The agree/disagree essay (also called “opinion essay”) is the most common IELTS Writing Task 2 question type. You’ll be given a statement and asked whether you agree or disagree with it.
This guide covers everything you need: how to identify this question type, a proven structure template, sample essays at Band 6, 7, 8, and 9 with annotations, essential vocabulary, common mistakes to avoid, and practice prompts to sharpen your skills.
Table of Contents
What Is an Agree/Disagree Essay?
An agree/disagree essay presents a statement or claim. Your task is to:
- State your position — Do you agree, disagree, or partially agree?
- Support your position — Give reasons and examples
This question type tests your ability to form and defend an opinion clearly. It appears in roughly 25-30% of IELTS Writing Task 2 exams.
How to Identify This Question Type
Look for these phrases:
- “To what extent do you agree or disagree?”
- “Do you agree or disagree?”
- “What is your opinion?”
- “Do you think this is a positive or negative development?”
Example prompt:
Some people believe that children should not be given homework every day. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
“Agree or Disagree” vs. “To What Extent”
These two phrasings allow different approaches:
| Question Phrasing | What It Allows |
|---|---|
| “Do you agree or disagree?” | Full agreement OR full disagreement |
| “To what extent do you agree or disagree?” | Full agreement, full disagreement, OR partial agreement |
Important: “To what extent” explicitly invites nuance. You can say “I largely agree but…” or “I agree to a certain extent.” This isn’t sitting on the fence—it’s showing sophisticated thinking.
The 3 Ways to Answer
You have three valid approaches for agree/disagree essays:
1. Full Agreement
You completely agree with the statement. Both body paragraphs support your position.
Best when: The statement is clearly true or you have strong supporting arguments.
Example thesis: “I completely agree that daily homework places unnecessary burden on students.”
2. Full Disagreement
You completely disagree with the statement. Both body paragraphs argue against it.
Best when: The statement is clearly flawed or you can strongly argue the opposite.
Example thesis: “I strongly disagree with the view that homework should be eliminated.”
3. Partial Agreement (For “To What Extent” Questions)
You agree with some aspects but not others. One body paragraph supports the statement; one presents limitations or exceptions.
Best when: The question asks “to what extent” AND the issue genuinely has multiple valid perspectives.
Example thesis: “While I agree that excessive homework can harm students, I believe moderate daily assignments remain valuable.”
Pro tip: Partial agreement shows nuanced thinking, but your overall position must be clear. Don’t say “there are both advantages and disadvantages”—that’s a different essay type entirely.
Essay Structure Template
Use this 4-paragraph structure for every agree/disagree essay:
Introduction (2-3 sentences)
- Paraphrase the statement in your own words
- State your position clearly
Template (Full Agreement/Disagreement):
[Paraphrase the topic]. I [completely/strongly] [agree/disagree] with this view because [brief preview of reasons].
Template (Partial Agreement):
[Paraphrase the topic]. While I agree that [concession], I believe [your main position].
Body Paragraph 1 (4-5 sentences)
- Topic sentence stating your first reason
- Explanation of why this reason matters
- Specific example or evidence
- Link back to your main argument
Body Paragraph 2 (4-5 sentences)
- Topic sentence stating your second reason
- Explanation of why this reason matters
- Specific example or evidence
- Link back to your main argument
For Partial Agreement: Body 1 = what you agree with; Body 2 = your reservations or exceptions
Conclusion (2 sentences)
- Restate your position in different words
- Summarize your main reasons briefly
Template:
In conclusion, I [agree/disagree] that [topic] because [summary of reasons].
Step-by-Step Writing Process (40 Minutes)
Here’s how to allocate your time:
| Phase | Time | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Planning | 5 min | Read question, decide position, brainstorm 2 reasons with examples |
| Introduction | 5 min | Paraphrase topic, state thesis |
| Body Paragraph 1 | 10 min | Topic sentence, explain, example, link |
| Body Paragraph 2 | 10 min | Topic sentence, explain, example, link |
| Conclusion | 5 min | Restate position, summarize |
| Proofreading | 5 min | Check grammar, spelling, word count |
Word count target: 270-300 words. This gives you room to develop ideas without rushing.
