Ielts

Intermediate
Opinion Essays
 General Tips
1. Write in paragraphs.

2. Use a variety of cohesive devices.

3. Have one developed idea per paragraph, do not just list different examples
or reason.

4. Use a mix of simple & complex sentences.

 Writing in Paragraphs
1. Leave a line of space between
each paragraph.

2. Each paragraph should have a

separate topic.

3. Introductions and conclusions

should not be attached to a
main body paragraph.
 Cohesive devices
Cohesive devices are words or phrases which
connect, clauses, sentences or paragraphs
together.

1. Learn as many as you can.

2. Avoid repeating the same cohesive

devices.
 One Idea Per Paragraph
1. DO NOT LIST MULTIPLE EXAMPLES
OR REASONS IN ONE PARAGRAPH.

2. Have one key idea and develop it in the

paragraph (more on this later)
 Simple & Complex Sentences
1. There is nothing wrong with using
simple sentences.

2. Do not overuse complex sentences.

3. Make sure you do include complex

sentences.
Violence is always wrong
 Studying creative subjects is less
important than academic subjects.
 Agree or Disagree - Structure
1. Introduction

2. Main body paragraph (reason 1 for your opinion)

3. Main body paragraph (reason 2 for your opinion)

3.5 concession paragraph - optional)

4. Conclusion
 Alternative Structure
1. Introduction

2. Main body paragraph (reason why you agree in some situations)

3. Main body paragraph (reason why you disagree in some situations)

4. Main body paragraph - explain your middle view in your own words

5. Conclusion
 Introduction
Although the world is more peaceful than it
1. Paraphrase the topic.
has ever been , there are still many local and
regional conflicts.
2. Give a thesis statement ( a
summary of what you will say There are some who would argue that using
force is justifiable in some situations.
in the essay) However, in this essay I will argue that
violence should always be rejected because it
almost always leads to further problems and
innocent people always end up getting hurt.
 Main body - Thesis statement
You should always start your main body paragraph off with a thesis
statement.

Here you will give the point you are making in the paragraph, followed by the
reason.
 Main Body - Developing Ideas
You can develop your ideas by:

1. Giving (and explaining) your example.

2. Explaining consequences
3. Giving a value judgement (explaining why something is good or bad)
4. Conditionals
5. Other evidence (statistics, the opinion of an expert)
Main body - Final Sentence
At the end of the paragraph, link it back to the the question.

Therefore. . .

For this reason. . . .

Consequently. . .
 Consessions
You can deliver one short
paragraph where you give a point of
view which disagrees with your
own and then say why it is wrong.
This can be done in a short
paragraph at the end, or
● While some people might
argue. . . . . this is wrong
because. . .
● It could be argued that . . . .
however. . . .
(More on Sb, P.46, A 5)
 Conclusion
1. Paraphrase your ideas.

2. Summarise the ideas which you have stated in the essay.

3. Do not include anything new here!