IELTS Discussion Essay: How to Discuss Both Views

The Discussion essay is the second most common Task 2 question type. The instruction is always: "Discuss both views and give your own opinion."

This question type trips candidates up because it requires balance. You must present both views fairly before stating your preference. Writing only about your preferred view — even brilliantly — means you have not addressed the task. On the other hand, giving equal weight to both sides without stating a preference also loses marks.

The key is balance with a lean. Show the examiner you understand both perspectives, then clearly explain which one you find more convincing and why.

How to Recognise a Discussion Essay

Look for these phrases in the question:

• "Discuss both views and give your own opinion."
• "Discuss both these views and give your opinion."
• "Discuss both sides of this argument and give your own view."

If the question asks you to "discuss both views," it is a Discussion essay — not an Opinion essay. Using the wrong structure will cost you marks on Task Achievement.

For a comparison of all five essay types, see IELTS Task 2: 5 essay types and how to write each.

The Discussion Essay Structure

Introduction (40-60 words)

1. Paraphrase the topic, mentioning both views (1-2 sentences)
2. State which view you favour (1 sentence)

Your position statement should acknowledge both sides while making your preference clear.

Example: "While some argue that university education should be government-funded, others believe students should bear the cost themselves. Although both views have merit, I believe that a subsidised model — where governments cover most costs while students contribute a modest fee — is the most effective approach."

Body Paragraph 1 — View A (70-100 words)

Present the first view (the one you do NOT support) fairly and with development. Do not dismiss it or present it as obviously wrong. The examiner wants to see that you understand the reasoning behind this view.

Structure:

• Topic sentence stating View A
• Explain why people hold this view
• Give evidence or an example

Body Paragraph 2 — View B (Your Preferred View, 70-100 words)

Present the second view (the one you support) with slightly more development. This is your opportunity to build a stronger case.

Structure:

• Topic sentence stating View B and why you find it more convincing
• Explain your reasoning
• Give stronger evidence or a more detailed example

Conclusion (30-50 words)

• Briefly acknowledge View A
• Restate your preference for View B
• Summarise the key reason

Full Example Essay

Question: Some people think that children should begin learning a foreign language in primary school, while others believe it is better to wait until secondary school. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

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The optimal age for introducing foreign language education is widely debated. Some educators advocate for early introduction in primary school, while others argue that secondary school is more appropriate. I believe that beginning language learning in primary school is more effective, as younger children have a natural capacity for language acquisition that diminishes with age.

Those who favour delaying foreign language study until secondary school make a reasonable case. Older students have more developed cognitive skills, including the ability to understand abstract grammar rules, compare linguistic structures, and study independently — competencies that younger children typically lack. Furthermore, primary school curricula are already packed with foundational subjects such as literacy, numeracy, and science, and adding a foreign language could dilute the time available for these core skills. In Germany, several states experimented with removing primary school foreign language lessons in favour of additional literacy hours, reporting improved reading outcomes as a result.

However, I find the argument for early introduction more compelling, primarily because of the well-documented advantage that young children have in language acquisition. Research in developmental linguistics consistently shows that children between the ages of 4 and 10 acquire pronunciation, intonation, and natural speech patterns far more effectively than older learners. The European Commission's 2020 review of multilingual education found that students who began a foreign language before age 8 achieved significantly higher proficiency levels by age 15, even when total instruction hours were the same. Rather than diluting the primary curriculum, early language exposure can be integrated through play-based activities, songs, and storytelling — methods that simultaneously develop communication skills and cultural awareness.

In conclusion, while there are valid reasons for waiting until secondary school, the linguistic advantages of early exposure, combined with age-appropriate teaching methods, make primary school the more effective starting point for foreign language education.

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Word count: 290

What Makes This Essay Effective

Fair Treatment of Both Views

Body Paragraph 1 presents the secondary school view with genuine reasoning (cognitive maturity, curriculum overload) and evidence (Germany's experiment). It does not dismiss or caricature this view. The examiner sees that the writer understands the opposing position.

Clear Preference

Despite treating View A fairly, the writer's preference is never in doubt. The introduction says "I believe" early primary school is better. Body Paragraph 2 opens with "I find the argument for early introduction more compelling." The conclusion reinforces this preference.

Asymmetric Development

Body Paragraph 2 is slightly longer and more detailed than Body Paragraph 1. This subtle imbalance signals to the examiner which view the writer supports without needing to explicitly say "I disagree with View A."

Specific Evidence on Both Sides

View A has Germany as evidence. View B has the European Commission's review. Both sides are grounded in specifics, not vague generalisations.

Common Discussion Essay Mistakes

Mistake 1: Not Giving Your Opinion

"In conclusion, both views have advantages and disadvantages."

The question explicitly asks for YOUR opinion. You must state which view you prefer. Sitting on the fence means you have not fully addressed the task.

Mistake 2: Treating It Like an Opinion Essay

Writing two paragraphs defending your view and barely mentioning the other view. The instruction says "discuss BOTH views" — you must give fair treatment to the opposing perspective.

Mistake 3: Attacking View A

"Some people believe children should start languages in secondary school, but this is clearly wrong because..."

Do not dismiss the other view. Present it as a legitimate perspective that some people hold for reasonable reasons. Then explain why you find the other view more convincing.

Mistake 4: Inconsistent Position

Appearing to support View A in Body Paragraph 1, then switching to View B in Body Paragraph 2. Your position should be clear from the introduction and consistent throughout.

Discussion Essay vs Opinion Essay: Key Differences

Feature	Discussion Essay	Opinion Essay
Instruction	"Discuss both views and give your opinion"	"To what extent do you agree or disagree?"
View A paragraph	Required — must be fair and developed	Optional — brief counterargument acceptable
Balance	Both views receive substantial treatment	Can be one-sided
Position	Stated preference after discussing both	Stated agreement/disagreement from the start
Structure risk	Not discussing one view = task penalty	Not stating opinion = task penalty

How to Practise Discussion Essays

1. Practise identifying the essay type. Look at 10 past questions and identify which are Discussion vs Opinion.
2. Plan before writing. Spend 3 minutes deciding: What is View A? What is View B? Which do I prefer? What evidence supports each?
3. Write View A first. This forces you to consider the opposing perspective before building your own case.
4. Check your introduction. Does it mention both views AND state your preference?
5. Submit for evaluation. Get feedback on whether you balanced both views appropriately.

For guidance on developing the arguments within each paragraph, see how to develop a strong IELTS argument.

Get Feedback on Your Discussion Essay

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