IELTS essay template

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Essay template for IELTS
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Published

June 16, 2025

1 Opinion essay template

1.1 Paragraph 1 - Introduction

Goal: Introduce the topic, paraphrase the question, clearly state your opinion, and outline the essay.

1.1.1 Background sentence (paraphrase the topic):

In recent years, the issue of [main idea from the prompt] has sparked considerable debate.

1.1.2 Specific issue or controversy:

Some people argue that [first side of the argument], while others believe that [second side].

1.1.3 Clear thesis statement (your opinion):

Personally, I [completely/somewhat] agree/disagree with the idea that [restate the statement using your view].

1.1.4 Outline what the essay will cover:

This essay will outline the reasons for my opinion, supported by relevant examples.

1.2 Paragraph 2 - First Main Reason Supporting Your Opinion

Goal: Present a strong reason why you agree/disagree. Explain and give an example.

1.2.1 Topic sentence (main idea):

The reason why I [agree/disagree] is that [state your key reason clearly].

1.2.2 Explanation

This means that [explain how this reason supports your view in more detail].

1.2.3 Example (real or hypothetical)

For example, a study by [source] found that [specific example or case that illustrates your point].

1.2.4 Analysis

This demonstrates that [connect the example to your thesis].

Optional: Summary sentence

Therefore, this point strongly supports the idea that [reaffirm your opinion].

1.3 Paragraph 3 - Second Main Reason Supporting Your Opinion.

Goal: Add a second major supporting idea, with an example and analysis.

1.3.1 Topic sentence (second idea):

Another compelling reason why I [agree/disagree] is that [state your second reason].

1.3.2 Explanation

In other words, [elaborate with further logic or mechanism behind the idea].

1.3.3 Example

A good example of this can be seen in [another study, real-life situation, or statistic].

1.3.4 Analysis

As a result, this proves that [link back to your thesis or reinforce your stance].

Optional: address a counterargument (optional for higher band) While some might argue that [mention opposing point], I believe this concern is outweighed by [your rebuttal].

1.4 Paragraph 4 - Conclusion

Goal: Summarize your main points and firmly restate your position.

1.4.1 Summarize key arguments

In summary, both [reason 1] and [reason 2] illustrate why I believe that [restate viewpoint].

1.5 Strong closing sentence (restate opinion with impact):

For these reasons, I am convinced that [reaffirm your opinion], and I believe this view is crucial for [optional implication].

2 Useful Language for Opinion Essays.

2.1 Agree/Disagree Phrases:

  • I strongly agree with the idea that …
  • I completely disagree because …
  • I believe that …
  • From my perspective …
  • It is my firm conviction that … ## Linkers & Transitions:
  • Firstly / Secondly / Finally
  • In addition / Moreover / Furthermore
  • For example / For instance
  • As a result / Therefore / Thus
  • On the other hand (if addressing an opposing view)
  • In conclusion / To sum up

3 Discussion Essay Template

“Discuss both views and give your own opinion.”

3.1 Introduction

  1. Paraphrase the question
    • E.g. People often hold differing opinions about [topic].
  2. Introduce both views
    • E.g. Some believe that [view A], whereas others feel that [view B].
  3. Thesis (your opinion)
    • E.g. I acknowledge both perspectives, but I side with [view A / view B / a balanced view] because…

3.2 Body Paragraph 1 – View A

  1. Topic sentence
    • E.g. Proponents of [view A] argue that…
  2. Explanation
    • E.g. This stems from the fact that…
  3. Example or evidence
    • E.g. For instance, [study/case/example] shows that…
  4. Link back to question
    • E.g. Thus, supporters claim that [restate benefit of view A].

3.3 Body Paragraph 2 – View B (and your opinion)

  1. Topic sentence
    • E.g. On the other hand, opponents argue that…
  2. Explanation
    • E.g. They believe this because…
  3. Example or evidence
    • E.g. For example, [real‐world scenario] illustrates that…
  4. Your stance / mini‑counter
    • E.g. While this point has merit, I maintain that…

3.4 Conclusion

  1. Summarise both views
    • E.g. In summary, [view A] offers… whereas [view B] highlights…
  2. Restate your opinion clearly
    • E.g. Overall, I believe that [reaffirm your position] because…
  3. (Optional) Future or recommendation
    • E.g. Moving forward, policymakers/individuals should…

3.4.1 Useful Linking Words

  • To introduce view A: Firstly, Moreover, In addition
  • To introduce view B: However, On the other hand, Conversely
  • To conclude: In conclusion, To sum up, Overall

4 Advantages & Disadvantages Essay Template

“Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?”

4.1 Introduction

  1. Paraphrase the question
    • e.g. “In recent years, the issue of [topic] has attracted significant attention.”
  2. State that there are both advantages and disadvantages
    • e.g. “This development brings certain benefits, but it also has drawbacks.”
  3. Thesis (your overall evaluation)
    • e.g. “In my view, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.”

