IELTS Writing Task 2: Discussion Essay Guide (Discuss Both Views)

The IELTS Writing Task 2 discussion essay is one of the most common question types you will encounter in the exam. It usually asks you to discuss two different opinions or perspectives on a topic, and then provide your own view. Success in this essay type requires not only a clear structure but also the ability to critically evaluate both sides of an argument. In this guide, we will break down the key features, strategies, and sample approaches to mastering this question type so you can write a strong essay of at least 250 words within the time limit.

Understanding the Discussion Essay

A typical IELTS discussion essay prompt looks like this:

“Some people believe that children should start school at a very early age, while others think they should begin at least at seven years old. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.”

The task demands three key actions:

1. Present both sides of the argument fairly.

2. Provide supporting examples and evidence.

3. State your own opinion clearly and consistently.

Unlike an “agree or disagree” essay, this format requires balance. Examiners expect you to show understanding of contrasting perspectives before explaining your personal stance.

Structure of a Discussion Essay

A clear structure is vital for coherence and cohesion. A recommended structure is:

1. Introduction

   • Paraphrase the question.

   • Briefly mention both views.

   • Present a thesis statement showing your opinion.

2. Body Paragraph 1

   • Discuss the first view.

   • Provide supporting reasons and examples.

3. Body Paragraph 2

   • Discuss the opposite view.

   • Provide supporting reasons and examples.

4. Body Paragraph 3 (Optional but recommended for Band 7+)

   • Evaluate and compare both views.

   • Explain why your opinion is stronger.

5. Conclusion

   • Summarize both perspectives.

   • Restate your opinion clearly.

Writing the Introduction

Your introduction should be short (2–3 sentences) but precise. Avoid memorized phrases. Instead, paraphrase the question naturally.

Example:
“Some people argue that children should start formal education as soon as possible, while others believe that delaying school until later in childhood is more beneficial. This essay will examine both perspectives before expressing my own view that a later start is generally preferable.”

Body Paragraph Development

Each body paragraph should follow the PEEL method:

• Point: Introduce the idea.

• Explanation: Clarify why this idea makes sense.

• Example: Provide a real or hypothetical example.

• Link: Connect back to the question.

Example Body Paragraph 1 (Early School Start)

“Supporters of early schooling argue that it maximizes children’s learning potential. Young children are highly adaptable, and starting school at age four or five allows them to develop literacy and numeracy skills early. For instance, countries like the United Kingdom introduce children to formal education at age five, and this system has produced strong academic outcomes. Furthermore, an early start can also support working parents by providing structured childcare.”

Example Body Paragraph 2 (Late School Start)

“On the other hand, many believe children should begin school later, at around seven years old. Advocates of this approach emphasize the importance of play and social development in early childhood. Evidence from Scandinavian countries, such as Finland, shows that children who start school later often perform better academically in the long run, as they are more emotionally mature and motivated when they finally enter formal education. In addition, delaying school reduces stress and pressure on young children.”

Stating Your Own Opinion

After fairly presenting both sides, you must make your opinion clear. It should not be hidden or ambiguous. Linking your opinion with reasons is essential for higher band scores.

Example Opinion (Favoring Later Start):
“While early schooling may benefit some families, I believe that postponing formal education until children are older leads to healthier development and better long-term academic outcomes.”

Useful Language for Discussion Essays

To achieve higher coherence and cohesion scores, use a range of linking phrases:

• Introducing the first view:
  “On the one hand, …”
  “Supporters of this idea argue that …”

• Introducing the opposing view:
  “On the other hand, …”
  “However, others believe that …”

• Expressing your opinion:
  “In my view, …”
  “I am inclined to believe that …”
  “From my perspective, …”

• Balancing both views:
  “Although there are advantages to both approaches, …”
  “Despite the benefits of early education, …”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Being one-sided: Only discussing your opinion without addressing both views can result in a lower score.

2. Overgeneralization: Avoid making sweeping statements like “All children learn best when…”. Use cautious language.

3. Unclear opinion: Failing to state your position explicitly can confuse examiners.

4. Lack of examples: General ideas without support reduce Task Achievement marks.

5. Memorized templates: Overusing generic phrases makes writing mechanical and lowers your lexical resource score.

Sample Band 8 Essay (Approx. 320 words)

Question:
Some people believe that children should start school at a very early age, while others think they should begin at least at seven years old. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Answer:
The appropriate age for children to begin formal schooling is a subject of ongoing debate. Some argue that early education is essential for maximizing learning potential, while others claim that delaying school supports healthier development. This essay will examine both perspectives before explaining why a later start is often more beneficial.

