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Below are some IELTS opinion essay sample questions which can come in writing task 2. Another name for these essays is argumentative essays.
Opinion Essays Tips

spend at least 5 minutes analysing the words and ideas in the statement

make sure your answer is a complete answer which addresses all parts of the task

give a clear opinion

stay true to your opinion throughout your essay

follow a safe opinion essay model

Opinion Essay Questions

"Prevention is better than cure". Researching and treating diseases is too costly so it would be better to invest in preventative measures.

To what extent do you agree.

With the increased global demand in oil and gas, undiscovered areas of the world should be opened up to access more resources.

To what extent do you agree?

We live in a world of technology these days. While the internet brings with it clear advantages, the problems in terms of control and security of information outweighs the advantages.

To what extent do you agree?

In many countries today, parents are able to choose to send their children to single-sex schools or co-educational schools. Some people think that children going to single-sex schools have disadvantages later in life.

To what extent do you agree?

Scientists and technology experts seem to be more valued by modern society than musicians and artists.

To what extent do you agree?

Some people think that success is the best measure for intelligence, while others think that intelligence can be measured in other ways.

What is your opinion?

Some people believe that men and women are equal and so women should be able to do any job they want. Others feel that men and women are not equal and therefore there are certain jobs which are not suitable for women.

What is your opinion?

Some people think that more money should be spent on protecting endangered species while others think it is a waste of valuable money.

What is your opinion?

Other IELTS Essay Questions

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Below are some IELTS opinion essay sample questions which can come in writing task 2. Another name for these essays is argumentative essays.

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Academic IELTS Task 1 - Describe a bar chart

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Academic IELTS Task 1 - Describe a bar chart

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IELTS Writing Task 1: How to Describe a Bar Chart

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IELTS Writing (Task 2) Essay.  How to Write the Introduction

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IELTS Writing (Task 2) Essay.  How to Write the Introduction

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Writing an IELTS Essay Introduction: Learn how to write a quick and easy Task 2 essay introduction

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IELTS Writing (Task 2) Essay.  How to Write the Introduction (more detailed explanation of background and thesis statements)

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IELTS Writing (Task 2) Essay.  How to Write the Introduction (more detailed explanation of background and thesis statements)

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IELTS Writing Task 2: How to write an introduction

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IELTS Writing (task 2) Essay. Giving examples using linking devices

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IELTS Writing (task 2) Essay. Giving examples using linking devices

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IELTS Writing Tips: How to Put Examples in Your Essay

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Learn how to add examples in your essay using academic vocabulary for IELTS writing task 2. Learn a range of linking words and how examples should be written in an essay. You can find a list of all linking words for writing with this link: http://ieltsliz.com/linking-words-for-writing/.

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IELTS Opinion Essays

IELTS opinion essays are very common in the exam.

It can be a bit confusing, especially if you are new to IELTS, to work out the different types of essay.

Some people talk about ' argumentative essays', ' thesis-led essays', ' discussion essays', which can get quite confusing and it is usually not necessary to know this.

The important thing is to analyze each question as you see it and answer it.

The aim of this lesson is to give you a brief overview of the common types of essay that ask for your opinion.

Of course not everything will fit this pattern as there are a variety of ways a question can be worded, but the types below are common ways to be asked about your opinion in the test.

Task 2 IELTS Opinion Essays can broadly be put into three types:

1. Discuss ONE opinion

Advances in technology and automation have reduced the need for manual labour. (opinion) Therefore, working hours should be reduced.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

With these essays you are normally given ONE opinion, and then asked specifically if you agree or disagree with it, or to what extent you agree or disagree. You must make it clear whether you agree, disagree or partly agree and give your reasons why.

2. Discuss TWO OPPOSING opinions

(opinion one) A growing number of people feel that animals should not be exploited by people and that they should have the same rights as humans, (opposing opinion) while others argue that humans must employ animals to satisfy their various needs, including uses for food and research.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

With these essays you have TWO opinions that oppose each other. You have to discuss BOTH of them and also give your opinion. Your essay will get a lower mark for 'task response' if you don't discuss both of the opinions or you don't make your opinion clear.

