IELTS Discussion Essay: How to Write a Balanced Argument (Band 7+)

The discussion essay is one of the most common question types in IELTS Writing Task 2. It typically uses the wording "Discuss both views and give your own opinion" and requires you to present two opposing perspectives fairly before stating which side you agree with.

Many candidates struggle with this format because they either present one side too strongly, fail to give their own opinion, or produce a disorganized response that confuses the reader. This guide provides a reliable structure that consistently scores and above.

Understanding the Question

A typical discussion essay question looks like this:

"Some people believe that children should start learning a foreign language at primary school. Others think they should wait until secondary school. Discuss both views and give your own opinion."

The question asks you to do three things:

1. Discuss View 1 — Present and explain one perspective
2. Discuss View 2 — Present and explain the opposing perspective
3. Give your opinion — State which side you agree with and why

All three elements must be present for a strong Task Achievement score.

The Recommended Structure

Paragraph 1: Introduction (2-3 sentences)

• Paraphrase the topic
• State that both views will be discussed
• Optionally preview your opinion

Paragraph 2: View 1 (5-7 sentences)

• Present the first view
• Explain why people hold this view
• Give a supporting example or reason

Paragraph 3: View 2 (5-7 sentences)

• Present the opposing view
• Explain the reasoning behind it
• Give a supporting example or reason

Paragraph 4: Conclusion with Your Opinion (3-4 sentences)

• State your position clearly
• Briefly justify it
• Summarise the key point

Writing the Introduction

Your introduction should accomplish three goals: introduce the topic, acknowledge the debate, and (optionally) signal your position.

Weak introduction: "Nowadays, many people discuss about when children should learn languages. Some think primary school is good and others think secondary school. In this essay I will discuss both views."

Strong introduction: "The optimal age for children to begin studying a foreign language remains a subject of considerable debate. While some advocate for introducing languages at primary school level, others contend that secondary school is a more appropriate starting point. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own view."

Key improvements:

• Topic is paraphrased, not copied
• Both views are acknowledged
• The language is academic and precise
• No grammatical errors

Writing the Body Paragraphs

Presenting View 1

Start with a clear topic sentence that identifies whose view this is and what they believe. Then provide reasons and examples.

Structure:

1. Topic sentence: "Those who favour early language learning argue that..."
2. Reason 1: "Young children are widely considered to be more receptive to new sounds and grammatical patterns..."
3. Development: Explain or give evidence
4. Reason 2: "Furthermore, starting early provides a longer total period of study..."
5. Development: Explain or give evidence

Useful phrases for presenting views:

• "Proponents of this view argue that..."
• "Those who support this position maintain that..."
• "Advocates of [X] point to the fact that..."
• "One argument in favour of this approach is that..."

Presenting View 2

The second body paragraph should present the opposing view with equal depth and fairness.

Structure:

1. Transition + topic sentence: "On the other hand, those who believe languages should be introduced later contend that..."
2. Reason 1: "Primary school children already have a demanding curriculum..."
3. Development
4. Reason 2: "Additionally, older students may learn more efficiently due to their greater cognitive maturity..."
5. Development

Useful phrases for contrasting views:

• "Conversely, opponents of this idea suggest that..."
• "On the other hand, there are those who argue..."
• "However, an alternative perspective holds that..."
• "In contrast, others maintain that..."

Linking Words for Discussion Essays

Effective linking is crucial for Coherence and Cohesion. Here are the most useful connectors:

Presenting one side:

• Firstly, To begin with, One key argument is that

Adding support:

• Furthermore, Moreover, In addition, Added to this

Contrasting:

• However, On the other hand, Conversely, By contrast, Nevertheless

Giving your opinion:

• In my view, I believe that, From my perspective, I am of the opinion that

Concluding:

• In conclusion, To summarise, On balance, All things considered

Writing the Conclusion

Your conclusion must include your opinion. There are two effective approaches:

Approach 1: Clear Position

"In conclusion, while both sides of this debate have merit, I believe that introducing foreign languages at primary school level is the more beneficial approach. The neurological advantages of early language exposure, combined with the extended learning time, outweigh the concerns about curriculum pressure."

