So here's an essay on a topic that some people feel strongly about.  What should you do if you feel strongly about a topic? Do you have to apologize, like Youtthasack does above?

What do you think about this topic? What about other controversial topics, or topics in the news at the moment?

1. Should you be able to write an essay for OR against any topic, regardless of your opinion?
2. Do you think the examiners expect a correct answer or opinion? Do you have to guess what the opinion is?
3. What if the examiner has the same or a different opinion? Will it make a difference to your band?

Thanks Youtthasack (Joe) and thanks Alison for your comment!

Before I comment on the essay and the issues, I am going to add two essays -  one in favor of gay marriage and one against. The point I am making is that the Task 2 IELTS writing is not a test of your ideas, although these should be fully developed and supported, but that the challenge facing you is simply a test of your English.

In other words you should be able to write 250 words for OR against any topic, regardless of your opinion. It's a game, a test, a challenge, just like a school debate. Whether you agree or disagree, you should be able to write about it in a moderately structured fashion, within the 40 minute and 250 word limits.

So here goes -  two examples. What do people think?

Should gay couples be able to marry? -  Yes!

In the past, same-sex marriages were almost unheard of, except in ancient legends, remote tribes, or private ceremonies in some cities. While gay relationships were found everywhere, there was no public acknowledgement of same-sex unions. Today however, some countries have legalized same-sex marriages. In this essay, I will ask if it is time to accept that gay people should not have to hide their relationships.

There are several reasons why same-sex marriages should be accepted. First of all, they do not threaten traditional marriages. In fact, they are proof that love is the basis of marriage. Today, when many families force their children to marry and spend vast sums on weddings, it is refreshing to see two gay people come together and celebrate genuine love for each other in public.

Secondly, we need to examine the reality of the traditional family. Millions of children grow up in loving environments in single-parent homes, with common-law parents, with step-parents, or are raised by grandparents or relatives. Millions more grow up in cold, loveless homes where the parents stay together purely because of societal pressures. The traditional family is far from being fixed or perfect.

However the main reason why gay marriage should be accepted is that it exists already in all but name. Many people across the world hide their same-sex relationships because of religious or societal conservatism. Some even maintain empty heterosexual relationships, so their married partners suffer as well. Allowing people to express their feelings for each other would not lead to a breakdown in society. Instead, it would help build a stronger, more caring world.

Overall, it’s time for us to focus on issues such as poverty, war, and the environment, rather than on stopping people from living together and celebrating their mutual love. I hope that more people gradually forget today’s hypocrisy and instead decide to live and let live.

307 words, 19 sentences, average 16 words per sentence, 35553 layout (some sentences have two or more clauses)