By English Test Coach · Updated
Academic Task 2 · Opinion / agree or disagree
Who should fund research?
An original IELTS practice question with a planning route and a sample answer to learn from.
Aim for at least 250 words in about 40 minutes. Suggested practice level: advanced, not a predicted band.
Your writing task
Scientific research should be funded and controlled by governments rather than private companies. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
How to approach this question
State how far you agree, then develop reasons that support the same position throughout.
Opinion essays: choose a position and develop your reasons →
Worked example: Distinguish funding from control before choosing your position →
Government funding: public support may sustain research with social value but no immediate commercial return. Explain how priorities and accountability would be handled.
Private funding: businesses may contribute specialist expertise and resources, but commercial incentives can shape what is studied. Decide whether mixed funding or public control best answers the claim.
These are possible directions, not required opinions or facts to memorise. Develop your own response and check every claim against the task.
A possible plan
- Introduction: state how far you agree and keep that position consistent.
- Body 1: develop your strongest reason with an explanation and a specific example.
- Body 2: develop another reason, or evaluate a counterargument without losing your position.
- Conclusion: answer the question again using the reasoning you have developed.
Vocabulary you can use precisely
Choose language that fits your meaning. You do not need to include every phrase.
- commercial incentives
- Reasons to act that are connected to earning revenue or profit.
Commercial incentives may favour projects with a marketable result.
- public accountability
- An obligation to explain decisions and results to the public.
Government-funded research should be accompanied by public accountability.
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