The Agree or Disagree type of question often appears in the IELTS Writing Task 2 test. This type of question requires candidates to express their agreement/disagreement with the opinion stated in the question and explain their choice. Let's refer to how to write Writing Task 2: Agree or Disagree with the following question:
Smoking is a major cause of serious illness and death throughout the world today. In the interest of public health, governments should ban cigarettes and other tobacco products. Do you agree or disagree ?
Step 1: Carefully Read the Prompt & Identify Its Type
Identify if the essay is an Agree or Disagree topic by spotting key signals:
Keywords: agree or disagree
Common formats include: To what extent do you agree or disagree...
Examples:
Smoking causes serious illness; governments should ban tobacco products. Do you agree or disagree?
To what extent do you agree or disagree that technology and business are more important than art?
Agree/Disagree prompts may contain:
A statement where you agree or disagree with a single proposition.
A two-part opinion where you can agree with both, neither, or one side depending on your viewpoint.
Step 2: Build Your Outline
Decide your stance (agree, disagree, or partly agree) and plan your essay structure:
Introduction: Introduce the topic and state your opinion.
Body Paragraphs (1–2): Present your reasoning, examples, and explanations.
Conclusion: Restate your position clearly.
A typical body paragraph includes:
Topic sentence
Explanation
Example
Short summary
Step 3: Write Each Section in Detail
Introduction
Identify the topic and question.
Paraphrase the prompt using synonyms and varied structure. Example: Original: Governments should ban cigarettes for public health. Paraphrase: It is widely believed that lawmakers ought to prohibit tobacco products, including cigarettes, to protect public health.
State your opinion:
Strong agreement: I strongly agree…
Strong disagreement: I disagree with this statement…
Partial agreement: From my point of view, I partly agree…
Useful opinion phrases: In my opinion, I strongly agree/disagree... I believe that… It seems to me that…
Body Paragraphs
Paragraph Structure:
Topic sentence: introduce main idea.
Explanation and supporting details.
Example: e.g. For example… or To illustrate…
Brief concluding or transitional sentence.
Use linking and contrast words: Firstly, Secondly… On the one hand… On the other hand… However… Nevertheless…
Sample Argument:
First idea: Smoking causes health issues because of high nicotine; For example, WHO reports over 70% of lung cancers result from tobacco use.
Second idea (if applicable): Banning tobacco may increase crime rates; For instance, smuggling activity often surges under prohibition policies.
Conclusion
Summarize your overall stance: In conclusion, reducing smoking can significantly lower illness and death. Therefore, governments should enact tobacco bans.
Common conclusion signals: In conclusion, To summarize, Overall, After all
Step 4: Combine, Proofread, and Refine
Ensure your argument is consistent and logical.
Check for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.
Ensure clarity in your position from the introduction through conclusion.
Common mistakes to avoid:
Unclear position
Insufficient examples
Vocabulary or grammar mistakes
Off-topic content or weak cohesion
Sample Agree or Disagree Essay (Brief Outline)
Prompt: The government should control scientific research instead of private companies. Do you agree or disagree?
Response Outline:
Paraphrase & Opinion: It is often argued that scientific research should be overseen by governments rather than private entities. Personally, I believe both governments and private firms should share the responsibility.
Body Paragraph 1: Governments fund large-scale research and ensure ethical standards (For instance, nuclear or vaccines require state regulation).
Body Paragraph 2: Private firms foster innovation, as seen in Apple’s iPhone; they boost competition and benefit society.
Conclusion: While government oversight is essential, private innovation should not be restricted.
Tips for High-Scoring Writing
Brainstorm major points before writing
Use reputable sources for examples and arguments
Employ synonyms and paraphrasing to enhance vocabulary
Use complex sentence structures: passive voice, conditional clauses, inversion
Use cohesive linking words: however, moreover, on the contrary
Recommended resources:
IELTS Advantage Writing Skills by Brown & Richards
IELTS Preparation and Practice (Academic Writing Task 2 guide)
Agree or Disagree essays can be challenging, but with structured planning, clear arguments, and practice, you can confidently achieve a high band score. Let me know if you’d like this turned into an infographic or email lesson format!