Below are two IELTS essay questions with model answers that were reported in IELTS writing task 2. Both model essays show an essay structure with three body paragraphs. While having three body paragraphs is definitely fine for an IELTS essay, having two is more common as you can see in my other model essays link given below.
Model IELTS Essays
IELTS Essay Question 1: Some people consider price as the most important thing to think about when buying a product (such as cell phone) or a service (e.g. medical treatment). Do you agree or disagree?
It is thought by some people that the price of a product or service is essential to consider before deciding to purchase something. While I agree that price does play a role in many purchase choices, there are other factors that can influence a person.
Firstly, when deciding whether or not to buy something, people will invariably consider if they can afford it. Taking the example of cell phones, these items vary greatly in price from under £100 to well over £1,000, which is a considerable price hike for a functional item. In this case, people on moderate or low incomes are unlikely to choose a more expensive product if a cheaper one can perform the role perfectly so as to avoid going into personal debt.
However, price becomes less important for items or services that offer excellent quality. For instance, some high-end phones offer better performance, larger RAM and their cameras take top quality pictures with a variety of editing options. These features could be worth the high price for some people if it impacts their work or if their income is high enough that price is not a factor they need to consider.
Finally, if an item or service is vital to someone’s life, price rarely factors into the decision. To illustrate, in the case of a life threatening condition, people are usually willing to spend hundreds of thousands of pounds if the treatment offers them hope of a cure. This is particularly so when there are long waiting lists for treatments making time a major factor or when certain treatments are not readily available to the public thus requiring costly private treatment.
In conclusion, price is important when making a common purchase for people on limited incomes needing to budget, but it plays less of a role for high quality products and vital services.
- Words 302
- You do not need to write the word count at the end of your essay. I am stating it here for your benefit.
- Most essays will be between 270 and 290 words, rarely going over 300 and never going over 310.
- This is an IELTS Agree Disagree Essay otherwise known as an IELTS Opinion Essay.
IELTS Essay Question 2: In many cities, many people are living in large apartment blocks. Does this accommodation have more advantages or disadvantages.
An increasing number of people are choosing to live in high rise apartment blocks. In my opinion, although these blocks of flats are often cheaper, they offer cramped living space and can present serious fire risks.
One obvious advantage to living in a multi-story apartment block is that it offers people affordable accommodation in urban areas. With the growth of urban populations, land is becoming increasingly expensive and, as a result, many people are no longer able to afford their own house. Large apartment blocks require a small area of land but can provide a lot of flats which enable people on low incomes to continue living near city centers and near their jobs.
However, high rise apartment blocks usually offer small apartments with no outdoor areas. For families, this can be a problem as each individual member of the family has little personal space which can result in a build up of tension as relationships can become strained. Another problem is that such restricted living quarters offer no space for exercise which is a vital requirement for healthy living.
Finally, one of the worst problems of living in a high rise block of flats is the fire risk that it presents. If a fire should break out in one of the flats, the number of floors in the building means that people can become easily trapped on the top floors, unable to escape the fire. This was unfortunately illustrated by the Grenfell Tower block fire that claimed 71 lives in London in 2017. The speed with which the fire spread through the 24 floors, made it impossible for everyone to escape.
In conclusion, while large blocks of flats may be a cheaper living option, they are lower quality accommodation with serious fire risks.
Words 297
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hi Liz, I have read all pages of writing tasks on your website and have started examples. I admire your work and what you have done for us is really priceless. This is the first time I am commenting on your website and will appreciate if you give me feedback and an approximate rate of my writing. I will have the exam next month. Thanks in advance.
Price is considered by some people as the most significant issue when buying something, namely a medical treatment or a cell phone. In my opinion, price is a good sign of quality, but it is not all about the price.
First of all, expensive items are generally made of good materials. To give a clear example, when buying a t-shirt, people prefer to buy the ones made of hundred percent wool and because of the cost of wool, these t-shirts are more expensive than recycled ones.
Secondly, better companies which companies present consumers more service, namely call center, sell products with higher prices owing to the general costs of these companies being higher than others.
On the other hand, prices are shaped with the demands to a certain product. In other words, when a kind of product is bought by many people, the price of that product is likely to increase. Admittedly, this issue is not possible to be understood by customers.
Another point to consider, some companies may sell their products with high prices even if they are not one of these good companies serving their best to customers. Finding out the differences is not possible by evaluating just the price.
In conclusion, even if i agree that price is an indicative element of a product, it should not be taken as the sole resource to decide on which option to buy.
I only have time for quick tip. Hopefully, you read the page about essay structure and paragraphs which explains that you should never have four body paragraphs. Aim for either two or three, but never four or more. And don’t forget that each body paragraph will explain your opinion about what factor influences people’s purchasing choices so make sure the paragraph explains that fully. It isn’t about why companies sell something at a higher price, but why people make decisions to buy things.
As inflation has gone up in the past few years, people have started to value money and have become wise buyers. There are arguments about whether people should bother with prices more than anything else before buying any item. I completely agree that prices should be a dominant factor before making a purchase choice unless it’s related to health or healthcare services.
I accept considering price as a prominent thing before shopping for anything as it directly affects people’s pockets and budgets. As we notice, many people have their fixed monthly expenses which they need to cover under any condition. Choosing an expensive option might disturb their financial balance and could increase their costs easily. For example, someone who can afford a simple phone but is looking forward to buying an expensive iPhone can cause consequences in managing things eventually.
Not only this, the urge to buy anything out of their budget will lead to a path to falling into debt. This is so because shoppers might use a credit card to make a purchase but this trap makes them spend to pay heavy taxes or interest rates as per the item they purchase, and they might have to pay a penalty fee in case they miss on monthly installation. This phenomenon affects their years of good credibility and identity. Hence, being price-sensitive is crucial.
When it comes to healthcare, the services and the quality of treatment should be prioritized more than money because people should not risk their lives for the sake of saving money. To cite an example, what if someone caught a serious disease which is cost-effective to treat but has been for health insurance to get the best care when required? By following this, people can save hefty sums of money in their harsh times.
In conclusion, prices should be taken care and one should not put health at stake for prices.
Although my website does not offer a feedback service, I will make a quick comment that can help you and other people who read this comment.
This essay question is not about what people should do, but about what they actually do. So, this isn’t about whether people should choose to buy because of price, but about whether they do buy products because of the price. So, you must avoid using “should” which would be about recommending something or recommending an action. This essay is about what they do in reality.
Influx of people to big cities in search of better opportunities, and tourism, has brought in the need for land and housing, and one of the ways cities try to solve this problem, is by building large apartment blocks that can accommodate many people. This solution has both its advantages and disadvantages.
This essay will try to determine whether this kind of housing have more advantages than disadvantages.
Building big apartments ensures proper use of limited land in big cities. High rise apartments accommodate many people at a time as opposed to single detached homes. They make living nearby available amenities such as schools, and workplaces possible. Finally, where parts of the city are perceived to be insecure, people to tend to shun those areas and gravitate to places that are more secure as such providing housing in those areas can be challenging.
On the other hand, big apartments, encourages centralization of people in a single locality which end up putting unnecessary stress on the available amenities, unending traffic jams, pollution, and sanitation nightmares. Putting many people together in one area also offer potential security challenges ranging from petty thefts, mugging, burglary, to more grievous crime such as rape and murder. It can also promote imbalance development opportunities of a city, where some areas have better infrastructure, schools, and hospitals than other areas. And lastly, it violates privacy needs of certain individuals.
