Introduction
In IELTS Writing Task 2, a discussion essay requires you to present and evaluate different perspectives on a particular issue. These types of essays test your ability to discuss two or more viewpoints before reaching a conclusion or stating your own opinion. While the structure of a discussion essay is fairly straightforward, students often struggle with presenting balanced arguments, linking ideas, and using appropriate language.
In this post, we’ll guide you through the process of writing a high-scoring discussion essay for IELTS. You’ll learn how to structure your essay, develop strong arguments for both sides, and write clearly and effectively.
1. Understand the Question Type
Mistake: Misinterpreting the Question
The first and most important step in writing a discussion essay is understanding the question prompt. Some candidates confuse discussion essays with opinion essays or other types of essays, which can lead to a response that doesn’t fully address the task.
What You Need to Do:
- Identify the key instruction words: The prompt may ask you to “discuss both views and give your opinion,” or “discuss the advantages and disadvantages.” These instructions are different and must be addressed accordingly.
- Know when to give your opinion: Some discussion essay prompts require you to offer your opinion at the end of the essay, while others may ask you to remain neutral. Pay attention to the wording to ensure you follow the correct approach.
Tip from WritingChex: Carefully read the question and underline the key instruction words (e.g., “discuss,” “advantages,” “disadvantages,” “both views,” etc.).
2. Plan Your Essay Carefully
Mistake: Starting Without a Plan
Skipping the planning phase can lead to an unorganized, rushed essay. Planning is crucial for making sure your essay is balanced, coherent, and focused.
What You Need to Do:
- Spend time brainstorming: Take a few minutes to think about the issue at hand. Write down the main points for each side of the argument and think about the evidence or examples you can use to support your ideas.
- Structure your essay: A typical discussion essay has four main paragraphs:
- Introduction: Paraphrase the question, introduce both sides of the argument, and state whether you agree with one of the views or remain neutral.
- Body Paragraph 1: Discuss the first viewpoint, providing reasons and examples.
- Body Paragraph 2: Discuss the opposing viewpoint, again providing reasons and examples.
- Conclusion: Summarize both viewpoints and provide your opinion or a final thought on the issue.
Tip from WritingChex: A well-planned essay is always more organized and easier to write. Use your brainstorming session to identify strong arguments for both sides of the issue.
3. Write a Strong Introduction
Mistake: Writing a Weak or Vague Introduction
A weak introduction can set the wrong tone for your entire essay. You need to make sure your introduction clearly outlines the issue and gives the examiner a roadmap for what to expect in the rest of your essay.
What You Need to Do:
- Paraphrase the question: Begin by paraphrasing the question to show the examiner that you understand it. This also allows you to demonstrate your ability to use a range of vocabulary.
- Introduce both viewpoints: Briefly outline the two sides of the argument that you will discuss in the body paragraphs. Avoid stating your opinion in the introduction unless the prompt specifically asks for it.
Tip from WritingChex: Your introduction should be concise but clear. It should set the stage for the discussion and highlight that you’ll be addressing both sides of the issue.
4. Develop Balanced Arguments
Mistake: Focusing Too Much on One Side
One of the most common mistakes in discussion essays is presenting an unbalanced argument. If you give more weight to one side of the issue, the examiner may think your essay lacks fairness and coherence.
What You Need to Do:
- Present both sides of the argument equally: If you are asked to discuss both sides, you must give each perspective enough attention. Each body paragraph should focus on one viewpoint, and both viewpoints should have similar depth and detail.
- Use clear topic sentences: Start each body paragraph with a clear topic sentence that introduces the viewpoint being discussed. For example, “On one hand, some people argue that…”
Tip from WritingChex: Avoid bias. Present both sides with an objective tone before giving your opinion or conclusion.
5. Use Examples and Evidence
Mistake: Failing to Support Arguments with Examples
One of the biggest mistakes candidates make in discussion essays is not supporting their arguments with specific examples or evidence. Without concrete examples, your points may seem too vague or unconvincing.
What You Need to Do:
- Use real-world examples: Support both sides of the argument with real-world examples, statistics, or facts. For instance, if you are discussing the benefits of online education, you could reference studies that show the effectiveness of online learning.
- Be specific: The more specific your examples, the stronger your argument will be. For example, instead of saying, “Many people are concerned about pollution,” say, “Studies show that air pollution has increased by 30% in major cities over the past decade.”
Tip from WritingChex: Practice using a variety of examples to support your arguments. This will make your essay more convincing and give you a higher score for task response.
6. Write a Clear Conclusion
Mistake: Writing a Generic or Inconclusive Conclusion
Your conclusion is the final impression the examiner will have of your essay. A weak or vague conclusion can undermine the quality of the rest of your writing.
What You Need to Do:
- Summarize both viewpoints: Briefly summarize the main points you’ve discussed in the body paragraphs.
- State your opinion: If the prompt asks for your opinion, clearly state it in the conclusion. If the prompt doesn’t ask for your opinion, you should still offer a final thought on the issue or a recommendation.
Tip from WritingChex: A strong conclusion ties everything together. Don’t introduce new information, but restate the key arguments and offer your final perspective.
Example of a High-Scoring Discussion Essay
Here’s an example of a discussion essay:
Question:
Some people believe that the government should spend money on improving public transportation, while others believe that money should be spent on building new roads and highways. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Introduction:
In many cities, there is an ongoing debate about how the government should allocate funds for transportation. Some argue that improving public transportation should be the priority, while others believe that investing in new roads and highways is more important. This essay will discuss both viewpoints and present my opinion on the matter.
Body Paragraph 1:
On the one hand, proponents of investing in public transportation argue that it is a more sustainable and cost-effective solution to urban transportation problems. Public transport reduces the number of cars on the road, which can help alleviate traffic congestion and lower pollution levels. For example, cities like Tokyo and London have extensive public transport networks that are not only environmentally friendly but also efficient for commuters.
Body Paragraph 2:
On the other hand, those in favor of building new roads and highways believe that expanding infrastructure is necessary to accommodate the increasing number of vehicles on the road. In many developing countries, road networks are outdated and inadequate for modern traffic needs. Building new highways can provide faster routes, reduce travel times, and stimulate economic growth by improving access to remote areas.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, while both public transportation and road infrastructure are important, I believe that investing in public transportation should take precedence. It offers long-term benefits such as reduced traffic congestion, lower pollution, and a more sustainable transportation system for the future.
Conclusion
Writing a high-scoring discussion essay in IELTS Writing Task 2 involves carefully considering both sides of an argument, developing clear and balanced points, and presenting your ideas in a structured and coherent manner. By following the steps outlined in this post—understanding the question, planning your essay, using examples to support your arguments, and writing a strong conclusion—you can improve your essay writing skills and increase your chances of achieving a high band score.
If you’d like personalized feedback on your discussion essays, WritingChex can help. Our experts will review your writing and offer tips to help you improve and reach your target IELTS score.
