Opinion Essays 2 Discussion Essays

Keep the same opinion throughout the essay.

• 
  Give reasons why you hold this view.
  

It doesn’t matter which side of the argument you take or even that you agree with it. Choose the one you can develop the best argument for.
Don’t change your opinion part way through the essay and don’t give reasons for the opposing idea.
Essay Structure

1) Introduction

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  Paraphrase the question
  
• 
  Give your opinion
  
• 
  State two supporting reasons
  

2) Main body paragraph 1

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  Topic sentence – outline 1st reason for supporting this view
  
• 
  Explanation – explain this idea
  
• 
  Example – give an example
  

3) Main body paragraph 2

• 
  Topic sentence – outline 2nd reason for supporting this view
  
• 
  Explanation – explain this idea
  
• 
  Example – give an example
  

4) Conclusion

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  Summarise opinion and key reasons
  

2) Discussion Essays
In discussion essays, you have to discuss both sides of an argument. Usually, you will be asked for your own opinion as well.
The easiest way to approach this type of IELTS Task 2 question is to choose one point of view to agree with and one side to disagree with.
Here are 3 examples of discussion essay questions:

Key tips:

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  Develop both sides of the argument.
  

• 
  Talk about the view you don’t agree with first.
  

A big mistake many students make is to fully develop only one point of view. This leads to an unbalanced essay and a low score for task achievement. 
It is easier to begin by discussing the opinion you don’t agree with and then present the reasons for your opposing view.