In conclusion, while this type of accommodation has some advantages such as ability to house many people in a small area, solve demand for land and handle influx of people, I believe these advantages are less significant compared to the disadvantages it brings. Tackling insecurity, luck of equitable distribution of amenities and opportunities, improper land use, traffic jams, pollution and sanitation problems are more important to the growth and future development of a city.
can my comment be allowed to post I tried many times but it is not posting
A number of people consider price as the most important factor when purchasing a product or services. In my opinion price do play a major when buying a product, but when comes to purchasing certain services like medical treatment the quality out weights the price.
I agree that price is an important factor when purchasing a product, as it allows a buyer to save a lot of money by selecting the cheaper alternative. By selecting a cheaper product buyer can get the same task done, while saving a lot of cash. For example a mobile device costing 200 dollar and another one costing a 1000 dollar will practically achieve the same result for the buyer; the buyer can do calls, email and play games in both the devices archiving its end goal.
In price sensitive market where economy is still developing , many people look for competitively priced product and the company offering there product should price it competitively to survive. The perceived value for the buyer is to get the task done with the cheapest possible product available in the market. In developing market 75% of consumer don’t buy goods above 200 dollars which tends to show how price sensitive market can be.
However, when it comes to certain services such as medical treatment and security, price starts to lose its importance and quality takes a higher precedent. Many of us are ready to spend thousands of dollars in case of medical treatment to get the best treatment possible, here we won’t think about price and rather worry about quality of treatment we receive.
In conclusion price plays a major factor when purchasing a product, but when it comes to certain services quality of that service becomes more important than price.
When you post a comment, I hope you realise that it takes time for me to read each comment carefully and respond or simply approve. I work alone and I do take days off work. Your comments are not likely to be posted immediately, unless I happen to be on my laptop at that time. This way I can maintain the standard of commenting that ensures people get good details from me.
Although my website does not offer a feedback service, I will drop a quick comment.
Your first body paragraph was about price and why people are influenced by price. And for some reason your second body paragraph is also about why people respond to price. Your second body paragraph doesn’t seem to have a clear opinion that is separate from the first body paragraph. Each body paragraph MUST have a unique point. If your first body paragraph is about why price is important, the second should be about medical treatment as an example of why price isn’t important. That would give you two contrasting body paragraphs. The mistake you are making with organising ideas into paragraphs will lower your score significantly for Coherence & Cohesion.
Before you write your essay, put your main points in a list and then analyse that list. If two of them look similar, put them together in one body paragraph to ensure each body paragraph is unique. I highly recommend you get my advanced lessons so you can learn the right way: https://elizabethferguson.podia.com/
Thanks for the input, I did not realise that you manually have to go through every comment before it is posted. I also have one doubt while writing the essay I knew that the idea in both 1st and 2nd para are same so if I come across similar situation can I emit that paragraph and go with 2 body paragraph.
To be honest, your body paragraph 1 is better and more relevant. You should delete paragraph 2. The reason you should delete it is because you give advice about how companies should offer competitive prices – that is irrelevant to the task because this isn’t about what companies should do, it’s about whether price is a driving factor in customer choices. Also, you can’t have both body paragraph 1 and body paragraph 2 which repeat the same point that price is significant.
When you delete your body paragraph 2, you will have only your first and third one left – this would make your essay under 200 words. So, you’ll need to develop them further to hit around 270 or 290 words which you must write for a good score. Each body paragraph (when you have only two) should be around 95 words in length.
Always plan your essay first to avoid having two body paragraphs with similar points. Each body paragraph must be unique with a different point. If you had analysed your main points before writing, you would not have made this error.
Yes, I manually approve and read each and every comment on my website to maintain the standard of my site. For this reason, I only tackle a few comments each day and sometimes take whole days off. But I find it’s the best way to help everyone.
This is my final correction after your feedback
A number of people consider price as the most important factor when purchasing a product or service. In my opinion, price does play a major role when buying a product, but when it comes to purchasing certain services like medical treatment, quality outweighs the price.
Price is a significant factor when buying products because it allows consumers to save money by choosing cheaper alternatives. For example, a mobile device costing $200 and another costing $1000 will practically achieve the same result for the buyer; both devices can make calls, send emails, and play games. This shows that a cheaper product can accomplish the same goals while saving money.
However, for certain services such as medical treatment and security, price becomes less important, and quality takes precedence. Many people are willing to spend thousands of dollars on medical treatment to ensure they receive the best care possible. In such cases, the quality of the service is more crucial than the cost.
In conclusion, price plays a major role when purchasing products, but for certain services, the quality of the service is more important than the price.
When you delete a body paragraph, you would need to extend the other body paragraphs to ensure your essay is long enough. At present, your essay is below 200 words and IELTS give instructions to write over 250 words. So, you would need to beef out body paragraphs 1 and 2 a lot. No body paragraph should be shorter than the rest. If you have two body paragraphs, you are aiming for around 95 words for each paragraph, which is about four or five complex sentences.
A number of people consider price as the most important factor when purchasing a product or services. In my opinion price do play a major when buying a product, but when comes to purchasing certain services like medical treatment the quality out weights the price.
I agree that price is an important factor when purchasing a product, as it allows a buyer to save a lot of money by selecting the cheaper alternative. By selecting a cheaper product buyer can get the same task done, while saving a lot of cash. For example a mobile device costing 200 dollar and another one costing a 1000 dollar will practically achieve the same result for the buyer; the buyer can do calls, email and play games in both the devices archiving its end goal.
In price sensitive market where economy is still developing , many people look for competitively priced product and the company offering there product should price it competitively to survive. The perceived value for the buyer is to get the task done with the cheapest possible product available in the market. In developing market 75% of consumer don’t buy goods above 200 dollars which tends to show how price sensitive market can be.
However, when it comes to certain services such as medical treatment and security, price starts to lose its importance and quality takes a higher precedent. Many of us are ready to spend thousands of dollars in case of medical treatment to get the best treatment possible, here we won’t think about price and rather worry about quality of treatment we receive.
In conclusion price plays a major factor when purchasing a product, but when it comes to certain services quality of that service becomes more important than price.
Hi, Liz! About the first topic, can we say we agree that price is important, but there are other factors should be carefully considered, such as quality, safety and personal taste etc. Thank you!
I’ve just tweaked this essay so you can take a look at it again to see other options. You could definitely consider quality, safety and personal preferences as factors that affect purchase choices. But do remember that more ideas doesn’t mean a higher score. Always choose just two or three, depending on how many body paragraphs you want (never more than three) and then explain each one in detail for a higher score. This is all about Task Response and sufficiently developing ideas to get band 7 and over.
A number of people consider price as the most important factor when purchasing a product or services. In my opinion price do play a major when buying a product, but when comes to purchasing certain services like medical treatment the quality out weights the price.
I agree that price is an important factor when purchasing a product, as it allows a buyer to save a lot of money by selecting the cheaper alternative. By selecting a cheaper product buyer can get the same task done, while saving a lot of cash. For example a mobile device costing 200 dollar and another one costing a 1000 dollar will practically achieve the same result for the buyer; the buyer can do calls, email and play games in both the devices archiving its end goal.
