
A Model Response
In today’s era of digital communication and social media, many people interact more online than in person. Some argue that this shift is undermining people’s ability to communicate face-to-face. I agree with this view, because overreliance on screens reduces practice with non-verbal cues and encourages shortcuts in language that make real-world conversations more difficult.
First, digital interactions tend to suppress the non-verbal signals—body language, eye contact and tone of voice—that are essential in face-to-face communication. For example, when friends chat via text or social apps, they rarely practise reading each other’s facial expressions or gestures. Over time, this leads to awkwardness in real meetings: users may miss a listener’s bored expression or fail to soften a criticism, causing misunderstandings. A 2019 school survey found that students who spent more than four hours a day on social media reported higher anxiety when speaking in class, suggesting their in-person confidence had declined.
Second, online conversation often relies on abbreviations, emojis and short replies—styles that do not translate well into extended spoken dialogue. Phrases like “LOL” or a thumbs-up emoji can convey a quick reaction, but they do not teach people how to build an argument, ask follow-up questions or use polite fillers (“well,” “um,” “could you clarify…”). As a result, when digital natives meet face-to-face, their speech may sound abrupt or one-dimensional, making it hard to maintain engaging, respectful discussions.
In conclusion, while social media and messaging apps have revolutionised how we connect, they cannot replace the full richness of in-person conversation. To preserve strong communication skills, individuals should balance their digital habits with regular face-to-face interactions—practising active listening, observing body language and using complete sentences in everyday talks.
How This Essay Was Developed: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Paraphrase the Question
- What I did: Restated the prompt using different words.
- Example in Essay: Prompt: “In the age of digital communication and social media, face-to-face interactions are becoming less common…”
Paraphrase: “In today’s era of digital communication and social media, many people interact more online than in person.” - Why: Shows you understand the topic and uses a wider range of vocabulary.
- State Your Opinion Clearly in the Introduction
- What I did: Used a clear thesis: “I agree with this view…”
- Why: IELTS Task 2 requires you to answer “Do you agree or disagree?” right away, so the examiner knows your position.
- Plan Two Main Reasons (Body Paragraphs)
- Reason 1: Loss of non-verbal practice
- Reason 2: Over-simplicity of online language
- Why: Limiting yourself to two strong points keeps the essay focused and allows you to develop each idea with examples.
- Use Topic Sentences and Examples
- Topic Sentence (Paragraph 1): “First, digital interactions tend to suppress the non-verbal signals…”
- Supporting Example: “A 2019 school survey found that students who spent more than four hours a day on social media reported higher anxiety when speaking in class…”
- Why: Topic sentences guide the reader. Concrete examples (real or hypothetical) make your argument persuasive.
- Employ Linking Words and Academic Phrases
- Linkers to structure: First, Second, For example, In conclusion
- Contrast & consequence words: because, as a result
- Academic vocabulary: overreliance, suppress, non-verbal cues, extended spoken dialogue
- Why: Cohesive devices and varied vocabulary improve your “Coherence & Cohesion” and “Lexical Resource” scores.
- Explain Cause and Effect
- What I did: Showed how texting instead of talking leads to misunderstandings or abrupt speech.
- Why: Demonstrating logical connections (“this happens, which causes that”) shows strong critical thinking and linking skills.
- Write a Concise Conclusion
- What I did: Summarised the argument and offered a short recommendation: “To preserve strong communication skills, individuals should balance their digital habits with regular face-to-face interactions…”
- Why: A good conclusion restates your position and rounds off the essay neatly, without introducing new ideas.
Quick Checklist for Your Own Essay
- Paraphrase the question in your introduction.
- State your opinion clearly.
- Plan two or three main points—no more.
- Use topic sentences, examples, and linking words.
- Include academic vocabulary and vary your sentence structures.
- Conclude by summarising and restating your view.
By following these steps—paraphrasing, clear structure, strong examples, and precise language—you can write a focused, coherent Task 2 essay that fulfils all IELTS criteria. Good luck!
How to Write an Agree and Disagree Essay
A Comprehensive Guide for Academic Writing
An agree and disagree essay presents a balanced discussion of both sides of an argument, evaluating points you support and oppose, before reaching a considered conclusion based on the evidence presented.
In this presentation, you will learn:
- How to analyze the essay question effectively
- Different approaches to structure your response
- How to develop balanced arguments with supporting evidence
- Key language for presenting agreements and disagreements
- How to write effective conclusions that reflect your analysis
Understanding Agree/Disagree Essays
This essay type asks you to consider multiple perspectives on a statement or claim, showing critical thinking and evaluation skills by weighing both sides.
