balanced opinion essay topics

IELTS Opinion Essays: Structure, Topics and Sample Answers

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Updated On Aug 01, 2024

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The article provides guidance on writing IELTS opinion essays, emphasizing structure: an introduction, two body paragraphs supporting one view, and a conclusion. It includes examples, common mistakes to avoid, and tips for clear, concise essays.

What is the ielts opinion essay format, ielts opinion essay sample answers, latest ielts opinion essay topics of 2024, top 3 common mistakes of ielts opinion essays, tips to answer ielts opinion essay questions.

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IELTS opinion essays mainly focus on agreeing or disagreeing with a particular fact or information. It presents two opposite views and you have to develop your argument supporting one view (strictly one!) You get 40 minutes to complete this task. You have to write at least 250 words on the topic given.

Given below are some examples of IELTS Writing Task 2 opinion essays along with their structure. So, let’s understand how to frame the IELTS opinion essay from the sample answers given in the blog!

If you’re gearing up to tackle the Opinion Essay in IELTS Writing Task 2, know that it’s all about writing your opinion on a specific topic with supporting examples. To make sure your essay ticks off all the criteria of a band 8+ essay, organizing it in the right way is key! You can also check tips to write an effective introduction in IELTS Writing Task 2 to present a great IELTS opinion essay!

Let’s now look at a proper format to learn the structuring of an IELTS opinion essay.

Introduction:

Keep it short, usually around 2-3 sentences.
Introduce the topic and clearly state your opinion.
Provide a brief overview of the main points you will discuss in the body paragraphs.

Body Paragraphs (Usually 2 paragraphs):

Each paragraph should focus on a single main idea that supports your opinion.
Start with a topic sentence that introduces the main idea.
Provide evidence, examples, and reasoning to support your main idea.
Aim for coherence and cohesion within each paragraph by using appropriate transition words.
Make sure to use appropriate IELTS Vocabulary and IELTS Grammar while explaining an idea in the body paragraphs.

Conclusion:

Summarize the main points discussed in the body paragraphs.
Restate your opinion, emphasizing its importance or relevance.
Avoid introducing new ideas in the conclusion.

Given below is an example of an IELTS Writing task 2 o pinion essay. Let’s understand how to frame the essay from the ideas we have. Additionally, you can review the IELTS Writing Task 2 practice tests on a regular basis to achieve your desired band score.

Sample Question 1

In the future, nobody will buy printed newspapers or books because they will be able to read everything they want online without paying. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Given below is a brief outline of what to write in the essay after identifying the essay type.

Opinion Essay

Introduction

Paraphrase the topic of the essay using synonyms for the words used in the topic statement. Clearly state the view on the topic.

Body Paragraph 1

Technological improvements have increased the level of ease and convenience to a point where people can access news and information at the click of a button. This has led to print media becoming outdated.

Body Paragraph 2

The development of news websites and sites that freely distribute information and print media in a digital form has led to a trend of availing such services and content without paying.

Summarize the essay and re-state the opinion on the topic.

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Sample Answer

Presently, newspapers, books, journals, magazines, etc. are still actively used by a section of the global population. However, with the arrival of news sites and the availability of books, magazines and other forms of media online, totally free of cost, many believe that such forms of media are on their way to becoming outdated. I agree with this statement, and will explain it further with relevant examples in the essay.

It is a well-known fact that in this day and age if an individual wants to read a book or just go over the news of the day, the first step that they take is to search the internet. Devices such as smartphones and tablets have improved the time efficiency of searching for information online to such an extent that a person can access their preferred form of media in the comfort of their homes in a matter of minutes. Consequently, people have started to abandon their preference for print media due to the presence of much more convenient alternatives.

Additionally, the various forms of print media enjoyed by people can often be availed free of charge on several websites. For instance, most news organizations publish their daily news on their official website, which can be accessed by anyone. Also, some numerous sites and databases provide popular books, journals and magazines in a digital form to the public for a nominal subscription fee or sometimes even for free, leading to a majority of readers of such forms of media shifting away from buying hard copies.

Nevertheless, there is still a sizable chunk of the population that enjoys the conventional forms of print media. That being said, with the cost-effective nature of making such information and content available online, organizations will soon completely shift to internet-based services.

In conclusion, I would like to say that people always prefer the more comfortable alternative that is available. Therefore, it can be safely said that in the coming years, there will be a complete shift from traditional print media to online media services and products.

Sample Question 2

Some people say that international sporting events contribute greatly to peace and stability in the world. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Paraphrase the topic sentence using synonyms.

Mention the view on the topic.

Body Paragraphs

International sports tournaments are events where teams and the general public of various countries come together and collectively participate in the event.

Sports events, especially cricket and football help distract the minds of the citizens from the ongoing difficulties in their country and enjoy these events.

Summarize the essay and state the final view.

Sports has always been a magnificent platform for the finest talents of a country to showcase their skills and represent their nation. At the same time, sports is also one of the few occasions where every citizen of the country unites in support of their favourite teams. It is considered by many that sports are a great approach to maintain stability among countries. This essay will elaborate on the given topic and justify why sports can successfully bring and preserve global peace.

One of the greatest characteristics of any popular sporting event is that supporters of every team involved in the tournament almost always attend the matches that are organized in their cities. Some veteran fans even travel to different parts of the country to witness a match between their favourite teams. These events also unite the populace of a nation as every patriotic individual prays for the success of their national team. For instance, the entire nation wishes for the victory of their national team in the Olympic Games as winning an Olympic Medal is one of the most prestigious honours that can be bestowed upon a country.

It is a well-known fact that the people of a country collectively face several challenges on a day-to-day basis. These issues can be caused by numerous factors and are the typical difficulties that ordinary citizens have to overcome. Sports help people enjoy a few moments of excitement and take a break from the monotony of everyday life.

That being said, sometimes the passion of overenthusiastic sports fans ends up leading to harmful and conflicting situations among communities. Nevertheless, the overall impact of sports on our lives is undoubtedly positive.

Finally, sports are one of the aspects of human life that bind a whole community together. This is enough evidence to understand that sports help maintain peace and stability in a nation.

Ready to grab the latest IELTS writing task 2 question papers of 2024?

Sample Question 3

Our personalities are predetermined as a result of our genes before we are born and there is nothing that can be done to change our character traits. To what extent do you agree?

Paraphrase the topic and mention the view.

Genetics are only a part of the entire list of factors that affect a person’s personality.

One of the most important influences on an individual’s personality is their childhood and upbringing.

Summarize the essay and mention the final view in brief.

Even between small periods of time, there are subtle variabilities in our disposition. Such alterations are quite natural and are a part of a human being’s existence. However, it is often assumed that our personality is entirely dependent on genetics. The following paragraphs will explore the different aspects of personality and justify why genetics are not the only factor influencing our personality.

An individual has countless experiences in their life from childhood to adulthood and finally until death. Every one of these experiences has an impact on a person’s mind, no matter how giant or small. The kind of people present in a person’s immediate surroundings also has a huge influence on their nature and characteristics. Thus, it can be safely surmised that a person’s genes are not the only contributing factor when it comes to personality.

One of the most significant influences on our personality is our childhood experiences and the teachings of our parents. Children are always known to follow in the footsteps of their parents. Thus, if the parents of a child are successful in teaching their children the right values and morals, they are bound to grow into responsible and decent individuals.

It is true that the personality traits of an individual are determined by the features of their parents. Nevertheless, these traits can be altered over the course of many years and different experiences.

In conclusion, genetics affect our personalities in a trivial manner as compared to all the other aspects of our temperament. That being said, our life experiences and learnings are the consequential factors in developing our character.

A few IELTS Writing Task 2 sample essay of opinion essay topics are listed down below, which you can practice. These opinion essay questions may appear in the actual examination.

In the future, it seems more difficult to live on Earth. Some people think more money should be spent on researching another planet to live on, such as Mars. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Many people say that the only way to guarantee a good job is to complete a course in university education. Others claim that it is better to start work after school and gain experience in the world of work. How far do you agree or disagree with the above views?
Although more and more people read the news on the internet, newspapers will remain the most important source of news for the majority of people. Do you agree or disagree?
Students in schools and universities learn more from their teachers than through other means such as the Internet, libraries, and TV. To what extent you agree or disagree?
Nowadays university education is very expensive. Some people say that universities should reduce their fees, especially for the less fortunate students or for those coming from rural areas. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Some people think that governments must insist on preserving the traditional appearance of old buildings undergoing renovation or redevelopment. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the statement?
Some people believe that international trade and communication with other countries is a positive trend, while others think it is harmful to nations and they might lose their identities. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give your own opinion and relevant examples.
Many people believe that schools should teach children to become good citizens and workers rather than independent individuals. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Give your own opinion and relevant examples.
People should follow the customs and traditions when they start to live in a new country. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
It is impossible to help all people in the world, so governments should only focus on people in their own countries. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Prevention is better than cure. Do you agree or disagree that out of the country’s health budget, a large proportion should be diverted from treatment to spending on health education and preventive measures?

In IELTS opinion essays, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that can lower your IELTS band score . Getting aware of them is the key to not committing them knowingly or unknowingly while you prepare! The top 3 common mistakes to avoid are:

Not giving a clear opinion.
Presenting arguments for both sides of the issue.
Failing to support your opinion with well-defined reasons and examples.

In the IELTS opinion essays, you need to write your opinion about a topic and back it up with proof and examples. If you use a clear structure and good writing methods, you can improve your chances of doing well!

Spend 5 minutes on a mind map before writing.
Stick to one viewpoint throughout the essay.
Use a single main idea to support the topic in each of the two body paragraphs.
Express your opinion throughout the essay, not just in the conclusion.
Keep the introduction short, a maximum of 50 words.
Ensure each body paragraph explains a main idea within 100 words.
The conclusion should be shorter than the introduction.
Write a complete essay following the given structure.
Aim for a word count of 280 words or less.

Here are the 10 Examples for the Opinion Essay Topics IELTS:

Also check:

Tips to write great writing essay
How to get band 8 in IELTS Writing Task 2
IELTS Writing recent actual test
IELTS 2024 Study Plan for 1 month (30 Days) / 15 Days / 7 Days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the structure for writing the introduction for an opinion essay?

Is it mandatory to state my opinion in the introduction? Can I skip it and introduce my opinion in the body paragraphs?

What are the words that I can use to state my opinion?

Can I underline the important sentences, to attract examiner’s attention?

Is it mandatory to write the essay in first person?

Practice IELTS Writing Task 2 based on Essay types

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Nehasri Ravishenbagam

Nehasri Ravishenbagam, a Senior Content Marketing Specialist and a Certified IELTS Trainer of 3 years, crafts her writings in an engaging way with proper SEO practices. She specializes in creating a variety of content for IELTS, CELPIP, TOEFL, and certain immigration-related topics. As a student of literature, she enjoys freelancing for websites and magazines to balance her profession in marketing and her passion for creativity!

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How to Plan & Write IELTS Opinion Essays

IELTS opinion essays, also known as ‘agree or disagree’ essays, come up frequently in the writing exam. In this lesson, I’m going to show you how to plan and write them step-by-step.

Here’s what we’ll be covering:

3 Common mistakes
Essay structure
How to plan
How to write an introduction
How to write main body paragraphs
How to write a conclusion

Click the links to see lessons on each of these Task 2 essay writing topics.

Once you understand the process, practice on past questions. Take your time at first and gradually speed up until you can plan and write an essay of at least 250 words in the 40 minutes allowed in the exam.

The Question

The first part of the question for an IELTS opinion essay will be a statement. You will then be asked to give your own opinion about the statement. Here is some typical wording that might be used:

What is your opinion?
Do you agree or disagree?
To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Want to watch and listen to this lesson?

Click on this video.

Here's a question from a past test paper.

A big salary is much more important than job satisfaction.

Do you agree or disagree?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

I’ll be using this question to guide you through the process of planning and writing an IELTS opinion essay.

3 Common Mistakes

These three errors are common in IELTS opinion essays.

Not stating an opinion.
Giving arguments for both views.
Not supporting your opinion with clear reasons.

The most common mistake that students make is not giving an opinion. The question will clearly state that you must choose one side of the argument. If you fail to do this, you will get a low score for task achievement.

It doesn’t matter which side of the argument you take or even, that you agree with it. Choose the one you can develop the best argument for.

Make sure that you don’t change your opinion part way through the essay, and don’t give reasons for the opposing view.

Essay Structure

Now let’s look at a simple structure you can use to write opinion essays. It’s not the only possible structure but it’s the one I recommend because it’s easy to learn and will enable you to quickly plan and write a high-level essay.

1) Introduction

Paraphrase the question
Give your opinion
State two supporting reasons

2) Main body paragraph 1

Topic sentence – outline 1st reason for supporting this view
Explanation – explain this idea
Example – give an example or expand the idea

3) Main body paragraph 2

Topic sentence – outline 2nd reason for supporting this view
Example – give an example or expand the idea

4) Conclusion

Summarise opinion and key reasons

This structure will give us a well-balanced essay with 4 paragraphs.

We now need some ideas to add into the structure and we’ll have everything we need for our essay.

How To Plan IELTS Opinion Essays

# 1 decide on your opinion.

The question I've chosen to work on is quite straightforward and easy to understand so we don’t need to spend time analysing it. The first task, then, is to decide on our opinion.

Here’s the question again:

A big salary is much more important than job satisfaction.

Do you agree or disagree?

For this essay, I’m going to disagree with the statement and argue that job satisfaction is more important than a big salary.

# 2 Generate ideas

The second task is to generate some ideas to write about.

Since I‘m going to argue that job satisfaction is more important than a large salary, I need ideas to support this view.

There are several different ways to think up ideas. I cover them fully on the IELTS Essay Planning page.

With this particular question, I immediately thought of a couple of examples of situations where job satisfaction did prove to be more important than a high salary, so I’m going to use the ‘example method’ of generating ideas.

Once you’ve thought of an example or two, ideas to include in your essay should come to you easily.

You might want to try this yourself before reading on for my ideas.

Here are my examples and some ideas they generated.

Both the examples are partly true but I've adapted them to better fit the essay. It's fine to do this as the examiner won't check your facts.

Uncle Barry – boasted about high salary but hated his job. Nervous breakdown – lost job & can’t work.
Me – gave up teaching. Now enjoy my work and am much more relaxed and happy even though I earn much less money.
High-salary jobs are generally more stressful
Stress leads to ill health, both mental and physical
40 hours a week at work – a third of the day
Money doesn’t bring happiness
Better quality of life
Sense of fulfilment
Less stressed – healthier and happier

I’ve got more ideas here than I need so I’m going to pick two to develop in the essay – one for each of the main body paragraphs.

Idea 1 – High-salary jobs are generally more stressful and can lead to ill health.

Idea 2 – Job satisfaction gives a sense of fulfilment.

We’re almost ready to start writing our IELTS opinion essay but first, we have one other small task to do.

# 3 Vocabulary

In an IELTS essay, it’s important to be able to say the same things in different ways, either by paraphrasing and/or using synonyms. During the planning stage, quickly jot down a few synonyms of key words you could use to save you having to stop and think of the right language while you’re writing.

For example:

satisfaction – fulfilment, achievement, sense of accomplishment, content, sense of well-being

salary – income, wages, pay, earnings

important – significant, valued, has more meaning

job – work, employment, position

With that done, we can focus on the first paragraph of the essay – the introduction.

