corruption essay in ielts

Essay on Causes and Effect of Corruption

To begin with, corruption is an act of taking bribes in the form of money or service exploiting one’s authority. Corruption is an illegal method of making tasks happen usually behind the formal procedure. 

As we came to know corruption as a criminal offense, UNCAC (United Nations Convention Against Corruption) is a legally binding institution since 2003 which shows the filthy trend carried out by authoritative people. Corruption is not always in the form of money but also the misuse of authority. Bribery, nepotism, patronage, favoritism, extortion, the graft are some of the forms of corruption out of which bribe seems to be the common one. The misuse of authority or abuse of authority is what raises corruption in a state. Corruption does not just occur in government bodies but also has been significantly affecting private organizations which are turning out to be profit-oriented with a mentioned motto as service motive. 

Similarly, low media freedom does not allow the recording of these illegal acts of bringing them to limelight is not allowed to the media. This encourages the corrupt to conduct the acts within the organization in the means of bribe. This consequently affects the citizens with delay in work as the employees avoids the quick working habit thinking the citizens as the source of alternative earning. The one involved in the investigation also gets lure with the alternative earning source and charges money within instead of bringing reality in front of general people.

The close economy is a state where the state claims to be self-sufficient with no transactions with other nations. The closed economy does not disclose their clerical transactions that hinder transparency which supports corruption. 

Politics affects the scenario whereas economy is what gets carried away. Shadow funds are highly created with no disclosure of how it settled and then the fund goes into the pocket of different levels of staff. This is the major reason the government loses trust by their public in terms of donation and emergency funds. When the trust issues occur in the higher authority of the state, the citizens also try to cover up the taxes and their liabilities towards the government that consequently affects the economic 

As a whole, corruption is a tool that affects a nation’s development and creates a state of mistrust. Lack of economic transparency hinders economic stability that ruins the state as a whole as it affects social, political scenarios as well because a state cannot run without a stable economy. To ruin this culture, the immediate action and sincere workforce have to come into the field. The corruption within a small organization, joint venture, and we should not ignore transparency of  government offices  as it hampers the work ethics in a nation where citizens run after one’s status rather than working ethics, and craving for private profit becomes common.

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Unmasking the Menace: How Political Corruption Erodes Economic Stability

The devastating effects of political corruption on economic stability are a pressing concern globally. This issue frequently surfaces in IELTS Writing Task 2, requiring test-takers to demonstrate their ability to analyze complex societal problems. This article delves into the intricate relationship between these two, providing insights into crafting a compelling IELTS essay and offering a sample response to guide your preparation.

Table of Contents

IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Questions

Here are some potential IELTS Writing Task 2 questions related to “ The Effects Of Political Corruption On Economic Stability ”:

To what extent do you agree or disagree that political corruption is the biggest obstacle to economic stability in developing countries?

• Political corruption is a serious problem that affects many countries around the world. What are the effects of political corruption on economic stability? What solutions can be suggested to tackle this issue?
• Some people argue that economic growth is the best way to reduce political corruption. Others argue that strong measures against corruption are necessary to achieve economic growth. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Sample Essay Analysis: Question 1

Let’s break down the first question:

This question requires you to present a clear stance on whether political corruption poses the most significant challenge to economic stability, particularly in developing nations. You need to provide compelling arguments and supporting evidence to justify your position.

Essay Structure and Sample Response

Introduction: Briefly introduce the topic and clearly state your opinion.

Body Paragraph 1: Present your main argument supporting your stance. Use examples and evidence to strengthen your point.

Body Paragraph 2: Acknowledge the counter-argument. Explain why it holds less weight compared to your main argument.

Conclusion: Reiterate your opinion and briefly summarise the main points discussed.

Sample Essay (Word Count: 280 words)

Political corruption, often endemic in developing countries, poses a substantial impediment to their economic progress. While other factors undoubtedly contribute, I firmly believe that political corruption stands as the most significant hurdle these nations face in achieving lasting economic stability.

Firstly, rampant corruption cripples economic growth by deterring foreign investment and stifling entrepreneurship. When investors lack confidence in a country’s governance due to widespread bribery and lack of transparency, they are less likely to inject capital into its economy. This, in turn, hinders job creation and infrastructure development, further perpetuating economic instability. For instance, countries with high levels of corruption often experience slower GDP growth and struggle to attract foreign direct investment.

However, some argue that factors like lack of education or inadequate infrastructure pose bigger threats. While these issues undoubtedly play a role, their impact pales in comparison to the corrosive effects of corruption. Even with improved education and infrastructure, a corrupt system can divert resources, undermine institutions, and create an uneven playing field that discourages legitimate economic activity.

In conclusion, while various factors can hinder economic stability in developing countries, political corruption stands as the most formidable obstacle. Its detrimental effects on investment, entrepreneurship, and institutional integrity create a vicious cycle of poverty and instability that is difficult to break. Tackling corruption through robust legal frameworks, transparent governance, and a culture of accountability is therefore paramount for achieving sustainable economic progress in these nations.

Writing Tips

• Vocabulary: Employ a wide range of vocabulary related to corruption, economic stability, development, and governance.
• Grammar: Use a variety of complex sentence structures accurately. Pay close attention to subject-verb agreement, tenses, and punctuation.
• Coherence and Cohesion: Ensure your essay flows logically, with clear transitions between paragraphs and ideas. Use linking words and phrases effectively to enhance coherence.
• Examples and Evidence: Support your claims with relevant examples, statistics, or historical events to strengthen your arguments.

