-->
Any words you don't know? Look them up in the website's built-in dictionary .
|
|
Choose a dictionary . Wordnet OPTED both
Discussion essays are a common form of academic writing. This page gives information on what a discussion essay is and how to structure this type of essay. Some vocabulary for discussion essays is also given, and there is an example discussion essay on the topic of studying overseas.
Many essay titles require you to examine both sides of a situation and to conclude by saying which side you favour. These are known as discussion or for and against essays. In this sense, the academic meaning of the word discuss is similar to its everyday meaning, of two people talking about a topic from different sides. For a discussion essay, a balanced view is normally essential. This makes discussion essays distinct from persuasion essays , for which only one side of the argument is given. When writing a discussion essay, it is important to ensure that facts and opinions are clearly separated. Often you will examine what other people have already said on the same subject and include this information using paraphrasing and summarising skills, as well as correct citations .
The following are examples of discussion essay topics.
Although the structure of a discussion essay may vary according to length and subject, there are several components which most discussion essays have in common. In addition to general statements and thesis statement which all good essay introductions contain, the position of the writer will often be stated, along with relevant definitions . The main body will examine arguments for (in one or more paragraphs) and arguments against (also in one or more paragraphs). The conclusion will contain a summary of the main points, and will often conclude with recommendations , based on what you think are the most important ideas in the essay. The conclusion may also contain your opinion on the topic, also based on the preceding evidence.
An overview of this structure is given in the diagram below.
Structural component | Purpose | Stage of essay |
To introduce the reader to the subject of the essay. | ||
Position | To give the opinion of the writer (not always possible). | |
Definition(s) (optional) | To explain any important technical words to the reader. | |
To tell the reader what parts of the topic will be included in the essay. | ||
Arguments for | To explain to the reader the evidence for the positive side of the issue, with support. The most important ideas usually come first. This may be covered in one or more paragraphs. | |
Arguments against | To explain to the reader the evidence for the negative side of the issue, with support. The most important ideas usually come first. This may be covered in one or more paragraphs. | |
Summary | To give the reader a brief reminder of the main ideas, while restating the issue. Sometimes also says which ideas the writer believes have the strongest evidence. | |
Opinion & Recommendation | To give your opinion, and tell the reader what the writer believes is the best action to take, considering the evidence in the essay. |
When summarising the stages in a discussion or in presenting your arguments, it can be useful to mark the order of the items or degrees of importance. The following words and phrases can be used.
The following can be used when introducing your opinion.
It is important in English writing, including academic writing, to use synonyms rather than repeating the same word. The following are useful synonyms for 'advantage' and 'disadvantage'.
Below is an example discussion essay. Click on the different areas (in the shaded boxes to the right) to highlight the different structural aspects in this essay.
Title: An increasing number of students are going overseas for tertiary education. To what extent does this overseas study benefit the students?
Most people spend around fifteen years of their life in education, from primary school to university study. In the past, students only had the opportunity to study in their own country. Nowadays, however, it is increasingly easy to study overseas, especially at tertiary level. Tertiary education, also called post-secondary education, is the period of study spent at university. As the final aspect of schooling before a person begins their working life, it is arguably the most important stage of their education. While there are some undoubted benefits of this trend, such as the language environment and improved employment prospects , there is also a significant disadvantage, namely the high cost . The first and most important advantage of overseas study is the language learning environment. Students studying overseas will not only have to cope with the local language for their study, but will also have to use it outside the classroom for their everyday life. These factors should make it relatively easy for such students to advance their language abilities. Another important benefit is employability. Increasing globalisation means that there are more multinational companies setting up offices in all major countries. These companies will need employees who have a variety of skills, including the fluency in more than one language. Students who have studied abroad should find it much easier to obtain a job in this kind of company. There are, however, some disadvantages to overseas study which must be considered, the most notable of which is the expense. In addition to the cost of travel, which in itself is not inconsiderable, overseas students are required to pay tuition fees which are usually much higher than those of local students. Added to this is the cost of living, which is often much higher than in the students' own country. Although scholarships may be available for overseas students, there are usually very few of these, most of which will only cover a fraction of the cost. Overseas study therefore constitutes a considerable expense. In summary, studying abroad has some clear advantages, including the language environment and increased chances of employment , in addition to the main drawback, the heavy financial burden . I believe that this experience is worthwhile for those students whose families can readily afford the expense. Students without such strong financial support should consider carefully whether the high cost outweighs the benefits to be gained.
Like the website? Try the books. Enter your email to receive a free sample from Academic Writing Genres .
Below is a checklist for discussion essays. Use it to check your own writing, or get a peer (another student) to help you.
The essay begins with | ||
There is a clear | ||
are given if needed | ||
The essay has clear | ||
One or more are included (including clear ) | ||
One or more are included (including clear ) | ||
The conclusion includes a of the main points | ||
The writer's is given | ||
There is a , which relates to the points in the essay |
Bailey, S. (2000). Academic Writing. Abingdon: RoutledgeFalmer
Cox, K. and D. Hill (2004). EAP now! Frenchs Forest: Pearson Education Australia
Jordan, R.R. (1999). Academic Writing Course. Cambridge: CUP
Roberts R., J. Gokanda, & A. Preshous (2004). IELTS Foundation. Oxford: Macmillian
Find out how to write persuasion essays in the next section.
Go back to the previous section about different essay types .
Author: Sheldon Smith ‖ Last modified: 16 January 2022.
Sheldon Smith is the founder and editor of EAPFoundation.com. He has been teaching English for Academic Purposes since 2004. Find out more about him in the about section and connect with him on Twitter , Facebook and LinkedIn .
Compare & contrast essays examine the similarities of two or more objects, and the differences.
Cause & effect essays consider the reasons (or causes) for something, then discuss the results (or effects).
Discussion essays require you to examine both sides of a situation and to conclude by saying which side you favour.
Problem-solution essays are a sub-type of SPSE essays (Situation, Problem, Solution, Evaluation).
Transition signals are useful in achieving good cohesion and coherence in your writing.
Reporting verbs are used to link your in-text citations to the information cited.
Today we’re going to look at a discussion essay IELTS sample that’s considered Band 9. This Band 9 scored essay matched the pattern for the “discussion” type of Writing Task 2 question. Discussion essays are sometimes also called “discuss both sides” essays. In this kind of essay, you will be presented with two statements of opinion that oppose each other. You will then be asked to “discuss both sides” of the debate, and to give your own opinion. For more information on this and other question types, including tips, tricks, and general advice for the discussion essay question type, see Magoosh’s full guide to IELTS Writing Task 2 question types .
The essay below is a band 9 model IELTS essay, patterned after Magoosh’s IELTS Writing Task 2 Template .
Some people seek a lot of advice from family and friends when choosing their career. Others feel it is better to choose a career more independently. 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.
Choosing a career can be a challenging process. It can be difficult to say whether this decision should be made alone, or made with input from loved ones. In my opinion, it is best to find one’s career independently, with no more than a small amount of advice from family or friends. Below, I will explain why I feel that we must ultimately face career decisions on our own.
Getting career guidance input from loved ones can be confusing rather than useful. Family and friends likely have different careers, and thus give different, conflicting advice. Suppose, for instance, that your father is a teacher, your mother is an accountant, and your best friend is a nurse. They have all made very different career decisions, and only have knowledge on their respective careers. Different people will likely only steer you to their careers, without giving good advice on your own best path.
In contrast, focusing on one’s own preferences and skills provides a clearer path to the right career. After all, individuals have the best knowledge of their own abilities and interests. As an example, if someone has gone to university to study biology, they will know more about biology careers than a family member or friend who does not have that same kind of training. Ultimately, your career must be built on your own training and experience, not the training and experience of others.
For the reasons I’ve outlined above, I really do believe that career decisions are a matter of personal knowledge. Other people, even trusted family and friends, simply cannot understand your career the way you can. To select your field of work wisely, you must face this important decision alone.
The score report below is based on the official IELTS Writing Task 2 rubric . This report also looks very similar to the Magoosh IELTS essay scoring service .
Overall Band Score: 9
CATEGORY | Task Achievement/Response | Coherence and Cohesion | Lexical Resource | Grammatical Range and Accuracy |
---|---|---|---|---|
SCORE | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 |
What was done well in the essay:
Would you like the see model essays for the other common IELTS Writing Task 2 question types as well? Magoosh has you covered! Just click the links below.
David is a Test Prep Expert for Magoosh TOEFL and IELTS. Additionally, he’s helped students with TOEIC, PET, FCE, BULATS, Eiken, SAT, ACT, GRE, and GMAT. David has a BS from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and an MA from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. His work at Magoosh has been cited in many scholarly articles , his Master’s Thesis is featured on the Reading with Pictures website, and he’s presented at the WITESOL (link to PDF) and NAFSA conferences. David has taught K-12 ESL in South Korea as well as undergraduate English and MBA-level business English at American universities. He has also trained English teachers in America, Italy, and Peru. Come join David and the Magoosh team on Youtube , Facebook , and Instagram , or connect with him via LinkedIn !
View all posts
Please leave any questions or suggestions in the comments, we try our best to respond within a few days! Your email address will not be published.
Contractions must be avoided because they are a sign of informal writing style. Whereas essay’s should be written in formal way.
You are correct that contractions shouldn’t be used in the formal Task 2 essay. However, note that they can be used at times, such as in IELTS Speaking or in Task 1 if you are asked to write an informal letter.
Happy studying!
Greetings, and thank you for this model essay. I wanted to ask a question relating to the discussion essay’s addressing of the task. Since the two views are 1) Some people think it is beneficial to ask for advice from friends/loved ones, and 2) others think that it is better to do so alone, why isn’t the 2nd paragraph addressing the benefits but instead talks about how it can be confusing? Isn’t a discussion essay’s structure supposed to be something like this:
2nd paragraph: Reasons people believe asking for help to decide for a career is good 3rd paragraph: Reasons people believe doing it on your own is good Conclusion: Giving your own opinion
Thank you for your time!
Good question! The short answer is that both approaches work! The directions are simply to “discuss both views,” but you don’t have to provide support for both sides. You can also discuss the problems or issues with one side, as this essay has done. Does that make sense? I’d suggest reviewing more sample essays to get a better sense of this.
Hope this helps, and best of luck to you!
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
IELTS Preparation with Liz: Free IELTS Tips and Lessons, 2024
Below is a list of IELTS discussion essay sample questions for IELTS writing task 2. These are also known as two sided essays.
Discussion Essay Tips
Some people think that environmental problems should be solved on a global scale while others believe it is better to deal with them nationally. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
All parents want the best opportunities for their children. There are some people who think that schools should teach children skills but others think having a range of subjects is better for a children’s future. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
There seems to be an increasing number of serious crimes committed each year. While some think the best way is to use the death penalty as a deterrent, many people believe that other measures will be needed. Discuss both sides.
Completing university education is thought by some to be the best way to get a good job. On the other hand, other people think that getting experience and developing soft skills is more important. Discuss both sides and give your opinion. CLICK HERE: MODEL ESSAY ANSWER
Some people think that exercise is the key to health, while others feel that having a balanced diet is more important. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
It is thought by some that its is better to live in a city, while others believe that life is better in the countryside. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
Some people think that the internet has brought people closer together, while others think that people and communities are become more isolated. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
FREE SUBSCRIBE Subscribe to get new lessons & tips by email. Email Address Subscribe
ADVANCED IELTS
50% discount on advanced ielts – ends today, ideas in ielts essays & in ielts speaking, test yourself with linking words, ielts speaking part 2 cue card topics – 2024, new reading exercise for you (july 2024).
Copyright © Elizabeth Ferguson, 2014 – 2024
All rights reserved.
Return to top of page
Copyright © 2024 · Prose on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in
Students can find it difficult to identify IELTS discussion essays and often confuse them with either opinion essays or advantage and disadvantage essays.
This is one of the issues I’ll be covering in this lesson. I’m also going to show you how to plan and write discussion essays step-by-step.
Here’s what we’ll be covering:
Want to watch and listen to this lesson?
Click on this video.
Click the links to see lessons on each of these Task 2 essay writing topics.
Once you understand the process, practice on past questions. Take your time at first and gradually speed up until you can plan and write an essay of at least 250 words in the 40 minutes allowed in the exam.
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:
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 contain just one view and the question will typically be written as shown in this sample question.
School children are using computers in school more than ever.
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this and give your own opinion.
The consequence of incorrectly identifying the question type is that you will use the wrong structure for your essay. This is a major reason why people make the mistakes we’ll now look at.
These three errors are common in IELTS discussion essays.
The most common mistake that students make is not giving their opinion. The question will clearly state that you must choose one side of the argument to agree with. If you fail to do this, you will get a low score for task achievement.
It doesn’t matter which side of the argument you take or even, that you actually agree with it.
However, you must give equal attention to both sides. A common error is to provide a stronger argument for the view you favour. This leads to an unbalanced essay and a low score for task achievement.
Now let’s look at a simple structure you can use to write IELTS discussion essays. It’s not the only possible structure but it’s the one I recommend because it’s easy to learn and will enable you to quickly plan and write a high-level essay.
1) Introduction
2) Main body paragraph 1
3 ) Main body paragraph 2
4) Conclusion
This structure will give us a well-balanced essay with 4 paragraphs.
We now need some ideas to add into the structure and we’ll have everything we need for our essay.
# 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.
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.
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.
The next task is to generate some ideas to write about.
There are several different ways to think up ideas. I cover them fully on the IELTS Essay Planning page.
We’re going to use the ‘friends technique’. This is my preferred method as it allows you to take a step back from the stress of the exam situation and think more calmly.
Here’s how it works. Imagine you are chatting with a friend and they ask you the question in a casual conversation. What answers would you give them off the top of your head? Plan your essay around these ideas.
Doing this will help you to come up with simple answers in everyday language rather than straining your brain to think of amazing ideas using high level-language, which isn’t necessary.
You might want to try this yourself before reading on for my ideas.
Here are my ideas:
Cruel – closed down:
Useful – protect wild animals:
I’ve got more ideas here than I need so I’m going to pick two to develop in the essay – one for each of the main body paragraphs.
Idea 1 – Cramped cages & unnatural environments, animals distressed.
Idea 2 – Breeding programmes for endangered species, some species saved from extinction.
We’re almost ready to start writing our IELTS discussion essay but first, we have one other small task to do.
In an IELTS essay, it’s important to be able to say the same things in different ways, either by paraphrasing and/or using synonyms. During the planning stage, quickly jot down a few synonyms of key words you could use to save you having to stop and think of the right language while you’re writing.
For example:
zoos – animals in captivity, collections of wild animals, menagerie, wildlife park
cruel – to cause suffering, inhumane
protect – safeguard, preserve
animals – creatures, species
With that done, we can focus on the first paragraph of the essay – the introduction.
Good introductions to IELTS discussion essays have a simple 3 part structure:
2) State two supporting reasons (outline statement)
3) Give your opinion (thesis statement)
Start your introduction by paraphrasing the question.
