Part of the writing task, the IELTS discussion essay is one of the lengthier sections of the test, requiring a certain level of grammatical and structural mastery in the English language. As the name suggests, candidates will be required to write on a specific topic, covering two differing points of view. Unlike other writing tasks, candidates will have to provide both perspectives, in order to complete this question.
With 40 minutes available to provide the appropriate answer, candidates are advised to write a response of at least 250 words for any discussion essays. IELTS discussion essays can usually be identified with statements such as ‘Discuss both views and give your opinion’, ‘Discuss both these views and then give your own opinion’ or ‘Discuss both sides of this argument and give your own opinion’.
In this article, we have highlighted the different methods and techniques that you can adopt to answer IELTS discussion essays and score as high as possible in the section. From the structure that should be followed to discussing some of the previous year IELTS discussion essay topics, you will find your answer to ‘how to attempt IELTS discussion essays?’.
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What is Discussion Essay IELTS?
IELTS discussion essays are often confused with opinion-based essays or agree/disagree essays. Therefore, it becomes necessary to read the question well. You will have to understand that in the case of IELTS discussion essays, you are not asked to take sides but you are instructed to discuss both aspects and then cite an opinion of your own.
The opinion that you will be delivering does not necessarily have to be in support of either statement. You can write anything mid-way or present a totally new viewpoint.
Types of Questions Asked in Discussion Essay IELTS
The Discussion essay topics on IELTS contain a statement with two contradictory views followed by an instruction to discuss both sides of the argument and give your opinion. The second part of the question can be written in the following ways:
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Discuss both of these views and then give your own opinion.
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Discuss both views and give your opinion.
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Discuss both sides of this argument and give your own opinion.
Structure of Discussion Essay IELTS
A discussion essay can be divided into four to five paragraphs and should be structured carefully as per a logical sequence. It is critical to balance both opinions in the IELTS discussion essay but it is not mandatory to give equal weighting.
It is also important to respond to the instructions of the essay and provide an opinion of your own. Now, let us walk you through the format of the discussion essay IELTS and how to deal with each one of them:
How to Write an Introduction
You will have to write a 40 to 50 introduction to the discussion essay in the following manner:
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Paraphrase the question given.
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State two supporting reasons for the same.
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There should be two to three sentences.
How to Write Main Body Paragraphs
The main body can have two to three paragraphs. The way to draft them is:
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Main Body Paragraph 1
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Write the view you agree with
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Explain why this view is popular among people
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Give an example
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Main Body Paragraph 2
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Outline the view you do not agree with
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Explain the reason behind the popularity of this view
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Provide an example
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Main Body Paragraph 3
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Provide your opinion
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How to Write a Conclusion
The conclusion in a discussion essay IELTS must include:
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A summation of all the points by linking them
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Your opinion in brief
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Answer the question
Some Phrases to Use to Write Discussion Essays IELTS
There are some set phrases that promise a good score in discussion-based IELTS essays. Here we have listed down a few of them for your reference:
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Some people say that…while others argue that…
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Some consider…while others think…
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Some often argue…while others differ…
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On one hand…
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On the other hand…
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A good example of this is…
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This can lead to…
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Currently…
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In conclusion…
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To conclude…
How to Plan IELTS Discussion Essay?
With the structure or format of the IELTS discussion essay in front of you, you can now plan your IELTS discussion essay in the following manner:
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The first step is to analyse the question well and understand what is being asked of you. Identify the topic words, other keywords and instruction words. This will help you identify what you should be writing about.
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Next, you should decide on your opinion. It is not essential to agree to any of the opinions but for the sake of writing, you will have to take a side and describe it. Choose any one view and stick to it throughout your essay.
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Think of ideas to discuss the opinions. Think calmly about what can you write in support or in opposition.
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Decide on the vocabulary that you are going to use as your lexical resource is an important part of the evaluation of the essay. You can either paraphrase or use synonyms to write the essay.
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While planning the essay, jot down a few words that can be used in Writing Task 2.
Tips to Write an IELTS Discussion Essay
Some tips to follow while practising or writing a discussion essay on the IELTS exam are:
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It is essential to identify both sides of the topic correctly.
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Give personal opinion only if the question requires it.
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Use fillers, linkers, transition and comparative words.
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Each body paragraph should contain one central idea.
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Do not exceed the word count.
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Previous Year Discussion Essay IELTS Topics
Here are some of the discussion essay IELTS topics from previous years for you to practice from:
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Some believe that money for education should mainly be spent on better computers while others believe it would be better spent on teachers. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
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Some people feel that manufacturers and supermarkets have the responsibility to reduce the amount of packaging of goods. Others argue that customers should avoid buying goods with a lot of packaging. Discuss both views and give your opinion
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A growing number of people feel that animals should not be exploited by people and that they should have the same rights as humans, while others argue that humans must employ animals to satisfy their various needs, including uses for food and research. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
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In some countries, there has been an increase in the number of advertisements which try to persuade children to buy snacks, toys, and other goods. Parents often claim that these ads are unfair. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
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Many people argue that in order to improve educational quality, high school students should be encouraged to question and offer criticism of their teachers. Others think this will lead to a loss of respect and discipline in the classroom. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Apart from these IELTS discussion essay topics, you will find many more topics along with the sample papers that you may find online or in test-prep books. When preparing for the section, it is pertinent that you time yourself as and when you get more confident with the section. This will allow you to enhance your speed and accuracy for the test, thus, ensuring a good score on the test day.
Using the tips and tricks provided here, you will be able to secure a good score in the IELTS discussion essay topics. However, while these tips and tricks can help you, it is essential that you practice as many questions as possible and adhere to a strict preparation strategy and schedule.
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