🎯 Objective
To help learners master the structure, argumentation skills, and persuasive techniques needed to write high-scoring agree/disagree opinion essays for IELTS Writing Task 2.
📝 Sample Task 2 Question
Some people believe that children should be required to help with household chores. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
| Essay Requirements | Details |
|---|---|
| Word Count | Minimum 250 words (aim for 280-320) |
| Time Limit | 40 minutes |
| Task Type | Express clear opinion with strong supporting arguments |
| Structure | 4 paragraphs with persuasive argumentation |
📚 Complete Guide: Writing High-Scoring Agree/Disagree Essays
Understanding Agree/Disagree Essays
What is an Agree/Disagree Essay? This type of essay requires you to take a clear stance on a given statement and defend your position with compelling arguments, evidence, and examples. The key is expressing a definite opinion and supporting it persuasively.
Common Question Phrases:
- "To what extent do you agree or disagree?"
- "Do you agree or disagree with this statement?"
- "How far do you agree with this opinion?"
- "Do you think this is a positive or negative development?"
Position Options and Structures
🎯 Complete Agreement (Strong Position)
Paragraph 1: Introduction + completely agree
Paragraph 2: First supporting argument + examples
Paragraph 3: Second supporting argument + examples
Paragraph 4: Conclusion + reaffirm position
⚖️ Partial Agreement (Balanced Position)
Paragraph 1: Introduction + partial agreement
Paragraph 2: Arguments for agreement
Paragraph 3: Arguments for disagreement
Paragraph 4: Conclusion + overall position
🎯 Complete Disagreement (Strong Position)
Paragraph 1: Introduction + completely disagree
Paragraph 2: First counter-argument + evidence
Paragraph 3: Second counter-argument + evidence
Paragraph 4: Conclusion + reaffirm position
🔄 Counter-Argument Structure
Paragraph 1: Introduction + main position
Paragraph 2: Acknowledge opposing view + refute
Paragraph 3: Strong support for your position
Paragraph 4: Conclusion + final stance
Building Strong Arguments
Step 1: Choose Your Position (2 minutes)
- Decide on complete agreement, partial agreement, or disagreement
- Consider which position you can argue most convincingly
- Think about examples and evidence you can provide
- Choose the stance that allows for stronger argumentation
Step 2: Develop Supporting Arguments
Logical reasoning: Cause-effect relationships, logical consequences
Evidence and examples: Research, statistics, real-world cases
Expert opinions: Studies, professional recommendations
Personal experience: Relatable scenarios and outcomes
Step 3: Address Counter-Arguments
- Acknowledge potential opposing viewpoints
- Explain why these arguments are less convincing
- Strengthen your position by comparison
- Show understanding of complexity while maintaining stance
Essential Language for Opinion Essays
✅ Strong Opinion Language:
- Complete agreement: I completely agree, I am firmly convinced, I strongly believe
- Partial agreement: I largely agree, I agree to some extent, I partly agree
- Disagreement: I completely disagree, I am strongly opposed to, I firmly reject
- Argumentation: Furthermore, Moreover, In addition, Most importantly
❌ Weak Opinion Language:
- I think, I feel (too weak)
- Maybe, Perhaps (shows uncertainty)
- Some people say (avoids taking stance)
- It might be (lacks confidence)
- I'm not sure but (uncertainty)
- On both sides (fence-sitting)
Advanced Persuasive Language:
Emphasizing importance: "It is crucial to recognize that..." "Of paramount importance is..."
Logical connections: "This inevitably leads to..." "The logical consequence is..."
Counter-argument: "While critics may argue..." "Although some contend..."
Evidence introduction: "Research clearly demonstrates..." "Evidence overwhelmingly supports..."
Persuasion Techniques
✅ Effective Persuasion:
- Clear, confident position statement
- Logical reasoning with evidence
- Specific examples and case studies
- Addressing potential objections
- Emotional appeal balanced with logic
- Consistent stance throughout
❌ Weak Persuasion:
- Unclear or changing position
- Unsupported claims and assertions
- Overly emotional without logic
- Ignoring obvious counter-arguments
- Weak or irrelevant examples
- Hedging language throughout
🧩 Task: Improve the Weak Agree/Disagree Essay
Read the student's essay about children and household chores. Identify weaknesses and suggest improvements.
📝 Student's Essay Response:
Some people think children should help with household chores. I think this might be good but maybe not always. There are good and bad points to consider.
Children can learn some things from doing chores. It might teach them responsibility and they could become more independent. My cousin helps with washing dishes and she seems more mature. Also, children can help their parents who are often busy with work. This could be useful for families.
However, children also need time to study and play. If they do too many chores, they might not have enough time for homework. Education is very important for children's future. Also, some chores might be dangerous for children, like using cleaning chemicals or cooking with sharp knives. Children should enjoy their childhood.