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.
There are various phrases you can use to do this. Here are three examples. They all say the same thing using different language.
Choose one and add the details in the question statement in a paraphrased form. I recommend putting the view you don’t agree with first.
Paraphrased question:
Some people argue that zoos help to preserve wild creatures, while others say that they are inhumane and should be abolished.
Note my use of synonyms. You don’t have to replace every key word but do so where possible whilst ensuring that your language sounds natural. There aren’t any suitable synonyms of ‘zoo’ that I can think of, so I've repeated this word from the statement.
Now we need to add an outline statement where you outline the two main points that you’ll cover in the rest of the essay (ideas 1 and 2 above) and a thesis statement where you state your opinion.
Outline & thesis statements:
While the development of breeding programmes contributes to the preservation of endangered species, I believe that the poor conditions that many animals held in captivity are kept in make the existence of zoos unacceptable.
So, let’s bring the three elements of our introduction together.
Introduction
This introduction achieves three important functions:
The two ideas in your introduction will become your two main body paragraphs.
Main body paragraph 1 – Breeding programmes for endangered species, some species saved from extinction.
Main body paragraph 2 – Cramped cages & unnatural environments, animals distressed.
Main body paragraphs in IELTS discussion essays should contain 3 things:
It is easier to begin by discussing the opinion you don’t agree with and then present the reasons for the opposing view that you support. So, we’ll start with idea 1.
The topic sentence summarises the main idea of the paragraph. That’s all it needs to do so it doesn’t have to be complicated.
It plays an important role in ensuring that your ideas flow logically from one to another. It does this by acting as a signpost for what is to come next, that is, what the paragraph will be about.
If you maintain a clear development of ideas throughout your essay, you will get high marks for task achievement and cohesion and coherence.
We’ll now take the idea for our first main body paragraph and create our topic sentence.
Topic sentence:
On the one hand, there are many projects in existence in zoological parks around the world where species facing extinction have been successfully bred in captivity and their numbers increased substantially.
Next, we must write an explanation sentence that expands on the idea. This explains to the examiner what we mean or why this is the case.
Explanation sentence:
This is important for ensuring the survival of animals under threat from poaching and the destruction of their natural environments.
Finally, we add an example to support our main point. If you can’t think of a real example, it’s fine to make one up, as long as it’s believable. The examiner isn’t going to check your facts.
Example sentence:
A good example of this is the golden lion tamarin from Brazil which nearly died out because of logging and mining activities which are destroying its habitat. Today, a third of wild golden lion tamarins were raised in captivity.
That’s the 3 parts of our first main body paragraph complete. Here’s the finished paragraph.
We now follow the same process for our second main body paragraph.
Main idea 2 – Cramped cages & unnatural environments, animals distressed.
First, we write the topic sentence to summarise the main idea. I started main body paragraph 1 with the phrase ‘On the one hand...’, so main body paragraph 2 will naturally begin, ‘On the other hand... .
These are great cohesive devices to use when making a direct contrast between two opposing views and they link the ideas together well. They can be used in most IELTS discussion essays and will help to earn you a good score for cohesion and coherence.
Topic sentence:
On the other hand, a significant percentage of zoos house their animals in cramped cages with very little space to move around or behave naturally.
Now for the explanation sentence where we expand on this idea.
Explanation sentence:
This can lead to them becoming distressed and depressed as well as suffering physically through lack of exercise.
Finally, an example to support this point.
A friend of mine recently visited a wildlife park while on holiday abroad and was very upset to see the lions pacing up and down in a narrow, bare pen and eagles in enclosures so small that they were unable to fly.
That’s the 3 parts of our second main body paragraph complete. Here’s the finished paragraph.
Now we need a conclusion and our IELTS discussion essay is done.
Conclusions to IELTS discussion essays should do two things:
This can generally be done in a single sentence.
If you're below the minimum 250 words after you’ve written your conclusion, you can add a prediction or recommendation statement.
Our essay currently has 231 words so we’re on target and don’t need this extra sentence but you can learn more about how to write a prediction or recommendation statement for IELTS discussion essays on the Task 2 Conclusions page.
The conclusion is the easiest sentence in the essay to write but one of the most important.
A good conclusion will:
If you achieve this, you’ll improve your score for both task achievement and cohesion and coherence which together make up 50% of the overall marks. Without a conclusion, you’ll score below band 6 for task achievement.
You can start almost any final paragraph of an IELTS discussion essay with the words:
or
Now all you need to do is briefly summarise the main ideas into one sentence.
Here’s a top tip . Go back and read the introduction to the essay because this is also a summary of the essay. It outlines what you are going to write about.
To create a great conclusion, you simply have to paraphrase the introduction. Let’s give it a go.
Introduction:
Here is the same information formed into a conclusion:
That’s it. We’ve completed our essay. Here it is with the 4 paragraphs put together.
Finished IELTS discussion essay.
Go through this lesson as many times as you need to in order to fully understand it and put in lots of practice writing IELTS discussion essays from past exam questions. Practice is the only way to improve your skills.
Would you prefer to share this page with others by linking to it?
More help with ielts discussion essays & other task 2 essays.
IELTS Writing Task 2 – T he format, the 5 question types, the 5 step essay writing strategy & sample questions. All the key information you need to know.
The 5 Types of Task 2 Essay – How to recognise the 5 different types of Task 2 essays. 15 sample questions to study and a simple planning structure for each essay type.
Understanding Task 2 Questions – How to quickly and easily analyse and understand IELTS Writing Task 2 questions.
How To Plan a Task 2 Essay – Discover why essay planning is essential & learn a simple 4 step strategy, the 4 part essay structure & 4 methods of generating ideas.
How To Write a Task 2 Introduction – Find out why a good introduction is essential. Learn how to write one using a simple 3 part strategy & discover 4 common mistakes to avoid.
How To Write Task 2 Main Body Paragraphs – Learn the simple 3 part structure for writing great main body paragraphs and also, 3 common mistakes to avoid.
How To Write Task 2 Conclusions – Learn the easy way to write the perfect conclusion for a Task 2 essay. Also discover 4 common mistakes to avoid.
Task 2 Marking Criteria – Find out how to meet the marking criteria in Task 2. See examples of good and poor answers & learn some common mistakes to avoid.
The 5 Task 2 Essay Types:
Step-by-step instructions on how to plan & write high-level essays. Model answers & common mistakes to avoid.
Opinion Essays
Discussion Essays
Problem Solution Essays
Advantages & Disadvantages Essays
Double Question Essays
IELTS Writing Test – Understand the format & marking criteria, know what skills are assessed & learn the difference between the Academic & General writing tests.
$9.99 each Full Set Just $ 23.97
Find Out More >>
Full details...
$7 each Full Set Just $ 21
Find out more >>
Testimonials
“I am very excited to have found such fabulous and detailed content. I commend your good work.” Jose M.
“Thanks for the amazing videos. These are ‘to the point’, short videos, beautifully explained with practical examples." Adari J.
"Hi Jacky, I bought a listening book from you this morning. You know what? I’m 100% satisfied. It’s super helpful. If I’d had the chance to read this book 7 years ago, my job would be very different now." Loi H.
"Hi Jacky, I recently got my IELTS results and I was pleased to discover that I got an 8.5 score. I'm firmly convinced your website and your videos played a strategic role in my preparation. I was able to improve my writing skills thanks to the effective method you provide. I also only relied on your tips regarding the reading section and I was able to get a 9! Thank you very much." Giano
“After listening to your videos, I knew I had to ditch every other IELTS tutor I'd been listening to. Your explanations are clear and easy to understand. Anyways, I took the test a few weeks ago and my result came back: Speaking 7, listening 9, Reading 8.5 and Writing 7 with an average band score of 8. Thanks, IELTS Jacky." Laide Z.
Contact
About Me
Site Map
Privacy Policy
Disclaimer
IELTS changes lives.
Let's work together so it changes yours too.
Copyright © 2024 IELT Jacky
All Right Reserved
IELTS is a registered trademark of the University of Cambridge, the British Council, and IDP Education Australia. This site and its owners are not affiliated, approved or endorsed by the University of Cambridge ESOL, the British Council, and IDP Education Australia.
You should be able to give the examiners exactly what they want, in order to get a 7+ band score.
The structure that I advise my students to use, will be sure to get you a band score of 7+. You need to practice using this structure, with as many questions as you can, before sitting your IELTS test. This writing task 2 structure has been proven to be successful for my students and when perfected, can easily help you to achieve a high band score.
TIP >> It is very important that spend a full 40 minutes on this task as the score you get for writing task 2 is two-thirds of your total writing score. You also need to write a minimum of 250 words and use your own ideas.
Paragraph 1 – The Introduction
Do you understand what I mean, when I say ‘paraphrase’ the question?
After that, give your view/opinion on the issue. A good way to say this is to start with… ‘In my opinion, I believe that……..’
The example you give could be something from your own experience or made up – it is ok to make up something as the examiners will not fact check your information. They want to see your ability to use English at a certain level. You could make up an example from a report, journal, newspaper or University study to support your view.
The example you give could be something from your own experience or made up – it is ok to make up something as the examiners will not fact check your information. They want to see your ability to use English at a certain level. You could make up an example from a report, journal, newspaper or University study to support your view.
Sequencing ideas >>, sample discuss both points of view and give your own opinion essay >>, writing task 2 band score 9 criteria >>, related posts, ielts discussion essay sample 4 – family and children, ielts discussion essay sample 1 – education, leave a comment cancel reply.
Discussion essays are a common type of IELTS writing task 2 essay question where you are given two sides of an argument to discuss and give your opinion. This guide is full of writing tips, useful language and a sample essay to help you produce a high-level IELTS writing task 2 discussion essay. Read on to learn more!
1.1 understanding the question, 1.2 example discussion essay questions, 2.1 essay structure 1.
3.3 identify vocabulary, 4.1 introduction, 4.2 main body paragraphs, 4.3 conclusion.
1. discussion essay overview.
As with all IELTS writing task 2 essay questions, you will have 40 minutes to produce a formal essay ( at least 250 words in length).
With a discussion essay, you will be presented with two sides of an argument and then asked to give your opinion .
Remember, there are five main types of writing task 2 questions:
A discussion question should be easy to identify: You will first be given an IELTS statement and then a question that will usually be worded something like:
With this type of essay question, you can choose to either take a thesis-led approach where you give your opinion in the i ntroduction and conclusion , or an evidence-led approach where you give your opinion in the conclusion .
We will show you both structures later in this guide and a sample essay that takes an evidence-led approach.
Here are some example discussion essay questions. Pay attention to the question words so you quickly identify a discussion essay question:
Some people say that governments are responsible for dealing with environmental issues. Other people believe that it is the individual’s responsibility to take action to protect the environment.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Some people think that environmental problems should be solved on a global scale while others believe it is better to deal with them nationally.
There seems to be an increasing number of serious crimes committed each year. While some think the best way is to use the death penalty as a deterrent, many people believe that other measures will be needed.
Discuss both sides.
Some people feel that it is better to live in a city while others believe that life is better in the countryside.
Also, read the following IELTS Essay Writing Guides
Many people think governments should fund art, while others believe that artists should be responsible for funding their work.
Discuss both views.
Ielts writing correction & grading.
Introduction | |
---|---|
Main body paragraph 1 | |
Main body paragraph 2 | |
Conclusion |
Evidence-led
Note that we have suggested giving two topic sentences per body paragraph . However, it is perfectly fine to spend more time writing one topic sentence and developing that idea fully .
The best way to see what structure works best is to complete an essay under timed conditions.
Ielts speaking practice.
Planning your essay should only take 5 minutes but could make a real difference to your overall score.
We’ve put together some useful tips to plan a discussion essay.
You should always make sure you understand exactly what topic you have been asked to write about by locating the topic words in the IELTS statement.
Take a look at the statement for our model answer. We’ve underlined the topic words for you:
Some people think that environmental problems should be solved on a global scale while others believe it is better to deal with them nationally .
The topic of this essay is environmental problems . We have also put some other keywords in bold that give more information about the topic, in this case, the question is not just about environmental problems but about dealing with these problems on a global scale or nationally .
If you want to score well in Coherence and Cohesion, then you need to create a logical and well organised essay. You could organise your ideas using notes, bullet points, columns, or whatever method you like. For a discussion essay, you could consider arranging your ideas by argument and supporting examples:
Argument 1:
Argument 2:
Although it is not essential, it is a great idea to note down any unusual or useful vocabulary during the planning process to increase your score in Lexical resource .
Here are some ideas we came up with for our sample essay linked to the topic of environmental problems :
The first thing you need to do is rewrite the given IELTS statement in your own words. This is called paraphrasing and it is a key skill needed for the writing section of the IELTS exam.
Look at the example of our paraphrase statement, can you see what’s changed?
Some people think that environmental problems should be solved on a global scale while others believe it is better to deal with them nationally.
| There is no doubt that the modern world is facing many serious environmental problems, such as climate change, an increase in natural disasters and air pollution. It is often argued that these environmental issues should be tackled globally. However, there are also those that argue that these problems can only be dealt with at a regional level. |
Notice that we have taken an evidence-led approach where we do not give our opinion in the introduction and instead put this in the conclusion.
We suggest also adding an outline sentence to briefly explain what our easy will do:
This essay will examine both points of view .
For both of your main body paragraphs, you will need language to introduce the two discussion points given in the statement.
Each body paragraph should focus on one side of the argument .
Here’s a reminder of our recommended essay structure for the body paragraphs (remember, you do not have to write about two points in each paragraph, you can stick to one ):
Main body paragraph 1 | |
---|---|
Main body paragraph 2 |
Impersonal Passive: The impersonal passive is useful for this type of essay when introducing ideas. Here are some example sentence starters:
Here is another example taken from our sample essay:
It is often argued that these environmental issues should be tackled globally.
Relative clauses: Relative clauses are an efficient way of providing more information about the main idea of your sentence as well as a way of increasing your Grammatical range and accuracy .
Here is a reminder of the relative pronouns needed to form a relative clause:
And here are some example relative clauses linked to the topic of our sample essay:
Your conclusion is an essential part of your writing tasks 2 essay and you will find it difficult to score over a band score 6.0 in Task achievement if you do not include one .
There are two main things you need to do for a successful conclusion:
Take a look at our conclusion for the sample answer and identify the opinion:
In conclusion, although it is clear that environmental issues need to be addressed at a global level, it is my view that national efforts can make the biggest difference. Communities can work together to implement policies quickly and effectively and enact meaningful environmental change.
Here is the discussion essay that we have been using in this guide.
