opinion essay jacky

How to write an IELTS opinion essay

Ielts opinion essay: structure, model answer, and analysis..

Updated: February 2023

There are 5 types of essays in IELTS writing task 2 and a common one is an opinion essay.

So how do you know if it is an opinion essay?. You will first need to study the instruction words. These words tell you what you should write about and this should be the first step to take before you even begin to plan. Analyse the task and especially the instruction words so you do not go off-topic or write a different essay altogether.

Here are 2 essay tasks below, which one do you think is the opinion essay?

1.  Most people agree that money cannot buy happiness. Why is happiness difficult to define? How can people achieve happiness? 2.  Some people believe that nowadays we have too many choices. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Looking at the instruction words we can see that the second one is an opinion essay as it asks ‘ To what extent do you agree or disagree? ‘

The first task is called a ‘Two-part question essay’ or sometimes called a ‘Direct question essay’.

Instruction words

Opinion essays will have various instruction words such as:

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Do you agree or disagree?

What is your opinion?

Do you think…?

What do you think….?

In your opinion what is ….?

In some cases the instruction words ask your opinion it may be a discussion essay such as:

‘Discuss both views and give your own opinion’ 

The structure of a discussion essay is different from an opinion essay as you will need to explain peoples views before you go into your own opinion.

This task below is a 2 part question essay and the second question asks your opinion.

Most people agree that money cannot buy happiness. Why is happiness difficult to define? How can people achieve happiness?

The opinion essay that I am referring to asks ‘ To what extent do you agree or disagree?’ means how much do you agree/disagree? , do you completely agree/disagree?  or somewhat agree/disagree?  or do you neither agree nor disagree?

You can write in your thesis statement something like:  ‘ I completely agree because…..’ or if you don’t agree, something like: ‘ I absolutely disagree because…..’

What is an effective opinion essay structure?

There is no magic Band 9 structure but my students have found that the structure below works well in an opinion essay.

Tips on structure:

• The main body paragraphs will cover the reasons for your opinion; however, do not list ideas just use one central idea and explain and support it.
• Don’t wait until the conclusion to give your opinion. It must be throughout the whole essay .
• Don’t give 2 different opinions. Do not agree then disagree as it will confuse the examiner. You can balance it with why someone would hold an opposing view but it is not a discussion essay.
• I advise keeping the introduction under 60 words , each body paragraph should be approximately 90 to 105 words , the conclusion needs to be shorter than the introduction and no new ideas should be added to the conclusion
• Aim for between 270 to 295 words , over 300 words is not realistic as you only have 40 minutes to write the essay .

Which body paragraph is better?

Take a look at these 2 main body one paragraphs to the task below, what do you think will score higher?

Task question:

Some people believe that nowadays we have too many choices . To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

A long time ago people used to go to market places and they bought basic daily necessities, now people can buy online and go to many high street shops. In addition, we can choose any hotel we like at cheap prices. Also, businesses compete with each other which means customers can buy items at low cost as well as a bigger selection of goods. Furthermore, the economy benefits because people can select from so many different products. For example, Amazon.com has millions of products that are much cheaper than buying at a shopping mall.

Admittedly, these days there are far too many choices which can be overwhelming; however, I think that for consumers this is an advantage because it forces businesses to compete with each other. This means that shoppers can benefit greatly from lower prices. For example, over the past two decades, Ryanair and EasyJet budget airlines have considerably reduced the cost of airfares for flights all over Europe. Before this, there was only one airline to choose from at exorbitant costs. Presently, many more budget airline options are serving destinations worldwide with incredible bargains for customers.  

Click below for the answer.

The 2nd example is better because I wrote one central idea (lower prices for consumers) and expanded on that. The example given is not entirely true but it looks very feasible. You can just make up examples but they have to be specific and realistic looking. The point of an example is to support your main idea.

At the start of the paragraph I mentioned that too much choice is overwhelming but then contrast that with my opinion (Admittedly, these days there are far too many choices which can be overwhelming; however, I think that…) .

To see how to balance the essay click here for a lesson on balancing your opinion .

In example 1 above this has too many ideas and too many points. It jumps around and is not focusing on one central idea. The points are relevant but there is too much going on.

You will also notice an opinion is not given directly in the first example (I think / I believe etc)  the whole paragraph affects coherence and cohesion as well as task response. The example given about amazon.com is also quite weak and not well explained.

Analysing the question.

As with all IELTS essays, it is crucial to spend a couple of minutes analysing the task and underling the keywords so that you are writing relevant points in the essay. If you go off-topic or write irrelevant points it will affect your score.

This is the task question for my model answer below and it is clear that the essay is about having too many choices these days . This means that there is something negative about having many choices, as the word ‘too’ implies something negative. In my model answer, I disagree with this being a negative and in fact, many choices are beneficial.

Click here for the 5 steps you need to take before writing.

I advise 10 minutes of planning time, this includes time analysing the question and getting relevant ideas.

Click here for a lesson about examples in main body paragraphs.

Model Answer

Some people believe that n owadays we have too many choices . To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

It is argued that in recent times people are overwhelmed by so many choices. Although I agree with this to some extent, for consumers I believe that having so many options enables them to purchase more competitively priced and higher quality products.

Another reason why I believe that more choice is beneficial is that the quality of products has improved in recent years. This is because many businesses are vying for customers’ attention, so their main selling points are not only low prices but also much higher quality. For instance, smartphone costs have decreased in the past 5 years and these devices are more powerful and more durable than ever before. This is primarily because manufacturers have focused on quality control to compete with rival products. I would argue that this has been a benefit to consumers which would not have been possible with one or two companies monopolising the smartphone market.

To conclude, despite the argument that there is too much freedom of choice nowadays, I hold the view that this is a positive trend as so many options allows customers to buy inexpensive items without compromising on quality.

Click below to see more detail and an analysis

1. My thesis statement says: Although I agree with this to some extent, for consumers I believe that having so many options enables them to purchase more competitively priced and higher quality products.

I am giving a balanced opinion here and focusing specifically on choice for consumers.

2. I have covered the points about how more choices have resulted in lower prices in main body one, while in main body two I cover the point about higher quality products because of the fact there are more choices. Notice how I have balanced my view: Admittedly, these days there are far too many choices which can be overwhelming; however, I think that for consumers this is an advantage because it forces businesses to compete with each other. .

3. The examples I gave are made up and not entirely true but they look realistic, the examiner does not check your examples for validity. Examples are there to support your main ideas. Do not put statistics in the examples either.

4. The points I have made in the essay connect with consumerism and shopping, but I have linked them to the points about how having many choices are of benefit to customers or consumers , because my opinion is that having many choices is a good aspect

5. In this type of essay, you could write about other areas where having many choices are relevant such as the choices of universities we can attend, the choices of work we might engage in, The choice of health care options available….and so on.

Here is a good news article from ‘ Business Insider’ that connects with this task question. Reading is a very good way to get ideas for IELTS essays.

2 thoughts on “How to write an IELTS opinion essay”

Leave a comment cancel reply.

IELTS Opinion Essays: Structure, Topics and Sample Answers

10 min read

Updated On Aug 01, 2024

Share on Whatsapp

Share on Email

Share on Linkedin

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.

Limited-Time Offer : Access a FREE 10-Day IELTS Study Plan!

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.

Struggling to Crack the IELTS opinion essays? Our 8+ band trainers have got you! Sign up for a FREE demo now!

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.

Ready to grab the latest IELTS writing task 2 question papers of 2024?

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

Start Preparing for IELTS: Get Your 10-Day Study Plan Today!

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!

Explore other Opinion Essays

Janice Thompson

Post your Comments

Recent articles.

Raajdeep Saha

Kasturika Samanta

Akanksha Tripathi

IELTSMaterial Master Program

1:1 Live Training with Band 9 Teachers

4.9 ( 3452 Reviews )

Our Offices

Gurgaon city scape, gurgaon bptp.

Step 1 of 3

Great going .

Get a free session from trainer

Have you taken test before?

Please select any option

Email test -->

Please enter Email ID

Mobile Band 9 trainer -->

Please enter phone number

Application

Please select any one

Already Registered?

Select a date

Please select a date

Select a time (IST Time Zone)

Please select a time

Mark Your Calendar: Free Session with Expert on

Which exam are you preparing?

Great Going!

IELTS Jacky Resources and Review: IELTS Preparation

Do you need to improve your IELTS score to get your dream job? Are you new to IELTS but do not know where to start? Or perhaps your IELTS exam is getting nearer, but you cannot find authentic study material? We got you! IELTS Jacky is an excellent, one-of-a-kind IELTS preparation website that aims to help you get a 7+ band score for free! If you are new and don’t know much about IELTS you can check out our guide IELTS Exam Complete Guide .

