Writing Task 2 · Agree or disagree essays · Lesson 4 of 12
Essay structure and writing an introduction
Understand exactly what an agree or disagree question asks, plan a clear structure, and write a short introduction that tells the examiner what to expect.
In this lesson you will
- analyse exactly what a question is asking you to do
- generate ideas for both sides of an argument
- plan a logical essay structure
- analyse two introductions and write a clear, concise one of your own
Question type: this question asks “To what extent do you agree or disagree?”, so it is an agree or disagree essay (see Lesson 3). This lesson focuses on understanding the question, planning the structure and writing the introduction.
Step 1
Understand the question
Take time to read the question carefully before you rush into writing.
More and more colleges and universities are offering courses via distance learning. Distance learning has many benefits, but there are also drawbacks, and not every learner will be suited to this mode of study.
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.
True or false?
To answer this question, you should…
- a) discuss reasons why distance learning can be good for learners
- b) discuss reasons why distance learning is good for colleges and universities
- c) discuss the history of distance learning
- d) discuss the problems associated with distance learning
- e) discuss reasons why distance learning is not suitable for some learners
- f) give a detailed account of the types of course you can study by distance learning
- g) discuss reasons why distance learning is bad for colleges and universities
- h) describe the kind of learner who would be suited to distance learning
- i) come to a logical conclusion about the value of distance learning in your view
- j) say what you would like to learn by distance learning if you had time
The question is about distance learning from the learner's point of view: its benefits, its drawbacks, and who it suits. Colleges' interests (b, g), history (c), course lists (f) and your personal wishes (j) are off-topic. You must also reach a clear conclusion with your own view (i).
Generate ideas
Spend 5 minutes brainstorming ideas for both sides of the argument.
- Benefits of distance learning / learners it suits
- Drawbacks of distance learning / learners it doesn't suit
- + flexible timing: can study alongside a job or family · no travel or accommodation costs · access to courses from anywhere in the world · suits self-motivated, organised learners
- − needs a reliable computer and internet (inequality of access) · isolation, little face-to-face contact · easy to lose motivation · unsuitable for practical subjects or learners who need structure
Step 2
Plan the structure
There is more than one good way to organise an essay. Here are two possible outlines for the distance learning question.
Complete the outlines
Complete both outlines with the correct paragraph.
Outline 1
Outline 2
- Is one structure better than the other?
Step 3
Writing the introduction
An introduction tells the examiner what your essay is about. A good introduction:
- paraphrases the topic. It refers to the question without copying whole phrases.
- states your position clearly.
- shows how the essay is organised.
- is short and concise, with no unnecessary information. Two sentences are usually enough.
More and more colleges and universities are offering distance learning. In the past, this type of learning was sometimes called correspondence learning. The advent of the Internet as a learning medium has helped to create distance learning opportunities worldwide. Learners need to have a computer and an Internet connection in order to follow these courses. However, is it really possible to learn from home? Are such courses suitable for all learners? I know several people who have tried this type of course and they all gave up after a few weeks. I will examine these questions below, firstly by considering the advantages and disadvantages of learning in this mode, and then by looking at the kind of learner that suits distance learning. But first, here is a brief history of distance learning.
Analyse Introduction 1
Answer each question about Introduction 1.
- Has the writer paraphrased the topic?
- Is the writer's position clear?
- Is it easy to tell how the rest of the essay will be structured?
- Is there any unnecessary extra information?
- No. The first sentence is copied almost word for word from the question.
- No. You might guess the writer is against distance learning from the story about friends, but the position is never stated.
- Yes. “I will examine these questions below, firstly by… and then by…” But it also promises an off-topic history of distance learning.
- Yes. The old name (“correspondence learning”), the friends who gave up, and the history of distance learning are all unnecessary.
The possibility of studying at further and higher education through distance learning has increased throughout recent years. Despite a few issues, including inequality of access for some learners, this way of study has revolutionised access to education and created more opportunity and benefits for a wider range of learners.
Analyse Introduction 2
Answer the same questions about Introduction 2.
- Has the writer paraphrased the topic?
- Is the writer's position clear?
- Is it easy to tell how the rest of the essay will be structured?
- Is there any unnecessary extra information?
- Which outline is the writer of Introduction 2 likely to use?
The first sentence paraphrases the topic. The writer is clearly in favour (“has revolutionised access to education”). “Despite a few issues, including inequality of access…” suggests a paragraph on the disadvantages first, followed by a stronger paragraph on the advantages. That is Outline 1. There is nothing unnecessary.
Step 4
Your turn
Work through the steps from this lesson: analyse the question, brainstorm ideas, plan your paragraphs, and then write an introduction that paraphrases the topic, states your position and shows what the essay will cover.
Many city centres these days have traffic flow problems, causing congestion and pollution. One solution is to build fast ring roads on the outskirts of a city, taking traffic away from the centre. While this is helpful in some ways, it also causes new problems.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Plan and write the introduction
- Brainstorm and plan your paragraphs:
- Write your introduction (2 sentences):
Building high-speed roads around the edge of a city is a common way of reducing congestion and pollution in the centre. I agree to a large extent that, although ring roads ease traffic in city centres, they create fresh difficulties, particularly urban sprawl and increased car dependency.
Write the full essay
Optional: complete the essay. Write at least 250 words in about 40 minutes.
- Does the introduction paraphrase the topic, state your position and show the structure?
- Does each body paragraph match your plan?
- Is your position the same in the conclusion?
- Have you written at least 250 words?
Band descriptors
Why planning raises your score
A clear introduction and a logical structure affect two of the four marking criteria (summarised):
| Band | Task Response | Coherence and Cohesion |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | All main parts of the question are addressed. A clear and developed position is presented. Main ideas are extended and supported. | Ideas are logically organised with clear progression. Linking devices are used flexibly. Paragraphing is used effectively. |
| 6 | Main parts are addressed, some more fully than others. A relevant position is presented, but conclusions may be unclear or repetitive. | Ideas are generally arranged coherently. Linking may be mechanical, overused or faulty. Paragraphing may not always be logical. |
Summarised from the IELTS Writing Band Descriptors. Download the full descriptors (PDF).
Activities adapted from British Council IELTS teaching materials (takeielts.britishcouncil.org).