Most 4-paragraph structures allow you to show both sides of an argument (for/against, advantages/disadvantages) or the problems/solutions and causes/effects.
But when a question asks ‘To what extent do you agree or disagree?’ you can use each paragraph to REFUTE (disagree) with other arguments, and this gives your writing power, authority and a strong academic ‘voice’.
This lesson shows you exactly how to do this well.
Common essay structures
IELTS Task 2 essays are usually made up of 4 or 5 paragraphs with a clear topic for each paragraph.
This works well for most essay types because you can show e.g.
- both sides of the argument
- advantages and disadvantages
- problems and solutions
- cause and result
plus an Introduction and Conclusion. Simple!
But there’s an alternative, which answers both sides of the question, and makes your argument much stronger.
Look at the question below:
It is cruel to keep animals in zoos.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
To answer this question, you could use the simple 4-paragraph structure like this:
Introduction: Both sides, my opinion
Paragraph 1: Reasons to agree.
Paragraph 2: Reasons to disagree.
Conclusion – my opinion
This structure works well when the question asks you to discuss both points of view.
Or you could use a simple 5 paragraph structure like this.
This structure works well when the question asks you just for YOUR opinion:
Introduction: Both sides, my opinion
Paragraph 1: Reason to support my opinion.
Paragraph 2: Reason to support my opinion.
Paragraph 3: Reason to support my opinion
Conclusion – show balance but re-state opinion.
What's the alternative?
If you want to show the examiner you have a strong and clear opinion, and that you have enough evidence to REFUTE (disagree with) what everyone else thinks, the following structure is an excellent alternative:
Introduction: Both sides, my opinion
Paragraph 1: What some people think – Reasons why they’re WRONG
Paragraph 2: What some people think – Reasons why they’re WRONG
Paragraph 3: What some people think – Reasons why they’re WRONG
Conclusion: Restate opinion
Model Task 2 essay
Here is an example of how you could use the structure to answer the question above about ZOOS:
Introduction
Keeping animals in zoos is an important issue today. Proponents of animal rights say that it it cruel to cage animals for entertainment, whereas others believe that zoos are necessary for the protection and survival of many vulnerable species. I will outline both arguments and argue that imprisoning animals for our own entertainment is both cruel and unnecessary.
Paragraph 2
One of the reasons that people are in favour of zoos is that they believe the animals are safe and protected. Unfortunately this is not always the case. Just because they are kept safe from hunters and predators does not necessarily mean that they are happy and healthy. Indeed, many animals show signs of abnormal repetitive behaviour when they are confined to small spaces and unable to behave as they would in the wild.
Paragraph 3
People also argue that zoos serve an educational purpose and that they are vital for conservation. Again, it is true that the high entrance fees fund research that could ultimately save a species from extinction, but this only takes place in a handful of zoos and does not excuse the torment that animals have to endure from busloads of children banging on glass windows and rattling their cages.
Paragraph 4
There is one final argument that is often cited in defence of zoos, which is the belief that they are merely a form of entertainment and that training animals such as seals and killer whales to perform tricks for visitors keeps them mentally alert and physically fit. In my view, this is no better than the abuse of animals in circuses, most of which have now thankfully been banned.
Conclusion
On balance, I am not in favour of keeping animals in captivity because to my mind zoos are like prisons. If the main aim of a zoo is to protect endangered species, it is by far preferable to breed animals in private nature reserves, away from the public eye as they have done very successfully in China, for example, with their panda conservation programme.
Benefits of this alternative structure
As you can hopefully see, this structure gives you a strong academic ‘voice’, shows that you are aware of all the issues involved and that you have given them thought and consideration, and it gives YOUR opinion emphasis, making you sound very convincing.
I took this example from one of my lessons about Writing Task 2 Structures in the Members Academy.
It is one of a bank of Model essays you get for free when you join.
Click here to find out more about the Members Academy and how to join.
Get more Writing advice
Learn more about how to structure an IELTS Task 2 Essay.
How to write a Task 2 introduction.
How to show concession in IELTS Writing Task 2.
How to answer ‘to what extent do you agree or disagree?’.
How to correct your own Writing mistakes.
Coherence and Cohesion for IELTS Writing Task 2.
Writing Task 2 Topics and Models: Crime
How to write complex sentences.
IELTS Writing Task 2 Structures
Task 2 structures that strengthen your argument.
14 simple ways to improve your Writing Score.
How to answer all parts of the question in Writing Task 2.
I have been preparing for my IELTS examination and this article will surely be of much help. Am grateful that you have shared this information about the structure that can strengthen my argument. It’s a very insightful article. Thank you for the post it will be very useful.
Thanks Anna – I’m really glad you found it helpful. Good luck with your IELTS test!
Best wishes
Fiona