3. Advantages and Disadvantages

The number of old people around the world is increasing dramatically.

Could this have more positive or negative effects on society? or...

Do the advantages of the trend outweigh the disadvantages? or...

Is this a positive development?

In these questions you are given a fact or facts and then you have to look at the positive and negative sides of this. They are all asking for your opinion so you must state this. In the first two you will need to look at both sides as the question is clearly implying there are both positive and negative impacts.

Don't mix this up with a basic advantage and disadvantage essay like this:

What are the advantages and disadvantages of this trend?

Although your organization, ideas and body paragraphs may be similar, this one is not asking for your opinion so you don't need to give it. It is simply asking you to present both sides of the issue.

This has been a quick and broad overview of some common IELTS opinion essay question types and it should be particularly helpful if you are fairly new to IELTS or if you have been studying for a while but are still unclear about the various types of essay.

Take a look at the model essays page and you can browse through some examples of these types of essays and how they can be answered by clicking on the links on the right of the page.

Look for these types of IELTS opinion essay:

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IELTS Opinion Essays: Most questions that come up in the test for Task 2 writing are opinion type essays. This lesson explains the different types of opinion essay and how to analyse the question to ensure a high band score.

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Advantage/ Disadvantage question - Model answer

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IELTS Advantage Disadvantage Essay Lesson

This lesson is about IELTS advantage disadvantage essay questions when you are told to assess whether the benefits of something outweigh the drawbacks.

The topic of the essay which is used as an example is about the trend to live and work abroad.

Take a look at the essay question we are going to analyse:

People now have the freedom to work and live anywhere in the world due to the development of communication technology and transportation.
Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?

Understanding the Task

When you have this type of advantage disadvantage essay it is important to distinguish between this and one that asks you to discuss advantages and disadvantages but does not ask your opinion.

If you are asked " What are the advantages and disadvantages of..... " you are not being asked your opinion. You simply have to discuss the benefits and drawbacks.

You could do this in two body paragraphs:

However, if you have the word " outweigh" or " Will this trend have more positive or negative effects?" then you are being asked for your opinion and you must say which there are the most of - positive or negative impacts.

If you do not do this then you may get your score reduced on ' Task Response ' for not fully addressing the question.

If you look at the IELTS public band descriptors (available to download if you do an internet search or available from your local IELTS centre), you will see that this could reduce your band to a 5 for this criteria (it would not necessarily affect the other three criteria).

(Check this lesson on IELTS Band 7 for an overview of the criteria for getting a band 7 if you are unsure of what the criteria are).

Take a look at these examples:
People now have the freedom to work and live anywhere in the world due to the development of communication technology and transportation.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of this trend?

This advantage disadvantage essay is not asking for your opinion. You could simply write one paragraph on the advantages and another on the disadvantages.
People now have the freedom to work and live anywhere in the world due to the development of communication technology and transportation.
Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages? Will this have more positive or negative impacts?
However, this one does:

What does 'Outweigh' mean?

Another point to be careful of is using the word ' outweigh'. It is common for IELTS students to get mixed up when they write the thesis statement, and actually say the opposite to what they write in the essay!

For example, they will say the drawbacks outweigh the benefits, but then give more benefits in the essay. This makes no sense.

I believe that this has more benefits than drawbacks.

So if you are not sure you can use the word correctly, I would recommend not using it in this type of IELTS advantage disadvantage essay. You can just say what your opinion is, as in the thesis in the model answer:

This will avoid any mistakes.

Writing your Thesis

You then need to think of 3 supporting ideas. One for one side and two for the other side.

So you will then have three body paragraphs, one with the drawback / benefit and two with the advantages / disadvantages.

It is common academic practice to start with the opposing opinion to yours, so you can start with the point that you have one idea for.

As explained above, it is very important, especially if you are looking for a band 7 or higher, that your opinion reflects what is in your essay. So if you have said there are more benefits, then you would have two benefits and one drawback.

