IELTS Writing Task 2: How to Write a Good Essay for 'Opinion' Questions (Band 7+ Example) 📝
IELTS Writing Task 2 is all about structure.
IELTS Writing Task 2 is often seen as the hardest part of the test. To get a Band 7, you need a clear and logical way to write your essay. You also need to show you can argue well, not just use good grammar.
Moreover, you must have a clear opinion and explain it well with paragraphs that connect easily. At English Azade, we have a special plan for essays that our students use to get high scores. This plan helps you meet the requirements for Task Response (TR) and Coherence and Cohesion (CC) perfectly.
Here’s how it works:
The 4-Paragraph Plan for a Band 7 Opinion Essay
The best way to write an opinion essay (at least 250 words) is to use a four-paragraph plan. This helps you share your opinion, give two main reasons, and end strongly. All of this can be done within the time and word limits.
The 4-Paragraph Plan for a Band 7 Opinion Essay
A Closer Look: Sentence by Sentence Plan
Let’s go through the plan in more details to better understand what each paragraph could look like. Take the following question as an example:
Question:
“Some people argue that the widespread use of digital technology in schools is detrimental, distracting students and hindering their ability to develop critical thinking skills. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this view?”
Paragraph 1: Introduction (2-3 Sentences)
The introduction must clearly explain the topic and your opinion.
General Statement (The Bigger Idea): Talk about the main topic and why it's important now.
Example: In recent years, people have talked more and more about how much technology is used in schools.
Rewrite & Question: Write the question again using relevant synonyms and different sentence structures (like a longer sentence).
Example: Some say that digital tools stop students from thinking deeply, but others believe these tools are very important for doing well in the future.
Thesis Statement (Your Clear Opinion): Say your opinion very clearly by briefly going over your reasons. Use a strong phrase to start.
Example: I strongly agree with the second idea. I think that technology, when used correctly, helps students develop certain skills while enabling them to personalize their learning experience based on their own needs.
Paragraph 2: Body Paragraph 1 (4–5 Sentences)
This paragraph shares your first and strongest reason.
Topic Sentence (The First Reason): Clearly state your first reason that supports your opinion.
Example: Firstly, using modern digital tools really helps students learn important research skills.
Explanation: Explain how and why this reason is true.
Example: This is because students always need to find information in many online places and decide if it's good or not.
Specific Example/Evidence: Give a real example to support your point.
Example: For example, for many university assignments, students must find information from different important articles or research papers. Such a task would be impossible without internet access.
Concluding/Impact Sentence (Optional): Connect the idea back to your main opinion.
Example: This helps students become more careful and independent learners.
Paragraph 3: Body Paragraph 2 (4–5 Sentences)
This paragraph gives your second strong reason. Use words to connect it smoothly to the idea before.
Topic Sentence (The Second Reason): Start your second reason with a connecting phrase.
Example: Moreover, digital devices offer special ways of learning that fit different student speeds.
Explanation: Explain the good part of this reason, maybe by comparing it to old ways of learning.
Example: Unlike a normal classroom, where everyone learns at the same speed, computer programs and content can be adjusted to match the student's skill level.
Specific Example/Evidence: Show this with an example.
Example: A good example of this is language learning apps. These apps let users practice difficult words and grammar many times and from anywhere.
Concluding/Impact Sentence (Optional): Make the point stronger.
Example: Being able to use these special tools helps students remember and understand things better in many subjects.
Paragraph 4: Conclusion (2 Sentences)
The conclusion must sum up the two main points and express your opinion again. Do not add any new ideas.
Summary of Main Points: Use a closing phrase and sum up the two body paragraphs.
Example: In short, because technology helps with independent research and gives special learning tools, it clearly fits in today's schools.
Final Thesis Restatement: Say your strong opinion again using strong, confident words.
Example: Therefore, with the right mindsets, students can use these tools to their advantage and accomplish more during their studies compared to what was possible only a few years ago. It is very important to get students ready for today's world.
Main Tips for a Band 7 in Task 2
To make your essay stand out and get a top score, focus on these things:
Vocabulary: Use less common words naturally (like spread, clearly, independent, careful, complete).
Good example: "The proliferation of digital devices has transformed educational paradigms." (Uses "proliferation" and "paradigms" naturally.)
Bad example: "The proliferation of the sewage system by the community council signalled a shift in adoption of new paradigms" (Proliferation means something is quickly growing or spreading, like many new phones appearing. In this example, they used 'proliferation' just to talk about starting one new thing (like one new project), not many things growing or multiplying. It's the wrong word because there is no big, fast spread.)
Grammar: Use different types of sentences (like sentences with 'if', 'which', or the passive voice) as well as simple sentences.
Good example: "If governments invest more in renewable energy, which is a crucial step for environmental sustainability, then future generations will benefit greatly." (Uses 'if' and 'which' clauses, and a longer sentence structure.)
Bad example: "Governments should invest in renewable energy. This will help the environment. Future generations will benefit." (Uses only simple sentences.)
Connecting Ideas: Use many connecting words and phrases (However, Also, To start, Because of this) to help the reader follow your ideas easily.
Good example: "To start, increased online accessibility offers numerous advantages. However, it is also important to consider the potential drawbacks. Because of this, a balanced approach is essential." (Uses multiple connecting phrases effectively.)
Bad example: "Online access is good. There are also problems. A balanced approach is needed." (Lacks connecting words and phrases.)
Task Response: Make sure your opinion is clear, stays the same, and is fully supported from start to finish. Never add an idea that goes against your opinion unless the question asks you to talk about both sides.
Good example: "I strongly believe that a plant-based diet is superior for both human health and environmental sustainability. This will be consistently argued throughout the essay, with evidence supporting these claims." (Clear, consistent opinion.)
Bad example: "While a plant-based diet has benefits, I also think meat is good sometimes, so it's hard to say." (Unclear or contradictory opinion, without the prompt asking for both sides.)
Learn to Write Well with Azade
Learning the right way to write and the right style for IELTS Writing Task 2 is what makes the difference between a Band 6 and a Band 7. If you find it hard to organize your ideas or use different grammar naturally, you need special help from an expert.
Join Azade's special small IELTS Writing Task 2 class, with only 4-5 students. You will get a lot of teaching on how to structure all types of essays. You will also get personal corrections on your essays, specific to the band score.