Task 2 question types - Discussion (two views)

Learning Outcomes

After reading this article, you will be able to recognize and answer the Discussion (two views) Task 2 question type in IELTS Writing. You will understand how to identify and compare two presented opinions, structure a balanced essay, and state your own view clearly. You will also learn essential phrasing, argumentative techniques, and effective planning to maximize your IELTS Task 2 score.

IELTS Academic, General & UKVI Syllabus

For IELTS, you are required to understand the Discussion (two views) Task 2 essay format and demonstrate key writing skills. For your revision, ensure you cover these syllabus points:

• Identify when a Task 2 question requires you to discuss two opposing views and present your own opinion.
• Summarize both viewpoints accurately and fairly before expressing your own view.
• Organize your essay using appropriate paragraphing and linking phrases.
• Compare, contrast, and evaluate arguments, giving clear reasons and relevant examples.
• Use language to clearly indicate others’ opinions and to differentiate them from your own.
• Support your own position persuasively with evidence and well-developed explanations.

Test Your Knowledge

Attempt these questions before reading this article. If you find some difficult or cannot remember the answers, remember to look more closely at that area during your revision.

1. In a Discussion (two views) Task 2 essay, what are you expected to do?
2. What is the difference between an 'opinion' essay and a 'discuss both views' essay on IELTS?
3. In this essay type, should you state your personal opinion, or only explain the two views?
4. Why is it important to present both sides equally before giving your own opinion?

Introduction

IELTS Writing Task 2 often includes questions asking you to discuss two different opinions, sometimes called the Discussion (two views) essay. These questions require you to explain both viewpoints, give your own stance, and justify it with clear reasons and examples.

Key Term: Discussion (two views) Essay
An IELTS Writing Task 2 question type that requires the candidate to describe two opposing opinions about an issue, evaluate them, and provide their own clearly reasoned view.

When approaching this essay, it is essential to carefully present both viewpoints, use clear signaling language, and respond to all parts of the question.

Understanding Discussion (Two Views) Essays

Discussion (two views) questions include an issue and two contrasting opinions. The instructions typically read:

"Discuss both these views and give your own opinion."

Your answer must:

• Summarize the first view and its logic.
• Summarize the second, contrasting view and its logic.
• Give your own position, supported with reasons and examples.

Key Term: Balanced Argument
Fairly representing and considering both viewpoints, without showing bias, before stating and justifying your own personal view.

Key Term: Signposting Language
Phrases that clearly indicate whose opinion is being discussed (e.g., "Supporters argue...", "Others believe..."), used to help the reader follow your essay structure.

Task Analysis and Planning

Always identify the structure required. For Discussion (two views) questions, look for trigger words such as "Discuss both these views," "What are the arguments for and against...," or "Discuss both sides and give your opinion."

Effective planning should include:

• Noting the two views and main arguments supporting each.
• Deciding your personal stance (agree with one, partly agree with both, or a separate view).
• Making a list of reasons and examples for each side.
• Outlining your paragraph structure (usually four or five paragraphs: introduction, view 1, view 2, your opinion, conclusion).

Key Term: Thesis Statement
The sentence (usually in the introduction) that clearly states your overall position on the issue and guides the reader about what to expect in your essay.

Writing Structure

A typical structure is:

1. Introduction: Paraphrase the question, identify the issue, and write your thesis statement.
2. Body Paragraph 1: Present and explain the first view.
3. Body Paragraph 2: Present and explain the second view.
4. Opinion Paragraph (optional for very high scores): Clearly state your own opinion with supporting reasons and an example.
5. Conclusion: Summarize both sides and your opinion briefly.

Use signposting language to distinguish between other people’s views and your own.

Key Term: Linking Phrase
A group of words used to connect or contrast ideas and signal relationships, such as "On the one hand... on the other hand...", "However," or "Nevertheless".

Worked Example 1.1

Some people believe that university education should be free for everyone. Others think students should pay their own tuition fees. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Model Answer Excerpt:

Introduction:
Access to university is a topic of debate. Some people argue that higher education should be funded by the government, while others feel that students themselves must pay.

Paragraph 1 (first view):
One view is that making university free ensures equal opportunity for all, regardless of background. Proponents claim this increases social mobility and results in a more skilled workforce.

Paragraph 2 (second view):
On the other hand, others state that individuals benefit from a degree and should thus bear their own costs. Paying for tuition may encourage students to value their studies and reduce university drop-out rates.

Opinion:
In my opinion, while free university opens doors for many, it is not always practical for governments to cover expenses. A mixed approach through partial scholarships and student contributions could be more sustainable.

Conclusion:
Both sides present strong reasons, but combining support for low-income students with personal financial responsibility may offer the best solution.

Answer:
This example illustrates how to present each side fairly, use linking phrases, and defend your own stance logically.

Worked Example 1.2

Passage:
Some parents think children should be strictly controlled, while others believe they should have complete freedom. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Question: What must a candidate do to answer this question effectively?

Answer:
Explain both positions using signposting language and examples, then state and justify your own viewpoint using reasons and appropriate evidence.

Exam Warning

A common mistake is to summarize only one side or to state your opinion too early, ignoring the need to show balanced understanding before making your own position clear. Always develop both views before giving your opinion.

Revision Tip

When planning, write down phrases for expressing other people’s views, such as "Some people claim...", "Others are convinced that...", and phrases for contrasting, such as "However," or "In contrast," to use as signposts in your essay.

Summary

Discussion (two views) essays require you to describe and compare two opinions on a topic, provide a well-reasoned personal view, and support your stance with clear arguments and relevant examples. Use clear paragraphing, signposting, and a logical progression of ideas.

Key Point Checklist

This article has covered the following key knowledge points:

• Recognize the Discussion (two views) Task 2 question type.
• Explain both opposing views accurately and impartially.
• Use signposting phrases to distinguish other views from your own.
• Clearly state and support your personal opinion.
• Structure your essay into clear introduction, main body, and conclusion.
• Use linking phrases to connect arguments and organize logic.
• Provide examples and supporting reasons for each view and your own opinion.

Key Terms and Concepts

• Discussion (two views) Essay
• Balanced Argument
• Signposting Language
• Thesis Statement
• Linking Phrase