Common Question Formats:
Type 1: “To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?”
Type 2: “Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.”
Type 3: “Some people believe that X. Others feel that Y. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.”
Example Questions:
- “To what extent do you agree or disagree that online learning is more effective than classroom education?”
- “Some people believe that technology has made our lives too dependent. Others feel it has improved quality of life. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.”
- “Do you agree or disagree that governments should impose higher taxes on unhealthy foods?”
- “To what extent do you agree or disagree that economic development should take priority over environmental protection?”
Key Requirements:
- Address both sides of the argument fairly and thoroughly
- Support points with relevant evidence and examples
- Develop logically structured arguments
- Express your own position clearly
- Conclude with a reasoned final judgment
Analyzing the Question Effectively
Before you begin writing, carefully analyze what the question is asking and identify the key issues involved.
Question Analysis Steps:
- Identify the central claim or statement that you need to agree or disagree with
- Break down the topic into its component parts or key issues
- Consider both sides of the argument, including strengths and weaknesses
- Determine your position (full agreement, partial agreement, or disagreement)
- Gather supporting evidence for both sides before deciding your stance
Example Analysis:
Question: “To what extent do you agree or disagree that university education should be free for all students?”
Central claim: University education should be free for all students
Component issues:
- Accessibility of higher education
- Economic implications (costs, funding)
- Social equality vs. individual responsibility
- Value and quality of education
- Student motivation and commitment
Potential position: Partial agreement – Free for certain fields or qualified students only
Helpful Tip:
Avoid rushing to a position before you’ve thoroughly considered the arguments on both sides. The most sophisticated essays demonstrate that you understand multiple perspectives even if you ultimately favor one view.
Essay Structure Options
There are several effective ways to structure an agree/disagree essay. Choose the approach that best presents your analysis.
Block Method
- Introduction: Topic & thesis
- Body Section 1: All points of agreement
- Body Section 2: All points of disagreement
- Conclusion: Overall position & summary
When to use:
Best when you have multiple strong arguments for each position that are clearly distinct from each other.
Point-by-Point Method
- Introduction: Topic & thesis
- Body Paragraph 1: Issue 1 – agree & disagree
- Body Paragraph 2: Issue 2 – agree & disagree
- Body Paragraph 3: Issue 3 – agree & disagree
- Conclusion: Overall position & summary
When to use:
Best when each issue has clear points on both sides that can be directly compared and contrasted.
Third Option: Two-Sided Position Structure
- Introduction: Topic & complex thesis (agreement with qualifications)
- Body Paragraph 1: Point of agreement with evidence
- Body Paragraph 2: Another point of agreement with evidence
- Body Paragraph 3: Limitation, exception, or qualification (partial disagreement)
- Body Paragraph 4: Another limitation or qualification
- Conclusion: Nuanced final position
Important Note:
Choose the structure that best fits your analysis and the complexity of the topic. Regardless of which structure you choose, your essay should present a balanced view that acknowledges both sides.
Writing an Effective Introduction
Your introduction should provide context, establish the topic’s importance, and clearly state your overall position.
Components of a Good Introduction:
- Background information: Provide context about the topic
- Topic statement: Clearly identify the issue being debated
- Importance: Briefly explain why this issue matters
- Thesis statement: Present your overall position (which may be nuanced)
Example Introduction:
In recent years, the funding of higher education has become a contentious issue in many countries, with rising tuition costs limiting access for many potential students. (Background)
The debate over whether university education should be provided free of charge to all students raises important questions about educational access, economic priorities, and societal values. (Topic & Importance)
While free university education would promote equality of opportunity and develop valuable human capital, I believe a more targeted approach providing free education in strategic fields and for qualified students represents a more balanced solution than a universal system. (Thesis with nuanced position)
Different Types of Thesis Statements:
AGREE
“I strongly agree that university education should be free for all students because…”
DISAGREE
“I disagree with the proposition that university education should be made free because…”
BALANCED
“While free university education offers several benefits including X and Y, certain drawbacks such as Z suggest that a modified approach might be more effective.”
Developing Effective Agreement Points
When presenting points you agree with, develop them thoroughly with logical reasoning and supporting evidence.
