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Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Discussion essays ask you to discuss BOTH views AND give your own. Missing the opinion caps Task Response at Band 5.
Prompt: 'Some people think that university education should be free for everyone. Others argue students should pay tuition fees. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.'
Which introduction sentence gives YOUR own opinion clearly?
Discussion essays require you to 'discuss both views and give your own opinion.' You MUST cover both sides AND state your own position—missing either part caps Task Response at Band 5. Use a 4-paragraph structure: Introduction, Body 1 (View A), Body 2 (View B + your opinion, OR your opinion as a separate angle), Conclusion. Alternative structure: 5 paragraphs with a dedicated paragraph for your opinion. Introduction (45–55 words): paraphrase the prompt, mention both views briefly, state your opinion.
Template: 'Some people contend that..., whereas others maintain that... While both perspectives have merit, I personally side with the view that... because...' Body 1 (80–90 words): discuss the first view OBJECTIVELY (not your opinion yet). Topic sentence: 'On the one hand, those who argue that... point to...' Provide reasons supporters give, plus examples. Use reporting language: 'proponents claim,' 'supporters argue,' 'advocates believe,' 'this group maintains.' Body 2 (90–100 words): discuss the second view, then transition to your own opinion.
Topic sentence: 'On the other hand, others believe that...' Cover the second perspective fairly, then signal your stance: 'In my view, however, the latter argument is more compelling because...' Provide YOUR reasons and example. Conclusion (30–40 words): summarize both views briefly and restate your opinion. Template: 'In conclusion, although both viewpoints have validity, I am convinced that... outweighs... due to [your key reason].' Critical balance: dedicate roughly equal length to each view; do not present one in 10 words and the other in 100. Discussion vocabulary: 'On the one hand / On the other hand,' 'A compelling argument for... is...,' 'Critics counter that...,' 'Conversely,' 'However,' 'In contrast.' Opinion vocabulary: 'In my opinion,' 'Personally, I believe,' 'I am inclined to agree with the view that...,' 'I find the argument that... more persuasive.' Avoid first-person in the discussion paragraphs; reserve 'I' for the opinion section and conclusion.
Aim for 280–300 words.
Task Response: both views must be discussed in roughly balanced depth, your own opinion must be clearly stated and supported, and all parts of the prompt addressed. Failing to give your opinion is the most common reason for low Task Response scores here. Coherence & Cohesion: clear contrast structure (one hand / other hand) with logical progression to your opinion. Topic sentences must signal which view each paragraph handles. Lexical Resource: reporting verbs ('argue,' 'maintain,' 'contend,' 'claim'), opinion phrases, and topic-specific vocabulary are rewarded. Grammatical Range & Accuracy: complex sentences with concessive clauses ('although,' 'while,' 'despite the fact that'), modals for hedging ('may,' 'might,' 'could be argued'), and accurate comparatives.
Tactical content is original synthesis based on these public IELTS prep resources.