Approach 2: Balanced Position with a Lean

"In conclusion, both perspectives offer valid arguments, and the ideal starting age may depend on the educational context of each country. However, on balance, I am inclined to support early language learning, provided that it is introduced in a way that does not overburden young students."

Both approaches are effective. The key is that your opinion is unambiguous.

Full Sample Essay

Question: "Some people argue that the best way to reduce crime is through longer prison sentences. Others believe that education and rehabilitation are more effective. Discuss both views and give your own opinion."

The most effective strategy for reducing crime rates is a matter of ongoing debate. Some maintain that imposing harsher prison sentences serves as the strongest deterrent, while others advocate for a greater emphasis on education and offender rehabilitation. This essay will consider both arguments before offering my own assessment.

Those who support longer prison sentences argue that severe penalties discourage potential offenders from committing crimes. The logic behind this position is straightforward: if individuals know they will face extended imprisonment, they are less likely to engage in criminal behaviour. Furthermore, keeping convicted criminals in prison for longer periods protects the public by physically preventing offenders from reoffending during their sentence. This approach may be particularly relevant for violent crimes, where public safety is the primary concern.

On the other hand, proponents of education and rehabilitation contend that punitive measures alone fail to address the root causes of criminal behaviour. Many offenders come from disadvantaged backgrounds characterised by poverty, limited education, and a lack of employment opportunities. By investing in educational programmes and vocational training within prisons, governments can equip offenders with the skills they need to reintegrate into society and lead law-abiding lives upon release. Research from countries such as Norway, where rehabilitative prison models have been implemented, consistently shows lower recidivism rates compared to nations that rely primarily on incarceration.

In conclusion, while longer sentences may offer a short-term solution for protecting the public, I believe that education and rehabilitation represent a more sustainable and effective approach to crime reduction. Addressing the underlying causes of criminal behaviour is more likely to produce lasting results than simply extending the duration of punishment.

Word count: 252 words

This essay demonstrates:

• A clear four-paragraph structure
• Both views presented with equal depth
• Specific supporting evidence (Norway example)
• A clear opinion in the conclusion
• Varied vocabulary and sentence structures
• Appropriate linking without overuse

Practice Recommendations

Discussion essays reward candidates who can think analytically about both sides of an issue. To improve:

1. Read opinion articles — Exposure to balanced arguments improves your ability to construct them
2. Practice brainstorming — For any topic, list three arguments for and three against within 3 minutes
3. Time yourself — Aim for 40 minutes: 5 for planning, 30 for writing, 5 for checking
4. Get instant feedback — Use CambPrep's practice writing module to generate discussion essay topics and receive AI-powered band score estimates
5. Assess your current level — Take a level test to identify whether essay structure or language is your bigger weakness

Frequently Asked Questions

Where should I put my opinion — the introduction or the conclusion?

Either works. Stating it in the conclusion is the safest approach and feels natural. If you state it in the introduction, make sure your body paragraphs still present both views fairly. The strongest essays state a position in the introduction and reinforce it in the conclusion.

How many arguments should I give for each side?

Two well-developed arguments per side is ideal. One argument per side is too thin, and three per side is difficult to develop adequately in 250-280 words. Quality of development matters more than quantity of points.

Can I agree partially with both sides?

Yes, but be careful. A partial agreement like "both approaches have merit, but X is more important" is fine. However, sitting completely on the fence with "both are equally valid" can appear as though you have not formed an opinion. Take a clear position, even if you acknowledge the other side.

What if I do not have a strong opinion on the topic?

Choose a side strategically based on which argument you can develop more effectively. The examiner is assessing your ability to construct and express an argument, not the sincerity of your beliefs. Pick the view you can support with better examples and reasoning.