Structure of an Agreement Paragraph:
- Topic sentence: State the specific point you agree with
- Explanation: Elaborate on why this point is valid
- Evidence: Support with examples, research, or logical reasoning
- Analysis: Explain the significance or implications of this point
- Link: Connect back to your overall position
Example Agreement Paragraph:
One compelling argument for free university education is that it promotes equal opportunity regardless of socioeconomic background. (Topic sentence)
When financial barriers are removed, talented individuals from all economic classes can access higher education based on their academic merit rather than their ability to pay. (Explanation)
This principle has been demonstrated in countries like Germany and Norway, where free university systems have led to higher social mobility rates. For instance, a 2020 OECD study found that students from low-income families in countries with free university education were 42% more likely to obtain degrees than their counterparts in countries with high tuition costs. (Evidence)
This increased educational access not only benefits individual students but strengthens society by ensuring that human potential isn’t wasted due to financial constraints. (Analysis)
This argument for educational equality represents one of the strongest reasons to support at least some form of tuition-free higher education. (Link)
Helpful Tip:
Present agreement points fairly and thoroughly even if you ultimately disagree with the overall statement. This demonstrates that you understand the complexity of the issue and increases your credibility.
Discourse Markers for Agreement
Use these phrases to introduce and develop points you agree with.
Introducing Agreement Points:
- One convincing argument in favor of… is…
- There is considerable merit in the view that…
- A compelling reason to support… is…
- It is difficult to deny that…
- The evidence strongly suggests that…
- I agree with the assertion that…
- It is certainly true that…
- A significant advantage of… is…
Supporting with Evidence:
- This is clearly demonstrated by…
- Research consistently shows that…
- A case in point is…
- This principle is evident in…
- Studies have confirmed that…
- For instance,…
- This is supported by…
- A clear example can be seen in…
Explaining Significance:
- The significance of this cannot be overstated…
- This point is particularly important because…
- This advantage means that…
- The benefit of this approach is…
- This contributes significantly to…
- The value of this aspect lies in…
- This factor plays a crucial role in…
- As a result, this leads to…
Developing Effective Disagreement Points
When presenting points you disagree with, maintain a respectful tone while providing clear counterarguments and evidence.
Structure of a Disagreement Paragraph:
- Topic sentence: State the specific point you disagree with
- Acknowledge: Briefly recognize any partial validity (optional)
- Counterargument: Present your reasoning for disagreement
- Evidence: Support with examples, research, or logical reasoning
- Alternative: Present a better approach or perspective (if applicable)
- Link: Connect back to your overall position
Example Disagreement Paragraph:
However, I disagree with the assertion that university education should be completely free for all students regardless of field of study or academic merit. (Topic sentence)
While the goal of educational accessibility is laudable, a universal free tuition policy presents significant economic challenges. (Acknowledgment)
The financial burden of funding all university education would strain national budgets and potentially lead to reduced quality as institutions face resource constraints. According to the Institute for Fiscal Studies, implementing universal free tuition in the UK would cost an estimated £11 billion annually, requiring either substantial tax increases or diversion of funds from other public services. (Counterargument with evidence)
A more sustainable approach would be a targeted system providing free education in strategic fields that address societal needs, such as healthcare, education, and STEM subjects, while maintaining partial subsidies for other areas. This model has proven effective in countries like Brazil, where targeted free education programs have successfully increased the supply of healthcare professionals in underserved regions. (Alternative)
This targeted approach acknowledges the value of higher education while addressing practical economic realities and societal priorities. (Link)
Helpful Tip:
When expressing disagreement, focus on logical reasoning and evidence rather than emotional arguments. A respectful, measured tone is more persuasive than forceful assertions.
Discourse Markers for Disagreement
Use these phrases to introduce and develop points you disagree with in a measured, academic tone.
Introducing Disagreement Points:
- However, I disagree with the view that…
- Despite these arguments, I cannot support the idea that…
- While this may be true in some cases, the claim that… overlooks…
- I would challenge the assertion that…
- The argument that… fails to consider…
- It is difficult to accept the proposition that…
- A significant problem with this perspective is…
- This view does not adequately account for…
Acknowledging Partial Validity:
- While there is some merit to…
- Although this approach has certain benefits…
- Admittedly,…
- It is true that… to some extent, but…
- This perspective is understandable given…, however…
- This argument has some validity in specific contexts, yet…
- I recognize the concern about…, nevertheless…
- While this point deserves consideration,…
Presenting Counterarguments:
- The evidence suggests otherwise…
- This approach fails to address…
- A more careful analysis reveals…
- This overlooks the crucial factor of…
- The reality is more complex…
- This view is contradicted by…
- A significant limitation of this approach is…
- The assumption underlying this claim is problematic because…
Developing a Balanced Argument
A sophisticated agree/disagree essay presents multiple perspectives in a fair and nuanced way, even when you ultimately favor one side.
