How to Agree & Disagree in the IELTS Speaking Test?

Zilpah Dsouza Published:
June 03, 2025

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In the IELTS Speaking test, expressing agreement and disagreement is essential for demonstrating a range of vocabulary, fluency, and critical thinking. Whether you are discussing social issues in Part 3 or responding to an opinion in Part 1, knowing how to agree or disagree naturally can boost your score. This article provides clear strategies and useful expressions to help you sound confident and fluent.

Why does it matter?

Examiners assess your ability to express opinions, justify your answers, and maintain a natural flow of conversation. Agreeing and disagreeing effectively shows that you can:

Use a variety of grammatical structures
Show your ability to think critically
Express ideas clearly and appropriately

How to agree in IELTS Speaking?

Agreeing does not have to be boring or repetitive. Use a variety of expressions to keep your speech interesting and show vocabulary range.

A. Simple agreement phrases

These are direct but may sound too basic if overused:

“Yes, I agree.”
“That’s true.”
“I think so too.”

B. Strong or Emphatic agreement

Use these to sound more fluent and expressive:

“Absolutely!”
“I completely agree with that.”
“I couldn’t agree more.”
“That’s exactly how I feel.”

How to disagree in IELTS speaking

Disagreeing politely is a powerful skill. The examiner is not judging your opinion, but how you express it.

A. Direct but Respectful disagreement

“I don’t think so.”
“I’m not sure I agree with that.”
“Not really, in my opinion.”

B. Polite or Diplomatic disagreement

To sound polite and thoughtful:

“That’s an interesting point, but I believe...”
“I see where you’re coming from, but I would say...”
“I understand your view, but I think differently.”

Some useful Tips!

Stay Calm and Respectful: Disagreeing politely shows maturity and good communication skills.
Justify Your Opinion: Always explain your reason using linking phrases like “because,” “since,” or “that’s why.”
Vary Your Language: Do not repeat the same phrases. Use synonyms or paraphrase your ideas.
Practice with Common Topics: Education, technology, environment, and lifestyle often come up in the test.