Difficult Vocabulary

• Endemic (adjective) /enˈdem.ɪk/: Regularly found among particular people or in a certain area.
• Impediment (noun) /ɪmˈped.ɪ.mənt/: Something that makes progress, movement, or achieving something difficult or impossible.
• Rampant (adjective) /ˈræm.pənt/: Existing or spreading everywhere in a way that cannot be controlled.
• Stifle (verb) /ˈstaɪ.fəl/: To prevent something from happening, being expressed, or continuing.
• Perpetuate (verb) /pəˈpetʃ.u.eɪt/: To cause something to continue.
• Corrosive (adjective) /kəˈroʊ.sɪv/: Tending to damage something gradually.
• Pales in comparison (phrase): To seem much less serious or important when compared with someone or something else.
• Divert (verb) /daɪˈvɝːt/: To cause something or someone to change direction.
• Undermine (verb) /ˌʌn.dɚˈmaɪn/: To make someone or something weaker or less effective.
• Paramount (adjective) /ˈper.ə.maʊnt/: More important than anything else.

Successfully addressing “The effects of political corruption on economic stability” in your IELTS Writing Task 2 requires a strong understanding of the issue, a clear stance, and compelling arguments supported by relevant examples. Utilizing diverse vocabulary, accurate grammar, and a coherent structure will further strengthen your essay, potentially leading to a higher band score. Remember to practice writing essays on similar topics to enhance your skills and confidence.

For further reading on the impact of corruption, you can explore this resource: The effects of political corruption on society .

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Ielts writing task 2 sample 988 - money given to help poor countries does not solve the problem of poverty, ielts writing task 2/ ielts essay:, the money given to help poor countries does not solve the problem of poverty, so rich countries should give other types of help instead..

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IELTS Writing: problem and solution essay

In this lesson you’ll learn how to answer problems/solutions questions in IELTS Writing . This type of questions gives you an issue and asks you to describe some common problems associated with it and propose some possible solutions.

• See problem-solution question sample
• Learn how to generate ideas
• Learn band 9 answering strategies
• See full band 9 answer

Question sample

This is an example of problem-solution question in IELTS Writing:

Despite a large number of gyms, a sedentary lifestyle is gaining popularity in the contemporary world.

What problems are associated with this?

What solutions can you suggest?

How to answer the question?

Before starting to write your answer, you should think of 1-2 problems and 1-2 solutions, so you know what to write about. In our case:

Problems associated with sedentary lifestyle :

• problems with backbone (osteoporosis, scoliosis)

Solutions :

• promote walking and cycling as safe and attractive alternatives to motorized transport
• promote visiting gyms and doing exercises

Now, after we’ve generated some ideas for our essay, it’s time to use them in our writing .

Remember : it’s not enough to simply state these facts, you should also extend the ideas in your writing.

Band 9 answer structure

Although there are many possible ways to structure your essay, we’ll use this band 9 answer structure that has been approved by many IELTS examiners:

Band-9 essay structure:

• Introduction
• Body paragraph 1 - problems
• Body paragraph 2 - effects

Let’s take a look at each of these sections in detail:

Introduction Write your introduction in two sentences:

• Sentence 1 - paraphrase the statement (you can use ‘nowadays/today/these days’ to start):

These days a sedentary lifestyle is becoming more and more popular despite a big number of sport facilities.

• Sentence 2 - say what you’ll write about in your essay:

This essay will discuss the main problems associated with this epidemic and propose some possible solutions to avoid them.

Body paragraph 1- problems

• Sentence 1 - summarise the main problems of inactive lifestyle:

The main problems caused by inactive lifestyle are obesity and various spine disorders.

• Sentences 2-3 - state and explain the first problem (you can also give an example). It’s very important to expand your opinion! Imagine that your examiner doesn’t know this subject at all and you have to explain everything in detail:

A growing number of body research shows that long periods of physical inactivity raise a risk of becoming overweight. This is because people burn fewer calories and easily gain weight.

• Sentences 4-5 - describe the second problem (as usual, expand your opinion). You can give an example and use linking words ‘ moreover’ , ’ what’s more’ or ‘ also ’ to start:

What’s more, a lot of studies show that so-called ‘sitting disease’ often results in posture and backbone problems. Due to constant sitting, person loses muscle tissue and curves spine, developing numerous spinal diseases. For example, it has been proven that about 80% of people experience backache at least once a week.

Body paragraph 2 - solutions

• Sentence 1 - briefly state the main solutions:

In my opinion, the best solution to this problem is promoting active lifestyle.

• Sentences 2-3 - write the first solution and explain it:

Firstly, millions of people stay less active because they use cars instead of walking. Therefore, an effective way to make people more active is to advertise walking and cycling as safe and attractive alternatives to motorized transport.

Moreover, inactive lifestyle is gaining popularity because nowadays a lot of people prefer passive rest to workouts in the gym. And the best way to avoid the hazards of unhealthy living is to obtain a regular dose of physical activity. Thus, promoting gyms and regular exercising would increase the level of activity.

