How to Write an IELTS Opinion Essay for Band 8

Learning how to write an IELTS opinion essay is one of the most important skills for IELTS Writing Task 2. An opinion essay asks you to respond to a statement or question and clearly explain how far you agree or disagree with an idea.

Getting a high score, however, is not simply about using advanced vocabulary or memorising a Band 8 essay template. To achieve a strong result, you need to answer the question directly, present a clear position, develop relevant ideas, organise your argument logically and use language accurately.

IELTS Writing Task 2 requires at least 250 words and approximately 40 minutes. It is assessed using four criteria: Task Response, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy. Task 2 also carries more weight than Task 1 when the overall Writing score is calculated.

This guide explains how to approach an IELTS opinion essay step by step, with a practical structure, useful language, a Band 8-style sample essay and a final checklist you can use during practice.

What Is an IELTS Opinion Essay?

An IELTS opinion essay is a type of Writing Task 2 question in which you are asked to give and justify your position on a particular statement or idea.

The question may use expressions such as:

To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Do you agree or disagree?
How far do you agree or disagree?
What is your opinion?
Do you think this is a positive or negative development?

For example:

Some people believe that university education should be free for everyone. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

The most important requirement is that you answer the exact question and make your position clear.

Official IELTS guidance explains that Task 2 can require candidates to present and justify an opinion, and that a strong response needs relevant ideas supported by appropriate examples or evidence.

IELTS Opinion Essay vs Other Task 2 Essays

Not every IELTS Writing Task 2 question is an opinion essay.

You may also encounter questions asking you to:

Discuss both views
Discuss advantages and disadvantages
Explain causes and suggest solutions
Discuss problems and solutions
Compare different ideas
Evaluate a development or trend

The question determines what you need to do.

Do not decide on an essay structure before understanding the task. Official IELTS guidance specifically warns against using memorised responses that do not properly address the question.

What Does Band 8 Require in IELTS Writing Task 2?

Before learning how to write a Band 8 opinion essay, it is useful to understand what Band 8 actually means.

The official IELTS Band 8 Writing Task 2 descriptors state that a strong response should appropriately and sufficiently address the prompt, present a clear and well-developed position, and include relevant ideas that are well extended and supported. The writing should also be logically organised, use a wide range of vocabulary flexibly and precisely, and demonstrate a wide range of grammatical structures with the majority of sentences error-free.

Band 8 Task Response

For Task Response, you should:

Address the question directly
Give a clear position
Develop your main ideas
Support your arguments
Stay relevant
Avoid unexplained generalisations
Answer every part of the prompt

A Band 8 essay does not simply state an opinion.

It explains why that opinion is reasonable.

Band 8 Coherence and Cohesion

Your essay should be easy to follow.

This means:

Ideas should have a logical order
Paragraphs should have clear purposes
Sentences should connect naturally
Referencing should be clear
Linking devices should be used appropriately

You do not need a linking word at the beginning of every sentence.

In fact, excessive use of phrases such as “Firstly”, “Secondly”, “Moreover” and “Furthermore” can make your writing sound mechanical.

Band 8 Lexical Resource

Band 8 requires a wide vocabulary resource used fluently and flexibly to convey precise meanings.

The official descriptors also refer to effective use of uncommon or idiomatic items when appropriate, although occasional errors in word choice or collocation can still occur.

This means that using a difficult word simply to sound advanced is not enough.

For example:

Governments should implement comprehensive measures to reduce household waste.

is useful because the vocabulary is precise and natural.

By contrast:

Governments should utilise multifaceted paradigms to ameliorate rubbish problems.

sounds unnecessarily complicated and may create errors.

Band 8 Grammatical Range and Accuracy

Band 8 requires a wide range of structures used flexibly and accurately.

The majority of sentences should be error-free, although occasional non-systematic errors can occur.

You should therefore demonstrate control of:

Complex sentences
Relative clauses
Conditional structures
Passive constructions
Modal verbs
Concessive clauses
Participial structures
A mixture of simple and complex sentences

The goal is not to make every sentence complicated.

The goal is to use different structures accurately when they help communicate your ideas.

How to Analyse an IELTS Opinion Essay Question

One of the biggest mistakes candidates make is starting to write before fully understanding the question.

Spend a few minutes analysing the task first.

