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IELTS Giving Opinion Question
IELTS Giving Opinion Question
Let’s look at an example of IELTS writing task 2 question that asks you to give your
opinion:
Some people believe that violence on television and in computer games has a damaging effect
on the society. Others deny that these factors have any significant influence on people's
behaviour. What is your opinion?
Then, you have to generate your arguments for the chosen opinion. Let’s figure out
some supporting points for each of the given opinions:
Paraphrase the statement (sentence 1) and give your own opinion (sentence 2):
These days, the amount of violence in media is growing. While some people argue that
this trend will undoubtedly lead humans to dangerous future, others claim that it has
no damaging effect on the society. I believe that in most cases media violence doesn't
affect people's behavior.
2. Body paragraphs
Firstly, I think that people act from their motives, regardless what they see on the
television. That is to say, if someone intends to do harm to somebody, that is not
because of watching TV or playing computer games, but due to that person's character
and education. Although it is generally considered that violent media accustoms
viewers to cruelty, I doubt this opinion. In my view, reasonable and intelligent people
treat others humanely irrespective of what they see or hear in fictional stories.
Moreover, video games and television may even reduce social violence by providing a
safe outlet for aggressiveness. In other words, truculent people may fight in virtual
reality instead of evincing their combative spirit in real world. This may not only help
those people, but also reduce the level of social violence in long-term perspective.
Finally, despite many claims and assumptions about negative effects of television and
computer games I have never seen any proven connection between violent media and
illegal activities in social life.
3. Conclusion
In the conclusion paragraph briefly summarize what you have written and restate
your opinion:
Model answer
These days, the amount of violence in media is growing. While some people argue that
this trend will undoubtedly lead humans to dangerous future, others claim that it has no
damaging effect on the society. I believe that in most cases media violence doesn't affect
people's behavior.
Firstly, I think that people act from their motives, regardless what they see on the
television. That is to say, if someone intends to do harm to somebody, that is not
because of watching TV or playing computer games, but due to that person's character
and education. Although it is generally considered that violent media accustoms viewers
to cruelty, I doubt this opinion. In my view, reasonable and intelligent people treat others
humanely irrespective of what they see or hear in fictional stories.
Moreover, video games and television may even reduce social violence by providing a
safe outlet for aggressiveness. In other words, truculent people may fight in virtual
reality instead of evincing their combative spirit in real world. This may not only help
those people, but also reduce the level of social violence in long-term perspective.
Finally, despite many claims and assumptions about negative effects of television and
computer games I have never seen any proven connection between violent media and
illegal activities in social life.
Taking everything into consideration, I would say that violence in contemporary media
has no substantial influence on people's behavior. Television and computers are not the
main factors that shape personal character, and they can even be useful in reducing the
level of violence.
(255 words)
Some students work while studying. This often results in lacking time for education and
constantly feeling under pressure.
Just restate your topic and write that the given problem has causes and can be
solved.
In the second paragraph, describe each cause of the given problem, shortly
explaining it. Use linking structures, vocabulary to write essays and some words
from academic wordlist.
3. Suggest solutions
Model answer
Nowadays, there are a lot of students who work while studying. Although this tendency
may lead to negative results, the number of young people who sacrifice education for
work is growing. I believe that this problem has certain causes and can be solved by
taking special measures.
It is apparent that most of the students who work have many financial expenses to meet.
One common cause is high cost of education. As many colleges and universities set high
tuition fees, some families cannot fully afford the higher education for their children.
Consequently, these students have to work to pay university and college fees. The other
cause is living expenses. Many students study away from hometown, and have to pay for
accommodation, food, entertainment etc. As it is often hard to cover these expenses,
students are forced to earn money to afford their living. I think that the problem of
students working during their studies results in lower quality of education and has no
benefits at all. Thus, it should be solved on the governmental level.
I can suggest two possible solutions to this problem. Firstly, the government could make
higher education free. For instance, this result can be achieved by financing educational
establishments from the country’s budget. Not only will it make universities and colleges
accessible for everyone, but it will also reduce the number of working students. The
second solution is promoting unpaid e-learning. Such form of distance education doesn’t
require a lot of resources to be maintained. What’s more, students don’t have to leave
their homes and can plan their schedules the way they prefer.
In conclusion, I believe that mainly lack of financial resources causes students to work,
but this problem can be solved by lowering the amount of financial expenses students
have to meet.
(298 words)
You are a current student of Loren Brusque University, studying Business Administration. You
want to apply for the post of Quality Assurance Manager you have recently seen on the
university's notice board.
Tell about your education and work experience in separate paragraphs. Make some
details if you need and use linking structures.
Thank your future employer for his consideration and mention that you are ready
for the interview.
Model answer
Dear Mr Walker,
I am writing to apply for the post of Quality Assurance Manager, which was advertised on
the Student Affairs Office notice board on 2 September 2016. I believe that my
qualifications, personal character and work experience make me a perfect candidate for
this job.
During my studies I have held the post of Junior Executive at «Hansel's Corporation» and
improved my leadership skills, communication competences and ability to work in a team.
While leading and supervising subordinates, I gained a valuable experience for the post of
Quality Assurance Manager.
I am available for interview at any time. You can contact me most easily by the mobile
phone number given above.
Thank you for your consideration of my application. I look forward to meeting you in the
nearest future.
Yours sincerely,
3. Make up the details and write about each stated in the task issue.
Model answer
Hello Alice,
The alumni interview is a relaxed, informal conversation where you can tell me something
about yourself, and I can answer any questions you have about our university. The
interview is optional and if you wish to cancel it, just let me know.
Ideally, we should talk sometime in the next two weeks. I am usually free during the
weekends. Would Saturday, January 10th, 8pm GMT +2 work for you? If not, we can also
chat the weekend after, January 17th or 18th. It will also have to be a remote interview.
Can we skype? I can also call your phone if that's more convenient for you.
Looking forward to hearing from you, and thank you for your interest in Bluegill
University!
Best wishes,
Jessica
(166 words)