A detailed guide to this IELTS Writing Task 2 essay type, with structure templates, useful vocabulary, and techniques to achieve Band 7+.
Originally published April 2018. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
In this post, we will look at a discussion essay example from the IELTS writing task 2 test. Students often ask if the questions are repeated year after year and the answer is no, but the topics are. There are so many questions written each year, you may find your practice answering various questions on different topics. For example, you could write essays to answer questions about education or the environment, which benefits you because you learn vocabulary associated with those topics and develop ideas that can help you in your writing test.
Practising writing IELTS task 2 essays on a range of topics is a great way to learn new vocabulary for those topics, but also to practice your essay structures. You begin to develop your ideas around those topics, thinking of examples and giving your opinions.
If you would like to purchase a 34 page PDF download that is easy to read and print out please take a look at the bookshop >
If you would like to learn how to structure a discussion essay please click the button below >
In various nations, there are workers who bring in huge amounts of money. Certain people believe that this benefits their republic, while others consider that government authorities ought to regulate the wages of all employees. I believe that the government should not restrain the number of earnings for an individual, as this is the product of hard work. Firstly, this essay will discuss the benefits of high earners residing in a country and secondly the main advantage of taxing high earners.
One the one hand, those people who earn extremely high incomes are good for a country because they pay large amounts of tax. This helps to improve the country, as regular taxes from billionaires go towards improving the environment and paying for government workers monthly salaries. The large amounts of money that are brought by certain individuals can help a country to boost its economic status and make improvements to the surrounding cities. For example, The Economist reported in 2017 that the taxes in New York paid by The Rothschild family helped to boost the cities economic status by 95%.
On the other hand, a government that can manage the earning of its people can also be beneficial. Controlled income would mean that people could earn a said amount before being taxed on most of their earnings. The tax thresholds would be set to control the amount of money that people could earn during one year, so that the economy could prosper, from those who earn over a certain amount. For instance, HMRC in the UK reported in 2016 that people who earn over one hundred thousand pounds per year will be taxed at a higher rate. This rate then grows by 10% for earnings over that amount.
In my opinion, I believe that the government should tax those who earn obscene amounts of money, as this could be used to better the status of a country and go towards improving the everyday facilities used by society. Any person who earns billions should have some of that money controlled by the government, so that it can be distributed to local communities, to improve schools, hospitals and pay council workers salaries. For example, in an article from the BBC news in 2017, large amounts of tax from high earning Google CEO’s was used to renovate and update hospitals in the city of London.
In conclusion, the CEO’s, billionaires, and the government should cooperate and work together in order to provide a better and brighter future for its nation.
(Word count – 418 / Band score 8)
Task Achievement – The essay provides an answer to the question asked, supported by relevant examples.
Coherence and Cohesion – The answer has been divided into clear logical paragraphs and each main body paragraph only has one main idea. There are cohesive links between the main body paragraphs.
Lexical Resource – There is evidence of a wide range of vocabulary, with no errors in the text.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy – The answer has no grammatical errors. The sentences have a wide range of structures.
We hope you found this post helpful in helping you to study for the IELTS Test. Let us know in the comments or on the Facebook page if you have any questions. The best way to keep up to date with posts like this is to like us on Facebook, and then follow us onInstagramand Pinterest. We offer essay correction services, mock exams, and online courses. If you need help preparing for the IELTS Test, join the IELTS Achieve Academy and see how we can help you achieve your desired band score faster.
A detailed guide to this IELTS Writing Task 2 essay type, with structure templates, useful vocabulary, and techniques to achieve Band 7+.
Originally published April 2018. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
In this post, we will look at a discussion essay example from the IELTS writing task 2 test. Students often ask if the questions are repeated year after year and the answer is no, but the topics are. There are so many questions written each year, you may find your practice answering various questions on different topics. For example, you could write essays to answer questions about education or the environment, which benefits you because you learn vocabulary associated with those topics and develop ideas that can help you in your writing test.
Practising writing IELTS task 2 essays on a range of topics is a great way to learn new vocabulary for those topics, but also to practice your essay structures. You begin to develop your ideas around those topics, thinking of examples and giving your opinions.
If you would like to purchase a 34 page PDF download that is easy to read and print out please take a look at the bookshop >
If you would like to learn how to structure a discussion essay please click the button below >
Many individuals believe that the government must finance free education for all while others consider that people should pay for their college education. I believe that if possible the government authorities ought to support the education of its people. Firstly, this essay will discuss the benefits of a government paid education and secondly the main advantage of paying for your own university diploma.
On the one hand, the cost of education is very expensive and for most students, this means that they cannot finish their higher education. This is true for most third world countries because most of its citizens cannot even provide for their own family nevermind their education. Being able to have your diploma provided by the government without any cost can help a family to survive the demanding world, as this can lead to a professional job that can benefit the economic status of a country. For instance, a study from The University of The Philippines in 2016 reported that 96% of its student scholars had landed a professional job that helped provide for their families.
