IELTS Writing Task 2 Opinion Essays are the most common — and the most misunderstood — question type.
They test not only what you think but how logically, coherently, and linguistically precisely you express that opinion.
A Band 9 essay doesn’t use magic words. It uses a clear structure, precise thesis, balanced paragraphing, and advanced cohesion — all while staying on topic.
Let’s take this real IELTS question:
“Some people think that individuals should take responsibility for protecting the environment, while others believe it is the government’s duty. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.”
🧭 Structure Blueprint for Opinion Essays
This is your foundation for all band levels. The difference between Band 6 and Band 9 is not the structure — it’s the execution.
| Section | Purpose | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction | Paraphrase + Thesis | Paraphrase question clearly. State both views briefly. Present your own opinion. |
| Body Paragraph 1 | Discuss first view | Explain, give reason, example, and link to question. |
| Body Paragraph 2 | Discuss second view + your opinion | Explain why you agree/disagree. Support with logic and example. |
| Conclusion | Summarize + reinforce opinion | Restate both views + your final stance clearly. |
✳️ Language Blueprint
🟩 Thesis Sentence: States your clear position.
🟦 Topic Sentence: States main idea of a paragraph.
🟨 Linking/Coherence: Phrases that connect ideas smoothly.
🟥 Advanced Vocabulary: High-level word choice or collocations.
🟧 Grammar Highlight: Key complex structures.
💥 BAND 6 ESSAY
🟩 Introduction
🟦 Many people believe that the protection of the environment is the responsibility of individuals, 🟨 while others argue that governments should take the main role. 🟩 In my opinion, both individuals and governments have important parts to play, but the government has a greater influence.
💬 Commentary:
Band 6 intros often paraphrase simply but use limited range. The thesis is clear but not nuanced (“government has a greater influence”). This is fine, but it lacks sophistication and complex phrasing.
🟦 Body Paragraph 1
🟦 On the one hand, individuals can make a big difference by changing their daily habits. 🟨 For example, people can reduce waste by recycling plastic bottles or using public transport instead of private cars. 🟧 These small actions, when done by many people, can reduce pollution. 🟨 However, some individuals may not feel responsible and continue to harm the environment.
💬 Commentary:
- Clear topic sentence and example.
- Vocabulary is simple but accurate.
- Limited linking (“For example,” “However”).
- Grammar is mostly correct but lacks variety in clause structure.
🟦 Body Paragraph 2
🟦 On the other hand, the government has the power to make big changes through policies. 🟨 For instance, it can introduce stricter laws about industrial waste or invest in renewable energy. 🟥 These actions can make a greater impact because they affect large numbers of people. 🟨 Therefore, I believe the government should take the lead role in environmental protection.
💬 Commentary:
- Paragraph clearly supports thesis.
- Some repetition of ideas (“government should take the lead”).
- Basic cause-effect logic, limited sophistication.
- Simple vocabulary (“make big changes,” “stricter laws”).
🟩 Conclusion
🟦 In conclusion, both individuals and governments can help protect the environment, 🟨 but I think the government’s decisions have more power to make long-lasting change.
💬 Overall Band 6 Notes:
✅ Task response: Addressed all parts
⚠️ Coherence: Basic linking, repetitive phrases
⚠️ Lexical Resource: Common vocabulary
⚠️ Grammar: Few complex structures
⭐ Overall: Band 6.0
⚡ BAND 7 ESSAY
🟩 Introduction
🟦 Some people argue that individuals are responsible for preserving the environment, 🟨 while others believe that only governments can make a significant difference. 🟩 Although individual actions are valuable, I agree that government intervention plays a more crucial role in environmental protection.
💬 Commentary:
- More sophisticated paraphrasing (“preserving,” “make a significant difference”).
- Clear thesis with a concession phrase (“Although… I agree that…”).
- Better grammatical range.
🟦 Body Paragraph 1
🟦 Individuals can certainly contribute to a cleaner environment through their personal lifestyle choices. 🟨 For instance, people who use bicycles instead of cars or reduce plastic use directly help decrease pollution. 🟧 Moreover, when individuals adopt eco-friendly habits, 🟨 it encourages others to follow, creating a positive community culture. 🟨 Nevertheless, individual efforts alone may not solve global issues such as deforestation or industrial waste.
💬 Commentary:
- Strong paragraph unity.
- Expanded reasoning with cause-effect and contrast.
- Clear example and logical flow.
- Some higher-level linking: “Moreover,” “Nevertheless.”
🟦 Body Paragraph 2
🟦 Governments, however, have the authority and resources to address environmental challenges on a larger scale. 🟨 For example, they can enforce strict environmental regulations and invest in renewable energy infrastructure. 🟥 Such policies can influence entire industries and populations, leading to sustainable change. 🟧 Furthermore, public awareness campaigns led by governments can inspire individual participation, creating a combined effort between both sectors.
💬 Commentary:
- Strong logical development and linking.
- Good collocations (“renewable energy infrastructure,” “sustainable change”).
- Advanced structure with participle phrase (“led by governments”).
