W r I t I n g this post will clarify what I mean when I advise band 5 candidates to ‘discuss both sides’, and help you to understand when and where to write a counter- argument. I often find my advice about ‘discussing both sides’ being misunderstood or

When should I write a counter-argument?
For me, a counter-argument is most appropriate in the following situations:
1. When you are given a view that you completely disagree with. (Side A = the view in the question Side B = your counter-
argument.)
2. When you are given an argument and a counter-argument and asked to discuss them both (Side A = one argument, Side B = the
counter-argument)
3. When you are given one statement with one viewpoint that you completely agree with and…
you feel confident that you can write only about your agreement without repeating your ideas, and
you are a confident band 8 or 9 candidate and want to show that you have considered both sides, and
you are confident that you have the language skills to mention a logical counter-argument without making your overall
position unclear.
WHEN SHOULD I MAKE A COUNTER-
ARGUMENT?