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Agree Disagree- Full Essay

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Table of
Contents
I. Pre-writing............................................................................................................... 3

1. Definition and Characteristics..............................................................................3

2. Essay Structure.................................................................................................... 3

3. Analyze a sample essay....................................................................................... 4

4. Useful language (two-sided essays)....................................................................7

4.1.Introduction.................................................................................................... 7
4.2.Body paragraphs............................................................................................ 7
4.3. Conclusion...................................................................................................... 8

5. Writing Practice.................................................................................................... 8
5.1.Analyze the task............................................................................................ 8
5.2.Brainstorm ideas............................................................................................ 9

II. While-writing......................................................................................................... 10

III. Post-writing.......................................................................................................... 13

1. Peer editing....................................................................................................... 13

2. Further practice................................................................................................. 14

ANSWER KEY............................................................................................................ 15
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OPINION ESSAYS (Agree/ Disagree)

I. Pre-writing
1. Definition and Characteristics
- An opinion essay is a formal piece of writing which requires your opinion on a
topic. Your opinion should be stated clearly. Throughout the essay, you will give
various arguments/reasons/viewpoints on the topic, and these will be supported
by evidence and/or examples. You could also include an opposing viewpoint in
a paragraph.

- The question for an IELTS opinion essay includes 2 parts:

 Part 1: a statement/ topic.
 Part 2: the question whether you agree or disagree with the statement.
- What is your opinion?
- Do you agree or disagree?
- To what extent do you agree or disagree? (= How much do you agree or
disagree?)
- Example: Many people say that eating at home is better for the individuals and
the family than eating out in restaurants. (Part 1)
To what extent do you agree or disagree? (Part 2)

 There are 3 ways to answer the question:

 I totally/ strongly/completely agree with the statement + reasons
 I totally/ strongly/ completely disagree with the statement + reasons
 I partly/ somewhat agree/ disagree with the statement + reasons

2. Essay Structure (General Outline)

Depending on your opinion, whether you strongly agree/disagree (one-sided) or only
partly agree/disagree (two-sided) with the statement, the essay structure will vary
accordingly.

In this unit, we will focus on how to structure the essay using the two-sided approach,
in which you PARTLY agree or disagree with the statement.
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INTRODUCTION

 Topic: Introduce the topic by paraphrasing the statement

 Thesis statement: State your opinion about the given topic
BODY PARAGRAPH 1 BODY PARAGRAPH 2
The side that you don’t support The side that you support
- Topic sentence: Briefly state which - Topic sentence: Briefly state which
side you are discussing (disagree) side you are discussing (agree)
- Reason 1 – Support this idea - Reason 1 – Support this idea
- Reason 2 – Support this idea - Reason 2 – Support this idea

CONCLUSION

Summarize the main points in the

essay AND/ OR
Restate the thesis statement/ Give your final opinion

3. Analyze a sample essay

Sample writing task 2 question:
Some people say that city life has become more stressful and has no advantage. To what
extent do you agree or disagree?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own
knowledge. Write at least 250 words.

Task 1. Read the sample essay below and answer the following questions.

Many people argue that urban life causes more stress while offering little advantages
for its citizens. From my experience, I partially agree with this opinion for the
following reasons.

To begin with, surviving in big cities has its challenges and makes people
suffer from a great deal of pressure, one of which is the high cost of living.
This is mainly because everyone has to pay taxes, bills, treatment, accommodation,
and food, which is more expensive than in other areas. As a result, people are often
overworked and stressed from the financial pressure that they have to face in order
to afford a good life. Furthermore, commuting in many cities is an exhausting task
filled with many urban problems such as traffic congestion, inadequate
infrastructure, noise, air pollution, and so on. This can lead to a waste of people’s
valuable time and have a considerable impact on their mental health.
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However, there are numerous advantages that should not be overlooked.

First of all, a city provides better education and career prospects. Young people
would thus have more options to choose from and have higher chances of getting
the desired job with a good salary. This allows them to have better opportunities to
not only enhance their knowledge but also to change their life. Another factor to
consider is the ease of access to high-quality healthcare services in a city than in a
remote area where individuals have to travel a lot to cure their illness.

To summarize, I believe that even though living in big cities causes stress and
anxiety, it has its benefits. It depends on people’s preferences and lifestyles to
decide whether the city is worth living in.