How To Write an Introduction

A good introduction has a simple 3 part structure:

1) Paraphrased question

2) Thesis statement

3) outline statement.

An introduction should:

Have 2-3 sentences
Be 40-60 words long
Take 5 minutes to write

1) Paraphrase the question

Start your introduction by paraphrasing the question.

Question: A big salary is much more important than job satisfaction.

Do you agree or disagree?

Paraphrased question:

It is argued that earning lots of money has more significance to people than being content in their work.

Note that I’ve used some of the synonyms I listed, although it’s fine to repeat one or two words if you need to. Above all, your language must sound natural.

In IELTS opinion essays, the thesis statement is where you state your opinion. For example,

Thesis statement:

This essay totally disagrees with that statement.

That’s all you need to say.

If you decided to agree with the statement, you would write:

'This essay completely agrees with that statement.'

Finally in the introduction, you must outline the two main points (ideas 1 and 2 above) that you’ll cover in the rest of the essay. Do it in one sentence, or you can add them onto the end of the thesis statement if appropriate.

Outl ine statement:

I believe that people are increasingly concerned about the risk of stress-related ill-health frequently experienced by people in highly paid positions and they care more about feeling fulfilled at work.

So, let’s bring the three elements of our introduction together.

Introduction

This introduction achieves three important functions:

It shows the examiner that you understand the question.
It acts as a guide to the examiner as to what your essay is about.
It also helps to keep you focused and on track as you write.

The two ideas in your introduction will become your two main body paragraphs.

Main body paragraph 1 – concerns about the risk of stress-related ill-health

Main body paragraph 2 – a sense of fulfilment at work

How To Write Main Body Paragraphs

The structure of a good main body paragraph has 3 parts:

Topic sentence
Explanation

If you can’t think of an example, you can add further supporting ideas but we already have our two examples so that’s not an issue here.

A common problem when writing main body paragraphs for IELTS opinion essays is having too many ideas. Again, we have already chosen the two ideas we are going to develop, so we are all set to start writing.

You can see how important the planning stage is and how it makes the actual writing of the essay far quicker and easier.

Main Body Paragraph 1

The topic sentence summarises the main idea of the paragraph. That’s all it needs to do so it doesn’t have to be complicated.

It plays an important role in ensuring that your ideas flow logically from one to another. It does this by acting as a signpost for what is to come next, that is, what the paragraph will be about.

If you maintain a clear development of ideas throughout your essay, you will get high marks for task achievement and cohesion and coherence.

We’ll now take the idea for our first main body paragraph and create our topic sentence.

Main idea 1 – concerns about the risk of stress-related ill-health

Topic sentence:

Employees earning a large income are generally under significant mental and emotional pressure to perform well and achieve targets.

Next, we must write an explanation sentence . This explains to the examiner what we mean. It expands on our first idea.

Explanation sentence:

This causes many individuals to suffer high levels of stress which can result in both mental and physical health problems.

Finally, we add an example to support our main point. I thought of this in the planning stage so I have it ready to use.

If you can’t think of a real example, it’s fine to make one up, as long as it’s believable. The examiner isn’t going to check your facts.

Example sentence:

This happened to my uncle. He used to boast about his huge salary but the boss kept increasing his sales targets and in the end, the stress became too great and he had a nervous breakdown. Now he regrets being driven by the money.

That’s the 3 parts of our first main body paragraph complete. Here’s the finished paragraph.

We now follow the same process for our second main body paragraph.

Main Body Paragraph 2

Main idea 2 – Job satisfaction gives a sense of fulfilment.

First, we write the topic sentence to summarise the main idea.

Topic sentence:

Having a job that they enjoy doing, and in which they feel valued, is a major concern for most of the modern workforce.

Now for the explanation sentence to explain this idea.

Explanation sentence:

A significant number of people are giving up well-paid positions to do jobs which pay less but that they find more enjoyable and less stressful.

Finally, an example to support our main point. As before, I thought of this in the planning stage so just need to form it into a couple of sentences.

I am an example of this myself. A year ago I left the teaching profession because the workload had become too great and I am now a gardener. I feel really fulfilled in this work and I am much more relaxed and happy even though I earn far less money.

That’s the 3 parts of our second main body paragraph complete. Here’s the finished paragraph.

Now we need a conclusion and our IELTS opinion essay is done.

How To Write a Conclusion

Conclusions to IELTS opinion essays should do two things:

Summarise the main points
State your opinion

This can generally be done in a single sentence.

If you are below the minimum 250 words after you’ve written your conclusion, you can add an additional prediction or recommendation statement.

Our essay currently has 233 words so we’re on target and don’t need this extra sentence but you can learn more about how to write a prediction or recommendation statement for IELTS opinion essays on the Task 2 Conclusions page.

The conclusion is the easiest sentence in the essay to write but one of the most important.

A good conclusion will:

Neatly end the essay
Link all your ideas together
Sum up your argument or opinion
Answer the question

If you achieve this, you’ll improve your score for both task achievement and cohesion and coherence which together make up 50% of the overall marks. Without a conclusion, you’ll score below band 6 for task achievement.

You can start almost any final paragraph of an IELTS opinion essay with the words:

In conclusion

To conclude

Now all you need to do is briefly summarise the main ideas into one sentence.

Here’s a top tip . Go back and read the introduction to the essay because this is also a summary of the essay. It outlines what you are going to write about.

To create a great conclusion, you simply have to paraphrase the introduction. Let’s give it a go.

Introduction:

Here is the same information formed into a conclusion:

That’s it. We’ve completed our essay. Here it is with the 4 paragraphs put together.

Question:

A big salary is much more important than job satisfaction.

Do you agree or disagree?

Finished IELTS opinion essay.

Go through this lesson as many times as you need to in order to fully understand it and put in lots of practice writing IELTS opinion essays from past exam questions. Practice is the only way to improve your skills.

5 More Model IELTS Opinion Essays

This pack contains another step-by-step lesson and model essay. P lus 4 additional opinion essay questions with model answers.

Carefully created to help you achieve 7+ in your Writing test.

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More help with ielts opinion essays & other task 2 essays.

IELTS Writing Task 2 – T he format, the 5 question types, the 5 step essay writing strategy & sample questions. All the key information you need to know.

The 5 Types of Task 2 Essay – How to recognise the 5 different types of Task 2 essays. 15 sample questions to study and a simple planning structure for each essay type.

Understanding Task 2 Questions – How to quickly and easily analyse and understand IELTS Writing Task 2 questions.

How To Plan a Task 2 Essay – Discover why essay planning is essential & learn a simple 4 step strategy, the 4 part essay structure & 4 methods of generating ideas.

How To Write a Task 2 Introduction – Find out why a good introduction is essential. Learn how to write one using a simple 3 part strategy & discover 4 common mistakes to avoid.

How To Write Task 2 Main Body Paragraphs – Learn the simple 3 part structure for writing great main body paragraphs and also, 3 common mistakes to avoid.

How To Write Task 2 Conclusions – Learn the easy way to write the perfect conclusion for a Task 2 essay. Also discover 4 common mistakes to avoid.

Task 2 Marking Criteria – Find out how to meet the marking criteria in Task 2. See examples of good and poor answers & learn some common mistakes to avoid.

The 5 Task 2 Essay Types:

Step-by-step instructions on how to plan & write high-level essays. Model answers & common mistakes to avoid.

Opinion Essays

Discussion Essays

Problem Solution Essays

Advantages & Disadvantages Essays

Double Question Essays

Other Related Pages

IELTS Writing Test – Understand the format & marking criteria, know what skills are assessed & learn the difference between the Academic & General writing tests.

IELTS Writing
Opinion Essays
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IELTS Writing Balanced Opinion Essay

Published by awalls86 on november 3, 2021 november 3, 2021.

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In a balanced opinion essay, you are given two opposing propositions. You should discuss each of them and give your opinion.

As with other IELTS writing tasks, you will likely do better with this kind of essay if you have a clear structure in mind for writing this essay. The following is one way to write this type of essay, but it is effective.

Step 1: Understand the Issue

With any IELTS writing question, it is important to understand what the question is asking before you begin writing.

A balanced opinion task will give you two propositions, so you first need to identify what these are. Then think about the following questions:

Why is this an important issue?
What’s your opinion about it?
What would someone who disagrees with you say?
Why are they wrong?

As an example, let’s take the following question:

Some people believe that the Olympic games should take place in the same city each time. Other people argue it should continue to move country every 4 years.

If you’re as sporty as me, you might wonder why anyone would care about where the Olympics take place. Well this is an important issue because the Olympics are a very expensive event that can also provide considerable financial benefits to the host city or region.

You might agree that the Olympics should stay in one place (maybe Greece) since this would surely cut the cost of the games considerably. The infrastructure would only need to be built once and then maintained or upgraded as necessary.

However, moving the games every 4 years allows more countries to benefit from the rewards of hosting. Given that rich countries already have a lot of the world’s wealth, this gives a chance to a less well-off country to benefit.

Step 2: Write the Introduction

With a balanced opinion essay, we can still use our three statements for the introduction:

global statement;
thesis statement;
outline statement.

Remember that in our global statement we say why this is an important issue. For example:

Every 4 years, the Olympic games cost their host nation billions of dollars to organise. Many people question whether that money is well invested, or whether it would be more cost-efficient to have the Olympics in one regular location.

In the thesis statement, you give your opinion:

In my opinion, choosing one location for the Olympics makes more financial sense…

Finally, your outline statement tells the examiner what they will read about in the next paragraph. You can simply continue the thesis statement with “because” or “as”.

…as this would dramatically cut the building and other costs involved.

Step 3: Write the Body

Once again, you will want two body paragraphs here. The first will deal with the side that you have agreed with.

The First Argument

Your first body paragraph should begin with a statement of your argument. This is your topic statement. For example:

Holding the Olympics in the same place would be far cheaper than constantly moving them.

Then use explanation and examples to support your answer:

The biggest costs involved are undoubtedly construction of the Olympic venues and infrastructure. Every Olympics, new stadia and facilities are built. By having the Olympics in one place, buildings only need to be built once and then maintained or upgraded. These savings are likely to result in more profit being made during the Olympics, some of which can be used to support development in poorer nations.

The Second Argument

The second body paragraph of your balanced opinion essay should consider the alternative side. We can start with a linking statement. This will typically include a linking word or phrase that shows contrast e.g. “on the other hand”, “however” or “despite.”

On the other hand, there are benefits to the Olympic games moving.

In the next sentence your should give your topic statement:

If the games move, the benefits of hosting them is shared among more of the world.

Once more you need to develop and support your argument:

Not only does the host gain prestige and a chance to show off their country to the world, but they also experience a boom in their economy from ticket sales and tourism.

In a balanced opinion essay, you can make the side you agree with stronger by overcoming this point. For example:

However, while this is true in theory, the countries that most desparately need these benefits are unlikely to be able to afford the initial outlay for the games. For this reason, wealthy countries tend to be chosen to host the games.

Step 4: Write the Conclusion

The final paragraph is your conclusion. Remember to:

rephrase your arguments
rephrase your opinion

Choosing one country to act as permanent host of the games would greatly reduce the expense involved with the Olympics. This is unlikely to be agreed upon by all countries, especially the wealthier nations who typically benefit from hosting. However, if the permanent host is obligated to share the profits with the least developed nations, this provides a much fairer model.

Practice Questions

Click here for all IELTS writing task 2 practice questions and sample answers.

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Home — Blog — Topic Ideas — Great Opinion Essay Topics for Everyone

Great Opinion Essay Topics for Everyone

An opinion essay is about expressing your point of view. You can fully agree with a certain statement, partially or express complete disagreement. In this case, each argument in support of your point of view should be devoted to a paragraph. In this type of essay, you indicate your opinion in the introduction and conclusion.

Choosing a balanced approach, you should not only describe the problem from two sides (one paragraph – points for, and the second – points against) but also indicate which position is closer to you. In this case, it is advisable to start with an idea that is less close to you and devote the second paragraph to the one you adhere to. You must indicate your position in three places: in the introduction, in the conclusion, and in the topic sentence of the second paragraph.

In the introduction, the author expresses his opinion, starting with the words in my opinion. In the first paragraph, he indicates the position that is less close to him, and in the second, the one to which he is more inclined. At the same time, he gives consistent and convincing arguments in support of his opinion with the help of introductory constructions on the one hand, on the other hand. In the conclusion, the author uses the introductory phrase in conclusion and summarizes his opinion with the phrase I am still convinced that.

Next, we will look at opinion essay topics that will help you get inspired to write your own work.

Public Opinion Essay Topics

Public opinion papers topics include the general beliefs, desires, and reasoning of most people.

Can we continue to trust news resources and channels?
Do you think health insurance should be more affordable?
Is it true that domestic violence harms the public?
Do you think that abortion can remain legal ?
Do you think the legalization of cannabis is more harmful or beneficial?
Does owning a firearm make people feel safer?
Do you think national parks are endangered?
How do you think social networks affect the split of the public in the country?
Can mass depression be considered a global health problem in the country?
Should school help parents control the amount of time their children spend on gadgets?
How can you fight fake news?
What solutions to economic inequality would you suggest?
Can we trust the voting system?
Does our country need to reform its military policy?
Do you think that the death penalty should be abolished everywhere?
Do you think it is possible to fight corruption in the police?
How can the rise of homelessness be tackled in the country?
Do you think the public will ever be satisfied with their president?
How does the appearance of a person affect his mood and performance?
Is it necessary to play sports in schools on a mandatory basis?

Personal Opinion Essay Topics

Here are some ideas for opinion essays on personal topics.

Is it true that social networks contribute to the development of depression in adolescents?
Do you think that respect is a key aspect of success in a person’s life?
How do you think close friendships should imply ethics?
Can self-pity harm a person?
How do you know when a romantic relationship is over?
In your opinion, should the public education system provide healthy nutrition to students?
Is it acceptable that students’ homework takes up all their free time?
How important is rest to ensure good academic performance?
Does travel really help broaden your horizons and worldview?
Is it true that journaling has a positive effect on a person’s emotions?
How do you think students should be allowed to use e-books during class?
Can I feel safe at school ?
Is bullying really a sign of a person’s insecurity?
Does a modern business need offices?
Should the age limit for drivers be raised to 18?
Do you think working women can be good mothers?
Does military training really have a positive effect on the development of a person’s character?
How can evil parents harm their children?
Does a person need time management?
What benefits and harms can energy drinks bring to the human body?

Opinion Topics in History

Here are some historical topics for opinion writing .

Benefits of learning the history of other countries.
US role in World War II.
Religion and State: An Unobvious Connection.
Why do students need to study subjects that they will not need in the future?
History of cinema: how did it all begin?
Echoes of Slavery Today: The Black Lives Matter Movement.
Views and true intentions of Che Guevara.
Benefits of capitalism.
Causes of the Caribbean Crisis.
Causes of the Cold War.
The difference between the monarchy in Spain and Great Britain.
Religion and the Amish: A Conservative Religious Movement in Christianity.
Displacement by the British colonizers of the indigenous population of the United States.
The viability of communism today.

Good Opinion Writing Topics: Elementary

Here are good opinion writing topics for an essay on elementary themes.