In this article, we will talk about IELTS Jacky , and how it can be used effectively for the best IELTS learning and preparation experience. We will also go through the resources in detail and explain how they can be used. 

Overview of IELTS Jacky

Ielts jacky free learning resources, ielts jacky paid learning resources, ielts jacky: platform experience, ielts grammar course, ielts speaking course, ielts jacky: test stimulation experience, ielts jacky: testimonials and ratings, how do i contact ielts jacky, how do i register for ielts jacky, where do i pay for the services, is there a guide for beginners.

IELTS Jacky is owned by Jacky, a qualified only teacher with an experience in teaching since 1994! Previously, Jacky preferred face-to-face teaching. However, he switched to online teaching due to his passion to teach and share resources with students all over the world. The passion behind IELTS Jacky website is to empower students all over the world to achieve the score that they deserve for their amazing future.  

IELTS Jacky Learning Resources

IELTS Jacky has established several study materials for candidates planning to take the IELTS exam. The resources vary from worksheets to video lessons to mock tests. Since most resources are for self-study, they are free of cost. 

However, resources like ebooks are not free but are still affordable. Regardless of the pricing, the material is authentic and will help you immensely while you prepare for IELTS. 

Jacky loves creating free study material for her students around the globe. She frequently publishes material on her website to aid them while they prepare for their exam. 

• Tips Section

This section covers tips and tricks, practice lessons, videos, sample answers, and much more. The resources are divided into the respective sections. 

All the sections follow a similar pattern. There is a proper guide on the test format of the respective section, followed by short blog posts on topics concerning different areas of that module. 

Moreover, she has linked her Youtube videos for easy access. Apart from that, she has also linked her ebook and courses. On her website, you can easily access all the sections. 

• Youtube Channel

Other than the website, Jacky also has a Youtube channel , which is constantly updated. The material is similar to what is on her website, including sample answers, test format, etc. You can find several playlists organized section-wise, which makes it easier to find the videos. 

All the videos are downloadable, so you can easily save time by downloading the videos you want to see the next day, and Viola! You can study without getting distracted by other videos.

While most of the resources by IELTS Jacky are for free, she has created numerous resources for struggling students who need extra help. These are simple and easy to use, and affordable as well. You can find more information here .

• IELTS Ebooks

IELTS Ebook is a set of 4 books related to four different sections:  Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking. These are ideal for beginners and previous test-takers likewise. Furthermore, these contain all the essential IELTS lessons, so you do not have to worry about missing any basic lessons. Each book costs USD 7, however, if you buy the whole set, the cost is USD 21. 

• Grammar for IELTS Ebooks

Although my grammar was at a good level, I wanted to do my best for the IELTS exam, so I decided to give these books a try. Personally, these helped me immensely as I realized I still had so much to improve. It contains 49 lessons divided into 3 ebooks. Each costs $9.99 and the set of 3 books costs $23.97. 

• Writing Task 2 (Opinion Essay Pack)

While you can find so many sample essays online, many of them contain serious basic errors, like vocabulary, grammar, etc. This opinion essay pack contains a step by step study guide on planning and writing your essay, with sample questions and their model answers. The pack costs $4.99. 

• Topic Vocabulary Packs

These are 3 sets containing vocabulary of different topics. Set 1 consists of topics like environment, technology, music, and weather. Set 2 goes over topics like family, home, and education, while the third set contains health, buildings, and public services. These small packs were super helpful. The vocabulary was easy to memorise, and I could see improvement in my answers, whether it was the writing or speaking section. 

Each pack costs $5. 

One of the best things about IELTS Jacky is that most of its resources are available for free and accessible anywhere. All of the resources are authentic and contain no misleading information. These are properly organised into subsections and are updated constantly. 

The interface of the website is clean and hassle-free. This factor made me interested in the website. The resources section is not one- all the important resources related to the sections are organised under a different heading, while the external resources and links are placed under a different menu. I personally found this option way better. 

Apart from that, you can easily find the contact page and social media handles, as this option on many websites tends to be missing. Jacky also keeps her Facebook and Youtube accounts updated by sharing tips, short videos, etc. One of the factors that I really liked is that there are no unnecessary ads on the website. 

IELTS Jacky: Course Packages 

This ultimate grammar course by Jacky will help you master grammar in easy steps and help you get a 7+ band score. It is essential to know grammar if you are giving IELTS, as it counts for 25% of the total marks of the test. This course consists of 49 lessons and these will cover the basics of grammar to advanced structures that will help you gain a higher band score. Jacky’s teaching motto is ‘Show, don’t tell’, and she lives up to it. In this course, she has provided a step by step guide on improving your grammar, alongside a plethora of practice worksheets, useful resources, and model answers.

Each lesson consists of a video lecture, a PDF lesson, and extra PDF resources. If your preferred learning style is visual, you can select PDF files (these are downloadable too!), or you can always select the video lessons. You can find the whole curriculum here.  

This course costs $5.99/month. However, you can also make a one-time payment with $45.

This speaking course contains everything a beginner needs. As for someone whose mother tongue wasn’t English, I faced many difficulties with pronunciation and fluency. Many of us have exposure to English in our daily lives, but we do not converse in academic English on a daily basis. Jacky has done a profound job with this speaking course. There is a step by step guide, model answers, practice worksheets, and much more. She has also included progress sheets to track improvement. Each topic is covered via video lessons, PDF lessons, and practice worksheets to keep our preparation ongoing. 

This speaking course changed my life. I was really overwhelmed with all the plethora of information, but I ditched everything and decided to give this a go. It helped me immensely with not just fluency and cohesion, but built my confidence too! The best thing about this is that you can learn at your pace. Detailed curriculum is also provided on the website.

This course costs $45 and there is only one time payment. 

One of the biggest problems that IELTS candidates face is that they don’t know the mistakes they make. It can be difficult to improve if you do not have any idea of your weaknesses. Fortunately, IELTS Jacky has partnered up with Preptical (formerly takeIELTS.net). Their tests are created by certified IELTS examiners, hence they are as close to the actual exam as possible. The exam is just like IELTS, from structure to time restrictions to marking. Apart from that, you also get a detailed analytical feedback and band score report. 

For the listening and reading sections, the feedback gives corresponding answers to your response, which tells you the reasoning behind both the incorrect and correct answers. For the writing section, grammar and vocabulary corrections are provided, alongside the tips on improving your response. The speaking section test highlights problems related to fluency and pronunciation. 

Since this exam is the same as IELTS, it gave me an insight on what the actual exam looks like. Considering that the difficulty level is the same, I realised how challenging the IELTS exam is. Taking this test gave me a better idea of my weaknesses and room for improvement. The feedback is directly from professionals, so this was a plus. 

Not just that, the pricing of the mock tests was also affordable. You can select any of the pricing plans mentioned here. Regardless of whichever plan you select, you get to avail all the benefits. If you are a student of IELTS Jacky just like me, use code IELTSJacky at the checkout to avail 10% discount. 

IELTS Jacky has received positive recognition from the candidates, especially regarding her courses and ebooks. Many test-takers who availed the courses talked about how comprehensive her videos and lessons are. Apart from that, free resources are also constantly updated on both the website and her Youtube channel. Other benefits of IELTS Jacky include fast replying service, typically within 24-48 hours. 

One of the best things about IELTS Jacky is its authenticity. There is nothing on the website that can count as misleading. All the study material and links are 100% secure and reliable. Apart from that, the website is also accessible anywhere, at any time. 

To sum it up, IELTS Jacky is an effective IELTS preparation website.

FAQs about IELTS Jacky Resources and Review

There are several ways to contact IELTS Jacky. Firstly, you can contact her via the website. On the bottom part of the website, you can easily link to her social media accounts. Apart from that, you can also contact Jacky through email. She readily solves her students’ queries. You can find out more here.  

IELTS Jacky has several paid resources, but these require direct payment. However, to enrol in her courses, you need to either register directly by your email or your teachable account. All of her courses are available on the teachable account.  

IELTS Jacky accepts PayPal payments (if you have a PayPal account) and Credit/Debit card as well. The transactions are completely secure. Make sure that you have the official account provided by Jacky and always double-check your email. 

IELTS Jacky has a complete guide for beginners. Newcomers tend to get overwhelmed with so much information, hence it is better to opt for authentic guides. Jacky has created a simple guide on the IELTS exam which can be easily found on the menu bar. The guide is in the form of a blog post and you can find it here . 

