IELTS Writing Strategies #05: Mastering Opinion Essays with Taxation Debate Sample

Learn how to write high-scoring opinion essays for task two ielts through detailed analysis of a taxation debate sample essay. Master argumentation structure and opinion development techniques.

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Introduction

Welcome to our fifth lesson in the ielts writing strategies series! Today, we’ll examine how to excel in opinion essays through a complete writing task 9 examples analysis about taxation debate. This lesson builds on our previous cause-solution techniques and shows how to develop strong personal opinions with compelling arguments that achieve high scores in academic task two ielts writing topics.

Why Opinion Essays Matter in Important Topics for writing task 9:

  • Account for 35% of all recent writing task 9 topics in recent exams
  • Test your ability to develop clear personal stance with supporting arguments - key for ielts writing practice success
  • Require sophisticated writing task 9 examples and persuasive argumentation skills
  • Often appear in task 2 9 examples collections and assessment materials
  • Essential pattern for success in recent writing task 9 examinations
  • Frequently featured in important topics for writing task 9 across various economic and social issues

Understanding Opinion Essay Structure for academic task two ielts writing topics

Opinion essays challenge you to present a clear personal position while providing convincing supporting arguments. The best ielts essay examples demonstrate strong thesis development with systematic support - exactly what evaluators identify as characteristic of high-scoring writing task 9 examples.

ℹ️ Info

Essential Structure for High-Scoring Writing: Introduction with clear thesis → Supporting Arguments → Counter-argument acknowledgment → Conclusion. This proven format appears consistently in top ielts writing examples and successful writing task 9 academic samples across various important topics for writing task 9.

Complete High-Scoring task 2 9 Sample: Taxation Debate

Let’s analyze a complete high-scoring sample that demonstrates excellent opinion essay techniques. This writing task 9 academic response shows how to develop strong personal positions while addressing opposing views - a skill essential for success in recent writing task 9 topics.

academic task two ielts writing topics Question: “Some people think we should keep all the money we earn and not pay tax to the state. To what extent do you agree or disagree?”

Note: This is one of the most common economic policy topics, frequently appearing in recent writing task 9 databases and important topics for writing task 9 collections.

Full Sample Essay for IELTS Writing Practice

The debate over whether individuals should retain all their earnings without paying taxes to the state is a contentious one. While the idea of keeping all earned income may seem appealing to some, I firmly believe that taxation is essential for the functioning and development of a society.

Firstly, taxes are the primary source of revenue for governments, enabling them to provide public goods and services. These include essential services such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, and public safety. Without tax revenue, the government would be unable to maintain these services, leading to a decline in the quality of life for all citizens. For instance, countries with well-funded public healthcare systems, like the United Kingdom, demonstrate significantly better health outcomes compared to those without.

Secondly, taxation plays a crucial role in reducing income inequality. Progressive tax systems, where higher earners pay a larger percentage of their income, help redistribute wealth and provide social welfare programs for the less fortunate. This not only fosters social cohesion but also ensures that everyone has access to basic necessities, thereby promoting a more equitable society.

Moreover, taxes are vital for economic stability and growth. Government investments in infrastructure projects, such as roads, bridges, and public transportation, create jobs and stimulate economic activity. Additionally, funding for research and development through tax revenue can lead to technological advancements and innovation, further driving economic progress.

In conclusion, while the notion of keeping all earned income may seem attractive, the benefits of taxation far outweigh the drawbacks. Taxes are indispensable for providing public services, reducing inequality, and fostering economic growth. Therefore, I strongly disagree with the idea of eliminating taxes and believe that they are a fundamental component of a functional and prosperous society.

IELTS Writing Examples: Paragraph-by-Paragraph Analysis for Recent writing task 9 Topics

Introduction Analysis: Setting Up Your writing task 9 Examples

Original Text: “The debate over whether individuals should retain all their earnings without paying taxes to the state is a contentious one. While the idea of keeping all earned income may seem appealing to some, I firmly believe that taxation is essential for the functioning and development of a society.”

