Opinion (Agree / Disagree)
opinion essayParagraph structure
- Introduction: Paraphrase the statement. State your position clearly in the final sentence (thesis).
- Body 1: Topic sentence → Main reason supporting your view → Explanation → Specific example or evidence
- Body 2: Topic sentence → Second reason → Explanation → Specific example or evidence
- Conclusion: Restate your position. Briefly summarise the two main reasons. No new ideas.
Example sentence starters
- It is argued that… However, I firmly believe that…
- The most significant reason for this view is…
- For instance, research has shown that…
- In conclusion, I maintain that…
⚠ Watch out: Do not partially agree in an opinion essay — examiners expect a consistent single position throughout.
Discussion (Discuss Both Views)
discussion essayParagraph structure
- Introduction: Paraphrase the topic. Introduce both sides. State which view you find more convincing (optional but recommended).
- Body 1: Topic sentence presenting View A → Explanation → Supporting example
- Body 2: Topic sentence presenting View B → Explanation → Supporting example
- Conclusion: Summarise both views. State your final position clearly.
Example sentence starters
- While some people argue that…, others contend that…
- Proponents of this view often point to…
- On the other hand, those who believe… suggest that…
- In conclusion, although both sides have merit, I believe…
⚠ Watch out: Both body paragraphs must be balanced in length and depth — do not spend 80% on the view you prefer.
Advantages and Disadvantages
advantages disadvantages essayParagraph structure
- Introduction: Paraphrase the topic. State that you will examine both advantages and disadvantages.
- Body 1 – Advantages: Topic sentence → Main advantage → Explanation → Example
- Body 2 – Disadvantages: Topic sentence → Main disadvantage → Explanation → Example
- Conclusion: Summarise. If asked whether advantages outweigh disadvantages, give your verdict here.
Example sentence starters
- This essay will examine the potential benefits and drawbacks of…
- One of the primary advantages is that…
- Despite these benefits, a significant drawback is…
- Overall, the advantages appear to outweigh the disadvantages because…
⚠ Watch out: Check whether the prompt asks you to discuss advantages and disadvantages, OR to say which outweighs the other — different tasks need different conclusions.
Problem and Solution
problem solution essayParagraph structure
- Introduction: Paraphrase the issue. State the essay will identify causes/problems and propose solutions.
- Body 1 – Problems: Topic sentence → Problem 1 with explanation → Problem 2 with explanation
- Body 2 – Solutions: Topic sentence → Solution to Problem 1 → Solution to Problem 2 → Brief outcome
- Conclusion: Summarise the main problem and most effective solution.
Example sentence starters
- This issue has arisen due to several interconnected factors.
- The most pressing problem is…, which occurs because…
- To address this, governments could…
- If these measures were implemented, the situation would improve significantly.
⚠ Watch out: Each solution must clearly correspond to a problem you mentioned in Body 1 — unmatched solutions reduce Task Response scores.
Two-Part Question
two-part question essayParagraph structure
- Introduction: Paraphrase the topic. Acknowledge you will address both questions.
- Body 1: Answer Question 1 fully — topic sentence, explanation, example.
- Body 2: Answer Question 2 fully — topic sentence, explanation, example.
- Conclusion: Briefly summarise your answers to both questions.
Example sentence starters
- This essay will address both aspects of this question.
- Regarding the first question, it is clear that…
- As for the second issue,…
- In summary, … and …
⚠ Watch out: You must answer BOTH questions with equal depth. Answering only one halves your Task Response score.
