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

 
How To Plan IELTS Discussion Essays 
# 1 Analyse the question 
This is an essential step in the planning process and will ensure that you answer the question 
fully. It’s quick and easy to do. You just need to identify 3 different types of words: 
1. Topic words 
2. Other keywords
3. Instruction words
We’ve already considered the instruction words (the actual question) so we’ll focus on 
the first two. 

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Topics words are the ones that identify the general subject of the question.
Some people think that 
zoos 
are cruel and should be closed down. Others, however, believe 
that 
zoos 
can be useful in protecting wild animals. 
So, this question is about ‘zoos’.
Many people do this first step of the process and then write about the topic in 
general. This is a serious mistake and leads to low marks for task 
achievement.
What we need to do now that we know the general topic, is to understand 
exactly what aspect of zoos we're being asked to write about.
The other keywords in the question tell you the specific topic you must write 
about. They define the opinions stated in the statement.
Some people think tha
t zoos are 
cruel
 and should be 
closed down
. Others, however, believe 
that zoos c
an be 
useful in protecting wild animals
. 
By highlighting these words, it’s easy to see that you are being asked to write 
about the opposing views that zoos are cruel and should be closed down and 
that zoos can be useful in protecting wild animals. Your essay must only 
include ideas relevant to these ideas.
# 2 Decide on your opinion 
As already mentioned, it doesn’t matter if you genuinely agree with the view you take in 
your essay or not. IELTS discussion essays are about your ability to write a well-
structured essay in the English language and you will not be assessed on any opinion 
you might hold. 
So, choose one view and make sure that your opinion is clear throughout the 
essay.
For this model essay, I’m going to agree with the statement that zoos are 
cruel and should be closed down.