In price sensitive market where economy is still developing , many people look for competitively priced product and the company offering there product should price it competitively to survive. The perceived value for the buyer is to get the task done with the cheapest possible product available in the market. In developing market 75% of consumer don’t buy goods above 200 dollars which tends to show how price sensitive market can be.
However, when it comes to certain services such as medical treatment and security, price starts to lose its importance and quality takes a higher precedent. Many of us are ready to spend thousands of dollars in case of medical treatment to get the best treatment possible, here we won’t think about price and rather worry about quality of treatment we receive.
In conclusion price plays a major factor when purchasing a product, but when it comes to certain services quality of that service becomes more important than price.
Hey liz it’s me again Minna
In the essay question 2 if it asks : Does this “particular thing” have more advantages or disadvantages?
Should I just stick to one thing? Or it means writing about both?
By the way I haven’t yet read the model answer cuz I’m trying to write my own one first and then compare it with the model, that’s why I’m asking.
The keywords are “price as the most important thing”. This means your essay is about whether you agree that price is most important. Of course, you might think that something else is more important and suggest that – but you would still need to tackle the suggestion that price is most important.
By the way, you are doing the right thing in writing your essay and then reviewing the model answer. It’s a great way to learn and develop. But your essay might look different because you’ve taken a different approach so do be ready for that – it won’t mean your essay is wrong.
There is a viewpoint regards buying goods and take services need to maybe paying more money. Although, taking better service is so important in our life, I think there is a way to get services or buy things with reasonable price.
On the one hand, people believe taking a best services always gives us more quality options than cheap price services.
If we buy cheap price goods, it is obviously we cannot count on its quality and performance .It can be damage and not working after a while. For example, some brands of cars have better quality than others so there are more expensive but we can rely on their performance and we do not need regularly to refer to mechanical shops for maintenance. Moreover, paying more money for buying accessories, help us to stay confident not to worry to buy again or come back for changing.
On the other hand, it should be mentioned that some brands of goods sell their productions more expensive because it is the name of the company display on that .As a matter of fact, people do not need expensive things and can take the same productions and services with lower prices. Also, we know that some productions which are bought by people are not using for long time but just for a few times. For example, expensive women’s/men’s shoes only being used a few times even during a few years for celebrating families events.
To sum up, in my opinion ,buying services or products with usual price and good quality is most important than expensive one, even though ,some people think buying more pricy goods and services always gives them better experience .
The number of people living in densely populated apartment blocks faced a substantial growth in the last decade. Being a pragmatic solution to the housing crisis made it a good topic to reflect on, stating it’s advantages mainly providing homes for many families with a reasonable price, occupying a relatively small surface, and disadvantages stating the detrimental effect such housing methods had on both physical and mental health.
One clear advantage apartment blocks offer is the possibility of housing a huge number of people in a more or less small area. Being a great solution to the lack of houses and building land in desired places make such housing options optimal, providing both better deals as they value less and make changing cities for people who look for better jobs or for a home close to the sea more possible owing to the fact that they’re quite available and experience high offer and demand.
Although housing blocks can present great advantages, this type of housing is often seen by many to be inefficient, because of the difficulty of keeping it clean and maintaining it in a good condition, as a result such blocks often become with time a good environment for the spread of insects and rats, creatures known for their disease transmitting faculties. Another disadvantage apartment blocks have is being crowded and thereby noisy, obliging people to tolerate one anathor24/7 which can present a huge challenge for the normal person, causing people to suffer psychologically, which been proved to lead to other physical illnesses namely high blood pressure and heart failure.
to conclude, considering large apartment blocks as a solution to the lack of housing properties is often seen to have great advantages, nevertheless, living in such buildings can present a challenge for many specially when such blocks are not maintained properly both in regards to hygiene and infrastructure.
It’s believed by many people that price is the most decisive thing when it comes to either a person buys a certain commodity or choose to pay for a certain service. I do agree that price is relevant and plays an important role as a factor that decides whether a product will sell or not, however, i think that quality plays a major role in the equation of a good deal.
One evident reason price is the first thing people think about when buying a product or paying for a service is their limited wages. Owing to the dominance of working class to middle class in contrast with a more or less financially free social upper class, many are ought to pay much attention to their spendings as prices are soaring in contrast to salaries which experienced a relatively small increase in the last decade. One example that illustrate the effect of such phenomenon known as inflation to economists is the rise of gas, petrol and gasoline in the USA resulting in an augmentation of all commodities as wages stayed the same, pushing people to think twice about the price before welling to buy something.
On the other hand, despite price being an important factor specially during the current financial crisis, quality plays a crucial role also, deciding if people choose to spend or not, in another words, a product of a slightly good quality than the competition can sell way better and with higher prices. IPhone products make a great example offering minimum stronger features than the competition, but selling with significantly higher prices
To conclude, being in such hard times, financially speaking directed people’s aim to making better deals, looking for the best products and services out there, with the most reasonable prices.
Just a quick comment. Make sure your body paragraphs are of equal length.
Hi Liz, this means that if I write one body paragraph for 6 rules, the length of the second body paragraph is also should be written in 6 rules of the answer sheet?
It means that body paragraphs are more or less equal. It is not about counting lines. It does not need to be accurate. You can see more or less when body paragraphs are equally developed or when one is much more developed that the other.
Thank you for your explanation, much appreciated!
Hi Liz, I love your website. 2 years ago I passed my test with an overall 8 and I studied a lot with your website. It’s very generous of you to offer so much free content.
For this time I purchased your book ‘ideas for IELTS essay topics’ and it’s an enormous help!! Finding things to write about has been my greatest struggle. Thank you for sharing all your great work.
Kind regards
Great to hear my e-book was helpful 🙂 Good luck in your next test 🙂
Hi Liz,your website so useful to improve my skiils.Thank you.
Kindly review my essay
Nowadays,purchase and stay in a large apartment block is becoming increasing popularly.Many people, especially young generation in metropolitan cities live in a large apartment block is an attractive one.There is a lot of pros and cons before deciding to do this.In this essay I am going to write down the benefits and drawbacks of the flat accomodation and try to draw conclusion.
Let’s begin with the first advantage of moving flats.when buy an apartment in big cities cities is a fact that it reduce your budget.what I mean by this is that the independent hoses are sixty percent expensive than the flats due to more occupancy of land.For low income people the flat accomodation is the best one that they can actually get in with in their budget.
Secondly, another advantage is that apartment accomodation provides lot of amenities and quick maintenance.For examlpe,in chennai and mumbai including with the flat the builders provide amenities such as children’s playground,park,gym and indoor games, supermarket and even schools.So the people do not need to spend more time on travel to fullfill the above mentioned amenities.
Huge maintenance cost is the one of the drawbacks of flat accomodation.In other words occupants need to spend huge money to association to take care of water supply equipments,STP,WTP and watchman’s salary and so on.The above mentioned expenses are not in an individual house.
Another disadvantage is delaying of handing over the property to consumer from the buyer.For instance,few promoters in chennai acquire lot of money from the people and they should not handing over the house in a mentioned time in the agreement.As a result,the personal debt of the consumers increased day by day,few people end their lives.
In conclusion,people should be deliberate careful before moving to the flat accommodation.They should weigh the pros such as gain amenities and low budget and cons such as delaying of handing over and expensive maintanence.In my opinion,low budget outweigh all negatives.
