Opinion essays are a popular topic in the IELTS writing tests. Students must take a side on the issue, or their position will be considered unclear and neutral. Therefore, students must prepare well before they step into the exam room. Some topics may not come up frequently, but they are helpful to practice at least once in your life to use when the time comes.
While preparing for the IELTS writing test, you should regularly practice various topics that have come up in the exam in the past, as IELTS reuses common and popular subjects. Opinion essays are one such topic. The best part about learning how to craft an opinion essay is that you can apply these tips to a wide variety of issues as long as the structure is that of an opinion-based essay.
It can be challenging if you are unfamiliar with writing an opinion essay. The following advice must be remembered to create an opinion essay that receives a high band score because opinion essays are requested in various ways.
IELTS Opinion Essay Structure
The organisation and format of various essays on the IELTS exam are alike. A brief overview of the structure of an article expressing a viewpoint is provided below.
Introduction
This section introduces your essay and is meant to grab the reader's attention. It should be brief, with only three to four lines. The opening paragraph should restate the prompt, clearly state your opinion in the thesis statement, and provide a general overview of the points you will discuss in the essay to support your stance.
Additionally, it is essential to mention two reasons that support your position to give the reader an idea of what to expect in the rest of the essay.
Paragraph
The first paragraph should elaborate on the first reason mentioned in the introduction. Provide detailed explanations and supporting evidence to strengthen your argument. Use examples that are relevant to your topic and demonstrate your point. Ensure you end the paragraph with a firm conclusion reiterating your first reason's importance.
Similarly, in the second paragraph, delve into the second reason outlined in the introduction. Offer further explanations and additional evidence to support your viewpoint. Expand on the idea to make it more apparent to the reader. If you cannot think of an example, you can still use this opportunity to elaborate further on the idea to make it stronger. Like the first paragraph, ensure that the second paragraph ends with a firm conclusion summarising the discussed vital points.
Conclusion
In conclusion, summarise the key points of your essay. Restate your stance and briefly summarise the reasons you gave supporting your opinion. Emphasise the significance of your arguments and the relevance of your opinion to the topic. End the essay on a solid note by making a final statement summarising your essay's main idea.
Remembering that the conclusion should be brief and not introduce new ideas or information is important. In an opinion essay, the decision should leave a lasting impression on the reader by reiterating the importance of your viewpoint.
Tips to Write IELTS Opinion Essay
Read the Prompt
It is essential to properly read the essay question and comprehend the assignment before writing. This will assist you in determining the subject and style of the essay you are required to produce, as well as the precise guidelines and specifications for the assignment.
The assignment's prompt should outline the core idea, the critical points you must support it with, and the format and structure you must use. Reading the prompt, you can better understand your position and what you need to write about. Before you begin writing your essay, take the time to carefully read the question and make sure you understand all the instructions.
Plan
Once you have carefully read the prompt, the next step is to plan your essay. This involves deciding your stance on the topic and brainstorming ideas that support it. When determining your view, consider your personal beliefs, experiences, and knowledge of the subject. Choosing a stance you can strongly argue and support with evidence is essential.
Brainstorming is the process of generating ideas to support your stance. This can involve listing your ideas, creating an outline, or creating a mind map to organise your thoughts visually. Consider what evidence, examples, and reasons you can use to support your viewpoint. Ensure the ideas you choose are relevant to the topic and align with the instructions outlined in the prompt.
Introduction
The introduction is the first impression the reader will have of your essay, so it is essential to make it compelling and engaging. Start with a sentence or phrase that captures the reader's attention and makes them want to read more. This can be a question, a quote, a surprising fact or statistic, or an interesting observation related to the topic.
After grabbing the reader's attention, clearly state your opinion. This is your thesis statement, and it should be clear, concise, and direct. The thesis statement should convey your stance on the topic and the main points you will discuss in the essay. This will provide the reader with an overview of the structure and content of your essay and give them a clear understanding of what they can expect in the rest of the essay.
Body Paragraphs
In the body paragraphs, you develop your ideas and support your thesis statement. The essay's body should consist of 2-3 sections, each dedicated to a specific idea or reason supporting your opinion.
In each body paragraph, start by introducing the idea or reason you will discuss and then provide supporting evidence to back it up. Use specific examples, facts, and details to illustrate your points and to make your arguments more convincing. Ensure that your evidence is relevant to the topic and supports your viewpoint.
Counterargument
Including a counterargument in your opinion essay can strengthen your argument by showing that you have considered alternative perspectives and have thought critically about the topic. Addressing the opposing viewpoint demonstrates that you are open-minded and not simply trying to push a one-sided argument.
When addressing the opposing viewpoint, acknowledge its validity and give it fair and balanced consideration. Explain why the opposing viewpoint is wrong or not as strong as yours. Be respectful and avoid personal attacks or insults.
Conclusion
The conclusion of your essay is where you summarise your main points and restate your opinion. The decision should provide a sense of closure for the reader and leave a lasting impression.
Start by briefly restating your thesis statement, reminding the reader of your opinion and the main ideas you discussed in the essay's body. Then, summarise your main points, including your supporting evidence and arguments. Do not introduce any new information or arguments in the conclusion.
Vocabulary
Using varied and appropriate terminology is essential to writing effectively in the IELTS exam. Using vocabulary demonstrates your language proficiency and shows you have a good command of the English language.
Using synonyms is a great way to expand your vocabulary and express your ideas more effectively. For example, instead of repeating the same word several times, you can use synonyms to add variety and make your writing more engaging.
Grammar and Coherence
Grammar and coherence are essential elements of paper effectively in the IELTS exam. A well-constructed essay with good grammar and coherence makes it easier for the reader to follow your ideas and understand your argument.
To ensure good grammar, it is essential to use correct sentence structure, verb tense, and subject-verb agreement. Avoid using incorrect verb tense or sentence structure, as this can make your writing easier to understand and can negatively impact your score.
Coherence refers to how your ideas are connected and flow together. Your essay should be easy to follow and should have a logical structure. To ensure coherence, you can use transitional words and phrases to link your ideas together, such as "furthermore," "in addition," "however," etc.
Edit
Proofreading and editing are essential steps in the writing process and are crucial for writing opinion essays effectively in the IELTS exam. Proofreading helps you identify and correct any mistakes in your writing, ensuring your essay is polished and professional.
When proofreading, focus on checking for mistakes in grammar, vocabulary, and coherence. Ensure that your sentences are well-constructed and that your essay is easy to follow. Check for spelling, punctuation, and verb tense errors, and ensure that your ideas are logically connected and flow together.
