Agree Disagree Essays in IELTS

IELTS Writing Task 2: Agree or Disagree Essay Guide

Agree or disagree essays are among the most frequently encountered tasks in the IELTS exam. These are also referred to as argumentative essays. In this task, candidates are required to express their opinion—agreeing or disagreeing with a given statement. The essay should be completed within 40 minutes and must contain at least 250 words. Many students find this type of essay straightforward since it involves taking a clear position and supporting it.

Tips for Writing Agree or Disagree Essays

• Completely agree or completely disagree with the statement provided. Supporting only one side will make your essay clearer and better structured.
• While it’s possible to acknowledge the opposing view, keep this brief and ensure your overall stance remains consistent.
• Avoid using language or examples that could offend readers or examiners.
• Select the side of the argument that you can best support with examples and evidence, ensuring your essay is detailed and convincing.
• Paraphrase the question in your introduction rather than copying it directly.
• Maintain consistency throughout your essay—your introduction, explanation, and conclusion must align.
• Organize your body paragraphs so each one focuses on a single central idea, supported with details and examples.
• Always include a conclusion, even if it’s brief. Summarize your opinion and main points concisely.

Essay Structure

A well-defined structure is essential for success in IELTS. Here’s an outline for structuring your agree/disagree essay:

Paragraph 1: Introduction

Start with a paraphrase of the given question to introduce the topic. Clearly state your opinion in the second sentence. End the introduction with an overview of the points you will discuss in the body paragraphs.

Paragraph 2: Body Paragraph 1

Begin with a sentence that introduces the central idea of this paragraph. Follow this with an in-depth explanation, assuming the reader is unfamiliar with the topic. Provide relevant examples to strengthen your argument. Optionally, address an opposing viewpoint positively in the final sentence.

Paragraph 3: Body Paragraph 2

This paragraph should follow a structure similar to the first body paragraph. Present a new central idea, explain it thoroughly, and support it with examples.

Paragraph 4: Conclusion

Summarize your overall opinion and the key points discussed in the essay. Rephrase your stance in a concise and impactful way.

Checklist for Agree/Disagree Essays

Sample Agree/Disagree Essay Topics

• Some people who have been in prison become good citizens later. Is inviting such individuals to speak with school students the best way to prevent crime?
• The only way to improve road safety is to impose stricter penalties for driving offenses. Do you agree or disagree?
• Exercise is crucial for children and teenagers, so physical education and sports should be mandatory in schools. To what extent do you agree or disagree?