Don’t we need to consider just one side in “Do you agree or disagree” essay?
You can choose how you answer an Opinion Essay – one sided, balanced approach – both are fine. It makes no difference is the instructions say “Do you agree or disagree?” or if they say “To what extent do you agree?”
Thanx so much more!I am grateful to you and you studies with origin of british education.God keep you up.
I’m glad my site is useful 🙂
Hello liz,
thats is my essay please check and give me advice
In many cities, many people are living in large apartment blocks. Does this accommodation have more advantages or disadvantages?
In current scenario peoples are more likely tend to stay in large spacious apartments or houses. This accommodation is has both advantages and disadvantages. According to me it has more disadvantages.
Firstly, It depend on person income and their status. In some cities when person earning quite well they try to purchase big houses or apartment, which is not necessity. People should rent or buy apartment according to the member of family or people with whom they are gone share the apartment. Not according to their choice and their bank balance. When people earns a huge amount of money their quality of life also changes so, to keep their status high and to show people surrounded by them , how much their income is They invest on blocks or apartment.
I feel in government plays a huge role in this, government should also make a rule, person should only purchase apartment according to the members of the family or according to their necessity not because they have enough money purchase the property. That will help people to save their money and invest in something which will help them in securing their future.
Secondly, the people who stays in alone in large apartment tend be feel more lonely and spend less time in their houses. It is also important to keep safety in the apartment, when there is one person and a big house it is impossible to take care of the house and keep checks on cleaning and safety. . The smaller, the place it’s clean and safe. When member of the family stay in small apartment they spend more with each other, interact in small conversation, instead in their own comfortable bedroom. But when there is a huge family member they definitely need large blocks. To have spacious and comfortable environment. It depends how many members are staying in apartment , in some cities not more than two members stays in large blocks which is not necessity. When small amount of members stay in a huge apartment tend to spend less time together .
In conclusion, Staying in large blocks or apartment has their advantages and disadvantages. People to purchase their house depends on the family member or much space is necessity for them, not on their income or on their status.
There are so many grammatical mistakes and most of the content is out of idea. Work on your grammer and increase your exposure to English language. Try to learn the English as your regional language.
Humble suggestion.
Dear Liz,
First of all, I want to say thank you as your website and videos help many people. Many of my friends recommended me to read your tips and they are very useful to me. Thank you very much for your generous sharing all the time.
I just have one question: I was told that in the ielts essay, I should always follow the order: topic sentence – explaination – example. Is the EXAMPLE part compulsive?
Thank you very much!
No. This is not compulsory to have such a format. Your teacher is giving you advice and trying to push you to use a formula. There is no forumla for the content of the body paragraphs. It is highly advisable that the first sentence is a topic sentence which contains the main point. You will struggle to get a high score without that. However, the following sentences might be anything at all that help you explain your idea, present more detail and illustrate your point. There is no fixed order and no fixed content at all. Examples are used when relevant and can be just illustrations of a point rather than statistical examples. It is important that your teacher explains when he or she is giving you advice and recommendation, and when it is a fixed rule.
Hi, Liz. I am taking the writing course offered by one of the ielts agency here in my country. I’ve seen plenty of sites and videos that recommend the use of the sentence type “this essay will…” However, upon using it in my mock exam, the examiner commented: “don’t describe what the essay will be about”. In the material they provided there are plenty of examples with this type of sentence, so when I confronted her with this she replied that it is not wrong, but rather controversial and she preferred it not being used, which begs the question how to know what the person who will mark your exam prefers. Do you know if this sentence is then to be used or not and moreover if it could affect your mark? Thank you!
I do not recommend people to use this phrase. IELTS is not an academic essay for university, it is an academic essay for IELTS and IELTS do not require that sentence. Why would you tell the examiner the instructions when the examiner has the instructions??? If you had learned from me (I completed the IELTS examiner training), you would not have used it. Don’t waste your time learning something that won’t increase you score or isn’t required by IELTS. See the Writing Task 2 Section of this website to learn how to write an introduction, or get my Advanced Lessons and learn how to write every aspect of your essay.
Hi Liz
In this question, we were asked whether to agree or disagree but i realised that in your sample answer, you took an impartial stance. Wouldn’t this affect your mark on task response. Please help. My test is on the 7th.
It is 100% fine to take a partial agreement for any opinion essay. Get my Advanced lessons for greater detail and training: https://elizabethferguson.podia.com/
You always recommend to use one sided approach but all in your models essays you have used partial approach. Plz upload some essay with one sided approach …. its so confusing
One sided approaches are very simple which is why I focus on the more difficult essays. However, I’ll make a note to upload a one-sided approach.
Hi Liz,
In essay question:- 2, you have provided your opinion “In my opinion” in the introduction, but it hasn’t specifically asked for your opinion. But you haven’t provided any opinion in your earlier published (8 January 2015) advantage and disadvantage essay on “English becoming one language”. I am a bit confused about this. Please let me know.
Thanks
Sridhar
In the writing task 2 section of this site, there is a link to a page about when to give your opinion: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-2/
You can also consider my Advanced Writing Task 2 lessons if you wish to purchase more detailed training: https://elizabethferguson.podia.com/
Hi Lisa- thanks for all you do could you correct me on this essay:
The USA should ban the ability to buy firearms, Agree or Disagree? Discuss.
In recent years, there have been a lot of controversies whether or not USA should legally prohibit the power to purchase firearms. Should the USA put an end to the right to acquire firearms?. In my opinion, the ability to keep and near forearms in USA is not going to be outlawed.
First off, the right of people to keep and bear firearms in USA was ratified in the Second Amendment in 1791 by their founding fathers. This was passed in their constitution to mitigate a knee jerk reactions which happened to USA when they flew from Europe. So it was enshrined in their constitution that “A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed”.
Second off, it has since become the people’s right to acquire, keep and bear firearms. The National Rifle Association argues that the Second Amendment is not only for militia(Organised group of people) but also for all American citizens. It is their right to acquire firearms for self defence, protection of properties, protection from invaders, corrupt government and to family members and also many Americans today acquire firearms for different purposes such as hunting; to feed their family, sporting activities and for pleasure which they have formed as a relationship. If you prohibit the power to acquire firearms, you might be doing more harm than good to USA and that will mean infringement of people’s right.
If the power to acquire firearms is outlawed in USA, would there be a decrease in mass shootings?. No I don’t think so. What I believe should happen is actually investing in research to establish why those people that carried out the shootings did. There maybe a motivating or propelling factors that lead to the use of firearms to carry out the attacks. Until the root cause is targeted and addressed, the issue will keep happening.
Subsequently, a thorough background check could be utilised both on federal and state levels before acquiring firearms.
You should not be practising using essay questions that do not come from IELTS. IELTS never have questions specific to one country. Your essay shows me that you have not completed my free lessons which explain about not writing questions, using the right conclusion linking word etc. I don’t offer free marking and I also don’t offer free advice. What I do offer are free lessons and tips which you can find on the RED MENU BAR at the top of the site – over 300 pages for free. Please start learning the right way.
Hey liz ,
Can we include rhetoric questions and exclamatory sentences in these type of essays ? If yes , which will be the appropriate paragraph to include them ?
Thanks for your help .