Write your conclusion in 2 sentences by summing up the problems and solutions you’ve written in your body paragraphs:

In conclusion, leading a sedentary lifestyle causes a lot of health problems, including obesity and spinal diseases. The most effective solution is to increase the level of fitness among the society by advertising physical activity.

Band 9 answer sample

These days a sedentary lifestyle is becoming more and more popular despite a big number of sport facilities. This essay will discuss the main problems associated with this epidemic and propose some possible solutions to avoid them.

The main problems caused by inactive lifestyle are obesity and various spine disorders. A growing number of body research shows that long periods of physical inactivity raise a risk of becoming overweight. This is because people burn fewer calories and easily gain weight. What’s more, a lot of studies show that so-called ‘sitting disease’ often results in posture and backbone problems. Due to constant sitting, person loses muscle tissue and curves spine, developing numerous spinal diseases. For example, it has been proven that about 80% of people experience backache at least once a week.

In my opinion, the best solution to these problems is promoting active lifestyle. Firstly, millions of people stay less active because they use cars instead of walking. Therefore, an effective way to make people more active is to advertise walking and cycling as safe and attractive alternatives to motorized transport. Moreover, inactive lifestyle is gaining popularity because nowadays a lot of people prefer passive rest to workouts in the gym. And the best way to avoid the hazards of unhealthy living is to obtain a regular dose of physical activity. Thus, promoting gyms and regular exercising would increase the level of activity.

(268 words)

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Task Two Agree or Disagree Sample Essays

This article will help you answer task 2 opinion essays and give you two sample answers.

This will focus on essays on IELTS task 2 opinion (agree or disagree). It will recommend a sentence by sentence structure to help you in the exam and two sample answers.

The two example questions are:

Governments should spend more money on education than on recreation and sports. Do you agree or disagree?

Most high-level positions in companies are filled by men even though the workforce in many developed countries is more than 50 per cent female. Companies should be required to allocate a certain percentage of these positions to women. Do you agree?

I recommend that students completely agree or disagree with the statement in these questions. This will lead to a clear argument and a more coherent essay. You can show the other side of the argument in concession statements, but these should be only one or two sentences. Concession statements are used to briefly show the other side of the argument. Also, don’t let personal feelings get involved. The examiner does not have to agree with your opinion, and you do not have to write about how you actually feel about the issue. Pick the side you feel most comfortable writing about, i.e. the one you can back up with explanations and examples.

I recommend a simple four-paragraph structure .

Paragraph 1- Introduction

• Sentence 1- Paraphrase  Question
• Sentence 2- Thesis Statement
• Sentence 3- Outline Statement

Paragraph 2- Supporting Paragraph 1

• Sentence 1- Topic Sentence
• Sentence 2- Explain Topic Sentence
• Sentence 3- Example
• Sentence 4- Concession Sentence

Paragraph 3- Supporting Paragraph 2

Paragraph 4- Conclusion

• Sentence 1- Summary
• Sentence 2- Prediction or Recommendation

Question One

Idea Generation

Reasons why governments should spend more money on education than on recreation and sports:

• Education benefits an economy in the long term
• Education has social benefits
• Education is a human right
• Education is more costly than recreation and sports

Reasons why governments should spend more money on recreation and sports:

• Sports and recreation have health benefits
• Sports and recreation can promote learning too
• Education always receives a higher budget, and sports are overlooked

I agree with this statement, and I will, therefore, use the ideas in the first list. I am working on a four-paragraph structure; therefore, I only need two supporting ideas for my two main body paragraphs. I can also use ideas in the second list, but these will only be concession statements.

It is argued that countries should allocate more funds to education than to leisure and competitive games. It is agreed that national budgets should prioritise schools and universities over sports and play. First, I will discuss the economic benefits that education can bring to a nation and, secondly, its social benefits.

Investment in its education system is one of the best ways to improve a country’s economy in the long term. The more students entering third-level education, the more skilled a workforce will be, leading to higher innovation and productivity. For example, South Korea and Finland decided to invest a large proportion of their budget in education, and this has reaped benefits in the form of high-tech companies such as Samsung and Nokia. However, people cannot always work hard, and these companies provide leisure facilities for their workers.

Education is not just about improving the economy; it also has many social benefits. Well-educated people tend to be more aware of social evils such as drugs, alcohol and sexual health. For example, Singapore educates all of its citizens on the dangers of drugs, resulting in one of the lowest levels of drug abuse in the world. Despite this, sports can also teach children valuable soft skills, such as teamwork and work ethic, which also help curb social ills.

In conclusion, education should take precedence over sports when it comes to funding due to the many socio-economic benefits it brings. It is recommended that governments continue to pump money into schools and universities to realise long-term goals.

Question Two

Reasons why companies should be required to allocate a certain percentage of high-level positions to women:

• Equal pay for equal performance
• Women can bring qualities to the workplace that men do not have
• Women currently outperform men at university
• A balance of genders leads to higher productivity and a more harmonious workplace

Reasons why companies should not be required to allocate a certain percentage of high-level positions to women:

• Certain jobs require skills only men have
• Positions should be allocated to people on merit, not gender
• Women can take large amounts of time off to have children

It is argued that corporations should be compelled to give a certain proportion of their executive-level roles to females, given that over half of the workforce is female in the West.  It is agreed that businesses should be obliged to assign a significant percentage of top-level posts to women. In this essay, I will discuss why women should be paid an equal amount of money for doing the same job as a man, and secondly, the fact that girls are currently outperforming boys on many university courses.