In conclusion, I think children doing chores has both advantages and disadvantages. Maybe some chores are okay for children but not all chores. Parents should decide what is best for their children depending on the situation.
1. ❌ What makes the position statement weak and unclear?
2. ❌ How does the language weaken the argumentation and persuasive power?
3. ✅ Rewrite the introduction with a clear, strong position statement.
4. ✅ Write a body paragraph with strong arguments and evidence supporting your position.
5. ✅ Write a conclusion that strongly reaffirms your position without hedging.
✅ Answer Key & Explanation
1. ❌ Position Statement Problems:
Issues with stance:
- Uncertainty language: "might be good but maybe not always" - shows no clear position
- Fence-sitting: Refuses to take a definite stance on the issue
- Weak introduction: "There are good and bad points" - avoiding commitment
- Hedging throughout: "I think," "might," "maybe" weaken confidence
- Conclusion contradiction: Ends with indecision rather than strong stance
2. ❌ Language and Argumentation Weaknesses:
Language problems:
- Weak opinion markers: "I think," "might," "could" - lack conviction
- Uncertain expressions: "seems," "maybe," "depending on" - show indecision
- Basic vocabulary: Simple words instead of sophisticated academic language
Argumentation issues:
- Weak evidence: Personal anecdote only ("My cousin") - not compelling
- Equal treatment: Gives both sides equal weight instead of favoring position
- No clear prioritization: Doesn't establish which arguments are stronger
- Missing persuasive techniques: No logical reasoning or expert evidence
3. ✅ Strong Introduction:
"The question of whether children should participate in household chores has generated considerable debate among parents and educators. While some argue that such responsibilities may burden young people, I strongly believe that requiring children to help with household tasks is essential for their development and family well-being. This practice not only builds crucial life skills and character traits but also strengthens family bonds and teaches valuable lessons about contribution and responsibility."
Why this works: Clear position, confident language, preview of arguments, academic tone
4. ✅ Strong Body Paragraph:
"Most importantly, household chores provide children with invaluable opportunities to develop essential life skills and character traits that serve them throughout their lives. Research conducted by the Harvard Study of Adult Development demonstrates that children who regularly performed household tasks showed significantly higher levels of empathy, self-reliance, and academic achievement in later life. When children participate in activities such as cooking, cleaning, and organizing, they develop practical competencies that university-bound students often lack. Furthermore, the sense of accomplishment derived from completing meaningful tasks builds confidence and self-esteem. For instance, children who learn to prepare simple meals not only acquire nutritional knowledge but also develop planning, time management, and problem-solving abilities that prove invaluable in academic and professional contexts."
5. ✅ Confident Conclusion:
"In conclusion, requiring children to participate in household chores represents a fundamental investment in their character development, practical skills, and family relationships. The evidence overwhelmingly demonstrates that children who contribute to household responsibilities develop into more capable, empathetic, and successful adults. Rather than viewing chores as burdens, families should embrace them as powerful tools for nurturing responsible, competent individuals who understand the value of contribution and hard work."
Why this works: Strong reaffirmation, confident language, compelling final statement, no hedging
🏆 Band 8+ Model Agree/Disagree Essay
📝 Complete Model Essay (301 words):
Introduction:
The question of whether children should participate in household chores has generated considerable debate among parents and educators. While some argue that such responsibilities may burden young people, I strongly believe that requiring children to help with household tasks is essential for their development and family well-being. This practice not only builds crucial life skills and character traits but also strengthens family bonds and teaches valuable lessons about contribution and responsibility.
Body Paragraph 1 (Main Argument):
Most importantly, household chores provide children with invaluable opportunities to develop essential life skills and character traits that serve them throughout their lives. Research conducted by the Harvard Study of Adult Development demonstrates that children who regularly performed household tasks showed significantly higher levels of empathy, self-reliance, and academic achievement in later life. When children participate in activities such as cooking, cleaning, and organizing, they develop practical competencies that university-bound students often lack. Furthermore, the sense of accomplishment derived from completing meaningful tasks builds confidence and self-esteem that proves invaluable in academic and professional contexts.
Body Paragraph 2 (Supporting Argument):
Additionally, household responsibilities teach children fundamental values about family contribution and social cooperation that extend far beyond the home environment. When children understand that family functioning requires everyone's participation, they develop a sense of belonging and shared responsibility that strengthens family relationships. This collaborative approach to household management also prepares children for future workplace environments where teamwork and reliability are essential. Critics may argue that children require time for academic pursuits and recreation; however, age-appropriate chores typically require minimal time investment while providing maximum developmental benefit, making this concern largely unfounded.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, requiring children to participate in household chores represents a fundamental investment in their character development, practical skills, and family relationships. The evidence overwhelmingly demonstrates that children who contribute to household responsibilities develop into more capable, empathetic, and successful adults. Rather than viewing chores as burdens, families should embrace them as powerful tools for nurturing responsible, competent individuals who understand the value of contribution and hard work.
