A detailed guide to this IELTS Writing Task 2 essay type, with structure templates, useful vocabulary, and techniques to achieve Band 7+.
Originally published April 2018. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
In this post, we will look at an agree/disagree essay example from the IELTS writing task 2 test. Students often ask if the questions are repeated year after year and the answer is no, but the topics are. There are so many questions written each year, you may find your practice answering various questions on different topics. For example, you could write essays to answer questions about education or the environment, which benefits you because you learn vocabulary associated with those topics and develop ideas that can help you in your writing test.
Practising writing IELTS task 2 essays on a range of topics is a great way to learn new vocabulary for those topics, but also to practice your essay structures. You begin to develop your ideas around those topics, thinking of examples, and giving your opinions.
If you would like to purchase a 31 page PDF download that is easy to read and print out please take a look at the bookshop >
If you would like to learn how to structure an agree/disagree essay please click the button below >
At the present time, the younger generation idolizes celebrities, not only for their acting accomplishments but also for their fashion sense and wealthy lifestyles. They are also influenced by the behaviour of celebrities and this may lead to troubling situations. I strongly agree that many teens admire famous people who can be a bad influence. Firstly, this essay will discuss how a certain individual can become famous instantly without proper training. Secondly, it will discuss how well-known people can affect our younger generation.
On the one hand, reality TV can make an ordinary person turn into a famous celebrity in an instant. This is happening all over the world since the TV networks are adapting different types of reality TV shows. This can be seen from dating games, modelling contests or even in singing competitions and as soon as the shows have ended, the winner will be an instant celebrity. Instead of planning to work hard for the job they want, many young people see instant fame through reality shows as a way of getting money and recognition. For instance, DLSU from the Philippines developed a survey in 2017 that revealed 95% of their students wanted to become a celebrity by joining a reality TV contest, rather than learning through acting workshops.
On the other hand, a sudden change of lifestyle can sometimes make or break you; this can be seen through most of the instant celebrities. They want to retain their famous status and that is why they would do unlawful acts, to create publicity. Therefore, younger people through Instagram, Twitter and Facebook are following them; eventually, mimicking them because they think that this is normal acceptable behaviour. For example, a survey, conducted by the London Police in June 2017 showed that youth crime including lewd behaviour, drinking underage and violent acts had increased by 40% since 2016. Many of these young people were influenced by the behaviour they witnessed from celebrities in the media acting out.
In conclusion, I strongly agree that celebrities can sometimes be a bad influence among our younger generation however, I also believe that celebrities have a wider duty to the public and especially to their younger followers to practice good behaviour and set a good example.
(Word count – 372 / Band score 8)
Instructor Feedback on IELTS Agree/Disagree Essay Sample: Society
Task Achievement – The essay provides an answer to the question asked, supported by relevant examples.
Coherence and Cohesion – The answer has been divided into clear logical paragraphs and each main body paragraph only has one main idea. There are cohesive links between the main body paragraphs.
Lexical Resource – There is evidence of a wide range of vocabulary, with no errors in the text.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy – The answer has no grammatical errors. The sentences have a wide range of structures.
We hope you found this post helpful in helping you to study for the IELTS Test. Let us know in the comments or on the Facebook page if you have any questions. The best way to keep up to date with posts like this is to like us on Facebook, and then follow us onInstagramand Pinterest. We offer essay correction services, mock exams, and online courses. If you need help preparing for the IELTS Test, join the IELTS Achieve Academy and see how we can help you achieve your desired band score faster.
A detailed guide to this IELTS Writing Task 2 essay type, with structure templates, useful vocabulary, and techniques to achieve Band 7+.
Originally published April 2018. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
In this post, we will look at an agree/disagree essay example from the IELTS writing task 2 test. Students often ask if the questions are repeated year after year and the answer is no, but the topics are. There are so many questions written each year, you may find your practice answering various questions on different topics. For example, you could write essays to answer questions about education or the environment, which benefits you because you learn vocabulary associated with those topics and develop ideas that can help you in your writing test.
Practicing writing IELTS task 2 essays on a range of topics is a great way to learn new vocabulary for those topics, but also to practice your essay structures. You begin to develop your ideas around those topics, thinking of examples and giving your opinions.