On the one hand, proponents of early schooling argue that it gives children a head start in academics. The early years are considered the most formative for brain development, and structured learning during this period can accelerate literacy and numeracy. For example, the United Kingdom introduces formal education at age five, and many children achieve advanced reading skills by age seven. Additionally, early schooling provides structured environments that support working families by functioning as childcare.

On the other hand, many education experts argue that starting school later fosters better emotional and social growth. Children between ages four and six may not be psychologically prepared for formal instruction, and forcing them into classrooms can create stress. Scandinavian countries, particularly Finland, delay schooling until age seven, yet Finnish students consistently achieve high international rankings. This approach emphasizes play-based learning in early childhood, which enhances creativity, independence, and long-term motivation.

In my opinion, while early schooling may suit some families, the advantages of a later start are more compelling. Allowing children to mature emotionally before facing academic challenges helps create confident and resilient learners. As the Finnish example demonstrates, delaying formal education does not hinder achievement; instead, it promotes balanced development.

In conclusion, although early education can provide immediate academic benefits, beginning school later generally results in stronger outcomes. For this reason, I believe that delaying the start of formal schooling is the more effective approach.

Final Tips for Success

• Spend 5 minutes planning your essay before writing.

• Aim for 4–5 paragraphs with clear structure.

• Use varied vocabulary and complex sentences to demonstrate range.

• Leave 2–3 minutes at the end to check grammar and spelling.

• Practice writing essays under timed conditions to improve speed and accuracy.

What is a Discussion Essay in IELTS Writing Task 2?

A Discussion Essay asks you to explore two opposing views on a topic and then present your own opinion. The prompt typically includes phrases like “Discuss both views and give your own opinion.” To score well, you must (1) accurately present both perspectives, (2) support them with reasons and examples, and (3) clearly state and justify your own position. Balance and clarity are essential; examiners evaluate how fairly you treat both sides before you conclude.

How should I structure a high-scoring Discussion Essay?

A clear, predictable structure improves coherence and helps your reader follow your logic. Use this layout:

1. Introduction: Paraphrase the question, preview both views, and end with a concise thesis stating your opinion.
2. Body Paragraph 1: Explain View A with reasons and a specific example.
3. Body Paragraph 2: Explain View B with reasons and a specific example.
4. Optional Body Paragraph 3 (Evaluation): Compare the two views, weigh conditions, and bridge to your stance.
5. Conclusion: Summarize both sides and restate your opinion clearly (no new ideas).

What does a strong introduction look like?

Keep it 2–3 sentences. Paraphrase the topic without copying the task, mention the two views neutrally, then state your opinion:

“People disagree about whether schools should emphasize academic subjects or life skills. This essay discusses both positions before arguing that a balanced but skills-forward curriculum better prepares students for adulthood.”

How do I present both views fairly without sounding biased?

Use neutral reporting verbs and cautious language. Avoid loaded adjectives. Signal balance with hedging:

• “Proponents contend that…” / “Critics argue that…”
• “It could be said that…” / “A reasonable concern is that…”

State the logic of each side even if you disagree. Treat evidence and examples with equal care before you evaluate.

Where and how should I state my opinion?

State your opinion briefly in the introduction (thesis) and reinforce it in the conclusion. Throughout the body, maintain a fair tone, then use the evaluation paragraph (or the final sentences of Body 2) to explain why your view is stronger. Consistency matters—do not hide or change your stance midway.

What are effective topic sentences and linking phrases?

Clear topic sentences frame each paragraph; cohesive devices guide the reader:

• Topic sentences: “On the one hand, earlier schooling may accelerate foundational literacy.” / “On the other hand, delaying formal education can protect children’s emotional well-being.”
• Contrast & balance: “However,” “Nevertheless,” “By contrast,” “Despite these advantages…”
• Cause & effect: “As a result,” “Therefore,” “Consequently”
• Evaluation: “While the former approach offers short-term gains, the latter appears more sustainable because…”

How do I develop ideas using the PEEL method?

