IELTS Writing Task 2 Tips: Expressing your Opinion

Summary

In this IELTS Writing Task 2 lesson, Liz explains how to properly express opinions in essays. She answers key questions such as whether you need to give your opinion, whether it's appropriate to use 'I' or 'my,' and how best to phrase your viewpoint. Liz advises that if the instructions ask for your opinion, you must use 'I' or 'my,' and highlights formal and acceptable expressions such as 'I think,' 'I believe,' and 'in my opinion.' She also notes informal expressions like 'I reckon' should only be used in speaking, not writing.

Takeaways

• 😀 Always read the instructions carefully in IELTS writing task 2 to know if you need to give your opinion.
• 😄 If the essay prompt asks 'Do you agree or disagree?', it is asking for your opinion.
• 😊 You must give your opinion if the instructions ask for it, otherwise, do not include it.
• 😉 Use 'I' or 'my' to express your opinion when it is required by the instructions.
• 😌 Avoid giving your opinion or using 'I' or 'my' if it is not requested in the task prompt.
• 😃 Appropriate ways to express your opinion in IELTS essays include 'I think', 'I believe', 'In my view', and 'In my opinion'.
• 😋 Informal phrases like 'I reckon', 'I suppose', and 'If you ask me' should only be used in the IELTS speaking test, not in writing.
• 🙂 Phrases such as 'From my perspective' and 'As far as I’m concerned' are considered informal and unsuitable for formal essays.
• 😅 'In my belief' and 'To my mind' are incorrect or inappropriate and should not be used in IELTS essays.
• 😄 Simple, academic expressions like 'In my opinion' or 'I believe' are best for introducing your opinion in IELTS writing task 2.

Q & A

Do you need to give your opinion in IELTS Writing Task 2?

Yes, you need to give your opinion if the instructions ask for it, such as when the prompt says 'Do you agree or disagree?' Always follow the instructions given in the task.

How can you determine if you need to give your opinion in IELTS Writing Task 2?

You can determine whether to give your opinion by carefully reading the instructions in the task. If the task asks for your opinion, such as in 'Do you agree or disagree?' questions, then you must provide it.

Can you use 'I' or 'my' in the essay?

Yes, you can use 'I' or 'my' in the essay when the instructions specifically ask for your opinion. In such cases, phrases like 'I think' or 'In my opinion' are appropriate.

When should you avoid using 'I' or 'my' in the essay?

You should avoid using 'I' or 'my' if the instructions do not ask for your opinion. In those cases, expressing personal opinions is not necessary.

What are some appropriate ways to express your opinion in IELTS Writing Task 2?

You can express your opinion using phrases like 'In my opinion,' 'I think,' 'I believe,' or 'In my view.' These are considered appropriate for academic writing in IELTS.

Which phrases should be avoided when giving your opinion in the essay?

Phrases like 'I reckon,' 'I suppose,' 'From my perspective,' and 'If you ask me' should be avoided in the writing test as they are too informal for academic essays.

Is 'In my belief' an appropriate phrase to use in an IELTS essay?

No, 'In my belief' is not considered correct for an academic essay. It is better to use 'In my view' or 'I believe' instead.

Why is 'To my mind' not appropriate for an IELTS essay?

'To my mind' is considered inappropriate for academic writing, as it is not widely accepted in formal essays. Instead, use 'In my view' or 'I think.'

Which phrases are best suited for starting your thesis statement in an opinion essay?

Phrases like 'In my opinion,' 'I think,' 'I believe,' and 'In my view' are best suited for starting your thesis statement in an opinion essay. They are clear, simple, and academically appropriate.

How can the examiner easily identify your opinion in the essay?

The examiner can easily identify your opinion if you clearly start your thesis statement with phrases like 'In my opinion,' 'I believe,' or 'I think,' making your stance evident from the beginning.