If you would like to purchase a 31 page PDF download that is easy to read and print out please take a look at the bookshop >
If you would like to learn how to structure an agree/disagree essay please click the button below >
Over the years, many people considered learning to read, being able to write and having knowledge of solving mathematical problems as the foundations of education, however, some people believe that learning to use a computer should be added to the said list. In my opinion, I strongly agree that it would be very beneficial for all to include computer skills in the framework of our education. Firstly, this essay will discuss that with the advancement of our technology it is inevitable that everyone should learn how to use a computer. Secondly, it will discuss the fact that almost all jobs nowadays involve the use of technology.
On the one hand, computers have become a huge part of our everyday lives as almost everything can be done with just one click of a button. Having skills in computing can help a student to navigate the Internet and that aids them in researching answers for their homework. Computers can replace thousands of books and this eases the burden of bringing a lot of books to school. For example, in the past, if you needed school supplies, you would go to a supermarket or a department store but now, just by using your computer or cell phone you may opt to go shopping online in the convenience of your home, by just using apps like LAZADA and OLX.
On the other hand, almost every job needs a computer in one way or another in order to complete everyday tasks. Therefore, knowing how to use a computer or tablet is a basic skill that most workplaces will require their employees to have. Computers are also used to perform groundbreaking services in some workplaces, like hospitals and private clinics. For instance, doctors use this technology so that they can perform surgeries and get accurate results. LASIX technology has helped thousands of people to bring their vision back to normal, this would be near to impossible without the use of highly advanced computer programs.
In conclusion, adding computer skills into our education system is vital towards the road of advancement in technology. I strongly agree that learning skills like this will benefit not only the individual but also the progress of any country.
(Word count – 365 / Band score 8)
Task Achievement – The essay provides an answer to the question asked, supported by relevant examples.
Coherence and Cohesion – The answer has been divided into clear logical paragraphs and each main body paragraph only has one main idea. There are cohesive links between the main body paragraphs.
Lexical Resource – There is evidence of a wide range of vocabulary, with no errors in the text.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy – The answer has no grammatical errors. The sentences have a wide range of structures.
We hope you found this post helpful in helping you to study for the IELTS Test. Let us know in the comments or on the Facebook page if you have any questions. The best way to keep up to date with posts like this is to like us on Facebook, and then follow us onInstagramand Pinterest. We offer essay correction services, mock exams, and online courses. If you need help preparing for the IELTS Test, join the IELTS Achieve Academy and see how we can help you achieve your desired band score faster.
A detailed guide to this IELTS Writing Task 2 essay type, with structure templates, useful vocabulary, and techniques to achieve Band 7+.
Originally published December 2017. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
In writing task 2 you will be asked to write a discursive essay (250 words minimum). You will be given a question asking you to give your opinion, discuss a problem or issue. You could also be asked to provide solutions, evaluate a problem, compare and contrast different ideas or challenge an idea. In this post, we will be focussing on how to write a problem/solution essay.
One of the first things you should do is read the marking criteria to see what the examiners expect. This is really important, as you need to know what they are looking for in the band 7+ boxes.
You should be able to give the examiners exactly what they want, in order to get a 7+ band score.
If you would like to purchase a 30 page PDF download that is easy to read and print out please take a look at the bookshop >
WRITING TASK 2 Problem/Solution STRUCTURE
The structure that I advise my students to use, will be sure to get you a band score 7+. You need to practice using this structure, with as many questions as you can, before sitting your IELTS test. This writing task 2 structure has been proven to be successful for my students and when perfected, can easily help you to achieve a high band score.
TIP >> Before you start writing, plan your ideas so that you can organise the information clearly. You must decide what you think is the main problem and what the specific solution to that problem is. Take 5 minutes and plan out your ideas and examples.
TIP >> It is very important that spend a full 40 minutes on this task as the score you get for writing task 2 is two-thirds of your total writing score. You also need to write a minimum of 250 words and use your own ideas.
TIP >> Remember to write in a formal tone, this is an academic essay, therefore your writing should be formal.
This is one possible way to structure your essay;
It is a 4-PARAGRAPH STRUCTURE >>
Paragraph 1 – The Introduction
This is the introduction to the essay and where you should start off by paraphrasing the question.