On the other hand, paying for your own college education can be very motivating. This can help you realize that you are able to reach your goals by yourself, thus this can boost your confidence and so that you recognize you can overcome all difficulties that life may give you. In addition, you can also be an inspiration not only to your family but also to your community because of your achievement. For example, ABS-CBN in 2016 reported that 90 % of working college students are more productive and have a more positive outlook on life versus unemployed college students.
In my opinion, I agree that the government should give free education at all levels. This can help decrease the growing number of unemployed workers because a college degree is an asset to land the job of your dreams in order to help you provide for your family. For instance, the Government of The Philippines reported in 2016 that 98% of their scholarship students had finished their college degree as opposed to 60% of students with regular tuition fees.
In conclusion, students need all the help they can get in order to survive in the job market and obtaining a college degree is one way of attaining the career, whether it is free or not people should be given some motivation to work hard for their goals.
(Word count – 406 / Band score 8)
Task Achievement – The essay provides an answer to the question asked, supported by relevant examples.
Coherence and Cohesion – The answer has been divided into clear logical paragraphs and each main body paragraph only has one main idea. There are cohesive links between the main body paragraphs.
Lexical Resource – There is evidence of a wide range of vocabulary, with no errors in the text.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy – The answer has no grammatical errors. The sentences have a wide range of structures.
We hope you found this post helpful in helping you to study for the IELTS Test. Let us know in the comments or on the Facebook page if you have any questions. The best way to keep up to date with posts like this is to like us on Facebook, and then follow us onInstagramand Pinterest. We offer essay correction services, mock exams, and online courses. If you need help preparing for the IELTS Test, join the IELTS Achieve Academy and see how we can help you achieve your desired band score faster.
A detailed guide to this IELTS Writing Task 2 essay type, with structure templates, useful vocabulary, and techniques to achieve Band 7+.
Originally published December 2017. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
In writing task 2 you will be asked to write a discursive essay (250 words minimum). You will be given a question asking you to give your opinion, discuss a problem or issue. You could also be asked to provide solutions, evaluate a problem, compare and contrast different ideas or challenge an idea. In this post, we will be focussing on how towrite a discuss both views and give your opinion essay.
One of the first things you should do is read the marking criteria to see what the examiners expect. This is really important, as you need to know what they are looking for in the band 7+ boxes.
You should be able to give the examiners exactly what they want, in order to get a 7+ band score.
If you would like to purchase a 34 page PDF download that is easy to read and print out please take a look at the bookshop >
WRITING TASK 2 Discuss Both Views and Give Your Opinion Essay STRUCTURE
The structure that I advise my students to use, will be sure to get you a band score of 7+. You need to practice using this structure, with as many questions as you can, before sitting your IELTS test. This writing task 2 structure has been proven to be successful for my students and when perfected, can easily help you to achieve a high band score.
TIP >> Before you start writing, plan your ideas so that you can organise the information clearly. You must decide how much you agree or disagree with and why. Take 5 minutes and plan out your ideas, opinions and examples.
TIP >> It is very important that spend a full 40 minutes on this task as the score you get for writing task 2 is two-thirds of your total writing score. You also need to write a minimum of 250 words and use your own ideas.
TIP >> Remember to write in a formal tone, this is an academic essay, therefore your writing should be formal.
IT IS A 5-PARAGRAPH STRUCTURE >>
Paragraph 1 – The Introduction
This is the introduction to the essay and where you should start off by paraphrasing the question.
Do you understand what I mean, when I say ‘paraphrase’ the question?
This means that you rewrite the question in your own words using synonyms. You can’t just copy the question again or use the same words in the question. Paraphrase and show off your vocabulary knowledge by using synonyms. When practising your essay writing, use an online thesaurus to help you. This is a great tool and can help you to learn many new words.
After that, give your view/opinion on the issue. A good way to say this is to start with…‘In my opinion, I believe that……..’
The last sentence in the introduction should outline for the examiner exactly what you will discuss in the main body paragraphs. For example, ‘this essay will discuss both views and state my own position’.
There are three sentences you need in the introduction >>
Paraphrase the question / State both views
Give your view/opinion
Outline what is going to be discussed in the essay
Paragraph 2 – Main Body Paragraph 1
In this paragraph, you should write about the first argument/viewpoint, discuss it, then give an example. You should give specific information and only write about one main idea in each main body paragraph.
Start the paragraph by introducing the first view (View A). This is where you need to have a topic sentence. The next sentence(s) should discuss the view, going into detail. The third sentence should give an example that supports the view.
The example you give could be something from your own experience or made up – it is ok to make up something as the examiners will not fact check your information. They want to see your ability to use English at a certain level. You could make up an example from a report, journal, newspaper or University study to support your view.
This is how the paragraph should look >>
Introduce the view (View A – topic sentence)
Discuss/give detail
Example
Paragraph 3 – Main Body Paragraph 2
In this paragraph, you should write about your second view (View B). You should give specific information and only write about one main idea in each main body paragraph.
Start the paragraph by introducing the view (View B). This is where you need to have a topic sentence. The next sentence(s) should discuss the view, going into detail. The third sentence should give an example that supports the view.
