IELTS Writing Essay Templates

Paragraph-by-paragraph blueprints for all 5 Task 2 question types and all 5 Task 1 chart types. Every template includes 3 full Band 9 model essays, examiner logic for each paragraph, academic connectors, and the specific errors that cap candidates at Band 5–6.

Task 2Discuss Both Views + Opinion40 min

Discussion Essay

Requires a genuinely balanced analysis of two opposing positions, followed by your own clearly stated view. The most penalised error: discussing only one side.

Full guide with annotated examples

Paragraph Structure – Examiner Logic

1

Introduction

45–60 words

Paraphrase the topic to show you understand both positions. Acknowledge that opinions are divided. State your own view at the end of the introduction.

Examiner Logic

Many candidates wait until the conclusion to reveal their opinion. This is a structural error. The examiner expects your position in the introduction. Give Side A and Side B roughly equal space.

Band 9 Tip

Use 'While some maintain that... others contend that...' to introduce both views, then add 'However, I am of the opinion that...' to signal your own stance.

2

Body Paragraph 1 – View you agree with less

90–105 words

Topic sentence presenting Side A. Reason(s) why this view is held. Supporting evidence or example. Acknowledgement of its validity.

Examiner Logic

Discuss this side with full intellectual honesty. Use third-person framing: 'Proponents of early instruction argue...'. You are reporting a position, not arguing it yourself.

Band 9 Tip

Avoid 'I disagree with this view because...' in BP1. Save your opinion for BP2. Represent Side A as fairly as possible – this demonstrates critical thinking.

3

Body Paragraph 2 – View you agree with + Your Opinion

100–115 words

Transition phrase signalling contrast. Present Side B with greater depth and evidence. Integrate your own opinion into the paragraph.

Examiner Logic

Use more specific evidence here than in BP1. The paragraph should end with a sentence that clearly links this view to your personal position, reinforcing what you stated in the introduction.

4

Conclusion

40–55 words

Summarise both views briefly (one sentence each). Reaffirm your own position using different vocabulary from the introduction.

Examiner Logic

Your conclusion must be consistent with your introduction. Consistency is directly assessed under Task Achievement.

Academic Connectors

Presenting Side A

On the one handProponents of this view argue thatIt is often contended thatAdvocates of this position maintain

Contrasting with Side B

ConverselyOn the other handIn contrast to thisThose who favour the opposing view argue

Introducing your own view

I am persuaded, however, thatNevertheless, I contend thatDespite the merits of both positionsUpon reflection, I believe

Synthesising in conclusion

In summaryTaking all factors into considerationHaving examined both perspectivesUltimately

Band-Lowering Traps

Only discussing one side – this immediately caps your Task Achievement at Band 5.

Expressing your opinion only in the conclusion, not the introduction.

Being dismissive of one view: 'This view is clearly wrong.' Academic register requires balanced, respectful language.

Using first person excessively in the Side A paragraph, blurring the line between reporting and arguing.

What a Band 9 Response Does

Both views are represented with equal intellectual fairness and genuine evidence

Personal opinion is woven into the structure, not added as an afterthought

Third-person reporting language in BP1 contrasts effectively with first-person opinion language in BP2

The conclusion is a genuine synthesis, not a copy of the introduction

Frequently Asked Questions

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