Subscribe for English language proficiency tips

English Proficiency is not owned by or in any way affiliated with the institutions that handle the official Duolingo English Test, TOEIC®, TOEFL iBT®, IELTS, TOEFL ITP®, Cambridge C2, C1 Advanced, or any other English language proficiency exams listed or discussed on our website. We receive an affiliate commission for any purchases you may make on links to third party affiliate websites.

IELTS Preparation with Liz: Free IELTS Tips and Lessons, 2024

• Test Information FAQ
• Band Scores
• IELTS Candidate Success Tips
• Computer IELTS: Pros & Cons
• How to Prepare
• Useful Links & Resources
• Recommended Books
• Speaking Part 1 Topics
• Speaking Part 2 Topics
• Speaking Part 3 Topics
• 100 Essay Questions
• On The Day Tips
• Top Results
• Advanced IELTS

IELTS Opinion Essay Sample Questions

Below are some IELTS opinion essay sample questions which can come in writing task 2. Another name for these essays is argumentative essays.

Opinion Essays Tips

• spend at least 5 minutes analysing the words and ideas in the statement
• make sure your answer is a complete answer which addresses all parts of the task
• give a clear opinion
• stay true to your opinion throughout your essay
• follow a safe opinion essay model

Opinion Essay Questions

“Prevention is better than cure”. Researching and treating diseases is too costly so it would be better to invest in preventative measures. To what extent do you agree.

With the increased global demand in oil and gas, undiscovered areas of the world should be opened up to access more resources. To what extent do you agree?

We live in a world of technology these days. While the internet brings with it clear advantages, the problems in terms of control and security of information outweighs the advantages. To what extent do you agree?

In many countries today, parents are able to choose to send their children to single-sex schools or co-educational schools. Some people think that children going to single-sex schools have disadvantages later in life. To what extent do you agree?

Scientists and technology experts seem to be more valued by modern society than musicians and artists. To what extent do you agree?

Some people think that success is the best measure for intelligence, while others think that intelligence can be measured in other ways. What is your opinion?

The growing number of overweight  people is putting a strain on the health care system in an effort to deal with the health issues involved. Some people think that the best way to deal with this problem is to introduce more physical education lessons in the school curriculum. To what extent do you agree or disagree? CLICK HERE: MODEL ESSAY

Some people believe that men and women are equal and so women should be able to do any job they want. Others feel that men and women are not equal and therefore there are certain jobs which are not suitable for women. What is your opinion?

Some people think that more money should be spent on protecting endangered species while others think it is a waste of valuable money. What is your opinion?

Other IELTS Essay Questions

• Discussion Essay Questions
• Solution Essay Questions
• Direct Questions Essay Titles
• Advantage Disadvantage Essay Questions
• All Essay Questions by Topic

ADVANCED IELTS

Recent New Lessons

Ideas in ielts essays & in ielts speaking, test yourself with linking words, ielts speaking part 2 cue card topics – 2024, new reading exercise for you (july 2024), ielts gt writing task 1 letter: using the prompts for a high score.

Click Below to Learn:

• IELTS Test Information
• Writing Task 1
• Writing Task 2

Copyright Notice

Copyright © Elizabeth Ferguson, 2014 – 2024

All rights reserved.

Privacy Policy & Disclaimer

• Click here:  Privacy Policy 
• Click here: Disclaimer

Return to top of page

Copyright © 2024 · Prose on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

Press ESC to close

Opinion Essay for IELTS: How to Plan and Write a Perfect Opinion Essay?

What are opinion essays?

An opinion essay is a structured piece of writing that needs your perspective on a topic. There should be a straightforward statement of your view. You will offer different arguments/reasons/viewpoints on the subject in the essay and these will be accompanied by proof and/or examples. An opinion essay is a very traditional type of essay with a format of five paragraphs. This article requires analysing multiple viewpoints to figure out which are powerful and which are poor to help your own point of view.

In the contents below, you will get to clear all your doubts on opinion essay IELTS.

Opinion Essay IELTS Sample Questions

In the 40 minutes allotted in the test, take your time at first and gradually pace up before you can prepare and compose an essay of at least 250 words.

In this blog, you will be taught step-by-step how to prepare and write them.

Go through the ielts opinion essay questions below, to get a better understanding of this type of essay.

Q. A big salary is much more important than job satisfaction.

Do you agree or disagree?

Q. Advances in technology and automation have reduced the need for manual labour. Therefore, the working hours should be reduced.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Q. The prevention of health problems and sickness is more important than treatment and medicines. Government funding should reflect this.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

ALSO READ IELTS Essay Topics with Answers: Simplifying Writing Task 2 for 2021 Exam

How to Write an Opinion Essay in IELTS?

Ielts essay structure.

The next level is to compose the outline of an opinion article . It will help you, first of all, to resolve the fear of a blank page. Second, in order to compose an assignment quicker, you would have a broken-down list of suggestions and an orderly spot for your scattered thoughts.

Here’s an opinion essay outline example:

• Introduction: Write a statement of the thesis and arguments for your view. To engage them with the subject, give your readers a hook.
• Main body: It was divided into several chapters in which you include points and explanations, comments, and evidence that justify it
• Conclusion: Ending an article, reaffirming the core argument, and summarising the essay’s key points.

15 Best Expressions to Use

A lot of students can’t have their point of view when it comes to opinion writing. This shows that the critical reasoning capacities are deficient which contributes to poor grades.

Check the list of simple phrases if you need a fast fix for your assignment to help you start putting your opinions

• As far as I am concerned
• In my opinion
• My opinion is that
• I (firmly)believe that
• I am inclined to believe that
• It is clear that
• It seems to me that
• As I see it
• My principal reason is
• Another reason is
• It is widely known that
• Research has shown that
• This suggests that
• Despite the fact that
• In order to
• In conclusion

ALSO READ Advantage Disadvantage IELTS Essay Topics: Sample Questions and Answers for Better Preparation

Opinion Essay – Do’s

• Write your assignment as if you were making an important speech. Specifically present the issue.
• Avoid needless phrases and irrelevant information which do not specifically apply to the subject.
• Start with simple subject phrases in each paragraph; outline the key ideas
• When writing an opinion post, use the present tense
• Keep it brief
• Be sure there is a logical order that makes it easy for the readers to understand.

Opinion Essay – Dont’s

• Don’t overuse simple short sentences
• Don’t use slangs
• Don’t use abbreviations
• Don’t use imperative voice
• Don’t repeat arguments, instead, group them as a single argument
• Don’t give examples related to you

Not to fail to proofread the article is the last bit of advice. Use material, grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, etc. to study Be sure that the key question is answered in your article. Check if the information you have supplied is correct and up-to-date. With the aid of the tips above, in the blink of an eye, you will be able to build the most amazing essays. Now that you know the secrets to write a good paper, try writing your own essay of opinion!

Still, if you’re stuck with your essay, you can always count on similar contents from IELTS Ninja

Also Read: Agree Disagree Essay for IELTS Writing Task 2: Click to know All about Agree Disagree Essay

This article is has cleared a lot of doubts that I had regarding the opinions essay. Is there a similar article available for linking words?

The expressions which are mentioned to write an essay has really brought a difference to my writing and improved it, can you please tell some names of apps where we can get a free proofread of our essays

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Share Article:

You might also like

Recent IELTS Writing Task 1 Exam Question: Letter Of Complaint To A Hotel

Recent IELTS Writing task 1 Exam Question: Bar Chart On Work Performance

Recent IELTS Writing Task 1 Exam Question – Map of a town

Other stories, masters of data science in australia: scope and requirements, what is the ielts band score chart how does ielts band calculator work.

Writing an opinion essay

When you write an opinion essay, you must say what you think about a topic and try to convince the reader of your point of view on that topic. To do that, you should first introduce the topic and state your opinion. Then, you should give three reasons that support your view, and finally, you should write a conclusion where you summarise your arguments and repeat your opinion using different words.  

Plan your ideas

The first thing you need to do is decide whether you agree with the question or statement and then make a list of two or three reasons that support your opinion, including some facts and/or examples. Here is an example:

Opinion: I disagree.

• Fact 1:  their careers usually end in their 30’s.
• Fact 2: sometimes, they are even shorter because of injuries.
• Fact 1: Constantly followed by journalists and fans.
• Fact 2: Now, everyone uses their phones to take photos and publish them.

Organise your text

An opinion essay has three parts:

• Introduction
• Arguments or reasons that support your view.

Introduction. Paragraph 1

Introduce the topic and give your opinion. Say whether you agree or disagree with the statement or question. It can be a good idea to use a question to grab the reader’s attention. Check the two examples below:

Nowadays, top sportspeople, such as football players or basketball players, have huge salaries, and this promotes a lot of debate. However,   I don’t think they earn too much. In my opinion, their salaries are fair.