Do you understand what I mean, when I say ‘paraphrase’ the question?
This means that you rewrite the question in your own words using synonyms. You can’t just copy the question again or use the same words in the question. Paraphrase and show off your vocabulary knowledge by using synonyms. When practicing your essay writing, use an online thesaurus to help you. This is a great tool and can help you to learn many new words.
Then your next sentence should introduce the essay, this will tellthe examiner exactly what you will discuss in the main body paragraphs. For example, Firstly this essay will discuss……… Secondly, this essay will discuss…….
There are two sentences you need in the introduction >>
Paraphrase the question
Introduce the specific topics that will be discussed in the main body paragraphs.
Paragraph 2 – Main Body Paragraph 1
In this paragraph, you should describe a specific problem.
Start the paragraph by introducing the problem. This is where you need to have a topic sentence. The next sentence(s) should explain the problem, going into detail. The third sentence should give an example that supports the problem.
The example you give could be something from your own experience or made up – it is ok to make up something as the examiners will not fact check your information. They want to see your ability to use English at a certain level. You could make up an example from a report, journal, newspaper or University study.
This is how the paragraph should look >>
Introduce the problem (topic sentence)
Explain/give detail
Example
If you would like to purchase a 30 page PDF download that is easy to read and print out please take a look at the bookshop >
Paragraph 3 – Main Body Paragraph 2
In this paragraph, you should write about the solution.
Start the paragraph by introducing the solution. This is where you need to have a topic sentence. The next sentence(s) should explain the solution, going into detail. The third sentence should give an example.
The example you give could be something from your own experience or made up – it is ok to make up something as the examiners will not fact check your information. They want to see your ability to use English at a certain level. You could make up an example from a report, journal, newspaper or University study.
This is how the paragraph should look >>
Introduce the solution (topic sentence)
Explain/give detail
Example
Paragraph 4 – The Conclusion
In the fourth paragraph, you write the conclusion giving a summary of your main points and say what you think is most important about this topic and give a recommendation. You should not enter any new information or ideas in this paragraph.
Summary of the main points
What you think is most important about this topic / give a recommendation
Another possible way to structure your problem/solution essay is this;
Introduction
Problem 1 – Describe a specific problem and give a solution
Problem 2 – Describe another specific problem and give a solution
Problem 3 – Describe a third specific problem and give a solution
Conclusion
You will need to make a choice, either describe each problem and give a solution in the same paragraph, or split the information into separate paragraphs, with only one main idea in each of the main body paragraphs.
SAMPLE Problem/Solution ESSAY >>
**All questions have been reported by students who have taken the IELTS exam.**
In many developing countries, there are a number of skilled academics leaving in search of better pay, increased socioeconomic benefits, and the chance to earn citizenship in a developed country. In this essay, I will examine the impact this has had on the more poverty stricken countries and suggest how this situation could be improved.
The foremost problem with skilled professionals, such as doctors and teachers leaving is that it deprives the country of people who are necessary to its survival. A shortage of doctors in hospitals could lead to them being severely understaffed, even though they have the trained doctors and nurses who are local and willing to work. In addition, some academic institutions will also suffer, with a lack of skilled teachers in highly desirable subjects, like maths, science and languages. Many professionals desire better pay and working conditions, leaving in search of a better lifestyle, so that they can earn a higher salary. For example, a study from Bucharest University showed that in Romania in 2014, 75% of graduates had applied to work in the UK and the USA.
A possible solution to this problem is for skilled professionals to enter into mandatory service in their origin country, before being able to migrate. Those who earn their qualifications from state universities should have to work in service to their country for a set amount of time, even though they are ready for the wider workplace. This would address the shortage of workers in hospitals and schools, meanwhile gaining experience, in order to give something back to their community and country. For instance, in Romania, it is common practice for graduates from state-funded university courses to work in areas where their services are needed for a minimum of two years before they are able to apply to work abroad.
In conclusion, with the rising demand for nurses, doctors and teachers in economically rich countries like the UK, more and more people are leaving their poor origin countries in search of better pay, working conditions and benefits. It is, therefore, necessary for governments to put appropriate schemes into place, with mandatory service for state-funded degree holders.