Despite years of so-called ‘equal rights’ for women in the workplace, they continue to be underpaid. Many women who do the same job as their male colleagues earn less money, which is unfair. For example, a recent survey of accountancy and legal firms in the United Kingdom found that women earn, on average 17% less than men with identical roles. However, this may be due to women taking maternity leave and falling behind their male counterparts.

This unfairness is compounded by the fact that females are currently getting higher grades in most university courses. Even previously male-dominated fields, such as law and medicine, now see women ascending, and they should be rewarded with top roles. For example, females recently outperformed males for the first time in law at U.K. universities. Despite this, employers should remember that roles should be handed out on merit, not gender alone.

In conclusion, women deserve an equal share of the good jobs available because they are capable of doing an equally good job as men and are achieving higher academic standards than men at university. It is recommended that companies heed the advice in this essay and make their hiring practices fairer.

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Essay on Corruption for Students and Children

500+ words essay on corruption.

Essay on Corruption – Corruption refers to a form of criminal activity or dishonesty. It refers to an evil act by an individual or a group. Most noteworthy, this act compromises the rights and privileges of others. Furthermore, Corruption primarily includes activities like bribery or embezzlement. However, Corruption can take place in many ways. Most probably, people in positions of authority are susceptible to Corruption. Corruption certainly reflects greedy and selfish behavior.

Methods of Corruption

First of all, Bribery is the most common method of Corruption. Bribery involves the improper use of favours and gifts in exchange for personal gain. Furthermore, the types of favours are diverse. Above all, the favours include money, gifts, company shares, sexual favours, employment , entertainment, and political benefits. Also, personal gain can be – giving preferential treatment and overlooking crime.

Embezzlement refers to the act of withholding assets for the purpose of theft. Furthermore, it takes place by one or more individuals who were entrusted with these assets. Above all, embezzlement is a type of financial fraud.

The graft is a global form of Corruption. Most noteworthy, it refers to the illegal use of a politician’s authority for personal gain. Furthermore, a popular way for the graft is misdirecting public funds for the benefit of politicians .

Extortion is another major method of Corruption. It means to obtain property, money or services illegally. Above all, this obtainment takes place by coercing individuals or organizations. Hence, Extortion is quite similar to blackmail.

Favouritism and nepotism is quite an old form of Corruption still in usage. This refers to a person favouring one’s own relatives and friends to jobs. This is certainly a very unfair practice. This is because many deserving candidates fail to get jobs.

Abuse of discretion is another method of Corruption. Here, a person misuses one’s power and authority. An example can be a judge unjustly dismissing a criminal’s case.

Finally, influence peddling is the last method here. This refers to illegally using one’s influence with the government or other authorized individuals. Furthermore, it takes place in order to obtain preferential treatment or favour.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Ways of Stopping Corruption

One important way of preventing Corruption is to give a better salary in a government job. Many government employees receive pretty low salaries. Therefore, they resort to bribery to meet their expenses. So, government employees should receive higher salaries. Consequently, high salaries would reduce their motivation and resolve to engage in bribery.

Tough laws are very important for stopping Corruption. Above all, strict punishments need to be meted out to guilty individuals. Furthermore, there should be an efficient and quick implementation of strict laws.

Applying cameras in workplaces is an excellent way to prevent corruption. Above all, many individuals would refrain from indulging in Corruption due to fear of being caught. Furthermore, these individuals would have otherwise engaged in Corruption.

The government must make sure to keep inflation low. Due to the rise in prices, many people feel their incomes to be too low. Consequently, this increases Corruption among the masses. Businessmen raise prices to sell their stock of goods at higher prices. Furthermore, the politician supports them due to the benefits they receive.

To sum it up, Corruption is a great evil of society. This evil should be quickly eliminated from society. Corruption is the poison that has penetrated the minds of many individuals these days. Hopefully, with consistent political and social efforts, we can get rid of Corruption.

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IELTS Sample Essays

Here you will find IELTS Sample Essays for a variety of common topics that appear in the writing exam.

The model answers all have tips and strategies for how you may approach the question and comments on the sample answer.

You can also view sample essays with band scores on this page. 

Looking at IELTS essay topics with answers is a great way to help you to prepare for the test. 

These IELTS sample essays have been categorised in a way that makes it easy for you to see how certain essay question types require you to provide certain responses to ensure the question is fully answered. 

Specifically these are:

• Agree / Disagree
• Discuss Two Opinions
• Problems and Solutions
• Advantages and Disadvantages
• Other Types

Agree / Disagree Type Questions

In these types of question you are given one opinion and you then have to state the extent to which you agree or disagree with that opinion:

• Advertising
• Alternative Medicine
• Spending on the Arts
• Human Cloning
• Social Interaction & the Internet
• Airline Tax
• Free University Education
• Scientific Research
• Banning Smoking
• Employing Older People
• Vegetarianism
• Paying Taxes  
• Examinations or Formal Assessment 
• Multinational Organisations and Culture
• Internet vs Newspapers
• Technology Development  
• Dying of Languages
• Animal Extinction
• Truth in Relationships
• Role of Schools
• Return of Historical Artefacts

Discuss Two Opinions Type Questions

In this essay question type you are given two opinions, and you have to discuss both of these and then give your own view:

• University Education
• Reducing Crime
• Animal Rights
• Child Development
• Diet & Health
• Donating Money to Charity
• Closing Zoos   
• Becoming Independent  
• Formal and Informal Education  
• Influence of Scientists and Politicians
• Sources for Stories
• Searching for Extraterrestrial Life

Cause Type Questions

There are a variety of 'cause type' essay questions. In these you first have to give the reasons why something has happened, in other words the causes, but then discuss a different aspect of it, such as the effects, solutions or the extent to whether it is a positive or negative development:

Causes & Effects:

• Child Obesity
• Skin Whitening Creams
• Family Size
• Having Children Later in Life
• Time Away from Family

Causes and Solutions:

• Youth Crime
• Global Warming
• Paying Attention in Class
• International Travel & Prejudice 
• Museums & Historical Places
• Disappearance of Traditions
• Communication Between Generations

Causes, Pros & Cons:

• Family Closeness
• Living Alone
• Rural to Urban Migration

Problems & Solutions Type Questions

In these type of questions, instead of discussing the causes of a problem, you need to discuss the problems related to a particular issue in society, and then suggest what can be to solve these problems:

• Overpopulation
• Competing for Jobs  
• Professionals Immigrating

Advantage & Disadvantages Type Questions

In these type of questions you are asked to discuss the positive and negative sides of a particular topic. You will usually be asked this in the context of giving an opinion ( e.g. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages? Is it a positive or negative development? ): 

• Traffic Problems
• Food Additives
• Computer Games
• Age Discrimination at Work  
• Children using Tablets and Computers  
• Cell Phones, Internet, & Communication  
• Working from Home 
• Eating Locally grown  Produce  
• Oil and Gas Essay  
• Peer Pressure on Young People
• Online Fraud
• Decreasing House Sizes

'Hybrid' Types of Essay Question

There are sometimes questions that don't fit easily into a particular category as above. I've called these 'hybrid', as they are of mixed character, are composed of different elements from other types of essay, or are perhaps just worded differently. 

• Protecting Old Buildings
• Animal Testing
• Fear of Crime
• Communication Technology
• Influence of Children's Friends  

Sample Essays with Band Scores

You can also view some sample essays that have been written by candidates practising for the test and have band scores and comments by an experienced ex-IELTS Examiner based on the IELTS marking criteria. 

• IELTS Band 8 Essay Samples
• IELTS Band 7 Essay Samples
• IELTS Band 6 Essay Samples
• IELTS Band 5 Essay Samples
• IELTS Band 4 Essay Samples

Student Sample Essays

For more IELTS essay topics with answers you can also view essays that have been written by students. Some have feedback from other students or IELTS teachers:

• Student Model Essays  (with comments by other students)
• Student Model Essays (with comments by IELTS buddy)

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IELTS Opinion Essays: Structure, Topics and Sample Answers

10 min read

Updated On Aug 01, 2024

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The article provides guidance on writing IELTS opinion essays, emphasizing structure: an introduction, two body paragraphs supporting one view, and a conclusion. It includes examples, common mistakes to avoid, and tips for clear, concise essays.

Table of Contents

What is the ielts opinion essay format, ielts opinion essay sample answers, latest ielts opinion essay topics of 2024, top 3 common mistakes of ielts opinion essays, tips to answer ielts opinion essay questions.

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IELTS opinion essays mainly focus on agreeing or disagreeing with a particular fact or information. It presents two opposite views and you have to develop your argument supporting one view (strictly one!) You get 40 minutes to complete this task. You have to write at least 250 words on the topic given.

Given below are some examples of IELTS Writing Task 2 opinion essays along with their structure. So, let’s understand how to frame the IELTS opinion essay from the sample answers given in the blog!

If you’re gearing up to tackle the Opinion Essay in IELTS Writing Task 2, know that it’s all about writing your opinion on a specific topic with supporting examples. To make sure your essay ticks off all the criteria of a band 8+ essay, organizing it in the right way is key! You can also check tips to write an effective introduction in IELTS Writing Task 2 to present a great IELTS opinion essay!

Let’s now look at a proper format to learn the structuring of an IELTS opinion essay.

Introduction:

• Keep it short, usually around 2-3 sentences.
• Introduce the topic and clearly state your opinion.
• Provide a brief overview of the main points you will discuss in the body paragraphs.

Body Paragraphs (Usually 2 paragraphs):

• Each paragraph should focus on a single main idea that supports your opinion.
• Start with a topic sentence that introduces the main idea.
• Provide evidence, examples, and reasoning to support your main idea.
• Aim for coherence and cohesion within each paragraph by using appropriate transition words.
• Make sure to use appropriate IELTS Vocabulary and IELTS Grammar while explaining an idea in the body paragraphs.

Conclusion:

• Summarize the main points discussed in the body paragraphs.
• Restate your opinion, emphasizing its importance or relevance.
• Avoid introducing new ideas in the conclusion.

Given below is an example of an IELTS Writing task 2 o pinion essay. Let’s understand how to frame the essay from the ideas we have. Additionally, you can review the IELTS Writing Task 2 practice tests on a regular basis to achieve your desired band score.

Sample Question 1

In the future, nobody will buy printed newspapers or books because they will be able to read everything they want online without paying. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Given below is a brief outline of what to write in the essay after identifying the essay type.