How often have you heard a friend or a colleague complain about the excessive salaries of professional sports players? But do they really earn too much? I don’t think they earn too much. I truly believe  their salaries are fair. 

Arguments. Paragraph 2

Give the first argument to support your opinion. Include at least two facts or examples to show that your reason makes sense. Check this example:

Firstly, Despite all the money professional sports players earn every year, they work for only a few years – they usually retire when they are in their thirties. In addition, many of them have to retire earlier because they get injured and have to stop playing.

Arguments. Paragraph 3

Give more reasons and again provide examples, facts or supporting ideas. For example:

Secondly, sports stars are celebrities, and all celebrities lose their privacy. Journalists, paparazzi and fans follow them everywhere, and they want to get pictures or talk to them all the time. Moreover, now anyone can take photos with their mobile phone and publish them at any moment on their social media accounts.

Conclusion. Paragraph 4

Summarise your ideas and repeat your opinion.

To sum up, I believe top professional sports players have the salaries they deserve because their careers are short and because during those years, their personal lives are affected by their popularity.

Useful language

Sequencing your text.

Use connectors to sequence and structure your ideas:

• Firstly/First of all, …
• Secondly/Thirdly, …
• Finally, …

Adding more points or ideas

Use connectors to introduce additional ideas:

• In addition, …
• Moreover, …

Giving your opinion

Expressions you can use to say what you think:

• In my opinion, …
• In my view, …
• I think/feel that …
• I (truly) believe that …
• I am convinced that …
• I agree that …
• I disagree with/about …

Introducing examples

Use connectors to introduce examples:

• For example, …
• For instance, …

Expressing contrast, purpose and reason

You may also need or want to use some connectors of contrast, purpose and reason .

• Contrast: although, however, despite, etc.
• Purpose: to, in order to, so that, etc.
• Reason: because (of), since, due to, etc.

Introducing your conclusion

Use connectors to introduce the conclusion:

• In conclusion, …
• To sum up, …

Related tests:

english-practice.net

Practice English Exercises to Improve Your Skills

english-exercises.net

Practice More English Exercises to Improve Your Skills

englishpracticetest.net

Practice More English Tests to Improve Your Skills

Cambridge Practice Test

Practice Cam Listening Test with Answer & Transcript

Listening Practice Test

Practice Listening Test with Answer & Transcript

Practice Cambridge Reading Test with Answer

Practice Reading Test

Practice Reading Test with Answer

Practice Reading Mock Test with Answer

Speaking Practice Test

Speaking Practice Test with with Band 8-9 Samples

42 Common Topics for ielts Speaking Part 1

100 TOPICS for ielts Speaking Part 2 with Band 8 Sample

70 TOPICS for ielts Speaking Part 2 with Band 8+ Sample Recordings

Vocabulary Words

Most Common Vocabulary Topics for ielts Speaking

Writing Practice Test

Writing Practice Test with Band 8-9 Samples

Writing Mock Test with Band 8-9 Samples

Writing Task 2 Topics with Band 7-8-9 Samples

General Reading Tests

Practice General Reading Test with Answer

IELTS Writing Task 2 – Topic: DISCUSS BOTH VIEWS

ielts writing topics 2019

1.  In many countries, a small number of people earn extremely high salaries. Some people believe that this is good for the country, but others think that governments should not allow salaries above a certain level. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.   

Sample Answer

People have different views about whether governments should introduce a maximum wage. While in some ways it may seem reasonable to allow people to earn as much as companies are willing to pay, I personally believe that employee remuneration should be capped at a certain level.

There are various reasons why it might be considered beneficial to allow people to be paid extremely high salaries. If companies offer excellent pay packages, they can attract the most talented people in their fields to work for them. For example, technology companies like Google are able to employ the best programmers because of the huge sums that they are willing to pay. Furthermore, these well-paid employees are likely to be highly motivated to work hard and therefore drive their businesses successfully. In theory, this should result in a thriving economy and increased tax revenues, which means that paying high salaries benefits everyone.

However, I agree with those who argue that there should be a maximum wage. By introducing a limit on earnings, the pay-gap between bosses and employees can be reduced. Currently, the difference between normal and top salaries is huge, and this can demotivate workers who feel that the situation is unfair. With lower executive salaries, it might become feasible to introduce higher minimum wages, and everybody would be better off. One possible consequence of greater equality could be that poverty and crime rates fall because the general population will experience an improved standard of living.

In conclusion, it seems to me that it would be better, on balance, for governments to set a limit on the wages of the highest earners in society.

 (274 words, band 9)

2.  Many governments think that economic progress is their most important goal. Some people, however, think that other types of progress are equally important for a country. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

People have different views about how governments should measure their countries’ progress. While economic progress is of course essential, I agree with those who believe that other measures of progress are just as important.

There are three key reasons why economic growth is seen as a fundamental goal for countries. Firstly, a healthy economy results in job creation, a high level of employment, and better salaries for all citizens. Secondly, economic progress ensures that more money is available for governments to spend on infrastructure and public services. For example, a government with higher revenues can invest in the country’s transport network, its education system and its hospitals. Finally, a strong economy can help a country’s standing on the global stage, in terms of its political influence and trading power.

However, I would argue that various other forms of progress are just as significant as the economic factors mentioned above. In particular, we should consider the area of social justice, human rights, equality and democracy itself. For example, the treatment of minority groups is often seen as a reflection of the moral standards and level of development of a society. Perhaps another key consideration when judging the progress of a modern country should be how well that country protects the natural environment, and whether it is moving towards environmental sustainability. Alternatively, the success of a nation could be measured by looking at the health, well-being and happiness of its residents.

In conclusion, the economy is obviously a key marker of a country’s success, but social, environmental and health criteria are equally significant.

 (262 words, band 9)

3.  Some people think that all university students should study whatever they like. Others believe that they should only be allowed to study subjects that will be useful in the future, such as those related to science and technology. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

People have different views about how much choice students should have with regard to what they can study at university. While some argue that it would be better for students to be forced into certain key subject areas, I believe that everyone should be able to study the course of their choice.

There are various reasons why people believe that universities should only offer subjects that will be useful in the future. They may assert that university courses like medicine, engineering and information technology are more likely to be beneficial than certain art degrees. From a personal perspective, it can be argued that these courses provide more job opportunities, career progression, better salaries, and therefore an improved quality of life for students who take them. On the societal level, by forcing people to choose particular university subjects, governments can ensure that any knowledge and skill gaps in the economy are covered. Finally, a focus on technology in higher education could lead to new inventions, economic growth, and greater future prosperity.

In spite of these arguments, I believe that university students should be free to choose their preferred areas of study. In my opinion, society will benefit more if our students are passionate about what they are learning. Besides, nobody can really predict which areas of knowledge will be most useful to society in the future, and it may be that employers begin to value creative thinking skills above practical or technical skills. If this were the case, perhaps we would need more students of art, history and philosophy than of science or technology.

In conclusion, although it might seem sensible for universities to focus only on the most useful subjects, I personally prefer the current system in which people have the right to study whatever they like.

 (297 words, band 9)

4.  Some people think that a sense of competition in children should be encouraged. Others believe that children who are taught to co-operate rather than compete become more useful adults. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

People have different views about whether children should be taught to be competitive or co-operative. While a spirit of competition can sometimes be useful in life, I believe that the ability to co-operate is more important.

On the one hand, competition can be a great source of motivation for children. When teachers use games or prizes to introduce an element of competitiveness into lessons, it can encourage children to work harder to outdo the other pupils in the class. This kind of healthy rivalry may help to build children’s self confidence, while pushing them to work independently and progress more quickly. When these children leave school, their confidence and determination will help them in competitive situations such as job interviews. It can therefore be argued that competition should be encouraged in order to prepare children for adult life.

On the other hand, it is perhaps even more important to prepare children for the many aspects of adult life that require co-operation. In the workplace, adults are expected to work in teams, follow instructions given by their superiors, or supervise and support the more junior members of staff. Team collaboration skills are much more useful than a competitive determination to win. This is the attitude that I believe schools should foster in young people. Instead of promoting the idea that people are either winners or losers, teachers could show children that they gain more from working together.

In conclusion, I can understand why people might want to encourage competitiveness in children, but it seems to me that a co-operative attitude is much more desirable in adult life.

 (270 words, band 9)

5.  Some people think that museums should be enjoyable places to entertain people, while others believe that the purpose of museums is to educate. Discuss both views and give you own opinion.

People have different views about the role and function of museums. In my opinion, museums can and should be both entertaining and educational.