We have removed some keywords so you can test your knowledge on discussion essays by selecting the correct missing word.
that the modern world is facing many serious problems, such as climate change, an increase in natural and air pollution. It is often that these environmental issues should be tackled globally. , there are also those that argue that these problems can only be dealt with at a regional level. This essay will examine both points of . One that people believe environmental issues should be addressed at a global level is that richer, more developed nations have the financial ability and power to do so. World leaders make laws to promote the use of renewable energy and reduce the use of finite resources. , they also have the resources to develop and invest in green technology that could drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Another that can be put forward is that, to make major environmental changes, international cooperation is necessary worldwide. For instance, different nations need to work in unison to agree on their reduction in carbon emissions. On the other , there are many people who believe that environmental change is only possible at a more local level and that only individual nations can make the biggest difference. It is that there should be national laws that rules such as recycling quotas and waste reduction. Additionally, it is argued that regional and community action is more effective than global efforts. , communities can coordinate direct action such as litter picking campaigns. In , although it is clear that environmental issues need to be addressed at a global level, it is my that national efforts can make the biggest difference. Communities can work together to implement policies quickly and effectively and enact meaningful environmental change. / 16 |
There is no doubt that the modern world is facing many serious environmental problems, such as climate change, an increase in natural disasters and air pollution. It is often argued that these environmental issues should be tackled globally. However, there are also those that argue that these problems can only be dealt with at a regional level. This essay will examine both points of view.
One reason that people believe environmental issues should be addressed at a global level is that richer, more developed nations have the financial ability and power to do so. World leaders can make laws to promote the use of renewable energy and reduce the use of finite resources. Furthermore, they also have the resources to develop and invest in green technology that could drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Another argument that can be put forward is that, to make major environmental changes, international cooperation is necessary worldwide. For instance, different nations need to work in unison to agree on their reduction in carbon emissions.
On the other hand, there are many people who believe that environmental change is only possible at a more local level and that only individual nations can make the biggest difference. It is believed that there should be national laws that impose rules such as recycling quotas and waste reduction. Additionally, it is argued that regional and community action is more effective than global efforts. For example, communities can coordinate direct action such as litter picking campaigns.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Signup for preparation and special offers!
You have successfully joined our subscriber list.
Are you preparing for the IELTS and wondering how to score high in the Writing section? Do you find the "Discuss Both Views and Give Your Opinion" essay a bit daunting? You've landed in the right place. Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to write an IELTS Discussion Essay!
As the name suggests, the IELTS Discussion Essay requires you to discuss different perspectives on a topic and then provide your viewpoint. Sounds challenging? Don't worry! In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know to craft an impressive IELTS Discussion Essay. From understanding the basics, brainstorming ideas, planning your response, writing an engaging essay, and avoiding common pitfalls – this guide is packed with practical tips and strategies.
Pro Tip: Unlock a higher IELTS Writing score with our downloadable in-depth eBooks and tailored Essay Feedback directly from an exp erienced IELTS examiner.
Whether you're an IELTS beginner or a seasoned test taker looking to boost your band score, this in-depth guide will help you n avigate the complexities of the IELTS Discussion Essay. As we journey together through this guide, you’ll gain the knowledge and confidence needed to master this crucial component of the IELTS Writing section.
Let's start your journey towards IELTS success. Keep reading, and by the end of this guide, you'll be well-equipped to tackle any IELTS Discussion Essay that comes your way! Let's dive in and unravel the secrets of a top-scoring IELTS Discussion Essay.
What is an ielts discussion essay.
An IELTS discussion essay, also known as "Discuss Both Views and Give Your Opinion" essay, is a common task in the IELTS Writing Test. This type of essay tests your ability to present a well-rounded discussion on a given topic, your capability to generate ideas and your proficiency in English language usage.
An IELTS discussion essay primarily involves exploring various perspectives on a given issue and subsequently presenting your personal stance on the matter. It's not just about stating your opinion; it's about having the skills to analyse different viewpoints and justify your position with sound reasoning and concrete examples.
Mastering how to write an IELTS discussion essay can significantly boost your IELTS Writing band score. With this guide and consistent practice, you can confidently demonstrate your proficiency in handling a balanced and coherent discussion in your essay.
Recognising an IELTS discussion essay prompt is essential in answering the task accurately. Not every IELTS Writing Task 2 is a discussion essay. It's important to distinguish between different essay types, like opinion essays , advantages and disadvantages essays , or problem solution essays .
An IELTS discussion essay question will usually include the instruction "Discuss both views and give your opinion" or "Discuss both sides of this argument and then give your own opinion." It is crucial to understand that you need to provide a balanced discussion of both viewpoints before presenting your opinion.
Some questions might phrase the task differently but still require a balanced discussion. For instance,
"Some people believe A, while others believe B. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion."
By understanding the nuances of these instructions, you can accurately identify the IELTS discussion essay task and tackle it with a well-prepared strategy.
Stay tuned to learn how to effectively brainstorm ideas, plan your essay, write persuasively, and revise your work to create a high-scoring IELTS discussion essay.
IELTS discussion essay topics are as varied as they are intriguing. They often explore global issues and public interest topics like advancements in technology, environmental sustainability, modern education models, and societal norms.
To effectively tackle these topics, immerse yourself in "hot topics" and current affairs. Familiarize yourself with both sides of common debates. Reading widely can also help. Check out reliable news outlets, opinion pieces, and other resources related to common IELTS discussion essay topics.
Remember, understanding IELTS discussion essay topics isn't about becoming an expert in every field. Rather, it's about building a broad base of knowledge that can help you think critically, generate relevant ideas, and articulate your thoughts coherently.
Brainstorming is a powerful tool for generating ideas for your IELTS discussion essay. It allows you to tap into your creativity and critically consider different viewpoints.
Start by carefully reading the essay prompt. Understand what it's asking you to discuss. From there, jot down all your initial thoughts, ideas, and arguments related to both sides of the topic.
Consider potential reasons, examples, and points that support each viewpoint. This comprehensive brainstorming process not only helps you gather rich content for your essay but also paves the way for a balanced and well-rounded discussion.
Essay planning is an essential step in the IELTS writing process. A well-structured essay plan helps you organize your ideas, makes sure you address all parts of the prompt, and guides your writing process.
A typical IELTS discussion essay includes an introduction, two body paragraphs (each discussing a different viewpoint), and a conclusion.
Introduction: State the topic and your intention to discuss both views. Use clear, concise language.
Body Paragraph 1: Discuss the first viewpoint. Use a topic sentence to introduce the viewpoint, and then present supporting ideas and examples.
Body Paragraph 2: Discuss the second viewpoint. Use a similar structure as the first body paragraph but ensure your points are distinct.
Conclusion: Summarize your discussion, state your personal viewpoint, and give a closing thought or implication.
Use this structure as a blueprint when planning your IELTS discussion essay. It will help ensure your essay is coherent, logical, and ready to impress the examiners.
Crafting an engaging introduction.
Paraphrase the essay question to clarify the issue under discussion.
To begin the introduction, rephrase the given essay question. This demonstrates your understanding of the topic and avoids mere repetition. Paraphrasing can also make the topic clearer and more understandable for the reader.
Next, give a thesis statement that answers the question in brief.
The thesis statement is crucial. It briefly summarizes your main argument or stance on the topic. It acts as a roadmap, telling the reader what to expect from the essay and how the discussion will unfold.
Remember, the introduction does not have to be lengthy; a few well-crafted sentences can set a strong foundation for your essay.
This is a piece of advice that emphasizes brevity and quality. You don't need an extended introduction; rather, it should be concise and effective in introducing the topic and setting the stage for the discussion.
The body of your IELTS discussion essay is where you delve into the crux of your argument. This should be split into two paragraphs, each discussing a different view.
For each viewpoint, start with a clear topic sentence that outlines the main idea. This will guide the reader through your argument. Following the topic sentence, provide supporting details, examples, or reasons that back up the viewpoint. Make sure your ideas are logically ordered and each paragraph is cohesive and focused.
In the IELTS discussion essay, after discussing both views, it's crucial to share your personal viewpoint. This is where you can make a compelling argument supporting your position. Your viewpoint can agree with either of the discussed perspectives, both of them, or be entirely different.
Justify your opinion with strong reasoning and relevant examples. Make sure to connect your viewpoint with the points you've discussed previously. Use cohesive devices to ensure your argument flows smoothly from the discussion of the two viewpoints to your personal stance.
The conclusion is your final chance to impress the reader. It's where you summarize your discussion and restate your viewpoint.
Start your conclusion by paraphrasing the main discussion points. Next, restate your personal viewpoint, ensuring it aligns with what you've discussed in the body of your essay. Try to end your essay on a strong note, possibly by summarizing the implications of the discussion or giving a final thought related to the topic.
Remember, a strong conclusion doesn't introduce any new information but effectively wraps up your essay, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.
By following these steps, you can create a compelling, coherent, and high-scoring IELTS discussion essay. Stay tuned to further explore editing techniques and common mistakes to avoid for your IELTS writing tasks.
Reviewing and editing your ielts discussion essay.
The importance of reviewing and editing your IELTS discussion essay cannot be overstated. This step ensures that your essay is clear, coherent, and free from mistakes.
Start by reading your essay aloud to check for flow and coherence. Look out for any awkward phrasing or unclear ideas. Consider whether your arguments make sense and whether you've supported your points with strong evidence.
Pay close attention to your language use. Look for any grammatical, punctuation, or spelling errors. Also, check if your vocabulary is varied and appropriate. Ensure your sentences are not too long or complex as this could lead to more errors.
Editing isn't just about correcting mistakes. It's also about refining your arguments, ensuring your points are clear, and your ideas are logically connected.
Avoiding common mistakes can significantly enhance your IELTS discussion essay quality. Here are a few key pitfalls to steer clear of:
Going off-topic: Ensure your discussion remains focused on the topic throughout. Every paragraph should contribute to your overall argument.
Writing too much: Stay within the recommended word count. Writing too much can lead to unnecessary errors and wasted time.
Unequal discussion of views: Remember to discuss both views equally. Your essay should not heavily lean towards one view unless it's your personal viewpoint.
Inadequate planning: Failing to plan your essay can lead to a disorganized argument. Spend adequate time understanding the prompt, brainstorming ideas, and planning your essay.
By following these steps, you can create a compelling, coherent, and high-scoring IELTS discussion essay.
Here is an example of an IELTS Discussion Essay, adhering to the guidelines provided in our comprehensive guide.
Essay Question:
Some people believe that unpaid community service should be a compulsory part of high school programs (for example, working for a charity, improving the neighbourhood, or teaching sports to younger children). To what extent do you agree or disagree?
"Many advocate for mandatory community service in high schools, emphasizing its role in fostering personal growth and benefiting local communities. While the inclusion of community service undoubtedly offers numerous developmental benefits, the debate centres on whether it should be an enforced obligation or a choice made out of genuine interest. This essay will discuss both perspectives on this issue before concluding with my own viewpoint.
On one hand, integrating unpaid community service into high school programs can offer multiple benefits. It provides students with the opportunity to develop essential life skills such as responsibility, teamwork, and empathy. For example, volunteering at a local charity could improve their understanding of societal issues and instill a sense of social responsibility. Furthermore, teaching sports to younger children could enhance leadership skills, fostering a sense of accomplishment and confidence among high school students.
On the other hand, critics argue that community service should not be mandatory. They assert that it may impose additional pressure on students, who are already burdened with academic responsibilities. Also, forced volunteering may not yield genuine compassion or social awareness, as the service is carried out from obligation, not personal interest or motivation. Instead, they suggest that schools should encourage, not enforce, participation in community service, allowing students to engage in activities that truly resonate with them.
In conclusion, while mandatory community service could nurture important skills and values among high school students, it is equally important to consider the potential stress and insincerity it might cultivate. In my opinion, community service should be encouraged, but not compulsory, in high schools, allowing students to discover their passions and contribute meaningfully to society."
As you can see, this essay adheres to the structure of an IELTS discussion essay. It has an introduction that outlines the topic and intention to discuss both views, two body paragraphs discussing each view, and a conclusion that summarizes the discussion and provides the writer's personal viewpoint.
You can boost your IELTS Writing score with our comprehensive eBooks and personalised Essay Feedback by an experienced IELTS examiner.
Updated : February 2024
Below is an IELTS question for writing task 2 and my model answer. It is on the topic of Education. After analysing the question, I can see that it’s about whether homework is a good idea or not in helping kids in their educational development . It asks me to discuss both views and also asks for my opinion .
In this case, you must state your opinion in the introduction, the body and conclusion.
In this essay I will need to do 3 things:
Some people believe that school children should not be given homework by their teachers, whereas others argue that homework plays an important role in the education of children. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Some people think it is not a good idea for teachers to assign home study tasks to school children, while others say it is an essential part of learning. I believe pupils need homework to achieve better exam results as it gives them a chance of entering higher education.
On the one hand, some believe that homework is of no benefit and becomes a burden to school children. This is because pupils spend their whole day studying, taking part in after school clubs and feel exhausted after returning home. For instance, in Japan, the majority of minors are under pressure to complete vast amounts of homework along with extracurricular activities. If they fail to finish their assignments they may not do well in exams, meaning they would be unable to get into a good high school. I think home assignments are beneficial but children should not be put under this kind of pressure.
On the other hand, it is widely believed that homework plays a vital role in the development of knowledge for students and I agree with this. In other words, home study tasks help pupils understand school subjects better which allows them to attain higher grades. For example, according to extensive research, children aged between 10 and 16 who are given a large amount of mathematics homework do far better in tests than those who are not given any home assignments. I believe that home study tasks improve a child’s chances of entering tertiary education which leads to a rewarding career.
To conclude, although views differ concerning children being assigned homework, I would argue that home assignments are necessary to help pupils get high grades, enabling them to secure a place at university and improve their career chances.
Click this blue button to see an analysis of the model answer.
Word count is 290 words. I advise keeping it under 300 words as you may not have the time to write a long essay in the exam and it is not necessary to write a very long essay.
The structure is:
Make sure to check the task question again before writing your essay. you could lose a band score if it goes off-topic.
Planning time is crucial here, allow 10 minutes to plan an essay and make sure you have some good supporting points to back up your topic sentences.
With a discussion essay, you have to state others views and give supporting sentences with detail and specific examples. Discussion essays often ask your opinion. Click here to see this lesson about stating an opinion.
When we state others views, especially in IELTS Discussion essays, there is specific language that should be used. For more detail on this, click here to see this lesson.
There is a lot of confusion about whether to use personal pronouns in IELTS essays (I, me, my, our, etc..) but if the question asks to ‘what extent do you agree?’ or ‘give your own opinion’ then you need to write personal pronouns… click here to see a lesson on this .
Note on paraphrasing: I have paraphrased the word ‘ homework’ in this essay with the phrases ‘ home study tasks ‘ and ‘ home assignments’ . Sometimes there is no way to avoid repetition but if you have a good understanding of synonyms and referencing you can avoid too much repetition. There are often words that are hard to paraphrase such as ‘people’ or ‘children’.
Not every word from the task question needs paraphrasing and you can repeat words as long as you can demonstrate a wide range of vocabulary. Be very careful not to over paraphrase.