Time management in elementary grades.
The role of extracurricular reading in education.
The role of social networks in shaping the personality of a child.
Creative subjects as the basis for the versatile development of the student.
The role of pocket money in the development of interpersonal relationships between primary school students.
No use of smartphones during lessons.
The influence of pets on the socialization of students.
Food and education: they are more connected than you think.
Change as an important part of your child’s socialization.
Drawing and singing: two things you can’t refuse.
The role of classical music in stimulating the brain activity of students.
Warming up between classes is a way to improve the learning process.
Gamification of classes: pros and cons.
Is it worth it to completely replace physical media with digital ones?
What is the complexity and size of the ideal homework assignment?

Opinion Essay Topics: Sports

Here are some sports topics for essay writing .

How do you think the use of doping in sports is ethical?
Does success in sports really depends on eating a healthy diet?
Do athletes have a life after retirement?
Is it possible to justify sporting achievements by getting serious injuries?
Is it true that athletes must meet high moral standards?
Is it true that successful coaches make their teams successful?
How much do professional athletes get paid?
Is it true that female athletes are engaged in traditionally male sports?
The role of the Olympic Games in strengthening friendly relations between countries.
Is there any ethics in sports exports involving animals?
Can a break from sports be beneficial?
Do good shoes really provide a part of success in sports?
Do college athletes deserve professional coaching?
Is it true that athletes are less susceptible to depression?
Is it true that basketball players are more vulnerable to racist discrimination?

Opinion Essay Topics on Culture

Here are some cultural opinion topics .

The role of modern pop music in shaping public attitudes.
Unrealistic beauty standards of today.
Electronic music as a tribute to universal digitalization.
Advantages and disadvantages of online communication.
The Internet as a Cause of Inappropriate Expectations in Interpersonal Relationships.
Globalization of the fashion industry as a reason for the destruction of cultural heritage.
The cycle of fashion.
K-pop as a unique phenomenon in modern culture.
Rock and pop industry: they have more in common than you think.
YouTube as the main platform for identifying talents.
Copyright in the music industry.
Twitch and Instagram as tools for female objectification.
Digital technologies in politics.
Features of the cuisines of the people of the world.
Pacifism in modern culture.

Nursing Opinion Essay Topics

Here are some best opinion nursing essay topics

Cases of exaggeration of the powers of nurses.
Features of communication of medical staff with relatives of patients.
The problem of interaction between medical staff and patients planning a gender transition.
Digitalization of work processes of medical staff.
Digitalization as one of the reasons for the reduction of medical staff.
Forced vaccination: pros and cons.
Globalization of medical control of the population.
The role of homeopathy in modern medicine.
The problem of alternative medicine.
The problem of euthanasia in different countries.
Patient Data Privacy.
Expansion of the ban on the free sale of drugs.
Genetics and diseases.
The effectiveness of patient participation in the treatment process.
Gender dependence of the nursing profession.

Social Media Opinion Essay Topics

Here are some social media essays writing ideas.

Social networks as an element of approval in education.
The impact of social media on everyday life.
Censorship on the modern web.
Problems with using digital sources of information in education.
Eco activity in social networks.
The role of influencers in changing the moral values of society.
Social engineering as a scourge of modern society.
Cyberbullying and reality.
Children and social networks: are restrictions necessary?
Digitalization and modern culture.
The role of Twitter in politics.
Smartphones and parental controls.
Piracy on social media.
Popularization of deep fakes.
Success in reality and success in social networks: is there a difference?

Education Opinion Essay Topics

Here are the best interesting education essay themes.

Should children be taught to write in elementary schools?
Should students be allowed to carry phones to school?
What benefits do students get from participating in extracurricular activities?
Do you think it is worth raising the age of graduates?
Do you think e-learning is effective enough?
The role of gamification in increasing the involvement of students in the educational process.
Why is learning a foreign language critical for a student?
Why grade is not an indicator of a student’s mental development?
Are e-books dangerous?
Is it acceptable to punish students by teachers?
How reliable can online sources be for research?
Should students study only those subjects they like?
And how relevant are Gender Schools today?
Are there any advantages to distance learning?
What is the role of Latin in modern education?

Literature Opinion Essay Topics

Here are some literature opinion essay topics.

What caused gender bias in 17th-century English literature?
What is the satire in Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn?
How did Shakespeare present love and death in his works?
Do you think English grammar should be preserved?
The more a person reads, the better he can write.
How do you think reducing the amount of literature in college will positively affect the level of education of students?
Do engineering students need English?
How can essay writing help in building a successful career?
Taras Shevchenko as an image of Ukrainian society.
Is Martin Luther King Jr. the voice of the African American people?
How can science fiction contribute to the development of technology?
Does reading have a positive effect on PTSD patients?
How quickly will e-books be replaced by paper ones?
Should the works of the classics become free?
How to get kids to read?

Psychology Opinion Essay Topics

Here are the best topics for an essay on psychology.

What is causing the rise of racism in the United States of America?
What is the importance of personal perception?
Is love really a chemical reaction
Identify examples of the effective use of propaganda.
How important is it for people to understand non-verbal communication?
What are the most pressing issues in the field of social cognition?
How to force yourself not to put off homework until later?
How do commercials affect the human brain?
Is it true that laughter is good for a person?
What are the consequences of cyberbullying?
What non-standard methods can increase productivity in the workplace?
How does aging affect human behavior?
Are there effective treatments for a personality disorder?
Does exercise really have a positive effect on the human brain?
Is it the right decision to give a small child access to a smartphone?

Opinion Essay Sample for Students

Here are interesting ideas for opinion essays for students.

The problem of the high cost of education in capitalist countries.
Issues of the safety of public places.
The attitude of different generations to social networks.
The value of the institution of marriage in modern society.
Maternity leave and the problems of restoring former labor duties.
Antidepressants as an addiction.
The out-of-school pastime of students.
Gender and economic inequality in third world countries.
Interpersonal relationships and the covid-19 pandemic.
IVF privacy issues.
Changes in US government policy related to Russian aggression.
The environmental aspect of using private transport.
DNA examination in the investigation: how expedient is it to rely on its results?
The problem of life imprisonment in states that have abolished the death penalty.
The influence of the opinion of the people of the United States on the foreign policy of the state.
The effectiveness of the state in solving drug addiction problems.

We hope that the topics that we have suggested will help you write a good topic for an essay . In case you need help with writing a paper, you can always refer to our free database, which contains thousands of essays and topics for writing them. On our website, you will find many prompts and topics you can write about in good opinion essays.

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How to write an IELTS opinion essay

Ielts opinion essay: structure, model answer, and analysis..

Updated: February 2023

There are 5 types of essays in IELTS writing task 2 and a common one is an opinion essay.

So how do you know if it is an opinion essay?. You will first need to study the instruction words. These words tell you what you should write about and this should be the first step to take before you even begin to plan. Analyse the task and especially the instruction words so you do not go off-topic or write a different essay altogether.

Here are 2 essay tasks below, which one do you think is the opinion essay?

1. Most people agree that money cannot buy happiness. Why is happiness difficult to define? How can people achieve happiness? 2. Some people believe that nowadays we have too many choices. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Looking at the instruction words we can see that the second one is an opinion essay as it asks ‘ To what extent do you agree or disagree? ‘

The first task is called a ‘Two-part question essay’ or sometimes called a ‘Direct question essay’.

Instruction words

Opinion essays will have various instruction words such as:

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Do you agree or disagree?

What is your opinion?

Do you think…?

What do you think….?

In your opinion what is ….?

In some cases the instruction words ask your opinion it may be a discussion essay such as:

‘Discuss both views and give your own opinion’

The structure of a discussion essay is different from an opinion essay as you will need to explain peoples views before you go into your own opinion.

This task below is a 2 part question essay and the second question asks your opinion.

Most people agree that money cannot buy happiness. Why is happiness difficult to define? How can people achieve happiness?

The opinion essay that I am referring to asks ‘ To what extent do you agree or disagree?’ means how much do you agree/disagree? , do you completely agree/disagree? or somewhat agree/disagree? or do you neither agree nor disagree?

You can write in your thesis statement something like: ‘ I completely agree because…..’ or if you don’t agree, something like: ‘ I absolutely disagree because…..’

What is an effective opinion essay structure?

There is no magic Band 9 structure but my students have found that the structure below works well in an opinion essay.

Tips on structure:

The main body paragraphs will cover the reasons for your opinion; however, do not list ideas just use one central idea and explain and support it.
Don’t wait until the conclusion to give your opinion. It must be throughout the whole essay .
Don’t give 2 different opinions. Do not agree then disagree as it will confuse the examiner. You can balance it with why someone would hold an opposing view but it is not a discussion essay.
I advise keeping the introduction under 60 words , each body paragraph should be approximately 90 to 105 words , the conclusion needs to be shorter than the introduction and no new ideas should be added to the conclusion
Aim for between 270 to 295 words , over 300 words is not realistic as you only have 40 minutes to write the essay .

Which body paragraph is better?

Take a look at these 2 main body one paragraphs to the task below, what do you think will score higher?

Task question:

Some people believe that nowadays we have too many choices . To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

A long time ago people used to go to market places and they bought basic daily necessities, now people can buy online and go to many high street shops. In addition, we can choose any hotel we like at cheap prices. Also, businesses compete with each other which means customers can buy items at low cost as well as a bigger selection of goods. Furthermore, the economy benefits because people can select from so many different products. For example, Amazon.com has millions of products that are much cheaper than buying at a shopping mall.

Admittedly, these days there are far too many choices which can be overwhelming; however, I think that for consumers this is an advantage because it forces businesses to compete with each other. This means that shoppers can benefit greatly from lower prices. For example, over the past two decades, Ryanair and EasyJet budget airlines have considerably reduced the cost of airfares for flights all over Europe. Before this, there was only one airline to choose from at exorbitant costs. Presently, many more budget airline options are serving destinations worldwide with incredible bargains for customers.

Click below for the answer.

The 2nd example is better because I wrote one central idea (lower prices for consumers) and expanded on that. The example given is not entirely true but it looks very feasible. You can just make up examples but they have to be specific and realistic looking. The point of an example is to support your main idea.

At the start of the paragraph I mentioned that too much choice is overwhelming but then contrast that with my opinion (Admittedly, these days there are far too many choices which can be overwhelming; however, I think that…) .

To see how to balance the essay click here for a lesson on balancing your opinion .

In example 1 above this has too many ideas and too many points. It jumps around and is not focusing on one central idea. The points are relevant but there is too much going on.

You will also notice an opinion is not given directly in the first example (I think / I believe etc) the whole paragraph affects coherence and cohesion as well as task response. The example given about amazon.com is also quite weak and not well explained.

Analysing the question.

As with all IELTS essays, it is crucial to spend a couple of minutes analysing the task and underling the keywords so that you are writing relevant points in the essay. If you go off-topic or write irrelevant points it will affect your score.

This is the task question for my model answer below and it is clear that the essay is about having too many choices these days . This means that there is something negative about having many choices, as the word ‘too’ implies something negative. In my model answer, I disagree with this being a negative and in fact, many choices are beneficial.

Click here for the 5 steps you need to take before writing.

I advise 10 minutes of planning time, this includes time analysing the question and getting relevant ideas.

Click here for a lesson about examples in main body paragraphs.

Model Answer

Some people believe that n owadays we have too many choices . To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

It is argued that in recent times people are overwhelmed by so many choices. Although I agree with this to some extent, for consumers I believe that having so many options enables them to purchase more competitively priced and higher quality products.

Another reason why I believe that more choice is beneficial is that the quality of products has improved in recent years. This is because many businesses are vying for customers’ attention, so their main selling points are not only low prices but also much higher quality. For instance, smartphone costs have decreased in the past 5 years and these devices are more powerful and more durable than ever before. This is primarily because manufacturers have focused on quality control to compete with rival products. I would argue that this has been a benefit to consumers which would not have been possible with one or two companies monopolising the smartphone market.

To conclude, despite the argument that there is too much freedom of choice nowadays, I hold the view that this is a positive trend as so many options allows customers to buy inexpensive items without compromising on quality.

Click below to see more detail and an analysis

1. My thesis statement says: Although I agree with this to some extent, for consumers I believe that having so many options enables them to purchase more competitively priced and higher quality products.

I am giving a balanced opinion here and focusing specifically on choice for consumers.

2. I have covered the points about how more choices have resulted in lower prices in main body one, while in main body two I cover the point about higher quality products because of the fact there are more choices. Notice how I have balanced my view: Admittedly, these days there are far too many choices which can be overwhelming; however, I think that for consumers this is an advantage because it forces businesses to compete with each other. .

3. The examples I gave are made up and not entirely true but they look realistic, the examiner does not check your examples for validity. Examples are there to support your main ideas. Do not put statistics in the examples either.

4. The points I have made in the essay connect with consumerism and shopping, but I have linked them to the points about how having many choices are of benefit to customers or consumers , because my opinion is that having many choices is a good aspect

5. In this type of essay, you could write about other areas where having many choices are relevant such as the choices of universities we can attend, the choices of work we might engage in, The choice of health care options available….and so on.

Here is a good news article from ‘ Business Insider’ that connects with this task question. Reading is a very good way to get ideas for IELTS essays.

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Opinion Essays [IELTS Writing Task 2]

Posted by David S. Wills | Nov 14, 2022 | IELTS Tips , Writing | 1

In the past, I have explained how to answer each type of IELTS writing task 2 question and today we are going to look at a set of question types called “opinion essays.”

What do I mean by this? Well, generally we divide IELTS essays into 5 categories:

Agree or Disagree
Advantages and Disadvantages
Problem (or Cause) and Solution
Discuss both views
Two-part Question

Sometimes, people call the first one “opinion essays” but I don’t like that term because actually other question types also call for your opinion. Therefore, I think of “opinion essay” as a term that covers several question types.

Let’s look at this topic in more detail.

types of opinion essays for ielts task 2

What is an Opinion Essay?

To put it as simply as possible, an opinion essay is an essay that gives an opinion. In the context of IELTS, that means giving your opinion about a stated topic.

I mentioned above that there are several question types that could require you to give an opinion. These are most common:

Agree or disagree
Advantages and disadvantages
Two-part questions

This is why it’s important to read a question carefully rather than just scan for keywords and then begin writing.

Of these, the agree/disagree and discuss both views question types are always going to require an opinion, but for the others you need to read more carefully. A two-part question, for example, might ask your opinion as the second question, but it won’t always do this.

Note that most advantage and disadvantage questions do not require your opinion but some do. If they ask you whether or not the advantages of something outweigh the disadvantages, then clearly you are required to give an opinion.

How to Write an Opinion Essay

As with all IELTS writing task 2 essays, you need to do several things:

Read the question carefully in order to analyse it
Think of a reasonable answer
Create a coherent structure
Put your ideas forth clearly and consistently
Use appropriate language

That’s about as simply as I can put it for you, but let’s explore further.

First of all, any time you are given an IELTS task, you need to read it carefully and analyse it so that you truly understand the question. Some are quite straightforward but others are very difficult. ( Here’s a video about what I think is the most difficult question.)

One of the problems with opinion essays is that you won’t necessarily be asked to “give your opinion.” You will have to use common sense in order to determine whether your opinion is required. Some words that could indicate an opinion are:

Do you agree or disagree?