Key Elements for academic task two ielts writing topics:

  • Topic paraphrase: “debate over whether individuals should retain all their earnings” - essential for ielts writing practice
  • Balanced acknowledgment: “may seem appealing to some” - shows fairness valued in ielts writing examples
  • Clear thesis statement: “I firmly believe that taxation is essential” - strong position for high scores

Why This Works for writing task 9 Academic:

  • Directly addresses the question without repeating exact wording - technique praised in evaluation
  • Shows sophisticated vocabulary through paraphrasing - key feature of successful writing task 9 examples
  • Clear position statement essential for high-scoring ielts essay examples across all recent writing task 9 topics
  • Demonstrates understanding of complexity valued in important topics for writing task 9

This introduction demonstrates excellent techniques found in the best ielts essay examples. The writer establishes the debate clearly while providing a strong thesis statement - a skill consistently rewarded in academic task two ielts writing topics assessment across various recent writing task 9 examinations.

First Supporting Argument: Public Services in IELTS Writing Examples

Original Text: “Firstly, taxes are the primary source of revenue for governments, enabling them to provide public goods and services. These include essential services such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, and public safety. Without tax revenue, the government would be unable to maintain these services, leading to a decline in the quality of life for all citizens. For instance, countries with well-funded public healthcare systems, like the United Kingdom, demonstrate significantly better health outcomes compared to those without.”

Analysis for writing task 9 Academic:

  • Clear topic sentence: “taxes are the primary source of revenue” - standard structure in writing task 9 examples
  • Specific services: Healthcare, education, infrastructure, safety - concrete details for ielts writing practice
  • Logical consequence: Without taxes → service decline → quality of life impact - clear reasoning valued in ielts writing examples
  • Concrete example: UK healthcare system comparison - specific evidence for writing task 9 academic

Teaching Points for IELTS Essay Examples:

  1. Systematic development: Main point → specific examples → consequences → evidence - logical flow essential in successful essays
  2. Multiple benefits: Healthcare, education, infrastructure - comprehensive coverage praised in writing task 9 examples
  3. Cause-effect logic: Tax revenue → public services → quality of life - clear progression valued in important topics for writing task 9

This paragraph exemplifies excellent development techniques found in high-scoring ielts writing examples. Each sentence builds a comprehensive argument while providing specific examples that evaluators identify as characteristic of successful writing task 9 academic responses in recent writing task 9 topics.

Second Supporting Argument: Income Inequality in Recent writing task 9 Topics

Original Text: “Secondly, taxation plays a crucial role in reducing income inequality. Progressive tax systems, where higher earners pay a larger percentage of their income, help redistribute wealth and provide social welfare programs for the less fortunate. This not only fosters social cohesion but also ensures that everyone has access to basic necessities, thereby promoting a more equitable society.”

Key Features for IELTS Writing Practice:

  • Sequential linking: “Secondly” - smooth connection in writing task 9 examples
  • Technical explanation: Progressive tax systems - sophisticated understanding for ielts essay examples
  • Social benefits: Wealth redistribution and welfare programs - comprehensive analysis for high scores
  • Broader implications: Social cohesion and equity - deeper thinking valued in ielts writing examples

Why This Excels in writing task 9 Academic:

  1. Technical accuracy: Progressive tax explanation - shows detailed understanding for ielts writing practice
  2. Social awareness: Inequality reduction focus - demonstrates broader thinking valued in academic task two ielts writing topics
  3. Multiple outcomes: Redistribution → welfare → cohesion → equity - comprehensive thinking praised in recent writing task 9
  4. Moral dimension: Access to basic necessities - humanitarian perspective valued in writing task 9 examples

This paragraph demonstrates how effective writing task 9 examples explore complex social benefits systematically. The writer moves from technical explanation to social outcomes, showing the analytical depth expected in high-scoring ielts writing examples across various important topics for writing task 9.

