Welcome to the IELTS Writing Task 2 section on englishlanguagestudies.com! Writing Task 2 requires you to write a formal essay of at least 250 words in 40 minutes. Because it is worth twice as many points as Task 1, mastering this section is the key to unlocking a Band 7.0 or higher.
The most common essay question you will encounter is the Opinion Essay, often phrased as “To what extent do you agree or disagree?” The biggest mistake students make here is “sitting on the fence”—meaning they try to argue both sides equally. To score highly, you must pick a clear side and defend it logically throughout your essay.
In this guide, we will break down the ultimate 4-paragraph structure for an Agree/Disagree essay, provide a university-themed practice prompt, and reveal a flawless Band 9 sample answer. Grab a notebook, and let’s get writing!
IELTS Academic Writing Task 2
Master the structure of an Agree/Disagree essay, analyze the prompt below, and write your own 250-word response before checking the Band 9 sample.
1. The Practice Prompt
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
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.
2. The Perfect 4-Paragraph Essay Structure
To score a Band 7.0 or higher, you must present a clear, central position. Pick a side (Agree OR Disagree) and use this specific 4-paragraph layout to defend it:
Paragraph 1: The Introduction
1. Paraphrase the Prompt: Rewrite the essay topic in your own words.
2. Thesis Statement: State your opinion clearly (e.g., I completely disagree with this assertion because…).
3. Outline Sentence: Briefly introduce the two main reasons you will discuss in your body paragraphs.
Paragraph 2: Body Paragraph A (Reason 1)
1. Topic Sentence: State your first reason clearly.
2. Explanation: Explain *why* this reason is true or important.
3. Example: Provide a specific, real-world example to prove your point.
4. Result: Conclude the paragraph by explaining the result of your example.
Paragraph 3: Body Paragraph B (Reason 2)
1. Topic Sentence: State your second reason clearly.
2. Explanation: Expand on the reason using different vocabulary.
3. Example: Provide another real-world example.
4. Result: Conclude the paragraph by linking it back to your thesis statement.
Paragraph 4: The Conclusion
1. Restate your Thesis: Summarize your main opinion using different words.
2. Final Thought: Leave the reader with a broader thought about the future of the topic. Do not introduce any new arguments here!
3. Check Your Work
Set a timer for 40 minutes and write your response to the prompt. Once you are finished, open the accordion below to read a Band 9 sample answer. Notice how the writer clearly disagrees with the prompt and supports their stance with strong examples.
🏆 Click Here to Reveal the Band 9 Sample Answer
Sample Response:
In recent years, there has been a growing debate regarding the allocation of university funding, with some arguing that financial resources should be redirected away from theoretical disciplines, such as philosophy and history, toward practical technology and skills training. I completely disagree with this perspective. While technical skills are undeniably important in the modern workforce, theoretical subjects are essential for developing critical thinking and preserving our cultural heritage.
The primary reason why theoretical subjects must retain their funding is that they cultivate indispensable critical thinking and ethical reasoning skills. Subjects like philosophy and literature train students to analyze complex arguments, question societal norms, and approach problems from multiple perspectives. In a rapidly advancing technological landscape, these soft skills are crucial. For example, while a computer science program can teach a student how to program artificial intelligence, it is the philosophical study of ethics that allows them to understand the moral implications of deploying such technology. Without this theoretical foundation, universities risk producing highly skilled workers who lack the ethical framework necessary to guide their innovations responsibly.
Furthermore, theoretical subjects like history are vital for maintaining a cohesive society and preventing past mistakes from being repeated. A deep understanding of history provides context for current geopolitical conflicts and social movements. If universities were to strip funding from these departments in favor of purely practical training, society would lose its collective memory. For instance, studying the economic and political failures of the 20th century equips future leaders with the knowledge to navigate modern diplomatic crises. Therefore, abandoning these subjects would ultimately leave future generations intellectually impoverished.
In conclusion, although practical skills and technology programs are highly valuable for economic development, I firmly believe that universities must not defund theoretical subjects. History, philosophy, and the arts are the bedrock of critical thought and societal awareness. Institutions of higher education must strive to maintain a balance, ensuring that technological progress is always guided by humanistic understanding.
(334 words)
How did your essay compare? One of the key strengths of a Band 9 essay is its Cohesion. Notice how the sample answer uses strong linking words at the start of the body paragraphs (The primary reason why… and Furthermore…). It also includes highly specific examples, such as referencing the ethics of artificial intelligence, to perfectly illustrate the argument.
Remember: For an Agree/Disagree essay, pick a side and stick to it! Do not waste a paragraph explaining why the other side might be right. Your job is to convince the examiner of your thesis statement.
Let us know in the comments: Do you usually agree or disagree with IELTS prompts, or do you find it difficult to pick a side?
Check out more IELTS Academic Writing Task 2