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IELTS Writing - Task 2 - Discuss Both Views

IELTS
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Lectures for Writing
Task 2 - Discuss Both Views

IELTS Writing Task 2 — Discuss both views

  • Writing
  • Task 2
  • Discussion Essay

IELTS Writing Task 2 Overview

Task 2 consists of the following:

  • ① A writing prompt that presents a viewpoint, argument, or problem

  • ② One to three questions related to that prompt

Topics can vary widely, covering areas such as culture, government, social sciences, the environment, and technology. You must write a formal essay of at least 250 words in response to the prompt within 40 minutes.

IELTS Writing Task 2 Question Types

The following five types of questions may appear:

  • Agree or disagree with a particular viewpoint or argument
  • Discuss two opposing views
  • Describe the advantages or disadvantages of a topic
  • Explain the causes of a problem and provide solutions
  • Address a given situation divided into two parts (Two-part Question)

Discussion Essay Overview

Discussion Essay questions consist of two key elements.

Writing Prompt

  • Describes a view, belief, or opinion held by a group or society as a whole
  • Consists of 1–2 sentences
  • Often includes words such as "feel," "believe," or "think"

Writing Instructions

1. Usually a single sentence with little variation

2. Typical instructions:

  • "Discuss both views and give your opinion."
    • "Discuss both sides and give your opinion."

Strategy for Writing a Discussion Essay

  1. STEP 1. Understand the Task

    • Discuss BOTH views: Give equal weight to each side
    • Give your opinion: Clearly choose one view to support
    • The view you choose does not matter

  2. STEP 2. Plan Your Answer (4-Paragraph Structure)

    • Introduction
    • 2 Main Body Paragraphs — one per view
    • Conclusion

  3. STEP 3. How to Write Each Paragraph

    Introduction

    • Paraphrase: Restate the prompt while clearly expressing both views
    • Preview: Present two reasons
      • One reason per view
      • You may include additional reasons if balance is maintained and time permits
    • Thesis Statement: Present your own opinion

    Body Paragraphs — Structure of Each Paragraph

    • Topic Sentence
    • Explanation of the reason with examples

    Conclusion

    Summarize the key points and your opinion

Things to Keep in Mind

  • 1. Spend 40 minutes

    Since Task 2 is worth twice as much as Task 1, allocate about 40 minutes to it

  • 2. Plan your answer

    Spend a few minutes brainstorming your answers, explanations, and examples to create an outline

  • 3. Use a variety of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and vary your sentence structures appropriately

  • 4. Proofread

    In the final few minutes, check for grammatical errors and typos, and make sure your writing is clear and coherent

  • 5. Be sure to double-check that your conclusion accurately paraphrases the answers presented in your introduction, and that your essay exceeds 250 words