Writing Task 2: planning an opinion essay
Answer the exact question, take a clear position and develop each idea with explanation and example.
বাংলায় সারাংশ (Bangla summary)
প্রশ্নের সব অংশের উত্তর, স্পষ্ট মতামত ও যুক্তি সহ মতামতভিত্তিক রচনার পরিকল্পনা।
By the end of this lesson you can
- Identify every part of the question you must answer
- State a clear position in the introduction and keep it throughout
- Develop body paragraphs with a main idea, explanation and example
Answer the question that was asked
Task Response depends on addressing all parts of the task. 'To what extent do you agree or disagree?' asks for your position and how strongly you hold it. 'Discuss both views and give your opinion' asks for three things: view one, view two, and your view.
Spend five minutes planning. A planned essay of 270 words scores better than an unplanned one of 350.
A reliable structure
Introduction (2–3 sentences): paraphrase the topic and state your position clearly.
Body paragraph 1 and 2: begin with a topic sentence giving one reason, explain why it is true, then give a specific example or consequence.
Conclusion (1–2 sentences): restate your position in new words. Do not add new ideas.
Developing one idea
Topic sentence: The main advantage of working from home is the time it returns to employees.
Explanation: Without a daily commute, many workers gain an hour or more each day, which they can spend resting, exercising or with their families.
Example: An office worker who previously travelled ninety minutes each way could reclaim fifteen hours a week.
Each sentence does a different job. Lists of reasons without explanation are the most common reason Task 2 essays stay at band 5.