IELTS Writing Task 2: Discussion Essays with Samples
Have you ever sat in the exam hall, turned over your writing paper, and seen a question asking you to “discuss both views and give your opinion”?
If you have, you’re not alone. This is one of the most common question types in IELTS Writing Task 2, known as the Discussion Essay. And let me tell you, it trips up even advanced students.
Why? Because it requires a balancing act. You can’t just jump in and shout about what you think (like you would in an opinion essay). You have to be a bit more diplomatic. You need to explain why one group of people thinks X, why another group thinks Y, and then weigh in with your own view.
Sound tricky? Don’t worry. In this guide, I’m going to break it down for you step-by-step. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to structure your essay, what vocabulary to use, and how to score a Band 7 or higher. Let’s get started!
What exactly is a Discussion Essay?
In IELTS Writing Task 2, a discussion essay usually looks something like this:
Some people think that the best way to reduce crime is to increase the length of prison sentences. Others, however, believe that there are better alternative methods.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Spot the keywords? “Discuss both views” and “give your own opinion”. This means you have three jobs to do:
- Explain the first view (longer prison sentences).
- Explain the second view (alternative methods).
- Give your own opinion (which one do you agree with?).
If you miss any of these, you lose marks in Task Response. I’ve seen students write brilliant essays supporting just one side, only to get a Band 5.0 because they didn’t discuss the other view. Don’t let that be you!
The Golden Structure for Discussion Essays
Simplicity is key. You don’t need a complicated structure to get a high score. Here is the 4-paragraph formula I teach all my students:
- Introduction: Paraphrase the question + State your position (thesis).
- Body Paragraph 1: Discuss the side you disagree with (or the first view mentioned).
- Body Paragraph 2: Discuss the side you agree with + Explain why (this acts as your opinion).
- Conclusion: Summarise both points + Restate your opinion clearly.
This structure ensures you cover all parts of the task naturally. By putting the side you support in the second body paragraph, you can transition smoothly into your conclusion.
For more on general essay structures, check out my guide on IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay Types.
Step-by-Step Guide to Writing
1. The Introduction
Keep it short. Two sentences are enough.
Sentence 1: Paraphrase the topic. Use synonyms. Instead of “Some people think”, try “It is often argued that…” or “A common opinion is that…”.
Sentence 2: Give your thesis. Tell the examiner what you’re going to do. “This essay will discuss both perspectives and argue that…”
2. Body Paragraph 1 (The Other Side)
Start with a clear topic sentence. “On the one hand, proponents of longer prison sentences argue that…”
Explain why they think this. Maybe they believe it acts as a deterrent. Give an example. But—and this is a pro tip—don’t destroy this argument yet. Discuss it fairly. Show the examiner you understand why some people hold this view.
3. Body Paragraph 2 (Your Side)
This is where you shine. “On the other hand, I agree with those who believe that…”
Explain your side. Why is it better? Maybe alternative methods like rehabilitation reduce re-offending rates more effectively. Use strong opinion phrases here to make your stance clear.
4. The Conclusion
Don’t add new ideas here. Just wrap it up. “In conclusion, while longer sentences might seem like a strong punishment, I believe that rehabilitation is a more effective long-term solution.” Simple, right?
Sample Answer: Band 9.0
Let’s look at a full example so you can see this in action.
Topic: Some people believe that university education should be free for everyone. Others think that students should pay for their own education. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Model Answer:
The question of who should fund tertiary education is a contentious one. While some argue that the government should cover all tuition fees to ensure equal access, others believe that individuals should bear the cost of their own higher learning. This essay will examine both perspectives and argue that while free education is ideal, a shared-cost model is often more practical.
On the one hand, advocates of free university education emphasize equality of opportunity. They argue that tuition fees create a barrier for talented students from lower-income backgrounds, potentially depriving society of skilled professionals like doctors and engineers. For example, in countries like Germany/Scandinavia where tuition is free, social mobility is often higher because education is based on merit rather than financial status. Furthermore, a well-educated workforce drives economic growth, suggesting that government investment in education pays off in the long run.
On the other hand, opponents argue that free education places an unsustainable burden on taxpayers. Universities are expensive to run, requiring state-of-the-art facilities and highly qualified staff. If the state covers 100% of these costs, it may have to divert funds from other essential sectors like healthcare or infrastructure. Additionally, I believe that when students pay for their education, they are often more motivated to study hard and complete their degrees on time, as they have a personal financial stake in their success.
In conclusion, while the idea of free education for all is socially appealing, it can be economically difficult to sustain. In my opinion, a balanced approach where the government subsidizes fees but students contribute a portion is the most effective system, as it ensures access while maintaining educational quality.
Why does this score Band 9?
- Task Response: Both sides are discussed (equality vs. cost), and the writer’s opinion is clear throughout.
- Coherence & Cohesion: Transition phrases like “On the one hand” and “Furthermore” link ideas smoothly.
- Lexical Resource: Good vocabulary like “contentious”, “subsidy”, “social mobility”, and “unsustainable burden”.
- Grammar: A mix of complex sentences and error-free grammar.
Key Vocabulary for Discussion Essays
Want to sound more academic? Swap out basic words for these:
| Instead of saying… | Try saying… |
|---|---|
| Some people say… | It is often argued that… / Advocates of… claim that… |
| I think… | In my view… / I am inclined to believe that… |
| Also… | Furthermore… / Moreover… / Additionally… |
| But… | However… / On the other hand… / Conversely… |
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Before you go, here are three mistakes I see all the time. Avoid these, and you’re already ahead of the pack.
- Sitting on the fence: Don’t say “I agree with both.” Pick a side! Or say you agree with X but admit Y has a point. But be clear.
- Ignoring the prompt: If the question asks for both views, you MUST discuss both. Even if you hate one side.
- Informal language: Keep it formal. Avoid contractions like “can’t” or “won’t” in the essay (even though I use them here to talk to you!). Use “cannot” or “will not”.
Final Thoughts
Writing a discussion essay doesn’t have to be scary. It’s just a debate on paper. You’re the moderator and the judge.
The best way to improve? Practice. Take a topic from IELTS.org or check out our IELTS Writing Tips and try writing a plan in 5 minutes. If you can plan it quickly, writing it becomes a breeze.
Good luck with your preparation! You’ve got this.
Want to know where you stand? Check out our IELTS Score Calculator to estimate your band score.
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