Now take a look at the advantage disadvantage essay model answer.

Model Advantage Disadvantage Essay
Advantage Disadvantage Essay Model Answer
Write about the following topic:

Write at least 250 words.

These days many people choose to live or work in other countries, which has been made possible because of the convenience of air travel and modern communications. I believe that this has more benefits than drawbacks.

The disadvantage of this development is the distance that is put between family members. If a person moves away it is true that air travel and devices such as skype mean that communication and contact can be maintained. However, it is likely that a person will only be able to return one or two times a year during holidays, and speaking on skype or via email is not the same as face-to-face contact.

Despite this, there are significant advantages it can bring to people's lives. Firstly, it means that people have the opportunity to see other parts of the world and the way people live. For example, people from the West often go to work in Asia or the Middle East and visa-versa. This enriches many people's lives as they get to learn about other languages, traditions, cultures and different ways of working from their own country.

In addition to this, on a wider level it may also benefit other countries. If someone moves abroad for work, it is usually because their skill is required there. To illustrate, nurses and Doctors often move to work in hospitals in other countries when there is a shortage, so this is very valuable to the place they move to.

I would therefore argue that although there are disadvantages of the current trend to live and work abroad, they are outweighed by the advantages. It can enrich people's lives and lives of the people in the countries that they move to.

Comments

As you can see in the essay, the writer believes there are more benefits so the essay is biased towards this opinion, giving more advantages than disadvantages.

The opinion is very clear, and repeated in the conclusion, and the body of the essay reflects this opinion so there will be no confusion when someone reads it.

Other Ways to Answer the Question

This is not to suggest that this method is the only way to answer this type of question. There could be other ways.

For example, some people advise to write two body paragraphs - one on the advantages and another on the disadvantages, then in the conclusion state which one outweighs the other.

You can do this, but it can look at bit odd if you write about them equally, but then say there are more of one than the other! A conclusion can be cleverly worded to make this work, but that is a high level skill that many candidates do not have.

You could write only about the advantages or only about disadvantages and argue that one vastly outweights the other. However, the fact that the question uses 'outweigh' or 'more' is suggesting that there are both benefits and drawbacks.

The benefit of organising your advantage disadvantage essay as illustrated in this lesson is that by looking at both sides, you will have more ideas to brainstorm. And importantly, your opinion is clearand this is reflected in the essay, which is balanced to reflect and support your opinion.

A model answer for this essay will be posted shortly so watch this space, or sign up using the form on the right to be notifed when there are updates to the site.

Practice
More and more students are choosing to study at colleges and universities in foreign countries. Do the benefits of studying abroad outweigh the drawbacks?

Now you can have a practice.

Try to answer this advantage disadvantage essay question:
Task 1 and Task 2 eBooks
A model answer for this essay will be posted shortly so watch this space, or sign up using the form on the right to be notifed when there are updates to the site.

Improve your writing score quickly

Have you found this page useful? If so you may be interested in our top selling writing eBooks!

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Advantage Disadvantage Essay: Tips and Strategies for IELTS

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Advantage Disadvantage Essay: One type of essay that you may get in the test is to discuss the merits and drawbacks of a certain issue. This IELTS Lesson is on how to write an opinion orientated essay on benefits and drawbacks.

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IELTS Writing (task 2) Model Essay - Band 9

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IELTS Writing (task 2) Model Essay - Band 9

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The IELTS writing task 2 sample answer below has examiner comments and is band score 9. The topic of social media is common and this IELTS essay question was reported in the IELTS test. Check the model essay and then read the comments.

Many people believe that social networking sites (such as Facebook) have had a huge negative impact on both individuals and society.

To what extent do you agree?

Social networking sites, for instance Facebook, are thought by some to have had a detrimental effect on individual people as well as society and local communities. However, in my opinion, while I believe that such sites are mainly beneficial to the individual, I agree that they have had a damaging effect on local communities.