Any Comments? leave them below
Thanks a lot
Thanks to analysing for this essay,as it helps me very well as I want
by Dave | Understanding Task 2 Writing | 0 Comment
Here I have collected actual IELTS discussion essays (discuss both sides/views) from the last several years – enjoy learning about this common task type!
Enjoy and consider signing up for my Patreon Ebooks here .
Some people believe that young people should choose the jobs that they want, but other people think they should be more realistic and think more about their future.
Read my essay here.
Some feel that individuals today spend too much time following political news while others feel politics deserves greater attention.
Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.
Get access to the full EBook (and more!) on Patreon.
Some people think technology development decreases crime, while others believe it actually encourages crime.
Some people think that competition at work, at school and in daily life is a good thing. Others believe that we should try to cooperate more, rather than competing against each other.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Reported on IELTS Cambridge 19
Innovation is often driven by the pursuit of profit and economic growth. However, some argue that it should prioritize addressing social and environmental issues.
Read my essay here on Patreon.
Some people believe that in a city, the best way to travel is by car, while other people argue that bicycles are a better way of travelling in a city.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Read my sample here.
Some people think the manufacturers and shopping malls should sell fewer packaged products while others argue that people have the responsibility to buy products with less packaging.
Some people believe that professional athletes serve as positive role models for young people, while others argue that their behavior both on and off the field can have a negative influence.
Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
Some people believe that reading is always a good habit. Others feel it depends on which books a person is reading.
Get the full EBook here on Patreon.
The increasing availability of low-cost airlines now lets people travel around the world. Some feel this is a positive development while others think it is negative overall.
In some countries, companies allow people to work from home. In others, people are still expected to work in an office.
Read my EBook on Patreon.
In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of oil drilling operations in remote locations around the world. This has brought economic benefits to some countries, though it has also raised concerns about the environmental impact of these operations.
Many university students want to learn about different subjects in addition to their main subjects. Others feel it is more important to give all their time and attention to studying for their qualification.
Many think that religion should be taught in schools while others think it should be avoided.
My full EBook is available on Patreon.
Some believe that students should begin learning a language very early in school while others think these subjects should be taught later.
Some feel that individuals should have the right to strike in all jobs while others feel there are exceptions.
Get the full EBook on Patreon.com/howtodoielts
Some people prefer to spend their lives doing the same things and avoiding change. Others, however, think that change is always a good thing.
Many believe that the goal of one’s career should be to pursue a passion while others feel it is merely a way to earn a livelihood.
Read my EBook here on Patreon.
Some people feel that cities should allow for spaces for graffiti while others feel it should be banned.
Some think newspapers are the best method for reading the news while others think other media is better .
Discuss both sides and give your own opinion .
As the number of cars increases, more money has to be spent on road systems. Some people think the government should pay for this. Others, however, think that drivers should cover the costs.
Some people believe that children of all ages should have extra responsibilities (for example, helping at home or at work). Others believe that, outside of school, children should be free to enjoy their lives.
Some people believe more actions can be taken to prevent crime, while others think that little can be done.
Some argue that patriotism is the primary cause of wars globally. Others feel that it serves to prevent less ethical politicians from running a country and starting wars.
Some feel that punishment should focus more on rehabilitation instead of long prison terms. Others feel prison terms are important for social stability.
Read my essay on Patreon.
Some feel that individuals should try to assimilate completely to the country where they live while others feel it is more important to preserve their native culture.
Read my essay on Patreon as an EBook.
Some believe that traffic problems in cities can best be resolved by investing in urban infrastructure while others feel there are superior solutions.
Some people believe that car-free days are effective ways to reduce air pollution. However, others argue that there are other ways that are more effective.
Many governments think that economic progress is their most important goal. Some people, however, think that other types of progress are equally important for a country.
Some people believe that increasing tax on various industries will reduce pollution whereas others believe that there are better alternative ways.
Discuss both the view and give your opinion.
Some believe that money for education should mainly be spent on better computers while others believe it would be better spent on teachers.
In an era of globalization, some people think that studying abroad is the best way to attain a well-paid job while others believe other options are better.
Some people believe that professionals, such as doctors and engineers, should be required to work in the country where they did their training. Others believe they should be free to work in another country if they wish.
Discuss views and give your own opinion.
Some people feel that equality between the genders has already been achieved while others feel there is considerable progress to be made.
Some people believe that the experiences children have before they go to school will have the greatest effect on their future life. Others argue that experiences gained when they are teenagers have a bigger influence.
Discuss both views and give your own opinions.
Some feel that cities shold be designed to be beautiful while others feel their functionality is more important.
Read my essay here as an Ebook on Patreon.
In some places, old age is valued, while in other cultures youth is considered more important.
Some people think that the government should strictly control the supply of fresh water, as it is a limited resource, while others it should not be regulated.
Read my essay.
Some people think it is better to have many short holidays during the year. Others believe it would be beneficial to have fewer, longer vacations.
Get my Ebook on Patreon here.
In some countries, there has been an increase in the number of advertisements which try to persuade children to buy snacks, toys, and other goods. Parents often claim that these ads are unfair.
Some people say that individuals should change jobs during their working life often while others believe that doing the same job has advantages to individuals, companies, and society.
Some think that politicians should always be honest while others feel that there are times when they must lie. Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.
Many people argue that in order to improve educational quality, high school students should encouraged to question and offer criticisms on their teachers. Others think this will lead to a loss of respect and discipline in the classroom.
Some people prefer to spend their lives doing the same things and avoiding change. Others, however, think that change is always good .
Computers are becoming increasingly pervasive in modern life. Some view this is as a positive while others feel it is negative overall.
Read my sample answer here.
Some people think that children should begin their formal education at a very early age. Others think they should begin after 7 years of age.
Some people are happy to stay in the same area for their whole life, while others prefer living in many different places.
Many believe that it is important to protect all wild animals, while others think that it is important to protect some, not all of them.
Some people think that schools should not test and grade students. Others think that grades are important.
Some people think that newspapers are the best way to learn about current events. However, others believe that they can learn news better through other media.
Some people think that governments should give financial support to creative artists such as painters and musicians. Others believe that artists should be funded by alternative sources.
There is little difference in the shops now operating in various nations. Some people think this is positive development,while other believe it is negative.
Some people focus on news in their own country, while others think it is more important to be aware of international news.
Some say that children should be taught at school to recycling and avoid waste. Others say they should learn this at home.
Discuss both views and give your opinion .
Some people say that individuals who make a lot of money are the most successful. Others think that those who contribute to society like scientists and teachers are more successful.
Employers sometimes ask people applying for jobs for personal information, such as their hobbies and interests, and whether they are married or single. Some people say that this information may be relevant and useful. Others disagree.
Movies and computer games containing violence are popular. Some people say they have a negative effect on society and should be censored. Others say they are just harmless relaxation.
Some people think personal happiness is directly related to economic success, while others believe this depends on other factors.
Many people believe that it is easier to have a healthy lifestyle in the countryside. Other believe that there are health benefits to living in cities.
Some people think that students in high or secondary school can choose courses freely, others think that courses such as mathematics must be compulsory.
Some people think children should have the freedom to make mistakes, while other people believe that adults should prevent children from making mistakes.
Some people believe that children should do sports so that they will grow up as healthy adults, but others feel sports are just about enjoying yourself.
Discuss these both views and give your own opinion.
Some people think that individuals today are more dependent on each other. Others believe people have become more independent.
Some people think that children can learn about history by visiting museums, while others feel that there are better ways to learn about history.
Some feel that schools should be mixed with both girls and boys attending while others feel the genders ought to be separated.
Some believe that people should make efforts to fight climate change while others think it is better to learn to live with it.
In many countries, crimes rates amongst younger people has been rising.
Discuss the causes and solutions for this problem.
Some people think that sports play an important role in society. Others think they are nothing more than a leisure activity.
Read my answer here.
Some people think the newly built houses should be the same as the old housing styles in local areas. Others argue that local authorities should allow people to build houses in their own style.
Some feel governments should invest in preserving minority languages, while others feel this is not a good use of resources.
Museums and art galleries should show local history and culture instead of work from different countries.
Discuss both views and give opinion.
Some people think young people should follow the traditions of their society. Others think that they should be free to behave as individuals.
Some people think that famous people can help international aid organizations to draw attention to important problems. Others believe that the celebrities can make the problems seem less important.
Some believe that the Olympic games help bring people from different nations together, while others claim that holding the Olympics wastes money which could be used for important issues.
Some people believe the purpose of education should be helping the individual to become useful for society, while others believe it should help individuals to achieve their ambitions.
Some people think students should study the science of food and how to prepare it. Others think students should spend time on important subjects.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion .
Some people think parents are responsible for transporting their children to school. Others think it is the government’s responsibility.
Some feel that the effects of advertising are positive for individuals and businesses, while others think they are negative.
Some think that climate change reforms will negatively affect business. Others feel they are an opportunity for businesses.
Some people say young people should be completely free to choose their future job but others think young people must be more realistic in their choice.
Some people say that the bicycles are a good, modern means of transportation. Other say riding a bicycle has clear disadvantages.
Discuss both view points and give your own opinion.
Some think scientists should be allowed to send messages into space to communicate with other life forms while others believe this is too dangerous.
Some feel executives in large companies should receive high salaries while others think they are paid too much compared to ordinary workers.
Some believe that advances in technology are increasing the gap between rich and poor while others think the opposite is hapenning.
Some people think that cities are the best places to live. Others prefer to live in rural areas.
Some people say that supermarkets and manufacturers have a responsibility to reduce the amount of packaging on products they sell. Others believe that it is the consumer’s responsibility to avoid buying products which have a lot of packaging.
Discuss both views and give your opinions.
Many companies sponsor sports as a way of advertising themselves. Some people think this is good for the world of sport, while others think it is a negative.
Some people believe that there should be a fixed punishment for each type of crime. Others, however, argue that the circumstances of an individual crime, and the motivation for committing it, should always be taken into account when deciding on the punishment.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Some people believe that children that commit crimes should be punished. Others think the parents should be punished instead.
Some believe that it is beneficial to show foreign films while others feel this can have a negative impact on local culture.
Some scientists believe that in the future computers will be more intelligent than human beings. While some see this as a positive development others worry about the negative consequences.
Some people say that advertising is extremely successful at persuading us to buy things. Other people think that advertising is so common that we no longer pay attention to it.
Some people think that resources should be spent on protecting wild animals, while others think those would be better used for the human population.
Giving children and adolescents pocket money is common throughout the world.
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this practice and give your own opinion.
Some think schools should rewards students who have the best academic results, while others think it’s more important to reward students who achieve other types of success (such as sports, music, and good behaviour).
Some educational systems make students study specialised subjects from the age of fifteen while others require students to study a wide range.
Some people argue children should stay in school until the age of 18 while others think that 14 years is long enough.
Many people think that zoos are cruel. Others think they are helpful in protecting rare animals.
Some people like to spend their leisure time after work with co-workers while others prefer to keep their private life separate from their work life.
Some people believe that one-on-one lessons are better for learning while others think that group lessons are superior.
Some think that quality art can be made by anyone while others think that it requires special talent and ability.
In many countries, teenagers are encouraged to find part-time jobs. Some think this is a good development while others disagree.
Some believe that history has little to teach us about today while others think that the study of the past helps us to understand the present.
Many people believe that music is just a form of entertainment, whilst others believe that music has a much larger impact on society today.
Some believe that the best way to stay fit is to join a gym or health club while others think doing everyday activities such as walking and climbing stairs is enough.
Some people argue that job satisfaction is more important than job security, while others believe that they cannot always expect job satisfaction and a permanent job is more important.
Some think that governments should support retired people financially while others believe they should take care of themselves.
Some believe that people are naturally born as leaders while others feel that leadership skills can develop.
Many people feel that students should learn from online materials while others feel that it is better to use printed materials.
Some people think that children should begin their formal education at a very early age. Some think they should begin at least 7 years old.
Discuss both views give opinions.
Many think that in today’s world it is very difficult for people to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Others, however, feel that it is easy for people to be healthy and fit if they want to be.
Some people think that paying taxes is their only responsibility towards society while others feel that everyone should do more.
Most agree that we should be training children to recycle waste to preserve the Earth’s natural resources. However, some believe that it is parents who should teach their children to recycle waste while others feels schools are more responsible.
Some people believe that education is the key to tackling hunger worldwide while others feel that the answer is in food aid.
Some people say that it is acceptable to test medicine intended for people on animals. Others, however, believe that it is not right to use animals in this research.
Many feel that going to the gym is the best way to stay fit. Others think there are more effective methods.
Some people believe that allowing children to make their own choices on everyday matters (such as food, clothes and entertainment) is likely to result in a society of individuals who only think about their own wishes. Other people believe that it is important for children to make decisions about matters that affect them.
Many parents encourage young people to leave home when they become older, while others think they should stay at home with the family.
Many people believe that every individual is responsible for his/her own healthy lifestyle. Others believe that governments should take care of it.
In a number of countries, some people think it is necessary to spend large sums of money on constructing new railway lines for very fast trains between cities. Others believe the money should be spent on improving existing public transport.
Some people believe that it is best to accept a bad situation, such as an unsatisfactory job or shortage of money. others argue that it is better to try and improve such situations., some people believe that it is good to share as much information as possible in scientific research, business, and the academic world. others believe that some information is too important or too valuable to be shared freely..
Some people think that governments should invest mainly in making public transportation faster while other think there are more important priorities (cost, the environment).
Some people think that newspapers are the best way to learn news. However, others believe that they can learn news better through other media.
Some people say history is one the most important school subjects. Other people think that, in today’s world, subjects like science and technology are more important than history.
Discuss both these views and give your opinion., some are of the opinion that people are naturally born as good leaders while others feel that leadership skills can be learned., recommended for you.
by Dave | Sample Answers | 147 Comments
These are the most recent/latest IELTS Writing Task 1 Task topics and questions starting in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and continuing into 2024. ...
by Dave | Sample Answers | 342 Comments
Read here all the newest IELTS questions and topics from 2024 and previous years with sample answers/essays. Be sure to check out my ...
by Dave | IELTS FAQ | 18 Comments
by Dave | Sample Answers | 0 Comment
This is an IELTS writing task 1 letter from the real general training exam on the topic of writing a letter to complain a problem with ...
by Dave | Real Past Tests | 0 Comment
This is my IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of drilling in remote locations from the real IELTS exam. ...
This is an IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer related to changing jobs from the real IELTS exam. I was lucky with this ...
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Sign up for patreon.
Don't miss out!
"The highest quality materials anywhere on the internet! Dave improved my writing and vocabulary so much. Really affordable options you don't want to miss out on!"
Minh, Vietnam
Hi, I’m Dave! Welcome to my IELTS exclusive resources! Before you commit I want to explain very clearly why there’s no one better to help you learn about IELTS and improve your English at the same time... Read more
Patreon Exclusive Ebooks Available Now!
The next big thing after learning about IELTS discuss both views essays is – How do you structure them?
