Essays with strong opinions are common in the IELTS test. If you are familiar with the instructions and the format used to deliver the prompts, you can quickly identify an opinion essay. Before the exam, review some sample opinion essays to make it easier for you to recognize the topic.
Opinion essays are also referred to as “agree/disagree” essays because they call for you to adopt a position and tailor your response to it. If the question contains any of the following instructions, it is an opinion essay:
- Agree/disagree
- To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- Give your opinion
- What is your opinion?
- Do you agree or disagree?
You should know the difference between these instruction words and other similar instruction words such as “discuss both topics and give your opinion”.
You should routinely practice a variety of topics that have previously appeared on the IELTS writing test as IELTS recycles common and popular topics. One of these topics is opinion writings. The greatest thing about learning how to write an opinion essay is that you can use these guidelines for a huge range of subjects as long as the format is that of an essay that expresses an opinion.
Essay Structure and Format of an Opinion based Essay IELTS
The IELTS test requires students to write a variety of essays, all of which follow a similar format and structure. Let’s briefly go over an opinion essay structure:
The introduction should “hook” the reader into reading the rest of your essay. The length of this text shouldn’t exceed three to four lines. Paraphrasing the question, stating your position in the thesis statement, and outlining the concept you’ll stay with throughout the essay should all be done in this section. You should back up your position with two arguments.
Main Paragraph 1: State the first reason you stated in the introduction in paragraph one of the main body. Give reasons for and justifications for this assertion. By including pertinent examples that back your position, finish the paragraph strongly.
Main Paragraph 2: This paragraph continues the theme from the first. You should describe the second argument you made in favor of your position in this one. Give reasons and instances to back up that assertion. You can choose to develop the concept further if you are having trouble coming up with an illustration.
Conclusion: Recap your thoughts and the key evidence that supports them.
How to Write an Opinion Essay Seamlessly
Step 1: Understand the task
The first step is to carefully read the task and understand what is required of you. Make sure you understand the topic, the question being asked, and the word limit. Identify the key points that you need to address in your essay.
Step 2: Brainstorm and organize your ideas
Before you start writing, take some time to brainstorm your ideas. Write down your main points and supporting details. Then, organize your ideas into a clear and logical structure. You can use a mind map, outline, or bullet points to help you.
Step 3: Write the introduction
Your introduction should clearly state your opinion on the topic and provide a brief overview of the main points you will be discussing. You can also include some background information or a hook to grab the reader’s attention.
Step 4: Write the body paragraphs
Your body paragraphs should each focus on one main point, supported by relevant details, examples, or evidence. Make sure to address any counterarguments and explain why your opinion is the strongest.
Step 5: Write the conclusion
Your conclusion should summarize your main points and restate your opinion in a clear and concise manner. You can also provide some final thoughts or recommendations.
Step 6: Edit and proofread
Finally, take some time to review your essay and make any necessary edits. Check for grammar and spelling errors, and make sure your essay flows well and is easy to read.
Overall, to write a strong opinion essay for the IELTS exam, make sure to carefully plan your essay, clearly state your opinion, support it with relevant details, address any counterarguments, and edit and proofread your work.
Opinion Essay Example with Model Answer
Sample Model Answer
- Nowadays, international tourism is the biggest industry in the world. Unfortunately, it creates tension rather than understanding between people from different cultures. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
Although international tourism is the largest industry, it fails to create peace and co-operation among people. I completely disagree with this opinion and feel that international tourism promotes only understanding between people of different backgrounds and does not ensue in any cultural issues.
Firstly, international tourism enhances cooperation between different nations by inculcating respect among tourists. Every international tourist visiting a famous tourist spot is able to appreciate its significance because of inscriptions and artefacts glorifying the history of the place. With further visits to other key tourist points, the explorer also appreciates various cultural practices of the local community. A lot of Indians have been dealt with reverence in countries such as UK and US owing to the massive influx of their respective citizens as tourists. The size of the international tourism industry, thus, enables intense cross-cultural knowledge, resulting in peace and co-operation.
Secondly, international tourism enhances social networking among people all across the world. A tourist takes back contacts of people and various social groups, thus enabling constant cross-border communication. This strengthens the bond between individuals, making culture, nationality an insignificant factor for building relationships. Indians have many such long-lasting connections from Nepal, a country whose visitors are mostly Indians. This has been possible because of the intense tourism activity happening across the borders.
To conclude, international tourism being the biggest industry in the world has the innate capacity of enhancing ties between nations, rather than breaking them. This is because it promotes a deep understanding of one another’s history and cultural practices, thereby garnering global peace and togetherness.
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