Simon’s ielts writing task 2

 
 
Wednesday, December 03, 2014 
IELTS Writing Task 2: balanced opinion 
In 
this lesson
I suggested writing a balanced opinion (partly agree) essay for the question below. 
In the last century, the first man to walk on the moon said it was "a giant leap for mankind”. 
However, some people think it has made little difference to our daily lives. To what extent do 
you agree or disagree?
You can see my 4-paragraph plan in the lesson, but a student asked me to explain exactly how we 
can 'partly agree'. So here's my sample introduction: 
It is often argued that the act of sending a man to the moon has been of no benefit to normal people. 
While I agree that this is true in 
practical
 terms, I believe that the 
psychological
 impact of this great 
achievement should not be underestimated.
Note:
Can you see how I create a balanced answer by using a 'while' sentence to contrast the 'practical' 
and 'psychological' impacts of the moon landing? 
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Simon
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IELTS Writing Task 2
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Wednesday, December 10, 2014 
IELTS Writing Task 2: agree, disagree or partly agree? 
Here's some advice for people who are still confused about "agree or disagree" questions: 
If you completely agree or completely disagree:

Make your opinion clear in the introduction and conclusion. 

Explain one reason for your opinion in paragraph 2 and another in paragraph 3. Imagine that you are 
persuading the examiner that your opinion is right. 

Don't
write a paragraph about what 'other people' think. If you do that, you are in danger of writing a 
"discuss both views" essay. If you mention the opposite argument, make sure that you refute it 
(explain why you think it's wrong), like I did in paragraph 2 of 
this essay
.