The example you give could be something from your own experience or made up – it is ok to make up something as the examiners will not fact check your information. They want to see your ability to use English at a certain level. You could make up an example from a report, journal, newspaper or University study to support your view.
This is how the paragraph should look >>
Introduce the view (View B – topic sentence)
Discuss/give detail
Example
If you would like to purchase a 34 page PDF download that is easy to read and print out please take a look at the bookshop >
Paragraph 4 – Your Opinion
In this paragraph, you should write your opinion. You should give specific information and only write about one main idea in each main body paragraph.
Start the paragraph by introducing your opinion. This is where you need to have a topic sentence. The next sentence(s) should explain your opinion, going into detail. The third sentence should give an example that supports your opinion.
The example you give could be something from your own experience or made up – it is ok to make up something as the examiners will not fact check your information. They want to see your ability to use English at a certain level. You could make up an example from a report, journal, newspaper or University study to support your view.
This is how the paragraph should look >>
Introduce your opinion (topic sentence)
Explain your opinion
Example
Paragraph 5 – The Conclusion
In the final paragraph, you write the conclusion giving a summary of your main points and state which view is more important.You should not enter any new information or ideas in this paragraph.
Summary of the main points
State which view is more important
EXPRESSING YOUR OPINION >>
To get a high score in IELTS academic writing task 2, you should use as many different structures, collocations and idioms as you can.
SEQUENCING IDEAS >>
You can use phrases like these to make statements, for example; On the one hand sunbathing can give your body vitamin D, on the other hand, it can also be very dangerous for your health.
SAMPLE Discuss Both Points of View and Give your own opinion ESSAY >>
**All questions have been reported by students who have taken the IELTS exam.**
It is undeniable that modern technology has a huge influence on people’s lives. The use of the internet, for example, has become more common and some claim that it has been able to connect people who are far apart, while others argue that its use can lead to social isolation or confinement. This essay will discuss both views and state my own position.
Firstly, during the last two decades, there have been many tech developments and advancements, bringing convenience to all. One significant attribute of this modernization is the internet, while this technology has made our lives more convenient in many aspects, including our approach to communication. In the past, we only used mail or the telephone to send our messages across the globe, whereas today, the internet allows us to reach out to almost everyone in just a few seconds. The inconvenience of long distances is eliminated as we can talk and even see distant friends or relatives for an unlimited time. For example, the internet connects people whose relatives or families are abroad, through Facebook, Twitter or Skype anytime and anywhere.
Secondly, this technological development has its drawbacks, as it has been observed that some individuals tend to spend a lot of their time surfing the internet or on different social networking sites. Communities meet online via private Facebook groups, instead of in a community hall to discuss matters, since this does not allow them to socialise physically with people, they isolate themselves in this virtual world. Both teenagers and adults use much of their time online and this does not allow them to develop their interpersonal skills. For instance, a study from 2015 by The Social Media Explorer saw that over 93% of teenagers aged 16-19 have a social media presence, with more than three social accounts per person.
Thirdly, in my opinion, I believe that the internet can bring people closer together, as it can make both socialising and work much easier for those who travel. Communities can speak freely at any time, in groups, asking for help or advice, though it is up to the individuals to acknowledge how much time they are spending online and whether this is a cause for concern. Isolation cannot be blamed on the internet, as it is just a tool to use, the individual must be in charge of their own time. For example, a person who works from home online for many hours in the day should make sure they have adequate breaks and make time for socialising, as to not feel isolated or removed from their own community.
In conclusion, it is a fact that the internet has brought more convenience into society and allowed many people to be closer. However, people should take responsibility to balance the use of the internet so that other aspects of their lives will not become neglected.
(Word Count – 476 / Band Score 9)
Task Achievement – The answer discusses both sides of the argument and ends with a clear opinion. the main body paragraphs are supported with relevant examples. The essay exceeds the word count, but all sentences are relevant and focussed.
Coherence and Cohesion – The answer has been divided into clear logical paragraphs and each main body paragraph only has one main idea. There are cohesive links between the main body paragraphs (Firstly, Secondly, Thirdly, In conclusion).
Lexical Resource – There is evidence of a wide range of vocabulary, with no errors in the text.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy – The answer has no grammatical errors. The sentences have a wide range of structures including relative clauses (in which...).
TIP >> Use each of the main body paragraphs (paragraphs 2 and 3) to discuss both views, giving examples that are relevant. Remember to give your opinion, state your opinion in the fourth paragraph. In the conclusion (paragraph 5), summarise your main points and state which view is more important.
WRITING TASK 2 BAND SCORE 9 CRITERIA >>
If you would like to view more high band score discussionessay examples please click the button below >
We hope you found this post helpful in helping you to study for the IELTS Test. Let us know in the comments or on the Facebook page if you have any questions. The best way to keep up to date with posts like this is to like us on Facebook, and then follow us onInstagramand Pinterest. We offer essay correction services, mock exams, and online courses. If you need help preparing for the IELTS Test, join the IELTS Achieve Academy and see how we can help you achieve your desired band score faster.
