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IELTS Discucssion Essays
What Do These Questions Look Like?
This is a common IELTS Task 2 essay type. You will be asked to discuss two different views on a topic and explain your opinion.
There are two main formats:
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion
Which do you agree with?
Both formats require you to take a clear stance and support it with reasoning. However, the structure will depend on which format is given in the task.
Use This Fixed Structure Every Time
Variant 1: “Discuss both these views and give your own opinion”
Introduction
Paraphrase the prompt.
Give your opinion clearly.
State your supporting reason.
Body Paragraph 1 – Side You Agree With
On the one hand, some people think that [side you agree with], and I agree.
So why do I feel this way? → Explain in detail → Give example.
Body Paragraph 2 – Other Side
On the other hand, it is often believed that [other view].
Explain their logic → Extend → Give neutral example.
Conclusion
Restate your opinion.
Summarise both sides.
Confirm why your side is stronger.
Variant 2: “Which Do You Agree With?”
Introduction
Paraphrase the question.
Clearly state which side you agree with.
Preview your two supporting reasons.
Body Paragraph 1
So why do I feel this way? → Explain the first reason → Extend → Example.
Body Paragraph 2
Another reason I believe this is… → Extend → Reinforce with supporting detail → Example.
Conclusion
Restate your opinion.
Summarise both reasons.
Do not introduce any new arguments.
Why This Structure Works
This structure supports strong performance in all four IELTS writing criteria:
Task Response
Ensures all parts of the question are answered fully and clearly.
Coherence and Cohesion
Provides logical paragraphing and clear progression of ideas.
Lexical Resource
Offers opportunities to use topic-specific and academic vocabulary.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
Encourages a variety of sentence structures while maintaining clarity.
Many Band 6 and 7 candidates lose marks by using inconsistent structure, giving unclear opinions, or failing to fully develop both views.
Common Student Errors
Not taking a clear position or mixing views.
Using weak introductions with vague language.
Repeating ideas or using the same sentence patterns.
Giving personal examples that are too informal.
Failing to balance both views or ignoring the other side completely.
Misusing linking phrases or overusing memorised language.
Band 9 Sample Essay
Task Question
Although it is sometimes believed that low-cost airlines have made international travel more affordable and beneficial, others argue that they create serious problems for local communities.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Essay (Variant 1: Discuss both these views)
Although it is sometimes believed that low-cost airlines have made international travel more affordable and beneficial, others argue that they create serious problems for local communities. In my opinion, I believe that this development is positive as it provides employment opportunities and improves infrastructure.
On the one hand, some people think that tourism offers clear benefits to host communities, and I agree. So why do I feel this way? When tourists visit a location, they spend money in shops, hotels, and restaurants, which creates demand for goods and services. This, in turn, results in job creation for local people. In addition, governments often invest in roads, public transport, and healthcare to support tourism, and these improvements benefit local residents. A good example of this is in some coastal areas, where roads have been improved and more schools have been built to cater to increased tourism, which has also helped the local population. In the long term, these changes contribute to more stable and developed communities.
On the other hand, it is often believed that tourism can harm communities. Many argue that when an area becomes too reliant on foreign visitors, it loses its long-term residents. This is because house prices often rise, and accommodation is converted into holiday homes or rental properties, leaving local families with fewer affordable options. In some cases, tourism may also place pressure on public services, such as transport and waste disposal, which can lead to overcrowding and a drop in quality of life for those who live there permanently. These are valid concerns, especially in locations that lack planning regulations or rely heavily on tourism income during certain seasons.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while people may vary in their opinions, I believe that tourism can benefit local communities through increased job creation and better infrastructure. Despite some drawbacks, the long-term gains for employment and local development make it a positive trend.
Important Note About Examples
This essay includes an example in the first body paragraph. If the task does not explicitly ask for an example, you may choose whether to include one. If the task does require an example, select one central idea and develop it using the QPEE or PEE structure (Point, Explanation, Example, Extension).
Band 9 Commentary
Task Response
Clear opinion presented and supported throughout.
Both views are discussed fully and logically.
Coherence and Cohesion
Paragraphing is clear and logical.
Linking words are used naturally.
Lexical Resource
Topic-specific vocabulary is accurate and varied.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
Wide range of sentence structures with a high degree of accuracy.
Band 6 Essay Example
Task Question
Although it is sometimes believed that low-cost airlines have made international travel more affordable and beneficial, others argue that they create serious problems for local communities.
Which view do you agree with?
Essay (Band 6)
Some people think that budget airlines help people travel easily and bring benefits to local areas. Others think that they cause many problems. I believe that travel by budget airlines is good for local economies and jobs.
So why do I feel this way? When people travel, they spend money on hotels, restaurants and shops. This helps businesses and creates more jobs for people. In many places, tourism is very important for the economy, especially small towns or islands.
Another reason I believe this is that tourism helps governments improve things like transport and roads. When visitors come, there is more money for the community. A good example is in a town near my home where new buses and better roads were made because tourists visit every summer.
In conclusion, I think that budget airlines are a good thing because they help local businesses and create jobs.
