How to write an opinion essay?

Some IELTS essay topics ask whether you agree or disagree with an argument. In this case, you have to either agree or disagree. You cannot agree with the given topic in one paragraph and disagree with it in the next paragraph. If you don’t have a strong opinion, you can ‘partly’ agree, but you must still have a clear stand on the topic.

Consider the topic given below.

Many people believe that population growth should be controlled. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Topics like these ask for your opinion. You are free to agree or disagree. It doesn’t really matter. What matters is your ability to support your stand with convincing arguments.

Before you start writing an essay on a topic like this, you must decide whether you want to agree or disagree. Express your opinion in the opening paragraph itself. In the subsequent paragraphs you have to explain why you agree or disagree with the given statement. Give a brief summary of your arguments in the last paragraph and restate your opinion before closing the essay.

If you agree with the given statement, then the whole of your essay should support that idea. Note that you cannot write one paragraph supporting one argument and another paragraph supporting the counter argument.