IELTS Discuss Both Views Essay (Band 9 Guide + Template)
Struggling with the IELTS discuss both views essay? Learn the exact structure, see a Band 9 model answer, use our template, and avoid the 3 biggest mistakes.
IELTS Discuss Both Views Essay (Band 9 Guide + Template)
Confused about where to put your opinion? Learn the exact 4-paragraph structure examiners expect, see a Band 9 model answer, and avoid the trap that keeps students stuck at Band 6.
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Struggling to break past Band 6 in IELTS Writing?
The #1 reason students fail the "Discuss Both Views" essay is treating it exactly like an "Agree/Disagree" essay. If you put your opinion in the wrong paragraph, your Task Achievement score drops instantly. This guide shows you exactly how to fix that.
Part of the IELTS Writing series. See all five Task 2 question types in the IELTS Writing Task Types guide.
Key Takeaways
- Prompt trigger: "Discuss both views and give your own opinion" - cover BOTH sides + state YOUR view.
- Structure: Introduction → Body 1 (View 1) → Body 2 (View 2) → Conclusion (your opinion).
- Each body paragraph is one independent, self-contained viewpoint - NOT a rebuttal of the other.
- Your opinion goes in the conclusion. Optionally signal it at the end of your introduction.
- Both body paragraphs must be similarly developed: 1 topic sentence + 2 arguments + 1 example each.
- Most common mistake: treating Body Paragraph 2 as a counter-argument to Body Paragraph 1.
How do you write an IELTS discuss both views essay?
An IELTS 'discuss both views' essay requires you to present two contrasting perspectives in separate body paragraphs, then give your own opinion in the conclusion. Each view must be developed independently with its own argument and evidence - not as a rebuttal of the other. The structure is: Introduction → Body 1 (View 1) → Body 2 (View 2) → Conclusion (your opinion).
- Prompt trigger: "Discuss both views and give your own opinion"
- Both body paragraphs must be similarly developed - one topic sentence, two arguments, one example each
- Your opinion appears in the conclusion; optionally signal it at the end of your introduction
- Never write Body Paragraph 2 as a point-by-point counter-argument to Body Paragraph 1
AI-ready answer · mockde.com
What Is an IELTS Discuss Both Views Essay?
Verified: IELTS.org Writing Band DescriptorsDefinition
A discuss both views essay is an IELTS Writing Task 2 essay type triggered by prompts such as "Discuss both views and give your own opinion" or "Some people think X, while others believe Y. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion." It requires fair development of two contrasting perspectives, followed by a clearly stated personal view.
This essay type is one of five IELTS Task 2 question types. It is distinct from the opinion essay (where your view appears in the introduction and throughout) and the advantages/disadvantages essay (where you analyse one topic from two angles). The discussion essay specifically presents two different groups of people's views on a contested issue.
The four marking criteria - Task Achievement (TA), Coherence and Cohesion (CC), Lexical Resource (LR), and Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA) - are each worth 25% of your Writing band. In discussion essays, Task Achievement is the most commonly penalised criterion, usually because the candidate omits their own opinion or gives one view far more space than the other.
Not sure which Task 2 type you're facing?
See all five IELTS Writing Task 2 question types with identification cues and structures.
⚠️ The #1 Confusion: Discussion vs. Opinion Essays
Before we look at structure, we must clarify the difference between a "Discuss Both Views" essay and an "Opinion (Agree/Disagree)" essay. Mixing these up is the fastest way to ruin your Task Achievement score.
| Feature | Discuss Both Views | Opinion (Agree/Disagree) |
|---|---|---|
| The Prompt | "Discuss both these views and give your own opinion." | "To what extent do you agree or disagree?" |
| Your Opinion | Must be saved for the Conclusion (or briefly signalled in intro). | Must be stated clearly in the Introduction and defended throughout. |
| Body Paragraphs | BP 1: View A (Objective analysis) BP 2: View B (Objective analysis) | BP 1: Your Reason 1 BP 2: Your Reason 2 |
How Do You Structure a Discuss Both Views Essay?
The four-paragraph structure keeps both views clearly separated and ensures your personal opinion appears at the right moment - in the conclusion.
| Paragraph | Function | Target words | Key element |
|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction | Paraphrase + signal both views exist | 40-55 words | Optional: signal your opinion at the end |
| Body 1 | View 1 - developed fully and fairly | 90-110 words | Topic sentence + 2 arguments + example |
| Body 2 | View 2 - developed fully and fairly | 90-110 words | Topic sentence + 2 arguments + example |
| Conclusion | Weigh both + state your opinion clearly | 45-60 words | Your opinion MUST appear here |
| Total | Complete essay | 265-330 words | 250-word minimum mandatory |
Key rule: Independent paragraphs
Body Paragraph 1 and Body Paragraph 2 must each be self-contained. Body 2 should NOT begin with "However, critics of this view argue…" and then proceed to dismantle Body 1. Instead, Body 2 presents the second viewpoint on its own terms, with its own reasons and evidence - as if the writer of Body 2 has never read Body 1.
How Do You Write the Introduction?
The introduction paraphrases the topic, acknowledges that two opposing views exist, and optionally signals which view you find more persuasive. Keep it to 40-55 words.
Introduction formula
- 1
Context sentence
Paraphrase the topic in your own words. Establish the debate briefly.
- 2
Signpost sentence
"This essay will examine both perspectives before offering a personal conclusion." For higher marks, add: "…though I find the argument for X more compelling."
Example - Band 7+ introduction
"The question of whether financial literacy should be taught in schools or nurtured at home reflects a broader debate about the role of education in preparing young people for adult life. Both perspectives carry weight, though I ultimately believe that schools are better placed to deliver this essential skill."