Writing task 2 is a formal essay. Each sentence of a body paragraph provides support in a formal tone for the idea you have presented. You do not use such sentences as you have suggested. Look at how my model essays are written and follow the style and tone.
Do you have a video lesson on how to construct body paragraph in every type of essay? I’m confused on body paragraph structure with respect to different essay types.
You can find free model essays and tips on this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-2/. You can also buy Advanced lessons which explain step by step how to write all aspects of an IELTS essay on this page: https://elizabethferguson.podia.com/
Hi Liz,
Even if you use a balanced approach, would it be correct to have a partial opinion (agree or disagree) and also write why some people may agree or disagree?
I’m very confused with the approach I need to choose in regards to “discuss both sides and do you agree or disagree?”. Do you have any tips that we can always remember before writing an essay in order to avoid this issue?
Thank you very much!
They are two different types of essays. An opinion essay (agree/disagree) requires your opinion and nothing else. A discussion essay requires you to explain why people have those two different views and also present your own. You can find model essays and tips on the main writing task 2 page (see the RED BAR at the top of the website) or you can purchase my Advanced lessons (link on RED BAR).
Dear Liz. Good evening.
hi Liz
first of all, thank you so much for your generosity.
I have a question regarding the second task on this page. the question asks if this type of accommodation has more advantages or disadvantages. on your answer, you have discussed both the advantages and disadvantages and in conclusion, you have written that basically yes they have advantages but they also have disadvantages. not mentioned that advantages outweigh the disadvantages or vice versa. could comment on this
iyaz, from the Maldives
going to sit for the exam soon
really appreciate what you are doing, thank you again
As you can see, the “outweigh” is clear: In my opinion, although these blocks of flats are often cheaper, they offer cramped living space and can present serious fire risks. – being cheap is a small advantage compared with serious fire risks (a very dangerous disadvantages).
Hi Liz. I have a little terrible with the argumentative assay. you recommend us for answering by agree or disagree the statement, also you said that candidate can choose a balance approach but NOT discuss both side impartially. I see in the first topic in this page (considering prices) the candidate take the impartially approach. isn’t it??
I would ask you foe examples explaining the difference between the impartial and balance approach. please!
Thank you.
I think you need to be very careful with your approach. A partial agreement needs to be written very very carefully or it will go wrong and lower your score. Your English contains so many errors that you need to be very cautious of what approach to take. My advice will always be to work within the level of English, not beyond it.
Hi, Liz! Can we follow this same pattern for Speaking test?
I don’t understand your question? Follow what pattern?
Should we be as organized as we are in writing when we have our speaking test? Can we also apply the techniques we learned in writing for the speaking part?
Writing task 2 is an essay. This is no way is similar to speaking. The writing test is formal. The speaking test is informal. The writing and speaking test also have different marking criteria. They are very different. Go to the RED BAR at the top of my website and look at the main speaking page and the main writing task 2 page – then you can see the difference.
Thank you so much! I appreciate your response. God bless you more!
Hi Liz,
Thank you very much for all the materials and lessons. I recently gave Computer-delivered IELTS, and I felt Writing section was comfortable for me to type instead of writing on paper. In fact, I also had enough time to recheck after I completed the essay. However, I only scored a 6. Earlier, I scored a 7 when I gave paper-based IELTS, this time I felt I did much better than the last time. My essay question was “Some parents think that children should limit the time spent on TV and Computer games instead, spend time on useful things like Reading”. My response was that I agree and I wrote the disadvantages of watching TV and playing Computer games. I doubt that since I did not talk about ‘Reading’, I got a low score. Could I be right, is it essential to address examples also in the essay question?
If you decided to miss out half of the essay question by ignoring the topic of reading, it will seriously impact your score. Your task is to address ALL issues presented. Sometimes there is only one and something there are two. Your actual opinion is “I agree that reading is better than watching TV or playing computer games – that is your FULL opinion. Your whole essay will explain your FULL opinion.
Examples can be provided in many different ways – they do not need to start with “for example”, they do not need to have statistics, but can instead just illustrate an idea. Having just one is fine. See my model essays and see what information I have included.
Thank you very much Liz.
Dear Liz,
Keep up the great work
one quick question for you- in advantage/disadvantage or agree/ disagree essay, can we write our opinion on both sides, like para 1 for agree and para 2 for disagree, even though we agree on one?
If someone asks you if you like white or black – what are your choices?
I like white not black
I like black not white
I like black for clothing, but white for wall paint
The first two are one sided opinions.
Hi Liz! Is there a maximum limit to the number of words? I can’t seem to make my essays any shorter than 350-375 words?
There is no upper limit. However, it is recommended to write under 300 words. Your essay will be marked down if there is any unnecessary information or if it lacks focus. Any additional information that is not vital to your aims will lower your score. Also you are marked down on the density of errors. A long essay will offer more errors and will lower your score. You should be aiming for accuracy, not length. Purchase my Advanced Lessons to learn how to write the essay properly: https://elizabethferguson.podia.com/
thanks a lot i am happy with your explanation
Hi Liz,
I want to know if I have to fill the entire pages to meet 250 words.
See this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-answer-sheet-writing/
In our increasingly over populated world, where the current population is almost as twice as the earth’s optimally sustainable population of 4 billion, according to World Health Organisation, apartment blocks are the way of future human accommodations. Many people in cities choose to live in huge apartment blocks as it is the most viable, if not the only, choice for them. This can be considered the perfect solution to many problems faced by our modern world. Main bases for my views are environmental and personal convenience.
From an environmental point of view, people opting to live in apartments over individual houses can serve a crucial purpose. If more people decide to live in their own houses, more land has to be cleared and more trees have to be cut down. Consequently, this decision has the potential to overload an already disrupted balance of nature by eventually contributing to global warming and climate changes.
When individual convenience is considered, shared and hence affordable amenities add to the appeal of apartment life. Living in an apartment where most of the amenities, such as swimming pool, gymnesium etc , are share shared between multiple occupants, even medium income families get a chance to enjoy and benefit. Moreover children who are bought up in an apartment tend to be much more sociable, empathetic towards others and possess critical people skills than children, who grew up in their own house with no or very few neighbours and friends.
In conclusion, even though apartment live does have its occasional demerits, such as lack of personal space, in my opinion, these are far outweighed by the numerous merits to individual families as well as mother nature. All things considered, apartment living can be considered a viable, if not the best, solution to the problem of accommodating the growing population in cities all around the globe.
END
Question: Here i have focused on advantages and almost no disadvantage. I assume thats ok as the question doesn’t specifically as to discuss both. I have written an essay about the side which I think is more.
Your answer is too overwhelming! Limit your ideas.
Amazing essay. Well written. I would easily give you a 8 on 10
HI Liz,
Sorry but previously you adviced NOT to give a personal opinion in an “Adv. and Disadv. Essay”, however at the 5th essey you wrote “In my opinion..” even if the question did not ask for it.
This is NOT an Adv & Disadv Essay. It is an Adv outweigh Disadv Essay which requires an opinion. They are not the same. One requires no opinion and the other MUST have an opinion. See my Advanced Writing Task 2 Lessons to learn: https://elizabethferguson.podia.com/
Hi liz are my topics ok? (i totally disagree)
BP1: – people should take into consideration technical characteristics and their needs first
– some services or products are too important to take in consideration their price ( medical healthcare and medicines )
BP2: – Price is often misleading (often products that cost less work better than much more expensive ones)
– If you buy cheap products, in the lung run you usually tend to spend more than buying an expensive good right away. ( because you might have to repair it or change parts)
Thanks, Liz it was such a great essay. I truly appreciate your way of explaining.
