IELTS Writing Task 2: Opinion Essay Template That Works for Any Topic
One flexible opinion essay template that works for any IELTS Task 2 question — with a full Band 7 sample essay included.
Table of Contents
Opinion essays (also called "Agree or Disagree" essays) are the most common question type in IELTS Writing Task 2. In this type of essay, you are given an opinion and asked to what extent you agree or disagree. To get a Band 7, you must state your position clearly in the introduction and maintain that exact position throughout the essay. The easiest way to write a high-scoring opinion essay in under 40 minutes is to use a flexible, pre-prepared template.
The Band 7+ Opinion Essay Structure
A high-scoring essay should be exactly **four paragraphs**:
- Introduction:
- Sentence 1: Paraphrase the prompt topic.
- Sentence 2: State your clear opinion (thesis statement). For example: "I completely agree with this view because..."
- Body Paragraph 1 (First Reason):
- Sentence 1: Topic sentence stating your first main point.
- Sentence 2: Explain your point in detail (why/how).
- Sentence 3: Provide a concrete example.
- Sentence 4: Summarize/link back to your thesis.
- Body Paragraph 2 (Second Reason):
- Sentence 1: Topic sentence stating your second main point.
- Sentence 2: Explain your point in detail.
- Sentence 3: Provide a concrete example or consequence.
- Conclusion:
- Sentence 1: Restate your opinion and summarize your two main reasons using synonyms.
Complete Band 7+ Sample Essay
Prompt: Some people argue that fast food advertisements targeting children should be banned. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
"It is often argued that commercials promoting unhealthy convenience foods to minors should be legally prohibited. I completely agree with this statement because fast food consumption leads to childhood obesity, and children lack the critical thinking skills to resist clever marketing campaigns.
To begin with, the primary reason to ban these advertisements is that they contribute directly to rising obesity levels among young people. Fast food is notoriously high in sugar, salt, and saturated fats. When children are exposed to vibrant commercials featuring these foods, they are encouraged to consume them regularly. For instance, a recent study in the Philippines showed that children who watched cartoon channels with food advertisements had a thirty percent higher rate of requesting fast food meals from their parents.
Furthermore, young children are highly vulnerable to advertising because they cannot yet distinguish between commercial messaging and objective truth. Marketers often use popular cartoon characters or free toys to make unhealthy meals look appealing. Since minors do not understand the long-term health consequences of poor nutrition, they are easily manipulated. Therefore, it is the duty of the government to step in and protect this vulnerable segment of society from predatory marketing.
In conclusion, I support a complete ban on convenience food advertising aimed at minors. These promotions drive childhood health crises and exploit the natural vulnerability of children, who are not yet equipped to make mature dietary decisions."
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