IELTS opinion essay: position and paragraph drill
In an IELTS opinion essay, state your position clearly in the introduction, keep the same position in every body paragraph, open each paragraph with a topic sentence that supports it, and repeat the position in the conclusion without adding new ideas.
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How do you write a clear position in an IELTS opinion essay?
Say what you think in the introduction in one sentence, for example "I largely agree, although...", and make every body paragraph support that view. The band descriptors reward a position that is clear throughout.
Can I partly agree?
Yes. A partly agree position is fine if it is clear: say which part you agree with and which you do not, and keep that balance in every paragraph.
Should I include the other side?
You can, as long as you answer it. Acknowledge the opposing view, then explain why your position still holds.
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What it does
Choose a clear position, keep it the same from introduction to conclusion, and repair weak topic sentences.
IELTS Writing Task 2, opinion questions ("To what extent do you agree or disagree?"). The prompt and sentences are original.
Method
- Each key is the sentence that keeps a clear, consistent position, as the Task Response criterion asks.
- Wrong choices show the usual problems: no position, a position that changes, a topic sentence that does not match its paragraph, or a new idea in the conclusion.
Sources
Checked .
- IELTS: IELTS Academic test format: Writing, Writing Task 2
- IELTS: IELTS Writing band descriptors, Task 2: Task Response (position) and Coherence and Cohesion