origins but also to foster and educate the sense of patriotism and national
pride. Without knowing anything about history, people might not form an
attitude of respect and gratitude towards the great men, celebrities, heroes, as
well as martyrs. However, thanks to such knowledge, one can especially have
the opportunity to learn about the feats of the heroes, their misfortune and
hardship during the war time. To illustrate, through history lessons, from the
resistance wars against the US and France, the Chinese invasion, the

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Vietnamese people have formed a patriotic spirit. That is the reason why history
is so imperative in all times, especially in this era of globalization.

In brief, although many people think that learning history is a waste of time,
my opinion is that the subject is very meaningful. However, the current method
of learning history is still not effective; learning is just for testing and students
are often overwhelmed with a great deal of knowledge. This causes students to
lose their interest in learning this subject. Therefore, teachers are recommended
to apply different alternative methods in teaching history in order to make this
subject more vivid and appealing.

(401 words)

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APPENDIX 1:

TYPICAL PARAPHRASE TECHNIQUES

Techniques How to Example
Replace words in the original
Original: The concert was
sentence with synonyms that extremely loud.
Synonyms
convey the same or similar Paraphrase: The performance was
meaning. exceptionally noisy.
Original: She arrived late because
Express the same idea using
of traffic.
Rephrasing different sentence structures
Paraphrase: Due to traffic, she
or wording.
came in after the expected time.
Alter the sentence from
Original: The cat chased the
Changing active to passive voice or
mouse.
Sentence vice versa, or change the
Paraphrase: The mouse was
Structure order of words in the
chased by the cat.
sentence.
Change nouns to verbs,
Original: The information is
verbs to adjectives, or vice
Modifying relevant.
versa. Adjust the forms of
Word Forms Paraphrase: The data holds
words while preserving their
relevance.
meaning.
Original: The results were
Switching Replace phrases or clauses consistent throughout the study.
Phrases with equivalent expressions. Paraphrase: Consistency was
maintained across the entire study.
Original: The novel is about a
young orphan who discovers a
Condense the original
magical world.
Summarizing content while retaining its
Paraphrase: The book narrates the
essential meaning.
journey of an orphan encountering
a magical realm.
Original: The sun was setting. The
sky was painted in shades of
Merge multiple sentences
Combining orange.
into one or split a complex
Sentences Paraphrase: As the sun set, the sky
sentence into simpler ones.
transformed into various hues of
orange.
Original: The experiment yielded
Include additional details or
Adding accurate results.
information to elaborate on
Information Paraphrase: The carefully
the original content.
conducted experiment, which

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involved rigorous procedures,

yielded highly accurate results.
Original: He repeated the same
Eliminate unnecessary
Removing phrase again and again.
repetition or redundant
Redundancy Paraphrase: He repeated the
words.
phrase multiple times.
Convert a statement from the
Original: I believe that the solution
Changing first person to the third
is effective.
Voice or person or change the
Paraphrase: The solution is
Perspective perspective to offer a
deemed effective.
different viewpoint.
Using Alter prepositions or Original: The book is on the shelf.
Different conjunctions to introduce Paraphrase: The book is placed
Prepositions variety. upon the shelf.
Original: The author stated, "The
Introduce direct quotations
journey is more important than the
from the original text and
Integrating destination."
seamlessly integrate them
Quotations Paraphrase: According to the
into your paraphrased
author, the significance lies in the
version.
journey rather than the destination.

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APPENDIX 2:

TYPICAL MODELS TO HELP YOU ACHIEVE HIGHER IELTS

WRITING BAND SCORES
An argumentative essay should be objective in its approach; your arguments should
rely on logic and evidence, not on exaggeration or appeals to emotion.

There are many possible approaches to argumentative essays, but there are thee
common models that can help you start outlining your arguments: The Classical /
Aristotelian model, The Toulmin model and the Rogerian model.

CLASSICAL OR ARISTOTELIAN ARGUMENTS:

1. Introduction: Introduce the topic and present the thesis statement.

2. Background: Provide context or background information on the issue.
3. Proposition: Clearly state your position or argument.
4. Proof: Present evidence and examples to support your argument.
5. Refutation: Address opposing views and counterarguments.
6. Conclusion: Summarize key points and restate the thesis.

