AGREE OR DISAGREE

Some students have recently asked: Should I support one side or both sides in the question
type Do you agree or disagree?"
First of all, it is critical that you understand that there are different question types that
include both the idea of supporting one or both sides of an issue and asking to what extent
you agree.
Notice the following questions:
1. Explain the positives and negatives of this development.
2. What are the advantages and disadvantages?
3. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Now notice these questions:
1. Is this a positive or negative development?
2. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
3. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Answer:
The difference is that for the first three questions you must explain both sides of the
argument, whereas the other three questions can be answered by giving both sides or by
supporting only one side, depending on the view that you express in your introduction.
This is still the most common confusion that students ask me about. Make sure you
understand the difference between the questions above.
Remember, you have just 40 minutes to write this essay. You are not out to save the world
or think of some profound and thought provoking insight into these questions. You are
absolutely NOT being evaluated on your ideas. You are being judged on your logical
connections with support and examples of whatever your ideas are with a good mix of
simple and complex sentences, along with good grammar and vocabulary.
So, why not make it simple on yourself. Just support one side and argue that position. In
real life, most issues/topics often create a feeling of sitting on the fence, in other words,
you partially agree with both sides of the issue you can see both good and bad points of
the issue. But ignore that timewasting fence sitting BS and just take a position. Even if
you dont completely agree with what you are writing, dont worry about it. In those
questions in which you have the option of supporting one side, just do it
Again, when you have the option of giving both sides of the argument or just one side, I
recommend just giving one side as it makes your point of view clear throughout the answer
and is easier to organize.
Example structure for one side of the argument:
1. Introduction: topic, your opinion (agree or disagree)
2. 1st idea to support your opinion
3. 2nd idea to support your opinion
4. 3rd idea to support your opinion
5. Conclusion: restate your thesis statement and supporting arguments
Keep it simple when you can. No need to discuss both sides if you dont have to.