To what extent do you agree?
Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
What do you think…?

Remember: If you are asked for an opinion, then give one. If you aren’t, then don’t. Failure to interpret the question properly would lead to a poor score.

You then need to think of a response and write about it using intelligent ideas. As you are giving an opinion, you need to justify your viewpoint. One big mistake here is failing to be consistent. For example, some people do not put their opinion into their introductions. This would mean that your score for Task Response would be quite low. Really, you ought to include your opinion in the outline sentence , then explain it in the body paragraphs, and finally reiterate it in the conclusion .

Although it’s possible to produce a good structure in different ways, an excellent IELTS essay will probably look like this:

For more general information about writing a great IELTS task 2 essay, see this article .

How to Start an Opinion Essay

A good essay should begin with a good introduction. There are various ways to achieve this, but in IELTS writing task 2 that means introducing the topic and stating your opinion clearly. I’ve written at length about how to write a good introduction here .

Think of your introduction as having two key components:

Introduce the topic
Give your opinion

You can do that in two or three sentences. It isn’t hugely important. However, you must achieve both of those things.

When you introduce the topic, you basically aim to convey the main idea to your reader. A lot of people just paraphrase the question but this isn’t always a good idea. In fact, paraphrasing more often than not leads to big problems in language and logic.

Still, you want to convey the idea in the question and that does mean taking an idea and putting it into your own words. For example:

All cars that burn fossil fuels should be banned and electric cars should replace them. Do you agree or disagree?

In my introduction to this opinion essay, I would write:

During the twentieth century, people around the world began using vehicles powered by fossil fuels, and in this new millennium that trend has continued, with a vast uptick in the number of privately owned cars. However, it has become apparent that this phenomenon is causing major environmental damage and needs to be stopped. This essay will argue that humans ought to switch to electric cars.

This is a little complex, but what you can see is that I have used two sentences to introduce and explain the main idea and then one sentence to put forth my opinion.

Beware: Your introduction should not be too long. This is an example of a band 9 essay. It uses complex language and structures to convey intelligent ideas. If your introduction is longer than your body paragraphs, it is not a good sign.

Opinion Essay Structure

When writing an opinion essay, you should keep the structure simple and use it to convey your ideas as logically as possible. There are different ways to do this effectively, but I generally recommend a four-paragraph essay structure. (You can read about 4 vs 5 paragraphs here .)

It is hard to generalise because your structure will ultimately be dictated by your opinion and that is something personal. However, you should use your essay to state your opinion in the most effective way. For example, if you strongly agree with something, you might create the following structure:

Introduction	Explain the main idea State opinion (strongly agree)
Body paragraph 1	First reason why you agree
Body paragraph 2	Second reason why you agree
Conclusion	Summarise why you agree

This is a basic structure but can be used very easily. Of course, if you totally disagree, you can replace “agree” with “disagree” and use the same structure.

It is also possible (but not required) to write a balanced essay that neither wholly agrees nor disagrees with an idea. In such cases, you would need to modify your structure a little. For example:

Introduction	Explain the main idea State opinion (neither agree nor disagree)
Body paragraph 1	A reason why you agree
Body paragraph 2	A reason why you disagree
Conclusion	Summarise your position

As long as you make this clear, there should be no problem and you would stand to get a good score for Coherence and Cohesion . One big mistake that occurs here is that people start by saying they have a balanced opinion, then they mostly explain one side of the issue, leaving the reader a bit confused. If you want to give balance, then make sure your body paragraphs are fairly even.

Using the above question (about electric cars), I would create the following essay structure:

Introduction	Explain situation re: fossil fuels and cars Say I agree that electric cars are needed
Body paragraph 1	Explain the damage done by fossil fuels First example is smog Second example is extraction from the ground
Body paragraph 2	Show that electricity is comparatively harmless if generated in a sensible way
Conclusion	Summarise my points thus far

You can read my answer in the next sentence:

Opinion Essay Example

Sample question.

All cars that burn fossil fuels should be banned and electric cars should replace them.

Sample Answer

The damage done by traditional style cars is obvious. One only needs to look at a big city like Beijing or Los Angeles to see the vast smog clouds lingering over highways to recognize that these vehicles are emitting unpleasant chemicals from their exhausts. Scientific studies over the past few decades have confirmed that these chemicals cause significant damage to our health and our environment, as they turn into acid rain or are inhaled into our lungs, where they cause certain types of cancer. This is in addition to the fact that fossil fuels are a finite resource, and that their extraction from the earth is often incredibly destructive.

On the other hand, electricity can be generated in any number of ways, many of which are relatively harmless. It is possible to generate electricity from the wind or sun, thereby gathering energy without damaging the earth or causing harm to human beings. As an infinite source of energy that can be gathered and used without harm, it is obvious that electricity is the power that should drive cars in the future.

In conclusion, traditionally powered vehicles are destroying our world and need to be phased out in favour of electric vehicles. Electricity can be generated harmlessly and endlessly and is therefore superior to fossil fuel.

When it comes to writing opinion essays, you need to make sure you understand the question, then formulate an appropriate response. You should devise an intelligent structure that allows you to convey your ideas clearly and consistently throughout the whole essay. Make sure that your ideas are realistic and try to avoid being overly complex as this could create further problems.

It is worth reading articles about common IELTS topics in order to prepare for this sort of essay. These can teach you both vocabulary and ideas. They can also help with coherence. For example, you could Google “electric cars” and find an article there. The recent one was published in the New York Times.

About The Author

David S. Wills

David S. Wills is the author of Scientologist! William S. Burroughs and the 'Weird Cult' and the founder/editor of Beatdom literary journal. He lives and works in rural Cambodia and loves to travel. He has worked as an IELTS tutor since 2010, has completed both TEFL and CELTA courses, and has a certificate from Cambridge for Teaching Writing. David has worked in many different countries, and for several years designed a writing course for the University of Worcester. In 2018, he wrote the popular IELTS handbook, Grammar for IELTS Writing and he has since written two other books about IELTS. His other IELTS website is called IELTS Teaching.

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200+ Amazing Opinion Essay Topics and Ideas

Updated 23 Jul 2024

Choosing to write an opinion essay can be challenging if student does not consider relevant opinion essay topics that would meet an event or subject, making it suitable to provide good argumentation. When college professor asks to present such essay type, it means that formal writing piece on particular topic or event is requested. It must represent an opinion, a personal take on specific issue.

Still, as one wants to maintain academic style structure for opinionated writing, it is necessary to mention an opposite view right before conclusion paragraph. Yet, how does one choose successful opinion essay topic to receive A grade? Just like paper title generator , one needs strong arguable thesis subject. Selecting the right opinion essay topics is crucial for a persuasive argument, and an essay writing service can assist in refining your topic and crafting a strong essay. Choosing good opinion essay topic should relate to personal skills, experience, reliable sources, analysis, and solid research that reveals reasons for specific viewpoint.

7 Opinion Essay Writing Tips

Good opinion writing topics may be compared to prompts that instantly describe what the article is about. The same goes for each piece of writing where opinion is given. Here are writing tips from EduBirdie’s experts that make essay writing a breeze.

Brainstorm Future Topic - select from several opinion essay topics so one can see if chosen research meets course requirements.
Use Supporting Evidence - always backup presented information with reliable sources that include accurate citations.
Mind Opinion Paragraph Topic Sentence - make sure that prompt is clear as to what side is taken.
Remember Opposite Viewpoint - always insert opposing reasoning that’s why choose a suitable opinion essay topic.
Turn to Related Research - see if there is any other research on given subject.
Strong Thesis - first paragraph should have perspective statement that links to subsequent paragraphs.
Proofreading - check twice for grammar, spelling, structure, citing to meet each grading rubric points.

200 Opinion Essay Topics Divided by Subject

Good opinion topics are relevant to initial discipline and student’s strongest skills. Below are 150 ideas in most popular disciplines to choose from. Good assignment idea asks a question and is argumentative, posing an opinion.

Political Science Opinion Essay Topics

The Effectiveness of the United Nations in Maintaining International Peace
The Impact of Social Media on Political Campaigns and Elections
Universal Basic Income: A Solution to Economic Inequality or a Utopian Dream?
The Role of Whistleblowers in Modern Democracies
Climate Change Policy: Should It Be a Central Focus in Political Agendas?
The Future of the European Union Post-Brexit
The Ethics and Implications of Political Lobbying
Cybersecurity in Politics: Protecting the Integrity of Elections
The Influence of Corporate Money in American Politics
Immigration Policy: Balancing Human Rights and National Security
The Pros and Cons of Direct Democracy in the Digital Age
The Role of Political Satire in Shaping Public Opinion
Nuclear Non-Proliferation: An Achievable Goal or a Lost Cause?
The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Future Political Decision-Making
The Role of Women in Political Leadership Globally
Political Polarization: Causes and Solutions for Bridging the Divide
The Ethics of Drone Warfare and Remote Military Intervention
The Influence of Religion on Political Policies and Decisions
The Rise of Populism: Causes and Consequences for Global Politics
Media Censorship and Freedom of Speech in Authoritarian Regimes

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History Opinion Essay Topics

The True Motivations Behind European Colonization of the Americas
The Impact of the Industrial Revolution on Modern Society
The Role of Women in World War II and Its Long-Term Effects
The Historical Accuracy of the 'Great Man' Theory of History
The Consequences of the Treaty of Versailles: Fair or Overly Punitive?
The Influence of Ancient Greek Democracy on Modern Political Systems
The Ethics of Atomic Bombings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki
The Crusades: Religious Duty or Economic and Political Gain?
The Fall of the Soviet Union: Inevitable or Preventable?
The Role of Propaganda in Shaping Public Opinion During the Cold War
The Impact of the Renaissance on Modern Western Thought
The Historical Significance of the Silk Road in Global Trade
The Legacy of Colonialism in Africa: Development Hindered or Helped?
The Effectiveness of Non-Violent Protests in the Civil Rights Movement
The Real Causes of the Great Depression and Its Lessons for Today
The Influence of the Mongol Empire on Eurasian History
The Role of the Printing Press in Democratizing Knowledge
The Historical Impact of the Spanish Inquisition on Religious Freedom
The Significance of the Berlin Wall in the Context of the Cold War
The Evolution of Feminism and Its Impact on Modern Society

Environment Opinion Essay Topics

The Real Impact of Climate Change on Global Weather Patterns
The Effectiveness of International Agreements in Combating Climate Change
Should Governments Prioritize Economic Growth Over Environmental Protection?
The Role of Renewable Energy in Shaping the Future of Global Energy Policies
The Ethics of Genetic Modification in Agriculture: Balancing Risks and Benefits
Ocean Pollution: The Unseen Crisis Affecting Marine Life and Human Health
The Impact of Deforestation on Biodiversity and Climate
Urban Sprawl: Environmental Catastrophe or Necessary Growth?
The Feasibility of a Zero-Waste Lifestyle in Modern Society
The Role of Individual Actions vs. Corporate Responsibility in Environmental Conservation
The Future of Electric Vehicles and Their Impact on the Environment
The Consequences of Overfishing: A Global Perspective
The Viability of Nuclear Energy as a Clean Energy Source
The Impact of Fast Fashion on the Environment and Sustainable Alternatives
The Role of Technology in Solving Environmental Challenges
The Ethics and Environmental Impact of Animal Testing
Water Scarcity: A Looming Global Crisis
The Environmental Costs of Digital Technology and E-Waste
The Effectiveness of Carbon Tax in Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Sustainable Agriculture: The Key to Feeding the World Without Destroying It

Nursing Opinion Essay Topics

The Impact of Nurse-to-Patient Ratios on Patient Care Quality
The Role of Nurses in Shaping Health Policy Decisions
Ethical Implications of Rationing Care in Times of Healthcare Shortages
The Effectiveness of Holistic Nursing Practices in Modern Healthcare
Mental Health Nursing: Addressing the Stigma in Healthcare Settings
The Challenges and Rewards of Geriatric Nursing
The Role of Technology in Enhancing Nursing Efficiency and Patient Care
Nursing Burnout: Causes, Consequences, and Prevention Strategies
The Importance of Cultural Competence in Nursing
The Impact of Telemedicine on Nursing Practices and Patient Access to Care
Nursing Leadership: Key to Effective Healthcare Teams
The Ethics of End-of-Life Care in Nursing
Pediatric Nursing: Balancing Emotional Connection with Professional Detachment
The Role of Nurses in Patient Education and Health Literacy
The Future of Nursing: Trends and Predictions in Healthcare
The Challenges of Rural Nursing and Strategies for Improvement
Nursing and Public Health: Bridging the Gap Between Hospital and Community
The Impact of Nursing on Patient Satisfaction and Hospital Ratings
The Role of Advanced Practice Nurses in Healthcare System
The Importance of Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing

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Social Media Opinion Essay Topics

The Impact of Social Media on Teenage Mental Health
Social Media: A Tool for Social Change or a Platform for Misinformation?
The Ethics of Data Collection and Privacy in Social Media
The Role of Social Media in Modern Political Campaigns
Cyberbullying: The Dark Side of Social Media
The Influence of Social Media on Body Image and Self-Esteem
Social Media Addiction: Myth or Reality?
The Effectiveness of Social Media as a Tool for Education and Learning
The Role of Social Media in Business Marketing and Consumer Engagement
The Impact of Social Media on Interpersonal Communication Skills
Social Media Influencers: Shaping Consumer Behavior and Culture
The Pros and Cons of Censorship and Moderation on Social Media Platforms
The Role of Social Media in Cultural Preservation and Globalization
Social Media and the News: The Changing Landscape of Information Dissemination
The Psychological Effects of Social Media 'Likes' and Validation
The Future of Social Media: Trends and Predictions
Social Media as a Platform for Artistic Expression and Recognition
The Role of Social Media in Crisis Management and Emergency Response
The Impact of Social Media on Professional Networking and Career Development
Social Media and Democracy: Enhancing or Hindering Public Discourse?

Education Opinion Essay Topics

The Pros and Cons of Standardized Testing in Education
The Impact of Technology and Digital Learning on Traditional Classroom Education
Should Financial Education Be a Mandatory Part of School Curriculum?
The Role of Arts Education in Student Development
Homeschooling vs. Traditional Schooling: Benefits and Drawbacks
The Effectiveness of Bilingual Education in Schools
The Importance of Physical Education in Schools
The Role of Teachers vs. Technology in the Future of Education
The Impact of School Uniforms on Student Behavior and School Culture
The Pros and Cons of Sex Education in Schools
The Influence of Social Media on Student Learning and Concentration
The Necessity of Life Skills Education in Schools
The Benefits and Challenges of Inclusive Education
The Role of Parental Involvement in Children's Education
The Impact of Cultural Diversity in the Classroom
The Future of Higher Education: Online vs. Traditional Universities
The Role of Education in Promoting Environmental Awareness
The Ethics of Corporate Sponsorship in Schools
The Importance of Teaching Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills
The Effect of Class Size on Student Learning and Teacher Effectiveness

Generation Gap Opinion Essay Topics

The Impact of Technology on the Generation Gap
Understanding the Different Work Ethics Across Generations
The Influence of Pop Culture on Bridging or Widening the Generation Gap
The Role of Social Media in Shaping Generational Identities
Differences in Political Views Between Generations
The Evolution of Family Dynamics Across Generations
How Education Systems Have Changed and Their Impact on Different Generations
The Shift in Life Goals and Aspirations Across Generations
Generational Differences in Attitudes Towards Mental Health
The Changing Nature of Retirement and Its Perception Across Generations
The Effect of Globalization on the Generation Gap
Intergenerational Communication: Challenges and Solutions
The Role of Music in Defining Generational Gaps
Differences in Environmental Consciousness Across Generations
The Impact of Economic Fluctuations on Different Generations
Generational Perspectives on Gender Roles and Equality
How Technological Advancements Are Perceived Differently by Various Generations
The Influence of Historical Events on Generational Worldviews
The Changing Nature of Privacy and Sharing in the Digital Age Across Generations
The Role of Elders in Modern Society: Respected or Overlooked?

