Do I need to include my opinion in my Task 2 essay?

Modified on Fri, 26 Sep at 11:32 AM

It depends on the question, but in general the answer is yes; it is always best to include your opinion in the essay as the examiners are specifically looking for your position on the issue.

For questions that ask for your opinion, it's essential to make your position clear in the introduction and the conclusion. For questions that don't ask for your opinion, it makes less sense to put an opinion in the introduction, but it can still be appropriate in the conclusion.

For example:

Some people argue that eating animals is morally wrong and damaging to the environment. Others claim that it is necessary for our health and part of our cultural tradition.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

This is a discussion essay, but it is also asking for your opinion. Don't write your opinion in your main paragraphs, but make it clear in your introduction and conclusion.

Another example:

Road traffic in and around major cities has been growing for several decades as more people choose to use personal transport to get to work in urban areas.

What are the consequences of this? What solutions would you propose?

This is a problem and solution essay; it is not asking for your opinion directly (although the 'solutions' can be based on your personal ideas). However, it would be appropriate to finish your conclusion with a recommendation and/or a prediction for the future, for example.

When giving your opinion, try to use formal-sounding phrases like:

In my view, ...
As I see it, ...
Personally, I would argue that ...
From my own perspective, ...

_____________________________________________

You can learn more about this in our Study classes on:

Introductions
Conclusions
(Dis)Advantage and Discussion Essays
Opinion and Direct Question Essays
Problem and Solution Essays

You can find these 45-minute classes in the Study area, with related training and practice exercises. Choose Study from your menu, and then choose course or topic. Then, choose Writing Task 2 and look for the relevant classes as described above.

See also: How do I study on the site?