Strategies for Balanced Argumentation:
Considering Context
- Acknowledge when arguments apply differently in different situations
- Specify conditions under which certain points are stronger
- Avoid absolute claims or overgeneralizations
- Consider cultural, economic, or historical factors
Qualifying Claims
- Use hedging language appropriately
- Acknowledge limitations in evidence
- Specify degree of agreement/disagreement
- Consider short vs. long-term perspectives
Example of a Balanced Point-by-Point Analysis:
Regarding economic implications, free university education could increase human capital and economic productivity by enabling more people to develop advanced skills. Studies from countries like Germany show that their free education systems have contributed to a highly skilled workforce and strong economic performance. However, the significant costs of implementing such systems must be considered alongside other public spending priorities. A balanced approach might involve targeted free education in fields with skills shortages, providing economic benefits while managing costs.
Key to Balance:
A balanced argument doesn’t mean giving exactly equal weight to both sides if the evidence doesn’t support that. Rather, it means fairly considering multiple perspectives and basing your position on reasoned analysis rather than bias.
Using Evidence Effectively
Strong evidence strengthens your arguments and demonstrates deeper engagement with the topic.
Types of Evidence:
Research & Statistics
- Academic studies
- Survey results
- Government data
- Expert analysis
Examples & Case Studies
- Real-world implementations
- Country comparisons
- Historical precedents
- Specific instances
Expert Opinion
- Field authorities
- Specialist perspectives
- Professional analysis
- Academic consensus
Logical Reasoning
- Cause-effect relationships
- Analogies
- Deductive arguments
- Cost-benefit analysis
Evidence Integration Examples:
Weak (General claim): “Free education has worked well in some countries.”
Better (With specific example): “The free university system in Germany has demonstrated positive outcomes, with high graduation rates and strong economic performance.”
Best (With detailed evidence): “Germany’s tuition-free university system has shown measurable success, with a 2021 OECD report indicating a 83% graduation rate compared to the 69% average in countries with high tuition fees. Additionally, German graduates have a 91% employment rate within six months of completing their degrees, suggesting the system effectively prepares students for the workforce despite not charging tuition.”
Balanced Evidence:
Present evidence for both sides of the argument, even when you favor one perspective. This demonstrates objectivity and strengthens your credibility.
Writing an Effective Conclusion
Your conclusion should synthesize the arguments presented and clearly state your final position based on the evidence and analysis.
Components of a Good Conclusion:
- Restatement of topic: Brief reminder of what was being debated
- Summary of key points: Concise recap of main arguments on both sides
- Your final position: Clear statement of where you stand after weighing the evidence
- Significance or implications: Why your conclusion matters in the broader context
Example Conclusion:
In conclusion, the debate over free university education presents valid arguments on both sides. (Restatement)
While universal free education would promote equality of opportunity and potentially increase human capital, significant economic challenges including implementation costs and potential quality concerns cannot be ignored. (Summary)
After weighing these considerations, a targeted approach providing free education in strategic fields and for qualified students represents a more balanced solution than a universal system, addressing accessibility concerns while maintaining economic sustainability. (Position)
This nuanced approach recognizes both the societal benefits of accessible education and the practical realities of resource allocation, potentially offering a compromise that diverse stakeholders could support in developing effective educational policy. (Significance)
Conclusion Types Based on Your Position:
Strong Agreement/Disagreement
Clearly state your position while acknowledging the opposing view has been considered but is less compelling.
Qualified or Partial Position
Express a nuanced stance, specifying contexts or conditions under which different arguments apply.
Academic Language Features
Use these language features to enhance the formality and sophistication of your essay.
Evaluative Vocabulary:
For Arguments | For Evidence |
---|---|
compelling, persuasive, convincing | substantial, compelling, significant |
logical, reasonable, sound | credible, reliable, verifiable |
problematic, flawed, limited | insufficient, inconclusive, anecdotal |
nuanced, balanced, measured | robust, comprehensive, thorough |
simplistic, reductive, one-dimensional | preliminary, mixed, contradictory |
Hedging Language (for appropriate qualification):
- generally, typically, often, in most cases
- tends to, appears to, seems to
- may, might, could, potentially
- to some extent, in some respects, in certain contexts
- the evidence suggests, studies indicate, research points to
Signposting for Organization:
- Regarding the issue of…
- Turning to the question of…
- In terms of…
- From another perspective…
- On one hand… On the other hand…
- First… Second… Finally…
- Similarly… In contrast…
- While considering… It is also important to note…
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Be aware of these common errors in agree/disagree essays.