1. What is the main topic of this essay?

The main topic of the essay is urban life causes more stress while offering little
advantages for its citizens

2. What is the author’s opinion about the statement? Underline the thesis statement
of the
essay.

The author partially agree with this opinion

3. What are the two drawbacks of living in urban areas?

- urban problems

- high cost of living

4. What are the two benefits of living in urban areas?

- better education and career prospects

- high-quality healthcare services

5. Find all the linking words used in the sample essay. (e.g. to begin with, …)

Task 2. Below is an outline for the sample essay. Reread the essay and complete
the outline.
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INTRODUCTION

Topic: urban life causes more stress while offering little advantages for its citizens

Thesis statement: partially agree

BODY PARAGRAPH 1 BODY PARAGRAPH 2

Drawbacks of living in big Benefits of living in big

cities cities

Drawback 1: environment problems Benefit 1: good living conditions

Supporting ideas: Supporting ideas:
- Example: trafic jam, crowed,noise
pollution,air pollution - Access to modern good health service

 Harm to health - Fast public transports

 Waste of time for commuting - Education, entertainment

- Famous/iconic structure

Drawback 2: unsafety Benefit 2: oppotunities for

Supporting ideas: the crime rate is developing
increasing Supporting ideas:
- Overpopulation lead to lax - Find job with high salary
- Build a career or business
management
-
- High living standards require people to
work hard to earn money, become
depressed and care less about others.

CONCLUSION
Restate thesis statement/ Summarize main points + Your opinion:
In conclusion, while I support the view that living in urban brings more benifits
because i want to develop myself and my career. Depending on living conditions
and goals to choose the right place to live
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4. Useful language (two-sided essays)

4.1. Introduction
The introduction includes:

- A background sentence: introduce the topic or paraphrase the question:

+ It is a common belief that S + V.

+ Many people hold the view that S + V.
+ There is a growing concern that S + V.
- A thesis statement: state your opinion (e.g. completely agree or partly agree)

+ While S + V, I think / believe that S + V.

+ I think / I believe that S + V.
+ In my opinion / Personally / From my perspective, S + V.
+ I somewhat/ partially agree with this opinion for several reasons.
🟍Note: DO NOT give or discuss any specific reasons in your introduction.

4.2. Body paragraphs

- Topic sentences:
+
S + V is because S + V.
+ It is true/ reasonable that S + V to a certain extent.
- Supporting sentences:
+ Research shows that S + V
+ Scientists have proved that S + V
Facts:
Example: Research shows that too much salt, which is often
used as a common seasoning, can increase the risk of chronic
conditions.
+ This is mainly because S + V
+ Due to / Because of + noun phrase, S + V.
Explanations:
Example: This is because excessive intake of salt can increase
the sodium levels in the blood, leading to high blood pressure.
+ For example, S + V.
Examples: + For instance, S + V.
+ One example of this is + Noun/ Noun phrase/ Noun clause/
Gerund
+ As a result / Therefore, S + V.
Consequences: + S + therefore/ thus + V.
+ This could cause / This could lead to + noun phrase.
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+ This can have positive/negative effects/impacts on + noun

phrase.
+ This can be harmful/detrimental to + noun phrase.
+ This allows + (someone) + to + verb.
Example: High blood pressure makes the heart work harder.
As a result, it can lead to diseases of the heart such as heart
attack.

- Other transitions between sentences and paragraphs:

However/ Nevertheless/ In addition/ Furthermore, S + V.
Despite/ In spite of + Noun/ Noun phrase/ Gerund, S +
V.

4.3. Conclusion
- Restate your opinion/position and the main points:
+ In conclusion, I somewhat believe that S + V.
+ In conclusion, while I support the view that S + V, I disagree that S + V.
- Give your final opinion (a recommendation, a prediction, or a call to action):
+ If S + V, S1 + V1.
+ [Governments/ The society/ Companies/ Individual] should S + V.

5. Writing Practice
Writing task 2 question:

Many people say that eating at home is better for the individuals and the family than
eating out in restaurants.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

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

5.1. Analyze the task

- Every task contains a topic and a question. It is important that you fully address
both the topic and the question.
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- To understand the task, you could simplify the questions into: <Do you agree that +
topic?=.

Example: Do you agree that eating at home is better for the individuals and the family
than eating out?

* When there is a word <and= in the topic, you must write about both parts. In the
sample topic
above, you must address BOTH individuals AND family.

* If the question is <To what extent do you agree or disagree=, you need to state
whether you
agree (or disagree) AND how much you agree (or disagree).

5.2. Brainstorm ideas

- To argue why you PARTLY agree/ disagree with the statement, you should
think about 2 reasons for each side.
- You should NOT simply list the reasons. Instead, you should expand/ support the
ideas with explanations and examples.
Task 3. Now, brainstorm ideas for the writing task above. Complete the T-chart
below.
Topic: Eating at home is better for the individuals and the family than eating out.
FOR (Agree) AGAINST (Disagree)

- Supporting idea 1: cheaper and save - Supporting idea 1: increase family-

money
bonding time
- Details:
- Details (Fact, Example, + Why/ How? => don’t have to spend
Explanation, etc): much
time cooking and cleaning
- Not spending too much on food and
drink + Example: no
+ Possible results: family members
- Eating at home saves on travel costs.
have more time to share their feelings/
problems
Supporting idea 2: healthy => understand each other more
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- Control the number of calories - Supporting idea 2: tasty food and

