Discussion Essays are one of the most common types of IELTS Writing Task 2 questions. You are asked to talk about both sides of a problem and give your own opinion.
This kind of writing checks how well you can present well-thought-out arguments, follow proper grammar, and give a strong personal opinion.
You’ll learn the following from this whole guide:
- How to spot a talk paper
- How to write an essay in the best way
- Vocabulary and related words that are useful
- How to avoid common mistakes
- An example of a Band 9 writing with feedback
What Does a Discussion Essay Mean?
You have to do the following in a discussion essay, which is also known as “Discuss both views and give your opinion”:
- Give two different points of view on a subject
- Share your own thoughts
- Give examples and reasons to back up all sides
Tip: Be sure that your own opinion is clear and stays the same.
Sample Questions for a Discussion Essay
- Certain people think kids should start school early, while others think they should wait. Talk about both sides and then give your own opinion.
- Few people believe that the government should put more money into public transport. Others believe that they should put more money into roads and streets. Talk about both points of view and say what you think.
- Some people think that college should focus on getting students jobs, while others think it should focus on personal growth. Talk about both points of view and say what you think.
The Best Way to Organise Discussion Essays
Follow this four-paragraph structure to stay on track:
| Content of the Paragraph | Description |
| Introduction | Write the question in your own words, say both sides, and give your opinion |
| Body Paragraph 1 | Talk about the first view and give an example or proof for it |
| Body Paragraph 2 | Talk about the second point of view (with evidence or proof) and restate your own opinion |
| Conclusion | Summarise both points of view and make your opinion clear again |
This is the Beginning of the Sentence-by-Sentence Structure Guide
- What is the question again
- Give both points of view
- Say what you think
Some people say that the main goal of college should be to prepare students for jobs, while others say that the main goal should be to help students grow as people. Both goals are important to me, but the main goal should be to give kids skills they can use in the real world.
Body Part 1: The First Look
- Give the first point of view
- Give reasons to back your claims
- Give an example that relates
On the one hand, a lot of people think that colleges should focus on training students for jobs. Today’s job market is very competitive, and grads need to have real-world skills to get jobs. For example, students who finish from engineering and IT programs that include internships or technical labs are often ready to get a job.
Body Paragraph 2: A Second Look and Your Thoughts
- Give the second point of view
- Back it up with logic
- Bring up or support your own idea
On the other hand, some people say that critical thought, creativity, and moral growth should be emphasised in higher education. Not only are these traits important for personal happiness, but they are also important for long-term job success. I agree that personal growth is important, but I think that being able to find work should come first, especially in today’s market, which is changing so quickly.
In the End
- Explain both points of view
- Make your personal position clear again
For example, some people think that universities should help students grow as people, while others think they should focus on getting students ready for the job market. I think that the main goal of higher education should be to give students useful job skills, even though personal growth is also important.
Common Words That Connect Topics in Discussion Essays
- Giving the first view: On the one hand, some people say that, according to some
- On the other hand: some people think that, but
- Giving their opinion: In my opinion, I strongly think that, From my point of view
- Adding support for: Also, Also, For example, Such as
- Concluding: To sum up, in conclusion, overall
Tip: Don’t use these to sound boring; instead, use them to show plan and balance.
Mistakes People Often Make in Discussion Essays
- Not making your point → Don’t be afraid to say what you think, even if it’s at the end
- Putting down your thoughts too soon → Do not argue your own point of view in both of the body parts. Carry a balance
- Unfair coverage of different points of view → Give both sides equal attention and growth
- Repeating the question → Carefully rephrase it in the beginning
- Too casual words → Always use a formal, academic tone
Band 9 Discussion Essay Example
Some people say that governments should focus on economic growth, while others say that they should protect the environment more. Talk about both points of view and say what you think.
Introduction:
The first part of this Band 9 essay talks about how governments today have to choose between economic growth and protecting the environment. Some people say that the most important thing is to help the business, but others say that protecting the environment is more important. I think both goals are important, but protecting the earth should come first in the long run.
Body Paragraph 1: Growth of the Economy
For one thing, people who support economic growth say that it is necessary for the country to be successful. The economy grows, which makes jobs available, brings in more money for the government, and raises living standards. Rapid industrialisation in places like China and India, for example, has helped millions of people get out of poverty. A strong economy also gives people the money they need to put into things like infrastructure, schooling, and health care.
Body Paragraph 2: Protecting the Environment and Your Thoughts
On the other hand, focussing only on economic growth can have terrible effects on the environment. Unchecked economic growth leads to pollution, carbon emissions, and cutting down trees. Threats to public health and wildlife will last for a long time because of these problems. I believe that taking care of the environment is a more long-lasting solution, since a healthy ecosystem helps with farming, tourists, and the long-term stability of the economy. For example, countries like Sweden have been able to mix economic growth with environmental protection.
Conclusion:
In the end, I think that environmental protection should come first, even though economic growth is important for national progress. A well-balanced plan that takes environmental sustainability into account will guarantee a better future for future generations.
Why This Essay Gets Good Grades
| Band | Describe the Band | What It Means |
| Answer to Task | Fully covers both points of view and makes a clear opinion clear | |
| Cohesion and Coherence | Clear changes between paragraphs make sense | |
| Lexical Resource | Words like “unchecked industrial growth” and “ecological sustainability” are used | |
| Level of Grammar | Correct use of passive voice, modals, and complicated structures |
How to Get Better at Writing Discussion Essays
- Make it clear which two points of view are being asked for
- Plan for three to five minutes: one idea for each point of view and your opinion
- Get better at rephrasing questions for your openings
- Break down examples of essays to help you write your own
- Write a timed essay once a week and get comments on how clear and balanced it is
Here is a Practice Question for You
Why do some people think history is important for kids to learn Others think science and technology are more important. Talk about both points of view and say what you think.
Tips for Planning:
- Body 1: History teaches us about society, identity, and what we can learn from the past
- Body 2: Technology and science are important for growth, new ideas, and global competition
- Though balance is important, STEM schooling may be more important in today’s world
Use the structure in this help to write this essay in 40 minutes.
Thoughts for Now
The IELTS Writing Task 2 Discussion Essay gives you a chance to show how well you can think critically, write academically, and organise points in a way that makes sense.
To do well:
- Make both points of view clear
- Back up each one with examples or logic
- Be consistent and logical in your view
- Use the framework of your paragraphs and linking words to help the reader
For a Band 7, 8, or 9, this type of writing is one of the easiest to get good at with focused practice.
Call to Action
Which subject is the hardest for you to talk about from both sides: society, technology, or education Tell us in the comments, and we’ll send you a plan for free
About the AuthorWelcome to TechIELTS. I’m Md. Jahangir Alam, an experienced engineer with over 15 years in electrical and automation systems. Alongside my engineering career, I’ve developed a strong interest in English language learning and IELTS preparation.
I hold a Duolingo English Test score of 135 (IELTS 7.5 equivalent) and am currently pursuing an M.Sc. in Cyber Security from Royal Holloway, University of London. I use my technical background to create clear, structured IELTS learning materials for students and professionals.
👉 Connect on LinkedIn