Opinion Essay

Introduction

Paraphrase the topic of the essay using synonyms for the words used in the topic statement. Clearly state the view on the topic.

Body Paragraph 1

Technological improvements have increased the level of ease and convenience to a point where people can access news and information at the click of a button. This has led to print media becoming outdated.

Body Paragraph 2

The development of news websites and sites that freely distribute information and print media in a digital form has led to a trend of availing such services and content without paying.

Summarize the essay and re-state the opinion on the topic.

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Sample Answer

Presently, newspapers, books, journals, magazines, etc. are still actively used by a section of the global population. However, with the arrival of news sites and the availability of books, magazines and other forms of media online, totally free of cost, many believe that such forms of media are on their way to becoming outdated. I agree with this statement, and will explain it further with relevant examples in the essay.

It is a well-known fact that in this day and age if an individual wants to read a book or just go over the news of the day, the first step that they take is to search the internet. Devices such as smartphones and tablets have improved the time efficiency of searching for information online to such an extent that a person can access their preferred form of media in the comfort of their homes in a matter of minutes. Consequently, people have started to abandon their preference for print media due to the presence of much more convenient alternatives.

Additionally, the various forms of print media enjoyed by people can often be availed free of charge on several websites. For instance, most news organizations publish their daily news on their official website, which can be accessed by anyone. Also, some numerous sites and databases provide popular books, journals and magazines in a digital form to the public for a nominal subscription fee or sometimes even for free, leading to a majority of readers of such forms of media shifting away from buying hard copies.

Nevertheless, there is still a sizable chunk of the population that enjoys the conventional forms of print media. That being said, with the cost-effective nature of making such information and content available online, organizations will soon completely shift to internet-based services.

In conclusion, I would like to say that people always prefer the more comfortable alternative that is available. Therefore, it can be safely said that in the coming years, there will be a complete shift from traditional print media to online media services and products.

Sample Question 2

Some people say that international sporting events contribute greatly to peace and stability in the world. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Paraphrase the topic sentence using synonyms.

Mention the view on the topic.

Body Paragraphs

International sports tournaments are events where teams and the general public of various countries come together and collectively participate in the event.

Sports events, especially cricket and football help distract the minds of the citizens from the ongoing difficulties in their country and enjoy these events.

Summarize the essay and state the final view.

Sports has always been a magnificent platform for the finest talents of a country to showcase their skills and represent their nation. At the same time, sports is also one of the few occasions where every citizen of the country unites in support of their favourite teams. It is considered by many that sports are a great approach to maintain stability among countries. This essay will elaborate on the given topic and justify why sports can successfully bring and preserve global peace.

One of the greatest characteristics of any popular sporting event is that supporters of every team involved in the tournament almost always attend the matches that are organized in their cities. Some veteran fans even travel to different parts of the country to witness a match between their favourite teams. These events also unite the populace of a nation as every patriotic individual prays for the success of their national team. For instance, the entire nation wishes for the victory of their national team in the Olympic Games as winning an Olympic Medal is one of the most prestigious honours that can be bestowed upon a country.

It is a well-known fact that the people of a country collectively face several challenges on a day-to-day basis. These issues can be caused by numerous factors and are the typical difficulties that ordinary citizens have to overcome. Sports help people enjoy a few moments of excitement and take a break from the monotony of everyday life.

That being said, sometimes the passion of overenthusiastic sports fans ends up leading to harmful and conflicting situations among communities. Nevertheless, the overall impact of sports on our lives is undoubtedly positive.

Finally, sports are one of the aspects of human life that bind a whole community together. This is enough evidence to understand that sports help maintain peace and stability in a nation.

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Sample Question 3

Our personalities are predetermined as a result of our genes before we are born and there is nothing that can be done to change our character traits. To what extent do you agree?

Paraphrase the topic and mention the view.

Genetics are only a part of the entire list of factors that affect a person’s personality.

One of the most important influences on an individual’s personality is their childhood and upbringing.

Summarize the essay and mention the final view in brief.

Even between small periods of time, there are subtle variabilities in our disposition. Such alterations are quite natural and are a part of a human being’s existence. However, it is often assumed that our personality is entirely dependent on genetics. The following paragraphs will explore the different aspects of personality and justify why genetics are not the only factor influencing our personality.

An individual has countless experiences in their life from childhood to adulthood and finally until death. Every one of these experiences has an impact on a person’s mind, no matter how giant or small. The kind of people present in a person’s immediate surroundings also has a huge influence on their nature and characteristics. Thus, it can be safely surmised that a person’s genes are not the only contributing factor when it comes to personality.

One of the most significant influences on our personality is our childhood experiences and the teachings of our parents. Children are always known to follow in the footsteps of their parents. Thus, if the parents of a child are successful in teaching their children the right values and morals, they are bound to grow into responsible and decent individuals.

It is true that the personality traits of an individual are determined by the features of their parents. Nevertheless, these traits can be altered over the course of many years and different experiences.

In conclusion, genetics affect our personalities in a trivial manner as compared to all the other aspects of our temperament. That being said, our life experiences and learnings are the consequential factors in developing our character.

A few IELTS Writing Task 2 sample essay of opinion essay topics are listed down below, which you can practice. These opinion essay questions may appear in the actual examination.