(Word Count = 362 / Band Score 9)
Task Achievement – The answer provides a paraphrased question, to begin with, followed by a relevant problem and solution. Both the problem and solution are fully supported in the main body paragraphs in the essay, with fully extended and well-supported ideas. the style of the writing is appropriate for an academic essay.
Coherence and Cohesion – The answer has been divided into clear logical paragraphs and each main body paragraph only has one main idea. There are cohesive links between the main body paragraphs and between most sentences. Examples are highlighted with discourse markers like – for example, and for instance. The conclusion gives a clear recommendation, which is linked to the information in the main body paragraphs.
Lexical Resource – There is evidence of a wide range of vocabulary, with no errors in the text.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy – The answer has no grammatical errors. The sentences have a wide range of structures.
TIP >> Remember to give both a problem and solution. Use each of the main body paragraphs to support your ideas, giving examples that are relevant. In the conclusion, summarise your main points and say what is important about the topic/give a recommendation.
WRITING TASK 2 BAND SCORE 9 CRITERIA >>
If you would like to view more high band score problem and solution essay examples please click below >
We hope you found this post helpful in helping you to study for the IELTS Test. Let us know in the comments or on the Facebook page if you have any questions. The best way to keep up to date with posts like this is to like us on Facebook, and then follow us onInstagramand Pinterest. We offer essay correction services, mock exams, and online courses. If you need help preparing for the IELTS Test, join the IELTS Achieve Academy and see how we can help you achieve your desired band score faster.
A detailed guide to this IELTS Writing Task 2 essay type, with structure templates, useful vocabulary, and techniques to achieve Band 7+.
Originally published December 2017. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
In writing task 2 you will be asked to write a discursive essay (250 words minimum). You will be given a question asking you to give your opinion, and discuss a problem or issue. You could also be asked to provide solutions, evaluate a problem, compare and contrast different ideas or challenge an idea. In this post, we will be focusing on how to write a advantages/disadvantages essay.
One of the first things you should do is read the marking criteria to see what the examiners expect. This is really important, as you need to know what they are looking for in the band 7+ boxes.
You should be able to give the examiners exactly what they want, in order to get a 7+ band score.
Do you want to learn how to write an advantage/disadvantage essay faster and score a higher band score? Download our 24 page PDF resource that is designed to help you prepare systematically for a 7+ band Score.
The structure that I advise my students to use, will be sure to get you a band score of 7+. You need to practice using this structure, with as many questions as you can, before sitting your IELTS test. This writing task 2 structure has been proven to be successful for my students and when perfected, can easily help you to achieve a high band score.
TIP >> Before you start writing, plan your ideas so that you can organise the information clearly. You must decide what the main advantages and disadvantages are. Take 5 minutes and plan out your ideas, opinions and examples.
TIP >> It is very important that spend a full 40 minutes on this task as the score you get for writing task 2 is two-thirds of your total writing score. You also need to write a minimum of 250 words and use your own ideas.
TIP >> Remember to write in a formal tone, this is an academic essay, therefore your writing should be formal.
This is one possible way to structure your essay;
4-PARAGRAPH STRUCTURE >>
Paragraph 1 – The Introduction
This is the introduction to the essay and where you should start off by paraphrasing the question.
Do you understand what I mean, when I say ‘paraphrase’ the question?
This means that you rewrite the question in your own words using synonyms. You can’t just copy the question again or use the same words in the question. Paraphrase and show off your vocabulary knowledge by using synonyms. When practising your essay writing, use an online thesaurus to help you. This is a great tool and can help you to learn many new words.
Then your next sentence should introduce the essay, this will tellthe examiner exactly what you will discuss in the main body paragraphs. For example, Firstly this essay will discuss……… Secondly, this essay will discuss…….
There are two sentences you need in the introduction >>
Paraphrase the question
Introduce the specific advantages/disadvantages that will be discussed in the main body paragraphs.
Paragraph 2 – Main Body Paragraph 1
In this paragraph, you should describe the main advantage.
Start the paragraph by introducing the main advantage. This is where you need to have a topic sentence. The next sentence(s) should explain, going into detail. The third sentence should give an example that supports the advantage.