PEEL = Point (claim) → Explain (why/how) → Example (specific support) → Link (back to task). Example:

Point: “Starting school later fosters intrinsic motivation.” Explain: “Children who mature emotionally first are more receptive to structured learning.” Example: “For instance, in countries that begin formal lessons around seven, students often show sustained reading interest in later grades.” Link: “Thus, a delayed start can promote long-term academic engagement.”

What kinds of examples are acceptable?

Use realistic, specific, and relevant examples. You can mention studies, countries, school systems, workplace trends, or plausible scenarios. If you do not recall exact statistics, avoid invented data; instead, present general but credible references (e.g., “In several Nordic systems…”). The key is precision in context, not memorized numbers.

How can I write a balanced evaluation paragraph?

After presenting both views, compare them explicitly. Identify conditions under which each works best, then justify your preference:

“Although early instruction can benefit families needing childcare, delayed entry seems superior for emotional maturity and sustained motivation. Unless robust play-based methods are guaranteed at earlier ages, postponement remains the safer default.”

What vocabulary and grammar help reach Band 7+?

• Lexical range: “trade-off,” “short-term gains,” “long-run outcomes,” “intrinsic motivation,” “oversight,” “equitable access,” “curricular breadth”
• Collocations: “policy implications,” “evidence suggests,” “it is widely held that,” “there is a compelling case for”
• Grammar: Mix simple and complex sentences (relative clauses, concessive clauses, conditionals). Use hedging (“may,” “tend to,” “can”) to avoid overgeneralization.

What are common mistakes that lower the score?

• Ignoring one view: Only arguing your side undermines Task Response.
• Unclear stance: A missing or shifting opinion confuses the examiner.
• Generic examples: Vague support (“people say…”) weakens your argument.
• Overtemplating: Mechanical language can limit lexical range.
• Poor cohesion: Random jumps between points reduce coherence.
• New ideas in the conclusion: Save analysis for the body; conclude succinctly.

How should I plan and manage time?

Spend about 5 minutes planning, 28–30 minutes writing, and 2–3 minutes checking:

1. Plan: Rephrase the topic, pick your stance, list 2–3 reasons for each side, choose examples.
2. Write: Follow your structure; keep paragraphs focused.
3. Check: Fix grammar, articles, prepositions, and ensure your opinion is consistent.

Can I partially agree with both views?

Yes, you can present a nuanced position (e.g., “both valid but context-dependent”). However, your final stance must be clear. You might say one approach is generally better but acknowledge exceptions. Make sure your conclusion aligns with the thesis and your evaluations.

What does a concise thesis statement look like?

Strong theses are direct and defensible:

• “While early schooling can deliver short-term academic gains, starting later is preferable because it supports emotional maturity and long-term motivation.”
• “Although remote work offers flexibility for employees, in-office collaboration remains superior for complex problem solving; therefore, hybrid models are usually optimal.”

How long should my essay be, and how do I stay concise?

Aim for 270–320 words to allow full development while staying focused. Trim repetition, avoid lengthy quotes, and replace vague fillers with precise nouns and verbs. Each sentence should either advance an idea, provide evidence, or connect points.

How do I conclude effectively?

Summarize both sides in one sentence, then restate your opinion and main reason(s). Keep it direct and avoid new arguments. Example:

“In summary, while early exposure to academics can accelerate basic skills, postponing formal schooling generally yields healthier long-term outcomes; for this reason, a later start is the wiser policy.”

What does a mini sample paragraph set look like?

Intro (2–3 sentences): Paraphrase topic → mention both views → thesis.

Body 1 (View A): Topic sentence → explanation → example → link.

Body 2 (View B): Topic sentence → explanation → example → link.

Evaluation (optional): Weigh trade-offs → justify stance.

Conclusion: Recap both views → restate opinion.

What final checklist should I use before submitting?

• Have I discussed both views accurately?
• Is my opinion explicit in the introduction and conclusion?
• Do paragraphs begin with clear topic sentences?
• Did I include specific examples (not generic claims)?
• Are linking words varied and appropriate (not overused)?
• Is my language precise and hedged when necessary?
• Did I check spelling, articles, and subject–verb agreement?

Can you give a short model conclusion I can adapt?

“To conclude, there are persuasive arguments for both early and delayed schooling. Nonetheless, because emotional readiness strongly influences long-term engagement, a later start is generally preferable. Policies should, therefore, prioritize play-based learning in the early years while ensuring smooth transitions into formal instruction.”

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