IELTS Writing
Task 2: discussion essays
Discussion questions present two views and ask you to discuss both and give your own opinion. You need a fair paragraph on each view, plus your position, stated in the introduction and the conclusion.
Explain why people hold each view, not just what they think. Your own view can agree with one side or combine the two.
A four-paragraph plan
- Introduction: paraphrase the question and state your answer or position clearly.
- Body paragraph 1: one main idea, explained, with a specific example.
- Body paragraph 2: a second main idea (or the other side), explained and supported.
- Conclusion: restate your position in new words; no new ideas.
More practice: IELTS Writing Task 2 questions by topic →
How to answer
Recognising Discussion Questions
- Look for two contrasting positions, often signalled by “some people… while others…” or “one view… the other view…”.
- A discussion prompt usually tells you to discuss both views or both sides.
- Explain each view fairly; do not mention one only or simply list the two positions.
- Check whether the prompt also asks for your opinion. Make your own position clear as well as discussing both views.
- Plan a separate part of your essay for each view, then make sure your position is clear in the introduction or conclusion.
Example: Task Two prompt. “Some people think children should learn practical skills at school, while others believe academic subjects should take priority. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.” This is a discussion question: explain the case for practical skills and the case for academic subjects, then state your position. For example, you could argue that both matter, but academic subjects should receive slightly more lesson time.
Balancing Two Views
- Treat both positions as reasonable views, even when you favour one of them.
- Give each view comparable space and development; exact equality is not required.
- Describe each view in terms its supporters would recognise. Avoid dismissive labels or exaggerated claims.
- Use parallel treatment: explain what each group values, then state your position without caricaturing either side.
Example: Discuss both views: Some people think schools should give more time to arts subjects, while others think science subjects deserve more attention. Give your own opinion.. Some people believe schools should give greater attention to arts subjects, while others prioritise science. I think both are essential, so neither should dominate the curriculum.
Supporters of the arts value subjects such as music and design because they give learners ways to express ideas and develop creativity. They may also see these subjects as an important part of a broad education, rather than an optional extra.
By contrast, supporters of science value its role in building analytical understanding and practical knowledge. They may argue that these subjects help learners make sense of the world and prepare for further study. Both views focus on valuable skills, but place emphasis on different kinds of learning.
Integrating Discussion and Opinion
- State your position in the introduction, then carry the same judgement through both body paragraphs and the conclusion.
- Explain the strongest reason for each view before evaluating its importance; do not merely list advantages and disadvantages.
- Link each evaluation to your position by showing why one view carries more weight, or how the views contribute differently.
- Use contrast and reference words to distinguish a view you are discussing from the position you support.
Example: Task 2: Some people think governments should invest more in public transport, while others prefer investment in roads. Discuss both views and give your opinion.. Some people favour better public transport, whereas others argue that road investment should come first. In my view, public transport deserves priority because it can serve many travellers using limited urban space.
Road improvements can be useful. Extra capacity may ease a bottleneck and help deliveries reach their destinations. However, this benefit is often local: it does not address the travel needs of people who do not drive. For that reason, road expansion is a less complete response to urban congestion.
Investment in buses and rail, by contrast, gives more people an alternative to travelling by car. Reliable services can make that alternative practical for daily journeys. This is a stronger long-term approach because it addresses both access and congestion, rather than only increasing road capacity.
Roads remain necessary, but they should not take precedence over public transport. The latter offers a broader benefit, so it is the more convincing priority.
Practise
Short items from the ielts.coach lessons. Answer them, then check to see why each answer is right.
1Which prompt requires you to discuss two views and give your own position?
2A prompt says, “Some people believe public transport should be free, while others think passengers should pay.” It then says, “Discuss both views and give your opinion.” What must your response do?
3Complete the instruction: “Discuss ___ and give your own opinion.”
4A writer gives 85 words to one view and 22 to the other, with no reason for the difference. What is the best revision?
5Which sentence gives the fairest account of both views?
6The writer supports public transport investment. Which pair of sentences evaluates both views while keeping that position clear?
7The writer supports investment in public transport. Which sentence best evaluates the opposing view?
Test hacks
Task 1 needs an overview
Write a sentence that sums up the main trends or the biggest differences, without numbers. Many writers skip it.
Why it works: An overview is essential for a high Task Achievement score.
Answer every part of Task 2
Underline each question in the prompt. A two-part question needs two clear answers.
Why it works: Missing part of the task limits your Task Response score, however good your English is.
Give Task 2 more time
Spend about 20 minutes on Task 1 (150+ words) and 40 minutes on Task 2 (250+ words).
Why it works: Task 2 counts for twice as much as Task 1 in your Writing score.
Practise with feedback on every answer
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