How Do You Write the Body Paragraphs?
Each body paragraph represents one independent viewpoint. Use the TER structure to develop each view fully and objectively.
TER structure (per body paragraph)
Topic Sentence
State the view you are presenting in one sentence. Use third-person language: "Those who believe…", "Proponents of this view argue…"
Explain + Evidence
Develop the view with at least two specific arguments. Add evidence: a study, statistic, or real-world example. Stay objective - do not insert your opinion here.
Reinforce
End with a sentence that reinforces the logic of this viewpoint: "For these reasons, many consider… to be preferable."
Language tip: Stay objective in body paragraphs
In both body paragraphs, avoid "I think" or "I believe". Use reporting language: "This view holds that…", "Those who support this position argue…", "Advocates contend…" Your personal opinion is reserved for the conclusion only.
How Do You Write the Conclusion?
The conclusion is where your personal opinion must appear. It should briefly acknowledge both views, then clearly state which you find more convincing and why. Target 45-60 words.
Example - Band 7+ conclusion
"In conclusion, while parental involvement in financial education is valuable, it is inherently unequal. I believe schools have both the reach and the responsibility to ensure that every young person develops basic financial competence, with family guidance serving as a valuable supplement."
Band 8.5 Model Answer (With Examiner Annotations)
Study this full essay and the examiner notes to understand how Band 8 discuss both views essays are constructed.
Some people think that schools should teach children how to manage their finances, while others believe this is the responsibility of parents. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
The question of whether financial literacy should be taught in schools or nurtured at home reflects a broader debate about the role of education in preparing young people for adult life. Both perspectives carry weight, though I ultimately believe that schools are better placed to deliver this essential skill.
Those who argue that financial education belongs in the home point to the highly personal and contextual nature of money management. Parents are uniquely positioned to teach their children through everyday experiences - involving them in household budgeting, grocery shopping, and savings decisions. This practical, real-world instruction can be far more immediate and relevant than any classroom lesson. Moreover, family finances vary enormously in terms of income, cultural attitudes to spending, and economic circumstances, making a standardised school curriculum potentially inadequate or misleading.
However, proponents of school-based financial education rightly observe that parental knowledge and engagement vary considerably. Children from households where parents lack financial literacy - or where money is a taboo subject - would receive no meaningful guidance at all under a purely family-led model. Schools offer a structured, consistent environment where all children, regardless of background, can learn core concepts such as budgeting, debt management, and compound interest. Evidence from the OECD's 2022 PISA financial literacy assessment indicates that students who received formal instruction in personal finance scored significantly higher on financial decision-making tasks than their peers who did not.
In conclusion, while parental involvement in financial education is valuable, it is inherently unequal. I believe schools have both the reach and the responsibility to ensure that every young person develops basic financial competence, with family guidance serving as a valuable supplement.
Word count: ~295 · Task 2 · Discuss Both Views
Topic paraphrased without copying ("reflects a broader debate"). Personal view is signalled at the end of the introduction ("I ultimately believe") - this is optional but adds clarity. Clean two-sentence structure.
One independent, self-contained perspective. Three developed arguments (practical instruction, relevance, cultural variation). The writer does NOT yet express their own view - they fairly represent the pro-home position. "Standardised school curriculum potentially inadequate" shows critical nuance.
"However, proponents… rightly observe" marks the shift cleanly. OECD PISA 2022 reference is a strong, specific piece of evidence. Specific financial concepts named (budgeting, debt management, compound interest) raise Lexical Resource score. Paragraph is genuinely independent - not a rebuttal list.
Clearly states which view the writer endorses and briefly says why ("reach and responsibility"). Introduces the nuanced idea of "family guidance as a supplement" - a thoughtful reframe that does not introduce an entirely new argument. 51 words.
| Criterion | Band | Examiner note |
|---|---|---|
| Task Achievement | 8 | Both views fully developed. Personal opinion clearly stated and maintained. OECD evidence elevates development quality. |
| Coherence & Cohesion | 8 | Clear one-view-per-paragraph structure. Transitions accurate ("However", "Moreover", "while"). Each paragraph has a clear focus. |
| Lexical Resource | 8 | "Financial literacy", "real-world instruction", "compound interest", "taboo subject", "inherently unequal" - precise, varied vocabulary. |
| Grammatical Range & Accuracy | 8 | Relative clauses, passive voice, and conditionals used accurately. Very few minor errors. |
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3 Most Common Mistakes
These three errors cause the majority of band-score drops in discuss both views essays.
Useful Vocabulary and Phrases
Mastering these phrases allows you to present views objectively in body paragraphs and express your own opinion confidently in the conclusion.
Presenting View 1
- Those who support this position argue that…
- Proponents of this view contend that…
- One school of thought holds that…
- Advocates of this stance point out that…
Presenting View 2
- On the other hand, others maintain that…
- An opposing perspective suggests that…
- Critics of this view, however, argue that…
- A contrasting viewpoint is that…
Giving your opinion
- Having considered both perspectives, I am of the view that…
- Personally, I find the argument for… more persuasive because…
- While both sides have merit, I believe…
- In my opinion, the evidence more strongly supports…
Developing arguments
- This is supported by the fact that…
- A compelling illustration of this is…
- The underlying reason for this is…
- Empirical evidence suggests that…
Conclusion phrases
- Having weighed both perspectives…
- While there is merit in both arguments…
- On reflection, the stronger case appears to lie with…
- Both views have validity; however, I would conclude that…
Frequently Asked Questions
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