IELTS · Guides · October 24, 2026 · 4 min read
IELTS discussion essay: discuss both views and give your opinion, with a sample
A discussion essay gives you two opposing views and asks you to discuss both and give your own opinion. It is the second most common IELTS Task 2 question, and it has a trap: candidates either forget to give their opinion, or give it only in the last line. To score well, the examiner should know your view from the introduction.
How the question is phrased
Some people believe that children should start school at the age of four. Others think they should not start until they are seven. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Look for two things: two views (some people… others…) and the instruction give your own opinion. If the question asks only Discuss both views, you can still state a view, but it matters less. If it says To what extent do you agree? it is an opinion essay instead.
A four-paragraph plan
| Paragraph | Content |
|---|---|
| Introduction | Paraphrase both views; say which one you support. |
| Body 1 | The view you do not support: its reasons, explained fairly, with an example. |
| Body 2 | The view you do support: reasons and an example. Your opinion is clearest here. |
| Conclusion | Sum up both views in one sentence; restate your opinion. |
Putting your own view second means the essay ends on your strongest argument. Both body paragraphs should be similar in length: a discussion that gives one side two sentences is not a discussion.
Some writers prefer a third body paragraph for their opinion. That also works, but it is harder to finish in 40 minutes.
A sample essay
Some people believe that children should start school at the age of four. Others think they should not start until they are seven. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
The age at which children begin formal education varies widely between countries, from four in some places to seven in others. Although there are reasonable arguments for an early start, I believe that children benefit more from beginning school later.
Those in favour of starting at four argue that young children learn quickly and that school gives them a head start in reading, writing and numbers. Early schooling can also help children from disadvantaged homes, who may have fewer books and less adult attention at home, to catch up with their classmates. In addition, it allows both parents to return to work, which many families need financially.
On the other hand, there is a strong case for waiting until seven. At four, most children are not ready to sit still and follow lessons, and being asked to do so can make them anxious and turn them against learning. Play, which dominates the early years in countries that start later, develops language, social skills and concentration in ways that are just as valuable as formal teaching. Finland, where formal schooling begins at seven, has long achieved strong results in international tests, which suggests that a later start does not hold pupils back. In my view, the needs of disadvantaged children and working parents would be better met by good, play-based nurseries than by early formal lessons.
In conclusion, while starting school at four may offer an early academic advantage, I believe that children should begin formal education at around seven, after a period of learning through play.
256 words. The opinion appears in the introduction (I believe that children benefit more from beginning school later), is developed in body 2, and closes the essay.
Useful language
- Presenting a view: Those in favour of… argue that…, Supporters of this view point out that…, It is often claimed that…
- Switching sides: On the other hand,…, Opponents, however,…, There is also a strong case for…
- Your view: In my view,…, I am more convinced by…, Personally, I side with…
Common mistakes
- Opinion only in the conclusion, or no opinion at all when the task asks for one.
- Writing as if you hold both views. Body 1 presents other people’s reasons: Those in favour argue…, not I think….
- An unbalanced essay: one long paragraph for your side and two sentences for the other.
- A new idea in the conclusion. The conclusion only sums up.
Practise in the practice room
Discussion essays with band scores for all four criteria and comments on your text:
- Online or classroom learning
- A four-day working week
- Funding for the arts or science
- Children in cities or the countryside
A full discussion essay on online learning is analysed paragraph by paragraph in Task 2 sample essays. The shared plan for all essay types is in Writing Task 2 structure.
Common questions
Can I agree with both views? Yes, if you explain how: both are right in different situations. But say it clearly in the introduction.
Which view should I discuss first? The one you disagree with. The essay then ends on your argument.
Does the order of the views in the question matter? No. You can discuss them in either order.