How to Write Discuss Both Views and Give Your Opinion Essays in IELTS Writing Task 2 (Band 7–9 Guide)

Writing a “Discuss Both Views and Give Your Opinion” essay is a common task in IELTS Writing Task 2. This essay type requires you to present two opposing viewpoints on a given issue and then provide your own opinion. Mastering this essay type is crucial for achieving a high band score, as it assesses your ability to present a balanced argument and clearly state your position.

Understanding the Question Type

In this essay format, you are typically presented with a statement or question that introduces two contrasting views. Your task is to:

1. Discuss both views: Present each viewpoint fairly, explaining the reasoning behind each perspective.
2. Give your opinion: Clearly state your own opinion on the issue and justify it with relevant arguments and examples.

Common Phrasing in Questions:

• “Discuss both views and give your opinion.”

Essay Structure for Band 7–9

To achieve a high band score, your essay should be well-organized and clearly structured. A typical structure includes:

1. Introduction
   • Paraphrase the question.
   • State your opinion clearly.
2. Body Paragraph 1 – Viewpoint 1
   • Present the first viewpoint.
   • Explain the reasoning behind this perspective.
   • Provide an example to support this viewpoint.
3. Body Paragraph 2 – Viewpoint 2
   • Present the second viewpoint.
   • Explain the reasoning behind this perspective.
   • Provide an example to support this viewpoint.
4. Body Paragraph 3 – Your Opinion
   • State your opinion clearly.
   • Justify your opinion with arguments and examples.
5. Conclusion
   • Summarize the main points.
   • Restate your opinion in a concise manner.

Recent IELTS Exam Questions (2025)

Here are some recent IELTS Writing Task 2 questions that follow the “Discuss Both Views and Give Your Opinion” format:

1. “Some people believe that teachers should be responsible for teaching students to distinguish right from wrong and to behave ethically. Others argue that teachers should focus solely on teaching students academic subjects. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.”
   Reported on IELTS April 26, 2025
2. “Some people believe that children have the freedom to make mistakes, while others argue that adults should prevent them from doing so. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.”
   Reported on IELTS April 19, 2025
3. “Some people think that Mathematics is the most important subject for school children to study, while some disagree. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.”
   Reported on IELTS April 5, 2025

Sample Essay

Prompt: “Some people believe that teachers should be responsible for teaching students to distinguish right from wrong and to behave ethically. Others argue that teachers should focus solely on teaching students academic subjects. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.”

Model Essay:

In today’s educational landscape, there is an ongoing debate about the role of teachers in shaping students’ moral values. While some argue that teachers should focus solely on academic subjects, others believe that teaching students to distinguish right from wrong is equally important. This essay will discuss both perspectives before concluding that teachers should indeed play a role in imparting ethical values.

On one hand, proponents of focusing solely on academic subjects argue that the primary role of education is to equip students with knowledge and skills necessary for their future careers. They believe that moral education should be the responsibility of parents and religious institutions, not schools. For instance, subjects like mathematics, science, and literature are essential for students’ intellectual development and should take precedence in the curriculum.

On the other hand, many believe that schools have a responsibility to teach students about ethics and morality. They argue that teachers, as role models, can significantly influence students’ character development. By incorporating lessons on honesty, respect, and responsibility into the curriculum, teachers can help students become well-rounded individuals. For example, discussions on ethical dilemmas in literature classes can encourage students to think critically about moral issues.

In my opinion, while academic subjects are crucial, teachers should also play a role in teaching students to distinguish right from wrong. Integrating moral education into the curriculum can help students develop a strong ethical foundation, which is essential for their personal and professional lives. Moreover, teachers are in a unique position to guide students in understanding the implications of their actions and decisions.

In conclusion, while there are valid arguments on both sides, I believe that teachers should not only impart academic knowledge but also help students develop a sense of morality. By doing so, they can contribute to the holistic development of students, preparing them for the challenges of the real world.

Useful Vocabulary and Phrases

Expressing Opinions:

• In my opinion
• I believe that
• From my perspective
• It seems to me that

Presenting Arguments:

• One argument in favor of…
• On the other hand
• Conversely
• While some argue that…

Providing Examples:

• For instance
• Such as
• An example of this is

Concluding:

• In conclusion
• To sum up
• Overall

Tips for Achieving a High Band Score

• Address all parts of the question: Ensure you discuss both views and clearly state your opinion.
• Use a range of vocabulary: Demonstrate your lexical resource by using varied language.
• Organize your essay logically: Use paragraphs effectively and ensure a clear progression of ideas.
• Support your arguments with examples: Provide specific examples to back up your points.
• Check your grammar and spelling: Avoid errors to maintain clarity and professionalism.

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