Literature Opinion Essay Topics

The Relevance of Shakespeare in Modern Times
The Role of Women in Victorian Literature
Dystopian Literature: A Reflection of Society's Fears or a Warning for the Future?
The Impact of Cultural Background on Interpretations of Classic Literature
The Representation of Race and Ethnicity in Contemporary Literature
The Influence of Digital Media on the Evolution of Narrative Forms
The Role of Mythology in Modern Literature
The Ethics of Posthumous Publications in Literature
The Significance of the Bildungsroman Genre in Shaping Young Adult Perspectives
The Impact of Translation on Literary Interpretation and Appreciation
The Evolution of Science Fiction and Its Predictions for the Future
The Role of Literature in Social and Political Change
The Psychological Depth in Gothic Literature
The Importance of Children's Literature in Early Development
The Representation of Mental Health in Modern Novels
The Influence of Historical Events on Literary Movements
The Role of Symbolism in Poetry
The Decline of Reading in the Digital Age: Causes and Consequences
The Representation of LGBTQ+ Characters in Literature
The Impact of Literary Awards on Readership and Publishing Trends

Culture Opinion Essay Topics

The Impact of Globalization on Local Cultures
Cultural Appropriation vs. Cultural Exchange: Where to Draw the Line?
The Role of Traditional Festivals in Modern Society
The Influence of Pop Culture on Youth Identity
The Preservation of Indigenous Languages and Cultures
The Impact of Western Culture on Eating Habits Worldwide
Cultural Impacts of Tourism: Beneficial or Harmful?
The Role of Art and Literature in Cultural Preservation
The Effects of Digital Media on Cultural Practices and Traditions
The Evolution of Family Structures and Values in Different Cultures
Cultural Perspectives on Gender Roles and Equality
The Role of Museums in Cultural Education and Preservation
The Influence of Hollywood on Global Film Cultures
Cultural Responses to Climate Change
The Impact of Immigration on Cultural Identity
The Role of Music in Cultural Expression and Unity
Cultural Attitudes Towards Aging and Elderly Care
The Effect of Consumerism on Cultural Values
Cultural Traditions vs. Modern Healthcare Practices
The Role of Language in Shaping Cultural Identity

Psychology Opinion Essay Topics

The Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Treating Anxiety Disorders
The Impact of Social Media on Adolescent Mental Health
Nature vs. Nurture: The Ongoing Debate in Psychological Development
The Ethics of Using Placebos in Psychological Research
The Psychological Effects of Long-Term Remote Work
The Role of Psychology in Understanding and Combating Climate Change Denial
The Influence of Childhood Trauma on Adult Behavior and Mental Health
The Effectiveness of Art Therapy in Mental Health Treatment
The Stigma Surrounding Mental Health: Causes and Solutions
The Psychology of Addiction: Beyond Substance Abuse
The Impact of Sleep on Mental Health and Cognitive Function
The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Personal and Professional Success
The Psychological Implications of Virtual Reality Technologies
The Influence of Parenting Styles on Child Development
The Role of Psychology in Enhancing Sports Performance
The Impact of Stereotypes and Prejudices on Social Behavior
The Psychological Effects of Aging in a Youth-Centric Society
The Role of Resilience in Overcoming Trauma
The Influence of Music on Mood and Cognitive Performance
The Ethics and Effectiveness of Deception in Psychological Studies

These are far not all topics we offer. Contact our 24/7 experts for specific essay topics or help with opinion essay writing.

Opinion Essay Sample for Students

It is not a secret that best way to learn is by examples, therefore, below is an opinion essay samples that you may use as an example while completing your own opinion essay on any topic:

Social Media has Negative Impact on Body Image

Social media networks may be compared to invisible role models that dictate fashion and moral standards. Since there is no control per se making information is freely available even to young people, social networks contribute to distorted standards promotion. One of them is body image that is based on celebrities and anorexia templates that results in eating disorders and traumatic experiences. Because of power of peer pressure online, young people copy improper and distorted viewpoints in order to become popular and successful, which results in healthcare hazards including mental breakdowns.

Social networks like Facebook or Instagram, control what is popular by sharing or reposting celebrities’ images which unificates body shapes and fashion standards. Having a post by certain pop star or an actress (actor) in social network influences personal views even subconsciously. It forces young people to mimic their heroes by eating less and focusing on brand clothes, copying improper behaviors. Striving to become popular among initial circle, online users limit themselves to what is being offered and repeated on a daily basis.

Even though it can be assumed that online users do not always count on peer pressure, but large media networks promote fashion standards and body image with forced advertisements that link certain patterns with success and power. Those that oppose negative Instagram impact should research narcissistic digital era culture behavior that rarely promotes healthy eating or physical activity. Networking itself limits physical interaction, proper body images analysis that person encounter on his or her own without socio-cultural pressure.

Thus, it seems that online media promotes incorrect viewpoints and takes away creativity, personal analysis, leaving no freedom of making a choice. Online promotion is powerful, yet this power must have supervision within ethical and moral norms, promoting a healthy lifestyle.

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100 Interesting Opinion Topics To Write In An Essay

An opinion essay assignment is a formal piece of writing that provides the reader with your particular point of view on a given subject. You support your opinion by logical reasoning, facts, and examples. An assignment of this type can vary in length with most of them being somewhere between 400 – 800 words.

How to Write an Opinion Essay

How to start an opinion essay, opinion essay topics 5th grade, ideas for opinion essays for middle school, ideas for opinion writing, public opinion topics, unpopular opinion topics, writing opinion essay topics, opinion paper topics, opinion essay topics for college students, opinion ideas on current topics.

Select an Interesting Opinion Essay TopicWriting an opinion essay requires you to choose a topic that will be interesting to both you and the reader. Don’t go overboard by selecting something that is too heavy or you may find it difficult to get the job done correctly.
Create an Opinion Essay OutlineAfter researching the topic and brainstorming your ideas and arguments, organize your notes in an outline. This exercise will allow you to move from paragraph to paragraph without straying off the course and keeping your content in a logical order.
Look at Opinion Essay SamplesBefore you start writing the first draft, you may want to check out a few opinion essay examples for free. You can easily find them on the web, but we recommend you stick with only trusted sources. Find an academic or professional site that specializes in this kind of writing.
Write the First Draft QuicklyWriting opinion essay topics is easily accomplished when you get your ideas down on the page as quickly as possible. Just let the words flow naturally and refer to your outline if you feel you are getting off track. What is most important is that you write efficiently.
Revise, Edit, and ProofreadLastly, always make sure to set aside your opinion essay for at least a few hours (or days) before you return to it to start your revising. If you have the time, set the assignment aside again before you edit and proofread. This ensures you don’t miss minor mistakes that could lower your grade.

When students ask us how do you start off an opinion essay we give them a simple list of techniques to follow. The opening paragraph serves as a sort of map that guides your reader, so your opening statement in an opinion essay must capture your reader’s attention. Start with a great hook – a single statement that compels the reader to keep going. You can use a quote, a rhetorical question, or an interesting fact. Introduce your topic early and list some ideas you will explore in the essay. Finish the introduction with a strong thesis statement that tells the reader exactly what your opinion is. You can usually find a good opinion essay sample on the web, in writer’s guides, or from your teacher.

Good Opinion Essay Topics

These opinion essay topics are both fun and creative and will be perfect for an assignment in which you get to choose exactly what you want to write about:

Do you prefer to stay at home on weekends?
Which is the most inspiring sports story?
What is the best way to spend a vacation?
Do you prefer print or digital books?
Should the death penalty be universal?
Should people get more sleep?
Should energy drinks be banned?
Should every child have a pet?
How does homework help with test-taking?
Is it important to learn tradecraft?

These are good opinion topics for fifth-grade students that are just learning the fundamentals of writing a short but structured assignment:

Should sports have winners and losers?
Who would you like to visit your school?
Which celebrity would you like to meet?
Is bullying an important issue at your school?
Which sports athlete would you like to meet?
Is participation more important than victory?
Which is the best team sport to play?
Should your teacher reduce homework?
Should art be made mandatory in class?
What time should you be allowed to sleep?

These opinion writing ideas are a little tougher than the ones above. They will challenge without overwhelming students in middle school:

Is the Oxford comma becoming unnecessary?
Is it okay to keep the money you find on the street?
Should you report suspicious activity to the police?
What is the best country to visit?
Do you prefer books or movies about the same story?
Is it appropriate for zoos to keep animals?
Should pets on leashes be allowed in all businesses?
Do you think the U.S. should have created Space Force?
Do you think pro athletes should be paid for their play?
Do you think that sports should be segregated?

These opinion essay examples of topics are ones that were gleaned from the sources of news from around the globe. Let us know what you think:

Should smoking in public be made illegal?
Should the legal drinking age be lowered?
Are drinking and driving penalties too low?
Are energy drinks safe for consumption?
Are the Bubble plans good ideas to bring sports?
Should more U.S. fans support its soccer team?
Should schools allow religious clubs on campus?
Are vaccines safe for all people?
Do you think students should be drug tested?
Can kids become addicted to sugar?

This list of opinion writing topics caters to the college undergraduate community of students. The topics apply to issues important to the public:

Should employers incorporate web filters?
How can cell phones be used as learning tools?
Does the national news capture diversity?
Should bathrooms be made gender-neutral?
Do boys face body issues?
Should tackle football be banned in schools?
Is the use of military force ever justified?
What moral obligations do leaders have?
Are people giving children too many children?
Should technology be used in medicine?

These topics for writing an opinion essay are great for students looking for a challenge by dealing with issues that are unpopular to the public:

What do you think about corporal punishment?
Is investing in the U.S. Space Force a good idea?
Should drivers be allowed to drive with buckles?
Should men have a say over pregnancy choices?
Do you think we will find evidence of water on Mars?
Should kids be limited to just a few hours of computer use?
Should students that plagiarize be expelled?
Do you think teachers should be armed?
Should schools employ private armed security?
Do you think greater restrictions on guns are good?

Here’s another list of the hottest topics being discussed on the web today:

Are violent video games negatively influencing teens?
What is the best decade in history?
Do you believe that we will encounter aliens?
Do think the U.S. and Russia know of alien life?
Are emojis negatively impacting communication skills?
Are drivers less attentive because of auto technology?
Should paper and plastic bags be banned from all stores?
Is living a simpler life the path to happiness?
Is going steady a good thing for teenagers?
How do teenage relationships compare to adult ones?

These opinion topics cover a wide range of study areas great for graduate courses:

Should fracking be outlawed?
Are genetically modified foods healthy for humans?
Should religious institutions be made to pay taxes?
Should online sports gambling be made legal?
Is it important to get a college education?
Should doctors be allowed to promote specific medications?
Do you think it’s time to make assisted suicide legal?
Should all interns be paid?
Is it a good idea to make school uniforms mandatory?
Should public colleges be free to all?

These ideas for an opinion essay are perfect for college-level through graduate-level students:

Has internet used negatively or positively changed communication?
Is it ethical to move toward full automation?
Should there be laws against using cell phones while driving?
Should social media be allowed to gather private information?
Do you think prostitution should be made legal?
Should governments allow monopolies?
Do you think that graffiti is vandalism or art?
Should graffiti artists be considered artists?
Should books be banned for questionable content?
Is censorship a form of government suppression?

This set of topics focuses on current issues in the world. Use them to direct the discussion towards the things that affect people today:

Should the U.S. open business amid COVID-19?
How important are sports to the economy?
Are pro athletes paid fairly?
Should women athletes make as much as men?
Should the President be impeached?
Can the President face criminal charges?
Is attending indoor events dangerous because of COVID-19?
Should education be free to everyone?
Is LeBron James the best athlete in the world?
Should big game hunting be made illegal?

More Opinion Essay Assistance

If you need more topics for an opinion essay, our academic writers can help. Our academic writing and editing experts are always up-to-date with the latest ideas for opinion articles. We can also show you how to write an opinion essay on any topic and in any discipline. Just give us a call, send us an email, or chat with one of our friendly support staff.

IELTS Essay – Balanced Approach

How to write a balanced IELTS essay:

Start by assessing the positives and then the negatives.
Summarise both in your conclusion.
Keep your writing clear, concise and simple.
Read this sample essay for an example.

However, it is normally better to ‘choose a side’, as this leads to a clear opinion.

Lots of you have been asking me to write an essay with a balanced approach, or in other words when you agree with both sides. I normally advise my students to pick one side or the other, as this leads to a very clear opinion, but here is a sample that takes a more balanced view.

Some people think that a sense of competition in children should be encouraged. Others believe that children who are taught to co-operate rather than compete become more useful adults.

Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

It is often argued that children should be motivated to be more competitive, while others feel that cooperation is a more important value to instill in youngsters. This essay will discuss both these views, before coming to the conclusion that they are equally valid.

It is important that young people are pushed to be the best they can possibly be, in whatever pursuit they take part in. This drive to win boosts their work ethic and teaches them that hard work and discipline are the keys to success. For example, it was shown in a recent study by Queen’s University that students who won something in sports before they reached the age of 14, were 42% more likely to go on to third-level education than those who did not. Despite this, the development of a child requires not only a will to win, but also lessons on the value of teamwork.

Working as part of a team strengthens our empathy, selflessness and make us more responsible toward others. If one were to want to win at the expense of those around us, it is likely that we would alienate our peers and become detached from any team we operate in. For example, Michael Jordan was often criticised by his coaches for being too competitive in practice and overly critical of his team mates and he had to change for the sake of his team.

In conclusion, our young ones should be taught to try their best to achieve their goals, but this should also be balanced with the importance of working with others. Both are equally important and will result in a more balanced young adult.

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IELTS Opinion Essay: Choosing one side or partially agreeing?

In an IELTS opinion essay, you can either agree, disagree or take a balanced approach which means to partially agree. However, you need to learn more so that you fulfil the requirements of the higher band scores.

See the answers to the 4 questions below. Also see useful links for writing task 2 below. All tips are for GT and Academic students.

1. Is it better to choose one side?

It won’t alter your score if you choose to support one side or partially agree. As long as you give a clear opinion, the examiner will be happy.

If you don’t understand a partial agreement essay, then choose one side. It’s easier to choose one side for most students and you can still get band score 9 by choosing one side.

Sometimes it might be hard to find enough ideas to support one side. In this case, go for a partial agreement. BUT if you need training to learn how to do this correctly.

2. Will you get a higher score if you partially agree?

No. It’s doesn’t matter what your opinion is – one side or partial. The only thing the examiner wants is a relevant opinion which is fully explained.

