Simplified Formula for Agree or Disagree IELTS Essay

Wouldn’t it be nice if writing an agree or disagree IELTS essay were as simple as flipping a coin? 🪙 Heads, you agree; tails, you disagree.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t work that way. In fact, many IELTS learners have been given misleading advice on how to tackle this type of essay. But don’t worry—I’m here to set the record straight and give you the best strategies to ace the agree or disagree essay in IELTS Writing Task 2! 🎯

Two Types of Agree or Disagree Essays 🤔

In the IELTS exam, you may encounter two variations of the agree/disagree essay:

“Do you agree or disagree with this statement?” – This one is straightforward. Pick a side and support it with strong arguments. 💪
“To what extent do you agree or disagree?” – This gives you more flexibility. You can choose to fully agree, fully disagree, or take a middle-ground approach.

But here’s where a major misconception comes in. Many people believe that choosing the middle ground will lead to a higher score. That’s simply not true. IELTS assesses your ability to present ideas clearly and logically. If your opinion is unclear, your coherence and cohesion score will suffer. 📉

So, what’s the best strategy? Pick a side—either fully agree or fully disagree. This will make your essay clearer and more persuasive. ✅❌

Think of Your Essay Like a Burger 🍔

Imagine writing an essay like making a delicious burger. Every part of your essay has a role to play:

The top bun (Introduction) – Introduce the topic and clearly state your opinion. 🍞
The filling (Body Paragraphs) – This is where the real flavor is! Provide strong arguments and examples to support your opinion. 🥩🧀🥬
The bottom bun (Conclusion) – Summarize your argument and reinforce your stance. 🍞

A burger without a proper structure is messy. The same goes for your essay—if your ideas are disorganized, the examiner will have difficulty following your argument. 😵

IELTS Writing Task 2 Made Easy: Tips, Structure, and Examples

The Ideal Structure for an Agree or Disagree Essay 📝

To write a high-scoring essay, follow this simple structure:

1. Introduction

Paraphrase the given statement. 🔄
Clearly state your opinion (agree or disagree). No need to explain your reasoning yet. 🎯

2. Body Paragraph 1

Present one strong reason to support your opinion. 💡
Explain why this reason is valid. 🧐
Provide an example to strengthen your argument. ✅

3. Body Paragraph 2

Present another strong reason supporting your opinion. 🏆
Explain this reason in detail. 🎓
Give a relevant example. 🔥

Pro tip: Two body paragraphs are usually enough. Writing more can lead to mistakes, which will affect your score. 🚨

4. Conclusion

Restate your opinion. 🔄
Summarize the key points from your body paragraphs. 📝
Keep it short and to the point! 🎯

⚠️ Important Note: It is wrong to provide arguments for both sides regardless of your opinion. Your essay should consistently support one clear stance. For example, if you agree with the statement, you must provide the reasons you agree in both Body Paragraph. There must not be reasons for disagreement. Additionally, you should avoid giving only your opinion in the conclusion—always summarize your key arguments as well.

Example Question & Approach ✏️

Let’s look at a popular IELTS essay question:

“In many countries, child obesity has become a serious issue. Some people believe that the best way to solve this problem is to ban fast food. To what extent do you agree or disagree?”

Now, instead of sitting on the fence, choose a clear stance:

If you AGREE:

✅ Body 1:

Fast food is loaded with unhealthy fats and sugars.
Easy access makes it the go-to option for kids.
Example: Studies show countries with high fast-food consumption have rising obesity rates.

✅ Body 2:

Banning it forces people to make healthier choices.
Governments should encourage better food policies.
Example: Countries with strict food regulations have lower obesity rates.

If you DISAGREE:

✅ Body 1:

Fast food isn’t the ONLY villain here. Lack of exercise is a BIGGER issue.
Calories can be burned off with a more active lifestyle.
Example: U.S. studies show kids with active routines aren’t necessarily obese, even with fast food.

✅ Body 2:

Banning fast food punishes low-income families.
Healthy food is expensive, making it hard for everyone to afford.
Example: Statistics show obesity is often linked to low-income levels, not just fast food.”

Click here to read the sample essay.

What to Avoid in Your Essay 🚫

Unclear Opinions – A strong essay requires a strong stance. Don’t confuse the examiner with mixed messages. 😕
Vague Arguments – Instead of just saying “fast food is bad for health,” explain why and support it with examples. ✅
Overcomplicating Things – Fancy words and complex grammar won’t help if your ideas lack clarity. Your essay should be easy to understand on the first read. 🧐