How to Improve Vocabulary and Cohesive Devices for IELTS Writing Task 2 to Score Band 7–9
August 25, 2025
How to Write “Do the Advantages Outweigh the Disadvantages?” Essays in IELTS Writing Task 2 (Band 7–9 Guide)
August 25, 2025
When it comes to IELTS Writing Task 2, the Agree or Disagree essay is one of the most common and important question types. To achieve a Band 7, Band 8, or Band 9, you must demonstrate clear arguments, well-organized ideas, academic vocabulary, and accurate grammar. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know—step-by-step strategies, sample prompts, model essays, and practice activities—to master this task.
Understanding Agree or Disagree Essay Questions
Agree or Disagree questions (also called Opinion Essays) ask you to give your viewpoint on a statement. You must decide:
- Do you completely agree?
- Do you completely disagree?
- Or do you partly agree and partly disagree?
👉 Example prompts:
- Some people believe that university education should be free for everyone. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- Technology has made communication easier, but it has also reduced face-to-face interaction. Do you agree or disagree?
- It is better to read books than to watch television. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Band 7–9 Strategy for Writing Agree or Disagree Essays
Step 1: Analyze the Question
- Identify the topic (education, technology, environment, etc.).
- Identify the task (agree, disagree, or both sides).
- Brainstorm 2–3 strong reasons to support your position.
Step 2: Decide Your Position
In IELTS Writing Task 2, you are free to:
- Completely agree/disagree → This is the safest and clearest approach, strongly recommended for Band 7–9.
- Partly agree → While IELTS examiners accept this approach and it can still achieve Band 9, it is often risky. Many candidates fail to balance their arguments properly, leading to confusion and lower scores in Task Response.
👉 UpScore IELTS Advice: Always choose a clear position (agree or disagree). It makes your essay sharper, easier to organize, and less likely to lose marks.
Step 3: Organize Your Essay (Band 9 Structure)
- Introduction
- Paraphrase the question.
- State your opinion clearly.
- Outline your main points.
- Body Paragraph 1
- Topic sentence (first reason).
- Explain with details.
- Give an example (real or hypothetical).
- Body Paragraph 2
- Topic sentence (second reason).
- Explanation and support.
- Example or evidence.
- Conclusion
- Restate your opinion.
- Summarize key arguments.
Sample High-Band Essay
Prompt: Some people believe that the government should invest more in public transport rather than building new roads. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Band 8.5 Model Essay:
In recent years, urban congestion has become a pressing concern, leading to debates on whether governments should prioritize public transport over road expansion. I strongly agree that investment in public transportation is far more beneficial than constructing additional roads.
Firstly, improving public transport reduces traffic congestion and environmental damage. For example, when cities like Singapore invested heavily in metro systems, the number of private vehicles decreased significantly. This not only reduced travel times but also minimized carbon emissions. Expanding roads, on the other hand, often encourages more people to drive, which worsens the problem in the long run.
Secondly, public transport is more cost-effective and socially inclusive. Building highways requires massive funds and displaces communities, while affordable buses and trains benefit students, workers, and low-income families. A well-connected transport network strengthens economic growth by making commuting accessible to all.
Admittedly, new roads may be necessary in rural areas where infrastructure is limited. However, in urban centers, the benefits of reliable public transport outweigh the drawbacks of road construction.
In conclusion, I firmly believe governments should prioritize investment in public transportation. Doing so addresses traffic issues, promotes sustainability, and ensures social equality—making it a smarter, long-term solution than road expansion.
Useful Vocabulary and Phrases for Agree or Disagree Essays
- Agreeing: strongly support, firmly believe, undoubtedly, beneficial, advantageous, effective.
- Disagreeing: oppose, question the validity, flawed argument, detrimental, unnecessary, impractical.
- Balanced (if partly agree is attempted): while it is true that…, it is also important to consider…, although…, nevertheless…
👉 Use linking devices for cohesion: Firstly, In addition, On the other hand, Therefore, In conclusion.
Topic-Wise Vocabulary
1. Education
Agreeing/Supporting Ideas:
- compulsory education, lifelong learning, access to education, literacy rate, academic achievement, higher education, curriculum development, student engagement, learning outcomes, skill acquisition
Disagreeing/Critical Ideas:
- rote learning, outdated curriculum, unequal access, limited resources, high dropout rates, ineffective teaching methods
Useful Phrases:
- Education equips individuals with necessary skills for…
- Providing equal access to education promotes social mobility.
- Traditional methods often fail to develop critical thinking skills.
2. Technology
Agreeing/Supporting Ideas:
- digital innovation, artificial intelligence (AI), automation, online learning, telecommunication, virtual communication, technological advancement, smart devices, Internet of Things (IoT)
Disagreeing/Critical Ideas:
- social isolation, privacy invasion, digital addiction, unemployment due to automation, cybercrime, information overload
Useful Phrases:
- Technology facilitates global communication and knowledge sharing.
- Excessive reliance on technology may hinder social skills development.
3. Environment
Agreeing/Supporting Ideas:
- climate change, renewable energy, sustainability, environmental conservation, carbon footprint, biodiversity protection, green technology, pollution control, ecological balance
Disagreeing/Critical Ideas:
- industrial pollution, deforestation, overconsumption of resources, environmental degradation, unsustainable practices
Useful Phrases:
- Investing in renewable energy is crucial to combat climate change.
- Human activities have significantly disrupted natural ecosystems.
4. Health
Agreeing/Supporting Ideas:
- public health, preventive care, mental well-being, vaccination programs, healthy lifestyle, healthcare accessibility, medical research, nutrition, exercise benefits
Disagreeing/Critical Ideas:
- sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy diet, lack of awareness, overreliance on medication, healthcare inequality
Useful Phrases:
- Regular exercise and a balanced diet contribute to overall health.
