IELTS Writing Task 2: Opinion Essays 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A 'to what extent do you agree or disagree' prompt requires you to do what?
- State how strongly you agree or disagree and justify it (Correct answer)
- List both sides without choosing
- Only describe a chart
- Avoid giving any opinion
Correct answer: State how strongly you agree or disagree and justify it
This prompt type asks for the degree of your agreement, supported with reasons.
Question 2: Which linking word best introduces a contrasting idea?
- However (Correct answer)
- Furthermore
- Therefore
- Moreover
Correct answer: However
'However' signals contrast, while the others add or conclude.
Question 3: Why is paraphrasing the essay prompt in your introduction recommended?
- It shows lexical range and avoids copying (Correct answer)
- It increases the word count cheaply
- It replaces the need for a thesis
- It is required to be exactly 50 words
Correct answer: It shows lexical range and avoids copying
Paraphrasing demonstrates vocabulary skill and avoids penalty for copying the question.
Question 4: Which criterion specifically assesses your use of paragraphing and linking?
- Coherence and Cohesion (Correct answer)
- Lexical Resource
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy
- Pronunciation
Correct answer: Coherence and Cohesion
Coherence and Cohesion covers logical organization, paragraphing, and cohesive devices.
Question 5: What is a risk of overusing memorized 'template' phrases?
- Examiners may penalize them as not addressing the question (Correct answer)
- They always raise your band score
- They count as extra words
- They improve Lexical Resource automatically
Correct answer: Examiners may penalize them as not addressing the question
Formulaic memorized language that doesn't fit the prompt can lower Task Response.
Question 6: How many distinct main ideas should a typical 4-paragraph opinion essay develop?
- Two well-developed ideas (Correct answer)
- Six brief ideas
- One idea repeated
- No specific ideas needed
Correct answer: Two well-developed ideas
Two clearly developed main ideas across two body paragraphs is a common, effective structure.
Question 7: Which sentence shows the clearest topic sentence for a body paragraph?
- The main reason I support this view is improved public health (Correct answer)
- There are things to consider here
- In conclusion, I agree
- Many people around the world
Correct answer: The main reason I support this view is improved public health
A good topic sentence names the paragraph's central reason directly.
IELTS Writing Task 2: Opinion Essays 3
A 'to what extent do you agree or disagree' prompt requires you to do what?