The example you give could be something from your own experience or made up – it is ok to make up something as the examiners will not fact check your information. They want to see your ability to use English at a certain level. You could make up an example from a report, journal, newspaper or University study.
This is how the paragraph should look >>
Introduce the advantage (topic sentence)
Explain/give detail
Example
Paragraph 3 – Main Body Paragraph 2
In this paragraph, you should write about the main disadvantage.
Start the paragraph by introducing the disadvantage. This is where you need to have a topic sentence. The next sentence(s) should explain, going into detail. The third sentence should give an example.
The example you give could be something from your own experience or made up – it is ok to make up something as the examiners will not fact check your information. They want to see your ability to use English at a certain level. You could make up an example from a report, journal, newspaper or University study.
This is how the paragraph should look >>
Introduce the disadvantage (topic sentence)
Explain/give detail
Example
Paragraph 4 – The Conclusion
In the fourth paragraph, you write the conclusion giving a summary of your main points and say what you think were the most important pros and cons. You should not enter any new information or ideas in this paragraph.
You can end your conclusion with a balancing statement that tells the reader why one side is better than the other. For example, using words like outweigh, balance out, compensate for, exceed and make up for.
Summary of the main points
What you think were the most important pros and cons?
Another possible way to structure your advantage/disadvantage essay is this;
You may want to add paragraphs to explain further advantages or disadvantages, but there should be only one main idea in each main body paragraph. Don’t list all of your advantages/disadvantages in one paragraph.
Introduction
Paragraph 1 – Describe an advantage
Paragraph 2 – Describe an advantage
Paragraph 3 – Describe a disadvantage
Conclusion
TIP >> If the question asks you if the advantages outweigh the disadvantages of something then your essay structure will change slightly. You should make sure you write about how one side is better than the other. You will also have to include this in your introduction. The side that you think outweighs the other should be written about first in main body paragraph 1. Followed by main body paragraph 2 – the more fragile argument.
TIP >> If the question asks you to write about advantages/disadvantages and give your opinion, then y
You need to add an extra paragraph that clearly states your opinion. You would also need to write about your opinion in the introduction.
SAMPLE Advantages/Disadvantages ESSAY >>
**All questions have been reported by students who have taken the IELTS exam.**
There is an ongoing debate on the merits of having a rigid discipline system in place for all crimes committed. This essay will firstly discuss, how having fixed punishments could lead to a more competent judiciary system as the biggest advantage. Secondly, this essay will discuss how this may lead to people being punished in the same way for both minor and major crimes as the primary disadvantage.
On the one hand, the main advantage of having a standardised punishment system could lead to a downward trend in crime, as the system would serve as a deterrent. This would allow the courts to easily hand out justice to all criminals, in order to make the judiciary system more powerful. For example, in some states in the USA, there are tough sanctions in place for criminals, including death by lethal injection. In 2014, the New York Times reported that up to 65% of criminals who were incarcerated for high-level crimes (murder, manslaughter) received the lethal injection.
On the other hand, the primary disadvantage of having fixed punishments is that people who have committed low-level crimes may also be given harsh sentences, in the same way as those who have been sentenced for high-level crimes. This may make the system unjust, as the punishment should befit the crime. For instance, a person who may have acted in self defence, should have their case heard in full, before being given a punishment befitting of someone who has been part of a violent act.
In conclusion, fixed punishment offers an interesting choice for effective crime deterrence and a faster judicial process. However, its inherent flaw in generalising all crime without carefully considering mitigating circumstances would compromise the very essence of justice and should warrant a closer study before fully implementing it to any modern judicial system.
(Word Count = 302 / Band Score 9)
Task Achievement – The answer provides a paraphrased question, to begin with, followed by stating an advantage and a disadvantage. Both the advantages/disadvantages are fully supported in the main body paragraphs in the essay, with fully extended and well-supported ideas. the style of the writing is appropriate for an academic essay.
Coherence and Cohesion – The answer has been divided into clear logical paragraphs and each main body paragraph only has one main idea. There are cohesive links between the main body paragraphs and between most sentences. Examples are highlighted with discourse markers like – for example, and for instance.