• In the future, it seems more difficult to live on Earth. Some people think more money should be spent on researching another planet to live on, such as Mars. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
• Many people say that the only way to guarantee a good job is to complete a course in university education. Others claim that it is better to start work after school and gain experience in the world of work. How far do you agree or disagree with the above views?
• Although more and more people read the news on the internet, newspapers will remain the most important source of news for the majority of people. Do you agree or disagree?
• Students in schools and universities learn more from their teachers than through other means such as the Internet, libraries, and TV. To what extent you agree or disagree?
• Nowadays university education is very expensive. Some people say that universities should reduce their fees, especially for the less fortunate students or for those coming from rural areas. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
• Some people think that governments must insist on preserving the traditional appearance of old buildings undergoing renovation or redevelopment. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the statement?
• Some people believe that international trade and communication with other countries is a positive trend, while others think it is harmful to nations and they might lose their identities. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give your own opinion and relevant examples.
• Many people believe that schools should teach children to become good citizens and workers rather than independent individuals. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Give your own opinion and relevant examples.
• People should follow the customs and traditions when they start to live in a new country. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• It is impossible to help all people in the world, so governments should only focus on people in their own countries. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• Prevention is better than cure. Do you agree or disagree that out of the country’s health budget, a large proportion should be diverted from treatment to spending on health education and preventive measures?

In IELTS opinion essays, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that can lower your IELTS band score . Getting aware of them is the key to not committing them knowingly or unknowingly while you prepare! The top 3 common mistakes to avoid are:

• Not giving a clear opinion.
• Presenting arguments for both sides of the issue.
• Failing to support your opinion with well-defined reasons and examples.

In the IELTS opinion essays, you need to write your opinion about a topic and back it up with proof and examples. If you use a clear structure and good writing methods, you can improve your chances of doing well!

• Spend 5 minutes on a mind map before writing.
• Stick to one viewpoint throughout the essay.
• Use a single main idea to support the topic in each of the two body paragraphs.
• Express your opinion throughout the essay, not just in the conclusion.
• Keep the introduction short, a maximum of 50 words.
• Ensure each body paragraph explains a main idea within 100 words.
• The conclusion should be shorter than the introduction.
• Write a complete essay following the given structure.
• Aim for a word count of 280 words or less.

Here are the 10 Examples for the Opinion Essay Topics IELTS:

Also check:

• Tips to write great writing essay
• How to get band 8 in IELTS Writing Task 2
• IELTS Writing recent actual test
• IELTS 2024 Study Plan for 1 month (30 Days) / 15 Days / 7 Days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the structure for writing the introduction for an opinion essay?

Is it mandatory to state my opinion in the introduction? Can I skip it and introduce my opinion in the body paragraphs?

What are the words that I can use to state my opinion?

Can I underline the important sentences, to attract examiner’s attention?

Is it mandatory to write the essay in first person?

Practice IELTS Writing Task 2 based on Essay types

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Nehasri Ravishenbagam

Nehasri Ravishenbagam, a Senior Content Marketing Specialist and a Certified IELTS Trainer of 3 years, crafts her writings in an engaging way with proper SEO practices. She specializes in creating a variety of content for IELTS, CELPIP, TOEFL, and certain immigration-related topics. As a student of literature, she enjoys freelancing for websites and magazines to balance her profession in marketing and her passion for creativity!

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Some people consider corruption to be the root cause of problems in government organizations and politics. What problems arise due to this corruption? What are possible solutions to eradicate corruption?

Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Writing9 with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Fully explain your ideas

To get an excellent score in the IELTS Task 2 writing section, one of the easiest and most effective tips is structuring your writing in the most solid format. A great argument essay structure may be divided to four paragraphs, in which comprises of four sentences (excluding the conclusion paragraph, which comprises of three sentences).

For we to consider an essay structure a great one, it should be looking like this:

• Paragraph 1 - Introduction
• Sentence 1 - Background statement
• Sentence 2 - Detailed background statement
• Sentence 3 - Thesis
• Sentence 4 - Outline sentence
• Paragraph 2 - First supporting paragraph
• Sentence 1 - Topic sentence
• Sentence 2 - Example
• Sentence 3 - Discussion
• Sentence 4 - Conclusion
• Paragraph 3 - Second supporting paragraph
• Paragraph 4 - Conclusion
• Sentence 1 - Summary
• Sentence 2 - Restatement of thesis
• Sentence 3 - Prediction or recommendation

Our recommended essay structure above comprises of fifteen (15) sentences, which will make your essay approximately 250 to 275 words.

Discover more tips in The Ultimate Guide to Get a Target Band Score of 7+ » — a book that's free for 🚀 Premium users.

• rule of law
• inefficient resource allocation
• economic development
• governmental institutions
• distorts market mechanisms
• foreign investments
• legislative frameworks
• transparent laws
• monitoring and enforcement mechanisms
• anti-corruption bodies
• culture of integrity
• ethical behavior
• public campaigns
• accessibility
• whistleblowers
• retaliation
• Check your IELTS essay »
• Find essays with the same topic
• View collections of IELTS Writing Samples
• Show IELTS Writing Task 2 Topics

Some people think that the increasing use of computers and mobile phones in communication has negative effects on young people's reading and writing skills. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

To what extent do you agree with this statement: 'social media has had a negative impact on society.’, food travels thousands of miles from farm to consumers. some people believe we should buy food from the local farmer to protect the environment and support local businesses. do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages, in some area of the us a 'curfew' is imposed, in which teenagers are not allowed to be out of doors after a particular time at night unless they are accompanied by an asult. what is your opinion about this, some people think that as long as professional sportsmen and sportswomen are good players, their behavior on and off the paying fields is not important. do you agree or disagree.