On the one hand, it can be argued that the main role of a museum is to entertain. Museums are tourist attractions, and their aim is to exhibit a collection of interesting objects that many people will want to see. The average visitor may become bored if he or she has to read or listen to too much educational content, so museums often put more of an emphasis on enjoyment rather than learning. This type of museum is designed to be visually spectacular, and may have interactive activities or even games as part of its exhibitions.

On the other hand, some people argue that museums should focus on education. The aim of any exhibition should be to teach visitors something that they did not previously know. Usually this means that the history behind the museum’s exhibits needs to be explained, and this can be done in various ways. Some museums employ professional guides to talk to their visitors, while other museums offer headsets so that visitors can listen to detailed commentary about the exhibition. In this way, museums can play an important role in teaching people about history, culture, science and many other aspects of life.

In conclusion, it seems to me that a good museum should be able to offer an interesting, enjoyable and educational experience so that people can have fun and learn something at the same time.

 (253 words, band 9)

6.  Some people believe that studying at university or college is the best route to a successful career, while others believe that it is better to get a job straight after school. Discuss both views and give your opinion.  

When they finish school, teenagers face the dilemma of whether to get a job or continue their education. While there are some benefits to getting a job straight after school, I would argue that it is better to go to college or university.

The option to start work straight after school is attractive for several reasons. Many young people want to start earning money as soon as possible. In this way, they can become independent, and they will be able to afford their own house or start a family. In terms of their career, young people who decide to find work, rather than continue their studies, may progress more quickly. They will have the chance to gain real experience and learn practical skills related to their chosen profession. This may lead to promotions and a successful career.

On the other hand, I believe that it is more beneficial for students to continue their studies. Firstly, academic qualifications are required in many professions. For example, it is impossible to become a doctor, teacher or lawyer without having the relevant degree. As a result, university graduates have access to more and better job opportunities, and they tend to earn higher salaries than those with fewer qualifications. Secondly, the job market is becoming increasingly competitive, and sometimes there are hundreds of applicants for one position in a company. Young people who do not have qualifications from a university or college will not be able to compete.

For the reasons mentioned above, it seems to me that students are more likely to be successful in their careers if they continue their studies beyond school level.

 (271 words, band 9)

7.  Several languages are in danger of extinction because they are spoken by very small numbers of people. Some people say that governments should spend public money on saving these languages, while others believe that would be a waste of money. Discuss both these views and give your opinion.

It is true that some minority languages may disappear in the near future. Although it can be argued that governments could save money by allowing this to happen, I believe that these languages should be protected and preserved.

There are several reasons why saving minority languages could be seen as a waste of money. Firstly, if a language is only spoken by a small number of people, expensive education programmes will be needed to make sure that more people learn it, and the state will have to pay for facilities, teachers and marketing. This money might be better spent on other public services. Secondly, it would be much cheaper and more efficient for countries to have just one language. Governments could cut all kinds of costs related to communicating with each minority group.

Despite the above arguments, I believe that governments should try to preserve languages that are less widely spoken. A language is much more than simply a means of communication; it has a vital connection with the cultural identity of the people who speak it. If a language disappears, a whole way of life will disappear with it, and we will lose the rich cultural diversity that makes societies more interesting. By spending money to protect minority languages, governments can also preserve traditions, customs and behaviours that are part of a country’s history.

In conclusion, it may save money in the short term if we allow minority languages to disappear, but in the long term this would have an extremely negative impact on our cultural heritage.

 (258 words, band 9)

8.  Some people think that governments should give financial support to creative artists such as painters and musicians. Others believe that creative artists should be funded by alternative sources. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

People have different views about the funding of creative artists. While some people disagree with the idea of government support for artists, I believe that money for art projects should come from both governments and other sources.

Some art projects definitely require help from the state. In the UK, there are many works of art in public spaces, such as streets or squares in city centres. In Liverpool, for example, there are several new statues and sculptures in the docks area of the city, which has been redeveloped recently. These artworks represent culture, heritage and history. They serve to educate people about the city, and act as landmarks or talking points for visitors and tourists. Governments and local councils should pay creative artists to produce this kind of art, because without their funding our cities would be much less interesting and attractive.

On the other hand, I can understand the arguments against government funding for art. The main reason for this view is that governments have more important concerns. For example, state budgets need to be spent on education, healthcare, infrastructure and security, among other areas. These public services are vital for a country to function properly, whereas the work of creative artists, even in public places, is a luxury. Another reason for this opinion is that artists do a job like any other professional, and they should therefore earn their own money by selling their work.

In conclusion, there are good reasons why artists should rely on alternative sources of financial support, but in my opinion government help is sometimes necessary.

9.  Nowadays animal experiments are widely used to develop new medicines and to test the safety of other products. Some people argue that these experiments should be banned because it is morally wrong to cause animals to suffer, while others are in favour of them because of their benefits to humanity. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

It is true that medicines and other products are routinely tested on animals before they are cleared for human use. While I tend towards the viewpoint that animal testing is morally wrong, I would have to support a limited amount of animal experimentation for the development of medicines.

On the one hand, there are clear ethical arguments against animal experimentation. To use a common example of this practice, laboratory mice may be given an illness so that the effectiveness of a new drug can be measured. Opponents of such research argue that humans have no right to subject animals to this kind of trauma, and that the lives of all creatures should be respected. They believe that the benefits to humans do not justify the suffering caused, and that scientists should use alternative methods of research.

On the other hand, reliable alternatives to animal experimentation may not always be available. Supporters of the use of animals in medical research believe that a certain amount of suffering on the part of mice or rats can be justified if human lives are saved. They argue that opponents of such research might feel differently if a member of their own families needed a medical treatment that had been developed through the use of animal experimentation. Personally, I agree with the banning of animal testing for non-medical products, but I feel that it may be a necessary evil where new drugs and medical procedures are concerned.

In conclusion, it seems to me that it would be wrong to ban testing on animals for vital medical research until equally effective alternatives have been developed.

10.  Some people think that strict punishments for driving offences are the key to reducing traffic accidents. Others, however, believe that other measures would be more effective in improving road safety. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

People have differing views with regard to the question of how to make our roads safer. In my view, both punishments and a range of other measures can be used together to promote better driving habits.

On the one hand, strict punishments can certainly help to encourage people to drive more safely. Penalties for dangerous drivers can act as a deterrent, meaning that people avoid repeating the same offence. There are various types of driving penalty, such as small fines, licence suspension, driver awareness courses, and even prison sentences. The aim of these punishments is to show dangerous drivers that their actions have negative consequences. As a result, we would hope that drivers become more disciplined and alert, and that they follow the rules more carefully.

On the other hand, I believe that safe driving can be promoted in several different ways that do not punish drivers. Firstly, it is vitally important to educate people properly before they start to drive, and this could be done in schools or even as part of an extended or more difficult driving test. Secondly, more attention could be paid to safe road design. For example, signs can be used to warn people, speed bumps and road bends can be added to calm traffic, and speed cameras can help to deter people from driving too quickly. Finally, governments or local councils could reduce road accidents by investing in better public transport, which would mean that fewer people would need to travel by car.

In conclusion, while punishments can help to prevent bad driving, I believe that other road safety measures should also be introduced.

 (269 words, band 9)

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

EL Education Curriculum

You are here.

• ELA G5:M3:U2

Opportunities to Lead Change: The Most Important Factors in Jackie Robinson’s Success

In this unit.

• Guiding Questions and Big Ideas

The Four Ts

Content connections.

• Habits of Character

Unit-at-a-Glance

Accountable independent reading, supporting english language learners.

• Texts and Resources to Buy

Preparation and Materials

• Technology and Media

Additional Language and Literacy Block

• Optional Activities

You are here:

• ELA Grade 5

Like what you see?

Order printed materials, teacher guides and more.

How to order

Help us improve!

Tell us how the curriculum is working in your classroom and send us corrections or suggestions for improving it.

Leave feedback

In this unit, students continue their study of Jackie Robinson, building on their understanding of the factors that led to his success in leading social change by developing an opinion on which factor(s) were most important in his success. In the first half of the unit, students work with different texts and videos, describing and comparing each author's point of view on the factor that was most important in Jackie's success.

In the second half of the unit, students draw on the evidence they have collected throughout Units 1-2 to develop their own opinion on the factor (or factors) most important in Jackie's success. They begin by participating in a text-based discussion, and then use their conclusions from this discussion to write an opinion essay on this topic.

