How to Write a Discussion Essay and Sample Answer in IELTS Writing Task 2

In IELTS Writing Task 2, you are required to write an essay on a given topic. Among various question types, the discussion essay is one of the most common. Many test takers confuse this type with opinion essays or advantage-disadvantage essays. In this guide, IDP will help you identify, structure, and write an effective discussion essay, with a sample answer included.

In a discussion essay, you are asked to discuss two opposing views and provide your own opinion. The key is to analyze both perspectives objectively before stating your own viewpoint. Common essay prompts include:

• Discuss both views and give your opinion

• Discuss both these views and then give your own opinion

• Discuss both sides of this argument and give your own opinion

Example 1:

Some people think that zoos are cruel and should be closed down. Others believe that zoos can help protect wild animals. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Example 2:

In many countries, traditional foods are being replaced by international fast food. Some people believe this is positive, while others think traditional food is better. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Look for phrases like:

• Discuss both views

• Discuss both these views

• Discuss both sides

These indicate a discussion essay. Unlike opinion essays, where you argue for one side only, or advantage/disadvantage essays, where you list pros and cons, a discussion essay requires you to present both viewpoints and then add your own opinion.

Opinion Essay Examples:

• Do you agree or disagree?

• What is your opinion?

Advantage/Disadvantage Essay Examples:

• Discuss the advantages and disadvantages and give your opinion

• Not including your personal opinion

• Failing to analyze both sides

• Providing unbalanced analysis of the two views

The biggest mistake is omitting your personal view, which affects your Task Achievement score. Also, remember to analyze both sides equally, even if you agree with one more than the other.

A well-organized essay should include:

1. Introduction

   • Paraphrase the question

   • Introduce both views

   • State your opinion

2. Body Paragraph 1

   • Topic sentence: Introduce the side you disagree with

   • Explanation

   • Example

3. Body Paragraph 2

   • Topic sentence: Introduce the side you agree with

   • Explanation

   • Example

4. Conclusion

   • Summarize both views

   • Restate your opinion

Step 1: Analyze the question

Identify:

• The topic

• The two views

• What the task requires you to do

Step 2: Choose your opinion

It doesn't matter which side you agree with; what matters is your ability to present your opinion clearly and consistently.

Step 3: Generate ideas and outline

Think of your response as a conversation. What would you say to someone who asks this question? Use those thoughts to create a simple outline.

Example Ideas:

View 1 – Zoos are cruel:

• Cramped cages cause stress

• Unnatural environments

• Animals used for entertainment

View 2 – Zoos are helpful:

• Breeding programs for endangered species

• Protection from extinction

• Education and awareness for the public

Step 4: Prepare vocabulary and synonyms

Examples:

• Zoos: wildlife parks, animal enclosures

• Cruel: inhumane, cause suffering

• Protect: preserve, safeguard

• Animals: creatures, species

Introduction

Structure:

• Paraphrase the question

• Introduce both views

• State your opinion

Example:

Question: Some people think that zoos are cruel and should be closed down. Others believe that zoos can help protect wild animals.

Paraphrased: Some argue that zoos preserve wild creatures, while others believe they are inhumane and should be abolished.

Outline and opinion: While breeding programs support the survival of endangered species, I believe that poor living conditions in many zoos make their existence unacceptable.

Full introduction: Some argue that zoos preserve wild creatures, while others believe they are inhumane and should be abolished. While breeding programs support the survival of endangered species, I believe that poor living conditions in many zoos make their existence unacceptable.

Body Paragraph 1 – The View You Disagree With

Topic sentence: On the one hand, many zoos have successfully bred endangered animals in captivity, increasing their populations.

Explanation: This helps ensure survival of species threatened by poaching or habitat loss.

Example: The golden lion tamarin in Brazil was saved from extinction through captive breeding.

Full paragraph: On the one hand, many zoos have successfully bred endangered animals in captivity, increasing their populations. This helps ensure the survival of species threatened by poaching or habitat destruction. For example, the golden lion tamarin from Brazil was nearly wiped out by logging, but today a third of the population was raised in captivity.

Body Paragraph 2 – The View You Agree With

Topic sentence: On the other hand, many animals live in cramped cages that restrict natural behavior.

Explanation: This leads to physical suffering and emotional distress.

Example: A friend of mine visited a zoo abroad and saw lions pacing in small enclosures and eagles unable to fly.

Full paragraph: On the other hand, many animals live in cramped cages that restrict natural behavior. This leads to physical suffering and emotional distress. A friend of mine visited a zoo abroad and saw lions pacing in narrow pens and eagles in enclosures so small they could not fly.

Conclusion

• Summarize both views

• Restate your opinion

Example conclusion: In conclusion, although zoos help preserve endangered species, the suffering caused by poor living conditions is unacceptable, and zoos should not be allowed to continue.

Full Sample Discussion Essay

Question: Some people think that zoos are cruel and should be closed down. Others believe that zoos can help protect wild animals. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Essay: Some argue that zoos preserve wild creatures, while others believe they are inhumane and should be abolished. While breeding programs support the survival of endangered species, I believe that poor living conditions in many zoos make their existence unacceptable.

On the one hand, many zoos have successfully bred endangered animals in captivity, increasing their populations. This helps ensure the survival of species threatened by poaching or habitat destruction. For example, the golden lion tamarin from Brazil was nearly wiped out by logging, but today a third of the population was raised in captivity.

On the other hand, many animals live in cramped cages that restrict natural behavior. This leads to physical suffering and emotional distress. A friend of mine visited a zoo abroad and saw lions pacing in narrow pens and eagles in enclosures so small they could not fly.

In conclusion, although zoos help preserve endangered species, the suffering caused by poor living conditions is unacceptable, and zoos should not be allowed to continue.

(267 words)

We hope this guide helps you fully understand how to write a discussion essay in IELTS Writing Task 2. Read it multiple times and practice with other essay topics to improve your skills.

For more practice, explore IDP’s complete IELTS resources, including Masterclass webinars, preparation courses, and expert tips from international IELTS specialists.

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