Step 1: Identify the General Topic

Find the main subject.

For example:

Some people believe that governments should spend more money on public transport than roads.

The topic is government spending on transport.

Step 2: Identify the Exact Issue

Do not write generally about transportation.

The question is specifically about how governments should prioritise spending.

This distinction is important because IELTS penalises responses that move away from the specific task.

Step 3: Identify the Question Type

Look for words such as:

Agree or disagree
To what extent
Discuss
Advantages
Disadvantages
Causes
Solutions
Effects

If the question asks:

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

you need to establish your position.

Step 4: Decide Your Position

Before writing your introduction, decide what you actually believe.

Your position could be:

Completely agree
Completely disagree
Partly agree
Mostly agree
Mostly disagree

There is no requirement to choose a particular position.

What matters is that your position directly answers the question and remains clear throughout the essay.

Step 5: Choose Your Main Arguments

Choose two strong arguments rather than four weak ones.

For each argument, ask:

Why is this true?
How does it answer the question?
Can I explain it clearly?
Can I give a realistic example?

If you cannot develop an idea, replace it with a stronger one.

The Best IELTS Opinion Essay Structure

A clear four-paragraph structure works well for many opinion essays:

Introduction
Body Paragraph 1
Body Paragraph 2
Conclusion

This is not a mandatory IELTS template. Other structures can work if the response is logically organised and fully addresses the task.

For many candidates, however, four paragraphs provide a simple framework for developing two strong arguments.

Introduction

The introduction should:

Paraphrase the topic
Give your clear position
Briefly indicate the main direction of your argument

Body Paragraph 1

The first paragraph should present your strongest supporting argument.

A useful pattern is:

Main idea → Explanation → Example → Result

Body Paragraph 2

The second paragraph should develop another relevant argument.

You can also acknowledge an opposing view if this helps your argument.

Conclusion

The conclusion should:

Summarise your position
Reflect the arguments in the essay
Avoid introducing a completely new idea

How to Write an IELTS Opinion Essay Introduction

Your introduction is important because it establishes your position from the beginning.

A strong introduction does not need to be long.

Paraphrase the Question

Start by expressing the main idea using your own words.

Question:

Some people believe that online education will eventually replace traditional classroom teaching.

Possible paraphrase:

The growth of online education has led some people to argue that conventional classroom-based teaching will eventually become unnecessary.

The meaning remains the same, but the wording has changed naturally.

State Your Opinion Clearly

Then make your position explicit.

For example:

I disagree with this view because, although online education offers greater flexibility, face-to-face teaching provides important forms of interaction that digital learning cannot fully replace.

The examiner should not have to guess what you think.

Avoid an Overly Formulaic Introduction

Avoid memorised phrases such as:

This essay will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this issue.

That sentence does not tell the reader your position.

A stronger introduction directly answers the question.

How to Write a Strong Thesis Statement

Your thesis statement is the sentence that clearly communicates your position.

For example:

I largely agree that governments should invest more heavily in public transport because it can reduce congestion and provide more sustainable mobility for urban populations.

This thesis gives the reader:

Your position
Your first main reason
Your second main reason

Strong Thesis vs Weak Thesis

Weak:

I agree with this statement for several reasons.

This gives almost no useful information.

Stronger:

I agree with this view because greater investment in public transport can reduce traffic congestion and improve access to affordable mobility.

The second version establishes the direction of the essay.

How to Write IELTS Opinion Essay Body Paragraphs

Your body paragraphs are where your argument is developed.

A useful structure is:

Topic Sentence

Introduce the main idea.

One major reason why governments should prioritise public transport is that it can reduce urban congestion.

Explanation

Explain why this is true.

When reliable buses and rail systems are widely available, commuters have a practical alternative to using private cars.

Example

Give a specific but realistic example.

For example, cities that expand their metro networks can encourage commuters to leave their cars at home, particularly when public transport is faster and more affordable.

Result or Link

Show the consequence.

As a result, fewer private vehicles are likely to use congested roads during peak hours.

This creates a logical chain:

Idea → Why → Example → Result

How to Develop Ideas for Band 8

One of the biggest differences between an average essay and a high-level essay is the development of ideas.

A candidate may have a good idea but explain it in only one sentence.

