IELTS Writing Task 2: discussion with opinion

Look at the following question, which asks you to discuss and give an opinion:

Some people think that more money should be spent to promote the use of bicycles in cities. Others, however, believe that cities should focus on investing in public transport systems.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Before you begin planning or writing, let me ask you two things:

1) How many paragraphs would you write?
2) In which paragraphs would you include your own opinion?

Comments

[Duong Pink]

I would write 4 paragraphs and illustrates my opinion in the third one, by the phrase in topic sentence "On the other hand, it seems to me that..."

[Tri]

1/ 4 paragraphs
2/ all of them, i think that the 2nd and 3rd can present opinion by show your experience with each kind of transport. The 1st decide which side you prefer and 4th represent the side you took

[Murad]

1) I would write 2 body paragraphs which each one has two statements with one explanation or example.
2) As my way I would include my opinion in the second paragraph.

Sincerely.

[Elnaz]

1 I would write 4 paragraphs.
2 i would state my opinion in first and last paragraphs.(introduction and conclusion)

[Sul]

1. 4 paragraphs
2. I probably will need put my opinions into second and third one to support(ex. giving examples..) both of views. And fourth(last) one too.

[Eilsel]

I would write 4 paragraphs and I include my opinion in the introduction and conclusion.

[Keddie Z.]

Four paragraphs:

Paragraph 1: introduction and rephrase the sentences in the question, and my opinion

Paragraph 2: Advantages for encouraging bicycles: a form to work out, improve people’s fitness, reduce traffic jams caused by cars, inexpensive, cause less pollution
Disadvantages for it: inconvenient(slow and take much longer time to get to some places), less comfortable (a lot of effort when our destination is very far), and also cause traffic problem if there are lots of bicycles on the road

Paragraph 3: Advantages for investing intensively on public transport: reduce traffic jams and pollution from private vehicles; less private vehicles on the roads, enjoy better public transport service
Disadvantages for it: need to build special lanes for them, otherwise the quality of public transport service is still low because of too many cars and public transport, increase pollution from the public transport; many people still choose cars rather than the improved public transport

Paragraph 4: restate my opinion and summary

[Ezgu]

I wrote Y N NG in reading instead of Yes no not given. Is it wrong? Please inform me??

[Kiran]

Hi Simon
Can you please tell me the criteria for ielts writing task2 marking if there is spelling mistakes.
Thanks

[sunny]

thanks Simon for great help ..i got 6.5 in IELTS including 7 in speaking

[pachu]

4 paragraphs
Opinion : introduction and conclusion.

[Trish]

I would write 4 paragraphs which include the introduction, 2 main body paragraphs and conclusion.

My opinion will be written in the introduction, on the body paragraph in which I agree or disagree,and on the conclusion.

Dear Simon,is it okay to put my opinion separately in another paragraph? Because our coach said that it's better to do that for an organized structure.

Hoping for your reply. Thanks in advance

[miriam]

4 paragraphs
my opinion will be illustrates in the intorduction,third one and summarize in the conclusion

[mike]

4 paragraphs.
I'll wrap up my opinion in the last paragraphs.

[sakib]

My response will be 4 paragraphs

1. Introduction with my opinion

2. Others view paragraph

3. My opinion paragraph

4. Conclusion with restating my opinion

[Lina]

4 paragraphs, with my opinion stated in the last concluding paragraph.

Two body paragraphs would include pros and cons for both statements - bicycles and buses - respectively.

[auau]

4 paragraphs.
I would put my opinion on the 1st and 4th.

[Dev]

I would write 4 paragraphs

1. Introduction (A general statement based on topic)

2. Main body with one view

3. Main body with another view

4. Conclusion with my opinion by supporting one of those views.

[Hnga]

4 paragraphs
1st: introduce and give my own opinion
2nd: discuss the two views
3rd: give my opinion and reason for it
4 th: conclusion

[AIMS]

4 Paragraphs
1. Intro with opinion
2. Benefits of cycling
3. My opinion which is Benefits of using public transport
4. Conclusion

[SEA]

I will write 4 Paragraphs:
1. Introduction and my opinion (Public Transport).
2. Benefits of cycling and the reason I don't prefer bicycle.
3. Benefits of public transport and my support.
4. Conclusion with my opinion.

[Parth bhadaliya]

1- Introduction - paraphrase the question lines
2- paragraph on by cycle explaining their merits and demerits
3- paragraph on public transport and their merits and demerits
4- conclusion and opinion ( which one is better)

[Nick V]

4 paragraphs.

1 Introduction
2 Discussion on bicycles
3 Discussion on public transport + my opinion
4 Conclusion

[tina]

Hi simon
Im doing reading practice from Barron's book.
Tell me plz is it good or not and its writing samples are also so confusing

[lana]

Dear Simon,

Can we give a balanced opinion in such questions? And how?

