Opinion Essays: Agree or Disagree

Opinion essays are the most common Task 2 question type. They ask you to take a clear position on a statement and support it with reasons and evidence. Mastering this essay type is essential for Band 7+.

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Recognising Opinion Questions

Opinion questions use phrases such as:

• "To what extent do you agree or disagree?"
• "Do you agree or disagree?"
• "What is your opinion?"

Example Prompt

Some people believe that universities should focus on providing academic skills rather than preparing students for employment. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

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Choosing Your Position

You have three options:

1. Fully agree with the statement
2. Fully disagree with the statement
3. Partially agree (agree with some aspects, disagree with others)

All three approaches can achieve Band 9 if executed well. However, a partially agree position requires more sophisticated argumentation because you must explain the nuance.

Band 7+ tip: A partial agreement often produces stronger essays because it demonstrates critical thinking. However, you must still have a clear overall position — do not sit on the fence.

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Essay Structure

Four-Paragraph Structure

Paragraph	Purpose	Approximate Length
Introduction	Paraphrase the topic, state your position	40-50 words
Body 1	First main reason supporting your position	80-100 words
Body 2	Second main reason (or counterargument + rebuttal)	80-100 words
Conclusion	Summarise your position	30-40 words

Five-Paragraph Structure (for partial agreement)

Paragraph	Purpose	Approximate Length
Introduction	Paraphrase the topic, state your nuanced position	40-50 words
Body 1	Aspects you agree with + explanation	70-90 words
Body 2	Aspects you disagree with + explanation	70-90 words
Body 3	Your overall assessment or a further point	50-70 words
Conclusion	Restate your balanced position	30-40 words

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Writing the Introduction

Your introduction should do exactly two things:

1. Paraphrase the question (show the examiner you understand the topic)
2. State your position (make your opinion unmistakably clear)

Model Introduction (Fully Agree)

It is sometimes argued that the primary role of universities should be to develop students' academic knowledge rather than to equip them with practical employment skills. I strongly agree with this view, as academic rigour develops critical thinking and universities are not the appropriate institutions for vocational training.

Model Introduction (Partial Agreement)

It is sometimes argued that the primary role of universities should be to develop students' academic knowledge rather than to equip them with practical employment skills. While I agree that academic excellence should remain central to university education, I believe that some degree of career preparation is both beneficial and necessary.

What to Avoid in Introductions

• Do not write a long, general background paragraph
• Do not use phrases like "In today's modern world..." or "Since the dawn of time..."
• Do not copy the question verbatim — paraphrase it
• Do not leave your opinion for the conclusion — state it here

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Developing Body Paragraphs

Each body paragraph should follow the PEEL structure:

PEEL Paragraph Structure
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P - Point      State your main idea in one sentence
E - Explain    Explain why this point is true or valid
E - Example    Provide a specific example or evidence
L - Link       Connect back to your overall argument

Model Body Paragraph

Point: The primary function of universities is to cultivate deep, analytical thinking, which cannot be achieved through vocational training alone.