Please be aware though, the perfect structure alone will not make you a band 7+ achiever. Your vocabulary and English proficiency still plays a key role in IELTS writing task – 2.
But the good news is… Here we’ve outlined an easily comprehensible step-by-step format to logically present a discussion essay and give your opinion effectively.
This post will clear your doubts over:
Discuss both views – essay structure.
There are hundreds of ways to structure a Discuss both views essay in the writing part . However, we’ll use this 4-paragraph foolproof band 7+ structure:
INTRODUCTION
BODY PARAGRAPH 1
BODY PARAGRAPH 2
RELATED: IELTS Writing Task-1 Formal Letters With Sample Answers
Now that you’ve understood the discussion essay structure, let’s look at some recently asked topics to give you an idea of how the ‘discuss both views and give your opinion’ essay looks like.
Discuss both viewpoints and give your opinion. Support your answer with the help of relevant examples. |
Some companies offer their employees subsidized membership in sports clubs and fitness centres, believing that this will and thus enhance productivity at work. Other employers see no benefit in doing so. Consider both sides of the argument and reach a conclusion. |
It is sometimes said that the villages offer a high quality of life, especially for families. What are the arguments for and against families opting to live and work in the countryside? What is your opinion about this trend? |
Some observers say that police officers should be recruited from local communities, so that they have knowledge about the place. Other people say that this is unnecessary, or even undesirable. Discuss both views. What is your opinion on this debate? |
Completing University is considered by some to be the best way to get a good job, while others think that gaining experience and developing soft skills is more important. Discuss both sides of the argument and give your opinion. |
Some people believe that children should spend all of their leisure time with their families. Others believe that this is not required and a negative development. Discuss both viewpoints and give your opinion. Support your answer with the help of relevant examples.
Explanation of the Task
This is Opinion>Discussion type essay. Hence, You should introduce the topic, provide relevant ideas explaining arguments on both sides of the discussion, and then write your opinion in the conclusion. Always remember that these Opinion>Discussion tasks might be expressed differently; look for keyword ‘discuss’ and its synonyms like ‘debate’, ‘consider’ and ‘review’.
No one can deny that parental influence is of paramount importance for children, especially in cases where children live with their parents, foster parents or guardians. However, it is by no means clear that children should spend time exclusively with their family. This essay will examine both viewpoints and provide rationale behind my opinion on this. On the one hand, proponents of this theory claim that it is advisable for parents to act as role models and to establish ground rules for behaviour by spending as much time as possible with their children. This allows the youngsters to absorb conventions and codes of conduct which they can then follow themselves, hopefully leading to an absence of problems such as bullying, truancy and delinquency later on. In addition to this, being with the family should reduce the risk of children falling victim to crimes such as abduction, stealing etc. On the other hand, opponents of this theory claim that it is not a practical proposition. In modern society where many families rely on dual-income, children cannot spend all of their time with the family. As such, child-minding and after-school childcare are often used in these cases. Equally, it seems that children can gain considerable knowledge from their peers. Therefore, allowing children to play without direct supervision may be an added advantage. In conclusion, it appears that, while family time is quintessential for bonding and absorbing behavioural patterns, there are definite advantages when children are outside the family eco-system too. Given this situation, it can be said that they are in safe, well behaved environment with peers who are themselves reasonably well brought up. (287 words) |
Topic Vocabulary
We hope that understanding this ‘Discuss both views essay structure’ will help you organize your writing task – 2 better and ultimately fetch you a high band score. And, don’t forget to download the IDP IELTS Writing answer sheets !
Very good guidance. Could include one more sample answer.
Thanks! Yeah…sure. More stuff lined up 🙂
Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.
IELTS TEST TYPES
✓ IELTS Academic
✓ IELTS General Training
USEFUL LINKS
✓ IELTS Full Form
✓ IELTS Band Score
✓ IELTS Vocabulary
✓ IELTS Grammar
CONNECT WITH US
Pinterest ↗
IELTS® is a registered trademark of The British Council, IDP- IELTS Australia and the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations (Cambridge ESOL). This site and its owners are not affiliated, approved or endorsed by the University of Cambridge ESOL, the British Council, IELTS Progress Check, and IDP Education Australia. "IELTS Progress Check" is the name of the official IELTS online practice test and is in no way affiliated with this website. To find out more about the official IELTS online practice test please visit https://www.ieltsprogresscheck.com/.
ABOUT US | PRIVACY POLICY | DISCLAIMER | TERMS | CONTACT US
© 2023 IELTSPROGRESS.COM | All Rights Reserved
Updated On Sep 24, 2024
Share on Whatsapp
Share on Email
Share on Linkedin
The article guides on writing a Band 8+ IELTS Discussion Essay, emphasizing clear structure, balanced arguments, and evidence support. It outlines planning, writing, common mistakes, and provides sample questions with answers.
How to plan an ielts discussion essay, structure of an ielts writing task 2 discuss both views and give your opinion essay, 3 common mistakes in ielts discuss both views and give your opinion essays, tips to write an ielts discussion essay, ielts discussion essay sample questions with sample answers, excel at ielts writing with ieltsmaterial.com, also check:.
Try AI Essay Checker for Instant Band Score
Just as the names suggest, discuss both views or discussion essays in IELTS Writing Task 2 expects you to discuss both sides of an argument, and then to give your own opinion on the matter.
You get 40 minutes to complete this discussion essay IELTS Writing task and you have to write at least 250 words on the topic given. So gear up, let us learn how to write a perfect band 8+ task 2, discuss both views and essays in no time in this blog!
There are a few key things to keep in mind when writing a discussion essay:
First, read the statement carefully and find the two opposing views. Then, think about how to support each one.
Once you know what the two opposing views are, you need to gather evidence to support each one.
This evidence can come from your own knowledge, experience, or research.
Your essay should have a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
Begin your essay with a clear introduction that tells the reader what the topic is and what your main points will be. Keep it simple and to the point. You might find some tips to write an effective introduction for IELTS Writing Task 2 below.
Break your essay into two paragraphs, with each one focusing on a different point. Start each paragraph with a topic sentence that tells the reader what the paragraph is about.
Use examples to support your points. This could be something you’ve read about, something you’ve seen, or something from your own experience.
Get your hands on 2024’s latest IELTS Writing Task 2 test papers! Grab now!
|
Let us look at the three errors that are usually common in IELTS discussion essays.
Focusing too much on one viewpoint and neglecting the other, or failing to discuss both views equally.
Using irrelevant examples, statistics, or facts to support your points in the body paragraphs.
Making broad statements without providing specific examples or evidence to back them up.
Never repeat these errors in your next IELTS discussion essay! Sign up for a FREE demo now!
Since we’ve had a look at the three most common errors that might occur while you write an IELTS discussion essay, now let’s learn a few expert tips you can use to practice while writing them!
When discussing two opposing views, use neutral language that expresses your opinion presenting both sides of the argument fairly and without bias.
Take a few minutes to think about what points you want to make and how you’ll organize them. Try to jot down some notes before you start writing.
Transition words and phrases can help to make your essay flow smoothly and signal to the reader when you are moving from one point to another.
We’ve collected a list of connectors/linking words for writing to present in your IELTS discussion essays. Have a look at them in the following table:
Firstly | Additionally | In conclusion |
To begin with | Moreover | To sum up |
Initially | Furthermore | To conclude |
Nowadays | In addition | In summary |
On the one hand | On the other hand | Finally |
When writing supporting points in your body paragraphs, be sure to provide evidence as an example to support it. This can come from your knowledge, experience, or research.
Before you finish, take a few minutes to read over your essay and make sure there are no mistakes in spelling, grammar, or punctuation.
Here are a few sample questions and their ans wers for IELTS Writing Task 2 di scussion essays with a proper breakdown of them that will help you get an idea of how to achieve your desired IELTS band score .
Some people believe that it is essential to learn a foreign language in school, while others believe that it is not necessary. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Introduction: The introduction sets the stage for the essay by presenting the topic and highlighting the opposing viewpoints.
Body Paragraph 1: This paragraph discusses the advantages of learning a foreign language, including cognitive, cultural, and practical benefits.
Body Paragraph 2: The second paragraph presents the counterargument that learning a foreign language is unnecessary due to technology and the prominence of English.
Conclusion: The conclusion provides a clear personal opinion that acknowledges the counterarguments but asserts that the benefits of foreign language learning are more significant.
Final Compilation
Learning a foreign language has been a topic of debate in educational circles, with proponents arguing its importance and opponents asserting its insignificance. Those who advocate for learning a foreign language in school argue that it has numerous cognitive, cultural, and practical benefits. Firstly, mastering another language enhances cognitive abilities, as it requires learners to think critically and adapt to different linguistic structures. Moreover, it promotes cultural understanding by allowing individuals to communicate with people from diverse backgrounds, fostering tolerance and open-mindedness. From a practical standpoint, in today’s globalized world, proficiency in a foreign language can boost job prospects and facilitate international interactions.
On the other hand, there are those who contend that learning a foreign language is unnecessary in the modern age due to the prevalence of translation tools and the predominance of English as a global lingua franca. They argue that the time spent on language acquisition could be better utilized for other subjects that are more directly applicable to students’ future careers. Additionally, some assert that the difficulty of becoming truly proficient in a foreign language often discourages students and leads to frustration.
To conclude, while the concerns raised against learning a foreign language hold some validity, the advantages far outweigh the drawbacks. The cognitive and cultural benefits of language learning are substantial and contribute not only to personal growth but also to building a more interconnected and harmonious society. Moreover, even though technology can aid in translation, it cannot replace the nuanced understanding and genuine human connections that result from speaking someone’s native language. Therefore, incorporating foreign language learning into the curriculum remains a valuable investment in students’ holistic development.
Some people believe that it is better to live in a city, while others believe that it is better to live in the countryside. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Introduction: Introduces the topic and mentions the opposing views regarding city and countryside living.
Body Paragraph 1: Discusses the advantages of living in a city, including access to amenities, job opportunities, and cultural activities.
Body Paragraph 2: Presents the benefits of living in the countryside, such as tranquillity, connection to nature, and strong communities.
Conclusion: Offers a personal perspective that acknowledges the strengths of both options and suggests that the choice should be based on individual preferences.
Living preferences between urban and rural areas have long been a subject of debate. Supporters of city living argue that it offers greater access to amenities, career opportunities, and cultural activities. Cities are often hubs of economic activity, providing a wide range of job options and higher earning potential. Additionally, urban dwellers can enjoy a plethora of entertainment choices, from theatres and museums to restaurants and shopping centres.
On the other hand, proponents of rural living emphasize the tranquility and connection to nature that the countryside provides. They contend that life in the countryside is less stressful, offering cleaner air, less noise pollution, and a slower pace of life. Moreover, the close-knit communities in rural areas foster a sense of belonging and interpersonal relationships that can be harder to find in bustling cities.
To conclude, in my opinion, both living environments have their merits, and the choice depends on individual preferences and priorities. While cities offer convenience and a vibrant social scene, they can also be overwhelming and stressful. On the contrary, the countryside provides a peaceful and close-to-nature existence, but it might lack the opportunities and amenities that cities offer. Therefore, the ideal choice should be based on a person’s lifestyle, values, and career aspirations.
Some people believe that social media has a negative impact on society, while others believe that it has a positive effect. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Introduction: Introduces the topic and states that social media’s impact on society is debated.
Body Paragraph 1: Discusses the negative effects of social media, including impacts on mental health, privacy, and interpersonal relationships.
Body Paragraph 2: Presents the positive aspects of social media, focusing on connectivity, activism, information sharing, and education.
Conclusion: Offers a personal perspective that acknowledges both sides of the argument but emphasizes the potential positive impact of responsible social media use.
The influence of social media on society is a topic of ongoing debate. Detractors argue that social media has detrimental effects on mental health, privacy, and interpersonal relationships. They claim that the constant comparison to curated online personas can lead to feelings of inadequacy and anxiety. Furthermore, the erosion of privacy due to the widespread sharing of personal information and the rise of cyberbullying are serious concerns. Critics also point out that excessive screen time detracts from face-to-face interactions, potentially weakening real-life connections.
On the other hand, proponents of social media contend that it fosters global connectivity, information sharing, and activism. Platforms like Twitter and Instagram enable individuals to voice their opinions, raise awareness about important issues, and create positive change. Social media has played a pivotal role in various social movements and humanitarian efforts, mobilizing people on a scale previously unattainable. Additionally, it allows easy access to a wide range of educational content and facilitates networking opportunities.
In conclusion, while social media has its drawbacks, its potential positive impact is significant. The power of social media to amplify voices, disseminate information, and drive social change cannot be overlooked. However, its usage should be balanced and responsible, with individuals and society collectively addressing its negative aspects, such as online toxicity and privacy concerns.
Have an essay on the given IELTS discussion essay topics? Great! Send them in for FREE Evaluation !
Take your time to understand this lesson well and keep practising IELTS discussion essays using past and latest exam questions as much as you need. Constant practice is the best way to get better at it. Way to go!
If you are preparing for the IELTS Writing exam, we would recommend you practice tasks like the above-given questions regularly. The more you practice, the better you will become at cracking the writing tasks for IELTS within the dedicated timeframe.
You can also enroll in our IELTS preparation online classes to get your hands on the latest IELTS writing questions or participate in our FREE online webinars to learn how to write them directly from our band 9 IELTS experts!
When should I give my opinion in an IELTS discussion essay?
Are Opinion essays and Discussion essays the same?
How do you discuss both views and give your opinion?
What are the major mistakes test takers do in the IELTS Discussion essays?
How to write the IELTS Discussion Essay?
Start Preparing for IELTS: Get Your 10-Day Study Plan Today!
Nehasri Ravishenbagam, a Senior Content Marketing Specialist and a Certified IELTS Trainer of 3 years, crafts her writings in an engaging way with proper SEO practices. She specializes in creating a variety of content for IELTS, CELPIP, TOEFL, and certain immigration-related topics. As a student of literature, she enjoys freelancing for websites and magazines to balance her profession in marketing and her passion for creativity!
Janice Thompson
Recent articles.
Raajdeep Saha
Kasturika Samanta
Akanksha Tripathi
1:1 Live Training with Band 9 Teachers
4.9 ( 3452 Reviews )
Gurgaon city scape, gurgaon bptp.
Great going .
Get a free session from trainer
Have you taken test before?
Please select any option
Email test -->
Please enter Email ID
Mobile Band 9 trainer -->
Please enter phone number
Application
Please select any one
Already Registered?
Select a date
Please select a date
Select a time (IST Time Zone)
Please select a time
Mark Your Calendar: Free Session with Expert on
Which exam are you preparing?
Sample question, introduction.
Linking words: Some people believe that, Others believe that, There are those who believe that, There are also those who believe that,
Linking words: On the one hand, On the other hand, In addition, Moreover, Furthermore,
Linking words: In conclusion, To sum up, In summary, All in all, To put it simply,
Introduction :, main point 1 :, main point 2 :, conclusion :.