4.2 Body Paragraph 1 – Advantages

  1. Topic sentence (first advantage)
    • e.g. “One major advantage is that [state advantage].”
  2. Explanation
    • e.g. “This means that [explain how or why this is beneficial].”
  3. Example
    • e.g. “For instance, [real or hypothetical example].”
  4. Result or implication
    • e.g. “As a result, [describe positive outcome].”

(Optionally add a second advantage using the same structure.)

4.3 Body Paragraph 2 – Disadvantages

  1. Topic sentence (first disadvantage)
    • e.g. “On the other hand, a significant disadvantage is that [state disadvantage].”
  2. Explanation
    • e.g. “This leads to [explain how or why this is problematic].”
  3. Example
    • e.g. “For example, [real or hypothetical example].”
  4. Result or implication
    • e.g. “Consequently, [describe negative outcome].”

(Optionally add a second disadvantage using the same structure.)

4.4 Conclusion

  1. Summarise advantages and disadvantages
    • e.g. “In conclusion, although there are clear drawbacks such as [briefly restate disadvantage], the benefits of [briefly restate advantage] are more significant.”
  2. Restate your evaluation
    • e.g. “Therefore, I believe that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages in this case.”
  3. (Optional) Recommendation or final thought
    • e.g. “To maximize the positives, [suggest a policy or measure].”

4.5 Linking Words & Phrases

  • Introducing advantages: Firstly, In addition, Moreover
  • Introducing disadvantages: However, On the other hand, Conversely
  • Concluding: In conclusion, To sum up, Overall

5 Problem & Solution Essay Template

“What are the problems associated with [topic] and what solutions can be proposed?”

5.1 Introduction

  1. Paraphrase the question
    • e.g. “In recent years, [topic] has become a growing concern.”
  2. State that there are problems and that you will propose solutions
    • e.g. “This essay will examine the main problems and suggest possible solutions.”

5.2 Body Paragraph 1 – Problems

  1. Topic sentence (first problem)
    • e.g. “One significant problem is that [state problem].”
  2. Explanation
    • e.g. “This means that [explain why this is a problem].”
  3. Example
    • e.g. “For example, [real or hypothetical example].”
  4. Result or consequence
    • e.g. “As a result, [describe negative outcome].”

(Optionally add a second problem using the same structure.)

5.3 Body Paragraph 2 – Solutions

  1. Topic sentence (first solution)
    • e.g. “To address this issue, one solution is to [state solution].”
  2. Explanation
    • e.g. “This would [explain how or why this solution works].”
  3. Example
    • e.g. “For instance, [example of where it has worked or could work].”
  4. Benefit or expected outcome
    • e.g. “Consequently, [describe positive outcome].”

(Optionally add a second solution using the same structure.)

5.4 Conclusion

  1. Summarise the problems and solutions
    • e.g. “In conclusion, [restate the main problems] can be mitigated by [restate main solutions].”
  2. Final evaluative comment
    • e.g. “If these measures are implemented effectively, [positive final thought].”

5.5 Linking Words & Phrases

  • Introducing problems: Firstly, One major issue, Another problem
  • Introducing solutions: To tackle this, One possible solution, Furthermore
  • Concluding: In conclusion, To sum up, Overall

6 Direct Questions Essay Template

“Answer the specific questions asked in the prompt.”

6.1 Introduction

  1. Paraphrase the prompt
    • E.g. “The issue of [topic] raises several key questions.”
  2. List the questions you will address
    • E.g. “This essay will examine [Question 1] and [Question 2], before offering a conclusion.”

6.2 Body Paragraph 1 – Answer to Question 1

  1. Topic sentence
    • E.g. “First, regarding [Question 1], [state your main answer].”
  2. Explanation
    • E.g. “This is because [elaborate on your answer].”
  3. Example or evidence
    • E.g. “For instance, [real or hypothetical example].”
  4. Link back
    • E.g. “Therefore, [restate how this answers Question 1].”

6.3 Body Paragraph 2 – Answer to Question 2

  1. Topic sentence
    • E.g. “Second, when considering [Question 2], [state your main answer].”
  2. Explanation
    • E.g. “This means that [elaborate on your answer].”
  3. Example or evidence
    • E.g. “For example, [real or hypothetical example].”
  4. Link back
    • E.g. “Thus, [restate how this answers Question 2].”

6.4 (Optional) Body Paragraph 3 – Answer to Question 3

  1. If a third question is asked, repeat the same structure.

6.5 Conclusion

  1. Summarise your answers
    • E.g. “In conclusion, [briefly restate answer to Question 1] and [briefly restate answer to Question 2].”
  2. Final thought (optional)
    • E.g. “Overall, addressing these issues will require [brief recommendation or implication].”

6.6 Linking Words & Phrases

  • Introducing answers: First, Second, Moreover
  • Explaining: This is because, In other words, That is to say
  • Examples: For example, For instance, A good illustration is
  • Concluding: In conclusion, To sum up, Overall