Write your own answer first40 minutes and at least 250 words, like the real test. Use the editor below, then compare with the Band 8 model essay.
Discussion essays present two opposing views and ask you to discuss both and give your own opinion. The task has three parts, and you need all three: view A, view B and your opinion. Many candidates forget the last part or hide it in the final sentence, which limits Task Response to Band 5–6.
How to recognise a discussion (both views) essay#
The question usually ends with wording like this:
- Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
- Discuss both these views and give your opinion.
- Some people think… Others believe… Discuss both views.
The structure#
| Paragraph | What to write | Example language |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Introduction | Paraphrase both views + your opinion. | While some argue…, others believe… I side with the latter. |
| 2. Body 1 | View A: explain it fairly, with reasons and an example. | Those who favour… argue that… |
| 3. Body 2 | View B (usually the one you support): reasons, example, and your opinion. | On the other hand… In my view… |
| 4. Conclusion | Summarise both views and restate your opinion. | In conclusion, although…, I believe… |
Aim for 260–300 words: an introduction and conclusion of 2–3 sentences each, and two body paragraphs of 5–7 sentences.
How to plan it in 5 minutes#
- Underline the two views in the question so you discuss exactly those, not a general version of the topic.
- Decide which side you support (or a balanced view). Put it in the introduction, in body paragraph 2 and in the conclusion.
- Give each view a full paragraph with at least one reason and one example. A discussion essay must be balanced before you give your opinion.
Practice question#
Some people think that children should start school at a very early age, while others believe they should not begin formal education until they are older. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Essay practice editor
Model answer (Band 8 style)
Write your own answer first, then compare structure and vocabulary. Task 2 · 277 words.
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The age at which children should start formal schooling varies widely around the world, and it remains a subject of debate. While some people believe that an early start gives children an academic advantage, others argue that young children benefit more from play. In my view, formal education should begin later, at around six or seven.
Those who favour an early start argue that young children learn extremely quickly, so school can make the most of this critical period. Starting at four or five, they claim, allows children to develop reading and number skills early, which may help them later in their studies. In addition, early schooling can be particularly valuable for children from disadvantaged backgrounds, who may not receive much educational support at home, and it allows parents to return to work.
On the other hand, many educators believe that young children need time to play, explore and develop socially before they are asked to sit at desks and follow lessons. Through play, children build language, creativity and the ability to cooperate with others, skills that underpin later academic success. Finland is often cited as an example: children there do not start formal school until the age of seven, yet the country consistently performs well in international education rankings. I find this argument more convincing, as pushing children into formal learning too soon may cause stress and reduce their enthusiasm for school.
In conclusion, although an early start can bring practical benefits, especially for families who need childcare, I believe that children gain more from a later start to formal education, provided that they have access to high-quality, play-based early years programmes before then.
All three parts of the task
View A (body 1), view B (body 2) and the writer’s opinion (introduction, end of body 2 and conclusion).
Fair to both sides
The view the writer disagrees with is still explained properly, with two reasons.
Opinion clearly signposted
*In my view…*, *I find this argument more convincing, as…*, *I believe…*
A nuanced conclusion
The final sentence adds a condition (*provided that…*), a typical Band 8 feature.
Want your own writing scored? With Worddemy Pro, paste it into the app and get a band score with feedback on all four criteria.
Useful language#
| Purpose | Words and phrases |
|---|---|
| Introduce view A | Some people believe… · Those who favour… argue that… · Supporters of… claim that… |
| Introduce view B | On the other hand · By contrast · Others, however, maintain that… |
| Give your opinion | In my view · I find this argument more convincing · Personally, I side with… |
| Support with examples | For instance · A good example is… · …is often cited as an example |
| Balanced conclusion | Although…, I believe… · While both views have merit,… · provided that… |
Common mistakes#
- Forgetting your opinion, or only giving it in the last sentence.
- Discussing only the view you agree with. Both views need a full paragraph.
- Mixing both views in every paragraph, which makes the essay hard to follow.
- Writing about the topic in general instead of the two specific views in the question.
More practice questions of this type#
36 more questions of this type, each with a Band 8-style model essay:
- Internet of Things
- Psychology
- Housing
- International Tourism
- Architecture
- Travel
- Energy Transition
- Traditions
- Local Food Import/Export
- Agricultural Innovation vs Traditional Farming
- Gender Equality
- Happiness
- Digital Typing vs Handwriting
- Waste Management
- Society
- Weather and Climate Change
- Communication and Personality
- Space Exploration
- Work
- Travel and Tourism
- Health
- Workplace Culture
- Traditional Cuisine vs. Fast Food
- Education
- Waste Management and Recycling
- Culture
- Government Spending
- Sociology
- Technology and Privacy
- Food and Culture
- Tourism
- Advertising
- Language Preservation
- Work-Life Balance
- Job Market Trends
- The Space Exploration Debate
Find more questions by topic in our Writing Task 2 topics list.
Other Task 2 essay types#
New to Task 2? Start with the complete IELTS Writing Task 2 guide.