Structure Issues:
- Unbalanced coverage: Much more attention to one side
- No clear position: Failing to state where you stand
- Contradiction: Thesis doesn’t match content
- Disorganization: Random arrangement of points
Argumentation Issues:
- Strawman arguments: Misrepresenting opposing views
- Overgeneralization: Making sweeping claims
- False dichotomy: Presenting only two extreme options
- Emotional appeals: Using feelings instead of reasoning
Evidence Issues:
- Assertion without support: Claims without evidence
- Cherry-picking: Selectively using favorable evidence
- Vague references: “Studies show” without specifics
- Overreliance on one source: Lack of diverse evidence
Language Issues:
- Absolutist language: “Always,” “never,” “completely”
- Informal tone: Colloquial expressions or slang
- Loaded language: Emotive or biased terminology
- First-person overuse: Too many “I think” statements
A Common Pitfall:
Many essays claim to present both sides but actually give superficial treatment to the view the writer disagrees with. Demonstrate genuine understanding of counterarguments to strengthen your credibility.
Complete Sample Essay
In recent years, the funding of higher education has become a contentious issue in many countries, with rising tuition costs limiting access for many potential students. The debate over whether university education should be provided free of charge to all students raises important questions about educational access, economic priorities, and societal values. While free university education would promote equality of opportunity and develop valuable human capital, I believe a more targeted approach providing free education in strategic fields and for qualified students represents a more balanced solution than a universal system.
One compelling argument for free university education is that it promotes equal opportunity regardless of socioeconomic background. When financial barriers are removed, talented individuals from all economic classes can access higher education based on their academic merit rather than their ability to pay. This principle has been demonstrated in countries like Germany and Norway, where free university systems have led to higher social mobility rates. For instance, a 2020 OECD study found that students from low-income families in countries with free university education were 42% more likely to obtain degrees than their counterparts in countries with high tuition costs. This increased educational access not only benefits individual students but strengthens society by ensuring that human potential isn’t wasted due to financial constraints.
Another significant advantage of free university education is its potential to develop human capital that benefits the broader economy. When more citizens gain advanced skills and knowledge, productivity and innovation tend to increase. Research from the Economic Policy Institute indicates that regions with higher educational attainment demonstrate stronger economic growth, higher tax revenues, and lower social welfare costs. Furthermore, countries like South Korea have demonstrated how strategic investment in education can transform economic prospects, with their sustained investment in free or heavily subsidized education contributing to their rapid development from a low-income to high-income nation. The long-term economic benefits can thus offset the initial public investment in educational funding.
However, I disagree with the assertion that university education should be completely free for all students regardless of field of study or academic merit. While the goal of educational accessibility is laudable, a universal free tuition policy presents significant economic challenges. The financial burden of funding all university education would strain national budgets and potentially lead to reduced quality as institutions face resource constraints. According to the Institute for Fiscal Studies, implementing universal free tuition in the UK would cost an estimated £11 billion annually, requiring either substantial tax increases or diversion of funds from other public services. A more sustainable approach would be a targeted system providing free education in strategic fields that address societal needs, such as healthcare, education, and STEM subjects, while maintaining partial subsidies for other areas.
Additionally, I take issue with the assumption that removing all financial costs would necessarily improve educational outcomes. While financial barriers certainly prevent many qualified students from attending university, academic motivation and commitment also play crucial roles in educational success. Studies from countries with free university systems show mixed results regarding completion rates and academic performance. For example, research from Brazil’s public universities, which are tuition-free, indicates that they have dropout rates similar to those of paid institutions, suggesting that financial investment is not the only factor affecting student persistence. A more effective system might include merit requirements for continued free education, encouraging academic diligence while still removing financial barriers.
In conclusion, the debate over free university education presents valid arguments on both sides. While universal free education would promote equality of opportunity and potentially increase human capital, significant economic challenges including implementation costs and questions about educational effectiveness cannot be ignored. After weighing these considerations, a targeted approach providing free education in strategic fields and for qualified students represents a more balanced solution than a universal system, addressing accessibility concerns while maintaining economic sustainability. This nuanced approach recognizes both the societal benefits of accessible education and the practical realities of resource allocation, potentially offering a compromise that diverse stakeholders could support in developing effective educational policy.
Word count: 435 words