For example:

Public transport is better for the environment because it produces less pollution.

This is relevant, but it could be developed further.

A stronger version could explain the mechanism:

Public transport can reduce environmental pressure because a single bus or train can carry many passengers who might otherwise travel in separate vehicles. If a greater proportion of commuters use shared transport, the number of private cars on the road may decrease, resulting in lower fuel consumption and fewer transport-related emissions.

The second version develops the cause-and-effect relationship.

Use the Why–How–Example Method

For each main idea, ask:

Why?

Why is the idea true?

How?

How does the situation actually produce the claimed result?

Example?

Can you give a realistic example?

This simple method can make your arguments substantially more developed.

Avoid Unsupported Generalisations

Weak:

Technology is always beneficial for society.

This is an absolute claim that is difficult to defend.

Better:

Digital technology has brought significant benefits to education, particularly by making learning resources available to students regardless of their location.

The second claim is more specific and easier to support.

How to Write a Balanced IELTS Opinion Essay

A balanced opinion does not mean refusing to take a position.

You can acknowledge an opposing argument while still making your own position clear.

For example:

Although online education offers greater flexibility, I believe traditional classroom teaching remains important because direct interaction with teachers and classmates can support communication and collaboration.

This shows awareness of another perspective while maintaining a clear position.

When Should You Discuss the Opposing View?

You do not need to include a separate paragraph beginning with “Some people disagree”.

However, acknowledging a relevant counterargument can strengthen your reasoning when it naturally fits the topic.

For example:

While working from home can reduce commuting time, it may also weaken informal communication between colleagues.

You can then explain why you believe the benefits still outweigh the disadvantages.

How to Write an IELTS Opinion Essay Conclusion

A good conclusion is short and clear.

It should restate your position without simply copying your introduction.

For example:

In conclusion, although online education provides considerable flexibility, I believe it is unlikely to replace traditional classrooms completely because face-to-face interaction remains an important part of effective learning.

Avoid New Arguments

Do not introduce a completely new idea in your conclusion.

If an argument is important enough to influence your position, it should normally appear in the body of the essay.

Do Not Repeat the Introduction Word for Word

Instead of copying:

I agree that public transport should receive more government funding.

you could write:

Overall, greater investment in public transport is justified because it can improve urban mobility while reducing dependence on private vehicles.

The position remains clear, but the wording is more natural.

IELTS Opinion Essay Vocabulary for Band 8

High-level vocabulary is not about using the longest words you know.

You need vocabulary that is:

Relevant
Precise
Natural
Appropriate for the topic
Used accurately

Giving an Opinion

Useful expressions include:

I believe that…
I would argue that…
In my view…
From my perspective…
I strongly believe that…
I am convinced that…
I largely agree that…
I largely disagree that…

Introducing Reasons

One key reason is that…
A major factor is…
One important consideration is…
This is largely because…
The primary reason for this is…

Giving Examples

For example…
For instance…
A clear example of this is…
This can be seen in…
Consider the case of…

Showing Contrast

Although…
While…
However…
Nevertheless…
On the other hand…
Despite this…
Even though…

Explaining Results

As a result…
Consequently…
Therefore…
This can lead to…
This may result in…
This is likely to…
As a consequence…

Useful IELTS Opinion Essay Collocations

Learning collocations can help you express ideas more naturally.

Government and Society

government investment
public funding
government policy
social responsibility
public services
economic development
social inequality
public awareness

Education

access to education
educational opportunities
academic achievement
higher education
learning environment
educational institutions
practical skills
lifelong learning

Environment

environmental damage
carbon emissions
renewable energy
environmental protection
sustainable development
fossil fuel consumption
natural resources
climate change

Technology

technological development
digital technology
online services
technological innovation
digital communication
access to information
technological dependence
online learning

Grammar Structures for a Band 8 Opinion Essay

You do not need to use every advanced grammar structure in one essay.

Instead, demonstrate variety naturally.

Complex Cause-and-Effect Sentences

Because public transport reduces the number of private vehicles on the road, it can help cities manage traffic congestion more effectively.

Relative Clauses

Public transport systems, which are often more affordable than private vehicles, can provide greater mobility for low-income residents.

Conditional Sentences

If governments invest consistently in public transport, more people may choose to leave their cars at home.

