ACADEMIC WRITING TASK 2 GUIDE

IELTS Discussion Essay: Discuss Both Views and Give Your Opinion

Explain the reasoning behind both views fairly, then present and maintain your own position instead of merely listing advantages and disadvantages.

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Fact-checked: 1 August 2026 · Nepal learner guide · Official IELTS sources

IELTS students discuss two views before planning a Task 2 essay

A useful method produces evidence: fewer repeated errors on a fresh task.

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Quick answer Method Mistakes Sources

Quick answer: A discussion essay requires meaningful treatment of both stated views and, when instructed, your own opinion. Explain why people hold each view, support the reasoning and make your position clear. Balanced discussion does not require equal agreement; it requires accurate development of both perspectives.

Understand the task

What this IELTS task requires

A discussion essay requires meaningful treatment of both stated views and, when instructed, your own opinion. Explain why people hold each view, support the reasoning and make your position clear. Balanced discussion does not require equal agreement; it requires accurate development of both perspectives.

Academic Writing has two compulsory tasks in 60 minutes. Task 1 requires at least 150 words in about 20 minutes, Task 2 requires at least 250 words in about 40 minutes, and Task 2 carries more weight.

Explain the reasoning behind both views fairly, then present and maintain your own position instead of merely listing advantages and disadvantages.

For an AIO-friendly answer, keep the rule, the action and the evidence together. Do not treat a memorised trick as a substitute for understanding the prompt, locating support or checking the final response. Use official sample material for format accuracy and record the reason behind every correction.

Step-by-step method

A reliable method for this IELTS task

Use the steps in order during untimed practice. Add pressure only after the method is accurate and repeatable.

Step 1

Separate the views

Rewrite each position in neutral language.

Evidence check: Neither view is distorted

Step 2

Find the reasoning

Ask why a reasonable person might hold each view.

Evidence check: One developed reason per side

Step 3

Choose your opinion

Decide which view is stronger or whether conditions change the answer.

Evidence check: A consistent personal position

Step 4

Plan paragraph roles

Assign one view to each main body paragraph and integrate your evaluation.

Evidence check: Clear progression

Step 5

Use fair examples

Support both views without creating a straw man.

Evidence check: Examples match the stated perspective

Step 6

Conclude the comparison

Summarise the evaluated views and your final judgement.

Evidence check: No new main idea

Worked example: If one view supports online learning for flexibility and another supports classrooms for interaction, explain the logic and conditions of both. Your opinion might favour blended learning, but only after both original views are properly discussed.

Common mistakes and corrections

  • One view ignored: Most of the essay supports only the writer’s opinion. Correction: Develop both stated perspectives.
  • Advantage essay drift: The response lists pros and cons instead of discussing beliefs. Correction: Explain why each group holds its view.
  • Opinion delayed: The reader cannot identify the writer’s position until the final line. Correction: Signal it clearly in the introduction.
  • False balance: Equal paragraph length is treated as the scoring goal. Correction: Prioritise clear relevant development.

How to review one attempt

  • Write the task type and the exact instruction.
  • Record your answer before checking the key or feedback.
  • Locate the evidence or scoring criterion that controls the decision.
  • Explain why the wrong choice failed; do not write only “careless”.
  • Retest the corrected rule on a new task within seven days.

Swipe horizontally to compare every column.

Practice workflow

A measurable practice plan for IELTS discussion essay

Measure the behaviour that needs improvement, not only the final raw score.

StagePracticeEvidence to record
BaselineComplete one official-style IELTS response under controlled conditions.Time, structure and criterion notes before correction
Criterion reviewEvaluate the response against the relevant published criteria.Specific evidence for each weakness
Focused repairRewrite or re-record the weakest part after feedback.A visibly improved version
Timed transferApply the correction to a fresh prompt.Improvement survives without memorisation
Delayed retestReturn to the same weakness within seven days.Recurring error frequency is lower
IELTS tutor reviews a discussion essay plan with a learner

Relevant MKS support

Connect this skill to a complete IELTS learning system

Use only the support that addresses the diagnosed problem and fits the learner’s schedule.

Criterion-based feedback

Review task achievement or response, organisation, vocabulary and grammar separately.

Revision evidence

Rewrite weak paragraphs after feedback rather than only starting another essay.

Connected materials

Use lessons, physical books, app practice and recordings inside one writing routine.

MKS Education offers physical, online and hybrid IELTS classes in Putalisadak, recordings for every learning mode, physical books, iOS and Android practice, an eight-week guided course with six-month access, and continued support. Learners needing repetition may join suitable classes without another class charge, subject to attendance, current schedules and seat availability.

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Build the next practice week from evidence

Bring your current score profile, target, test date and one reviewed attempt. Use them to choose the next skill, task type and feedback cycle.

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What is the main rule for IELTS discussion essay?

A discussion essay requires meaningful treatment of both stated views and, when instructed, your own opinion. Explain why people hold each view, support the reasoning and make your position clear. Balanced discussion does not require equal agreement; it requires accurate development of both perspectives.

How should I practise IELTS discussion essay?

First, rewrite each position in neutral language. Then, ask why a reasonable person might hold each view. Keep a dated error log and retest the same skill on a fresh official-style task.

What is a common mistake with IELTS discussion essay?

Most of the essay supports only the writer’s opinion. Correct it this way: Develop both stated perspectives.

Can this IELTS discussion essay strategy guarantee Band 7?

No. A strategy can make practice more accurate and efficient, but no method or institute controls the official band. Language level, task performance and consistent response to feedback still matter.

How can MKS Education support IELTS discussion essay practice?

Review task achievement or response, organisation, vocabulary and grammar separately. Rewrite weak paragraphs after feedback rather than only starting another essay. Use lessons, physical books, app practice and recordings inside one writing routine.

MKS Education support

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