Lexical Resource – There is evidence of a wide range of vocabulary, with no errors in the text.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy – The answer has no grammatical errors. The sentences have a wide range of structures.
TIP >> Remember to give both an advantage and a disadvantage. Use each of the main body paragraphs to support your ideas, giving examples that are relevant. In the conclusion, this is where you summarise your main points.
WRITING TASK 2 BAND SCORE 9 CRITERIA >>
If you would like to view more high band score advantages or disadvantageessay examples please click here.
We hope you found this post helpful in helping you to study for the IELTS Test. Let us know in the comments or on the Facebook page if you have any questions. The best way to keep up to date with posts like this is to like us on Facebook, and then follow us onInstagramand Pinterest. We offer essay correction services, mock exams, and online courses. If you need help preparing for the IELTS Test, join the IELTS Achieve Academy and see how we can help you achieve your desired band score faster.
A detailed guide to this IELTS Writing Task 2 essay type, with structure templates, useful vocabulary, and techniques to achieve Band 7+.
Originally published December 2017. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
In this post, we will look at the common topics that are seen again and again in the IELTS writing task 2 test. Students often ask if the questions are repeated year after year and the answer is no, but the topics are. There are so many questions written each year, you may find you practice answering various questions on different topics. For example, you could write essays to answer questions about education or the environment, which benefits you because you learn vocabulary associated with those topics and develop ideas that can help you in your writing test.
Practicing writing IELTS task 2 essays on a range of topics is a great way to learn new vocabulary for those topics, but also to practice your essay structures. You begin to develop your ideas around those topics, thinking of examples and giving your opinions.
Writing Task 2 Common Topics
The list below shows you the common topics that are seen every year.
There is quite a range of writing task 2 topics, with many subtopics. Take a look at the list below and look for questions in each area when you are completing your IELTS preparation >
Environment
Government legislation
Environmental problems
Climate Change
Animals
Health
Obesity
Hospitals
The elderly
Funding
Poor countries vs rich countries
Health education
Exercise
Education
The rise of technology
Subjects/curriculum changes
Uniforms
The role of teachers
Discipline
Funding
Rules
Government
Change to laws
Rules that affect groups of individuals
International laws
Benefits to individuals and society
Funding
Society
Poverty
Overpopulation
Homelessness
Modern lifestyles
Funding
Public services
Crime
Youth crime
Punishment
Repeat offenders
Major vs minor crimes
Prisons
Technology
The role of technology in our lives/in society
The internet
Social media
Children online / safety measures
Hacking/data protection
Economics
World spending
Cash vs credit cards
Economic progress and success
Communication
Technology
Family
Social media
Types of personalities
Characters in society
Work
Women in the workplace
The role of the employee
Employer vs employee issues
Types of jobs
Salary
Equality
Family and Children
Family roles
Family size
Role models
Discipline (parents to children)
Education
Transport
Different forms of transport
Comparisons
Problems
Environmental issues
Travel
Culture differences
Travelling benefits/drawbacks
Meeting people
Forms of travel
There are many other topics that you can also prepare for, including art, business, marketing, sport, reading, language, and food/diet.
Top Tips For IELTS Writing Task 2 Preparation
When you are preparing for your IELTS writing task 2 test, practice answering questions on topics that you find difficult, as this is really good practice.
Learn vocabulary associated with the topic. Make word lists and learn the meanings of those words.
Read around the topic, take a look at news websites or journals and read about these topics. What is happening in the news? Can the news stories give you ideas for examples that you can use in your essay?
Listen to TED Talks, podcasts, the news or documentaries related to the common topics and develop ideas, vocabulary and your opinions.
Practice talking about these topics with a friend. Ask them their opinion about something you have seen in the news and give them your opinion, discuss the latest news and events related to the common topics.
We hope you found this post useful in helping you to study for the IELTS Test. If you have any questions please let us know in the comments below or on the Facebook page.
The best way to keep up to date with posts like this is to like us on Facebook, then follow us on Instagram and Pinterest.
If you need help preparing for the IELTS Test, join the IELTS Achieve Academy and see how we can assist you to achieve your desired band score. We offer an essay correction service, mock exams and online courses.