Thanks a lot

[Murad]

Dear Lana,
Here is answer of your question.
http://ielts-simon.com/ielts-help-and-english-pr/2011/09/ielts-writing-task-2-balanced-opinion.html

Sincerely.

[A. YAMAN]

Sorry for my out of answer but I would like to share my introduce paragraph;

People have different view about that whether the government should encourage the usage of bicycels or not. While there are certain argument that bicyclies is not enough to transport, I completly disagree this point of view.

I know this enterance so far away from Mr. Simon advice:(

[Fizz]

INTRODUCTION:
People have contradicting views on which mode of transport should the government focus on. While some people believe that there should be more budget allocated in encouraging the usage of bicycles, i believe that it is more important to improve the public transport systems.

One the one hand, there might be some reasons why people think it is more necessary for people to travel by bicycles in cities. One of the reasons is because it helps to minimize air pollution in urban areas. With the usage of bicycles, there will be a fall in the number of vehicles like cars and motorcycles and hence, the emission of toxic air pollutants like carbon monoxide and sulphur dioxide will be reduced. Other than that, travelling from one place to another by bicycle can promote a healthy lifestyle among the citizen. There would be lesser cardiovascular diseases such as obesity or health failure. An increase in the usage of bicycle also helps to bring down traffic congestion in the town.

One the other hand, I believe that there should be more investment made to the public transport system. Modes of travelling such as buses and trains are more efficient than bicycles. We can reach our destination in shorter amount of time and on top of that, it is more comfortable than riding a bicycles. Besides that, the improvement of public transport services can provide more job opportunities for citizen. There would be an increase in demand of bus drivers and train conductors, thus crime rates in cities can be controlled. The improvement of urban transportation services also symbolizes a modern developed city.

In conclusion, although it would be sensible to improve the usage of bicycles in cities, I personally believe it would be much better for governments to direct their attention to public transportation.

I am taking the three modules (writing,listening and reading) tomorrow. Wish me luck guys! thank you Simon for this wonderful website. I owe you much !
I took the speaking test yesterday and I hope to get reasonable marks for it :)

[Lina]

Hi Fizz,
Good luck with your test today!

[Tri]

Tomorrow i am going to take the ielts test, i think i feel a little nervous. :/

[divya]

hai friends, here is my essay
People have a different view regarding whether to invest money in encouraging a bicycle riding or to promote better public transport servicers. I believe that money should be spent in both because both are beneficial to society, but massive amount to the public transport.
On the one hand, I agree that money spending for using bicycle has several advantages. Everyday riding bicycle is a good workout and helps to keep people physically fit; it is also inexpensive. Encourage people to adopt this healthy lifestyle, could prevent a vast number of diseases such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes; as a result, it reduces health expenditure. Besides that, this mode of transport is inexpensive and eco-friendly. Besides that, it reduces the number of cars usage, which in turn reduces the emission of toxic pollutants such as carbon mono oxide and sulfur dioxide. Finally, it is a good mode of transport for short distance travel.
On the other hand, I argue that investing money in public transportation is also important. Travel by bus or train is more comfortable and also requires less effort and time to reach a long designation. An excellent public transport discourages a usage of personal cars; as a result, it reduces traffic congestion and pollution. Besides that, these kinds of transportation services reduce travel expense for citizens and increase their safety. Finally, it is a symbol of the modern development of a city.
In conclusion, I agree that investing a small proportion of money in promoting the use of a bicycle for a short distance and massive fund for public transport is also necessary; to travel long designation.

[divya]

revised essay
People have a different view regarding whether to invest money in encouraging a bicycle riding or to promote better public transport servicers. I believe that money should be spent in both areas but massive amount to the public transport.
On the one hand, I agree that spending for using bicycle has several advantages. Everyday riding bicycle is a good workout and helps to keep people physically fit. Encourage people to adopt this healthy lifestyle, could prevent a vast number of diseases such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes; as a result, it reduces health expenditure. Besides that, this mode of transport is inexpensive and eco-friendly. These transport modes reduce the number of cars usage, which in turn reduces the emission of toxic pollutants such as carbon mono oxide and sulfur dioxide. Finally, it is a good transport system for short distance travel.
On the other hand, I argue that investing money in public transportation is also important. Travel by bus or train is more comfortable and also requires less effort and time to reach a long designation. An excellent public transport discourages a usage of personal cars; as a result, it reduces traffic congestion and pollution. In addition to that, these kinds of transportation services reduce travel expense for citizens and increase their safety. A splendid public transport system is a symbol of the modern development of a city.
In conclusion, I agree that investing a small proportion of money in promoting the use of a bicycle for a short distance and massive fund for public transport is also necessary; to travel long designation.

[Gurpreet]

Is it necessary to state opinion in the introduction or we can state it in conclusion after discussing the merits and demerits of both.

