Agree or Disagree IELTS Essay: Complete Guide with Examples

Quick Answer: An agree/disagree IELTS essay requires you to state your opinion on a statement and support it with clear arguments. You must choose one side (agree, disagree, or partially agree) and write a well-structured essay with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Aim for 250-300 words, using topic sentences, examples, and formal language.

Table of Contents

What is an Agree/Disagree IELTS Essay?

Structure of an Agree/Disagree Essay

How to Choose Your Position

Band Score Comparison

Real Examples

Common Mistakes

Pro Tips from IELTS Active

How IELTS Active Helps

FAQ

Key Takeaways

What is an Agree/Disagree IELTS Essay?

An agree/disagree essay is a type of IELTS Writing Task 2 question that asks you to express your opinion on a given statement. You are presented with a statement like "The best way to reduce crime is to impose longer prison sentences" and must decide whether you agree, disagree, or partially agree. Your task is to clearly state your position and support it with reasons, examples, and evidence.

This essay type tests your ability to:

Formulate a clear opinion

Organize arguments logically

Use appropriate vocabulary and grammar

Maintain coherence and cohesion

The key challenge is to avoid being vague. You must commit to a stance and defend it consistently throughout the essay. Many students struggle because they try to argue both sides, but a strong opinionated essay earns higher marks.

Structure of an Agree/Disagree Essay

A well-structured agree/disagree essay follows a simple four-paragraph format:

Introduction (2-3 sentences):

Paraphrase the question

State your opinion clearly (agree, disagree, or partially agree)

Outline your main points (optional)

Body Paragraph 1 (4-6 sentences):

Topic sentence presenting your first reason

Explanation and example

Concluding sentence linking back to your opinion

Body Paragraph 2 (4-6 sentences):

Topic sentence presenting your second reason

Explanation and example

Concluding sentence

Conclusion (2-3 sentences):

Restate your opinion in different words

Summarize your main points

Do not add new information

For a higher band score, consider a third body paragraph if you have a strong additional point. However, two well-developed paragraphs are sufficient for 250 words.

How to Choose Your Position

You have three options: fully agree, fully disagree, or partially agree. Which one should you choose? Consider the following:

Your knowledge: Pick the side you have more examples and arguments for.

The statement's nuance: If the statement is extreme (e.g., "always" or "never"), partial agreement is safer.

Band 9 strategy: Fully agree or disagree often leads to a clearer, more cohesive essay. However, partial agreement allows you to show critical thinking by acknowledging both sides.

Example: Statement: "University education should be free for everyone."

Fully agree: argue that education is a right and leads to economic growth.

Fully disagree: argue that free education reduces quality and increases taxes.

Partially agree: agree that tuition should be free for low-income families but not for all.

Whichever you choose, stick to it throughout. Don't waver in the middle of the essay.

Band Score Comparison

Band	Score	What Examiner Wants
6	6.0	Clear position with some support, but limited vocabulary and minor errors.
7	7.0	Good position with well-developed ideas, a range of vocabulary, and few errors.
8	8.0	Strong opinion with logical progression, precise vocabulary, and rare errors.
9	9.0	Flawless argument, sophisticated language, full task response, and natural cohesion.

Real Examples

Band 7 Response: Question: "Some people believe that governments should invest more in public transportation rather than in building new roads. To what extent do you agree or disagree?"

I agree that governments should prioritize public transport investment over new roads. Firstly, public transport reduces traffic congestion, which is a major problem in urban areas. For example, cities like London have efficient metro systems that move large numbers of people quickly, reducing the number of cars on the road. Secondly, it is environmentally friendly. Buses and trains produce fewer emissions per passenger than private cars. Therefore, I believe that investing in public transport is a more sustainable solution.

Band 8 Response: I strongly agree that public transport should receive more funding than road construction. The primary reason is that public transport systems can alleviate traffic congestion more effectively than building new roads. For instance, the expansion of the Paris Metro has significantly reduced car usage in the city centre. Additionally, public transport is far more eco-friendly; a single bus can carry up to 80 passengers, whereas 80 cars would produce far more carbon dioxide. Thus, directing funds towards public transport is a smarter long-term strategy. Band 9 Response: I wholeheartedly concur that investment in public transport should take precedence over road expansion. The rationale behind this stance is twofold: efficiency and sustainability. First, public transport networks, such as the Tokyo rail system, can move thousands of people per hour, drastically cutting down individual car use and alleviating gridlock. Second, from an environmental perspective, mass transit systems produce significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions per capita. For example, a study by the European Environment Agency found that trains emit 70% less CO2 than cars per passenger-kilometre. Consequently, I advocate for a paradigm shift in infrastructure funding towards public transport.

Common Mistakes

❌Mistake 1: Not stating your opinion clearly. The examiner should know your stance from the first paragraph. Avoid vague phrases like "I partially agree, but...".

❌Mistake 2: Writing about both sides equally without a clear position. This is a common error. Remember, you must choose a side, even if you partially agree.

❌Mistake 3: Using informal language or contractions. IELTS essays require formal register. Avoid "I'm", "can't", "don't", etc.

Pro Tips from IELTS Active

Tip 1: Use "I strongly agree" or "I completely disagree" to show a definite opinion. This makes your essay more persuasive.

Tip 2: Always include a specific example in each body paragraph. For instance, mention a country, study, or personal experience to support your argument.

Tip 3: Practice paraphrasing the question in your introduction. This shows vocabulary range and avoids repetition.

How IELTS Active Helps

At IELTS Active, we provide free practice tests, sample essays, and expert feedback to help you master the agree/disagree essay. Our website, ieltsactive.com, offers a library of real IELTS questions with model answers, step-by-step guides, and vocabulary lists. You can also join our community to get your essays reviewed by experienced tutors. Start improving your writing today with our targeted exercises and tips.

FAQ

Q: Can I write a partially agree essay for band 9? A: Yes, but you must clearly state your position and use phrases like "I partly agree with this view because..." Then dedicate one paragraph to the agreement side and one to the disagreement side, ensuring a balanced argument. Q: How many words should I write? A: Aim for 280-300 words. The minimum is 250, but well-developed ideas often require more. However, do not exceed 350 words to avoid time pressure. Q: Should I include a counter-argument? A: Not necessarily. For a fully agree/disagree essay, it is better to focus on supporting your side. Only include a counter-argument if you are partially agreeing, and then refute it. Q: What if I don't have an opinion on the topic? A: Choose the side that is easier to argue based on your knowledge. You can always invent a logical argument. The examiner is not judging your real opinion, only your ability to argue.

Key Takeaways

✅Clearly state your opinion in the introduction and conclusion.

✅Use a four-paragraph structure: intro, two body paragraphs, conclusion.

✅Support each argument with a specific example.

✅Avoid informal language and maintain a formal tone.

✅Practice with real IELTS questions to build confidence.

About IELTS Active: Trusted by 500,000+ students. Get free practice tests at ieltsactive.com Related:

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