With regards to individuals, the impact that online social media has had on each individual person has clear advantages. Firstly, people from different countries are brought together through such sites as Facebook whereas before the development of technology and social networking sites, people rarely had the chance to meet or communicate with anyone outside of their immediate circle or community. Secondly, Facebook also has social groups which offer individuals a chance to meet and participate in discussions with people who share common interests.

On the other hand, the effect that Facebook and other social networking sites have had on societies and local communities can only be seen as negative. Rather than individual people taking part in their local community, they are instead choosing to take more interest in people online. Consequently, the people within local communities are no longer forming close or supportive relationships. Furthermore, society as a whole is becoming increasingly disjointed and fragmented as people spend more time online with people they have never met face to face and who they are unlikely to ever meet in the future.

To conclude, although social networking sites have brought individuals closer together, they have not had the same effect on society or local communities. Local communities should do more to try and involve local people in local activities in order to promote the future of community life.

Comments: This essay shows you the organisation of ideas into paragraphs and also how a clear answer is given in the thesis statement in the introduction and then supported and explained in full throughout the essay. You will also see paraphrasing for advantage / disadvantage language which can be useful for you in other essays. Furthermore, the word length of this essay is typical for anyone aiming for band score 6, 7 or above. Words 280

Useful IELTS Pages for Writing and Other Sections

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IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer Band 9

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The IELTS writing task 2 sample answer below has examiner comments and is band score 9. The topic of social media is common and this IELTS essay question was reported in the IELTS test. Check the model essay and then read the comments.

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There are two types of IELTS test to choose from, IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training. All test takers take the same Listening and Speaking tests but different Reading and Writing tests. Make sure that you prepare for the correct version of the test.

Using IELTS official practice materials will enable you to:

familiarise yourself with the test format

experience the types of tasks you will be asked to undertake

test yourself under timed conditions

review your answers and compare them with model answers.

If you are taking IELTS on Computer, click here for on Computer sample test questions.
IELTS official practice test
Once you have prepared with the sample questions put your knowledge to the test with IELTS Progress Check, IELTS official online marked practice test. The test will give you an indication of your band score and provide feedback on areas to improve. Book your official practice test today.

Listening

Duration: 30 minutes

The Listening test is the same for both Academic and General Training versions of IELTS and consists of four recorded monologues and conversations.

The following IELTS Listening sample tasks are to be used with the Answer Sheet and MP3 audio files and/or transcripts. Each answer sheet indicates which recording to listen to, or if a transcript is provided.

Listening sample test 1

Listening sample 1 task - Form completion (PDF, 59KB)

IELTS listening recording 1 (MP3, 1.2MB)

Listening sample 2 task Multiple Choice(PDF, 16KB)

Listening recording 2 (MP3, 402KB)

Listening sample 3 task Short Answer(PDF, 25KB)

IELTS Listening recording 3 (MP3, 574KB)

Listening sample 4 task Sentence Completion(PDF, 17KB)

IELTS Listening recording 4(MP3, 549KB)

Listening sample 5 task Matching(example 1 - PDF, 21KB)

IELTS Listening recording 5(MP3, 2.8MB)

Listening sample 6 task Matching(example 2 PDF, 21KB)

IELTS Listening recording 6(MP3, 2.1MB)

Listening sample 7 task Plan/Map/Diagram Labelling (PDF, 25KB)

IELTS Listening recording 7(MP3, 2.7MB)

Listening sample 8 task Note Completion(PDF, 59KB)

IELTS Listening recording 8(MP3, 4.18MB)

Listening Recording 8 Answer Sheet(PDF, 16KB)

Listening Sample 9 Task Short Answer(PDF, 25KB)

IELTS Listening Recording 9(MP3, 11.8MB)

Listening Recording 9 Answer Sheet(PDF, 17KB)

Find out more about the Listening test

Academic Reading

Duration: 60 minutes

Texts for the Academic Reading test are taken from books, journals, magazines and newspapers.

A variety of tasks is used, including: multiple choice questions, identifying information, identifying writer's views/claims, matching information, matching headings, matching features, matching sentence endings, sentence completion, summary completion, note completion, table completion, flow-chart completion, diagram label completion, short-answer questions.