Hi Liz thanks alot for your efforts. Ill be giving exam on sat 12th may. You sent an email regarding spaking topics from may to aug. I would like to know if there are any essay topics from may to aug that i can prepare ??
Writing does not work in the same way as speaking. The topics will change for each test. So, follow recent topics and common topics to prepare – that’s all you can do.
Thanks loads Liz..Take care
Hi Liz! Thanks for your advance lessons, they are hugely helpful for us.
I m so puzzled for this thesis statement. please could you say if it is correct for a balance view ( opinin essay)?
Topic High schools should allow students to study the courses that students want. Do you agree or disagree?
ths: In my opinion,students ought to be encouraged to pick and choose what they like the most as it drives them to develop their inner potential and learning, but they cannot do it without consulting with their teachers,or parents .
Yes, it’s fine. But make sure you fully develop your final point in the body paragraphs that students need guidance.
Hello Liz,
I am totally confused, because my english teacher, who is an IELTS expert, says that I can not use personal pronouns as I am writing an academic essay, but I have read a lot of 9.0 band essays and lots of advices from other experts from internet that I actually HAVE to write in subjective form. Would you mind telling me if I should use personal pronouns or not and why?
If the instructions ask for YOUR opinion, you must give YOUR own personal opinion which means using “I” or “my”. It is essential that you fulfill those requirements – it is part of the marking criteria. See all tips on this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-2/ – two links relate to giving your own personal opinion in an essay.
…which can result in a build-up of tension
You missed the ‘in’ and most literature would have it as build-up or even buildup.
Questions:
Would either of the above errors negate a 9.0 score?
Is there any bearing on the validity of the opinions expressed as such a passionate and strong opinion on this matter is highly subjective.
For any able writer, such provocative questions as these easily merit a short dissertation of several 1000 words in length. I guess a short and therefore, poorly justified response is all we have time for with these questions?
Mind spoken!
For writing, it is fine to make a mistake like that and still get band 9. I have native speaker band 9 English and if there are “slip” which means “typos” it’s fine. See the band score descriptors: https://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/sites/default/files/IELTS_task_2_Writing_band_descriptors.pdf. The IELTS writing test is timed to allow you to write about 190 words in task 1 and about 290 words in task 2. A lengthy essay does not increase your score. Aim to fulfil the requires of the band scores instead and produce excellent English.
Hii lizz
I tried a completely agree approach to essay question 1- some people consider price before buying a product or service, and I just want to know whether my selection of points for agreeing correct or not.
Intro-completely agree
BP1-When people consider price before purchasing something, companies will be forced to reduce their prices in order to achieve more sale.
BP2-Saving money by choosing cheap products will improve saving habit of people.
CONCLUSION
PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHETHER MY TASK RESPONSE IS CORRECT OR NOT.
THANK YOU
This is slightly off topic. It is not about the consequences of people thinking of price first. It is about if you think they do think or price first – this means you explain why they think of price first. If you full agree, then you must explain why people think of price before buying. If someone buys an expensive item without thinking of the cost, it is not because they are trying to influence company policies – that is not the motivation. Think more carefully. Why do you think people purchase items without considering cost.
I just made an essay on this topic too and found it slightly complicated. I decided to disagree. My first body paragraph was about the need of considering product quality, and the second body paragraph was safety. I guess it didn’t answer the question but I don’t know what to write for disagree stance. I do hope you respond to my comment. Thanks
I’m not sure why you would choose to disagree. Agree = you think price is the most important factor to consider. Disagree – you think price is the least important factor to consider before buying a product.
To be honest, I don’t think there are many people in the world who think price is the least important factor. Most people rank price quite high in things to consider before buying.
A partial agreement = price is important, but not the most important thing because there are other factors such as X and Y. In this, you must explain about price, factor X and factor Y. If you ignore price completely, you have failed to address the task and will get a low score for task response.
I hope this helps. I highly recommend you get my Advanced Lessons to learn more about the right techniques: https://elizabethferguson.podia.com/
Hi Liz,
Hope you are doing well.
I know you are taking a break from IELTS lessons but just in case you can answer this question or maybe some students want to comment on this:
Many of the opinion essays ask “to what extent do you agree or disagree”
In these cases, do we have to state how much we agree or disagree (i.e. Moderately, slightly, strongly, etc)??
Could this question be used to elaborate a balanced opinion essay??
For instance, in your advanced writing classes there is model essay about free-fee higher education. Thus, the thesis statement could be: “I moderately disagree with free university education to everybody but I consider that some scholarships have to be offered to certain students”
Thanks in advance and my apologies for taking your time.
This is not a question about IELTS. This is a question about English language. It’s your choice how you express your opinion. The examiner wants to see a clear opinion and good language.
Thank you.
Thus, phrase “to what extent” does not obligate us to use any adverb indicating the degree of agreement or disagreement??
No more further questions….. I promise
There are no rules in the examiner’s book that say you must use certain words in your test. The examiner is looking for a clear opinion, not particular words.
Got it. Thank you…. Hope you the best
Hi Liz
Hope you are well.
Could you please tell me the maximum reach of words in essay. I think it should be in between 250 – 280. Please correct me if I’m wrong.
Thanks for your help.
There is no maximum word count for IELTS writing. But there are recommendations: https://ieltsliz.com/how-many-words-ielts-writing/. Then review all tips and lessons on this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-2/
Hi dear Liz.
You’re really gifted and generous . Your character is appreciated.
I think so . 👍💖
Dear liz
I have a chance to purchase your advanced lessons .
But In the first essay you didn’t go by the frame you put for the opinion essay.nevertheless it is brilliant.thanks
Thanks liZ.am Josna from India. Thank you for you valuable advices.
Mam;
I am really a big fan of you .
Just done with my speaking part.It was fine. I have been thinking. The latter essay you have discussed.you have used fire risk three times in Introduction,body paragraph and conclusion.Isnot it repitetion?
Some words will be repeated. Don’t over paraphrase. You need to show the skill or paraphrasing – this doesn’t mean changing all words, all the time.
Thank you Liz for your helpful lessons. I took the academic IELS exam on 20th of January 2018.The topic for writing task 2 was: some people believe that governments are responsible for transporting children during study at school, some others believe that this is parents’ responsibility. give your opinion and support your essay with relevant examples and give reason for your answer.
Thanks a lot, dear Liz! Your site was so helpful!
I took my IELTS on 3 February. Question for writing task 2 was: ”More and more people today want to get things (food, service, news) instantly, without waiting.
Why does it happen?
Do you think it is good or bad development?”
Topics in Speaking were: 1 part: Your current job, Animals (Zoos, favorite wild animal, pets, education about animals), 2 part: Describe Visitors come to your home, 3 part: about visitors generally, hospitality, staying in a hotel vs at home, etc.
