Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
How to Recognise a Discussion Essay
Look for these phrases in the prompt: “Discuss both views and give your own opinion,” “Some people think… while others believe… Discuss both sides,” or “What are the arguments on both sides?”
Recommended Structure
| Paragraph | Purpose | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction | Paraphrase the topic. State that both views exist and preview your position. | 2–3 sentences |
| Body 1 | Present View A with reasons and an example. | 4–5 sentences |
| Body 2 | Present View B with reasons and an example. | 4–5 sentences |
| Conclusion | State your opinion clearly. Summarise why you favour one view. | 2–3 sentences |
Where to Put Your Opinion
You have two options. Either state your opinion in the introduction and reinforce it in the conclusion, or present both sides neutrally in the body and reveal your position in the conclusion. Both approaches work — the key is that your opinion is present and clear by the end of the essay.
Sample Introduction
Prompt: “Some people believe that universities should focus on providing academic knowledge, while others think they should prepare students for the job market. Discuss both views and give your opinion.”
Example: “There is ongoing debate about whether higher education should prioritise theoretical knowledge or practical career preparation. While both perspectives have merit, I believe that the most effective university programmes integrate academic rigour with employability skills.”
Common Mistakes
- Only discussing one side: You must give genuine arguments for both views, even if you disagree with one.
- No clear opinion: “Both views have advantages and disadvantages” is not a position. Pick a side or propose a middle ground.
- Treating it as agree/disagree: An agree/disagree essay argues for your position. A discussion essay presents both sides fairly first.
- Unbalanced paragraphs: Body 1 and Body 2 should be roughly equal in length and development.
Useful Language
Presenting View A: “On the one hand…”, “Proponents of this view argue that…”, “Those who support [X] contend that…”
Presenting View B: “On the other hand…”, “Conversely…”, “However, others maintain that…”
Giving your opinion: “In my view…”, “I am inclined to agree with…”, “Having considered both perspectives, I believe…”
Explore Other Essay Types
- A discussion essay requires you to present both sides before giving your own opinion.
- Use a four-paragraph structure: Introduction → View A → View B → Conclusion with opinion.
- Both body paragraphs should be equally developed with reasons and examples.
- Your opinion must be clear — sitting on the fence is penalised under Task Response.