Updates in IELTS Writing Task 2 (Opinion Essays)

2025 Updates in IELTS Writing Task 2 (Opinion Essays)

No major structural changes have been introduced recently. IELTS continues to assess candidates using typical formats: agree/disagree, discussion plus opinion, to what extent, etc

Most Common 2025 Opinion Essay Topics

1. Climate Change Responsibility

Question:
Some people think that developed countries should take responsibility for solving climate change, while others believe that developing countries should also contribute.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?

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2. Education: Practical Skills vs. Theory

Question:
Some believe that universities should teach practical skills to prepare students for the workplace, while others think theoretical knowledge is more important.
Do you agree or disagree?

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3. Advertising Effects

Question:
Some people think advertising is beneficial to society, while others think it has a negative impact.
Do you agree or disagree?

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4. Children’s Rules and Freedom

Question:
Parents and teachers often make many rules to help children behave well, but some people think children would benefit from having fewer rules and more freedom.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?

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5. Technology’s Impact on Social Skills

Question:
Technology has made communication easier but has also reduced people’s social skills.
Do you agree or disagree?

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6. Government Spending Priorities

Question:
Some people think governments should prioritize spending on social services like healthcare and education, while others believe spending on infrastructure is more important.
Do you agree or disagree?

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7. Working Hours and Success

Question:
Many people think working long hours is necessary for success, while others believe a good work-life balance is more important.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?

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8. Urbanization Solutions

Question:
Moving industries and workers from big cities to smaller towns can solve problems like traffic congestion and housing shortages.
Do you agree or disagree?

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9. Role of Governments in Health

Question:
Some think governments should take responsibility for the health of citizens, while others think individuals should be responsible for their own health.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?

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10. Online Education vs. Traditional Education

Question:
Online education is becoming more popular, but some people think traditional classroom education is better.
Do you agree or disagree?

 

Suggested Practice Topics for You

·         Climate Change Responsibility: Developed vs. developing countries

·         Education Route: Workplace vs. university

·         Advertising Impact: Balanced discussion

·         Holiday Style: Resort vs. cultural exploration

·         Intervention Areas: Social welfare vs. defense

 

1. Vocabulary for Expressing Opinions

Expression/Phrase	Synonyms/Alternatives	Nepali Meaning (Optional)
In my opinion	I believe, I think, From my perspective, As far as I’m concerned	मेरो विचारमा
I strongly agree	I firmly believe, I am convinced	म दृढताका साथ मान्छु
I disagree	I do not agree, I oppose, I am against	म सहमत छैन
It seems to me that	I feel that, I reckon	मलाई लाग्छ
Personally	From my point of view, To my mind	व्यक्तिगत रूपमा

2. Vocabulary for Contradictions and Opposing Views

Expression/Phrase	Synonyms/Alternatives
However	Nevertheless, On the other hand, Yet, Although
On the contrary	In contrast, Conversely
Despite	In spite of, Although
Whereas	While
Although	Though

3. Linking Words and Phrases (Coherence & Cohesion)

Purpose	Words/Phrases
To add ideas	Furthermore, Moreover, In addition, Also
To give examples	For example, For instance, Such as
To compare	Similarly, Likewise
To show result/consequence	Therefore, As a result, Consequently
To emphasize	Indeed, Certainly, It is clear that
To conclude	In conclusion, To sum up, Overall

 4. Phrases to Start Paragraphs in Opinion Essays

Introduction

·        It is often argued that...

·        There is a widespread belief that...

·        The issue of whether... has sparked much debate.

o    Many people claim that..., but I believe...

 Body Paragraphs (1 and 2)

·        Firstly,…….

·        Secondly,…….

·        On the one hand,……….

·        On the second hand,….

·        One important reason is that...

·        Another significant point is that...

·        It is also important to consider that...

·        On the other hand, some argue that...

·         Conclusion

·        In conclusion, I firmly believe that...

·        To sum up, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.

·        Considering the above points, I am convinced that...

·        Overall, my view is that...

5. Phrases for Delivering Personal Views Clearly

·         From my point of view,...

·         I strongly believe that...

·         I am convinced that...

·         It is my firm belief that...

·         I tend to think that...

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6. Important Tips to Get Band 7+ in Opinion Essays

·         Task Response:

·        Answer the question fully and clearly state your opinion.

·        Address all parts of the prompt (e.g., discuss both views AND give your opinion if asked).

·        Avoid writing off-topic or irrelevant content.

·         Coherence and Cohesion:

·        Use a range of linking words naturally (not overused).

·        Organize paragraphs logically: Introduction, Body paragraphs, Conclusion.

·        Use referencing words (this, these, such) to avoid repetition.

·         Lexical Resource:

·        Use a variety of vocabulary related to opinion, agreement, disagreement, cause, effect, and contrast.

·        Use synonyms to avoid repetition.

·        Avoid informal language or slang.

·         Grammatical Range and Accuracy:

·        Use complex sentences (relative clauses, conditionals).

·        Use passive voice where appropriate.

·        Avoid frequent errors in tense, subject-verb agreement, and articles.

·         Practice:

·        Practice writing essays on common topics regularly.