What is an Opinion Essay?
In this Task 2 essay type, you’re asked to clearly take a position: Do you agree or disagree?
It’s not about being clever. It’s about being clear, structured, and strong in your viewpoint.
Key signals:
- “To what extent do you agree or disagree?”
- “Do you agree or disagree?”
- “Do you agree or disagree with this statement?”
You must choose a side and defend it with clear arguments — ambiguity is punished.
Common Traps
| Trap | Why It Hurts | Solution |
| X Giving both sides equally | Examiner thinks you misunderstood the task | Choose a clear stance: agree OR disagree |
| X Weak opinion | Phrases like “It depends” or “Somewhat agree” make you sound uncertain | Use strong phrases like “I firmly believe…” |
| X Off-topic examples | Hurts Task Response | Use real-world, relevant, and simple examples |
| X Confusing structure | Poor Coherence & Cohesion | Use a fixed structure: Intro → 2 Reasons → Conclusion |
Opinion Essay Structure Template
Here’s a reliable 4-paragraph model:
*Introduction
- Hook the reader with a situation sentence
- Paraphrase the question
- Clearly state your opinion
E.g.: “I strongly agree that…”
* Body Paragraph 1 – First Reason
- Topic sentence
- Explanation
- Example (home, workplace, or society)
- Conclude the paragraph
*Body Paragraph 2 – Second Reason
- Same structure: one idea, explained and supported
*Conclusion
- Summarize your two reasons
- Repeat your position strongly
*Band 8 Model Essay + Breakdown
Question:
Some people believe that unpaid community service should be a compulsory part of high school programs (for example, working for a charity, improving the neighborhood or teaching sports to younger children). To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Band 8 Model Essay:
In recent years, the role of education has expanded beyond academics to include character-building and social responsibility. I fully agree that high school students should be required to participate in unpaid community service, as it benefits both society and the students themselves.
One compelling reason is that community service develops empathy and social awareness among young people. When students volunteer at shelters or assist the elderly, they gain a deeper understanding of societal challenges. This experience often changes their worldview, helping them grow into more responsible and compassionate adults. For instance, a study by Harvard University (2020) showed that students involved in regular volunteering demonstrated higher emotional intelligence and long-term civic engagement.
In addition, compulsory service equips students with practical skills that enhance their future success. Organizing events, communicating with diverse groups, and managing responsibilities prepare them for real-world challenges. These are skills that traditional classroom learning often overlooks. For example, students who lead a charity drive learn project management and teamwork—skills highly valued by universities and employers.
In conclusion, I strongly support the idea that unpaid community work should be part of every student’s high school experience. Not only does it foster emotional and moral growth, but it also builds practical abilities that contribute to personal and professional development.
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Why This Scores Band 8+
| Band Descriptor | Strength in Essay |
| Task Response | Fully addresses the question with a clear, consistent opinion |
| Coherence & Cohesion | Logical flow, clear paragraphing, and cohesive devices used effectively |
| Lexical Resource | Strong topic vocabulary (civic engagement, emotional intelligence, project management) |
| Grammatical Range | Complex sentence forms, control of tense and voice, no major errors |
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