[Dil]

4 paragraphs
1. Introduction
2. Giving my opinion agreed with investing money to improve public transport system.
3.The reasons why they should not spent money to improve bicycle in cities
4. Summary while paraphrasing the introduction

[Ravish]

Hi Simon thanks for your tips. I have written my essay pls check and correct me wherever I have made mistakes. Thanks

Urban living life has several disadvantages compare to village. Government can improve the city life only by improving rural areas facitlites.

People migrating from village to live in the city will be facing lot of difficulites through various ways. Firstly In city cost of living is very high compare to rural places.
Secondly,The cost of money which spend on rent transportation, and other living expenses are huge in city life. Here traffic on roads is common and inturn it will lead to air pollution.
City life has lot of stress compare to village which will affect our health.
Finally, homeless people and poverty is huge in city life. Lot of people sleeps in the road side and they are below the poverty line.
People who lives here are not able to find time to spend with their own family and they dont even know the neigbhours who are staying next to them.

Govenment can improve the city life by giving quality life to rural area. The main factor that people migrate from rural area to urban area is for employment opportunites.
When Government improve the facility in village by bring more employment opportunities, medical facilites, good transportaion and good education there will be reduction in migration and inturn,
people moving from city to village will come down. So, Urban life will not be more miserable.

To Conclude, By Imporving the life style of rural areas migration will get reducded and city life will improved.

[Jamie]

1) i would write 4 paragraphs.
2) i would write my opinion on the first and last paragraph

[Hai Huynh]

I would write 4 paragraphs:
1. Introduce and my opinion.
2. Reason why people like to promote use of bicycle and reason I don't agree with them.
3. Reason why I opt public transport, people object my option and reason I convince them.
Ex: There are a lot of chance to communicate a strangers, improving soft-skills (Reason why I opt public transport). Although others worry about malefactors when commuters make friends on bus (people object my option), I believe that identifying evil-doers is necessary lesson(reason I convince them).
4. Paraphrase topic and my opinion.

[Simon]

FROM SIMON:

Here's how I would do it:

1) Four paragraphs.
2) I'd put my opinion in the introduction, in the conclusion, and in one of the main paragraphs (the one containing the opinion that I agree with). It's also possible to put your opinion in all 4 paragraphs, if you believe that money should be spent on BOTH bicycles and public transport.

[sudhir]

I use 4 paragraph 1 for introduction 2 and 3 for my views. 4 for conclusion

[Blair]

Hi Simon

I find a topic (strong opinion) which is as follows:

Recently some people can work from home using modern technology. Some say this only benefits the workers, but not the employers. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

If I disagree with this view, which structure is correct?

1. one paragraph of benefits for individuals and one paragraph of benefits for employers
2. one paragraph of benefits for employers and one paragraph of drawbacks for employers

I've read all your essays and they help me a lot in improving writing skills in terms of IELTS. Really appreciate you.

looking forward to your reply.

Best regards,

Blair

[Abigail]

Hey guys,

I have been using simon site for a while to improve my writing and other skills. Must say it is very helpful.

But studying alone sometimes bores me. Don't know if any of you here interested in making new friend while study, and aiming to get 8 for writing? You can add me on skype: Abij.real (I find the comments w.o notifications sometimes are hard to follow as well)

p/s: I'm Vietnamese btw

Kind regards,
Abigail Vu

[Lory]

I will make 4 paragraphs:
1. Introduction
2. Main body paragraph: discussion of 2 views
3. Main body paragraph: my own opinion
4. Conclusion

[rosh]

plse can anyone give me the full essay of this question which written by simon.plse plse

[Khaled Said]

Hi Simon

People have different views whether money should be invested in bicycles in town. While others argue that money should be exploited in transportation in cities. I would argue that the government are liable to use its resources towards public transport system as top priority.

On the one hand, there are various reasons why people advocate that money should be allocated into bicycles promotion. Firstly, it is considered a friendly environmental transport where does not release toxic emission into the atmosphere. Secondly, it does not occupy the public road and therefore reduce traffic congestion, in contrast, vehicles take up significant space on the busy road. Thirdly, bicycles are not only considered a good exercise for cyclist health such as improve cardiovascular, but also alleviate stress as relaxation activity.

On the other hand, I would agree with those who argue that public transport infrastructure should be given highest priority for several reasons. Firstly, those are cost efficient especially for people who commute to work regularly from outside cities. In addition, transport is considered comfortable for elderly and handicapped who cannot ride bicycle. Secondly, buses and trains are not only strict to time table schedule, so, aiming for saving time for many citizens, but also reduce traffic jam where vast majority of people riding public transport in single trip instead using their private cars.

In conclusion, after analyzing these two point of views, although, I hope bicycles are becoming friendlier in the near future. It seems to me that significant fund should be spent on transportation system over bicycles advancement.

Khaled Said