Planning Template (5 Minutes)
Before writing, fill in this quick template:
Position: Agree / Disagree / Partially Agree Reason 1: ________________ Example: ________________ Reason 2: ________________ Example: ________________
Sample Essays at Every Band Level
Prompt:
It is now possible to order almost any item over the Internet and have it delivered to one’s home. Some people say this is making people lazy, impatient, and prone to making unnecessary purchases. Do you agree?
The following four essays respond to the same prompt. Reading them in order—from Band 6 to Band 9—shows how improvements in vocabulary, development, and structure lead to higher scores.
Band 6 Sample Essay
Nowadays people can buy almost anything on the internet and have it delivered to their home. Some people say this makes people lazy, impatient, and they buy things they do not need. I disagree with this opinion.
First, online shopping does not make people lazy. When you shop online, you still need to search for products on different websites. You also need to compare prices and read about the products. This takes time and thinking. So shopping online is not lazy.
Second, online shopping needs patience because you have to wait for delivery. When you buy in a shop, you can take the item home immediately. But online shoppers must wait many days. This teaches patience, not impatience.
Third, people can make better decisions online. They can read reviews from other customers and compare many products. This helps them buy only what they really need.
In conclusion, I disagree that online shopping makes people lazy or impatient. I think it actually helps people be more patient and make better choices when they buy things.
Word count: 182 words | Band score: 6
Why This Is Band 6:
- Below minimum word count (250 required)—this alone limits the score
- Limited vocabulary (“many,” “things,” “good,” “need”)
- Simple sentence structures throughout
- Ideas present but underdeveloped—no specific examples
- Repetitive phrasing (“online shopping,” “I disagree”)
Band 7 Sample Essay
These days, it is possible to order almost any product online and have it delivered directly to your home. Some people believe this convenience makes consumers lazy, impatient, and more likely to make unnecessary purchases. However, I disagree with this view for the following reasons.
Firstly, online shopping actually requires patience rather than encouraging impatience. Unlike shopping in physical stores where customers can take items home immediately, online shoppers must wait for their orders to be delivered. This waiting period, which can range from several days to weeks for international orders, means that online consumers need to plan ahead and delay their gratification. This is clearly the opposite of impatient behavior.
Secondly, the claim that online shopping promotes laziness is not accurate. Searching for products online requires active effort and engagement. Consumers must browse multiple websites, compare prices, and read product descriptions carefully before making a purchase. This process of research and comparison is mentally engaging rather than passive or lazy.
Finally, online shopping often leads to more thoughtful purchasing decisions rather than unnecessary ones. Consumers have easy access to customer reviews and product ratings, which help them evaluate whether an item is truly worth buying. Many people specifically use online platforms to find the best deals and avoid the impulse purchases that might happen in physical stores.
In conclusion, I disagree that online shopping makes people lazy, impatient, or prone to unnecessary purchases. Instead, it encourages patience, active research, and more informed buying decisions.
Word count: 254 words | Band score: 7
Why This Is Band 7 (Not 8):
- Meets word count but ideas could be more developed
- Adequate vocabulary but lacks sophistication (“not accurate,” “active effort”)
- Some complex sentences but limited variety
- General statements without specific examples
- Conclusion summarizes but doesn’t synthesize
Band 8 Sample Essay
The rise of online shopping has fundamentally transformed how consumers purchase goods, with almost any item now available for home delivery at the click of a button. While some argue that this convenience promotes laziness, impatience, and impulsive spending, I strongly disagree with this characterization.
First, online shopping cultivates patience rather than undermining it. Traditional retail offers instant gratification—customers select an item and take it home immediately. Online shoppers, by contrast, must wait for delivery, often several days or even weeks for international orders. Someone purchasing a birthday gift online, for example, must anticipate delivery times and plan accordingly. This requirement for forward planning is fundamentally incompatible with impatience.
