IELTS Agree or Disagree Essay - Complete Lesson

The Agree or Disagree essay is one of the most frequent questions in IELTS Writing Task 2. Don't worry if it initially seems difficult or unclear! You will know exactly how to comprehend the question, organise your essay, choose a definite viewpoint, and confidently write your paragraphs by the end of this guide.

Let's dissect it step-by-step with straightforward language and lots of advice.

A Disagree or Agree Essay: What Is It?

An Agree or Disagree question asks you what you think about a statement. It is your responsibility to respond, "Do you agree with the statement?"

• Do you not agree?
• Or perhaps you agree in part?

After that, you provide examples and justifications for your decision. You get to be the speaker and the judge, just like in a friendly debate on paper!

Step 1: Fully comprehend the question

It's critical to comprehend the precise question being asked before writing.

• Determine the primary idea: What's the statement about? Is it, for instance, about technology, health, education, or something else?
• Search for keywords: Words like "always," "never," "only," and "most" are crucial. For instance, the word "always" is strong if the question asks, "Governments should always provide free education." Since "always" implies without exception, it might be simpler to disagree.
• Recognise the scope of the subject: Does the statement refer to people, governments, society, or students? This aids in concentrating your thoughts.

Consider the question to be a puzzle or a space message. Before you can respond, you must fully comprehend the message!

Step 2: Decide if you agree, disagree, or partially agree

Which viewpoint should you choose now?

The best response is the one you can clearly explain and back up with solid examples.

• Completely Agree: You think the statement is accurate.
• Completely Disagree: You think the statement is untrue.
• Partially Agree: You agree with one side more than the other, but you see some truth in both.

Your essay will be weak if you attempt to make an argument for something you don't have any ideas about. Therefore, choose the topic you are most comfortable writing about.

Step 3: Make a plan for Your Paper

Making a plan is crucial! Before you begin writing, take five to ten minutes to reflect and jot down your thoughts. This keeps your essay organised and saves you time later.

Here's a plan:

• In your own words, restate the question.
• Choose whether you agree, disagree, or have a partial opinion.
• Consider two or three compelling arguments in favour of your position.
• Consider explanations or examples for every justification.

For instance, "Do you agree or disagree that students should only study subjects related to their future jobs?"
You may choose to agree in part.

You may have the following reasons:

• For good reason, students who study related subjects are better prepared for the workplace.
• However, learning other subjects fosters critical thinking and creativity (second reason).

Step 4: Essay Structure: A Simple Method for Arranging Your Thoughts

Your essay will be easier to read and comprehend if it has a clear structure.

Apply this easy formula:

1. An introduction (40–60 words)

Put the question in your own words by paraphrasing it. Indicate clearly whether you agree, disagree, or have a partial opinion.
For instance: "A lot of people believe that college students should only concentrate on courses that are relevant to their careers. Although this concept has certain advantages, students ought to study a greater variety of subjects.

2. Body Paragraph 1 (80–100 words)

• The paragraph's primary idea is expressed in the topic sentence.
• Describe your reasoning: What makes you think this?
• Example: To bolster your argument, provide a real-world example or explanation.
• Link back: Explain to the reader how this bolsters your position.

3. The second body paragraph (80–100 words)

For your second reason, repeat the same structure.

4. Body Paragraph 3 (80–100 words, optional)

Use this to discuss the opposing viewpoint or to offer a third reason if you only partially agree or disagree.

5. Final Thoughts (40–60 words)

• Give a summary of your main points.
• Restate your viewpoint using different languages.
• There are no novel concepts here!

Step 5: Writing Hints and Techniques

Note that—Make use of linking words: Your essay will flow more naturally if you use phrases like "First," "Furthermore," "However," and "Therefore." Simple, uncomplicated sentences are preferable to complex ones.

Give yourself three to five minutes at the end to proofread your work for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors.

Time management: 40 minutes in total. About:

• Planning takes five to ten minutes.
• Writing for 25 to 30 minutes
• Five minutes to check

Step 6: Instances of Questions That Are Agree or Disagree

To settle in, try practicing these:

• "Public transport should receive more funding from governments than new road construction."
• "Studying subjects directly related to their future careers should be mandatory for all university students."
• "While technology has improved our lives, it has also led to more issues."

Consider carefully which side you want to support and why.

Step 7: Example Outline for an Agree or Disagree Essay

The question, "All university students should be required to study subjects related to their future careers," can be illustrated with a brief example.

Introduction: State partial agreement and paraphrase.

Body 1: Students get ready for the workforce by studying related subjects. For instance, to become a doctor, medical students must study medicine.

Body 2:However, other courses foster the growth of abilities like critical thinking, creativity, and communication. For instance, learning the arts or literature facilitates problem-solving. In conclusion, it is best to strike a balance between career subjects and a general education.

Note it - Your true beliefs are not the focus of the IELTS Agree or Disagree essay. It all comes down to how well you can clearly state and defend your position.

Remember these pointers:

• Recognise the question correctly. To avoid straying from the subject, carefully read it.
• Decide which side you can write about with ease. Even if it's not your genuine opinion, it's acceptable to support the side with superior ideas.
• Before writing, quickly make a plan. First, consider your primary arguments and supporting details.
• Use plain, uncomplicated English. Make sure your meaning is clear; you don't need fancy words.
• Provide examples to back up your arguments. This strengthens your arguments.

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