What Is an Opinion Essay?
An opinion essay answers a question such as "To what extent do you agree or disagree?" or "Which option do you prefer and why?". Your job is simple to describe but hard to do well:
- Take a clear position.
- Support it with two or three developed reasons.
- Keep the reader oriented from beginning to end.
The most common reason B2 writers lose points is not grammar — it's an unclear position or underdeveloped paragraphs (ideas listed but not explained).
The Structure
| Paragraph | Content | IELTS (250+ words) | CELPIP (150–200 words) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction | Paraphrase the question + your position | 40–50 words | 25–35 words |
| Body 1 | Main reason + explanation + example | 80–90 words | 50–60 words |
| Body 2 | Second reason (or counter-argument + reply) | 80–90 words | 50–60 words |
| Conclusion | Restate position + summarize reasons | 30–40 words | 15–25 words |
The Introduction
A strong introduction does two things:
- Paraphrases the topic — don't copy the question word for word.
- States your thesis — your clear answer.
Question: Some people think that all university students should study whatever they like. Others believe they should only be allowed to study subjects that will be useful in the future, such as science and technology. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Introduction:
While some argue that universities should focus on subjects with obvious practical value, such as science and technology, others believe students should be free to choose any field. In my view, although economic needs matter, students should be allowed to study what they are passionate about.
Notice: the first sentence paraphrases, the second gives a clear opinion. No stories, no dictionary definitions, no "In this essay I will talk about..."
Body Paragraphs: The PEEL Method
Each body paragraph should follow PEEL:
| Letter | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| P — Point | One clear topic sentence | The main reason for my view is that motivated students perform better. |
| E — Explain | Why is this true? | When people study something they genuinely enjoy, they are more likely to attend classes, do extra reading and complete their degree. |
| E — Example | A realistic example | For instance, a student forced into engineering by her parents may drop out after a year, while in history she might have become an excellent teacher or researcher. |
| L — Link | Connect back to the question | Therefore, freedom of choice benefits not only individuals but society as a whole. |
Tip: one paragraph = one main idea, fully developed. Two developed ideas are better than five listed ones.
Handling the Other Side
A mature essay shows you understand the opposing view — then explains why your view is stronger.
- Admittedly, science and technology graduates are in high demand. However,...
- It is true that... Nevertheless,...
- Critics of this view might argue that... Yet this ignores the fact that...
The Conclusion
Keep it short. No new arguments. Restate your position in different words and summarize your reasons:
In conclusion, although society needs scientists and engineers, I believe students should be free to follow their interests, because motivated learners achieve more and bring a wider range of skills to the economy.
A Five-Minute Plan
Spending five minutes planning saves time and improves your score. Write quick notes like this:
Position: freedom of choice (with some limits) Body 1: motivation → better results → example: student who drops out of engineering Body 2: other side: economy needs STEM → but arts skills also valuable (communication, creativity) → example: design and marketing jobs Conclusion: restate + 2 reasons
Useful Linking Language
- Adding: Furthermore, / In addition, / Moreover,
- Contrast: However, / Nevertheless, / On the other hand,
- Cause and effect: As a result, / Consequently, / This means that
- Examples: For instance, / A clear example of this is / Take, for example,
- Concluding: In conclusion, / To sum up, / Overall,
Warning: don't start every sentence with a linking word. Examiners penalize mechanical overuse.
IELTS Writing Task 2
- Time: about 40 minutes (it's worth twice as much as Task 1).
- Length: at least 250 words. Aim for 260–290 — longer is not better.
- Question types: agree/disagree, discuss both views, advantages/disadvantages, problem/solution. Always answer every part of the question.
- Scoring: Task Response, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy.
CELPIP Writing Task 2 (Responding to Survey Questions)
- Time: 26 minutes. Length: 150–200 words.
- You read a situation and choose one of two options (for example, "Should the community centre build a pool or a library?").
- Choose the option that is easier to support, not necessarily the one you personally prefer.
- The same structure works, just shorter: a two-sentence introduction, two body paragraphs, a one-sentence conclusion.
- It is fine to acknowledge the other option briefly, but make your choice unmistakable.
Common Mistakes
- No clear position: "There are advantages and disadvantages" is not an opinion.
- Changing position in the conclusion.
- Memorized phrases that don't fit: "This is a controversial issue that has sparked heated debate in the modern era" for a question about school uniforms.
- Examples that are too personal or too vague: "My friend Tom..." is weaker than "A student who..." or "In many Canadian cities...".
- Informal language: kids, stuff, a lot of, gonna → children, things/items, many, going to.
Practice Tips
- Practise planning only. Take five exam questions and write a five-minute plan for each — no full essay.
- Write one PEEL paragraph a day on a new topic and count: Did you explain? Did you give an example?
- Time yourself on a full essay once a week: 40 minutes for IELTS, 26 minutes for CELPIP.