Common Phrases for Agree/Disagree Essays in PTE

In the PTE Academic Writing section, one of the most challenging and commonly encountered tasks is the "Agree or Disagree" essay. This task evaluates not only your English language proficiency but also your ability to present and support an argument clearly and logically. Mastering a bank of formal and natural-sounding phrases can significantly enhance your performance in this essay type.

This article provides a collection of common phrases ideal for PTE Agree/Disagree essays, along with strategic tips, examples, and resources to practice. Whether you are just starting or fine-tuning your writing skills, the guidance offered here can serve as a valuable reference.

Understanding the Agree/Disagree Essay in PTE

The Agree/Disagree essay is a type of argumentative essay. You are presented with a statement and asked to what extent you agree or disagree. This could be absolute agreement/disagreement or a partial (balanced) viewpoint.

Task Example:

“Do you agree or disagree with the following statement?
Governments should spend more money on education than on military.”

You are expected to present your stance, support it with examples or logic, and organize your writing coherently within 200-300 words.

Why Phrases Matter in Agree/Disagree Essays

While grammar and vocabulary are crucial, structural phrases help you:

• Organize your thoughts
  
  
• Demonstrate academic tone
  
  
• Improve coherence and cohesion
  
  
• Maintain consistency in your argument
  
  

These phrases should sound natural, formal, and precise, aligning with the tone expected in an academic test like PTE.

Common Phrases by Essay Section

1. Introduction

Your introduction should:

• Paraphrase the question
  
  
• State your opinion clearly
  
  

Useful phrases:

• "It is widely believed that..."
  
  
• "There has been an ongoing debate about whether..."
  
  
• "This essay will argue that..."
  
  
• "In this essay, I will explain why I (agree/disagree) with the given statement."
  
  

Example:

There has been an ongoing debate about whether governments should prioritize education funding over military expenditures. This essay will argue that investing more in education yields long-term societal benefits.

2. Stating Agreement or Disagreement

Be clear and assertive when expressing your viewpoint.

Agree phrases:

• "I completely agree with the view that..."
  
  
• "There is no doubt that..."
  
  
• "I am of the opinion that..."
  
  

Disagree phrases:

• "I strongly disagree with the assertion that..."
  
  
• "While some may argue that..., I believe otherwise."
  
  
• "It is difficult to support the view that..."
  
  

Balanced approach:

• "While I agree with the idea to some extent, I also believe..."
  
  
• "Although there are arguments on both sides, I am inclined to favor..."
  
  

3. Supporting Paragraphs (Body)

Each paragraph should begin with a topic sentence, followed by explanation and examples.

Starting topic sentences:

• "One compelling reason why I support this view is that..."
  
  
• "An important point to consider is..."
  
  
• "Another key argument in favor of this is..."
  
  

Giving examples:

• "For instance,..."
  
  
• "To illustrate this point,..."
  
  
• "A good example of this is..."
  
  

Explaining reasons:

• "This is because..."
  
  
• "Such an approach leads to..."
  
  
• "This can be attributed to..."
  
  

Contrasting (if needed):

• "On the other hand,..."
  
  
• "Nevertheless,..."
  
  
• "Despite these arguments,..."
  
  

4. Conclusion

Summarize your main points and reaffirm your stance without introducing new ideas.

Useful phrases:

• "In conclusion, it is evident that..."
  
  
• "To sum up, the arguments presented above show that..."
  
  
• "In light of the evidence provided, I firmly believe that..."
  
  

Example:

In conclusion, it is evident that allocating more resources to education rather than military spending contributes to sustainable development and a more enlightened society.

Tips for Using These Phrases Effectively

1. Avoid Overuse
   Memorized phrases should support your writing, not replace original thought. Use a variety of sentence structures and vocabulary.
   
   
2. Understand Context
   Don’t force phrases that don’t logically fit the argument. Practice using them in mock essays.
   
   
3. Combine with Strong Arguments
   Even the best phrases won't score well if the logic behind the essay is weak. Support your ideas with real-life examples or data when possible.
   
   
4. Practice Timed Writing
   Time management is crucial in the PTE. Regularly practice writing essays within the 20-minute limit.
   
   
5. Get Feedback
   Use platforms like Gurully’s free PTE mock tests to practice essays. Their AI-evaluated writing tasks simulate real PTE scoring, helping you identify areas for improvement.
   
   

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do I have to choose only one side in an Agree/Disagree essay?

No. You may take a balanced approach, acknowledging both sides while leaning toward one. Just ensure your stance is clear and consistent throughout the essay.

2. Can I use informal language or contractions (e.g., “don’t,” “can’t”)?

Avoid them. The PTE Academic Writing section expects a formal tone. Use “do not” instead of “don’t,” and choose precise academic expressions.

3. How important is vocabulary in Agree/Disagree essays?

Vocabulary helps convey ideas clearly. Use topic-specific and formal academic vocabulary, but avoid unnecessarily complex words that may confuse readers or introduce errors.

4. How can I improve coherence in my essays?

Using linking phrases (e.g., “Moreover,” “Therefore,” “As a result”) improves logical flow. Also, ensure that each paragraph focuses on a single idea.

5. Are there sample essays or templates I can follow?

Yes, websites like Gurully and other PTE prep platforms often offer templates, sample responses, and model essays that align with the latest scoring criteria.

Final Thoughts

Using the right phrases in your Agree/Disagree essay can be the difference between an average score and a high score in the PTE Academic Writing section. But remember, phrases are just tools — your ideas, organization, and clarity matter even more.

Consistent practice, such as completing timed writing tasks and analyzing high-scoring sample essays, is essential. Leverage resources like Gurully’s free practice tests and AI evaluations to refine your approach.

Stay focused, be critical, and write with purpose — and your scores will reflect your preparation.

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