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Nowadays, corruption has became a grave problem in the developing countries. What do you think are its causes and what are its remedies.

IELTS essay Nowadays, corruption has became a grave problem in the developing countries. What do you think are its causes and what are its remedies.

• Structure your answers in logical paragraphs
• ? One main idea per paragraph
• Include an introduction and conclusion
• Support main points with an explanation and then an example
• Use cohesive linking words accurately and appropriately
• Vary your linking phrases using synonyms
• Try to vary your vocabulary using accurate synonyms
• Use less common question specific words that accurately convey meaning
• Check your work for spelling and word formation mistakes
• Use a variety of complex and simple sentences
• Check your writing for errors
• Answer all parts of the question
• ? Present relevant ideas
• Fully explain these ideas
• Support ideas with relevant, specific examples
• ? Currently is not available
• Meet the criteria
• Doesn't meet the criteria
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• 5 band describe a part of your country that you find interesting Vietnam is worldwide famous for irs dramatic landscape and outstanding food. I have lived in Vietnam since i was a child. And Da Nang is the city i would like the most, Da Nang is the place where you can be catered for both of them. Da Nang is the most attractive city because of long stunning beache ...
• 5 band 4. What are the differences between small companies and big companies? Well, a range of underlying differences can be seen between small businesses and large companies. However, I guess the most important would be that small corporations often focus on a niche market, while larger companies have a tendency to offer more products and services to a wider variety of consu ...
• 5.5 band Now lhe mochine is very complex, ond o lot of difficult work is outomoled. Does fhis mochine oulomolion hove more pros lhon cons? Modern technology has equipped us with machines, which are working like robots. There are positive and negative effects of these machines on the individual and the society, which I shall highlight in this essay. Overall the pros outweigh the cons. On the positive side, machines are faster, more co ...
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IELTS Speaking Sample Questions # Corruption

The world is changing very fast and in this changing world there are so many negative things that have come out and effected the world. One of them is the urge among people for power, money. This has led to so many out there trying for every next way to get money, one of them has leaded to a great problem that the world is facing, corruption. Let us today have a look at some of the questions related to corruption.

Is there a lot of corruption in your country?

There is a lot of corruption in my country, in terms of the government scams and the local people’s ups and downs. But, I think India is surely not one of the most corrupt country. The situation in our country has improved a lot in last few  years, bringing down corruption. But, having said that, I think there is a long journey that we as Indians have to take to get rid of corruption.

What businesses have the most corruption in your country?

If I start numbering, I think real estate is the most corrupt business area in our country. For anyone to be able to build a house or company, there is so much of cash inflow that takes place to the wrong hands. Perhaps, it is even said that no construction can be done in India if you are not ready to give bribe. The next would be education. Getting a good job in our country, becomes a tough job when you are going at a higher level. Even for a transfer there is so much of money flowing in the government sector. Apart from these, IT, defense and communication are some of the areas where we can find lot of corruption.

What do you think are the problems with corruption in the political system of your country?

There was a time, when people thought that the entire political system of India is corrupt. There are ministers who are bothered only about their food and the bungalows that they are buying. Often, taking money from the taxes that the people are paying. Like, if the government is sanctioning 4 crores for something, 50% of it goes to the ministers, the left is used for the project.

Do you think corruption will always be a part of business and politics?

I hope that with changing times and with more youngsters coming up, there will be more transparency in business and politics. I am not very sure of if it is possible but I can always hope that with more educated people and with more awareness, people will less likely to be corrupt.

What recent corruption scandal was in the news?

The most recent corruption scam that our country witness was the “Indian Coal Allocation Scam” of 2012. It took place under Manmohan Singh’s government and led to the possible fall of the government in the next elections. During this scam, it is believed that wrongful allocation of coal was done to the PSUs.

Who is the most corrupt politician or businessperson you know of?

There are so many of them, but then if we think of the most corrupt, I would say  Ramalinga Raju should be the one guy who can be named the most corrupt. He was the chairman of the Satyam Computer Services and admitted to have changed the accounts of the company for a long period to gain profits. The company shut down and lot of employees were in roads after it.

What is the best way to fight corruption in business and politics?

In my opinion, the best way could be transparency. When one finds corruption taking place if a common man can make a video and upload it in the social media, it could be great help. Because people will then start noticing the person taking bribe and with this awareness that people are watching you, I think corruption will definitely reduce.

Is corruption ever justified?

No, I think it is never justified. When you are talking of a country which has fought for independence, with so many freedom fighters dying for that one independence, when you can see so many soldiers leaving their homes for the safety of a country, there is nothing in this world, that can justify corruption.

Can a corrupt organization ever be more efficient than a less corrupt organization if they are about the same size and in the same industry?

Effectiveness of an organization, in my opinion, depends more on the employees. Having said that, I think definitely yes a non corrupt organization will be surely less corrupt than a more corrupt. Because, there will be more transparency, a healthy environment and much more thinking about how to improve than how to earn more.

If you were in a position of power, do you think you would be corrupt?

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