Simon’s ielts writing task 2

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Compiled by Diyorbek Hayitmurodov ielts-simon.com Page 143 
Wednesday, March 09, 2016 
IELTS Writing Task 2: add the 'topic sentence' 
When writing a main body paragraph, I usually recommend that you start with a topic sentence. To 
see a good example, look at paragraph 3 in 
this lesson
. Here's the topic sentence again: 
However, there are various steps that governments could take to tackle these problems.
But did you notice that I missed the topic sentence in paragraph 2 of the essay? Can you suggest a 
short, simple topic sentence that we could add to the start of this paragraph? 
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Wednesday, March 16, 2016 
IELTS Writing Task 2: opinion, not discussion 
If the question asks whether you agree or disagree, it is asking for your opinion. You should express 
your opinion in the introduction, and support it in the rest of the essay. 
Don’t structure an “opinion” essay like this:
1. Introduction 
2. Paragraph supporting the opposite opinion 
3. Paragraph supporting my opinion 
4. Conclusion 
The problem with this essay structure is that paragraph 2 is not consistent with my opinion. This is a 
“discussion” essay structure! 
Think of it this way: your task when you answer an “agree or disagree” question is to persuade the 
reader that your view is right. Each paragraph should defend your opinion. 
Note:
You can write about both sides of the argument if you say that you "partly agree". Go to 
this lesson
to 
see some suggestions for essay structures.