Ielts writing Task 2: ways to prepare

Paragraph 2: benefits of higher education (my opinion)
On the other hand, I believe that it is more beneficial for students to continue their studies.
(IDEAS: some jobs require academic qualifications, better job opportunities, higher salaries, the job market is very competitive, gain knowledge, become a useful member of society)

Conclusion
For the reasons mentioned above, it seems to me that students are more likely to be successful in their lives if they continue their studies beyond school level.

IELTS Writing Task 2: example paragraph

Here's a 5-sentence paragraph using the second plan

Many people believe that sports professionals earn too much money. They argue that sport is a form of entertainment rather than a vital public service. We could easily live without sportspeople, yet other professionals who contribute much more to society are undervalued and underpaid. For example, football players can earn enormous salaries by simply kicking a ball, while doctors, nurses and teachers earn a fraction of the money despite being essential for our health and prosperity. From this perspective, sports stars do not deserve the salaries they currently earn.

As you can see, the paragraph explains the view that sportspeople earn too much money. This came from a discuss both views question.

IELTS Writing: 5 sentence paragraphs

When writing main body paragraphs for IELTS writing task 2, try to aim for five sentences. For example:

1. 
   Topic sentence (e.g. There are several reasons why I believe...)
   
2. 
   First reason
   
3. 
   Example
   
4. 
   Second reason
   
5. 
   Third reason
   

Another example:

1. 
   Topic sentence (e.g. Many people believe that...)
   
2. 
   Explain why
   
3. 
   Explain in more detail
   
4. 
   Example
   
5. 
   Explain why they disagree with the opposite view
   

Before you start writing it's a good idea to make some notes. Try to organise your notes according to this 5-sentence paragraph structure.

IELTS Writing Task 2: one view or both views?

This is the most common question that students ask me:

For "agree or disagree" questions, do I have to discuss both sides,
or should I just support one side of the argument?

The answer is: it's your decision. If you completely agree, you don't need to mention the opposite view - just support your side of the argument. If you partly agree, you should write something about both sides.

Look at last week's lesson. After the first two introductions, I would not give the other point of view, but after the last introduction I would mention both sides.

IELTS Writing Task 2: different introductions