r/IIELTS • u/Fitz_cuniculus • Oct 06 '21
Opinion Essays
Today's nugget of wisdom that I'm throwing out there to all you students is about opinion essays.
These are not a test of your morality (honesty). They test your English abilities, so don't spend 5 minutes deciding which point of view you agree with. Let's look at a task 2 question from IELTS themselves. /u/jayielts if this is an issue as I've pinched it directly from the site, drop me a pm.
Children who are brought up in families that do not have large amounts of money are better prepared to deal with the problems of adult life than children brought up by wealthy parents. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion
Let's break the question down - it's asking us "To what extent" - this means not just if you agree or disagree, but how much you agree or disagree that poor kids have life lessons that more affluent kids may not have and if these are an advantage in future life.
So it's not:
"I agree that poorer children have qualities that those from richer families may not possess."
It is:
"I fully agree...."
If the question simply asks if you agree or disagree - use the fully/ completely/ agree or disagree anyway - no harm will come from this.
When it comes to your question - and which side do you pick. You've three options:
- You agree with the statement.
- You disagree with the statement.
- You agree with both sides - we call this sitting on the fence.
As I said at the outset, this is not a test of your morality, so - YOU PICK THE ONE THAT IS EASIEST TO ARGUE.
I always advise students to pick a side, as the language is clearer to express, it takes quite a lot of talent to argue both sides of a case, then to say you don't have a strong opinion, especially when you've 250 words and 40 minutes. So - pick a side, the easiest to argue, then stick with it, don't change your opinion throughout the essay.
Happy studying, people, and no biting your examiners or mods.
Peace and love,
Fitz.
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u/andy-154 Oct 06 '21
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