This is a sample of a total-agreement essay, where the writer has taken sides and has supported their reasons solidly throughout the essay using relevant examples to achieve a high band score for task response. Advanced vocabulary, collocations, and expressions are flexibly used in various sentence structures accurately in four paragraphs; cohesive devices are appropriately practiced for a natural transition among sentences and paragraphs to meet the requirement for cohesion. (Cohesive devices are underlined in this sample writing.) 2) To what extent do you agree or disagree? The second type of argumentative topics gives writers more options when it comes to taking sides. The question,
“To what extent…” implies the extent on a scale from total agreement on one end to total disagreement on the
other end. There are more options to choose from depending upon brainstorming ideas:
“I completely agree.”, “I completely disagree.” or “I partly agree.” As there are more options to choose from, I suggest choosing a partial agreement. The reason is that after
brainstorming, which is the same as the previous type, one can simply choose one strong reason for agreement and
one solid reason for disagreement, which makes it easier than focusing on a total agreement or total disagreement
in most cases. Note that it is also acceptable to completely agree or disagree with the given statement for these
types of questions. To brainstorm, we might start by asking ourselves the so-called question, “
WHY .”
Topic #2 Considering a high income is the most critical factor when choosing a career.
To what extent do you agree with this opinion?
Why would I agree with this opinion? 1. Well-paid jobs are motivating.
2. Making good money makes life comfortable.
Why would I disagree with this statement? 1. Other factors, such as job satisfaction, are more important than salary.
2. Money does not buy happiness.
Based on this brainstorming, I could completely agree or disagree with the topic. However, I decided to choose a
partial agreement. Therefore, I chose one reason to show why I agree and one reason to express my disagreement.
