Struggling to nail the “Agree/Disagree” essay? You’re not alone. 90% of Band 6 students lose marks due to unclear arguments — but with our 5-step strategy, you’ll craft a Band 8+ opinion essay that stuns examiners.
🎯 Step 1. Analyze the Question Carefully
- Identify keywords (topic, task, scope).
- Determine your stance: Do you fully agree, fully disagree, or take a balanced view?
- Note any qualifiers (“to what extent,” “advantages vs disadvantages”).
Example prompt:
“Some people believe that the government should invest more money in public transport instead of building new roads. To what extent do you agree or disagree?”
📝 Step 2. Plan Your Thesis & Structure
- Introduction (≈2–3 sentences): Paraphrase the question + state your clear opinion.
- Body Paragraph 1: Your strongest argument + specific example.
- Body Paragraph 2: Your second argument (or counter-argument if balanced) + example.
- Conclusion (~1 sentence): Restate your opinion and summarise key points.
Key tip: Use a thesis statement that leaves no doubt about your stance:
“I strongly agree that investment in public transport yields greater long-term benefits than road expansion.”
🔗 Step 3. Develop Clear, Coherent Arguments
- Topic sentence that directly links to your thesis.
- Explanation: Why is this point valid?
- Example/Evidence: Statistics, real-world case, or logical scenario.
- Mini-conclusion (optional): Tie back to essay question.
Linking devices to boost cohesion:
- Addition: furthermore, moreover, in addition
- Contrast: however, on the other hand, nevertheless
- Result: consequently, therefore, as a result
🧩 Step 4. Use Sophisticated Language & Variety
- Vocabulary: Aim for at least 3–4 Band 8+ phrases (e.g. “long-term sustainability,” “mitigate congestion,” “environmental repercussions”).
- Grammar: Mix simple and complex sentences; use passive voice where appropriate.
- Avoid repetition: Paraphrase key words (e.g. “roads” → “highways,” “arterial routes”).
✅ Step 5. Revise with a Checklist
Before submitting, quickly scan your essay for:
- Word count: 250–280 words
- Clear thesis in the introduction
- Two fully-developed body paragraphs
- A concise conclusion restating your stance
- Varied vocabulary and linking words
- Accurate grammar and spelling
- Logical progression of ideas
📄 Band 8+ Sample Essay
“Some people believe that the government should invest more money in public transport instead of building new roads. To what extent do you agree or disagree?”
Sample Answer (≈270 words):
Modern cities face chronic traffic congestion and air pollution. I strongly agree that governments ought to prioritize funding public transport systems over constructing additional road infrastructure. Investing in buses, trams, and metro networks yields greater environmental and social dividends in the long run.
Firstly, enhanced public transport reduces reliance on private cars, thereby mitigating congestion and lowering carbon emissions. For instance, in Bogotá, Colombia, the expansion of the TransMilenio bus rapid transit system led to a 30% drop in rush-hour traffic within two years. This not only improved commute times but also contributed to cleaner air, demonstrating the long-term sustainability of mass-transit investment.
Secondly, affordable and efficient public transport promotes social equity by ensuring that lower-income citizens can access employment, education, and healthcare. In contrast, building more roads primarily benefits car owners and often exacerbates urban sprawl. Moreover, the maintenance costs of extensive highway networks can strain public budgets, whereas mass-transit systems can be subsidized through fare revenues and dedicated taxes.
In conclusion, while road expansion may offer temporary relief from traffic jams, it is ultimately a short-sighted solution. Governments should instead allocate resources to public transport, which delivers enduring environmental, economic, and social benefits.
🗒 Band 8+ Opinion Essay Checklist
| Criterion | ✔︎ Features of Band 8+ |
|---|---|
| Task Response | Clear stance & fully developed arguments |
| Coherence & Cohesion | Logical progression; varied linking devices |
| Lexical Resource | Precise, academic vocabulary; minimal repetition |
| Grammatical Range & Accuracy | Mix of simple/complex structures; few errors |
| Word Count | 250–280 words |
Follow these 5 steps, refer to the sample, and use the checklist each time you practice. With consistent effort, you’ll be well on your way to scoring Band 8+ on your next IELTS opinion essay!