Third Supporting Argument: Economic Growth in academic task two ielts writing topics

Original Text: “Moreover, taxes are vital for economic stability and growth. Government investments in infrastructure projects, such as roads, bridges, and public transportation, create jobs and stimulate economic activity. Additionally, funding for research and development through tax revenue can lead to technological advancements and innovation, further driving economic progress.”

Advanced Techniques for writing task 9 Academic:

  • Addition linking: “Moreover” - variety in connections for ielts writing practice
  • Economic focus: Stability and growth - sophisticated understanding for ielts writing examples
  • Specific projects: Roads, bridges, transportation - concrete examples for writing task 9 academic
  • Innovation aspect: Research and development funding - forward-looking perspective valued in writing task 9 examples

Analysis for IELTS Essay Examples: This paragraph shows sophisticated argument development by:

  1. Economic sophistication - understanding of government investment multiplier effects for academic task two ielts writing topics
  2. Specific implementation - provides concrete infrastructure examples, showing practical thinking praised in evaluation
  3. Future orientation - R&D and innovation focus shows long-term thinking in writing task 9 examples for recent writing task 9 topics
  4. Circular benefits - tax revenue → investment → jobs → economic activity - comprehensive understanding valued in important topics for writing task 9

The paragraph effectively demonstrates how taxation creates positive economic cycles, a technique consistently found in high-scoring writing task 9 examples. This economic sophistication demonstrates the analytical depth expected in excellent ielts writing examples across recent writing task 9 examinations.

Conclusion Analysis: Reinforcing Position in Recent writing task 9

Original Text: “In conclusion, while the notion of keeping all earned income may seem attractive, the benefits of taxation far outweigh the drawbacks. Taxes are indispensable for providing public services, reducing inequality, and fostering economic growth. Therefore, I strongly disagree with the idea of eliminating taxes and believe that they are a fundamental component of a functional and prosperous society.”

Essential Elements for IELTS Writing Practice:

  • Clear conclusion signal: “In conclusion” - standard practice in writing task 9 examples
  • Balanced acknowledgment: “may seem attractive” - fair treatment of opposing view for ielts writing examples
  • Strong restatement: “strongly disagree” - clear position reinforcement for writing task 9 academic
  • Future vision: “functional and prosperous society” - forward-looking perspective valued in ielts writing examples

Why This Strengthens academic task two ielts writing topics:

  1. Balanced fairness - acknowledges appeal of opposing view while maintaining position, essential for ielts essay examples
  2. Systematic summary - captures three main arguments effectively, valued by evaluators
  3. Strong conviction - “strongly disagree” shows clear stance for writing task 9 academic
  4. Societal vision - “functional and prosperous society” shows broader understanding in writing task 9 examples for important topics for writing task 9

This conclusion effectively synthesizes the arguments while maintaining a strong position. This balanced approach is essential for high scores in academic task two ielts writing topics and shows the comprehensive thinking that evaluators identify in excellent ielts writing examples across various recent writing task 9 topics.

Why This Essay Achieves High Scores in IELTS Writing Examples

1. Clear Structure with Strong Argumentation for writing task 9 Academic

Essay Structure for Recent writing task 9 Topics

Introduction: Clear thesis statementBody 1: Public services argumentBody 2: Inequality reduction argumentBody 3: Economic growth argumentConclusion: Strong position restatement

Function in academic task two ielts writing topics

Establishes clear stance - essential for successDevelops practical benefits - key for high scoresExplores social justice aspect - valued in evaluationShows economic understanding - praised by assessorsReinforces main arguments - critical for conclusion effectiveness

2. Sophisticated Vocabulary and Expressions for IELTS Essay Examples

The essay demonstrates vocabulary range essential for high scores in academic task two ielts writing topics across various important topics for writing task 9:

ℹ️ Info

Advanced Vocabulary Analysis for writing task 9 Examples:

  • “contentious,” “redistribute wealth,” “progressive tax systems” - sophisticated economic language
  • “social cohesion,” “equitable society” - advanced social terminology for ielts writing examples
  • “economic stability,” “stimulate economic activity” - precise economic expressions valued in high scores
  • “technological advancements,” “innovation” - forward-looking vocabulary for writing task 9 academic

This vocabulary sophistication is exactly what evaluators identify as characteristic of successful ielts writing examples across all recent writing task 9 topics and challenging recent writing task 9 examinations.

