IELTS discussion essay: 'discuss both views and give your own opinion'
Discussion essays give you two opposing views and ask you to discuss both and say what you think. The trap is giving one view far more attention than the other, or forgetting your own opinion until the last line. Here is how to balance it.
Updated 2026-10-23
How to recognise a discussion essay
The question presents two views and then says:
- Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
- Discuss both sides of this argument and give your opinion.
There are three jobs: explain view A, explain view B, give your opinion. Leaving out any one of them limits Task Response to band 5.
Two structures that work
| Five paragraphs | Four paragraphs |
|---|---|
| 1. Introduction with your opinion in brief | 1. Introduction with your opinion in brief |
| 2. View A, explained fairly | 2. The view you disagree with, explained fairly |
| 3. View B, explained fairly | 3. The view you agree with, plus your reasons |
| 4. Your opinion, with a reason | 4. Conclusion |
| 5. Conclusion |
Use five paragraphs when your opinion is a middle position (as in the model). Use four when you clearly side with one view.
Practice question
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Some people believe that the best way to learn a foreign language is to live in a country where it is spoken. Others think that studying in a classroom is more effective.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Band 9 model essay
It is often said that nothing compares to living abroad for learning a language, while others maintain that structured lessons achieve more. Both approaches have real strengths, but in my view the most effective route combines classroom study with as much real-life use of the language as possible.
Those who favour immersion point out that living in another country forces learners to use the language constantly. Ordering food, asking for directions or dealing with a landlord all require real communication, and because the situations are genuine, new words and phrases tend to be remembered. Learners also hear natural speech at normal speed, with regional accents and informal expressions that textbooks rarely include. This is why many people who have spent a year abroad speak far more fluently than those who have studied for much longer at home.
On the other hand, supporters of classroom learning argue that immersion alone is inefficient. Without explanation, adult learners often pick up incorrect forms and repeat them until they become fixed habits. A good teacher can explain grammar systematically, correct mistakes before they become ingrained, and make sure that students practise reading and writing as well as speaking. Moreover, classroom study is available to almost everyone, whereas moving abroad is expensive and impractical for most people.
Personally, I believe the two methods work best together. Classroom study provides the accurate foundation that immersion lacks, while time spent using the language in real situations, whether abroad or through regular conversation at home, turns that knowledge into fluent, confident speech. A learner who has both will progress faster than one who relies on either alone.
In conclusion, although living abroad and studying in a classroom each have clear benefits, I am convinced that a combination of the two is the most effective way to learn a foreign language.
Word count: 302
Why this essay scores highly
Task Response. Both views get a full paragraph with reasons and an example. The writer's opinion, a combination of the two, appears in the introduction, gets its own paragraph and is confirmed in the conclusion, so it is clear throughout.
Coherence and Cohesion. The paragraph openings make the structure obvious: Those who favour immersion…, On the other hand, supporters of classroom learning…, Personally, I believe…. Ideas inside each paragraph move from claim to explanation to example.
Lexical Resource. Immersion, structured lessons, systematically, ingrained, fixed habits and impractical show a precise, topic-specific vocabulary without forced idioms.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy. Contrast clauses (while…, whereas…), reduced relative clauses, a comparative structure (far more fluently than those who…) and correct use of although are all error-free.
Useful language for discussion essays
| Purpose | Phrases |
|---|---|
| Introducing view A | Those who favour… argue that…, Supporters of… point out that… |
| Introducing view B | On the other hand, …, Opponents of this view maintain that…, Others believe… |
| Giving your view | Personally, I believe…, In my view, …, I side with those who… |
| Middle position | …work best together, Both have merit, but…, The answer depends on… |
Common mistakes
- Unbalanced paragraphs. If view A gets eight sentences and view B gets two, view B has not been "discussed".
- No opinion, or a hidden one. "Both views have advantages" is not an opinion. Say which you prefer, or exactly how they should be combined.
- Arguing against a view in its own paragraph. Explain each view as its supporters would, then give your judgement separately.
- Repeating the question's words. Paraphrase: "learn a foreign language" can become "acquire a new language" or "become fluent".
More discussion questions to practise
- Some people think that children should start school as early as possible. Others believe they should not start until they are at least seven. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
- Some believe that governments should fund the arts, while others think the money should go to health and education. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
- Some people say that history is one of the most important school subjects. Others think that science and technology are more relevant today. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
- Some argue that people should be free to choose their own diet. Others believe governments should tax unhealthy food. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
- Some people believe that working from home benefits employees. Others think it harms teamwork. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
- Some think that tourism brings important benefits to local communities, while others believe it damages them. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Compare with the opinion essay, which asks only for your own view, or go back to the Task 2 overview.
Frequently asked questions
Where should I give my opinion in a discussion essay?
State it briefly in the introduction, develop it in its own paragraph or at the end of the second body paragraph, and confirm it in the conclusion. An opinion that appears only in the last sentence is not 'clear throughout'.
Can my opinion be the same as one of the two views?
Yes. You can support one view, or take a middle position that combines them. Either way, you must still explain both views fairly before you give your own.
How many paragraphs does a discussion essay need?
Four or five. A common five-paragraph plan is introduction, view A, view B, your opinion, conclusion. If you agree with one view, you can put your opinion at the end of that view's paragraph and use four paragraphs.