- Clean and fresh ingredients good service
 reduce weight-related diseases
- Cooked by famous chef

- Enjoy great service

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, Explanation, etc):

II. While-writing
Task 4. From the T-chart Task 3, complete the outline for the writing task.
Remember to use the language in 4.1, 4.2, and 4.3.
Many people say that cooking and eating at home is better for the individual and the
family than eating out in restaurants.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

INTRODUCTION

Topic: _

Thesis statement:

BODY PARAGRAPH 1 BODY PARAGRAPH 2

Topic sentence: Topic sentence:

_
Supporting idea 1: Supporting idea 1:
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Supporting details (example, Supporting details (example,

reason, consequence, fact, reason, consequence, fact,
etc.): etc.):

Supporting idea 2: Supporting idea 2:

Supporting details (example, Supporting details (example,

reason, consequence, fact, reason, consequence, fact,
etc.): etc.):

CONCLUSION
Restate thesis statement/ Summarize the main ideas + Your opinion:

Task 5. Write a complete essay based on your outline in Task 4.

Many people say that eating at home is better for the individuals and the family than
eating out in restaurants.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own
knowledge. Write at least 250 words.
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Many people hold the view that eating at home brings more benifits than eating out. I
partially agree with this opinion for the following reasons.

To begin, eating at home has great impact on health and money than restaurant. It is
easy to see that costs will be minimized when you cook at home. Moreover,
homemade dishes could have people control the number of calories in each meal,
reduce weight-related diseases such as obesity or malnutrition. Pre-cooked foods are
likely to contain low quality oils and seasonings, so cooking at home is a healthy
option. Shopping and cooking yourself will help you choose clean and fresh
ingredients.

On the other hand, when everyone has their own nuclear family, eating out is also a
reasonable way to gather. It's a real bonding time because there's no need to waste
time cooking or cleaning, just relax and enjoy with family. Moreover, eating out can
bring many new culinary experiences because not all dishes can be cooked at home
to bring out the standard flavor of the dish. Enjoy a delicious dish prepared by a
famous chef along with good service quality will be a perfect meal.

In conclusion, I still support cooking at home to ensure mental health. However,

eating indoor or outdoor brings its own experience, depending on the circumstances
to enjoy a meaningful life.
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III. Post-writing
1. Peer editing
Work in pairs. Read your partner’s essay. Then use the Checklist below to offer
feedback that can help your partner improve his/ her writing.

Conten Y/N Comments/ Suggestions

t
Task Response
Is the essay at least 250 words?

Is the topic clearly identified in the

introduction?
Does the thesis statement clearly state the
writer’s
opinion?
Is each paragraph related to the topic?
Does the conclusion summarize the main
ideas/
restate the thesis statement, and give a final
opinion?
Coherence & Cohesion
Are there one introduction, at least two body
paragraphs, and one conclusion in the essay?
Is there a clear topic sentence in each
paragraph?
Are relevant examples and/or other supporting
details (explanation, reasons, etc.) included?
Are the sentences well linked together using
appropriate cohesive devices?
Lexical Resource

Has the question been suitably paraphrased?

Has consistent repetition of vocabulary been
avoided?
Has spelling and word-choice errors been
checked?
Is there sufficient used of academic
vocabulary?
Does the essay contain vocabulary specific to
the
topic?
Grammar Range and Accuracy
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Has a range of simple, compound, and

complex
sentences been used?
Have the verb tenses and subject-verb
agreement
been checked?
Are most sentences error-free?

Has correct punctuation been used?

Time management

Has the essay been written within 40 minutes?

2. Further practice
Choose one of the following topics and write a complete essay. Remember to give
reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge.
Write at least 250 words.

1.It is better for college students to live in schools than live at

home with their parents. Do you agree or disagree?

Many people hold the view that students of university should live in residents hall of
schools than living with their family. I firmly agree with this opinion for the following
reasons.

To begin, living in schools is brings some benefits for students. For students who live
far from school, this helps them save money and commute time to schools. This is
extremely convenient because they will be managed by the school, they only focus on
studying and not be distracted by outside things. Living at school means being with
friends, which helps them learn and grow together. At the same time, they develop a
social circle by communicating a lot and not being too sheltered by family.

Moreover, when living outside, university students will need to practice independence
to take care of themselves and even choose a part-time job to pay for their expenses.
Being away from home, students need to cultivate many soft skills such as self-study,
cooking, financial management, and time management. Living in a completely new
environment, there will be many challenges for them, which is valuable life
experience for the rest of their lives.

In conclusion, i still support that living away from family is a worthwhile experience of
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student life.

2. Some people believe that children’s leisure activities must be

educational, otherwise they are a complete waste of time. Do you agree or
disagree? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples
from your experience.

3. Everyone should stay in school until 18 years old. To what extent do you agree or
disagree?

4. Many people believe that everyone should follow a vegetarian diet because it
would have a positive impact on our health and the environment. Do you agree
or disagree?