3. Can you write a discussion essay instead?

NO. Let me repeat that – NO !!! An opinion essay is only about your opinion. It is not about what other people think. You can’t change the type of essay you have been given. Look at the instructions below:

You must explain both sides of what other people think and also give your opinion
You must present your opinion and nothing else. Your opinion must cover all aspects of the essay question.

4. Can you use “I” or “my” in an opinion essay?

Yes. Of course. You MUST use “i” or “my” – it’s the only way to give your own personal opinion. Look at the language below:

it is believed / it is considered / it seems – This language does not express your own individual opinion. It is perfect for discussion essays but it can’t be used for your own views.
I think / I agree / I disagree / In my opinion – This is how you clearly express your view. The examiner wants to see this language when you give your opinion.

Useful Links for IELTS Writing Task 2

Click below to open useful links for IELTS writing task 2:

When to give your opinion

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Would this essay work on the opinion essay:

Q.) Public celebrations (such as national days, festivals etc) are held in most countries. These are often quite expensive and some people say that governments should spend money on more useful things. Do you agree or disagree?

Ans: The public display of culture through celebrations has been a matter of debate for years as most people argue for its necessity as it contributes to a huge loss in the nation’s capital. In the meantime, certain groups of people often express their dissatisfaction to the government cutting funds to such events, debating in support of large public celebrations, with the argument that those public celebrations are the sole identity of the nation. Both the arguments are much compelling as there doesn’t exist a harsh dark and light in the situations, but it lies in the gray area in actuality.

Public celebrations including festivals, jatras(cultural rallys popular in Nepal), national days, ets are unique to a culture,group or a place, and are the markers for their identity. So, cutting funds to those celebrations for sparing some bucks for the government might risk these unique heritages to go to extinction as we move throughout the years. Moreover, it may risk the extinction of an entire culture which for a country with a diverse heritage like Nepal, based predominantly on cultural tourism might be a much bigger problem in the future. The government cutting corners in some public celebrations while not in others, might also come off as discriminatory to the people of different cultures having their faith attached to those events.

On the other hand, in the time of an economic crisis like the one we are currently in, the government spending their funds off lavish displays and events could be debated as an unwise decision. People can debate how those funds can be utilized in works of social reforms and development rather than a lavish display. Furthermore, as the government has its own limitations for the sources of revenue, spending it off for events which might bring profit to the nation through tourism rather than on solid projects and developments works that are guaranteed to bring back the investment would be a better decision if taking things logically.

Taking all those things in consideration, it is fairly a matter dependent upon the situation and the economic state of the nation. If I were the one to decide, considering the current situation of the government, I would probably choose to mobilize the funds to development projects rather than extravagant public displays.

“Parents should encourage children to spend less time on studying and more on doing physical activities. To what extent do you agree or disagree?”

For this kind of question, can I say I think studying and physical activities are equally important?

Similarly, “Some people think the government should not spend on international aid because there are disadvantaged people in their country, such as the unemployed and homeless. To what extent do you agree or disagree?”

Can I say I think solving issues in their country and spending money on international aid are both important?

Do I have to say which one is more important than the other one?

When you have an opinion essay with two issues, you must address them both. But you don’t want to sit on the fence. You need to think more deeply about your opinion. You will usually find that you feel more strongly about one side than the other. Or you might find that you agree with A in a certain situation and B in another situation. Looking at the first question. Are you really trying to say that study and physical activities should have equal time spend on each? At the moment, school children study for about 7 hours a day and have one hour homework. They do physical activities for no more than about 1 hour a day. So, are you saying that schools should completely alter their curriculum and have 50% study and 50% physical activity? Really? I doubt you think this. Do you really want children playing games outside for four hours a day and only studying for four days? This is a common example of not analysing your thoughts enough. IELTS writing is about thinking more deeply and presenting a well thought out point of view. Think very carefully about how you express your opinion and explain it. For example, you could say studying should take priority but at the same time physical activity should be increased in schools and made available as extra curricular activities. Also note, the essay question is not about which is more important, it is about how much time should be spent on each. Pay very close attention to the wording in the question so that you address the issue directly. Hopefully, now you can apply these principles to the second question.

It was the what extend do you agree question.. Instead of writing “I partially agree” I wrote “as per my view.. And stated both points about my partial agreement with the statement but I didn’t write I partially agree.. Will this make me suffer a huge loss..? Please reply Thank you

There are no specific words that must be used in IELTS. If you agree with the statement, you don’t need to write “I agree” specifically. If you partially agree, you don’t need to use those particular words. IELTS is about meaning and clarity, not rules about using one or two words.

Hi Liz, I have an opinion essay of my own to write and I am quite confused as to what approach I should take with the topic. “Traditions can be found all over the world, some of them ancient and some of them recent. They often serve to bring communities together, but can also be the subject of heated debate and controversy. To what extent do you believe traditions can be harmful?” If I choose partially agree, how should my essay be structured? Should I write about how traditions could be harmful in one paragraph, and list out how it might not be the case in other situations in another paragraph? Wouldn’t that seem more like a for and against essay instead? Thanks a lot!

Where did you get this essay question? Did you get it from an Official IELTS website or an Official IELTS test book, if so which one?

Hi liz, I am confused on how to write an essay being agree partially. Essay- Today, the life expectancy of people is much higher than before. Some people think that older people should continue to be involved in the workforce.

I hope for your reply 🙏

In that essay question there is only one issue – do you think older people should continue to be involved in the workforce? If you partially agree, it means you do not fully agree. In other words, there might be one or two reasons why you do not fully agree with it. You therefore have to state what those reasons are and in what cases you do actually agree.

In this case (To what extent do you…), If I take one side and explain it further, isn’t it similar to an Agree or Disagree essay? (Here I am assuming that in an Agree or Disagree essay we have to take one position.)

There is no difference at all between “to what extent..” and “do you agree/disagree”. They are the same instructions paraphrased.

Thank you Liz.

For this essay – paying all workers the same salary in a company promotes harmony and respect amongst colleagues. To what extent do you agree or disagree. Can I write an essay like this: I strongly disagree with the above statement and in this essay will discuss the reasons as to why first of fall its impractical to pay the same salary and then will elucidate the reasons as to why paying all the employees the same salary will in fact result in a less harmonious work environment.

Thanks a lot for your help!

Sounds like you have been learning phrases to put in your essay. Do NOT use learned phrases “this will essay discuss the reasons…” / “then elucidate the reasons as to why…” The examiner is not stupid. The examiner knows these are not your own language. Each sentence must be uniquely created by yourself. Why don’t you just write normally: “I strongly disagree with the above statement because it is impractical to pay the same salary and cause friction in the work environment.”. Be clear. Be direct. Safe the details for the body paragraphs.

Hi Liz! Thank you so much for your reply. English is kind of my first language and I am used to using those phrases. Should I tone down my English for IELTS? Thanks again for your great help!

If English is your first language, you should write naturally. This is not an academic essay, it is a formal essay. You don’t use academic phrases. You write naturally and avoid informal tones or language. The title “academic ielts” is given because the test is often taken for entry onto educational courses. The essay itself is only formal in nature.

Thank you! This is really helpful.

I myself am an IELTS trainer (for the past year after being in the BPO sector for 20 years) and am a fan of yours and your IELTS tips, lessons, and videos that you have generously posted for free have been immensely helpful to me and my students. In continuation to the above hot discussion on opinion essays, I would like your say on the below situation.

One of my students had written an essay on the below question.

“Modern technology products such as smartphones and wearables are very addictive and should be banned. To what extent do you agree or degree with this view?”

He took an one-sided view (like many students would prefer to do or were taught to do) that “I completely disagree with the statement.” and wrote about the necessity of smartphones, advantages of the industry generating employment to many and revenue to government in the form of taxes, etc. (He did not mention about the addictive part whether he agrees it is addictive or not). I felt the task is not met like you rightly pointed out in one of the comments above(do you concur).

However, I feel there are two parts in the statement a) smart phones are addictive and b) it should be banned.

So shouldn’t we address both parts, that is, whether I agree if they are addictive and if so whether banning it is the solution for the same.

In that case there cannot be an answer which says I completely disagree with the statement unless you mean to say they are not addictive and hence need not be banned.

Are the below options correct: OPTION I: I partially agree with the statement a) it is addictive however disagree with b) should be banned, probably use can be restricted or limited.

OPTION II: One-sided, I agree they are addictive and hence need to be banned.

OPTION III: One-sided, I disagree, they are not addictive and hence need not be(should not be) banned.

Are there any other variations possible. Thanks for taking your valuable time to read/respond to this lengthy post, which in my humble opinion will be of great help to all other millions of IELTS aspirants worldwide who visit your web page.

You have hit the nail on the head. Your understanding of the question is correct. Your understanding of a one-sided view when there are two issues to address is correct. The only other option you haven’t tackled is a specific view point: I agree they are addictive, however I think banning them is not the right solution – a better solution would be X. It is a great way to fully address and expand the topic given. I hope that helps.

Thank you Liz for your clarification. I’m doubly happy. God bless you for your wonderful work and big/kind heart.

Hello Liz! I am really worried about opinion essays! I ordered the advanced lesson but it says ‘not supported’. I don’t know what to do. Please help me .My exam is on saturday.

Please email me with more details about your problem: [email protected] . Do this immediately. Thanks

Hii Liz what can we write to give a partial view ?

Hi liz, Does it affects my TR score if I only discuss about “Benefits of planting tress” and do not talk about “building houses” in the following essay:- My thesis statement is: I completely agree that planting trees is more significant to solve many problems confronted by urban dewellers than constructing infrastructure.

Some people think that planting trees in open spaces in cities and towns is more important than building houses. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

It would negatively affect your score. Your opinion is “I believe planting trees is more important than housing”. You must explain why planting trees is important and why housing is not so important. Answer fully!

Hi Liz! How can I improve doing T/F/NG reading questions?

See this tips on this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-reading-lessons-information-and-tips/

Hi Liz, I just recently took my IELTS exam last Saturday.I may say thay I am blessed with my writing task 1 and 2 topics. In writing task 1, I need to write a letter from a complaints that turns a commendation for the staff. Writing task 2, is need to give my opinion from the suggestion that suggestion that all ages of students to join in same class. I hope this will help. Now, I’l pray that all my exam ,reading and listening will have a good results. God is good I know! 🙂 from Mhae

Thanks for sharing and good luck with your results 🙂

I pray for best,thank you for helping us to our review.God bless Us!

That test I had it on the 26th! I said that I believe that children should learn both of them. I don’t know why they gave me only 6…I’m struggling with the writing and I don’t know where I’m doing so many mistakes…I sit this exam for 4th times and I am quite desperate because I don’t know what I should change…I watched your videos, I worked a few books…and nothing….only 6. Thank you!

If u agree you cannot explain about world history. Throughout your essay should be about local history and supporting sentences. Watch her advanced ielts videos. She is explaining more in detail.

Your opinion must answer the all issues. If you agree, then your opinion is that local history should be taught and world history should not be taught. That is your full opinion.

If you agree – then you need to explain why you think money shouldn’t be spent protecting wildlife and also what other problems should be solved with the money.

Hello Liz, How can I buy all three advanced writing videos together? As each purchase cost can extra fee for international transaction, buying together would be beneficial, if that is possible.

I’m sorry but I haven’t put them in a package yet.

Dear LIZ I get more motivated when I read your texts. Although my handwriting is not much more qualified, but I’m preparing for IELTS test.Actually, I live in Finland as an asylum seeker, considerd to my teacher’s opinion I am not ready to take ILETS test yet. Would you please share me some links for improving my writing and listening? Thank you so much

I would be happy if I could submit, but because I live here illegally without any Bank account. That’s made me crazy.

Check your email – I just sent you a present 🙂

You’re not only the best teacher ever, you’re the model of human being. Thanks for inspiring me!

Hi Liz, Can i use words such as ‘what is more ‘OR ‘ to be more clear’ to explain my points between paragraphs? Thanks in advance

See my list of linking words: https://ieltsliz.com/linking-words-for-writing/ . Then see my main writing task 2 page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-2/

Hi mam, 7 years back I took ielts exam & I got 6.5 overall . Later I stopped thinking of exam as it finds difficult for me to reach the required score.But after watching all your lessons I am planning to take exam again .Really impressed by all ur videos . Thanks you so much .

My exam is tomorrow I have one question please help me

In any questions like agree or disagree, advantages or disadvantages, to what extent do you agree or disagree??? In such OR questions…can we partially agree or disagree?? Can we fully go for disagree or agree??

Can we write for example in body paragraph(if we agree) writing 4 positive points and in next paragraph 3 points showing its negative side and in conclusion going with agree one

please reply

Hi my best ielts teacher,kindly tell me if it is correct to write your opinion as ,”This essay agrees with the statement or should i always write, “In my opinion.Thanks in advance

If you want to give YOUR opinion, you need to use “I”. The words “this essay …” does not express your opinion.

In the partially agree,is it possible to write 2 body paragraphs on agree and 3rd one on disagree. I am little confuse about it.

Thanks in advance

For the Partial Agreement/Disagreement Essay (Balanced View) is it possible to still write 4 Paragraphs with such essay or it must be 5 paragraphs?

You can have either four or five paragraphs in writing task 2. It depends on your main points.

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113 Perfect Persuasive Essay Topics for Any Assignment

General Education

Do you need to write a persuasive essay but aren’t sure what topic to focus on? Were you thrilled when your teacher said you could write about whatever you wanted but are now overwhelmed by the possibilities? We’re here to help!

Read on for a list of 113 top-notch persuasive essay topics, organized into ten categories. To help get you started, we also discuss what a persuasive essay is, how to choose a great topic, and what tips to keep in mind as you write your persuasive essay.

What Is a Persuasive Essay?

In a persuasive essay, you attempt to convince readers to agree with your point of view on an argument. For example, an essay analyzing changes in Italian art during the Renaissance wouldn’t be a persuasive essay, because there’s no argument, but an essay where you argue that Italian art reached its peak during the Renaissance would be a persuasive essay because you’re trying to get your audience to agree with your viewpoint.

Persuasive and argumentative essays both try to convince readers to agree with the author, but the two essay types have key differences. Argumentative essays show a more balanced view of the issue and discuss both sides. Persuasive essays focus more heavily on the side the author agrees with. They also often include more of the author’s opinion than argumentative essays, which tend to use only facts and data to support their argument.

All persuasive essays have the following:

Introduction: Introduces the topic, explains why it’s important, and ends with the thesis.
Thesis: A sentence that sums up what the essay be discussing and what your stance on the issue is.
Reasons you believe your side of the argument: Why do you support the side you do? Typically each main point will have its own body paragraph.
Evidence supporting your argument: Facts or examples to back up your main points. Even though your opinion is allowed in persuasive essays more than most other essays, having concrete examples will make a stronger argument than relying on your opinion alone.
Conclusion: Restatement of thesis, summary of main points, and a recap of why the issue is important.

What Makes a Good Persuasive Essay Topic?

Theoretically, you could write a persuasive essay about any subject under the sun, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you should. Certain topics are easier to write a strong persuasive essay on, and below are tips to follow when deciding what you should write about.

