IELTS Discussion Essay: Discuss Both Views
A discussion essay asks for three things, not two: view one, view two, and what you think. Candidates routinely deliver the first two, write a neat conclusion and lose marks for Task Response because their own position never actually appears.
How to recognise it
Identifying the type before you plan is what decides your structure. Look for wording like this:
- Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
- Some people think X. Others believe Y.
- Discuss both sides of this argument.
Your opinion is not optional
The instruction ends 'and give your own opinion'. An essay that presents both sides beautifully and never commits has not completed the task. State your view in the introduction, and restate it in the conclusion so it cannot be missed.
How to structure the answer
- 1
Introduction
Paraphrase the statement, note that opinions differ, then state your own position in a single clear sentence.
- 2
Body 1 — the first view
Explain why people hold it, with a developed reason and an example. Present it fairly even if you disagree with it.
- 3
Body 2 — the second view
The same treatment, at roughly the same length. If this is the side you favour, this is where you say so and explain why.
- 4
Conclusion
Summarise both views in a clause each, then restate your position. It must match the position you gave in the introduction.
Language for discussion essays
Phrases that do the specific work this question type needs.
- Introducing a view
- Proponents of this approach argue thatThose in favour maintain thatIt is often claimed that
- Switching sides
- On the other handConverselyThose who take the opposing view contend that
- Giving your opinion
- In my viewI am inclined to agree with the latter positionPersonally, I find the second argument more persuasive
- Conceding a point
- While there is merit inAlthough this argument has some forceAdmittedly
Mistakes that cost marks
- Never stating your own opinion.
- The instruction explicitly asks for it. Put it in the introduction and again in the conclusion.
- Giving one view three paragraphs and the other three sentences.
- Both views need comparable development, whichever one you personally favour.
- Treating it as an opinion essay and arguing only one side.
- If the prompt says 'discuss both', an essay covering one side cannot score well for Task Response.
- Contradicting yourself between the body and the conclusion.
- Decide your position before you start writing, then keep it fixed.
- Saving your opinion for a single tacked-on final sentence.
- An opinion that appears only in the last line reads as an afterthought. Signal it early.
Discussion Essays: practice questions
16 questions of this type from our bank. Give yourself 40 minutes and at least 250 words for each.
Some people say that a teacher’s main role in school is to motivate and inspire students. However, others believe that a teacher’s primary role is to pass on knowledge.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
One view is that boys and girls learn more effectively when they are taught in separate schools. Another is that classes containing both sexes offer better preparation for adult life.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Some people believe that children should be involved in making their school’s rules.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Completing university education is thought by some to be the best way to get a good job.
On the other hand, other people think that getting experience and developing soft skills is more important.
Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
Some people think that the teenagers should concentrate on all subjects at school.
Others believe that teenagers should focus on the subject they are best at or they are most interested in.
To what extent do you agree?
Faced with difficulties such as a disappointing career or a lack of money, some people feel the wisest response is to come to terms with the situation.
Others maintain that it is always worth making an effort to change it.
Discuss both these views and give your opinion.
See all 16 discussion questions in the full bank, alongside every other type.
Every Task 2 question carries the same instruction: Write about the following topic. Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words.
Find out what your essay would score
Task Response is where this question type is won or lost, and it is the hardest criterion to judge in your own writing. Paste an answer in and get a band for all four, with the corrections that would raise it.