EXAMPLE:

WRITING TASK 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Many people believe that the role of dogs in human society surpasses the
traditional label of 'man's best friend'.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own
knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

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SAMPLE ESSAY:

Dog is said to be ‘man’s best friend’, but the question is advanced whether or not
their function in our human society even more integral than this quote portrays.
(Introduction + Background) As far I am concerned, I agree that dogs are
essential to our society because they aid humans physically, emotionally, and
socially. (Proposition/Thesis)

Being loyal, loving, perpetually optimistic, athletic, and obedient, dogs have
been essential to human society since the dawn of our civilization. Physically,
dogs serve diverse roles, from herding sheep to assisting in search and rescue
missions, showcasing unparalleled athleticism that benefits both individual
well-being and broader societal functions. Emotionally, their loyalty and
unconditional love have proven to alleviate stress, reduce loneliness, and
contribute to lower blood pressure. Socially, dogs act as companions, aides, and
catalysts, facilitating human interactions, aiding individuals with disabilities,
and fostering connections in therapeutic settings. The multifaceted
contributions of dogs extend beyond pet ownership, making them indispensable
to the fabric of our society. (Proofs)

Opponents, often referred to as 'cat people,' contend that felines are equally
capable of displaying love and loyalty. However, the distinctive physical
capabilities of dogs set them apart. Unlike cats, dogs actively contribute to
human safety, participating in search and rescue missions and serving as aids
in police and military operations. The assertion that dogs pose more risks due
to attacks oversimplifies a complex issue. Incidents of dog attacks are often
linked to abuse, mistreatment, or perceived threats, emphasizing the
importance of responsible ownership and proper training. While cats may not be
immune to unprovoked aggression, their limitations in contributing to human
safety distinguish them from the unique roles that dogs play in our society.
(Refutation: Counterargument + Rebuttal)

In conclusion, dogs transcend their status as 'man's best friend' to become

indispensable components of our societal machinery. Their physical assistance,
emotional support, and social contributions make them not only beloved
companions but also crucial contributors to the overall well-being of human
society. Through their multifaceted roles, dogs enrich our lives, helping us
function better and nourishing not just our stomachs but also our hearts and
souls. (Conclusion)
(339 words)

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ROGERIAN APPROACH:

1. Introduction: State the problem.

2. Summary of Opposing Views: As accurately and neutrally as possible, state
the views of the people with whom you disagree.
3. Statement of Understanding: Show that you understand that there are
situations in which these views are valid.
4. Statement of Your Position: State your position.
5. Statement of Contexts: Describe situations in which you hope your views will
be honored.
6. Statement of Benefits: Appeal to the self-interest of your opponents by
showing how they would benefit from accepting your position.
7. Conclusion: Conclude your essay on a hopeful, positive note.

EXAMPLE:
WRITING TASK 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Many people assert that mandatory school uniforms contribute to fostering a

sense of equality and emphasizing personal qualities while others think that
uniforms could hinder self-expression and individuality.

What is your opinion?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own
knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

SAMPLE ESSAY:

The debate over whether students should wear uniforms in schools has been a
longstanding one, raising questions about equality, self-expression, and
individuality. While proponents argue that uniforms foster a sense of equality
and shift the focus from material possessions to personal qualities, opponents
contend that uniforms limit self-expression and undermine individuality. The
discussion of both views as well as my personal opinion will be exhibited in the
following paragraphs. (Introduction)

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On one side of the debate, many assert that uniforms stifle self-expression and
individuality. They contend that the freedom to choose one's attire is a crucial
aspect of personal identity, and uniforms may lead to a sense of conformity that
hinders students' ability to express themselves. Acknowledging the opposing
viewpoint, it is understandable that uniforms, by making students look the
'same,' may create an atmosphere where individuality feels constrained.
(Summary of Opposing Views) The concern is valid: how can personal style and
uniqueness flourish when everyone appears identical? (Statement of
Understanding) However, I contend that the belief that uniforms inhibit
individuality is mistaken. In reality, it should not be the materials we wear that
define who we are, but rather our actions, words, and talents. Considering this
perspective, I firmly believe that uniforms can be a valuable addition to any
school policy. (Statement of Your Position)