Second, the assertion that online shopping encourages laziness overlooks the considerable active engagement it requires. Finding the right product demands real effort: comparing specifications across multiple retailers, analyzing customer reviews, and researching alternatives. This deliberate research process is far from passive—it represents engaged, thoughtful consumer behavior that requires both time and mental energy.
Third, online platforms frequently lead to more considered purchasing decisions, not fewer. The abundance of customer reviews, price comparison tools, and detailed product information empowers consumers to make truly informed choices. Many shoppers specifically turn to online platforms to escape the in-store sales tactics that can pressure them into unnecessary purchases. The ability to leave items in a virtual cart overnight and reconsider provides a natural barrier against impulse buying.
In conclusion, online shopping makes consumers more patient, more engaged, and more deliberate—not lazier or more impulsive. The claim that internet shopping promotes negative consumer behaviors fails to account for the planning, research, and thoughtfulness that online purchasing actually requires.
Word count: 283 words | Band score: 8
Why This Is Band 8 (Not 9):
- Strong vocabulary (“cultivates,” “fundamentally incompatible,” “deliberate”)
- Well-developed ideas with one specific example (birthday gift)
- Good range of sentence structures
- Clear position throughout
- Minor room for more natural phrasing and fuller examples
Band 9 Sample Essay
The growth of online shopping has transformed how people buy goods, making it possible to order almost anything and have it delivered to your door. Some argue that this convenience makes consumers lazy, impatient, and prone to unnecessary purchases. I strongly disagree—the reality is quite the opposite.
First, online shopping actually requires patience, not impatience. In a physical store, you can pick up an item and take it home within minutes. Online buyers, however, must wait days or even weeks for delivery. Someone ordering a birthday gift online, for instance, needs to think ahead, factor in shipping times, and plan around potential delays. This kind of forward planning is the opposite of impatient behavior.
Second, online shopping is far from lazy—it demands genuine engagement. Finding the right product means comparing options across different websites, reading through customer reviews, and weighing up alternatives before making a decision. This process takes time and real mental effort, which is hardly the behavior of someone looking for the easy option.
Third, online platforms tend to encourage more careful spending, not less. With detailed reviews, price comparisons, and product information readily available, consumers can make truly informed choices. Many people specifically shop online to avoid the pushy sales tactics they encounter in stores. The ability to add something to your cart, sleep on it, and decide the next day creates a natural pause that helps prevent impulse buys—something that rarely happens when you’re standing at a checkout counter.
In conclusion, online shopping encourages patience, active decision-making, and thoughtful spending rather than the laziness and impulsivity that critics suggest. The claim that it promotes poor consumer habits overlooks the planning and consideration that online buying actually involves.
Word count: 284 words | Band score: 9
Why This Is Band 9:
| Criterion | What It Demonstrates |
|---|---|
| Task Response | Clear position maintained throughout; fully addresses all three aspects (lazy, impatient, unnecessary purchases) |
| Coherence and Cohesion | Logical flow with varied linking (“however,” “for instance,” “which is hardly”); ideas build naturally |
| Lexical Resource | Natural sophistication through precise collocations (“factor in shipping times,” “weighing up alternatives,” “sleep on it”) rather than academic vocabulary |
| Grammatical Range | Full flexibility with complex structures; error-free |
Note: Band 9 vocabulary is sophisticated through precision and naturalness, not complexity. Phrases like “sleep on it” and “pushy sales tactics” show native-level control without showing off.
