Writing Task 2 · Two-question essays (opinion) · Lesson 9 of 12
Two-question essays (opinion)
When one of the two questions asks for your opinion, your essay needs to explain and judge. Learn how to do both.
In this lesson you will
- recognise a two-question essay where one question asks for your opinion
- explain reasons or causes in the first body paragraph
- give and support your opinion in the second body paragraph
- describe a trend as positive or negative, with a clear extent
Step 1
Recognise the question type
Here there are two questions, and one asks for your opinion, e.g. Do you think this is a positive or negative trend? or Do you agree or disagree?
Working from home is becoming more popular.
What are the reasons? Do you think this is a positive or negative trend?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
| You must… | You must not… |
|---|---|
|
|
Check your understanding
- Which question needs your opinion?
- Where should your opinion appear?
Step 2
Plan the essay
Follow the four planning steps from Lesson 1.
- Paraphrasebecoming more popular → increasingly prevalent · What are the reasons? → the reasons for this trend · positive trend → positive development
- Identify the typeTwo questions: (1) reasons, (2) opinion: positive or negative?
- BrainstormReasons: flexible schedule · no commuting. Opinion: largely positive, because of better work-life balance and less pollution.
- StructureIntroduction → Body 1: reasons → Body 2: why it is positive → Conclusion
Paraphrase: match the words
How did the model answer paraphrase the words from the question?
- becoming more popular
- What are the reasons?
- a positive trend
Put the paragraphs in order
Use the arrows to put the paragraph plan in the correct order.
- Body 2: my opinion: why this trend is positive
- Introduction: paraphrase + outline + my opinion
- Conclusion: summarise the reasons and restate my opinion
- Body 1: two reasons for the trend
Step 3
Model answer
Read the model answer. The colours show what each sentence does.
IntroductionWorking from home has become increasingly prevalent. This essay discusses the reasons for this trend and explains why I believe it is a largely positive development.
Body paragraph 1There are two main reasons why more people are choosing to work from home. The first is that this way of working is more flexible: people can usually set their own schedule instead of being tied to fixed office hours. For instance, I build websites online and often work at night, because this is when I can concentrate best. The second reason is that it saves time. Since no time is wasted commuting, people have more time for activities outside work.
Body paragraph 2I believe this is a positive trend. The most significant benefit is that it creates a better work-life balance. Because people can choose when to work and when to take a break, it is easier to fit work around other commitments. This is particularly useful for parents and people with other caring responsibilities. Another benefit is that it is better for the environment, since fewer people driving to work means less traffic and lower carbon emissions.
ConclusionIn conclusion, more people are working remotely because it offers greater flexibility and removes the need for a daily commute. I believe this is a largely positive development, as it helps people balance work with their other commitments and reduces pollution.
- position
- topic sentence
- explanation
- example
What does each sentence do?
Choose the function of each sentence from the model answer.
- “Working from home has become increasingly prevalent.”
- “This essay discusses the reasons for this trend and explains why I believe it is a largely positive development.”
- “There are two main reasons why more people are choosing to work from home.”
- “For instance, I build websites online and often work at night…”
- “Because people can choose when to work and when to take a break, it is easier to fit work around other commitments.”
Step 4
Useful language
Describe the trend with an adjective that shows your view, and an adverb that shows how strongly you hold it.
| Purpose | Language |
|---|---|
| Positive | a positive / beneficial / welcome development · a largely / overwhelmingly positive trend |
| Negative | a negative / worrying / harmful / detrimental trend · a largely negative development |
| Mixed (with a lean) | a mostly positive trend, despite some drawbacks |
| Reasons | There are two main reasons why … · The first of these is that … · The reason for this is that … |
| Result | Therefore, … · Consequently, … · As a result, … |
Complete the sentences from the model
Type the missing word or phrase. Then check against the model answer.
- This essay discusses the for this trend…
- …and explains why I believe it is a largely development.
- The first is that this way of working is more .
- I believe this is a trend.
- Another benefit is that it is better for the , since fewer people driving to work means less traffic…
Trend language
- Which sentence shows the strongest positive view?
- Which sentence describes a negative view?
Step 5
Your turn: practice task
Use the same four steps to plan and write your own essay. Save your work and send it to your tutor for feedback.
Some people feel that entertainers such as film stars, pop musicians or sports stars are paid too much money.
Do you agree or disagree? Which other types of jobs should be highly paid?
Plan and write
- 1. Paraphrase the first sentence of the question:
- 2. Identify the type. What must your essay do?
- 3. Brainstorm (+ / −) and choose your two best ideas:
- 4. Structure. What will each paragraph say?
- Write your essay (at least 250 words, about 40 minutes):
- Did you answer both questions?
- Is your opinion (with an extent) clear in the introduction and conclusion?
- Does each body paragraph answer one question?
- No new ideas in the conclusion?
- At least 250 words?
Model plan: Body 1: whether entertainers are overpaid (your opinion with an extent) · Body 2: which other jobs deserve high pay (e.g. nurses, teachers) and why.
Model answers and lesson materials by Tips4IELTS.