Big Ideas & Guiding Questions

• How have athletes broken barriers during the historical era in which they lived?
• What factors can contribute to an individual's success in a changing society?
• Athletes are presented with unique opportunities to lead change.
• A variety of factors can influence an individual's ability to effect change.
• Topic: Jackie Robinson as a Leader of Change
• Task: Students read and listen to informational texts, summarizing the texts and comparing the authors' point of view (mid-unit assessment). Students write and revise an opinion essay (end of unit assessment).
• Targets (standards explicitly taught and assessed): RI.5.1 , RI.5.6 , RI.5.9 , RI.5.10 , W.5.1 , W.5.4 , W.5.5 , W.5.9b , W.5.10 , SL.5.3 , L.5.2b
• Texts: Promises to Keep , "This I Believe: Free Minds and Hearts at Work"

Each unit in the 3-5 Language Arts Curriculum has two standards-based assessments built in, one mid-unit assessment and one end of unit assessment. The module concludes with a performance task at the end of Unit 3 to synthesize their understanding of what they accomplished through supported, standards-based writing.

This module is designed to address English Language Arts standards and to be taught during the literacy block of the school day. However, the module intentionally incorporates social studies content that many teachers may be teaching during other parts of the day. These intentional connections are described below.

College, Career, and Civic Life C3 Framework for Social Studies State Standards:

• D2.Civ.12.3-5
• D2.Eco.2.3-5
• D2.His.2.3-5
• D2.His.3.3-5
• D2.His.16.3-5

Habits of Character/Social-Emotional Learning Focus

Central to EL Education's curriculum is a focus on "habits of character" and social-emotional learning. Students work to become effective learners, developing mindsets and skills for success in college, career, and life (e.g., initiative, responsibility, perseverance, collaboration); work to become ethical people, treating others well and standing up for what is right (e.g., empathy, integrity, respect, compassion); and work to contribute to a better world, putting their learning to use to improve communities (e.g., citizenship, service).

In this unit, students work to become effective learners. They practice showing initiative, responsibility, perseverance, and collaboration as they read and work together collaboratively, and manage their own time.

Students also work to become ethical people , treating others well and standing up for what is right (e.g., empathy, integrity, respect, compassion). They practice respect, compassion, and empathy in response to the potentially diverse views of different students after reading and discussing the texts, and when giving and receiving feedback, and integrity when completing research reading for homework each night.

Students also work to contribute to a better world , putting learning to use to improve communities (e.g., citizenship, service). They using their strengths to help others grow when giving and receiving peer critique as they write their essays.

Each unit is made up of a sequence of between 5-20 lessons. The “unit at a glance” chart in the curriculum map breaks down each unit into its lessons, to show how the curriculum is organized in terms of standards address, supporting targets, ongoing assessment, and protocols. It also indicates which lessons include the mid-unit and end-of-unit assessments.

View the unit-at-a-glance chart

The ability to read and comprehend texts is the heart of literacy instruction. Comprehension is taught, reinforced, and assessed across both components of this curriculum: module lessons and the Additional Language and Literacy block. Refer to the 5M3 Module Overview for additional information.

In this unit, students continue to read research texts independently for homework, and engage in frequent research reading shares during the module lesson for accountability.

The Meeting Students' Needs column in each lesson contains support for both ELLs and Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and some supports can serve a wide range of student needs. However, ELLs have unique needs that cannot always be met with UDL support. According to federal guidelines, ELLs must be given access to the curriculum with appropriate supports, such as those that are specifically identified as "For ELLs" in the Meeting Students' Needs column.

• Prioritizing lessons for classrooms with many ELLs: To prepare for the Unit 2 assessments, consider prioritizing and expanding instruction in Lessons 1-5, which introduce new texts and video content, and include a close reading and practice comparing points of view; Lessons 7-8, which help students form their opinions by preparing for and participating in a text-based discussion; and Lessons 9-12, which focus on analyzing and writing opinion essays, and include whole class Language Dives in Lessons 9 and 11. If necessary, consider placing less focus on and condensing instruction in Lessons 2 and 14, which provide helpful background, practice, and repetition, but don't introduce as many new concepts.
• Language Dives: All students participate in Language Dives in Lessons 9 and 11. These Language Dives support ELLs and all students in deconstructing, reconstructing, and practicing the meaning and structures of sentences from Promises to Keep , "This I Believe: Free Minds and Hearts at Work," and the Model Essay: Branch Rickey. Many lessons also include optional Mini Language Dives for ELLs. The Language Dive goals remain the same as in previous modules; however, the new format goes beyond those goals by encouraging students to take more of a lead in the conversations and to build greater independence by taking an inquiry-based approach to language in general, and the selected sentence in particular.  See the Tools page  for additional information.
• Conversation Cues: Encourage productive and equitable conversation with Goals 1-4 Conversation Cues, which are questions teachers can ask students to help achieve four goals: (Goal 1) Encourage all students to talk and be understood; (Goal 2) Listen carefully to one another and seek to understand; (Goal 3) Deepen thinking; and (Goal 4) Think with others to expand the conversation (adapted from Michaels, Sarah and O'Connor, Cathy. Talk Science Primer . Cambridge, MA: TERC, 2012. Based on Chapin, S., O'Connor, C., and Anderson, N. [2009]. Classroom Discussions: Using Math Talk to Help Students Learn, Grades K-6 . Second Edition. Sausalito, CA: Math Solutions Publications). See the Tools page  for the complete set of cues.
• Diversity and inclusion: Investigate the routines, practices, rituals, beliefs, norms, and experiences that are important to ELLs and their families. Integrate this background into the classroom as students continue to learn about the issues of racial injustice and segregation presented in the texts and videos, and as they write about their opinions. Be sensitive to students' experiences and perspectives on these topics, and foster inclusive action by creating space for students to express their feelings about issues embedded in the texts and videos while being aware that these discussions may unearth trauma or social stigma. Consult with a guidance counselor, school social worker, or ESL teacher for further investigation of diversity and inclusion.
• Writing opinion essays: Students receive explicit instruction in how to craft an opinion essay: introductory paragraph, body paragraphs, and concluding paragraph. Students use the Painted Essay(r) format, which they are familiar with from Modules 1-2. Students who are still trying to comprehend the language itself may also need additional support grasping this organizational structure. Use color-coding and manipulatives inspired by the Painted Essay(r) routines, such as paragraph strips, to support this skill. Also, this essay structure may be different from the text structure students may be familiar with in their home languages. Compare and contrast home language text structure whenever possible.
• Introductory elements: In the first half of the unit, students are introduced to introductory elements, which are phrases or words separated from the rest of the sentence with a comma that give background information or set the stage for the rest of the sentence. Additionally, students continue to use linking words and phrases learned in the previous modules to connect their ideas. This instruction will benefit ELLs by preparing them with language to connect ideas when they write opinion essays in the second half of the unit, and for revising their opinion essays in the end of unit assessment. Support students by providing additional practice with introductory elements, including linking words and phrases, throughout the unit. Encourage students to use varying linking words and phrases in their speaking as well as in their writing.
• Reinforcing verb tenses: Throughout the unit, continue to encourage students to notice verb tenses, reinforcing the work students did with verb tenses in Unit 1. Invite students to continue discussing how verb tenses convey time, sequence, states, and conditions, and to notice shifts in verb tense, (for example, from simple present tense to simple past tense), identifying and correcting shifts in verb tense that are inappropriate. Supports are provided in the Meeting Students' Needs column to help ELLs continue this work.
• Celebration: Celebrate the courage, enthusiasm, diversity, and bilingual assets that ELLs bring to the classroom.

Texts to Buy

Texts that need to be procured. Please download the Trade Book List for procurement guidance.

See full list of texts, including recommended texts

• Inform families in advance that students will be learning about Jackie Robinson and segregation in the United States. Open a dialogue of how best to support students through some of the issues that the text they read presents.
• Students will each need devices with internet access to listen to and read "This I Believe: Free Minds and Hearts at Work" (Lessons 1-3, 5), and to view "Jackie Robinson: Royals to Obamas" (Lessons 4-5) and "Jackie Robinson--Mini Biography" (Lesson 6); prepare this technology prior to Lesson 1.
• Gather the following materials from previous modules for use in this unit:
• Close Readers Do These Things anchor chart (begun in Module 1)
• Academic Word Wall (begun in Module 1)
• Vocabulary logs (begun in Module 1)
• Working to Become Ethical People anchor chart (begun in Module 1)
• Working to Become Effective Learners anchor chart (begun in Module 1)
• Working to Contribute to a Better World anchor chart (begun in Module 1)
• Affix List (from Module 1)
• Criteria for an Effective Summary anchor chart (begun in Module 1)
• Strategies to Answer Selected Response Questions anchor chart (begun in Module 1)
• Tracking Progress folders (from Module 1)
• Discussion Norms anchor chart (begun in Module 1)
• The Painted Essay(r) template (from Module 1)
• Painting an Essay lesson plan (from Module 1)
• Peer Critique Protocol anchor chart (begun in Module 1)
• Linking Words and Phrases (from Module 1)

Technology and Multimedia

• Note: Please preview before sharing with students and determine which are appropriate for this age.
• National Museum of African American History and Culture  - Additional reading and research: Students read additional texts and look at resources about racial segregation in sports.
• The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History  - Additional reading and research: Students read additional texts and look at resources about racial segregation in sports.
• Prezi  - Creating a multimedia presentation: Students use Prezi to create their multimedia presentations instead of slideshow software.