What Separates Band 6, 7, 8, and 9?
| Aspect | Band 6 | Band 7 | Band 8 | Band 9 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Position | Present but basic | Clear throughout | Well-developed | Sophisticated, nuanced |
| Ideas | Limited development | Adequate support | Well-extended | Fully extended with examples |
| Vocabulary | Basic, repetitive | Adequate range | Good range, few errors | Wide range, naturally precise |
| Grammar | Limited structures, errors | Mix of structures, some errors | Varied structures, rare errors | Full flexibility, error-free |
| Word Count | Often under 250 | 250-270 | 270-290 | 280-300 |
Vocabulary for Agree/Disagree Essays
Expressing Strong Agreement
- I strongly believe that…
- I am firmly of the opinion that…
- I completely agree with the view that…
- It is undeniable that…
- There is no doubt that…
Expressing Strong Disagreement
- I strongly disagree with the notion that…
- I completely reject the idea that…
- It is unreasonable to suggest that…
- The claim that… is unfounded
- I cannot accept the argument that…
Expressing Partial Agreement
- While I agree that…, I also believe…
- Although there is some merit to this argument…
- To a certain extent this is true; however…
- I largely agree, but with some reservations…
- This is partially true, but it overlooks…
Introducing Reasons
- The primary reason for my view is…
- One significant factor is…
- This is primarily because…
- The main argument supporting this is…
Introducing Examples
- For instance, …
- A clear example of this is…
- This can be seen in…
- To illustrate, …
Concluding Phrases
- In conclusion, …
- To summarize, …
- Taking everything into account, …
- For the reasons mentioned above, …
7 Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Sitting on the Fence
Wrong: “There are advantages and disadvantages to this issue, so it is hard to say.”
Right: “While there are valid points on both sides, I believe the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.”
Your position must be clear. Examiners specifically look for this.
2. Changing Your Position Mid-Essay
If you agree in the introduction, don’t suddenly disagree in body paragraph 2 or the conclusion. Your thesis should guide the entire essay.
3. Writing a Discussion Essay Instead
Wrong approach: Body 1 = why some people agree; Body 2 = why others disagree
Right approach: Body 1 = your first reason; Body 2 = your second reason
Both paragraphs should support YOUR position.
4. Introducing New Ideas in the Conclusion
The conclusion should summarize, not introduce new arguments. If you have a third point, put it in the body paragraphs.
5. Overusing “I think” and “In my opinion”
State these once in the introduction. After that, your arguments speak for themselves. Constantly repeating “I think” weakens your writing.
6. No Specific Examples
Weak: “Many people experience this problem.”
Strong: “A 2024 study found that 65% of remote workers report improved work-life balance.”
Specific examples strengthen your arguments significantly.
7. Ignoring Part of the Question
If the prompt mentions three things (lazy, impatient, unnecessary purchases), address all three—not just one or two.
Practice Prompts
Practice with these common IELTS topics:
- Technology: Social media does more harm than good for young people. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- Education: University education should be free for all students. Do you agree or disagree?
- Environment: Individuals can do nothing to improve the environment; only governments and large companies can make a difference. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- Work: People should be required to retire at age 65. Do you agree or disagree?
- Health: Governments should ban advertising for unhealthy food. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- Society: The gap between rich and poor is growing. Is this a positive or negative development?
- Crime: Prison is the best punishment for criminals. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- Culture: Globalization is destroying local cultures. Do you agree or disagree?
- Media: News media has too much influence on people’s opinions. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- Family: Parents should be held legally responsible for their children’s behavior. Do you agree or disagree?
Pro tip: For each prompt, practice the 5-minute planning method before writing. This builds the habit of structured thinking.
For more practice with feedback, Magoosh IELTS Prep includes Writing assessments with professional feedback and 10 full mock tests.
FAQs
Can I partially agree on all agree/disagree questions?
Only on “to what extent” questions. If the question asks simply “do you agree or disagree,” take a clear side. You can acknowledge the other view briefly, but your position should be definitive.
How many reasons should I give?
Two well-developed reasons is ideal. This gives you enough depth within the word limit. Three reasons often leads to underdevelopment.
Should I include counterarguments?
For a standard agree/disagree essay, focus on supporting your position. You can briefly acknowledge the other side in one sentence, but don’t develop it fully—that’s for discussion essays.
What if I don’t have a strong opinion on the topic?
Choose the side you can argue more easily. You don’t need to believe your position personally—you need to support it with clear reasoning and examples.
Is it okay to use personal examples?
Yes, sparingly. “In my country…” or “In my experience…” can work, but balance them with broader examples or evidence.