Thanks a lot Liz for all your assistance and motivating to Test Taker. You are awasome
Essay Question 2
She wrote 5 paragraphs is that possible?
many thanks in advance🙂
Yes, of course it’s fine. See this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-2/
Hey Liz, I finally took IELTs on the 13th of January. I followed all your steps and advice. Been doing Ielts so many times without success, but finally I did pass. Got over 7 in each band. My main problem was writting. Thank you so much
Well done – I’m so glad you finally got the score you needed 🙂
Dear Liz, This may be off topic but is it compulsory to add a heading to your formal letter in writing task 1
There is no heading needed. Just start “Dear …” or whatever opening is required.
Hi Liz,
I have a confusion regarding the large apartment blocks meaning…does it only mean high rise building with less space? Or can they also be referred to as spacious multi storyed flats?? Like a large accommodation per floor??
Also can n e one suggest the answers for 6 the Jan GT lisening part?? Especially 27-30
This has been answered before. Please read all comments on various pages.
Hello Liz..
In speaking part 2 if i have to talk about an art i like then will it be okay to talk about 3 different art i like from past, present and the art i could like in future or do i have to talk about only an art as the question is ‘an art you like’. I am very much confused. My test will be within 2 weeks so could you please help me?
It’s fine.
What types of methods company try to increase their sale.
In 13 January 2018 task 2 essay.
1. marketing 2. sales training 3. discounts
Thank you so much for all your lessons and practice tests. I have learned a lot and hope to do well in my forthcoming academic test on Saturday and speaking on the next day.
Good luck! 🙂
Hi Liz,
The question is regarding ‘Advantages and Disadvantages’ category. From your blog, I learned this type of question doesn’t require to provide our opinion in Introduction paragraph but I noticed ‘In my opinion’ sentence in model answer essay 2 provided by you. Can you please provide a clear answer of whether we need to write our opinion or it doesn’t require to this kind of essays?
TIA!
Did you see it in a “adv AND disadv” essay? I think not. You saw it in an “outweigh” essay or a “are advs more than disadvs” essay which are different and require an opinion. There are two kinds of adv/disadv essay. See this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-2/
Thank you Liz,
The page I referred is ‘when should i provide my opinion’. Under this there are some guess essay questions, and I found for the essay ‘What are the adv and disadv to this?’ and the answer is ‘Not to provide my opinion’ and my understanding was the essay 2 is a similar kind of question and thought ‘my opinion’ is not required. Though there is still some confusion. Can you guide me on this. I have my IELTS exam on 20th of this month and working hardly on the preparation. TIA!
I do not understand you question. Can you write it again more clearly?
Hi Liz,
I got a clear understanding after looking at the formats.
‘adv and disadv’ – no opinion requires
‘are adv more than disadv’ – requires an opinion.
Thank you for the clarification and your blog is very helpful for the preparation.
Thank you!
You got it !! 🙂
Dear Liz,
First of all, I need to thank you for keeping such an organised and useful website. I have been preparing to take the IELTS exam and your website is the best.
I have a question related to the use of inversions in Task 2.
When I took the CPE exam, I was told to use at least one inversion and I would like to know if it’s ok to use it on IELTS too.
On my essays, I normally write something like this “Not only are people more worried about saving money, but they are also more aware of the need of consuming less.”. Does it sound too formal?
Thank you very much.
Why are you asking if it is too formal? The IELTS writing test is formal.
Thanks for your answer, Liz.
I asked you if it’s too formal because I don’t normally see inversions in any model answers (here or in IELTS textbooks), even though they are very natural for me to use.
🙂
It’s fine. There are no set rules for what you can and can’t use. IELTS has not issued those instructions. So, use a range of sentences structures and grammar tenses.
Thank you! 🙂
I appreciate it!
Hello Liz and thanks for your continue guidance
Doubt about essay No. 2:
Wondering if it is correct to just mention in the introduction the minor advantage of large flat blocks (cheaper) and, then, write 2 to 3 body paragraphs supporting disadvantages.
Regards
I don’t understand your question. It’s fine to present a specific view / a partial agreement. You are not marked on the opinion you choose. You are marked on how you present and support it. You don’t get a higher score because you choose one side.
Thanks Liz,
Sorry for not being that clear in my concern.
Please let me give you a better explanation.
In the essay example No.2 you chose that there are more disadvantages of living in large buildings, but anyway you used 1st BP to explain the minor advange you mentioned in the introduction (cheaper dwellings). My question is whether it is recommended to spend one paragraph in the advantage (i.e. unchosen option) even though you expressed your choice for disadvantages.
When it asks “more than” or “outweigh” you need to show that one is more than the other. Both are tackled. If it asks you “positive or negative”, you can choose just one.
Hey Liz thanks for your help.
I essays that ask for the problems and solutions, can you mention an advantage. For example.
question: There are many problems faced by people living in the city
What are these problems and do you think the government can help.
Answer:.first Bp…Despite the benefits of living in the city, such as affordability and easy access to amenities, they do not surpass the problems. One of the problems encountered is congestion….
Can you start the first Bp as above.
Do not mention advantages – it’s irrelevant to the task.
Thank you liz for such a great job
But i would like to ask about a phrase in your first essay.
Is it correct to say ” in such a case” or ” in such case”?
Thanks for your reply
You can say “in such a case” when referring to one. Or “in such cases” referring in general.
Liz , u r a great help..thanks for being so helpful.
A QUESTION
You quoted example of GRENFEL TOWER ,it makes me curious to know that is it really necessary that examples should be based on facts and true events or examples can be created and crafted?
I often don’t use examples at all because I can’t actually think of relevant examples. So, it’s fine not to use examples. It is also fine that you do not use statistics. You will see that most of my model essays do not actually present data – you don’t get more points because of facts or data. There is no reason to invent data because there is no reason to use data at all.
You are so great Liz, how can you give replies to so many comments. You are superhuman I think
Unfortunately, with 14 thousand comment not answered, I’m far from being superhuman 😉 I wish I was 🙂
In this world, only the Unexpected happens. It is proved beyond doubt now after you replied to my comment. I was not even expecting 1% that you would reply. It really surprised me and I am very very happy also. How on earth I wont be happy if a busy person (almost a celebrity) like you replies to me. I think for the 14000 comments, you require some help. Nowadays, we have these bots answering FAQs or you can give access to someone who you trust to answer some questions for you. Thank you Liz for each and every page of your website and blog. They are very very helpful. I have a test on June 30, eagerly waiting for that. Hope I will do my best and get good score.
There is no one else to answer these questions – that is the reason you all come and ask me. If it was easy to find someone who can explain, you would not come to my website. So, there is no one who can help me answer your questions because few teachers understand IELTS. Your FAQ are listed on this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-help-faq/ – over 130 FAQs answered. Good luck on the 30th – see this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-exam-tips-on-the-day/
My goodness,☺you surprised me again. I have seen almost everything on your website. It’s been a while now I have been in touch with your website. Regards help, Ya I can understand. All I can do now is only wish you lots of strength and lots of good health. Keep up the great work.. thank you so much…
Hello Liz, thank you so much for your time. My question is, is the essay question asking us to agree/disagree if price of product is more important that service rendered? I’m alityle confused with your approach as regards the balanced view essay
It does not ask if prices is more important than service. It asks: Do you think people should consider price before they buy an item or buy a service. Make sure you don’t misread the question.
Hi Liz,
Please discuss the essay,
An unusual meal
This is not an IELTS essay question. That is a speaking part 2 question.
Liz you are simply the best.