In assessing individuality, consider this: the brand of your shoes or the color of
your clothing does not inherently reveal your talents or character. If your shoes
bear a well-known brand, it may signify financial capacity rather than athletic
prowess. Similarly, a preference for a certain color does not automatically label
you as a talented artist. In a uniformed setting, brand names cease to exist,
eliminating economic status as a potential barrier. Uniforms shift the focus from
outward appearances to personal achievements and character. (Statement of
Contexts) By removing the emphasis on clothing choices, students are
compelled to express their uniqueness through actions and accomplishments.
Ironically, in appearing 'the same,' uniforms create an environment where true
individuality can flourish. In a uniform, each student must prove, both to the
world and themselves, their talents and capabilities, fostering a community
where personal growth and achievements take precedence over outward
appearances. (Statement of Benefits)

In conclusion, while the debate over school uniforms continues, the benefits of
fostering equality, eliminating economic distinctions, and encouraging true
individuality highlight the potential positive impact of uniforms on students'
lives and the overall school environment. (Conclusion)
(424 words)

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TOULMIN ARGUMENTS

1. Claim - This is the position that the author wants you to accept as true.
2. Grounds - These are the facts, data, or reasoning for why the reader should
accept the claim. Essentially, this is the evidence or the proof.
3. Warrant - This is a statement (either stated or implied) that links the claim to
the grounds. Oftentimes, this will be clear, but it never hurts to state the link
outright.
4. Backing - This is additional reasoning to back up your claim. Often this will
include thinking through different questions that may come out of your claim.
5. Qualifier - This is the where the author admits that the claim may not be
true/appropriate in all cases. This is the exception to the rule.
6. Rebuttal - This is where the author addresses the opposing views and answers
them. If someone disagreed with the claim, what would they likely say? This is
where the author can answer the opposing argument.

EXAMPLE:
WRITING TASK 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Many people believe that the use of modern technology is a must for the future
classroom.

Do you think that modern technology is necessary for the future education?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own
knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

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SAMPLE ESSAY:

In the realm of future education, the integration of modern technology has been
a subject of debate. While some argue against the necessity of employing
technological devices in the future classroom, I firmly advocate for their
essential inclusion owing to the myriad benefits they offer. (The Claim) The
forthcoming essay will expound upon the reasons and provide recommendations
for the utilization of modern technology. (Introduction)

In an age marked by rapid technological advancements, integrating modern

technology into classrooms is not a luxury but a necessity. (The Claim) A
substantial body of evidence illustrates that technology-enhanced learning
environments contribute to heightened student engagement, motivation, and
improved academic outcomes. (The Grounds) The imperative to incorporate
modern technology into education arises from the need to equip students with
the skills essential for success in an increasingly digital world. Proficiency in
utilizing technology extends beyond technical expertise; it fosters critical
thinking, problem-solving abilities, and collaboration – key components of 21st-
century competence. (Warrant) Educational institutions across the globe have
embraced modern technology, reporting tangible benefits in student learning
experiences. Those leveraging interactive tools, educational apps, and online
resources have witnessed enhanced comprehension and retention, preparing
students for a society where technological literacy is integral. (Backing)

However, while advocating for the integration of technology, it is vital to

recognize potential concerns. The key lies in achieving a balanced integration –
technology should complement traditional teaching methods rather than
supplant them. A judicious, integrated approach ensures that technology serves
as an augmentative tool, enhancing the educational experience. (Qualifier)
Critics contend that excessive reliance on technology may lead to social isolation
and hinder interpersonal skills. However, research demonstrates that, when
implemented thoughtfully, technology can be a catalyst for collaboration. Digital
platforms, rather than isolating students, facilitate communication, teamwork,
and the development of essential social skills. (Rebuttal)

In conclusion, by embracing modern technology, we not only prepare students

for the future but also ensure that education remains relevant, dynamic, and
aligned with the demands of an ever-evolving world. The incorporation of
technology into classrooms is not just a preference but an educational
imperative as we navigate the complex landscape of tomorrow. (Conclusion)
(339 words)

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