What is this? This free online interactive app will help you to learn optmimal structure for IELTS writing task 2.
How to use this essay template? Select Essay Type, sample question and fill the blocks, in the end you will see the combined essay.
Why essay structure this important? IELTS essay structure is evaluated as part of the Coherence and Cohesion rubric, which contributes 25% to the overall band.
Discuss the best way for a supermarket or a store to become successful and to expand its business, and make a large profit. You may refer to examples of a supermarket or a store known to you.
by Miao Wang (Vanessa)
Copied with permission of the author
Everyone needs to buy things in order to live, and everyone likes to get things as conveniently and cheaply as possible. For this reason, there are many supermarkets or stores appearing. However, getting into the supermarket business can be difficult, so I have written some ideas to make a supermarket become successful and make a large profit. [ Comment 1 ]
The first aspect to be discussed is that of good service. Firstly, the correct attitude in attending to customers is very important. Attendants should always smile to customers, no matter whether the customer is right or wrong. When customers ask where they can find things, attendants should not only show the way, but also they should go and get things for the customers. Secondly, a supermarket needs to provide good after-sales service. For example, when customers buy big and heavy items, they cannot carry them by themselves; the supermarket should thus help them take the items to the right places free of charge. If the place is too far away, the supermarket could ask the customer to contribute some money. [ Comment 2 ]
A further aspect to be considered is the need for good products. In my opinion, when a supermarket is stocked with goods, it should check the sell-by date of goods, and make sure all of them are fresh and have good quality. What is more, a successful supermarket has many different kinds of goods, and its prices are balanced. For instance, TESCO, which is a successful supermarket in Britain, has balanced prices. In the supermarket, items have different prices on one price tag: one referring to TESCO, the others from other supermarkets. When customers buy items, they can thus compare prices, in order to choose the best ones to buy. Moreover, a supermarket should update goods quickly in order to make sure they are fresh. [ Comment 3 ]
While a supermarket needs to do things for customers, it also needs to expand its business and make a large profit. In my opinion, first of all, the store should learn about the customers that it wants to provide goods to. The supermarket should check whether customers look for low prices or a certain type of good. Secondly, a supermarket should be well situated, and have pleasant surroundings. For example, a supermarket can be built in a place with a park nearby, and with many trees. This kind of location could make customers feel comfortable. Moreover, it should have a car park which is big enough, and the car parking should be free. When customers get into the supermarket there should be soft music, and all goods should be divided into different kinds to put in order. Customers can pick up things that they want very easily. A supermarket may also use good IT systems. For instance, customers might find things on the internet and know where they are, then pick them up quickly. Thirdly, a successful supermarket should know other supermarkets well. It can send its own employees to research the others’ information, such as price, types of advertisement, discounts and sales ploys. Fourthly, a supermarket can have its own brand products and diversify in order to expand its business. For example, TESCO is not only a supermarket, but has its own mobile. Furthermore, it can have its own club to attract customers to join in. [ Comment 4 ]
In a nutshell, a successful supermarket is difficult to manage. It needs good service, good products, and good ideas to expand its business and make a large profit. [ Comment 5 ]
[ Comment 1 ]In this paragraph, the writer has indicated the importance of the topic and has given a statement, using the first person pronoun, of what she will be doing in the essay.
[ Comment 2 ]This is the first main paragraph. Here the student focuses on the aspect of customer service. Notice the use of the topic sentence: “The first aspect to be discussed is that of good service”. This provides a key to the content of the paragraph.
[ Comment 3 ]This second main paragraph concerns the need for supermarkets to have good quality products. Notice again that here, the student groups all the ideas into a single paragraph, and that she writes a topic sentence at the start of the paragraph: "A further aspect to be considered is the need for good products." The writer is not afraid to show her own personality: “In my opinion….”, etc.
[ Comment 4 ] This paragraph now moves on to consider how a supermarket can make a profit. Several ideas are given. Notice how sequencers are used: “firstly…”, “secondly…”, thirdly...”, etc.
[ Comment 5 ] This paragraph provides a brief conclusion to the writing. Notice the idiomatic use of the expression “In a nutshell”. The conclusion only needs to be brief – there is no need to restate everything that has been said before.
Some people think that wild animals should not be kept in zoos. others believe that there are good reasons for having zoos..
Discuss both these views and give your opinion.
There appear to be differing views on whether ( the ) zoos are appropriate and acceptable places for wild animals. On the one hand, people argue that keeping animals in zoos is inhuman , while on the other hand, a group of people finds many advantages of in having zoos.
It is a given fact (not a factual) self-evident that a zoo is not a suitable place for all wild animals. It depends very much on the sizes of the animals whether they could should be kept in cages. Additionally, other conditions such as temperature or surroundings are also important. For example, a polar bear prefers low temperatures while a zebra rather enjoys hot weather. Moreover, some animals like lions need a very large area to move around in . Therefore, there is a need for different very varied conditions while although it is very hard to offer that. And last but not least , being exposed to a large number of people is not good for the mental health and well-being of animals.
It cannot be denied that zoos have a lot of advantages as well. To begin with, a zoo is a perfect place for children to learn about wildlife and nature. Therefore, zoos are important for educational purposes. In addition to that, universities and researchers are usually in close cooperation with zoos in order to save endangered species. Furthermore, keeping wild animals in zoos is also an option to save animals that are threatened by illegal hunters or, for instance, by deforestation.
Personally, I think that there is truth a substance in both views. However, all the things considered, I believe that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. Although I agree that there are some negative aspects such as inhuman conditions, more positive aspects can be found. Therefore, things like saving animals from illegal hunters and educating our children are the main arguments why we all should be in favour of having zoos.
(307 words)
Band Score Estimate (prior to corrections)
"I have 7+ years of IELTS teaching experience . I will correct your grammar and give suggestions for more appropriate word use. I will give you tips on how to answer the question in the way the IELTS examiners expect." — Claudia, IELTS teacher from the UK
How it works.
See a sample →
We are here to help.
Whether you have any questions, want to leave feedback or discuss cooperation possibilities, do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to help and will answer as soon as possible. In the meantime, discover our site and let it help you smooth your IELTS journey and make your studies more efficient.
You will find useful information on all the four IELTS test components:
Got a question? We'd love to hear from you!
IELTS Advantage
IELTS Preparation Courses
This question was recently on the IELTS academic paper in Vietnam. The topic is childcare.
Some parents think that childcare centres provide the best services for children of pre-school age. Other working parents think that family members such as grandparents will be better carers for their kids. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Below there are two essays. One of them received a very high band score and one of them did not. Read them and think about which one is good, which one needs to improve and why.
I will post tomorrow with the answers and provide some feedback on both examples.
Some argue that when parents are at work, close relations provide the best care to young children, while others believe day care centres offer a better service. It is agreed that while some relatives take care of youngsters extremely well, childcare professionals offer a better overall service. This essay will first discuss the merits of family members looking after ‘pre-schoolers’, secondly an analysis of childcare centres’ services, followed by a reasoned conclusion.
Many parents in full-time employment prefer to leave their young ones with grandparents and siblings when they are at work. This is often a trust issue, as the parents feel their child will be safer with someone from within the family nucleus. For example, a recent study showed that 62% of working mothers prefer a member of the immediate family to provide care when they are work. However, most kin are not trained childcare professionals and may not have the skills required to fully nurture a child.
Daycare centres may be a better option due to the fact that most of their staff are highly skilled professionals. Many of their staff are highly trained and have diplomas in child development. For instance, if you want a job in a Montessori school, they will insist that you are fully qualified, with many of their staff having degrees in early years development. In spite of this, there have been recent high profile cases of abuse within these establishments which makes some parents wary.
In summary, although there are some issues involving trust, as long as parents vet each school properly, the high level of service provided by daycare professionals trumps that of unqualified family members.
Nowadays, childcare centres are a very hot topic and many parents are talking about their controversial issue. It is without precedence that so many mums and dads are now in the global working marker, caused in part by the remarkable phenomena of globalization that creeps in to society with ever more vigilance day by day.
I think that it is a crying shame that so many loving mothers and fathers have to leave their baby with a childcare centre. The baby will pine and crave for the affections of its mother and this may lead to the baby have developmental issues, such as learning and behavioral difficulties further down the line in later life. Moreover, these centres have been shown to be shoddy operators with many incidences of malpractices, such as neglect and physical and mental abuse damaging forever the true spirit of the infant.
So what about the grandparents? Many grandparents look forward to the day they can relax and put their feet up without the distraction of unruly children. However, many grandparents are totally committed to the welfare of their grandchildren and love to see their loved ones, lighting up their sense of personality in an unambiguous fashion.
In conclusion, it is no wonder how many parents have to leave their children at home while they try to pay off mortgages and credit card bills brought about by the current geo-political set up and burgeoning financial system of developing countries. I for one will stay at home with my kids and will therefore not require the service of professionals or next of kin.
My name is Christopher Pell and I'm the Managing Director of IELTS Advantage.
I started IELTS Advantage as a simple blog to help 16 students in my class. Several years later, I am very humbled that my VIP Course has been able to help thousands of people around the world to score a Band 7+ in their IELTS tests.
If you need my help with your IELTS preparation, you can send me an email using the contact us page.
Run a free plagiarism check in 10 minutes, generate accurate citations for free.
Published on August 21, 2022 by Shona McCombes . Revised on July 18, 2023.
The discussion section is where you delve into the meaning, importance, and relevance of your results .
It should focus on explaining and evaluating what you found, showing how it relates to your literature review and paper or dissertation topic , and making an argument in support of your overall conclusion. It should not be a second results section.
There are different ways to write this section, but you can focus your writing around these key elements:
Upload your document to correct all your mistakes in minutes
What not to include in your discussion section, step 1: summarize your key findings, step 2: give your interpretations, step 3: discuss the implications, step 4: acknowledge the limitations, step 5: share your recommendations, discussion section example, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about discussion sections.
There are a few common mistakes to avoid when writing the discussion section of your paper.
The academic proofreading tool has been trained on 1000s of academic texts. Making it the most accurate and reliable proofreading tool for students. Free citation check included.
Try for free
Start this section by reiterating your research problem and concisely summarizing your major findings. To speed up the process you can use a summarizer to quickly get an overview of all important findings. Don’t just repeat all the data you have already reported—aim for a clear statement of the overall result that directly answers your main research question . This should be no more than one paragraph.
Many students struggle with the differences between a discussion section and a results section . The crux of the matter is that your results sections should present your results, and your discussion section should subjectively evaluate them. Try not to blend elements of these two sections, in order to keep your paper sharp.
The meaning of your results may seem obvious to you, but it’s important to spell out their significance for your reader, showing exactly how they answer your research question.
The form of your interpretations will depend on the type of research, but some typical approaches to interpreting the data include:
You can organize your discussion around key themes, hypotheses, or research questions, following the same structure as your results section. Alternatively, you can also begin by highlighting the most significant or unexpected results.
As well as giving your own interpretations, make sure to relate your results back to the scholarly work that you surveyed in the literature review . The discussion should show how your findings fit with existing knowledge, what new insights they contribute, and what consequences they have for theory or practice.
Ask yourself these questions:
Your overall aim is to show the reader exactly what your research has contributed, and why they should care.
The AI-powered Citation Checker helps you avoid common mistakes such as:
Even the best research has its limitations. Acknowledging these is important to demonstrate your credibility. Limitations aren’t about listing your errors, but about providing an accurate picture of what can and cannot be concluded from your study.
Limitations might be due to your overall research design, specific methodological choices , or unanticipated obstacles that emerged during your research process.
Here are a few common possibilities:
After noting the limitations, you can reiterate why the results are nonetheless valid for the purpose of answering your research question.
Based on the discussion of your results, you can make recommendations for practical implementation or further research. Sometimes, the recommendations are saved for the conclusion .
Suggestions for further research can lead directly from the limitations. Don’t just state that more studies should be done—give concrete ideas for how future work can build on areas that your own research was unable to address.
If you want to know more about AI for academic writing, AI tools, or research bias, make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!
Research bias
(AI) Tools
In the discussion , you explore the meaning and relevance of your research results , explaining how they fit with existing research and theory. Discuss:
The results chapter or section simply and objectively reports what you found, without speculating on why you found these results. The discussion interprets the meaning of the results, puts them in context, and explains why they matter.
In qualitative research , results and discussion are sometimes combined. But in quantitative research , it’s considered important to separate the objective results from your interpretation of them.
In a thesis or dissertation, the discussion is an in-depth exploration of the results, going into detail about the meaning of your findings and citing relevant sources to put them in context.
The conclusion is more shorter and more general: it concisely answers your main research question and makes recommendations based on your overall findings.
If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.
McCombes, S. (2023, July 18). How to Write a Discussion Section | Tips & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved September 25, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/dissertation/discussion/
Other students also liked, how to write a literature review | guide, examples, & templates, what is a research methodology | steps & tips, how to write a results section | tips & examples, get unlimited documents corrected.
✔ Free APA citation check included ✔ Unlimited document corrections ✔ Specialized in correcting academic texts
Research indicates that the characteristics we are born with have much more influence on our personality and development than any experiences we may have in our life. which do you consider to be the major influence give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience., some people prefer to eat at food stands or restaurants. other people prefer to prepare and eat food at home. which do you prefer use specific reasons and examples to support your answer., write about the following topic: research indicates that the characteristics we are born with have much more influence on our personality and development than any experiences we may have in our life. which do you consider to be the major influence give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. write at least 250 words., in some countries, more people are becoming interested in finding out about the history of the house or building they live in. what are the reasons for this how can people research this question, money is important in most people’s lives. although some people think it is more important than others. what do you feel are the right uses of money what other factors are important for a good life give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your experience., compare the advantages and disadvantages of three of the following as media for communicating and information. state which you consider to be the most effective - comics - books - radio - television - film - theatre give reason for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experiance., some people prefer to get up early in the morning and start the day’s work. others prefer to get up later in the day and work until late at night. which do you prefer use specific reasons and examples to support your choice., modern technology, such as personal computers and the internet, have made it possible for many people to do their work from home at least part of the time instead f going to an office every day. what are some of the advantages and disadvantages of this situation give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience., labour-saving devices such as dishwashers and communication tools such as computers are supposed to make our lives easier. however, some people argue that these devices only make them more difficult. does modern technology reduce or increase stress give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience, in some countries, young people are encouraged to work or travel for a year between finishing high school and starting university studies. discuss the advantages and disadvantages for young people who decide to do this. give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. you should write at least 250 words., nowadays, celebrities earn more money than the politicians do. what are the reasons for this is it a negative or a positive development, nowadays, more and more people decide to have children later in their life. what are the the reasons do advantages of this outweigh disadvantages, "these days people succeed in their chosen profession because they are good communicators and not just experts in a particular field". discuss the reasons and why is the case. give reasons to your answer and include any relevant examples from your knowledge or experience., you should spend about 40 minutes on this task. write about the following topic. with the improvements in today’s health care, society has to care for more and more elderly people. do you feel that society will be able to cope with the increase in numbers of elderly people today and how can it be managed give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. you should write at least 250 words., some people feel that it is always wrong to keep animals in captivity, for instance in zoos. other people say that there are benefits for the animals and for humans. discuss both sides of this debate, and give your personal view, you should spend about 40 minutes on this task. write about the following topic. pollution of rivers, lakes and seas is a major concern for people who seek to protect the environment. what are the possible causes of water pollution, and what effects does this have on animal life and human society give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. you should write at least 254 words., some people believe that it is best to accept a bad situation such as an unsatisfactory job or shortage of money. others argue that it is better to try and improve such situation. discuss both these views and give your own., immigration has a major impact on the society. what are the main reasons of immigration. to what consequences can it lead., to what extent has the internet made life more convenient give reasons for your answer and give any relavent examples from your own knowledge or experienc..