I am a little bit confused about the first essay. Since you discussed about the two sides of the question, please how will the examiner know your opinion.
Please assist me since I will be relying on your model.
This is called a partial agreement or balanced view. You should not use this approach unless you have been trained.
The second essay was the one i got in the test 8 months back. I got confused regarding its presentation- body paragraphs. I was not able to completely remind the essay question and was not able to put a query after I joined your website. Thanks you Liz for providing a model for this essay
Dear Liz
noticeable and smart model answers that put us in the examatmosphere and reduce our tension and enhance our spirits for entering the exam.
with regards Qasim
Hi,
Thank you for your great help.
For essay question 2:
Please, Is this type of essays (adv/disadv) considered from non-opinion type ?
why you say in my opinion expression, i’m very confused about this point….
Thanks
There are two types of adv/disadv essay. One requires an opinion and one does not.
hey Liz , thank you for your help.
I have a question though? Is it a requirement to write …..this essay will discuss..instead of saying in my opinion…for example
Many city dwellers are nowadays living in apartment blocks. This is convenient mostly for low income earners. However, such accommodation is unfavorable for families and children. This essay will discuss the benefits of living in city apartments, but why it is more unfavorable. (here the ..”.but why it is more unfavorable”…gives my opinion of disadvantages being more than advantages )
It is definitely not required to write “this essay will …”. I never use it. If your opinion is required, give it directly. “this essay will…” does not present your opinion and furthermore only restates the instructions which the examiner knows.
Okay. Thank you…
So, I don’t have to write this essay will discuss…in any of the essays regardless of the task?…in addition, can I write my opinion in the conclusion instead of in the introduction?
See all my model essays: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-2/
Hi Liz
There are IELTS expert using “this essay will…..” to give his opinion.I can share with you the reference link over your email because i cannot paste in the comment box
It creates confusion when 2 IELTS experts contradicts each other!
That is correct. It is confusing. Different teachers will tell you different things because each teacher has their own techniques and methods. If the instructions ask for YOUR opinion, writing “this essay will …” does not show your opinion. This means it can’t be used as a thesis statement presenting an opinion. As for using it as a third statement in the introduction – it is not actually required by IELTS to write “this essay will…”. Using “this essay will …” is a suggestion that some IELTS teachers give. You need to distinguish between an IELTS band score requirement and a suggestion. It is a sentence that will not lower your score and will increase your score because it isn’t a requirement.
Thank you soo much for your support and knowledge share. These things are really helpful.
Hi mam,
If i am not wrong ur answer to agree disagree type has been written as balanced approach.
Is it fine I equally explain both side or i need to write taking one side more?
A balanced view for an opinion essay must show a specific view point with a quantified opinion. At no time can you sit on the fence.
Thank you so much for all support. I followed all your tips for task 2 .Iam so pleased to say that I got 7 bands in all modules
Well done getting band 7 🙂
Hi Liz
Thank you so much for sharing your wealth of knowledge with us. It is greatly appreciated. In regards to the first essay, in conclusion, you have said- People should deliberate carefully before spending… I am a bit confused with the word deliberate, does not it mean something carefully weighed or considered for example a deliberate action.
Regards
Deliberate is both a verb and an adjective. Your sentence uses it as an adjective and in my sentence is a verb “to deliberate” = to consider / to weigh up.
thanks alot mam…..for guidance
That “Apartment Essay” was the real IELTS question of 6th January 2018 form IDP. My friend appeared on that question.
Hi Liz
In second question ,does high rise apartments have more advantages or more disadvantages?Can I write about advantages only?
Or can I say that disadvantages exceed advantages because it can cause certain problems?
If you think it has more advantages, you also believe it has less disadvantages.
Hi Liz,
In answer number 2, I see a word “Urban Populations”, isn’t it Urban population? Just like hair , not hairs?
Please advise.
Thank you.
Venu
It is possible to refer to the urban populations (populations of various cities around the world). Some uncountable nouns can be used in plural forms: foods, cheeses etc. It is not something I recommend using unless you have been taught.
Hi Liz,
Thanks for sharing the above model answers. Could you please check the below agree and disagree opinions in the thesis statement ? Is there any change/correction require?
Topic:
It has been 40 years since man first landed on the moon. Some people think that space research is a waste of money.
Agreement thesis:
While some people consider that putting a man on the moon was a huge achievement that still inspires and interests people today, others believe that sending a man to moon has not changed most people’s lives. In my opinion, I agree that governments have wasted a lot of money that could have been spent on public services.
Disagreement thesis:
It is considered that sending a man to the moon has not changed most people’s lives, others believe that putting a man on the moon was a huge achievement that still inspires and interests people today. In my opinion, I disagree that space research is a waste of money, as it showed us that we can achieve anything we put our minds to.
Thanks,
Vimal
Be careful changing the essay question. This is not about landing on the moon being interesting or inspiring – it is about landing on the moon due to space research and development. If you think space research is useful, your main points will be about the development of advanced technology and acquiring knowledge.
Hi Liz,
Thanks, got your point and corrected. Let me know if this would be fine.
Agreement thesis:
While some people consider that exploring space for the development of advanced technology and gaining knowledge is a huge achievement, others believe that it is waste of money as it does not improve most people’s lives. In my opinion, I agree that governments have wasted a lot of money that could have been spent on public services.
Disagreement thesis:
It is considered that space exploration has not enhanced most people’s lives, others believe that it is needed for advanced developments. In my opinion, I disagree that the space research is a waste of money, as it provides and develops advanced technology and knowledge with respect to other planets.
Again, the essay question doesn’t actually refer to technology or knowledge. You are confusing your background and your thesis. The background is a paraphrase of the essay question – do not alter the meaning and do not add extra information. Just paraphrase it. Then use your ideas to help you present your thesis.
wow! you are kind and awesome for taking time to respond with patience.
Hi Liz,
May be I am thinking too much on this and making mistakes. Thanks for your suggestions. I have corrected the background statement. Can you please check if this is appropriate ?
Background statement and agreement thesis:
Some people consider that money spent on exploring space is a waste. In my opinion, I agree that governments have wasted a lot of money on space exploration, such as sending man to the moon, that could have been spent on public services.
Background statement and disagreement thesis:
Some people consider that money spent of exploring space is a waste. In my opinion, I disagree that space exploration is a waste of money, as it develops advanced technology and help in gaining knowledge on other planets.
Thanks,
Vimal
Now you got it !!! 🙂
Thank you Liz 🙂
Hello …
Thanks a lot for your effort Liz
I have an enquiry … can i write a question sentence in the introduction to hook the reader attention to the topic . ex..
It is thought by some people that the price of goods and services has a role in their decision for purchasing. Does the price reflect the necessity of buying something or service?. I do believe that people need to censor the cost before they buy anything.
Is this acceptable or not preferable ??
my exam will be in a week
Thanks a lot . Your videos are very helpful . They are amazing . Now, I know why most of candidates lose their score of writing task 2 , but do you have videos for writing task 1???
I don’t have advanced lessons for writing task 1 yet, but there are plenty of tips on this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-1-lessons-and-tips/
Do we have to agree and disagree at the same time? In the two answers above, you talk about advantages and disadvantages altogether. I thought we need to choose one of the two
I presented a specific view point which is quantified. Some teachers call this a partial agreement and others a balanced view.