It’s a Topic You Care About

Obviously, it’s possible to write an essay about a topic you find completely boring. You’ve probably done it! However, if possible, it’s always better to choose a topic that you care about and are interested in. When this is the case, you’ll find doing the research more enjoyable, writing the essay easier, and your writing will likely be better because you’ll be more passionate about and informed on the topic.

You Have Enough Evidence to Support Your Argument

Just being passionate about a subject isn’t enough to make it a good persuasive essay topic, though. You need to make sure your argument is complex enough to have at least two potential sides to root for, and you need to be able to back up your side with evidence and examples. Even though persuasive essays allow your opinion to feature more than many other essays, you still need concrete evidence to back up your claims, or you’ll end up with a weak essay.

For example, you may passionately believe that mint chocolate chip ice cream is the best ice cream flavor (I agree!), but could you really write an entire essay on this? What would be your reasons for believing mint chocolate chip is the best (besides the fact that it’s delicious)? How would you support your belief? Have enough studies been done on preferred ice cream flavors to support an entire essay? When choosing a persuasive essay idea, you want to find the right balance between something you care about (so you can write well on it) and something the rest of the world cares about (so you can reference evidence to strengthen your position).

It’s a Manageable Topic

Bigger isn’t always better, especially with essay topics. While it may seem like a great idea to choose a huge, complex topic to write about, you’ll likely struggle to sift through all the information and different sides of the issue and winnow them down to one streamlined essay. For example, choosing to write an essay about how WWII impacted American life more than WWI wouldn’t be a great idea because you’d need to analyze all the impacts of both the wars in numerous areas of American life. It’d be a huge undertaking. A better idea would be to choose one impact on American life the wars had (such as changes in female employment) and focus on that. Doing so will make researching and writing your persuasive essay much more feasible.

List of 113 Good Persuasive Essay Topics

Below are over 100 persuasive essay ideas, organized into ten categories. When you find an idea that piques your interest, you’ll choose one side of it to argue for in your essay. For example, if you choose the topic, “should fracking be legal?” you’d decide whether you believe fracking should be legal or illegal, then you’d write an essay arguing all the reasons why your audience should agree with you.

Arts/Culture

Should students be required to learn an instrument in school?
Did the end of Game of Thrones fit with the rest of the series?
Can music be an effective way to treat mental illness?
With e-readers so popular, have libraries become obsolete?
Are the Harry Potter books more popular than they deserve to be?
Should music with offensive language come with a warning label?
What’s the best way for museums to get more people to visit?
Should students be able to substitute an art or music class for a PE class in school?
Are the Kardashians good or bad role models for young people?
Should people in higher income brackets pay more taxes?
Should all high school students be required to take a class on financial literacy?
Is it possible to achieve the American dream, or is it only a myth?
Is it better to spend a summer as an unpaid intern at a prestigious company or as a paid worker at a local store/restaurant?
Should the United States impose more or fewer tariffs?
Should college graduates have their student loans forgiven?
Should restaurants eliminate tipping and raise staff wages instead?
Should students learn cursive writing in school?
Which is more important: PE class or music class?
Is it better to have year-round school with shorter breaks throughout the year?
Should class rank be abolished in schools?
Should students be taught sex education in school?
Should students be able to attend public universities for free?
What’s the most effective way to change the behavior of school bullies?
Are the SAT and ACT accurate ways to measure intelligence?
Should students be able to learn sign language instead of a foreign language?
Do the benefits of Greek life at colleges outweigh the negatives?
Does doing homework actually help students learn more?
Why do students in many other countries score higher than American students on math exams?
Should parents/teachers be able to ban certain books from schools?
What’s the best way to reduce cheating in school?
Should colleges take a student’s race into account when making admissions decisions?
Should there be limits to free speech?
Should students be required to perform community service to graduate high school?
Should convicted felons who have completed their sentence be allowed to vote?
Should gun ownership be more tightly regulated?
Should recycling be made mandatory?
Should employers be required to offer paid leave to new parents?
Are there any circumstances where torture should be allowed?
Should children under the age of 18 be able to get plastic surgery for cosmetic reasons?
Should white supremacy groups be allowed to hold rallies in public places?
Does making abortion illegal make women more or less safe?
Does foreign aid actually help developing countries?
Are there times a person’s freedom of speech should be curtailed?
Should people over a certain age not be allowed to adopt children?

Government/Politics

Should the minimum voting age be raised/lowered/kept the same?
Should Puerto Rico be granted statehood?
Should the United States build a border wall with Mexico?
Who should be the next person printed on American banknotes?
Should the United States’ military budget be reduced?
Did China’s one child policy have overall positive or negative impacts on the country?
Should DREAMers be granted US citizenship?
Is national security more important than individual privacy?
What responsibility does the government have to help homeless people?
Should the electoral college be abolished?
Should the US increase or decrease the number of refugees it allows in each year?
Should privately-run prisons be abolished?
Who was the most/least effective US president?
Will Brexit end up helping or harming the UK?

What’s the best way to reduce the spread of Ebola?
Is the Keto diet a safe and effective way to lose weight?
Should the FDA regulate vitamins and supplements more strictly?
Should public schools require all students who attend to be vaccinated?
Is eating genetically modified food safe?
What’s the best way to make health insurance more affordable?
What’s the best way to lower the teen pregnancy rate?
Should recreational marijuana be legalized nationwide?
Should birth control pills be available without a prescription?
Should pregnant women be forbidden from buying cigarettes and alcohol?
Why has anxiety increased in adolescents?
Are low-carb or low-fat diets more effective for weight loss?
What caused the destruction of the USS Maine?
Was King Arthur a mythical legend or actual Dark Ages king?
Was the US justified in dropping atomic bombs during WWII?
What was the primary cause of the Rwandan genocide?
What happened to the settlers of the Roanoke colony?
Was disagreement over slavery the primary cause of the US Civil War?
What has caused the numerous disappearances in the Bermuda triangle?
Should nuclear power be banned?
Is scientific testing on animals necessary?
Do zoos help or harm animals?
Should scientists be allowed to clone humans?
Should animals in circuses be banned?
Should fracking be legal?
Should people be allowed to keep exotic animals as pets?
What’s the best way to reduce illegal poaching in Africa?
What is the best way to reduce the impact of global warming?
Should euthanasia be legalized?
Is there legitimate evidence of extraterrestrial life?
Should people be banned from owning aggressive dog breeds?
Should the United States devote more money towards space exploration?
Should the government subsidize renewable forms of energy?
Is solar energy worth the cost?
Should stem cells be used in medicine?
Is it right for the US to leave the Paris Climate Agreement?
Should athletes who fail a drug test receive a lifetime ban from the sport?
Should college athletes receive a salary?
Should the NFL do more to prevent concussions in players?
Do PE classes help students stay in shape?
Should horse racing be banned?
Should cheerleading be considered a sport?
Should children younger than 18 be allowed to play tackle football?
Are the costs of hosting an Olympic Games worth it?
Can online schools be as effective as traditional schools?
Do violent video games encourage players to be violent in real life?
Should facial recognition technology be banned?
Does excessive social media use lead to depression/anxiety?
Has the rise of translation technology made knowing multiple languages obsolete?
Was Steve Jobs a visionary or just a great marketer?
Should social media be banned for children younger than a certain age?
Which 21st-century invention has had the largest impact on society?
Are ride-sharing companies like Uber and Lyft good or bad for society?
Should Facebook have done more to protect the privacy of its users?
Will technology end up increasing or decreasing inequality worldwide?

Tips for Writing a Strong Persuasive Essay

After you’ve chosen the perfect topic for your persuasive essay, your work isn’t over. Follow the three tips below to create a top-notch essay.

Do Your Research

Your argument will fall apart if you don’t fully understand the issue you’re discussing or you overlook an important piece of it. Readers won’t be convinced by someone who doesn’t know the subject, and you likely won’t persuade any of them to begin supporting your viewpoint. Before you begin writing a single word of your essay, research your topic thoroughly. Study different sources, learn about the different sides of the argument, ask anyone who’s an expert on the topic what their opinion is, etc. You might be tempted to start writing right away, but by doing your research, you’ll make the writing process much easier when the time comes.

Make Your Thesis Perfect

Your thesis is the most important sentence in your persuasive essay. Just by reading that single sentence, your audience should know exactly what topic you’ll be discussing and where you stand on the issue. You want your thesis to be crystal clear and to accurately set up the rest of your essay. Asking classmates or your teacher to look it over before you begin writing the rest of your essay can be a big help if you’re not entirely confident in your thesis.

Consider the Other Side

You’ll spend most of your essay focusing on your side of the argument since that’s what you want readers to come away believing. However, don’t think that means you can ignore other sides of the issue. In your essay, be sure to discuss the other side’s argument, as well as why you believe this view is weak or untrue. Researching all the different viewpoints and including them in your essay will increase the quality of your writing by making your essay more complete and nuanced.

Summary: Persuasive Essay Ideas

Good persuasive essay topics can be difficult to come up with, but in this guide we’ve created a list of 113 excellent essay topics for you to browse. The best persuasive essay ideas will be those that you are interested in, have enough evidence to support your argument, and aren’t too complicated to be summarized in an essay.

After you’ve chosen your essay topic, keep these three tips in mind when you begin writing:

Do your research
Make your thesis perfect
Consider the other side

What's Next?

Need ideas for a research paper topic as well? Our guide to research paper topics has over 100 topics in ten categories so you can be sure to find the perfect topic for you.

Thinking about taking an AP English class? Read our guide on AP English classes to learn whether you should take AP English Language or AP English Literature (or both!)

Deciding between the SAT or ACT? Find out for sure which you will do the best on . Also read a detailed comparison between the two tests .

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Christine graduated from Michigan State University with degrees in Environmental Biology and Geography and received her Master's from Duke University. In high school she scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT and was named a National Merit Finalist. She has taught English and biology in several countries.

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A hand holds a pair of scales to signify the importance of adding balance in an IELTS agree/disagree essay

How can I add balance to my IELTS agree/disagree essay?

When you open your exam paper and see the instruction Discuss both views and give your own opinion, it’s obvious that you HAVE TO give equal space to both opinions in your essay to fully address all parts of the task.

But, what happens when the instruction asks you To what extent do you agree or disagree ? Is it still important to discuss both “sides” of an argument, or are you free to have a “strong” position? And, if you do consider the other position, how and where can you do this in your essay so that your position remains clear? I mean, how can you show “balance” when arguing your own opinion?

Well, these are the complex questions I am going to be answering in today’s blog! (And don’t stop reading until you get to the end, because the good stuff is near the bottom!)

Can I have a strong position in an IELTS agree/disagree essay?

I’m going to get straight to the point and say

🤩🤩🤩 YES! 🤩🤩🤩

A strong position is when you either 100% agree with the statement, or 100% disagree. And it is absolutely fine to do this. The question To what extent do you agree or disagree literally means how much do you agree or disagree. S o you can definitely respond by saying that you totally agree or totally disagree .

In fact, for most IELTS test-takers, having a STRONG position is absolutely the BEST thing to do. Why? well, because it will guarantee that you have a CLEAR position. And what do clear positions mean?

👉 A 7.0 for Task Response! 👈

If you have ever spent time in a university EAP classroom, then To what extent questions should remind you of Argumentative Essays – the essays where you present your opinion in the introduction, and then spend the rest of the essay defending it. And, the most common (but not the only) way to answer these questions is with a structure that looks like this:

Introduction: Introduce topic of essay + state opinion

BP1: Reason / Argument 1 for opinion

BP1: Reason / Argument 2 for option

Conclusion: Summarise arguments and restate opinion

Now, I am totally against giving students templates for essays, or sentences that can be used in any piece of writing – these never lead to high scores. But that’s not what this is! The method of presenting a strong argument in the introduction of an essay and defending it in the body has been accepted in universities around the world for decades. To say that there are no “types” of essays is clearly wrong – any good Academic Writing book is based on essays types, which each have their own expected style.

Ironically, learning this style is the first and easiest step in essay writing. What is much harder is learning how to write good topic sentences, or how to build logical arguments using complex sentences, or how to make sure your essay has unity and coherence. Thats why all of the time and energy wasted by IELTS test-takers on organisation is so sad for me. This time would be much better spent on LEARNING LANGUAGE SKILLS!

Anyway, back to giving balance. Maybe some of you are thinking right now

Shelly if we follow the plan above, we won’t consider any arguments for the other side in our essay? You are recommending that we give only ONE view of the argument. Is that enough for a 7.0?

Well, my response to that question, would be

Where in the band descriptors does it say that you need to consider arguments for the other view for a 7.0? 👈

Where in the band descriptors does it say that a strong position will be penalised? 👈

In IELTS, there should be only ONE motivation for including something in your writing, and that’s if the band descriptors require you to do so. So, have a look at the Official IELTS Band Descriptors for Task Response, and tell me what stops me getting a 7.0 if I use strong position approach? Where does it say that I can’t 100% agree or disagree? 👀

The answer is nowhere! There is NOTHING in the band descriptors that says the candidate has to consider alternate opinions or positions OR has to provide balance . All the band descriptors ask you to do is

address all parts of the task – the task asks to what extent you agree or disagree, and I clearly state that I 100% agree or disagree and give reasons why
present a clear position – I 100% agree or 100% disagree! THAT IS THE CLEAREST POSSIBLE POSITION!
expand and support that position with relevant, well-extended arguments – I think that this is the part of the essay people should focus on more! Having clear well-extended arguments that include a nice range of complex sentences!

Want to know how the examiner will apply the band descriptors when marking your IELTS essay?

Th en download a copy of our FREE e-book, which explains how each of the four marking criteria is applied and includes the most common errors made by test-takers. Just click here for your copy.

Does this mean there is never a need to add balance in an IELTS Agree/Disagree essay ?

So, we now know that it is definitely possible to achieve a 7.0 for Task Response using a strong position approach. However, in My IELTS Classroom , I try not to limit my students scores in any way. And, this means that even though a 7.0 for Task Response is good, I would like all of my students to have the chance of achieving an 8.0 or even a 9.0. And, if we look carefully at the 7.0 band descriptor again, it contains this phrase:

there may be a tendency to over-generalise

This means that an over-general essay can achieve a 7.0, but no higher. Now, in my first blog I gave some great techniques for avoiding over-generalising in sentences, but now I think that our WHOLE ESSAY could be considered over-general if we don’t consider ANY arguments for the other side.

And so to avoid being over-general, I do always teach my students to add some balance to their IELTS agree/disagree essays. Not much, but enough for the examiner to see that they did consider the alternative view. And to stay consistent with our strong position, I suggest my students add balance using two simple methods: The Straw Man Technique or Adding Acknowledgement .

Let’s look at each of these, in turn, to see how they work and how you can easily add them to your IELTS agree/disagree essays.

The Straw Man Technique

OK, let’s imagine that we are answering this IELTS question:

University education should be free for all students. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

And, you decide that you are going to take a strong approach by 100% agreeing, so you sit down and write an introduction and first body paragraph like this:

In many countries today, obtaining a degree is becoming increasingly expensive. However, I strongly believe that all students should have free access to tertiary as it would benefit both individuals and society as a whole.

Firstly, a free higher education system ensures that all individuals have equal access to opportunities. If students have to pay tuition fees, those who come from low-income families will either be forced to take out massive loans to attend university, or not attend at all. As a result, there will be no opportunity for young people from poor families to climb the social ladder as jobs that require a degree are much more highly paid than those that don’t.

