Handout · Day 3

Task 2 Introduction · Opinion Essay Structure

Duration: 90 minutes Module: Writing Focus: 4-paragraph essay structure, brainstorming, writing the intro + body 1

Objectives

0:00 – 0:15

Warm-Up: Debate Prompt

"Should university education be free for everyone?" Take a side. Write down one strong reason for your view, and one strong reason for the opposite view.

My position (agree / disagree / partly agree):

One strong reason for my side:

One strong reason for the other side:

Why this matters for IELTS

Task 2 almost always asks for your opinion (agree/disagree, to what extent, discuss both views and give your view, advantages outweigh disadvantages, etc). The examiner doesn't care what you think — they care that you can defend a position clearly with examples. Don't sit on the fence unless the prompt invites a balanced view.

0:15 – 0:35

The 4-Paragraph Structure

Memorise this. Every Task 2 essay you write this week — and on test day — will use this template.

The structure
ParagraphWordsWhat goes in it
1. Introduction40–60Paraphrase the question + thesis (your position)
2. Body 180–100Topic sentence → explanation → example → link back to thesis
3. Body 280–100Second reason, OR counter-argument + refutation
4. Conclusion40–60Restate position, summarise main points, final thought

Total: 250–300 words. Write more if you can — but quality matters more than quantity.

Timing breakdown (40 min total)
  • Plan: 3–5 min (brainstorm + outline)
  • Write: 30–32 min
  • Review: 3–5 min (check grammar, word count, that you addressed the full prompt)
0:35 – 0:50

The Introduction Formula

Best introductions follow a simple 3-step pattern. You can almost write the first sentence before you've finished reading the prompt.

3-step introduction template
  1. General background — set up the topic. "In recent years, [topic] has become a subject of debate…" / "There is growing concern about [topic]…"
  2. Both sides (optional but useful) — "While some people believe [view A], others argue [view B]."
  3. Thesis — state your position clearly. "In my opinion, [your view] because [brief reason 1] and [brief reason 2]."

Example introduction — break it down

Read this Band 8 intro and label each sentence (background / both sides / thesis).

Prompt: "Should governments invest more money in public transport rather than building new roads?"

"Sentence 1: Traffic congestion has become a serious problem in many cities around the world. Sentence 2: While some argue that building additional roads is the most practical solution, others believe that improving public transport offers more long-term benefits. Sentence 3: In my view, governments should prioritise public transport because it is more sustainable and benefits a wider section of society."

  1. Sentence 1 =
  2. Sentence 2 =
  3. Sentence 3 =

1 background · 2 both sides · 3 thesis with two reasons

Notice: the thesis previews the two body paragraphs ("sustainable" → Body 1, "benefits a wider section of society" → Body 2). The whole essay is set up in three sentences.

Three things never to do in the intro
  • Don't copy the prompt verbatim. Examiners discount copied text from your word count.
  • Don't write a story. "When I was young, my parents told me…" — wrong register entirely.
  • Don't be vague. "There are many things to consider" wastes a sentence.
0:50 – 1:05

The Body Paragraph Formula: TEEL

TEEL — Topic, Explanation, Example, Link
  1. T — Topic sentence. One clear sentence stating the main point of the paragraph. Short. Direct.
  2. E — Explanation. 1–2 sentences: why is this true? How does it work?
  3. E — Example. A specific real-world or hypothetical example with detail.
  4. L — Link. One sentence connecting back to your thesis.
A Band 8 body paragraph in TEEL

T: One major reason for prioritising public transport is its environmental sustainability.

E: Buses, trains, and trams emit far less carbon per passenger than private cars, which means investment in such systems directly reduces a city's contribution to climate change.

E: Copenhagen, for example, has cut its per-capita emissions by over 40% since 2005 by expanding its metro system and bicycle infrastructure, while simultaneously reducing road congestion.

L: As a result, redirecting funds from road construction to public transit not only addresses traffic but also serves wider environmental goals.

If you can't think of a real example, invent one — but be specific

"In some Asian cities…" — too vague. "In Singapore, the MRT carries over 3 million passengers daily…" — better, even if you're not 100% sure of the number. Examiners reward specificity over accuracy. Just don't invent obvious facts (e.g. don't put events on the wrong continent).

1:05 – 1:25

Practice: Brainstorm + Intro + Body 1

Today's prompt is the warm-up question, fully phrased.

Prompt

"Some people believe that university education should be free for all students, regardless of their financial background. Others argue that students should pay for their own higher education.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words."

Step 1 — Brainstorm (3 minutes)

My position (strongly agree / partly agree / strongly disagree / balanced):

Pros of free university (list 2–3):

Cons of free university (list 2–3):

My Body 1 main point:

My Body 1 example:

Step 2 — Write your intro + Body 1 (15 min)

Your introduction + body 1

Target: 140+ words
Words: 0 Not saved yet
15:00
Write — 15 min

Compare with the Band 8 intro + Body 1

Introduction: In many societies, there is ongoing debate about whether higher education should be provided free of charge to all, irrespective of socioeconomic status, or if students ought to bear the costs themselves. While I acknowledge that free university access could promote equality, I largely disagree with making it entirely cost-free, as this approach may lead to inefficiencies and undervaluation of education.

Body 1: One primary reason for my position is that charging fees encourages students to take their studies more seriously. If tuition is free, individuals might enrol without genuine commitment, leading to higher dropout rates and wasted resources. For instance, in countries like Germany, where university is largely subsidised, some observers note that a small fee structure could motivate better attendance and completion. As a result, paying students tend to value their degrees more, fostering a sense of responsibility.

What to notice:

  • Intro paraphrases "free for everyone" as "free of charge to all, irrespective of socioeconomic status".
  • Thesis is partial: "I largely disagree" + reason. Not a black-and-white opinion.
  • Body 1 follows TEEL exactly: topic sentence (fees → seriousness), explanation, Germany example, link to thesis.
Last 40 min

Task 2 Mock — Timed + Instant AI Feedback

Mock conditions. 40 minutes. At least 250 words. One sitting, no notes — write it as you would in the real exam. When the timer ends, stop, then get feedback.

Use today's 4-paragraph structure: introduction with a clear position, two body paragraphs (each one idea, developed with TEEL), and a conclusion. Then Get AI Evaluation for a full four-criteria read, and Submit by email for your teacher's comments.

Task 2 prompt

Some people believe that unpaid community service should be a compulsory part of high school education — for example, working for a charity or helping in the local community. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Your Task 2 essay

Target: 250+ words · 40 min
Words: 0 Not saved yet
40:00
Task 2 mock — 40 min
1:25 – 1:30

Wrap-Up & Homework

Recap: what are the four parts of a Task 2 opinion essay? What does TEEL stand for?

Tonight's homework

Complete the essay you started — finish Body 2 + Conclusion. Submit the full 250+ word essay. About 30 minutes.

Open homework →

Practice online (free)

A little extra self-study for this skill — each link opens in a new tab. These are free resources; some may ask you to create a free account.