Masterclass on Discussion Essays: Discuss Both Views

Overview

Welcome to this comprehensive lesson on Discussion Essays, specifically focused on how to effectively "Discuss both views and give your own opinion." Mastering this essay type is crucial for achieving a high score in the IELTS Writing Task 2. In this masterclass, we will break down the essential components of a discussion essay, explore best practices, highlight common mistakes, and provide a model answer that exemplifies what a Band 9 essay looks like.

What Discussion Essays Test

Discussion essays are designed to evaluate your ability to engage with multiple perspectives on a given topic. The key requirement is to explore both views fairly while clearly articulating your personal stance. Effectively addressing both perspectives demonstrates your critical thinking skills and enhances your Task Response score.

The Structure of a Discussion Essay

Introduction

• Paraphrase the Debate: Begin by rephrasing the topic in your own words. This sets the stage for your discussion.
• State Your Intent: Clearly indicate that the essay will discuss both perspectives. It’s effective to hint at your personal opinion at the end of this section.

Body Paragraph 1 — Presenting the First Viewpoint

• Strong Arguments for Side A: Present the most compelling arguments supporting the first viewpoint.
• Maintain Objectivity: Use academic language and avoid first-person pronouns. For example, use phrases like "Proponents of this view argue that..." instead of "I think..."

Body Paragraph 2 — Presenting the Second Viewpoint and Your Opinion

• Arguments for Side B: Elaborate on the main arguments supporting the opposing viewpoint.
• State Your Opinion: Conclude this paragraph with your assessment of which side is more convincing, along with the rationale for your position.

Conclusion

• Summarize Both Sides: Briefly recap the arguments presented for both perspectives.
• State Your Position: Clearly articulate your personal opinion, ensuring it aligns with your earlier arguments.

Golden Rules for Writing Discussion Essays

• Balance is Key: Ensure that both perspectives are discussed with equal weight.
• Use Academic Language: Maintain a formal tone throughout the essay. Avoid colloquial language and first-person pronouns in body paragraphs.
• Be Clear and Concise: Clarity is crucial. Avoid overly complex sentences that could confuse the reader.

Best Practices

• Plan Before You Write: Spend a few minutes outlining your ideas to ensure a well-structured response.
• Use Transition Words: Enhance the flow of your essay with transitional phrases like "on the one hand," "on the other hand," "furthermore," and "in contrast."
• Proofread: Always leave a few minutes at the end to check for spelling and grammatical errors.

Vocabulary Bank

Common Mistakes (Instant Score Drops)

• Neglecting One View: Failing to address one side thoroughly can significantly weaken your Task Response score.
• Early Opinions: Presenting your own opinion too early in the essay can confuse the reader about your stance.
• Inappropriate Language: Using "I" or informal language in viewpoint paragraphs undermines the academic tone required for a high-scoring essay.
• Unclear Conclusion: Not clearly stating your position in the conclusion fails to satisfy the essay prompt.

Practice Question

Prompt: 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.

Band 9 Model Answer

Model Answer:

In recent years, the debate surrounding whether children should be taught to compete or cooperate has gained significant attention. Advocates of competition argue that it fosters a sense of ambition and drives individuals to excel. They believe that competition prepares children for real-world scenarios where success often hinges on outperforming others. For instance, in academic and professional settings, those who learn to compete are more likely to achieve higher results, which can lead to better opportunities in life.

Conversely, some argue that cooperation is equally essential in today’s interconnected world. They contend that teaching children to work together promotes social skills and teamwork, which are invaluable in both personal and professional contexts. For example, collaborative projects in schools help children develop communication skills and empathy, preparing them to interact effectively in diverse environments. While it is acknowledged that competition can motivate students, it can also lead to unhealthy stress and anxiety.

Having considered both perspectives, I believe that a balanced approach is most effective. While competition can drive individuals to reach their potential, the value of cooperation should not be underestimated. Therefore, schools should incorporate both competitive and cooperative activities to equip children with a well-rounded skill set.

Analysis of Band 9 Elements:

1. Task Response: The essay addresses the prompt thoroughly, discussing both views and presenting a clear opinion.
2. Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas flow logically, with effective use of transitional phrases and clear paragraphing.
3. Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is varied and appropriately sophisticated, enhancing the academic tone.
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Complex sentence structures are used effectively, with minimal errors.

[!IMPORTANT] Always ensure that your opinion is clearly stated in the conclusion to meet the requirements of the task.

[!WARNING] Avoid using informal language or personal pronouns in your body paragraphs. Stick to an academic tone for a higher score.

[!TIP] Practice writing on various topics to enhance your ability to present balanced arguments effectively.