🌟 Why This Essay Scores Band 8+:
- ✅ Clear Position: Strong agreement expressed from introduction to conclusion
- ✅ Confident Language: "I strongly believe," "overwhelmingly demonstrates," "fundamental investment"
- ✅ Strong Evidence: Harvard Study reference adds credibility and specificity
- ✅ Counter-Argument: Acknowledges opposition and effectively refutes it
- ✅ Logical Flow: Arguments build from personal development to social benefits
- ✅ Academic Vocabulary: Sophisticated language throughout
- ✅ Persuasive Conclusion: Strong reaffirmation with compelling final statement
🔑 Key Opinion Language Features:
Strong Position: "I strongly believe," "overwhelmingly demonstrates," "fundamental investment"
Confident Assertions: "Most importantly," "invaluable opportunities," "essential for development"
Evidence Integration: "Research demonstrates," "Studies show," "Evidence indicates"
Counter-Argument: "Critics may argue... however," "While some contend..."
📊 Position Strength Analysis:
Introduction Position: "I strongly believe" - clear, confident stance
Body Development: Two strong supporting arguments with evidence
Counter-Argument Handling: Acknowledges and refutes opposition
Conclusion Reinforcement: "overwhelmingly demonstrates" - maintains confidence
Language Consistency:
• No hedging or uncertainty expressions
• Strong opinion markers throughout
• Confident, academic tone maintained
💡 Agree/Disagree Essay Success Strategies:
- 🎯 Take a clear stance: Choose complete agreement, disagreement, or strong partial position
- 💪 Use confident language: "I firmly believe," "I am convinced," "It is essential"
- 📚 Provide strong evidence: Research, statistics, expert opinions, logical reasoning
- 🔄 Address counter-arguments: Show awareness of opposition and refute effectively
- 🏗️ Build logical progression: Arrange arguments from strongest to strongest
- 🎭 Maintain consistency: Don't contradict your position or use hedging language
- ⚡ End powerfully: Strong reaffirmation with compelling final thought
🏅 Common Agree/Disagree Topics:
Education: Homework necessity, uniforms, single-sex schools, standardized testing
Technology: Social media impact, screen time limits, digital learning, privacy
Environment: Individual vs. government responsibility, car restrictions, renewable energy
Society: Work-life balance, cultural preservation, urbanization, aging population
Health: Exercise requirements, fast food restrictions, healthcare systems
Work: Remote work, retirement age, gender equality, automation impact
📝 Essential Opinion Expression Vocabulary:
Complete Agreement: "I completely agree," "I am firmly convinced," "I wholeheartedly support"
Strong Agreement: "I strongly believe," "I am certain that," "I am confident that"
Partial Agreement: "I largely agree," "I agree to a great extent," "I mostly support"
Disagreement: "I completely disagree," "I firmly reject," "I am strongly opposed to"
Emphasis: "Most importantly," "Crucially," "Of paramount importance," "It is essential"
Evidence: "Research clearly shows," "Evidence demonstrates," "Studies confirm"
⚖️ Position Options Guide:
Complete Agreement (Easiest to argue):
• Take strong stance from beginning
• Provide 2-3 supporting arguments
• Address one counter-argument and refute
Complete Disagreement:
• Clearly reject the statement
• Provide alternative perspective
• Show why opposing view is flawed
Qualified Agreement ("to some extent"):
• Agree with parts but not entirely
• Show conditions or limitations
• Provide nuanced analysis
⚠️ Common Opinion Essay Mistakes:
- ❌ Sitting on the fence: "There are advantages and disadvantages to both sides"
- ❌ Weak language: "I think maybe it could be good or bad"
- ❌ Changing position: Agreeing in introduction but disagreeing in conclusion
- ❌ Equal weight: Giving both sides equal treatment in partial agreement
- ❌ No evidence: Making claims without supporting proof or examples
- ❌ Ignoring counter-arguments: Not addressing obvious opposing viewpoints
- ❌ Hedging conclusion: "In conclusion, it depends on the situation"
✅ Opinion Essay Success Checklist:
- ☑️ Clear position stated in introduction and maintained throughout
- ☑️ Strong, confident opinion language (no hedging or uncertainty)
- ☑️ 2-3 well-developed supporting arguments with evidence
- ☑️ Specific examples, research, or logical reasoning provided
- ☑️ Counter-argument acknowledged and effectively refuted
- ☑️ Logical progression of ideas building persuasive case
- ☑️ Academic vocabulary and sophisticated language used
- ☑️ Strong conclusion that reaffirms position powerfully
- ☑️ Consistent stance with no contradictions or wavering