Opinion and discussion essays - General Training Writing IELTS Study Notes

Opinion and discussion essays in IELTS General Writing Task 2 demand a well-formed argument that presents personal views while acknowledging alternative perspectives. The introduction typically presents the topic and outlines the writer's stance or the focus of the discussion. It is vital to paraphrase the essay prompt effectively, providing a clear context for readers. The introduction should not only capture attention but also lay the groundwork for a logical progression of ideas throughout the essay. A strong thesis statement at the end of the introduction is crucial, as it outlines the main points that will be discussed. Writers often benefit from drafting the introduction after the body paragraphs to ensure all themes are accurately represented. A good introduction can increase the clarity and coherence of the essay, which are key assessment criteria.

1. Opinion Essay: An essay where the writer expresses their personal views on a specific topic. 2. Discussion Essay: An essay that examines different viewpoints on a topic, including the writer's opinion. 3. Thesis Statement: A sentence that summarizes the main point or argument of the essay. 4. Argument: A reason or rationale provided to support a viewpoint. 5. Counterargument: An opposing perspective to the writer's opinion. 6. Cohesion: The flow of ideas in the essay, achieved through logical connections and transitions. 7. Clarity: The ease with which ideas and arguments are understood. 8. Structure: The organizational framework of the essay, typically comprising an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. 9. Topic Sentence: The main idea of a paragraph, usually found at the beginning. 10. Conclusion: The final paragraph that summarizes the argument and reiterates the main points. 11. Evidence: Facts or information used to support an argument. 12. Relevance: The importance and applicability of information to the topic discussed.