The Question
The first part of the question for an IELTS discussion essay will be a statement
containing two opposing views.
You will then be asked to discuss both sides of the argument and
give your
own opinion. Here is some typical wording that might be used:
•
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
•
Discuss both these views and then give your own opinion.
•
Discuss both sides of this argument and give your own opinion.
Here's a question from a past test paper.
Some people think that zoos are cruel and should be closed down.
Others, however, believe that zoos can be useful in protecting wild
animals.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your
own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
I’ll be using this question to guide you through the
process of planning and
writing an IELTS discussion essay.
The key to identifying this type of question is the fact that you are required to
discuss BOTH views. This is different to opinion
questions where you must
decide between two opposing views and make an argument to support your
own opinion.
Opinion essays
, also known as ‘agree or disagree’ essays, a
generally
worded in one of these ways:
What is your opinion? / Do you agree or disagree? / To what extent do you agree
or disagree?
The other essay type that students mistake for discussion essays
is
advantages and disadvantages essays. With these, the statement will