- Government policies should prioritize public health initiatives.
5. Work and Employment
Agreeing/Supporting Ideas:
- career advancement, job satisfaction, work-life balance, employee motivation, professional development, entrepreneurship, vocational training
Disagreeing/Critical Ideas:
- unemployment, underemployment, workplace discrimination, job insecurity, low wages
Useful Phrases:
- Investing in skill development enhances employability.
- Job insecurity negatively affects employee morale and productivity.
6. Society and Culture
Agreeing/Supporting Ideas:
- multiculturalism, social cohesion, community engagement, cultural heritage, public awareness, social responsibility, volunteering
Disagreeing/Critical Ideas:
- social inequality, discrimination, cultural erosion, urban-rural divide, crime rates
Useful Phrases:
- Cultural festivals help preserve heritage and foster social unity.
- Inequality in society can lead to social unrest.
7. Crime and Law
Agreeing/Supporting Ideas:
- legal enforcement, crime prevention, law-abiding behavior, justice system, rehabilitation programs, community policing
Disagreeing/Critical Ideas:
- corruption, recidivism, lenient punishment, ineffective laws, cybercrime
Useful Phrases:
- Strict law enforcement deters criminal activities.
- Rehabilitation is often more effective than punitive measures.
8. Transport and Infrastructure
Agreeing/Supporting Ideas:
- public transport, sustainable transport, road safety, urban planning, traffic management, rail and metro systems, smart cities
Disagreeing/Critical Ideas:
- traffic congestion, road accidents, air pollution, insufficient infrastructure, urban sprawl
Useful Phrases:
- Investing in public transport reduces congestion and pollution.
- Expanding roads often encourages more car usage rather than solving traffic problems.
9. Media and Communication
Agreeing/Supporting Ideas:
- mass media, social networking, digital journalism, global communication, information dissemination, freedom of press, online learning
Disagreeing/Critical Ideas:
- fake news, sensationalism, biased reporting, digital addiction, invasion of privacy
Useful Phrases:
- Social media enables global communication and awareness.
- Media bias can distort public perception and opinion.
10. Government and Politics
Agreeing/Supporting Ideas:
- public policy, social welfare, governance, democracy, transparency, citizen participation, economic planning
Disagreeing/Critical Ideas:
- corruption, bureaucratic inefficiency, unequal representation, policy failure, authoritarianism
Useful Phrases:
- Transparent governance promotes trust and accountability.
- Corruption undermines economic growth and public welfare.
11. Science and Research
Agreeing/Supporting Ideas:
- scientific innovation, research funding, technological breakthroughs, experimentation, evidence-based solutions, medical research
Disagreeing/Critical Ideas:
- ethical concerns, environmental impact, misuse of technology, research bias
Useful Phrases:
- Investing in research drives innovation and progress.
- Unregulated experimentation may cause ethical and social problems.
12. Globalization and Economy
Agreeing/Supporting Ideas:
- international trade, economic growth, globalization, foreign investment, job creation, global cooperation, market expansion
Disagreeing/Critical Ideas:
- income inequality, exploitation of workers, cultural homogenization, environmental harm, economic dependence
Useful Phrases:
- Globalization fosters trade, innovation, and cultural exchange.
- Economic growth should be sustainable and inclusive.
✅ How to Use This Vocabulary
- Pick topic-specific vocabulary relevant to your essay question.
- Combine with linking phrases: Firstly, Furthermore, Therefore, In conclusion…
- Use collocations and academic words naturally; avoid overstuffing.
- Practice writing 2–3 essays per topic to internalize the phrases.
Practice Activity
Task: Write an essay on the following prompt:
“Some people think that children should be taught how to grow food and cook in schools. Do you agree or disagree?”
✔ Step 1: Decide your position (preferably take one side).
✔ Step 2: Plan 2–3 reasons.
✔ Step 3: Write introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
💡 Share your essay with a teacher or IELTS mentor for feedback.
📌 Recent IELTS Agree/Disagree Essay Questions (2025)
- “Some believe that people who choose a job early and keep doing it are more likely to have a satisfying career life than those who frequently change jobs. To what extent do you agree or disagree?”
Source: IELTS Blog (UK, May 2025) - “Some people believe that the main aim of advertising is to increase sales of products that people do not really need. To what extent do you agree or disagree?”
Source: Reddit (June 2025) - “Some people think that it is important to use taxpayer money to search for life on other planets. However, others believe that this is a waste of public money because there are much more important issues that require funding on our own planet. Discuss both points of view and give your opinion.”
Source: IELTS Updates & Recent Exams (April 2025) - “Some people think that the climate affects the way of life of a person, while others believe that climate has a greater impact on the economy of the region. Discuss both points of view and give your opinion.”
Source: IELTS Updates & Recent Exams (April 2025) - “Some people think that it is important to use taxpayer money to search for life on other planets. However, others believe that this is a waste of public money because there are much more important issues that require funding on our own planet. Discuss both points of view and give your opinion.”
Source: IELTS Updates & Recent Exams (April 2025)
Final Thoughts
Agree or Disagree essays in IELTS Writing Task 2 are an opportunity to show your critical thinking, organization, and academic writing skills. To achieve a Band 7–9, it is best to take a clear position and defend it with strong reasons and examples. While partly agreeing is possible, it often confuses candidates and lowers scores—so avoid it unless you are very confident.
At UpScore IELTS, we provide expert guidance through online and in-class preparation programs. With CELTA-certified instructors, personalized feedback, and exam-tested strategies, we help students achieve their dream band scores.
👉 Ready to master IELTS Writing Task 2? Join UpScore IELTS today and take the next step towards your global goals.
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