Passive Voice

Significant amounts of public money are currently allocated to road infrastructure in many cities.

Concession Structures

Although private cars offer convenience, they can contribute significantly to congestion when large numbers of commuters use them simultaneously.

Participial Structures

By improving public transport networks, governments can make sustainable travel more convenient for commuters.

IELTS Opinion Essay Linking Words: How to Use Them Naturally

Linking words are useful, but more is not always better.

Compare:

Firstly, public transport is beneficial. Secondly, it is cheaper. Moreover, it is environmentally friendly. Furthermore, it reduces congestion.

with:

Public transport can reduce congestion because it gives commuters a practical alternative to private cars. It is also generally more affordable, making it accessible to a wider section of the population.

The second paragraph relies more on logical relationships between ideas instead of repeatedly announcing them with linking words.

Useful Cohesive Devices

Use a combination of:

Reference
Pronouns
Conjunctions
Substitution
Logical connectors
Repetition of key terms where appropriate

The official Band 8 descriptors emphasise logically sequenced ideas and well-managed cohesion rather than simply a high number of linking expressions.

IELTS Opinion Essay Sample Question

Consider this IELTS Writing Task 2 question:

Some people believe that governments should spend more money on public transport than on building new roads. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Before writing, identify:

Topic: Government transport spending

Issue: Public transport vs road construction

Task: Give your opinion

Position: Mostly agree

Main idea 1: Better public transport can reduce congestion

Main idea 2: Public transport can support more sustainable urban development

Band 8-Style IELTS Opinion Essay Sample

Sample Essay

Governments in many countries face difficult decisions about how to allocate money to transport infrastructure. While some argue that new roads are necessary to accommodate growing numbers of vehicles, I largely agree that greater investment should be directed towards public transport because this can reduce congestion and support more sustainable urban development.

One important reason for prioritising public transport is its potential to reduce the number of private vehicles on the road. When buses, trains and metro systems are reliable, affordable and convenient, commuters have a practical alternative to driving. This is particularly important in densely populated cities, where road expansion can provide only temporary relief from congestion as increased road capacity may encourage further car use. For example, expanding a city’s metro network can allow large numbers of people to travel during peak hours without adding hundreds or thousands of additional cars to already crowded roads. Consequently, investment in public transport can address the underlying causes of congestion rather than simply creating additional space for traffic.

A second reason is that efficient public transport can contribute to more sustainable urban development. Private vehicles generally require substantial amounts of road space and consume fuel for individual journeys, whereas a single bus or train can transport many passengers simultaneously. If governments make public transport more accessible, people may be more willing to reduce their dependence on private cars. This can lower fuel consumption and transport-related emissions while also making urban mobility more affordable for people who cannot afford to own a vehicle. Although roads will remain necessary for emergency services, commercial transport and private travel, this does not mean that expanding road networks should always be the main priority.

In conclusion, I believe governments should give greater priority to public transport than to building new roads. Although road infrastructure remains necessary, well-funded public transport can address congestion more effectively and contribute to a more sustainable and accessible urban transport system.

Why This Sample Works

The sample essay demonstrates several features associated with a strong Task 2 response.

It Has a Clear Position

The writer states:

“I largely agree…”

The position is established in the introduction and maintained throughout the essay.

This is important because Band 8 Task Response requires a clear and well-developed position that responds to the question.

Each Body Paragraph Has One Main Idea

The first body paragraph focuses on:

Reducing congestion

The second focuses on:

Sustainable urban development

This makes the argument easier to follow.

The Ideas Are Developed

The essay does not simply state:

Public transport reduces congestion.

It explains how and why this can happen and then gives a realistic example.

This aligns with the IELTS requirement for relevant ideas to be extended and supported.

The Vocabulary Is Precise

Examples include:

allocate money
transport infrastructure
road expansion
peak hours
underlying causes
sustainable urban development
fuel consumption
transport-related emissions
dependence on private cars

The vocabulary supports the argument rather than simply making the essay sound complicated.

Grammar Has Variety

The essay uses:

Complex sentences
Relative clauses
Concessive structures
Conditional language
Passive constructions
Cause-and-effect structures

At the same time, many sentences remain straightforward enough to communicate ideas clearly.