Table of contents
While there is no universal formula for writing a discussion section for a research paper that would fit every scenario, certain rules still apply. Most college students forget about the placement of this part in their academic writing research and ignore the importance of interpretation. It means that one deals with the final part of a research where you must describe, analyze an underlying meaning, and interpret what you have found. The trick is to show the significance of your results and showcase the objective reporting connection to your original research question. As you learn how to write the discussion section, the challenge is making it all readable and accessible to your target audience.
Let’s sum up the main aspects that we have to explore in writing the discussion section:
It should represent a brief overview of what your study revealed. | ||
An explanation of what your research problem results mean and how they should or can be read by others. | ||
Explain why your research results matter to the scientific community or the world. | ||
If any limitations have been met, they must be included. | ||
If you have something to recommend for further study or analytical work or an unexpected finding emerged in your work, add it. |
Keeping all this information in proper perspective, we can proceed with details and learn what it takes to write a good discussion section.
Regardless of a chosen essay type, the discussion section aims to review your research findings and place them together. The most important thing is to connect all the sections you have done before, remain focused, and allow your target audience to see them. With the conclusion arising, they should be able to connect each part and see how your research has been conducted. As an author, one must provide three vital elements:
Here, you must explain why your research results are important with all the existing knowledge using the same key terms. It can be done by explaining how they fit within the current literature or previous research papers. Speaking of tone, it must be self-critical and candid, especially when discussing the shortcomings and relevant results you have encountered.
Many students mix up these two sections as they fail to understand the major differences. Let’s make the situation clear by focusing on the important differences:
A discussion focuses on a thorough examination of research results. The purpose here is to interpret the gained results by examining how and why they were obtained. | A conclusion section is always about offering a summary. |
The discussion also reviews the limitations of certain research work and the gaps in findings. It must also conclude by making things meaningful and avoiding inadequately examined facts. | A conclusion is always brief and discusses the main points of the research paper. Unlike the discussion, it does not go too deep into research details. Offering a also closes the main research paper’s narrative. |
Creating your discussion research section requires some other rules, which makes it different. The talk is about formatting and subtle details that contribute to the overall clarity and findings.
The most important thing is to follow the original writing style format. If your text is a journal style scientific paper, the chosen style must be followed. Although the academic community has published no specific rules, a discussion section appears before the conclusion in most research publications.
Follow these six elements that will become helpful and will make it easier to narrow things down and develop creative solutions for your research problem:
Ask yourself whether it is important to present all the key results. Does your research paper provide sufficient analysis and discuss the importance and meaning of your discoveries? An can help narrow things down! | |
Do you reference any literature and research works done before? Do you show how the findings fit in within the general subject? Do you fit in or disagree? | |
Include anything that represents unexpected results in your research work. Provide your thoughts and sufficient analysis as you discuss how something effectively demonstrates your findings. | |
Talk about the limitations and shortcomings of your study and prior assumptions. Systematically explain how it has affected your work and what conclusions can be made. | |
Think about how your discussion can mention helpful information. You can or talk about what kind of future investigation can be useful or even necessary. Add future directions by discussing only research questions underpinning. | |
The key here is to restate the main points and emphasize the most significant results and their meaning within the scientific community. |
The rest of the rules advise avoiding using or stating something that you or other researchers have not previously mentioned.
Describing lessons learned, the structure is clear and follows the same pattern. Your structure may differ slightly if some lab work has been done or your methodology is out of the ordinary. In most other cases, with context and background information included, it may consist of six body paragraphs:
Start with your research question first and link it to the initial thesis. The trick here is to explain what your readers can learn and take from your paper. You must talk about what has been found and why it matters. | |
The second paragraph must explain how all your findings fit together and what they can change. A helpful solution is to revisit your literature review and re-visit key sources to provide an analysis. It must also provide existing evidence. | |
It is quite often that we encounter unexpected results. Provide a brief description of such results (if available) and offer an interpretation. It must be reasonable! Explain why they have appeared based on theory. If an unexpected result is quite significant, make sure to explain that logical link. | |
The limitations and weaknesses in research work are inevitable. When you address specific limitations, be honest and sincere about them. They help to show that you are a trustworthy author who is critical enough about one’s study. Do not ever cover the weaknesses and unexpected findings. Show all that there is. | |
A brief inclusion of helpful information and resources must be included either as previous studies or as text explanations. Talk about some areas where further research can be made. Explain why and how it can become helpful for future research. Such elements may be crucial for the understanding of your thesis. At the same time, do not overdo it, as it may make your research papers sound weak! | |
Restate your thesis with the most important findings, existing theories, and their effects. Support broader knowledge and talk about why your research is important. Offer a concise summary and remind your target audience about the main purpose behind your work. |
Remember: the most important thing is to restate your thesis and clarify the connection to the research question!
A typical discussion section of a research paper is about six paragraphs in length. It can be up to 3-4 pages. In certain cases, the length can go up to 10 paragraphs. Suppose you focus on other research-specific findings, existing theories, and lab reports for a discussion of experiment or related work. Think about 1000-1,500 words as you narrow things down to perfectness!
Nothing can be compared to seeing an actual example of a discussion section. Your subject may differ if you come from a Psychology course syllabus. Still, our example below will help you to understand things. See how each section uses specific phrases and words to make it more accessible.
State your main topic clearly! | ||
Talk about why it matters and how it helps to understand things! | ||
Major findings briefly reiterate more than one aspect, so divide them. | ||
Explain your key findings again if you see it necessary! | ||
Talk about your doubts and weak points by focusing on unusual or unanticipated patterns! | ||
Provide a list of other future studies that can be done. Add a few historical references by following sequential points. | ||
Look into your research question and simply restate it! |
Now that we know how to structure things, it’s time to move on to things that must be avoided in subsequent research.
As we all know, it is not easy to learn how to write a discussion section for your assignment. It is why we all make mistakes and fail to notice the most obvious! Fear not, as we have prepared a helpful checklist for you based on a sociology writer’s guide for researchers:
Do not copy your results section!
A discussion section is not only about the results you have obtained. You must provide your interpretation of the research questions. An analysis must be made here as well.
Do not offer conclusions without a piece of evidence and some supporting data! Either the discussion is fueled by facts or left out.
All of your explanations must be backed up by at least one fact and evidence that can be read in your research paper. Your audience should not be looking for research questions or information elsewhere. All the vital data must be in your literature review section and the list of references. The most important is to remain within the major findings. Do not go into other scientific territories without properly backing up the facts!
Avoid the use of information that has not been provided before!
As a rule, any new information not mentioned before must be avoided. The most common mistake among students is adding new information or previously published research to the discussion section. If new information is available, add it to the results section as well.
Do not pick easy results to conduct your analysis upon them!
Some results and findings are easier than the rest! Do not pick only those that seem to fit but talk about what you have discovered, good or bad. If all else fails, offer alternative explanations.
Some other common mistakes include failing to proofread and edit one’s research paper for accuracy. Never ignore the proofreading part, and double-check your previous research references!
On a final note, the ingredients vital to writing the discussion section of a research paper include the following:
This will help make your further research paper readable and more accessible
If you are still struggling and find it hard to cope with your discussion section, think about how to use ChatGPT to write papers and help you finish things on time! If your university college writing center is unavailable, we are here for you ─ waiting for your “do my research paper” request. Likewise, if you have any questions or if something is unclear, it is always possible to give us a shout, and we shall do our best to assist you with further research!
Just fill out the form, press the button, and have no worries!
We use cookies to give you the best experience possible. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy.
Let’s examine some examples of effective conclusions for different IELTS Writing Task 2 question types.
Question: Some people believe that unpaid community service should be a compulsory part of high school programs. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Conclusion: In conclusion, while there are valid arguments for making unpaid community service mandatory in high schools, I believe that the potential drawbacks outweigh the benefits. Forcing students to participate may lead to resentment and a lack of genuine engagement. Instead, schools should focus on educating students about the value of volunteering and provide opportunities for those who are interested. By encouraging rather than mandating community service, we can foster a more authentic sense of social responsibility among young people.
Question: Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of living in a multi-generational household.
Conclusion: In summary, living in a multi-generational household presents both significant benefits and challenges. While it offers financial advantages, emotional support, and cultural continuity, it can also lead to privacy issues, conflicts, and reduced independence. Ultimately, the success of such living arrangements depends on clear communication, mutual respect, and the ability to balance individual needs with family obligations. As society evolves, it is crucial to recognize and address both the positive and negative aspects of multi-generational living to ensure harmonious family dynamics.
Question: The number of people who are overweight is increasing. What do you think are the causes of this? What solutions can you suggest?
Conclusion: To conclude, the rising prevalence of obesity is a complex issue stemming from various factors, including poor dietary habits, sedentary lifestyles, and socioeconomic influences. Addressing this problem requires a multi-faceted approach. By implementing comprehensive education programs, promoting active lifestyles, and creating supportive environments for healthy choices, we can work towards reducing obesity rates. It is crucial for governments, communities, and individuals to collaborate in these efforts to ensure a healthier future for all.
Question: Some people think that parents should teach children how to be good members of society. Others, however, believe that school is the place to learn this. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Conclusion: In conclusion, while both parents and schools play vital roles in shaping children into responsible members of society, I believe that the primary responsibility lies with parents. The home environment provides the foundation for a child’s values and behavior, which is then reinforced and expanded upon in school settings. Ideally, a collaborative approach between parents and educational institutions would be most effective, ensuring that children receive consistent guidance and support in developing the skills and values necessary to contribute positively to society. By recognizing the complementary roles of both parties, we can create a more comprehensive and impactful approach to raising socially conscious individuals.
By avoiding these mistakes and implementing the tips and examples provided, you can craft strong, effective conclusions for your IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. Remember, practice is key to perfecting your conclusion-writing skills. Try writing conclusions for various essay types and seek feedback to continually improve your performance.
[internal_links]
As you prepare for your IELTS exam, focus on developing a clear, concise, and impactful concluding paragraph for each practice essay. With time and effort, you’ll find that crafting strong conclusions becomes second nature, helping you to leave a lasting impression on the examiner and boost your overall Writing Task 2 score.
Journal of Applied Crystallography Journal of Applied Crystallography |
4. discussion, 5. conclusion, supporting information.
Format | BIBTeX | |
EndNote | ||
RefMan | ||
Refer | ||
Medline | ||
CIF | ||
SGML | ||
Plain Text | ||
Text | ||
JOURNAL OF APPLIED CRYSTALLOGRAPHY |
a University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU), Vienna, Austria, b European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, Grenoble, France, c University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom, d Aix Marseille Univ. CNRS, Centrale Med, Institut Fresnel, Marseille, France, e Danish Technological Institute, Høje Taastrup, Denmark, f Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium, g Univ. Grenoble Alpes, UMR SyMMES, CEA-Grenoble/IRIG, Grenoble, France, and h Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom * Correspondence e-mail: [email protected]
Energy-dispersive Laue diffraction (EDLD) is a powerful method to obtain position-resolved texture information in inhomogeneous biological samples without the need for sample rotation. This study employs EDLD texture scanning to investigate the impact of two salivary peptides, statherin (STN) and histatin-1 (HTN) 21 N -terminal peptides (STN21 and HTN21), on the crystallographic structure of dental enamel. These proteins are known to play crucial roles in dental caries progression. Three healthy incisors were randomly assigned to three groups: artificially demineralized, demineralized after HTN21 peptide pre-treatment and demineralized after STN21 peptide pre-treatment. To understand the micro-scale structure of the enamel, each specimen was scanned from the enamel surface to a depth of 250 µm using microbeam EDLD. Via the use of a white beam and a pixelated detector, where each pixel functions as a spectrometer, pole figures were obtained in a single exposure at each measurement point. The results revealed distinct orientations of hydroxyapatite crystallites and notable texture variation in the peptide-treated demineralized samples compared with the demineralized control. Specifically, the peptide-treated demineralized samples exhibited up to three orientation populations, in contrast to the demineralized control which displayed only a single orientation population. The texture index of the demineralized control (2.00 ± 0.21) was found to be lower than that of either the STN21 (2.32 ± 0.20) or the HTN21 (2.90 ± 0.46) treated samples. Hence, texture scanning with EDLD gives new insights into dental enamel crystallite orientation and links the present understanding of enamel demineralization to the underlying crystalline texture. For the first time, the feasibility of EDLD texture measurements for quantitative texture evaluation in demineralized dental enamel samples is demonstrated.
Keywords: dental enamel ; texture ; Laue diffraction ; crystallographic texture ; hydroxyapatite ; salivary proteins .
( ) A simplified diagram of a human tooth, illustrating its different components. ( ) A scanning electron micrograph presenting the organizational pattern of enamel prisms. ( ) A schematic representation detailing the 3D arrangement of crystallites within enamel prisms, redrawn from Habelitz (2001 ) with permission from Elsevier. |
The concept of EDLD texture measurement. ( ) Laue diffraction from a single crystal. ( )(i) The white beam is diffracted and single reflections hit the detector. ( )(ii) A representation in Reflections occur where the intersects the reciprocal The radius depends on the wavelength λ. In the white beam, a continuous spectrum from λ to λ is present. ( ) Laue diffraction from a strongly polycrystalline sample. ( )(i) In this case, many orientations contribute, yielding a multitude of reflections. ( )(ii) A representation in The is smeared out due to the many crystallite orientations. In the case of a completely random orientation, continuous hollow spheres would be present. For a given energy (or Ewald sphere) we can see a powder pattern (made of rings) on the detector. In the case of a texture, the rings show modulated intensity. Ewald spheres of different radii (originating from different incident wavelengths) intersect the reciprocal object at different points, thus providing information about intensity variations in the rings (spheres). ( )(iii) The diffraction patterns recorded at different energies in one shot show varying signals at different energies, which can be used to obtain information about the 3D orientation distribution of the crystallites (crystallographic texture). |
In the present paper we demonstrate, for the first time, the feasibility of EDLD texture measurements for quantitative texture evaluation in demineralized dental enamel samples.
