IELTS Discussion Essay: How to Discuss Both Views and Give Your Opinion

Recognising a discussion question

Discussion essays usually include the phrase “discuss both these views and give your own opinion”. The question presents two opposing viewpoints on a topic, and your job is to explore each one before stating what you think.

It helps to underline the two views in the question before you start planning. Missing one of them, or treating the task as a simple agree/disagree question, is one of the most common ways candidates lose marks on task response.

Covering both views fairly

Each view deserves its own body paragraph with genuine reasons and examples, even if you personally disagree with it. Examiners are checking whether you can explain a position convincingly, not just whether you agree with it.

Avoid dismissing one side in a single sentence. A thin, one-sided discussion suggests you have not engaged properly with the task, which limits your band for task response.

• Give each view a full paragraph with at least one developed reason
• Use neutral language when presenting a view you disagree with
• Keep examples specific rather than vague generalisations

Where to place your opinion

Your opinion can appear briefly in the introduction and then be developed fully in the conclusion, or it can form part of your final body paragraph. Either approach works, as long as it is clear and consistent throughout the essay.

What examiners do not want is an opinion that only appears in the final line with no development, or one that contradicts what you wrote earlier. Consistency matters more than which structure you choose.

A simple paragraph plan

A reliable structure is: introduction with both views mentioned, one body paragraph per view, and a conclusion with your opinion. This keeps the essay balanced and easy for the examiner to follow.

Sample plan

Para 1: Introduce topic, paraphrase question, state both views exist. Para 2: Reasons people support view A. Para 3: Reasons people support view B. Para 4: Conclusion with your opinion and a brief justification.

Common mistakes to avoid

Many candidates write two paragraphs that both argue for the same side, effectively ignoring one of the required views. Others give an opinion in the introduction but never return to it, leaving the essay feeling unfinished.

Practising with real discussion prompts and getting feedback on structure is the fastest way to spot these habits in your own writing before test day.