Student Task
What makes this essay Band 6 and not Band 9?
How could the sentence structures be improved?
What vocabulary problems can you identify?
Does this essay fully develop both points?
Self-Checklist
Before finishing your essay, ask yourself:
Did I paraphrase the question clearly without changing its meaning?
Did I take a clear position?
Did I extend each point clearly and use appropriate examples?
Did I avoid mixing the two views or changing my opinion?
Did I proofread for grammar, vocabulary variety, and sentence range?
Ready to Practise?
Prompt (Variant 1):
Some people believe schools should teach only academic subjects. Others think life skills are more important.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Prompt (Variant 2):
Some believe that young people should be required to do unpaid work. Others think this is unfair.
Which view do you agree with?
Stick to the exact structure for each variant. Do not mix them. Always show a clear position and follow your sentence stems exactly.
Use This Fixed Structure Every Time
Variant 1: “Discuss both these views and give your own opinion”
Introduction
Paraphrase the prompt.
Give your opinion clearly.
State your supporting reason.
Body Paragraph 1 – Side You Agree With
On the one hand, some people think that [side you agree with], and I agree.
So why do I feel this way? → Explain in detail → Give example.
Body Paragraph 2 – Other Side
On the other hand, it is often believed that [other view].
Explain their logic → Extend → Give neutral example.
Conclusion
Restate your opinion.
Summarise both sides.
Confirm why your side is stronger.
Variant 2: “Which Do You Agree With?”
Introduction
Paraphrase the question.
Clearly state which side you agree with.
Preview your two supporting reasons.
Body Paragraph 1
So why do I feel this way? → Explain the first reason → Extend → Example.
Body Paragraph 2
Another reason I believe this is… → Extend → Reinforce with supporting detail → Example.
Conclusion
Restate your opinion.
Summarise both reasons.
Do not introduce any new arguments.
Band 9 Essay Sample
Task Question
Although it is sometimes believed that low-cost airlines have made international travel more affordable and beneficial, others argue that they create serious problems for local communities.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
(Variant: Which view do you agree with?)
Model Essay (Variant 1: Discuss both these views)
Although it is sometimes believed that low-cost airlines have made international travel more affordable and beneficial, others argue that they create serious problems for local communities. In my opinion, I believe that this development is positive as it provides employment opportunities and improves infrastructure.
On the one hand, some people think that tourism offers clear benefits to host communities, and I agree. So why do I feel this way? When tourists visit a location, they spend money in shops, hotels, and restaurants, which creates demand for goods and services. This, in turn, results in job creation for local people. In addition, governments often invest in roads, public transport, and healthcare to support tourism, and these improvements benefit local residents. A good example of this is in some coastal areas, where roads have been improved and more schools have been built to cater to increased tourism, which has also helped the local population. In the long term, these changes contribute to more stable and developed communities.
On the other hand, it is often believed that tourism can harm communities. Many argue that when an area becomes too reliant on foreign visitors, it loses its long-term residents. This is because house prices often rise, and accommodation is converted into holiday homes or rental properties, leaving local families with fewer affordable options. In some cases, tourism may also place pressure on public services, such as transport and waste disposal, which can lead to overcrowding and a drop in quality of life for those who live there permanently. These are valid concerns, especially in locations that lack planning regulations or rely heavily on tourism income during certain seasons.
In conclusion, while people may vary in their opinions, I believe that tourism can benefit local communities through increased job creation and better infrastructure. Despite some drawbacks, the long-term gains for employment and local development make it a positive trend.
Model Essay (Variant 2: Which do you agree with?)
Although it is sometimes believed that low-cost airlines have made international travel more affordable and beneficial, others argue that they create serious problems for local communities. In my view, this development is positive as it supports the global economy and creates jobs in tourism-dependent regions.
So why do I feel this way? When tourists visit a destination, they spend money on hotels, food, transport, and entertainment. This creates jobs for local people, supports small businesses, and increases government revenue through taxes. In many regions, particularly coastal or rural areas, tourism is the main source of income, and without it, unemployment would be much higher. A good example of this can be seen in places like Bali or the Greek islands, where international visitors play a central role in the local economy. Without budget flights, these areas would be cut off from major travel routes, which would cause serious economic hardship for communities that rely on tourism.
Another reason I believe this is a positive development is that air travel plays an essential role in global development. It connects remote communities to international markets, supports cultural exchange, and allows for the movement of goods, services, and people. For instance, many countries rely on air traffic not just for tourism, but for business and trade. Preventing this movement would harm the global economy and reduce opportunities for cooperation between nations.
In conclusion, I believe that the growth of international travel through budget airlines is a positive development, as it supports jobs, economies, and international connection.
Ready to Practise?
Prompt (Variant 1):
Some people believe schools should teach only academic subjects. Others think life skills are more important.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Prompt (Variant 2):
Some believe that young people should be required to do unpaid work. Others think this is unfair.
Which view do you agree with?
Stick to the exact structure for each variant. Don’t mix them. Always show a clear position and follow your sentence stems exactly.