In the present study, we examine the impact of HTN and STN 21 N -terminal peptides (HTN21 and STN21) on the demineralization process and on the associated crystallographic texture of human dental enamel using energy-dispersive Laue diffraction (EDLD) texture measurements. Due to the one-shot nature of the employed method and the absence of sample rotation, we were able to perform small step scans across slices of tooth enamel with a micrometre-sized X-ray beam and study the local texture at every measurement point. Through quantitative evaluation, we gain insight into the orientation patterns in the differently treated samples. This insight could guide the development of targeted treatments for conditions affecting dental enamel. In essence, our study not only demonstrates the practical applications of EDLD but also helps to obtain a mechanistic understanding of the dynamic alteration of enamel demineralization induced by peptide treatments.
A 10 mmol l −1 phosphate-buffered saline solution was prepared by dissolving phosphate-buffered saline powder (Sigma–Aldrich, UK) in deionized water. The final solution had a pH of 7.4 and contained 0.138 mol l −1 NaCl and 0.0027 mol l −1 KCl.
A total of three healthy incisors were collected with informed consent from patients treated at Barts and the London Dental Hospital (London, UK) clinics (QMREC 2011/99). They were randomly separated into three groups: DC – artificially demineralized, DH – demineralized with truncated histatin (HTN21) and DS – demineralized with STN21.
The demineralization solution was prepared by diluting a stock solution of 100 mmol l −1 acetic acid (AnalaR VWR) with deionized water and adjusting the pH to 4.0 using a 1000 mmol l −1 NaOH solution (Sigma–Aldrich, UK).
Sample DC was immersed in a demineralization solution of pH 4.0, consisting of 100 mmol l −1 acetic acid, for 2 d. Following this, it was rinsed with distilled water and transferred to a PBS solution for 24 h. After the PBS treatment it was immersed once again in the demineralization solution for an additional 2 d. Samples DH and DS underwent similar treatment to sample DC. However, in the case of sample DH, it was transferred to a PBS solution containing HTN21 at a concentration of 200 nmol ml −1 , while sample DS was transferred to a PBS solution containing STN21 at a concentration of 200 nmol ml −1 . All steps were carried out at 25.0 ± 2.0 ˚ C.
The specimens were embedded in fast-curing acrylic cold-mounting resin (ClaroCit Kit, Struers, Ballerup, Denmark). Each of the embedded teeth was cut through the mid-point perpendicular to the bucco-lingual surface using a Struers Accutom-5 diamond saw (Struers, Ballerup, Denmark) to produce a 300 µm thick mid-slice for each tooth. The slices were then wet-polished down to 20 µm using 800 grit silicon carbide abrasive paper (Wetordry Tri-M-Ite paper, 3M, Minnesota, USA), as described in more detail in the supporting information (Note S1)
EDLD measurements were carried out on the CRG-InterFace beamline BM32 at the European synchrotron (ESRF). A polychromatic beam with a continuous energy distribution from 5 to 23 keV was used. This beam was obtained through a two-step demagnification of the white beam coming from a bending magnet (0.85 T): Primary mirrors in the optics hutch were employed to first focus the beam vertically onto a secondary source downstream. Subsequently, Kirkpatrick–Baez (KB) mirrors located close to the sample further reduced the beam size to 1 µm as a compromise regarding the grain size and the number of illuminated grains. To minimize air scattering, a helium-purged lead collimator was placed between the exit window of the KB mirror and the sample.
The diffraction signal was recorded by an energy-dispersive pixelated detector of pnCCD type (SLcam). The active area consisted of 264 × 264 pixels, each with a pixel size of 48 × 48 µm. Each pixel could record an energy range from 1.7 to 40 keV using 1024 channels. The chip was read out at a frequency of 400 Hz, resulting in a maximum count rate of approximately 600 000 counts per second (cps) for the entire chip, or approximately 10 cps for an individual pixel. Due to the small size of the active area, the detector was mounted on a home-built manually adjustable goniometer stage. While the sample remained stationary, the stage allowed moving the detector (SLcam) around the sample in a 2 × 2 array to detect diffraction at larger angles, minimizing geometric distortion of the diffraction images.
The primary beam was blocked by a small gold beamstop (200 µm diameter, 4 mm length) mounted on a spherical Kapton shell with a thickness of 100 µm to allow the scattered radiation to pass through. Both the beamstop and the sample were mounted on downstream extensions, allowing a small sample-to-detector distance and, simultaneously, rotation of the SLcam around the centre of rotation of the home-built stage to access larger scattering angles. The active area of the detector was placed 22 mm behind the sample. A range of up to 2 θ = 40° was covered by four slightly overlapping detector positions.
A schematic diagram illustrating a tooth slice and the diffraction geometry in the synchrotron experiment, with a close-up showing the beam direction in relation to the orientation of the enamel prisms. |
The data were normalized to account for variations in incident intensity, detector sensitivity and sample absorption at different energies and were background corrected before further evaluation, as described in Note S2 in the supporting information .
( ) A diffraction image stack (data cube containing 2D diffraction images at different energies) obtained from one position of the detector. ( ) A ( , χ, ) data cube obtained by integration (caking) from diffraction images of all detector positions. Bragg reflections appear as vertical lines of varying intensity. For each reflection to be evaluated, a narrow range around the reflection was chosen and integrated over . The resulting χ– maps for each reflection can be directly transformed into χ–θ maps and displayed as ( ) a pole figure for an individual reflection. |
( ) The arrangement of HAp crystallites in a fibre texture about the crystallographic axis. ( ) Simulated full PFs, ( ) the estimated ODF from the full PFs, ( ) incomplete PFs in the experimentally accessible range, ( ) the estimated ODF from the incomplete PFs and ( ) reconstructed pole figures from the ODF obtained from the partial pole figures. |
Experimental pole figures of enamel were used to calculate ODFs at every scan point. Fibre orientations were fitted using the implemented MTEX function `fibrefit', and the positions of the fibres in the reference coordinate system are given in Cartesian coordinates as an output. These coordinates are later used to display the orientation of the fibres in the reference coordinate system and to obtain the tilt angle of the fibres with the enamel surface and the misorientation angle between fibres. In the case of several fibre populations present in the sample, the `fibrefit' algorithm was used to determine the most dominant fibre component. Once these results were obtained, the columns in the ODF representing this first component were erased from the ODF and the `fibrefit' algorithm was used to find the next dominant component. This procedure was repeated until only noise was fitted.
ODFs were also used to obtain quantitative information. The relative volume of crystals close to a certain orientation is given by
A useful parameter describing the degree of preferred orientation, or texture strength, is the texture index, given by
( ) Experimental pole figures. ( )(i) The estimated ODF and ( )(ii) reconstructed pole figures showing a single orientation population with an out-of-plane tilt of 7° on average with the enamel surface. ( )(iii) The fibre axis in the reference coordinate system. ( )(i) and ( )(ii) Reconstructed pole figures and ODF, respectively, showing two populations offset by 68°. ( )(iii) Both fibre axes in the reference coordinate system. ( )(i) and ( )(ii) Reconstructed pole figures and ODF, respectively, showing two populations offset by a value of 36°. ( )(iii) Both fibre axes in the reference coordinate system. |
Due to the wealth of 3D information contained in the measured PFs and the calculated ODFs, we can determine the actual 3D orientation of the crystallite populations with respect to each other. This capability stands in contrast to conventional 2D XRD with a monochromatic beam and an area detector, as 2D XRD techniques are unable to detect out-of-plane tilts directly.
From the analysis of measured PFs and calculated ODFs, several key parameters regarding enamel crystallites were determined at each scan point. These parameters include:
(i) The crystallite orientation represented by the tilt angle of the c axis with respect to the sample section plane (out-of-plane tilt). When reading the pole figures, note that the sample plane also corresponds to the equator in the pole figure.
(ii) The relative volume of each orientation population (population volume) determined as the volume fraction V f of crystallites close to a given fibre texture.
(iii) The texture index J ODF .
(iv) The c -axis orientation difference between different populations if more than one population is present.
(Left) An optical microscope image of the demineralized tooth without peptide treatment (DC), indicating the positions of both line scans. ( )(i), ( )(ii) and ( )(iii) Histograms displaying the values of the tilt angle of the crystallites, the volume of crystallites having one fibre texture and the texture index, respectively, for Line A. ( )(i), ( )(ii) and ( )(iii) Histograms showing the values of the tilt angle of the crystallites, the volume of crystallites having one fibre texture and the texture index, respectively, for Line B. |
IMAGES
VIDEO
COMMENTS
Discussion Essay Thesis Statement. In academic writing, a thesis statement (sometimes called an essay outline) is the part of the essay where you insert your opinion.It typically comes at the end of the introduction and guides the reader by explaining your opinion on the issues that have been introduced.. But do you really need to provide one in such a short essay?
Compose the body of your essay. Write down the main points of the body paragraphs of your discussion paper. A well-written body paragraph illustrates, justifies, and/or supports your thesis statement. When writing body paragraphs: Typically, present each issue separately and discuss both sides of the argument in an unbiased manner.
Discussion Essay Model Answer. Please note that this essay is over 300 words. Longer doesn't mean better. It is rare for an essay to go over 300 words or 310 words at most. Most IELTS essays are between 270 and 290 words, even for a band 9. However, 300 words, more or less, is possible as long as each sentence is highly focused and relevant.
When writing a discussion essay, it is important to ensure that facts and opinions are clearly separated. Often you will examine what other people have already said on the same subject and include this information using paraphrasing and summarising skills, as well as correct citations. The following are examples of discussion essay topics.
Discussion Essay IELTS Sample Band 9 Response. Choosing a career can be a challenging process. It can be difficult to say whether this decision should be made alone, or made with input from loved ones. In my opinion, it is best to find one's career independently, with no more than a small amount of advice from family or friends. Below, I will ...
Below is a list of IELTS discussion essay sample questions for IELTS writing task 2. These are also known as two sided essays. Discussion Essay Tips. identify both sides. find supporting points for both side. only give your opinion if the task asks for it. use discussion essay language. follow a safe discussion essay model.
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 ...
For example, ' this essay will discuss both views and state my own position'. There are three sentences you need in the introduction >>. Paraphrase the question / State both views. Give your view/opinion. Outline what is going to be discussed in the essay. Paragraph 2 - Main Body Paragraph 1.
5.1 Complete the sample Discussion essay. 5.2 Discussion Sample Essay. 1. Discussion Essay Overview. As with all IELTS writing task 2 essay questions, you will have 40 minutes to produce a formal essay (at least 250 words in length). With a discussion essay, you will be presented with two sides of an argument and then asked to give your opinion ...
Use clear, concise language. Body Paragraph 1: Discuss the first viewpoint. Use a topic sentence to introduce the viewpoint, and then present supporting ideas and examples. Body Paragraph 2: Discuss the second viewpoint. Use a similar structure as the first body paragraph but ensure your points are distinct.
Planning time is crucial here, allow 10 minutes to plan an essay and make sure you have some good supporting points to back up your topic sentences. With a discussion essay, you have to state others views and give supporting sentences with detail and specific examples. Discussion essays often ask your opinion.
Discuss both sides and give your own opinion. Read my essay here. Many university students want to learn about different subjects in addition to their main subjects. Others feel it is more important to give all their time and attention to studying for their qualification. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
There are hundreds of ways to structure a Discuss both views essay in the writing part. However, we'll use this 4-paragraph foolproof band 7+ structure: INTRODUCTION. Paraphrase the question statement or use a general statement relevant to the topic. Write your opinion statement (only if specified in the statement).
Keep it simple and to the point. You might find some tips to write an effective introduction for IELTS Writing Task 2 below. Use Paragraphs. Break your essay into two paragraphs, with each one focusing on a different point. Start each paragraph with a topic sentence that tells the reader what the paragraph is about.
Here's an example of how I write a 4-paragraph essay for "discuss and give your opinion" questions. Notice that I give my opinion in 3 places (introduction, paragraph 3, conclusion). Some people believe that studying at university or college is the best route to a successful career, while others believe that it is better to get a job straight after school. Discuss both views and give your ...
Discussion essays require you to discuss both sides of an issue. The prompt often starts with phrases like "Some people believe that..." or "Others believe that...". You need to clearly state both sides of the issue and then provide evidence to support both sides. In the conclusion, you need to state your own opinion on the issue.
Introduction: paraphrase the question, state both points of view, make a thesis statement and outline your sentence. Main body paragraph 1: state the first viewpoint, discuss it, state whether you agree or disagree and give an example to support your view. Main body paragraph 2: state the second viewpoint, discuss it, state whether you agree or ...
Sample discussion essayS. y Explanatory note This is by no means an example of "the perf. ct discussion essay". It is merely an indication of how a discussion essay might be structured using source materials, expert opinions (including your o. ), and other evidence. It also attempts to draw your attention to the distinctive style features ...
It needs good service, good products, and good ideas to expand its business and make a large profit. [Comment 5] [Comment 1]In this paragraph, the writer has indicated the importance of the topic and has given a statement, using the first person pronoun, of what she will be doing in the essay. [Comment 2]This is the first main paragraph.
IELTS Discussion Essay Sample (Corrected) Some people think that wild animals should not be kept in zoos. Others believe that there are good reasons for having zoos. Discuss both these views and give your opinion. There appear to be differing views on whether zoos are appropriate and acceptable places for wild animals.
Read them and think about which one is good, which one needs to improve and why. I will post tomorrow with the answers and provide some feedback on both examples. Essay 1. Some argue that when parents are at work, close relations provide the best care to young children, while others believe day care centres offer a better service. It is agreed ...
Table of contents. What not to include in your discussion section. Step 1: Summarize your key findings. Step 2: Give your interpretations. Step 3: Discuss the implications. Step 4: Acknowledge the limitations. Step 5: Share your recommendations. Discussion section example. Other interesting articles.
Firstly I will give examples of possible causes, secondly, I will explain the advantages and disadvantages of this situation. 9. band. "These days people succeed in their chosen profession because they are good communicators and not just experts in a particular field". Discuss the reasons and why is the case.
Table of contents. 1 What Is the Purpose of the Discussion Section?; 2 The Discussion Section Is Not the Same as the Conclusion Section; 3 6 General Rules to Remember; 4 Structure of the Discussion Section; 5 Discussion Section Length. 5.1 Helpful Writing Tips Based on Previous Research Examples; 6 Common Pitfalls You Must Avoid; 7 Final Aspects to Consider for Further Research
Tips for writing effective IELTS Writing Task 2 conclusions. Common Mistakes to Avoid in IELTS Writing Task 2 Conclusions. Introducing new information: The conclusion is not the place for new ideas or arguments. Being too repetitive: While you should restate your main points, avoid simply repeating sentences from earlier in your essay. Using informal language: Maintain a formal tone throughout ...
Energy-dispersive Laue diffraction (EDLD) is a powerful method to obtain position-resolved texture information in inhomogeneous biological samples without the need for sample rotation. This study employs EDLD texture scanning to investigate the impact of two salivary peptides, statherin (STN) and histatin-1 (HTN) 21 N-terminal peptides (STN21 ...