So far, so good. Your opinion is clearly stated in the introduction (100% agree), and in your first body paragraph you have given and clearly explained your first reason for having this view. Great 👍 You are on track for a 7.0.

But, you don’t want a 7.0, you want an 8.0, so you want to add balance to your paragraph. How are you going to do this? Remember, we don’t want to destroy the clarity of our opinion, but we do want to show the examiner that you considered the other view.

Well, the easiest way is to simply show the examiner a WEAK argument for the other side, and then immediately destroy it with an argument for YOUR position. This is the what we call the Straw Man Technique . This technique is wonderful because it does two things at the same time:

When you present the weak argument for the other view you show the examiner that you considered the other position and, hence, your essay has balance
When you destroy the argument, you show the examiner that your position is the most reasonable and, hence, your conclusions are well-drawn

A Straw Man sentence is usually always a CONTRAST sentence. First, we present the other view , and then we destroy it with our opposite view

While some argue that social media has led to people becoming more isolated , I would say that in fact it has actually helped strengthen the bonds between people.
Although it could be argued that people wear similar clothes because they like to copy each othe r, I think that the truth is actually much simpler: there is only a limited range of fashion choices available in mainstream shops.
Some argue that school uniforms remove the opportunity for children to show their uniqueness through fashion . However, I would counter this by saying that when children are dressed in the same clothes, it actually allows them to show their individuality in other more meaningful ways.

Can you see what we are doing here? We are giving an argument for the other view, and then immediately saying why we think it is wrong. This technique is so simple and yet so powerful!

But, where should you put this weak argument for the other side? Well, to make your paragraphs as logical as possible, the best place to put it is directly after the topic sentence. Remember, To What Extent essays are about OUR position, so we don’t want to start a paragraph talking about somebody else’s view! Let me show you by adding a sentence using the Straw Man Technique to our first body paragraph:

Firstly, a free higher education system ensures that all individuals have equal access to opportunities. Although some argue that it is not the government’s responsibility to educate students over the age of 18, I believe that it should do everything in its power to eradicate social inequality . If students have to pay tuition fees, those who come from low-income families are either forced to take out massive loans to attend university, or not attend at all. As a result, there will be no opportunity for young people from poor families to climb the social ladder, as jobs that require a degree are much more highly paid than those that don’t.

💥 💥 💥 💥 BOOM 💥💥💥💥

And, that’s it. Now my paragraph has balance. All I had to do was add a contrast clause that first presented the opposite view, and then showed why I disagreed with it. And, by adding this one simple contrast sentence, I have now shown the examiner that I considered the other position 💁‍♂️. And so, ta-da, my essay is no longer over-general and the door to an 8.0 for Task Response opens again! 🚪

Now, some of you might be thinking: Wow, that’s great! But, if it’s good to add one weak argument for the other view, wouldn’t it be even better to discuss ALL of the possible ideas for the other side? I mean, if adding one short clause is a good way to offer balance, wouldn’t having a whole paragraph that discusses the opposite view be even better? Well, to those people my response would be

WHY do you want to add more arguments for the other view?

How does adding a paragraph of arguments for the other side help YOU to show YOUR OPINION?!⚡

Remember, that is what the question asked us: To what extent YOU agree or disagree! It didn’t ask you to consider what other people think, only what YOU think. I mean, nobody asked you what “other people” think, so why are you going to waste time discussing it in your essay? In the Straw Man technique, we only present an argument for the “other side” to make OUR opinion stronger – the focus is still very much on what WE think. I mean, essentially there is NO OTHER SIDE in these essays! There is only YOU and YOUR OPINION!

Imagine how you would feel if you asked a friend if they liked the last Star Wars film and they answered you like this:

Well, some people said that it has one of the best plots of the series. It is also argued that the effects are better than the other films. Advocates of this film also believe that ….. 💥 👊 💥 👊

You would think your friend had gone crazy! I mean, why are they talking about “some people” when you asked them for THEIR opinion!!! You don’t care what other people think!!! This is how I feel when I start reading a To What Extent and in the first paragraph there is nothing but arguments for the other view! I think why are they telling me this? I want to know THEIR opinion, not other people’s!!! For me, a paragraph like this does NOTHING to help you show your position.

In fact, even if you added your own comments or arguments against the “other side” in a paragraph like this, the focus of the paragraph would still be “other people” and not YOU.

Plus, there is a great danger that you are going to make the same arguments again in the next paragraph, when you finally get to express your own opinion (which is what you should be doing in a To What Extent essay!). The whole thing can become a mess very quickly. And rather than having a nice essay that argues strongly for one position and shows progression, you now have a muddled one.

Even worse, I worry that many examiners will look at an agree/disagree essay that starts in this way and think “Mmm, here is a student who uses the same fixed plan for every essay – introduction, ideas for the other side, ideas for my side, conclusion.” And this will almost certainly result in a low score ….. 😰

So, for these reasons I would strongly recommend you don’t devote an entire paragraph to arguments for the alternative view:

It takes the focus away from YOU and YOUR opinion
It can lead you to make repetitious arguments
Unless you can argue skilfully, it looks like you have mistaken the question for a Discuss Both Sides essay (and even worse, learned only one essay “plan”)

Acknowledging or Conceding to the Other Side

OK, so in the Straw Man Technique, we present an argument for the other side that we DISAGREE with. But, what happens if you think that there actually are some good arguments for the other view?

Well, then we can simply show the examiner that we recognise and accept that there is a good argument against our position . Yes! It is absolutely acceptable to do this and still have a strong position! Let me show you to do this by adding some acknowledgement to the 2nd body paragraph of my education essay:

There are also benefits to society as a whole when education is free. Although I concede that the cost of providing free access to higher education would be extremely high , the money that governments would receive back in future taxes would more than outweigh this initial expense. It is obvious that the more educated a society is, the more productive and advanced it will be. Gaining a degree gives people the knowledge and skills to perform higher-level employment roles, especially in technical fields like science and engineering.

Can you see how this is different to the Straw Man Technique? This time I’m not saying the alternative view is wrong –

👉 I am ACKNOWLEDGING or ACCEPTING or CONCEDING that it is CORRECT, but that it doesn’t change my strong opinion 👈

Acknowledging arguments is a very powerful tool for avoiding over-generalising. In fact, acknowledging that the other view has good arguments can be the start of writing an essay that DOESN’T HAVE have a strong position. You see, if you felt that there was such a good argument for the other side that you want to discuss in more detail in the essay, you could devote a whole paragraph to it.

But, if you do this, you have to change your opinion slightly and transition between paragraphs smoothly, and employ many other high-level writing skills that most students aspiring for a 7.0 simply don’t have!!

That’s why I only teach balanced opinion essays to my most skilled students. And even then, I tell them not to use it in the exam unless they have to!

I am not going to even try to describe how to write an essay that partly agrees or disagrees here. I have a whole 40 minute lesson devoted to this in my video course, and for some students it does give them the chance to really achieve the Band 8 and 9 scores. But, as a teacher who has helped thousands of students get through the IELTS exam, my advice is and always will be

Don’t make your essay more complicated than it needs to be!

Ok, there was a lot in this lesson, so let’s just do a short review of the main points that you need to take away:

IELTS Agree / Disagree Essay Summary:

If you need a 7.0, have a strong position and argue for it – it’s simple, easy and it works.
If you want a 7.5 or higher, then add some balance to your strong position by using the strawman technique or acknowledging the other view. You can do this in one of your paragraphs, or both.
Don’t have a whole paragraph devoted to the “other view” – the only opinion the matters is a To What Extent essay is YOURS
You can write an essay in which you partially agree or disagree, but I would only attempt this is you have guidance from a good teacher and understand how to show this view correctly throughout your essay.

Well, I hope that I managed to make my points clear today – this is a very complicated topic! In fact, there are more than 2 hours of lessons in my online course that teach how to give clear opinions and add balance – it’s hard to condense that into one blog post! If you still have questions, then please use the comment box below. I am always happy to help 👇👇

And, if you liked this post, then please head over to My IELTS Classroom – real lessons with a real teacher in a real classroom that bring real results! 🚀

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Let students learn about all religions in a balanced, unbiased way | Letters

As an Ahmadi Muslim parent, I believe that including religious education in the school curriculum can be beneficial, provided it is done inclusively. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has an opportunity to ensure that students learn about various major world religions and non-religious perspectives in a balanced and unbiased manner.

In the United Kingdom, religious education has been compulsory in schools since 1944. Initially, the curriculum focused exclusively on Christianity, but over time it evolved to include teachings on other faiths, along with school trips to diverse places of worship. This balanced approach allows children to absorb a wide variety of perspectives and ideologies.

If we aim to nurture a generation of children who are both informed and empathetic, adopting a more inclusive model of religious education is the way forward.

Qasim Choudhary, Imam of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community (Austin Chapter), Georgetown

Keep Texas a leader in clean energy investments

In response to the August 18, op-ed, “By embracing free-market policies, Texas can be the leader in energy.”

Texas is already a leader in oil, gas and renewable energy production. It is the biggest emitter of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. Increased Methane emissions from new natural gas power plants without adhering environmental measures will impact health and productivity of Texas workers.

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) provides investment incentives which would spur clean energy growth and reduce polluting emissions. According to E2, 334 major clean energy and clean vehicle projects were announced in the first two years of the IRA with $126 billion in investments and 109,000 jobs. Red states and GOP congressional districts are benefitting the most and Texas is one of top five states. The IRA also has incentives for agriculture, carbon dioxide removal and new technologies.

We want Texas to remain a leader in clean energy investments which are environmentally responsible to support growth, reduce polluting emissions and improve quality of life.

Kalpana Sutaria, Citizens' Climate Lobby, Austin

Doug Emhoff sounds like "one of us"

As a Jewish American who worries about the rise of Jew hate at home and abroad, I was delighted and proud to hear Doug Emhoff, Vice President Kamala Harris’s husband and second gentleman, speak at Tuesday's Democratic National Convention. His ongoing fight to end hate and antisemitism on behalf of the Biden/Harris administration is noteworthy and admirable.

Needless to say, as a Democrat, I enjoyed and applauded his performance. But most important, as a non-partisan rhetorician who studied and taught political communication during my career, I found his address superb and would assign the grade of “A.” It convincingly proved that one does not need to be an orator trained in and with a record of public speaking to deliver an outstanding speech.

The measured cadence of Emhoff's delivery to introduce his wife as a stepmother and to present the touching story of their blended family was genuine, palpable and authentic, something like what we would expect an ordinary citizen — one of us — rather than a seasoned politician to make.

Richard Cherwitz, Ph.D., Camas, Washington

Put Texas public school students first, not politics

While teachers use Amazon wish lists to fill supply gaps and public-school districts work around budget deficits, Texas sits on a $32.7 billion budget surplus. Denying the overwhelming majority of Texas school-aged children the resources needed for educational success is detrimental to them and to society as a whole.

Better funded schools have lower high school dropout rates and increased college enrollment. Additionally, research has shown that students who grow up in better funded public schools not only have a higher salary in adulthood, but also have a lower adult crime rate which, in turn, reduces spending in the long term. To our state legislators: put politics aside and do what’s right for our children. And voters, call your congresspersons and tell them to support our public schools. If they don’t, vote them out. It’s time to take action for the good of our state’s future.

Rebecca English, Georgetown

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Guest Essay

Kamala Harris Was ‘Confident, Principled — Presidential’: The Best and Worst Moments From Night 4 of the Democratic Convention

Against a dark background, Kamala Harris waving.

By New York Times Opinion

Did the night help Harris?

Welcome to Opinion’s commentary for Night 4 of the Democratic National Convention. In this special feature, Times Opinion writers rate the evening on a scale of 0 to 10: 0 means the night was a disaster for Kamala Harris; 10 means it could lead to a big polling bump. Here’s what our columnists and contributors thought of the event, which included speeches by Gretchen Whitmer, Gabby Giffords and Kamala Harris.

Best Moment

Binyamin Appelbaum, member of the editorial board Kamala Harris’s great-nieces, teaching America how to pronounce her name. And Harris herself, meeting the moment with a performance that was confident, principled — presidential.

Josh Barro, author of the newsletter Very Serious Harris’s speech, especially its beginning about her upbringing and her mother. In past campaigns, Harris has sometimes seemed like an empty vessel. Now she’s reintroducing herself in a way that is specific, warm and uniquely American, and that provides a framework to explain the broadly popular values of freedom and justice she’s espousing.

Charles M. Blow, Times columnist Women ruled the night. There were so many impressive, effective women presenting — culminating with Harris, of course — that the remarkable almost became unremarkable. I had to force myself to pause and absorb the fact that I was witnessing a revolution.

Jamelle Bouie, Times columnist The first three nights of this convention were easily the most successful since 2008, but they would have been for naught had Harris missed the landing with an awkward or underwhelming acceptance speech. She succeeded. But other than a moving introduction, where she told the story of her life and family to the viewing public, this wasn’t a speech about the meaning of her candidacy. It was something closer to a State of the Union — a statement of policies and priorities and an indictment of her opponents. It was as if the campaign had offloaded talk of symbolism to other speakers so that Harris could present herself as ready to be president on Day 1.

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COMMENTS

Giving a balanced opinion in IELTS opinion essays.
In an opinion essay you should give 2 reasons for your opinion in the thesis statement then back them up with with an explanation in the main body paragraphs. I usually advise my students to choose one side, either agree or disagree, and stick with that. You do not actually get a higher band score for a balanced approach, so it is safer to ...
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Hi Marguerite, If you look a t lots of questions, you will see that there are really only 3 types: 1. Problem and solution. 2. Discussion (both sides of an argument) 3. Argument/opinion (YOUR view about something) If you look through my lessons and essays, you will see examples and advice for all 3 types.
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IELTS Opinion Essays: Structure, Topics and Sample Answers

Table of Contents

Introduction:

Body Paragraphs (Usually 2 paragraphs):

Conclusion:

Sample Question 1

Introduction

Body Paragraph 1

Body Paragraph 2

Sample Answer

Sample Question 2

Body Paragraphs

Sample Question 3

Here are the 10 Examples for the Opinion Essay Topics IELTS:

Frequently Asked Questions

Practice IELTS Writing Task 2 based on Essay types

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Step 1 of 3

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How to Plan & Write IELTS Opinion Essays

The Question

3 Common Mistakes

Essay Structure

How To Plan IELTS Opinion Essays

# 2 Generate ideas

# 3 Vocabulary

How To Write an Introduction

2) Thesis statement

1) Paraphrase the question

How To Write Main Body Paragraphs

Main Body Paragraph 1

Main Body Paragraph 2

How To Write a Conclusion

5 More Model IELTS Opinion Essays

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IELTS Writing Balanced Opinion Essay

Step 1: Understand the Issue

Step 2: Write the Introduction

Step 3: Write the Body

The First Argument

The Second Argument

Step 4: Write the Conclusion

Practice Questions

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Opinion Essay Sample for Students

How to write an IELTS opinion essay

Instruction words

What is an effective opinion essay structure?

Tips on structure:

Which body paragraph is better?

Analysing the question.

Model Answer

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Opinion Essays [IELTS Writing Task 2]