Downloadable Academic Reading sample tasks

Academic Reading sample task - Matching features (PDF, 22KB)

Academic Reading sample task - Table completion (PDF, 59KB)

Academic Reading sample task - Flow-chart completion (selecting words from the text) (PDF, 173 KB)

Academic Reading sample task - Identifying information (True False Not Given) (PDF, 174KB)

Academic Reading sample task - Matching headings (PDF, 92KB)

Academic Reading sample task - Matching sentence endings task (PDF, 132KB)

Academic Reading sample task - Multiple choice (more than one answer) (PDF, 223KB)

Academic Reading sample task - Multiple choice (one answer) (PDF, 256KB)

Academic Reading sample task - Note completion task (PDF, 260KB)

Academic Reading sample task - Sentence completion task (PDF, 190KB)

Academic Reading sample task - Summary completion (selecting from a list of words or phrases) (PDF, 259 KB)

Academic Reading sample task - Summary completion (selecting words from the text) (PDF, 189 KB)

Find out more about the Academic Reading test

General Training Reading

Duration: 60 minutes

A variety of tasks is used including; multiple choice questions, identifying information, identifying writer's views/claims, matching information, matching headings, matching features, matching sentence endings, sentence completion, summary completion, note completion, table completion, flow-chart completion, diagram label completion, short-answer questions.

Downloadable General Training Reading sample tasks

General Training Reading sample task - Flow Chart Completion (PDF, 40KB)

General Training Reading sample task - Identifying Information (PDF, 99KB)

General Training Reading sample task - Matching Information (PDF, 43KB)

General Training Reading sample task - Matching Features (PDF, 32KB)

General Training Reading sample task - Matching Headings (PDF, 31KB)

General Training Reading sample task - Note completion task (PDF, 211KB)

General Training Reading sample task - Sentence Completion (PDF, 19KB)

General Training Reading sample task - Short-Answer Questions (PDF, 18KB)

General Training Reading sample task - Summary completion task (PDF, 202KB)

General Training Reading sample task - Identifying information (True False Not Given) (PDF, 123KB)

Find out more about the General Training Reading test

Academic Writing

Duration: 60 minutes

The Academic Writing tests consist of two writing tasks of 150 words and 250 words.

In Task 1, test takers are asked to describe some visual information (graph/table/chart/diagram). They need to write 150 words in about 20 minutes. In Task 2 test takers are presented with a point of view or argument or problem. They need to write their response in 250 words in about 40 minutes.

Below are samples of Task 1 and Task 2.

Please note that test takers for IELTS Academic take a different Writing test in IELTS General Training.
Find out more about the Academic Writing test

General Training Writing

Duration: 60 minutes

The General Writing test consists of two writing tasks of 150 words and 250 words.

In Task 1, test takers are asked to respond to a situation by writing a letter, for example, requesting information or explaining a situation.

In Task 2, test takers write an essay in response to a point of view, argument or problem.

Below are samples of Task 1 and Task 2.

Please note that test takers for IELTS General Training take a different Writing test in IELTS Academic.
Find out more about the General Training Writing test

Speaking

Duration: 11-14 minutes

In the Speaking test, you have a discussion with a certified examiner. It is interactive and as close to a real-life situation as a test can get.

There are three parts to the test and each part fulfils a specific function in terms of interaction pattern, task input and test taker output.

In Part 1, you answer questions about yourself and your family. In Part 2, you speak about a topic. In Part 3, you have a longer discussion on the topic.

The Speaking test is the same for both Academic and General Training versions. Each of the three parts is designed to test a different aspect of your communication ability.
Find out more about the Speaking test

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There are two types of IELTS test to choose from, IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training. All test takers take the same Listening and Speaking tests but different Reading and Writing tests. Make sure that you prepare for the correct version of the test.

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Preparation for IELTS - The International English Language Testing System

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Preparation for IELTS - over 500 free practice questions for listening, reading, writing and speaking tests for academic and general training modules.