How To Plan & Write ielts discussion Essays

Some people argue that… while others say that…

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  It is considered by some…. while there are others who think….
  

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  It is often argued that... whilst others disagree and think...
  

Choose one and add the details in the question statement in a paraphrased form. I recommend putting the view you don’t agree with first.

Paraphrased question: 
Some people argue that zoos help to preserve wild creatures, while others say that they are inhumane and should be abolished.
Note my use of synonyms. You don’t have to replace every key word but do so where possible whilst ensuring that your language sounds natural. There aren’t any suitable synonyms of ‘zoo’ that I can think of, so I've repeated this word from the statement.


2) Thesis and outline statements
Now we need to add an outline statement where you outline the two main points that you’ll cover in the rest of the essay (ideas 1 and 2 above) and a thesis statement where you state your opinion.
Outline & thesis statements:
While the development of breeding programmes contributes to the preservation of endangered species, I believe that the poor conditions that many animals held in captivity are kept in make the existence of zoos unacceptable. 
So, let’s bring the three elements of our introduction together.

Introduction

This introduction achieves three important functions:

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  It shows the examiner that you understand the question.
  

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  It acts as a guide to the examiner as to what your essay is about.
  

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  It also helps to keep you focused and on track as you write.
  

The two ideas in your introduction will become your two main body paragraphs.

Main body paragraph 1 – Breeding programmes for endangered species, some species saved from extinction.