A fully structured "To what extent do you agree or disagree?" essay skeleton for IELTS Academic Task 2, targeting Band 7.0–8.0.
In today's world, the debate surrounding [TOPIC] has attracted considerable attention. While some argue that [OPPOSING VIEW], I firmly believe that [YOUR POSITION], and this essay will demonstrate why this stance is well-founded.
To begin with, the most compelling reason to support [YOUR POSITION] is [MAIN ARGUMENT 1]. Research consistently indicates that [SPECIFIC EXAMPLE 1], which clearly illustrates the validity of this perspective. For instance, [EXTENDED DETAIL FROM EXAMPLE 1], demonstrating that [LINK BACK TO YOUR POSITION].
Furthermore, a secondary yet equally important consideration is [MAIN ARGUMENT 2]. This is supported by the fact that [SPECIFIC EXAMPLE 2]. As a result, [CONSEQUENCE OR IMPLICATION], which strengthens the case for [YOUR POSITION].
Admittedly, critics contend that [COUNTER-ARGUMENT]. There is some merit to this view in that [CONCESSION POINT]. However, [REBUTTAL], and therefore [COUNTER-ARGUMENT] does not sufficiently undermine [YOUR POSITION].
In conclusion, having examined the key arguments, it is clear that [RESTATEMENT OF YOUR POSITION]. Although [BRIEF ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF OPPOSING VIEW], the weight of evidence strongly suggests that [MAIN ARGUMENT 1] and [MAIN ARGUMENT 2] provide a persuasive case. Consequently, [FINAL THOUGHT OR CALL TO AWARENESS].
Use the Opinion essay when the prompt asks "To what extent do you agree or disagree?" or "Do you agree or disagree?". The examiner wants ONE clear position, stated in the introduction and held consistently to the conclusion. The most damaging mistake is sitting on the fence — a vague "there are two sides to this" answer caps your Task Response band.
| Paragraph | Job | ~Words |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction | Paraphrase the prompt + state your clear position | 40–50 |
| Body 1 | Main argument 1, developed with an example (PEEL) | 70–80 |
| Body 2 | Main argument 2, developed with an example (PEEL) | 70–80 |
| Counter + rebuttal | Acknowledge the other side, then defeat it | 50–60 |
| Conclusion | Restate your position + a final thought | 30–40 |
Your introduction must restate the question in your OWN words. Copying the prompt wastes words and shows zero Lexical Resource on the first sentence the examiner reads. Change the vocabulary and the grammar, not just one or two words.
Prompt → paraphrase
PROMPT: "Some people think that children should start school at a very early age." WEAK (copied): "Some people think children should start school at a very early age." STRONG (paraphrased): "It is sometimes argued that formal education ought to begin in early childhood." → different vocabulary AND grammar.
A Band 6 essay states claims; a Band 7+ essay develops them. Build each body paragraph as Point → Explain → Example → Link. The example is what most test-takers omit, and it is exactly what lifts the band.
Band 6 (claim only)
"Starting school early is good. Children learn faster when young. So they should start early."
Band 7+ (PEEL)
"Early schooling harnesses a child's peak period for language acquisition (point). Young children absorb new sounds and structures far more readily than adults (explain), which is why bilingual nursery programmes produce such fluent speakers (example) — a clear case for starting early (link)."
Introduction + one body paragraph (model)
It is sometimes argued that children ought to begin formal schooling at a very young age. While early exposure to learning has clear benefits, I largely agree that starting school early is advantageous, provided the environment remains play-based. The principal reason is that early childhood is the brain's most receptive period for acquiring language and social skills. Young children learn through imitation and play far more naturally than older learners, so a structured but gentle school setting can accelerate their development. In Finland, for instance, early years focus on play and social interaction rather than rote learning, and the country consistently produces strong literacy outcomes — evidence that early, well-designed schooling pays lasting dividends.
Watch out
Do not change your position halfway through. If you "largely agree" in the introduction, every paragraph must support that — drifting into "but actually disagree" by the conclusion destroys Task Response. Pick a side and hold it.
Tip
Takeaway: paraphrase the prompt, state ONE clear position, and develop each argument with PEEL (the example is non-negotiable). A counter-paragraph that concedes then rebuts adds maturity — but always end facing your own position.
State your position clearly in the introduction — examiners reward a direct thesis. Avoid vague phrases like "there are two sides to this issue" in a pure opinion essay.
Each body paragraph must have one controlling idea supported by a specific example. Abstract claims without evidence rarely score above Band 6.
The counter-argument paragraph elevates your score by showing balanced critical thinking — but always end the paragraph with a strong rebuttal to maintain your position.
The prompt asks "To what extent do you agree or disagree?"
The prompt says "Do you agree or disagree?"
You need to defend a single clear stance throughout the essay.
Task Achievement: fully address the prompt with a clear, consistent position.
Coherence & Cohesion: use a variety of cohesive devices (however, furthermore, consequently) without over-repetition.
Lexical Resource: paraphrase the prompt in the introduction; use topic-specific vocabulary with accurate collocation.
Grammatical Range & Accuracy: mix complex structures (relative clauses, conditionals) with simple sentences; avoid grammatical errors in high-frequency structures.