3. Effective Use of Examples and Evidence in Recent writing task 9

Each supporting argument includes specific, relevant examples that strengthen the argument across different important topics for writing task 9:

Example Strategy Analysis for IELTS Writing Practice:

  • Specific services: “healthcare, education, infrastructure, and public safety” - concrete government functions
  • Real-world comparison: “United Kingdom healthcare system” - specific country example
  • Infrastructure projects: “roads, bridges, and public transportation” - tangible investment examples
  • Innovation funding: “research and development” - forward-thinking government investment

Each example serves the argument directly while being specific enough to demonstrate real understanding - a technique consistently found in high-scoring writing task 9 examples across various recent writing task 9 topics and important topics for writing task 9.

Essential Techniques from This academic task two ielts writing topics Sample

1. Systematic Argument Development in writing task 9 Academic

Argument Development Strategy for IELTS Essay Examples:

  • Three distinct arguments - public services, inequality, economic growth essential for comprehensive coverage
  • Logical progression - each argument builds understanding systematically for high scores
  • Specific evidence - concrete examples support each argumentative claim for writing task 9 academic
  • Interconnected benefits - shows understanding of complex policy effects in academic task two ielts writing topics

Why This Works for IELTS Writing Practice: This systematic approach shows analytical maturity and thorough understanding - exactly what evaluators identify as sophisticated argumentation in writing task 9 examples across all recent writing task 9 topics.

2. Strong Opinion Expression for Important Topics for writing task 9

The opinion demonstrates conviction while showing analytical sophistication applicable to various recent writing task 9:

Opinion Development Pattern for writing task 9 Examples:

  1. Clear position statement - “I firmly believe” establishes strong stance
  2. Acknowledges opposition - “may seem appealing” shows fairness in ielts writing practice
  3. Systematic support - three comprehensive arguments for position in ielts writing examples
  4. Strong conclusion - “strongly disagree” reinforces conviction valued in high scores
  5. Future vision - “functional and prosperous society” shows broader thinking praised by evaluators

Application in academic task two ielts writing topics: This pattern ensures opinion essays demonstrate both conviction and analytical sophistication that assessment values across different important topics for writing task 9.

3. Maintaining Argument Focus in IELTS Writing Examples

✅ Success

Focus Strategy for writing task 9 Academic:

  • Consistent thesis support - every paragraph advances the main argument
  • Relevant examples - each piece of evidence directly supports the position in ielts writing examples
  • Logical flow - arguments build systematically for writing task 9 academic
  • Clear stance - position remains unwavering throughout in academic task two ielts writing topics

Key for IELTS Writing Practice: This focus demonstrates clear thinking and strong argumentation - skills consistently praised in top ielts essay examples and valued by evaluators across various recent writing task 9 topics.

Common Mistakes This task 2 9 Sample Avoids

1. Weak Position Statement Trap in writing task 9 Examples

⚠️ Warning

What NOT to Do in IELTS Writing Examples: ❌ Sitting on the fence: “There are advantages and disadvantages to both sides” - shows weak analysis in academic task two ielts writing topics

What This IELTS Essay Examples Does: ✅ Takes clear stance with strong conviction: “I firmly believe that taxation is essential” - demonstrates analytical confidence for high scores

Why This Works Better for writing task 9 Academic: Shows analytical conviction and clear thinking - exactly what evaluators identify as strong opinion development in writing task 9 academic across challenging recent writing task 9 topics.