The Additional Language and Literacy (ALL) Block is 1 hour of instruction per day. It is designed to work in concert with and in addition to the 1-hour Grades 3-5 ELA "module lessons." Taken together, these 2 hours of instruction comprehensively address all the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts.

The ALL Block has five components: Additional Work with Complex Text; Reading and Speaking Fluency/GUM (Grammar, Usage, and Mechanics); Writing Practice; Word Study and Vocabulary; and Independent Reading.

The ALL Block has three 2-week units which parallel to the three units of the module.

ELA G5:M3:U2:L1

Reading informational texts: determining an author’s point of view, ela g5:m3:u2:l2, listening closely: summarizing the points a speaker makes, ela g5:m3:u2:l3, close read: “this i believe: free minds and hearts at work”, ela g5:m3:u2:l4, ela g5:m3:u2:l5, reading informational texts: comparing point of view, ela g5:m3:u2:l6, mid-unit 2 assessment: summarizing a short video and examining point of view, ela g5:m3:u2:l7, preparing for a text-based discussion: stating and supporting an opinion, ela g5:m3:u2:l8, text-based discussion: most important factors for jackie robinson’s success in leading change, ela g5:m3:u2:l9, writing an opinion essay: analyzing a model, ela g5:m3:u2:l10, writing an opinion essay: planning, ela g5:m3:u2:l11, writing an opinion essay: drafting an introduction, ela g5:m3:u2:l12, writing an opinion essay: drafting proof paragraph 1, ela g5:m3:u2:l13, end of unit 2 assessment, part i: writing an opinion essay, ela g5:m3:u2:l14, peer critique, ela g5:m3:u2:l15, end of unit 2 assessment, part ii: revising an opinion essay, optional: community, experts, fieldwork, service, and extensions.

Invite members of the community, family members, or teachers to come into the classroom to share their experience of segregation and/or their experiences of listening to or watching Jackie Robinson's baseball games.

• Invite a professional baseball player or a professional athlete from another sport to come into the classroom to talk about his or her life, particularly how the athlete uses his or her position to make changes in society.
• Invite a local leader of social change to come in to talk to the students about the factors that contributed to him or her being an effective leader of social change.
• Visit a local baseball stadium or professional sports facility to watch a game.
• Visit an exhibition about segregation.
• Students present their End of Unit 3 presentations to an audience of community members.
• Create the performance task display somewhere out in the community rather than just in school.

Extension opportunities for students seeking more challenge:

• Invite students to watch movies and documentaries about Jackie Robinson, gathering additional evidence of factors that led to his success.
• Invite students to research Jackie Robinson by using internet sources to find and read primary source documents.
• Invite students to research an additional athlete in Unit 3 and to write their compare and contrast essay about two athletes as well as Jackie Robinson.
• Invite students to research gender segregation in sports.

Copyright © 2013-2024 by EL Education, New York, NY.

Get updates about our new K-5 curriculum as new materials and tools debut.

Help us improve our curriculum..

Tell us what’s going well, share your concerns and feedback.

Terms of use . To learn more about EL Education, visit  eleducation.org

I've known RFK Jr. for years, and I'm sad at what he's become

The author, Steve North, left, with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. at CNBC studios in Fort Lee, New Jersey, in 2002.  Credit: Steve North

This guest essay reflects the views of Steve North, a veteran broadcast and print journalist who lives in Roslyn Heights.

It was a brief, unintentionally shocking message that was so moving to me I’ve saved it since that day in 1977. Upon arriving at my desk at ABC’s Good Morning America, I found a note from a colleague: "Bobby Kennedy returned your call — please call him in A.M."

I think I gasped, though I knew the call was from Bobby Kennedy, Jr.; his father had been assassinated nearly a decade earlier.

As a 24-year-old associate producer, I worked on several programs, and periodically helped out with segments on GMA. I’d been asked to interview Bobby about his undergraduate Harvard thesis, based on the heroic career of Alabama anti-segregationist Judge Frank Johnson.

It was an interesting conversation; Bobby and I were nearly the same age, and we clearly agreed on the issues we were discussing.

My family had long supported the Kennedys. In 1967, as a New York resident, I wrote to Sen. Robert F. Kennedy about what I could contribute to our state and country despite being too young to vote; he took the time to respond with a detailed signed letter.

From our Editorial Board, get inside the local, city and state political scenes.

By clicking Sign up, you agree to our privacy policy .

In February 1968, my father was working on NBC’s Tonight Show and met RFK before a guest appearance; a photo of him with the senator has hung on the wall — first in my late parents' home, now in my house — ever since. Four months after the picture was taken, Kennedy was dead.

So this initial connection with Bobby Jr. in 1977 was memorable for me. Three years later, we met at the Democratic National Convention in New York, which I was covering as news director of Long Island’s WLIR Radio. At the end of the interview, Bobby asked, "Did you get everything you needed?" and said we should keep in touch.

And we did. Although Bobby had been struggling with alcohol and drug abuse for years, he seemed to be having an adventurous life and the beginnings of a valuable career, which began with his work in the Manhattan district attorney’s office.

I once gave Bobby an audiotape of an interview I'd done with his brother Michael, who later died in a skiing accident; he said hearing Michael's voice was "bittersweet." We had fascinating conversations about subjects ranging from his monthlong imprisonment for protesting Navy bombing exercises on the Puerto Rican island of Vieques, to the murder trial of his cousin Michael Skakel. He was passionate, and I was certain he had overcome the many traumas in his life and had conquered his demons. 

I was wrong. I was astonished when Bobby started speaking out against vaccines, and horrified when I heard the misinformation and outright lies he began spouting about that and other topics. The stories of his brain worm and dead bear cub were beyond bizarre.

It culminated in the often-unhinged news conference in which Bobby suspended his doomed-to-fail presidential campaign, repeated Donald Trump-like conspiracy theories, then actually endorsed the former president. His siblings got it right when they wrote, "Our brother Bobby's decision to endorse Trump today is a betrayal of the values that our father and our family hold most dear. It is a sad ending to a sad story."

I don’t think I’ve ever been this disappointed over anyone I’ve known in my more than half-century career in journalism. I have a file folder about him, including a 1983 People magazine cover story titled: "The Tragedy of Bobby Kennedy Jr." Four decades later, we have seen the lowest point of that continuing tragedy.

This guest essay reflects the views of Steve North, a veteran broadcast and print journalist who lives in Roslyn Heights.

Stay logged in.

The Newsday app makes it easier to access content without having to log in.

Unlimited Digital Access Only 25¢ for 5 months

• Latest Latest
• The West The West
• Sports Sports
• Opinion Opinion
• Magazine Magazine

Opinion: For Sweden, Russian aggression is a daily worry

By Jay Evensen

For most Americans, the war in Ukraine takes on a distant hue that makes it easy to talk about in broad terms. For some, distance makes the war easier to dismiss.

To many people in Europe, however, it’s a much more vivid and constant worry.

I just returned from another two-week stay in Sweden, my third within the past 12 months. My wife and her siblings are inheriting property there.

Each time I have visited, Ukraine has been top-of-mind in the media and in casual conversation, in ways that conveyed an emotion Americans have a hard time feeling thousands of miles away. This time was no different.

“Russian plot: ‘Gotland target for nuclear weapons’” was a blaring headline less than a week ago in Expressen , a national daily newspaper I bought off the stand. Gotland is Sweden’s largest island, located in the middle of the Baltic Sea. It has been a tourist destination for many years, and it contains some of the nation’s most intriguing archeological finds (in 1999, the world’s largest collection of Viking silver treasure was discovered in a farmer’s field).

It’s also important militarily, and even more so since Sweden joined NATO earlier this year. Sweden has plans to put more advanced missile defense systems and military equipment on the island.

So when Russian military expert Vladimir Prochvatilov wrote on a Russian website that Gotland would become “target number one” for a Russian nuclear attack in the event of a war with NATO, it got people’s attention.

“It would be better for Sweden to remain a neutral country and for the island of Gotland to remain a tourist mecca, a historical museum and a nature reserve, than to become the number one target for Russian nuclear missiles,” Prochvatilov wrote.

