IELTS Writing Task 2: Opinion Essays 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In an IELTS opinion essay, where should your clear position be first stated?
- In the introduction (Correct answer)
- Only in the conclusion
- In a body paragraph
- Nowhere; it stays neutral
Correct answer: In the introduction
Your thesis stating your opinion belongs in the introduction so the reader knows your stance immediately.
Question 2: Which task achievement issue most lowers a score on an 'agree or disagree' prompt?
- Failing to give a clear opinion throughout (Correct answer)
- Using two body paragraphs
- Writing 280 words
- Including a personal example
Correct answer: Failing to give a clear opinion throughout
An unclear or shifting opinion fails the core requirement of the task and caps Task Response.
Question 3: What is the minimum recommended word count for Writing Task 2?
- 250 words (Correct answer)
- 150 words
- 300 words
- 200 words
Correct answer: 250 words
Task 2 requires at least 250 words; falling short results in a penalty.
Question 4: Roughly how much of your 60-minute Writing test should be spent on Task 2?
- About 40 minutes (Correct answer)
- About 20 minutes
- About 60 minutes
- About 10 minutes
Correct answer: About 40 minutes
Task 2 is worth twice as much as Task 1, so allow around 40 minutes for it.
Question 5: Which phrase best signals a firm opinion in an introduction?
- I strongly believe that (Correct answer)
- Some people might say
- It could possibly be that
- There are many views on
Correct answer: I strongly believe that
'I strongly believe that' states a clear, committed position required by opinion essays.
Question 6: What should each body paragraph in an opinion essay contain?
- A topic sentence supporting your view, with explanation and example (Correct answer)
- A list of unrelated facts
- A new opinion different from the intro
- Only a personal anecdote
Correct answer: A topic sentence supporting your view, with explanation and example
Effective body paragraphs lead with a topic sentence and develop it with explanation and support.
Question 7: Which is the best way to end an opinion essay's conclusion?
- Restate your opinion and summarize key reasons (Correct answer)
- Introduce a brand-new argument
- Ask the reader a question
- Apologize for the length
Correct answer: Restate your opinion and summarize key reasons
A strong conclusion reaffirms your stance and briefly recaps the supporting reasons.
IELTS Writing Task 2: Opinion Essays 2
In an IELTS opinion essay, where should your clear position be first stated?