Two-View Balance Map
Visual showing view A, view B, and learner’s own position.
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A successful discussion essay gives equal, objective weight to both sides before passing judgment.
Write a balanced discussion essay that objectively covers both views before providing a clear personal opinion.
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Teach 'Discuss both views and give your opinion.'
In an IELTS Discussion Essay, the prompt typically asks you to "Discuss both views and give your opinion." The most fatal mistake test-takers make is ignoring the first half of that instruction. If you only write about the side you agree with, your Task Response score will immediately drop to a Band 5 or lower, regardless of how perfect your grammar is.
Visual showing view A, view B, and learner’s own position.
A successful discussion essay gives equal, objective weight to both sides before passing judgment.
Learner builds both views and opinion.
When planning a discussion essay, you must first analyze the prompt to identify the two different sides. The first body paragraph should explore the core for View A, providing specific reasons why some people hold this perspective. To support View A effectively, you need to include a clear that demonstrates how this idea works in a real-world context. In the second body paragraph, you must shift your focus to examine the perspective of View B. It is essential to remain while discussing both sides, avoiding personal bias until the final section. Finally, your essay must present a strong personal , stating clearly which side you agree with more. Alternatively, you can take a approach, arguing that both views have merit depending on the specific situation.
Check balance, position, and paragraph allocation.
Draft Outline:
Analyze why this outline would fail the IELTS Task Response criteria, and explain how you would fix the paragraph allocation to ensure both views are covered.
Identify which part of the "Discuss both views" instruction is missing.
Outline a new plan that balances both perspectives.
Test understanding of cohesive devices for contrasting views.
You have just finished discussing View A. Which transition phrase is best to start the next paragraph discussing View B?