In this lesson you'll learn how to write an IELTS opinion essay and also how to show your opinion throughout the essay in order to hit the Band 7 criteria for Task Achievement.
It includes a video, practice question with a model answer, plus a key vocabulary list for the topic.
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Hello Fiona, I want to ask you a question. When I address the question asking me ‘Is this a positive or negative development’, and my position is primarily positive development, then I could separate them like this way below:
1. Body 1: benefits of this trend
2. Body 2: negative sides of this trend + Refutting them with two ways: 1 – such shortcomings can be mitigated/reduced/addressed by some ways + explain them OR 2 – they are relatively minor, and they are not serious enough to outweigh the rewards/benefits
Hi Anh. Many thanks for your question.
If your overall opinion is that it’s a positive development, your structure works really well:
1. Body 1 – Focus on the main benefits of the trend. This helps show clearly why you believe it’s a positive development.
2. Body 2 – Acknowledge the potential downsides, but then either:
* Show how they can be reduced or managed, or
* Argue that they are minor compared to the advantages.
This is a smart and balanced way to deal with the task. It shows the examiner that you can consider both sides while still maintaining a clear position, which is exactly what they’re looking for in a high Band 7+ essay.
Just be careful not to sound like you’re sitting on the fence. Make sure your overall opinion stays clearly positive throughout, especially in the introduction and conclusion.