Common IELTS Opinion Essay Mistakes

Understanding what not to do is just as important as learning the structure.

Mistake 1: Not Giving a Clear Opinion

If the question asks whether you agree or disagree, your position should be identifiable.

Do not make the examiner search through the essay to discover your answer.

Mistake 2: Discussing the Topic Instead of Answering the Question

Suppose the question asks whether governments should ban private cars from city centres.

Writing generally about:

Traffic
Pollution
Public transport
Cars
Urbanisation

is not enough.

Your arguments must directly address whether banning private cars is justified.

Mistake 3: Writing Two Unrelated Body Paragraphs

Each paragraph should contribute directly to your overall position.

Before writing a paragraph, ask:

How does this idea prove my position?

If you cannot answer that question, the idea may not belong in the essay.

Mistake 4: Using Memorised Essays

Memorised essays are risky because the question may be slightly different from what you have practised.

Official IELTS guidance specifically advises candidates to interpret the actual prompt rather than trying to match it to a memorised essay type.

Mistake 5: Using Too Many Linking Words

Using “Firstly”, “Secondly”, “Moreover” and “Furthermore” in every paragraph does not automatically improve coherence.

Focus on logical progression instead.

Mistake 6: Using Advanced Words Incorrectly

A precise Band 7–8 word used correctly is more useful than an impressive word used incorrectly.

Always prioritise:

Accuracy → Precision → Flexibility → Complexity

Mistake 7: Giving Fake Statistics

You do not need invented statistics to support an argument.

A realistic example is usually enough.

Instead of:

According to a 2025 study, 78.6% of urban residents…

write:

For example, a city that expands its metro network may encourage more commuters to leave their cars at home.

The example is clear without pretending to provide research evidence.

Mistake 8: Writing Too Much

The minimum for Task 2 is 250 words, but writing substantially more is not automatically better.

IELTS notes that an extremely long response may leave insufficient time for checking and may include ideas that are not directly relevant.

Aim for enough development rather than a specific inflated word count.

How to Manage Your 40 Minutes

A practical time plan can help you finish without rushing.

5 Minutes: Analyse and Plan

Use this time to:

Identify the topic
Identify the exact question
Decide your position
Choose two main ideas
Think of supporting examples

30 Minutes: Write

Spend approximately:

5 minutes on the introduction and planning
10–12 minutes on Body Paragraph 1
10–12 minutes on Body Paragraph 2
A few minutes on the conclusion

The exact distribution does not need to be rigid.

5 Minutes: Check

Look specifically for:

Subject-verb agreement
Articles
Verb tenses
Plural nouns
Spelling
Repeated words
Missing words
Punctuation
Clear thesis
Clear conclusion

How to Practise IELTS Opinion Essays for Band 8

Writing one essay and never reviewing it is not an effective preparation strategy.

Practise Question Analysis

Take a Task 2 question and spend two minutes identifying:

Topic
Question type
Position
Main arguments

Do not write the essay.

This trains you to understand questions faster.

Practise One Body Paragraph

Instead of always writing a complete essay, practise developing one argument.

Use:

Topic sentence → Explanation → Example → Result

This allows you to focus specifically on idea development.

Build a Personal Vocabulary Bank

Create vocabulary groups around common IELTS topics such as:

Education
Technology
Environment
Health
Government
Crime
Work
Transport
Society
Globalisation

For every new word, learn:

Meaning
Collocations
Example sentence
Word family
Appropriate context

Get Your Writing Corrected

Self-correction is useful, but another person can often identify problems you repeatedly overlook.

Ask for feedback on:

Task Response
Coherence and Cohesion
Vocabulary
Grammar
Idea development
Sentence-level errors

A useful correction should explain why something is weak and how to improve it.

IELTS Opinion Essay Band 8 Checklist

Before submitting your practice essay, ask yourself:

Task Response

Did I answer the exact question?
Is my position clear?
Did I maintain the same position throughout?
Did I fully develop my main ideas?
Did I support my arguments with relevant examples?

Coherence and Cohesion

Does each paragraph have one clear purpose?
Are ideas logically ordered?
Can the reader follow my argument easily?
Are linking devices natural rather than excessive?
Are pronouns and references clear?