🟩 Conclusion
🟦 In conclusion, while individuals play an essential role in protecting nature, 🟨 governmental policies and enforcement have a greater potential to bring about large-scale environmental improvement.
💬 Overall Band 7 Notes:
✅ Strong coherence and clear argument
✅ Variety in linking words and sentence types
⚠️ Could add slightly more academic precision
⭐ Overall: Band 7.0–7.5
🚀 BAND 8 ESSAY
🟩 Introduction
🟦 While some people contend that individual responsibility is the key to environmental preservation, 🟨 others maintain that governments should bear the primary burden. 🟩 Personally, I believe that although both parties share responsibility, effective environmental protection depends mainly on governmental policies and enforcement.
💬 Commentary:
- Advanced paraphrasing (“contend,” “bear the primary burden”).
- Complex thesis structure with balance.
- Smooth cohesion.
🟦 Body Paragraph 1
🟦 Individual actions undoubtedly contribute to a more sustainable environment. 🟨 When citizens engage in eco-friendly behaviors such as reducing energy consumption, reusing materials, or supporting green companies, 🟧 they collectively reduce ecological damage. 🟨 In addition, widespread environmental awareness among citizens pressures businesses and politicians to act responsibly. 🟨 Despite these advantages, the impact of individual behavior remains limited without systemic reform.
💬 Commentary:
- Academic tone and precise word choice.
- Cohesion through parallel structures.
- Balanced argumentation.
🟦 Body Paragraph 2
🟦 By contrast, governments possess the legislative and financial capacity to implement large-scale environmental reforms. 🟨 For instance, they can impose carbon taxes, fund renewable energy research, and penalize corporations that violate environmental standards. 🟥 Such systemic measures create long-term change that individuals alone cannot achieve. 🟧 Moreover, international collaboration between governments is essential to tackle global problems like climate change, deforestation, and water scarcity.
💬 Commentary:
- Excellent lexical resource (“legislative,” “systemic measures,” “international collaboration”).
- Well-developed argument.
- Cohesive flow with advanced conjunctions.
🟩 Conclusion
🟦 To sum up, both citizens and governments have moral and practical duties toward the planet, 🟨 but the government’s capacity to regulate, fund, and legislate makes it the decisive force in achieving sustainable progress.
💬 Overall Band 8 Notes:
✅ High lexical and grammatical range
✅ Excellent coherence and argument balance
✅ Occasional slightly long sentences but still clear
⭐ Overall: Band 8.0–8.5
🌟 BAND 9 ESSAY
🟩 Introduction
🟦 Opinions differ on whether environmental protection should be an individual or governmental responsibility. 🟨 While individuals can influence local communities through sustainable practices, 🟩 I firmly believe that only government-led initiatives can ensure long-term ecological stability at a global scale.
💬 Commentary:
- Highly concise yet powerful thesis.
- Sophisticated balance and phrasing.
🟦 Body Paragraph 1
🟦 Individuals play a vital role in cultivating environmental consciousness at the grassroots level. 🟨 Through daily actions such as minimizing waste, supporting eco-friendly brands, and educating others, 🟧 they foster a culture of sustainability. 🟨 This cultural shift lays the foundation for public demand, which in turn motivates policymakers to act. 🟨 However, without institutional backing, these personal efforts risk remaining symbolic rather than transformative.
💬 Commentary:
- Elegant logic progression.
- Precise lexical control (“grassroots level,” “institutional backing”).
- Perfect cohesion.
🟦 Body Paragraph 2
🟦 Conversely, governments possess the structural authority to implement, monitor, and enforce environmental change. 🟨 National policies such as carbon pricing, reforestation programs, and sustainable urban planning can reshape entire economies. 🟥 Furthermore, international treaties coordinated by governments are indispensable for addressing cross-border issues like ocean pollution and global warming. 🟧 Thus, while citizens ignite awareness, it is the state that converts awareness into action.
💬 Commentary:
- Band 9 level vocabulary: “structural authority,” “cross-border issues,” “convert awareness into action.”
- Seamless logic, advanced grammar (participial clauses, relative clauses, parallelism).
🟩 Conclusion
🟦 In summary, individual commitment initiates change, 🟨 but governmental leadership institutionalizes it. 🟩 Therefore, a truly sustainable future depends on the synergy between personal responsibility and political will.
💬 Overall Band 9 Notes:
✅ Precision in argumentation and tone
✅ Natural cohesion (no forced connectors)
✅ High lexical resource with native-like flow
⭐ Overall: Band 9.0
📊 Band Progression Summary Table
| Feature | Band 6 | Band 7 | Band 8 | Band 9 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structure | Clear but basic | Logical with balance | Sophisticated flow | Elegant and natural |
| Vocabulary | Common words | Collocations | Academic precision | Natural academic tone |
| Grammar | Simple | Some complexity | Wide range | Complex but smooth |
| Cohesion | Basic connectors | Good linking | Cohesive argument | Implicit, seamless |
| Tone | Functional | Polished | Academic | Native-like mastery |