Writing Task 2 · Agree or disagree essays · Lesson 5 of 12
Developing arguments
Analyse the question, generate ideas on both sides, and organise a balanced argument with clear linking words.
In this lesson you will
- analyse a question carefully before you write
- generate ideas for and against a statement
- compare two ways of organising a balanced argument
- plan and write a full essay
Question type: another agree or disagree essay (see Lesson 3). This lesson focuses on generating ideas and organising a balanced argument, including how to deal with the other side.
Step 1
Understand the question
The rising cost and decreasing supply of fossil fuels such as oil and gas, along with environmental concerns, means that their continued use as our main source of energy is impractical and alternative sources must be found. The only realistic alternative is nuclear energy.
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?
Decide whether each statement about the question is true or false.
- 1. The question asks whether or not fossil fuels are impractical.
- 2. You should give a detailed description of how fossil fuels cause global warming.
- 3. The question asks whether nuclear energy is a good alternative to fossil fuels.
- 4. You should discuss the arguments for and against nuclear energy.
- 5. You should discuss the arguments for and against fossil fuels.
- 6. You should mention other alternative energy sources.
- 7. You should give detailed historical accounts of nuclear disasters.
- 8. You should only mention your own opinions.
- 9. You should express your opinions, but show awareness of others.
- 10. You should include relevant facts that help to support your opinions.
- False. This is presented as a fact. It is not the area of debate.
- False. The question is about nuclear energy as the alternative.
- True. This is the focus of the debate.
- True. Even if you agree 100%, include at least one argument from the other side, even if only to refute it.
- False. This is not the area of debate.
- True. The question says nuclear is the only realistic option, so other alternatives are relevant. But nuclear energy should stay the main focus.
- False. No expert knowledge is needed. Examples from your general awareness are fine, but you don't need to cite research.
- False. See 4.
- True. See 4.
- True. Use facts you know from general knowledge. See 7.
Step 2
Generate ideas
Sort the ideas
Is each idea a reason to agree or to disagree that the only realistic alternative is nuclear energy?
- There are other alternatives to fossil fuels, such as wind and solar power, which pose fewer risks.
- Modern nuclear power stations are designed with many safety features.
- Nuclear power is a much more economical way to produce energy.
- Nuclear power offers an almost limitless supply of energy.
Add your own arguments
Add at least two more ideas to each side.
- Reasons I agree that the only realistic alternative is nuclear energy
- Reasons I disagree
- Agree: produces no greenhouse gases while operating · reliable 24/7, unlike wind and solar · a small amount of fuel produces huge amounts of energy
- Disagree: radioactive waste stays dangerous for thousands of years · power stations are very expensive and slow to build · rare accidents have devastating consequences · renewable technology is improving and getting cheaper
Step 3
Organising a balanced argument
Below are two body paragraphs from two different essays. Each one organises its argument in a different way.
Paragraph A: connect the ideas
Type a linking word or phrase from the box into each gap. Use each one once.
- As a result
- Finally
- First of all
- Furthermore
- Instead
- Secondly
There are a number of arguments in favour of using nuclear energy as an alternative to fossil fuels. , it is an economical source of energy. The power generated by nuclear power stations costs much less to produce than power from coal- or oil-fired stations. , unlike traditional power stations, nuclear power plants do not pollute the atmosphere with their waste. , the waste is stored in safe containers deep underground. , a move to nuclear power will reduce the greenhouse gases in the atmosphere that are responsible for global warming. , nuclear power stations have been shown to be safer places for people to work than coal-fired power stations. , nuclear power can potentially supply all our energy needs for many centuries to come.
Analyse Paragraph A
- What is the writer's position?
- How has the writer organised the argument?
- What support does the writer provide?
- What does the rest of the essay probably look like?
Paragraph B: connect the ideas
Type a word or phrase from the box into each gap. Two gaps can take either although or while.
- causing
- despite
- for instance
- although
- moreover
- while
The claims made by those in favour of nuclear power do not stand up to close examination. It is often said, , that nuclear power does not harm the environment. it is true that greenhouse gases are not produced by the use of nuclear energy, mining for uranium causes real environmental damage. , many reactors use rivers for cooling. This raises temperatures in the river water, harm to life in and around those rivers. It is also argued that the technology of modern reactors makes accidents almost impossible. these claims, accidents have happened, most famously at Chernobyl. No amount of technology can prevent human error, carelessness or laziness. these types of accidents are incredibly rare, their consequences have devastating, lifelong effects.
Analyse Paragraph B and compare
- What is the writer's position?
- How has the writer organised the argument?
- What might the next body paragraph be about?
- Which way of organising an argument is correct?
Step 4
Write the essay
Work through the steps from this lesson: 1. analyse the question, 2. brainstorm ideas, 3. plan which ideas to use and how to organise your paragraphs. Then write your essay.
The teaching of Information Technology is a standard part of the school curriculum in most secondary schools. The same is now happening in primary schools, where children as young as six are learning how to use computers. However, there is a danger that IT skills are being taught at the expense of more basic skills.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Plan and write
- Brainstorm: reasons to agree / disagree
- Plan: your position and what each paragraph will say
- Your essay (at least 250 words, about 40 minutes)
- Is the essay about IT versus basic skills in primary schools, not just about IT in general?
- Have you shown awareness of the other side, even if only to refute it?
- Did you choose one way to organise your argument (listing, or argument + refutation)?
- Have you used linking words to connect your ideas?
Why this matters: careful preparation (analysing the question and planning) directly affects your Task Response and Coherence and Cohesion scores. See the Writing Band Descriptors.
Activities adapted from British Council IELTS teaching materials (takeielts.britishcouncil.org).