
IELTS Writing Task 2 — Opinion Essays
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Some people believe that sport is an essential part of school life for children, while others feel it should be purely optional.
Discuss these opposing views and give your own opinion.
You should give reasons for your answer, and include ideas and examples from your own knowledge and experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Explanation of the task
This is an OPINION > DISCUSSION type task. It asks you to consider both sides of an argument, and then give your opinion. You should discuss both sides objectively, describing two or three points on each side, and then give your personal view in the conclusion. Remember, your personal view should be expressed without emotion or humour.
Viktoriia Victory’s comments
This essay would receive Band 9. It exceeds the minimum word requirement and is clearly organized into introduction, main body discussion, and conclusion with opinion. The candidate has introduced the topic, and then given several relevant points on each side of the discussion. There are suitable examples at times, without too much detail. The conclusion has a clear and relevant opinion. The English used is clear and uncomplicated, with good use of common academic words (e.g. controversial, emphasize, excel.) The ideas and paragraphs are connected by good use of common linking phrases (e.g. on the one hand, furthermore, overall.)
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