Lexical Resource

Did I use topic-specific vocabulary?
Are my word choices precise?
Did I use useful collocations?
Did I avoid unnecessary repetition?
Did I avoid using advanced words incorrectly?

Grammar

Did I use a range of sentence structures?
Are most sentences error-free?
Did I check subject-verb agreement?
Did I check articles and plurals?
Did I check punctuation?

Final Check

Is the essay at least 250 words?
Did I write in connected paragraphs?
Did I avoid bullet points?
Did I avoid memorised material?
Did I leave time to proofread?

Frequently Asked Questions About IELTS Opinion Essays

What is an IELTS opinion essay?

An IELTS opinion essay is a Writing Task 2 essay that requires you to present and justify your position on a statement, issue or argument.

How many words should an IELTS opinion essay have?

You must write at least 250 words for Writing Task 2. The task should take approximately 40 minutes.

How many paragraphs should an IELTS opinion essay have?

There is no official rule requiring a specific number of paragraphs. A four-paragraph structure consisting of an introduction, two body paragraphs and a conclusion is a practical option for many candidates, provided the essay is logically organised and fully addresses the task.

Do I need to give my opinion in the introduction?

For an opinion question, your position should be clear from the beginning. Official IELTS guidance specifically notes the importance of clearly expressing your position in response to opinion questions.

Can I partly agree in an IELTS opinion essay?

Yes. You can express a nuanced position, such as “I largely agree” or “I agree to some extent”, as long as your position is clear and consistently supported throughout the essay.

Should I write two body paragraphs?

Two well-developed body paragraphs can work very well for an opinion essay, but IELTS does not prescribe one mandatory paragraph structure. The important requirements are relevance, development, support and logical organisation.

How can I get Band 8 in IELTS Writing Task 2?

A Band 8 response needs to satisfy the four assessment criteria at a high level. According to the official descriptors, this includes a clear and well-developed position, relevant and well-supported ideas, logical organisation, flexible and precise vocabulary, and a wide range of grammatical structures used accurately.

Do I need very advanced vocabulary for Band 8?

No. You need a wide vocabulary resource that is used flexibly and precisely. Difficult words are useful only when they are appropriate and accurate.

Can I memorise an IELTS opinion essay template?

You can learn a flexible structure and useful language, but memorising complete essays is risky. The actual question may require a different argument, and formulaic responses may fail to address the task appropriately.

Is IELTS Opinion Essay the same for Academic and General Training?

Writing Task 2 in both Academic and General Training requires at least 250 words and approximately 40 minutes, and both assess Task Response, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy. The wider Writing tests differ, particularly in Task 1.

Improve Your IELTS Writing With Structured Practice

Learning how to write an IELTS opinion essay is much easier when you practise the right skills in the right order.

Instead of memorising dozens of model essays, focus on:

Understanding the question
Developing a clear position
Generating relevant ideas
Building strong paragraphs
Supporting arguments with examples
Using vocabulary precisely
Improving grammatical accuracy
Practising under timed conditions
Getting detailed feedback

A structured IELTS Writing course can help you turn these skills into a consistent writing process and identify weaknesses that are difficult to recognise through self-study alone.

If you are preparing for IELTS in Qatar and want structured support for Writing Task 2, explore IFI Qatar’s IELTS preparation options and develop your Writing skills with guided practice and feedback.

Final Tips for Writing an IELTS Opinion Essay for Band 8

A high-scoring opinion essay does not need to sound complicated.

It needs to be clear, relevant, well developed and accurate.

Remember these key principles:

Read the question carefully before writing.
Decide your position before you start your introduction.
Answer the exact question rather than discussing the topic generally.
Choose two strong ideas and develop them properly.
Explain why each argument is true.
Use realistic examples instead of invented statistics.
Use vocabulary for precision, not decoration.
Show grammatical variety without sacrificing accuracy.
Use linking devices naturally.
Leave several minutes to check your writing.

The official Band 8 descriptors do not require a perfect essay. They describe a response that addresses the prompt appropriately and sufficiently, presents a clear and well-developed position, develops relevant ideas, manages cohesion effectively, uses a wide lexical resource flexibly and precisely, and demonstrates a wide range of grammatical structures with strong accuracy.

That is the real goal of Band 8 preparation: not memorising a perfect essay, but learning how to build a strong argument for whatever relevant question appears on test day.