2. Generic Arguments Problem in Recent writing task 9 Topics

Common Error in IELTS Writing Practice: “Taxes are good because government needs money.” (Too general, lacks sophistication)

How This writing task 9 Examples Improves: “Progressive tax systems, where higher earners pay a larger percentage of their income, help redistribute wealth and provide social welfare programs for the less fortunate.”

Analysis for academic task two ielts writing topics: The specific policy explanation shows sophisticated understanding and detailed knowledge - technique consistently found in high-scoring ielts writing examples and praised by evaluators across various recent writing task 9 and important topics for writing task 9.

3. Unbalanced Argumentation in IELTS Essay Examples

Weak Approach Penalized in writing task 9 Academic: Single argument repeated three times with different wording - lack of comprehensive analysis.

Strong Approach from IELTS Writing Examples: Three distinct arguments: public services → social equity → economic growth, each with specific evidence and logical development.

Why It Works for High Scores: Shows comprehensive understanding and analytical breadth by exploring multiple dimensions of the issue - advanced technique valued in evaluation across different recent writing task 9 topics.

Practice Exercises Based on This writing task 9 Examples

Exercise 1: Argument Development for IELTS Writing Practice

Task for academic task two ielts writing topics Preparation: Develop three distinct arguments using the model pattern from various important topics for writing task 9:

Topic: “University education should be free for all students. To what extent do you agree or disagree?” Required: Three supporting arguments with specific evidence

Model Development for writing task 9 Examples: “Firstly, free university education promotes equal opportunity by removing financial barriers that prevent talented students from disadvantaged backgrounds from pursuing higher education. Countries like Germany and Finland demonstrate that free higher education systems produce highly skilled workforces without compromising educational quality. Secondly, society benefits from having more educated citizens who contribute to innovation and economic growth. Finally, free education represents a sound public investment, as educated populations generate higher tax revenues and require fewer social services over time.”

Analysis for IELTS Writing Examples: Notice how each argument includes specific claim → evidence → broader implications - the development technique essential for high scores across various recent writing task 9 topics.

Exercise 2: Position Strengthening for Recent writing task 9

Practice Task for writing task 9 Academic: Strengthen this weak position statement for topics from common important topics for writing task 9:

Weak statement: “There are good and bad points about social media” Required elements: Clear stance, specific reasoning, confident expression

Sample Improvement for IELTS Essay Examples: “While social media platforms present certain challenges, I firmly believe that their benefits for global communication, educational access, and social connection far outweigh any potential drawbacks. The ability to instantly connect with people worldwide, access educational resources, and build supportive communities represents a revolutionary advancement in human communication that, when used responsibly, enhances rather than diminishes our social fabric.”

Evaluation Analysis: This demonstrates the confident position-taking with sophisticated reasoning that evaluators identify as strong opinion development - key skill for academic task two ielts writing topics success across challenging recent writing task 9 examinations.

Key Takeaways for Your academic task two ielts writing topics Success

1. Develop Strong Arguments Systematically for writing task 9 Academic

✅ Success

Strategic Planning for IELTS Writing Examples:

  • Multiple arguments - develop 2-3 distinct supporting points for comprehensive coverage
  • Specific evidence - provide concrete examples and details for each argument in writing task 9 academic
  • Logical progression - organize arguments from strongest to supporting points in academic task two ielts writing topics
  • Clear connections - show how each argument supports your overall position valued by evaluators

This systematic approach ensures your writing task 9 examples demonstrate the argumentative depth expected in high-scoring ielts essay examples across various recent writing task 9 topics.

