IELTS Writing Task 2: Discussion Essay (Discuss Both Views)
In a discussion essay, the question presents two different views on a topic and asks you to examine them. This is one of the five main Task 2 question types, and it is easy to lose marks if you misunderstand what the question wants. This lesson explains how to read the question, how to structure the essay, and gives a full model answer with analysis. Remember that you have 40 minutes and need at least 250 words.
What the Question Looks Like
Some people think that children should start school at an early age. Others believe that they should not start formal education until they are older. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Typical wordings include:
- Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
- Discuss both views.
- What are your views on this?
This is an important point: if the question says "give your opinion", you must include a clear opinion. If it only says "discuss both views", you should still discuss both sides fairly, and a short opinion is acceptable but not required. When in doubt, include a brief opinion, because a clear position helps your Task Response score.
Opinion Essay or Discussion Essay?
| Feature | Opinion essay | Discussion essay |
|---|---|---|
| Question | To what extent do you agree or disagree? | Discuss both views and give your opinion |
| Main focus | Defending your own position | Explaining both views fairly |
| Body paragraphs | Reasons for your position | One paragraph for each view |
| Your opinion | Throughout the essay | Introduction and conclusion, and sometimes a short paragraph |
The Best Structure
- Introduction (2-3 sentences): paraphrase the topic, say that you will discuss both views, and (if asked) state your opinion.
- Body paragraph 1: the first view with explanation and an example.
- Body paragraph 2: the second view with explanation and an example.
- Opinion paragraph (optional but recommended): your own position and the reason for it.
- Conclusion (1-2 sentences): summarise both views and restate your opinion.
Give both views roughly equal space. If one view takes three times as long as the other, the answer looks unbalanced and your Task Response score will drop.
Step-by-Step Plan
| Section | Plan |
|---|---|
| View 1: start early | Children learn language and social skills fast; helps working parents; reduces inequality |
| View 2: start later | Children learn through play; early pressure causes stress; Finland starts formal school at seven |
| My opinion | A gentle, play-based start at four or five combines both benefits |
Band 8 Model Essay
People hold different opinions about the best age for children to begin formal schooling. While some believe that an early start gives children an important advantage, others argue that they should be allowed to play for longer before lessons begin. I will discuss both views before explaining why I favour a gentle early introduction to learning.
Those who support starting school early make several valid points. Young children absorb language and social skills quickly, so a classroom environment can strengthen both. Early education also helps working parents, who gain reliable childcare, and it can reduce inequality, because children from poorer homes receive the stimulation that wealthier families often provide privately. Studies in several countries suggest that children who attend good pre-school programmes tend to perform better in primary school.
On the other hand, supporters of a later start believe that childhood should be protected. Young children learn best through play, and formal lessons that require sitting still for hours can cause stress and a dislike of learning. Finland, where children begin formal schooling at the age of seven, is often cited as evidence that a late start does not harm academic results, since its students have historically achieved strong results in international tests.
In my opinion, the best approach combines both ideas. Children should enter an early education setting at about four or five, but the programme should be based on play, stories and group activities rather than exams or long periods of desk work. This would give the social and language benefits of early school while protecting the enjoyment of learning.
In conclusion, although a later start has genuine advantages, I believe a gentle early introduction to education is the most beneficial option for children and families.
Word count: about 300 words.
Why This Essay Scores Highly
- Task Response: Both views receive a full paragraph with reasons and evidence. The writer gives a clear opinion in the introduction, develops it in its own paragraph and repeats it in the conclusion.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Each paragraph has a clear topic. Linking phrases such as On the other hand and In my opinion signal the structure without being repetitive.
- Lexical Resource: Phrases such as reliable childcare, reduce inequality and formal schooling are accurate and natural.
- Grammar: The essay uses a range of structures, including contrast with while, relative clauses and passive forms such as is often cited.
Useful Language
| Function | Phrases |
|---|---|
| Introducing the first view | Those who support... argue that...; Proponents of... claim that... |
| Introducing the second view | On the other hand...; By contrast...; Others, however, believe that... |
| Explaining a point | This is because...; As a result...; This means that... |
| Giving your opinion | In my opinion...; I personally believe...; From my perspective... |
| Concluding | In conclusion, although..., I believe that... |
Common Mistakes
- Only discussing one view. You must cover both, even if you disagree with one.
- Forgetting to give an opinion when the question asks for it.
- Using "I" throughout the view paragraphs. Use phrases such as "Some people argue that..." to report views, and save "I" for your opinion.
- Weak examples. General statements need a specific example, as in the Finland example above.
- Introducing new ideas in the conclusion.
- Not balancing the paragraphs. Aim for about the same length for each view.
Practice Questions
- Some people think that museums should be free for everyone. Others believe that visitors should pay. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
- Some people believe that working from home is better for employees. Others think that working in an office is better. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
- Some people prefer to live in a big city, while others prefer a small town. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Self-check: Did I discuss both views fairly? Did I give my own opinion clearly? Are both view paragraphs about the same length? Did I include at least one specific example in each paragraph? Is my essay at least 250 words?
Summary
A strong discussion essay explains each view fairly, supports it with reasons and examples, gives your own clear opinion if the question asks for it, and stays well organised. Practise under timed conditions, then compare your answer with the criteria above.
Next, read IELTS Writing Task 2: Opinion Essay and How to Write a Strong Introduction for IELTS Task 2.