More jarringly, he said, “The hopes of the Swedish authorities that in the event of a direct military conflict with Russia this small country will be able to avoid the total destruction of its mainland infrastructure and mass deaths of the population are illusory.”

At the start of such a war, Russia would launch nuclear weapons at Sweden “to prevent NATO cruise missile strikes on ships of the Baltic and Northern Fleets.”

In response to this, Expressen quoted an associate professor of war science at the Norwegian Defense University, who labeled it a scare tactic, or “diplomacy of intimidation,” aimed at getting Sweden to rethink its plans to militarize the island.

Reports such as these are jarring to a nation that managed to escape any conflict in either world war, and that hasn’t fought a war at all since 1814. But they also are evidence that Sweden’s decision to join NATO, and its plans for Gotland, are the right tactics.

Russia is clearly concerned. A separate story in Expressen said a Russian TV station had devoted considerable time to the militarization of Aland, a Finnish island not far from Gotland.

But perhaps more jarring than these reports are the recent statements of Sweden’s own government and military leaders.

At a conference earlier this year, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson urged people to prepare to defend themselves “with weapons in hand and our lives on the line.”

The nation’s supreme military commander, Gen. Micael Byden , showed photos of destruction and death in Ukraine that were projected against the backdrop of a snowy Swedish field. He asked, “Do you think this could be Sweden?”

Once again, as in earlier visits, the people I spoke with expressed strong support for Sweden joining NATO.

They also expressed worries over whether Americans, and especially politicians, were as committed to keeping Europe free as they are.

On that score, recent opinion polls, such as one by the University of Maryland and SSRS, showed that support for the U.S. staying the course in its support for Ukraine is surprisingly strong. A report on the poll by the Brookings Institution said that, when asked how long the U.S. should continue military aid, 48% said as long as necessary, with another 39% saying one to two years.

When broken out by political persuasion, the poll found 37% of Republicans saying as long as necessary, with 53% saying one to two years.

This, despite statements by former President Donald Trump and Sen. J.D. Vance in opposition to further military aid.

For those who inevitably will ask, Sweden already spends 2.2% of its annual budget on its military, including an air force that has long been one of the strongest in Europe. That qualifies as exceeding the NATO target level of 2%.

Swedes no doubt would be comforted by the poll results. As I said after earlier visits, defense against Russian President Vladimir Putin is not a theoretical exercise for them, as it often seems to be in this country.

From what I know of history, the same could have been said for the way many Americans felt about belligerent countries before the outbreak of World War II.

Fall Preview

Some Consider Being Biracial a ‘Predicament.’ Danzy Senna Thinks It’s Hilarious.

Senna, who is mixed-race, has made a career satirizing the lives of characters like her. Her new novel takes elements from her history and twists them to the extreme.

Danzy Senna’s latest book, “Colored Television,” sends up Hollywood, academia, the publishing industry — and the trope of the tragic mulatto. Credit... Elizabeth Weinberg for The New York Times

Supported by

• Share full article

By Joumana Khatib

• Sept. 1, 2024

Long before Zendaya was our biggest young movie star, before the Kardashians became an aesthetic and economic juggernaut and certainly before Barack Obama (let alone Kamala Harris ) ascended the political ranks, the novelist Danzy Senna predicted we’d soon be living through what she called the Mulatto Millennium .

“Strange to wake up and realize you’re in style. That’s what happened to me just the other morning,” she wrote in a 1998 essay. “I realized that, according to the racial zodiac, 2000 is the official Year of the Mulatto. Pure breeds (at least Black ones) are out; hybridity is in. America loves us in all of our half-caste glory.”

Droll, insouciant, provocative? Of course — Danzy Senna wrote it. Over nearly three decades, she has spun up hilarious (and occasionally unsettling) stories about the lives of characters who happen to be multiracial — “the country I come from,” as she put it. Her debut novel, “ Caucasia ,” also published in 1998, followed two biracial sisters born in 1970s Boston who are separated by their parents and whose lives take very different paths. It was a best seller.

Her latest book, “ Colored Television ,” her sixth, satirizes Hollywood, academia, the publishing industry, the housing market, ambition and, not least, the pervasive trope of the tragic mulatto.

It is also very, very funny.

Like much of Senna’s fiction, “Colored Television,” which Riverhead will release on Tuesday, borrows elements from her own life and torques them to the extreme. The novel follows Jane Gibson, a biracial novelist in Los Angeles married to a brilliant, slightly mad painter named Lenny and their two young children.

We are having trouble retrieving the article content.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and  log into  your Times account, or  subscribe  for all of The Times.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access.

Already a subscriber?  Log in .

Want all of The Times?  Subscribe .

Advertisement

• Ebooks & Courses
• Practice Tests

Your Ticket To An Exciting Future

Test format

Tips for a high score

Topics, questions & samples

Mistakes to avoid

Planning strategies

Find out more...

Test f ormat

Question types

Success strategies

Key reading skills

Key information

Tips &  Advice

Strategies & Techniques

Sample Questions & Answers

Find out more…

Learn the key skills

All topic areas covered

Like to learn by watching & listening?

Watch the videos lessons 

What is IELTS?

Academic or General?

Band scores explained

Exam dates & Test format

IELTS FAQ’s

What to learn

How to learn it

Topic vocabulary lists

Practice questions & answers

Master all the grammar you need to score 7+  in easy steps

Study through ebooks or video course

Watch the videos of all the lessons 

What Help Do You Need Right Now?

• Need To Improve Your Score For Your Dream Job?
• New To the Exam & Don’t Know Where To Start?
• English Grammar Causing You A Headache?
• Want To Know Exactly What The Examiners Are Looking For?
• Or Do You Just Want Top Tips To Really Smash The Exam?

If you can answer "YES" to any of these questions or need support at any stage of your exam preparation, then I can help you.

In fact, I’d consider it a privilege. I'm here to assist you in achieving the results you want.

I know how challenging it can be to learn another language, especially if you need to pass an exam to fulfil the dreams you have for your life.

I’ve created this website to make passing IELTS as simple as possible. If you're prepared to follow the advice and to work hard on the lessons, you will reach the goals you set for yourself.

Aim high because you can succeed and you will succeed.

I look forward to being beside you along the way and can’t wait to join in celebrating your success.

Testimonials

“ This is amazing preparation content. One of the best IELTS test guides I have seen.” Juan P. C.

“  I have followed the exact essay structures for two weeks and I was able to get the score I wanted.”   Guththika S. D.

“ You are a great teacher. I wish I had found your website earlier because I wasted a lot of time and money on my IELTS exam in the last few years but now, with your strategies and knowledge, I'm around 7.5-8 in both speaking and writing. This is wonderful because before that I scored about 5.5-6."  Reyhaneh S.

“ Dear Jacky, I've browsed hundreds of websites collecting ESL/IELTS material as an ESL teacher but I never thought I would stumble upon a treasure trove as good as this. Your website is so organised and every bit of it is just fantastic! The material is so well prepared and designed for anyone preparing for the IELTS test. The videos too are beautiful and well explained. Thank you and God bless.” Charleston .

Study Made Easy

The website is full of free resources that will allow you to prepare for your exam anytime, anywhere.

Whether you have a few hours to set aside to study or just 10 minutes here and there, you’ll find plenty here to help you make rapid progress each and every day.

You no longer have to be disappointed by low grades. For most people there are just two things you need to do to improve your score:

• Identify & fill the gaps in your learning
• Understand exactly what’s required by examiners for each section of the exam

Both are easily achievable with the information and guidance you'll find right here. Together with your dedicated and motivated to succeed we have a winning formula.

And do let me know if there are specific things in your English learning that you are struggling with. This will help me to create exactly the right content to meet your needs and to serve you better.

Please get in touch with me through my Contact page. I'd really love to hear from you, even if it's just to say "Hi" and to tell me how your journey with the English language and exam preparation is going.

I wish you huge success,

Would you prefer to share this page with others by linking to it?

• Click on the HTML link code below.
• Copy and paste it, adding a note of your own, into your blog, a Web page, forums, a blog comment, your Facebook account, or anywhere that someone would find this page valuable.

Like this page?

• Back To Top

 * New * Grammar For IELTS Ebooks

$9.99 each       Full Set   Just   $ 23.97

Find Out More >>

IELTS Courses

Full details...

      Contact

      About Me

      Site Map

      Privacy Policy

      Disclaimer

IELTS changes lives.

Let's work together so it changes yours too.

Copyright  © 2024     IELT Jacky     

All Right Reserved

IELTS is a registered trademark of the University of Cambridge, the British Council, and IDP Education Australia. This site and its owners are not affiliated, approved or endorsed by the University of Cambridge ESOL, the British Council, and IDP Education Australia.