Simon’s ielts writing task 2

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Wednesday, November 13, 2013 
IELTS Writing Task 2: balanced answer for agree/disagree 
People often ask me how to give a balanced answer for "agree or disagree" questions. Take this 
question for example: 
Many people say that we now live in 'consumer societies' where money and possessions are 
given too much importance. 
To what extent do you agree or disagree?

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Compiled by Diyorbek Hayitmurodov ielts-simon.com Page 85 
A clear introduction is vital when giving a balanced answer: 
It is sometimes argued that we live in a materialistic world and that we value money too 
highly. In my opinion, some people are extremely money oriented, but many of us place more 
importance on other values.
The big mistake that students make when trying to give a balanced answer is that they write about 
what "some people" and "other people" think. This question asks for your views, not the views of 
other people. Notice how my introduction makes it clear that the essay is about my own views. 
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Simon
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IELTS Writing Task 2
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Wednesday, November 20, 2013 
IELTS Writing Task 2: full essay 
Today I'm attaching a model essay for the 'economic success' question that we were looking at a few 
weeks ago. The question is what I call a "2-part question", and I simply wrote one main paragraph 
about each of the two parts. 
Economic progress is often used to measure a country's success. However, some people 
believe that other factors are more important. What other factors should also be considered