Ielts writing Task & Advanced megapack: ielts academic & General Training

Discussion Essay
 
 
327

---

Typical Question Phrases
 
“Discuss both opinions and give your view.”
 
 
Full Task Example:
 
Some people believe that single-sex schools are more beneficial to
students because they achieve better academic results. Others,
however, argue that mixed schools are better since students can
develop better social skills. 
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
 
Tactics:
Write about both sides
Give a clear opinion
It doesn’t matter what your opinion is, as long as it’s clear.
It’s important that your opinion is consistent with what you have
written. This means that 
it must be a logical opinion based on
what you have evaluated.
328

---

General Structure
Introduction 
Paraphrase Question and/or state both viewpoints.
Let the examiner know what you will write about in the main
body paragraphs (also called an ‘outline sentence’)
Give your main opinion in one sentence (also called ‘thesis
statement’). 
Body Paragraph 1
1. State first viewpoint
2. Discuss the first viewpoint with example if applicable
 
Body Paragraph 2
1. State second viewpoint
2. Discuss the second viewpoint with an example if applicable.
 
Body Paragraph 3
1. The reason why you agree or disagree with one viewpoint
2. Example or argument to support your view
3. The reason why you agree or disagree with the other viewpoint.
4. Example or argument to support your opinion. 
 
Conclusion 
Sentence 1- Give a summary of your essay here
Sentence 2- Say which side of the argument you agree with
329

---