Discussion Essays

What Discussion Essays Test

Discussion essays ask you to "Discuss both views and give your own opinion." The key word is both — you must present each side fairly before stating your preference. Students who present only one side in detail score Band 5 maximum.

The Structure

Introduction: Paraphrase the debate. State that the essay will discuss both perspectives. Optionally hint at your own view at the end.

Body Paragraph 1 — First viewpoint: Present the strongest arguments for Side A. Do not use first person — "Proponents of this view argue that..." not "I think..."

Body Paragraph 2 — Second viewpoint + your opinion: Present the arguments for Side B. End this paragraph with your own assessment of which view is more convincing and why.

Conclusion: Summarize both sides briefly. State your personal position clearly.

Academic Language for Presenting Views

Presenting a viewpoint: "Proponents of this view argue that...", "Advocates of X contend that...", "Those who support this position believe that...", "From this perspective..."

Conceding a point: "While it is acknowledged that...", "Although there is some merit in this argument...", "It cannot be denied that..."

Giving your opinion: "Nevertheless, I am of the opinion that...", "On balance, the evidence suggests that...", "Having considered both perspectives, I believe that..."

Common Mistakes

Only presenting one view in detail and dismissing the other in one sentence.

Giving your opinion too early — save it for Body Paragraph 2 or the conclusion.

Using "I" in the viewpoint paragraphs — use third person academic language to present each side.

Not making your own position clear in the conclusion — the question specifically asks for your opinion.

Practice Question

Some people think that children should be taught to compete, while others believe that they should be taught to cooperate. Discuss both views and give your own opinion. Write at least 250 words.