2. Express Strong Opinion Effectively in IELTS Writing Examples

The model essay shows how to create convincing opinion statements across different important topics for writing task 9:

Opinion Strategy for Recent writing task 9

  • Clear position statement from introduction- Confident language throughout essay- Specific reasoning for stance- Acknowledgment of opposition without weakness- Strong restatement in conclusion

Effect on academic task two ielts writing topics Score

  • Shows analytical conviction - essential for success- Demonstrates clear thinking - valued by evaluators- Provides concrete support - key for high scores- Shows fairness while maintaining position - crucial for balance- Displays confident conclusion - characteristic of strong essays

3. Use Specific Examples Effectively in writing task 9 Examples

Example Strategy for IELTS Essay Examples:

  • Government services: “healthcare, education, infrastructure, public safety” - comprehensive coverage
  • Real comparisons: “United Kingdom healthcare system” - specific country evidence
  • Policy mechanisms: “Progressive tax systems” - technical understanding
  • Economic outcomes: “jobs and stimulate economic activity” - concrete results

Why This Works for IELTS Writing Practice: Specific examples show deep understanding and provide convincing support for abstract arguments - exactly what evaluators identify as characteristic of successful writing task 9 academic responses across various recent writing task 9 topics and important topics for writing task 9.

Why This Essay Would Score High in IELTS Writing Examples

Task Achievement Criteria for academic task two ielts writing topics

High Score Features Demonstrated in This writing task 9 Examples:

Clear position throughout - maintains strong stance consistently essential for high scores

Comprehensive argumentation - three distinct supporting arguments valued in evaluation

Specific evidence - concrete examples support each point key for academic task two ielts writing topics

Balanced treatment - acknowledges opposing view fairly while maintaining position critical for success

Strong conclusion - confident restatement with future vision praised by evaluators

Result for IELTS Essay Examples: This essay would likely score 7-8 for Task Achievement in academic task two ielts writing topics assessment across similar recent writing task 9 and challenging important topics for writing task 9.

Final Practice Challenge for writing task 9 Academic Success

Challenge Task for IELTS Writing Practice: Write a complete opinion essay outline from common recent writing task 9 topics:

Topic: “Some people believe that the government should invest more money in public transportation rather than building new roads. To what extent do you agree or disagree?”

Required elements: Clear position, three supporting arguments, specific examples

Sample Outline for Important Topics for writing task 9: Introduction: Strong agreement with public transportation investment Argument 1: Environmental benefits - reduced emissions and pollution with Copenhagen example Argument 2: Economic efficiency - serves more people per investment dollar with Tokyo system comparison Argument 3: Social equity - provides mobility for low-income populations who cannot afford cars Conclusion: Restatement with vision of sustainable urban development

Evaluation Analysis: This outline demonstrates the systematic planning essential for success, balancing environmental, economic, and social arguments with specific evidence - the analytical sophistication valued in high scores across challenging recent writing task 9 and important topics for writing task 9.

Conclusion: Mastering Opinion Essays for academic task two ielts writing topics

This complete analysis demonstrates how effective opinion essays combine strong position-taking with systematic argumentation in academic task two ielts writing topics. The key is developing clear personal stance while providing comprehensive supporting evidence - a skill that evaluators consistently identify as characteristic of successful ielts writing examples across various recent writing task 9 topics.

Key Lessons from This writing task 9 Examples:

  • Take clear position from introduction through conclusion - essential for argumentative credibility
  • Develop multiple distinct arguments with specific evidence - crucial for comprehensive coverage
  • Use concrete examples to support abstract policy arguments - vital for high scores
  • Maintain confident tone while acknowledging opposition fairly - advanced technique for ielts writing practice
  • Connect arguments to broader social benefits - key skill for writing task 9 academic

With consistent practice using these techniques across different recent writing task 9, you’ll master the art of creating persuasive, well-supported opinion essays that achieve high scores in academic task two ielts writing topics. The argumentation and evidence techniques you learn from this ielts essay examples will serve you well across all important topics for writing task 9 and challenging recent writing task 9 topics.

Remember: Great opinion essays don’t just state positions - they demonstrate your ability to think critically about complex issues while building convincing arguments with specific evidence. When you can show this analytical conviction in your writing task 9 examples across various recent writing task 9, you’re on the direct path to success.


Continue developing your academic task two ielts writing topics skills with more writing task 9 examples and practice with various important topics for writing task 9 to master these essential opinion development and argumentation techniques across all common recent writing task 9 topics and recent writing task 9 examinations.