Discussion Essay vs Opinion Essay: What IELTS Actually Wants

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One of the most common mistakes in IELTS Writing Task 2 is treating a discussion essay like an opinion essay, or vice versa. These two question types require different approaches, and confusing them damages your Task Response score—25% of your total mark.

This guide clarifies exactly what each essay type requires, shows you how to identify them instantly, and provides clear structures for both.

How to Identify Each Question Type

The wording of the question tells you exactly what type of essay to write. Here's how to recognize each:

Discussion Essay

Look for these phrases:

• "Discuss both views and give your opinion"
• "Discuss both sides and give your own opinion"
• "What are the views on both sides? What is your opinion?"

The key indicator is "both views" or "both sides." The question explicitly asks you to cover two perspectives before giving your own.

Example:

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

Opinion Essay

Look for these phrases:

• "Do you agree or disagree?"
• "To what extent do you agree?"
• "What is your opinion?"
• "Do you think this is a positive or negative development?"

The key indicator is that you're asked for YOUR view on a single statement.

Example:

University education should be free for everyone. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

The Critical Difference: What Each Type Demands

Discussion Essays Require Balance

In a discussion essay, you must give reasonable coverage to both perspectives. You can't spend 80% of your essay on one view and dismiss the other in two sentences. The examiner wants to see that you can:

• Understand and explain multiple perspectives
• Develop arguments for views you might disagree with
• Still form and express your own opinion

If you write only about one side, you haven't answered the question—and your Task Response score will suffer significantly.

Opinion Essays Require Commitment

In an opinion essay, you need a clear position that you maintain throughout. You don't have to discuss the opposing view at all. You can if it strengthens your argument, but it's not required.

The examiner wants to see that you can:

• Take a clear stance
• Develop strong arguments supporting your position
• Maintain consistency from introduction to conclusion

If you sit on the fence ("there are advantages and disadvantages"), you haven't fully answered the question.

Structure for Discussion Essays

The most effective structure uses four paragraphs:

Paragraph 1: Introduction

• Paraphrase the two views
• State your own opinion

Paragraph 2: First View

• Explain why some people hold this view
• Develop with reasoning and examples

Paragraph 3: Second View (+ Your Opinion)

• Explain the opposing view
• You can incorporate your opinion here if you agree with this side

Paragraph 4: Conclusion

• Summarize both views briefly
• Restate your opinion

Sample Discussion Essay Structure in Action

Question: Some people believe that universities should focus on providing academic skills, while others think they should prepare students for employment. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Introduction:

The purpose of university education remains a subject of ongoing debate. While some argue that universities should prioritize traditional academic knowledge, others believe vocational preparation should take precedence. In my view, a balance between both approaches offers the most benefit to students and society.

Notice how this:

• Paraphrases both views from the question
• States a clear opinion (balance between both)

Body Paragraph 1 (First View):

Those who advocate for purely academic education argue that universities have historically been centers of knowledge and intellectual development rather than job training facilities. Subjects like philosophy, history, and theoretical sciences develop critical thinking and analytical abilities that transcend specific career paths. A student who deeply understands research methodology and logical reasoning can adapt to various professional contexts, whereas narrow vocational training may become obsolete as industries evolve. Furthermore, some of humanity's greatest innovations have emerged from research with no immediate practical application.

Body Paragraph 2 (Second View + Opinion):

However, the argument for employment-focused education reflects legitimate concerns about graduate outcomes. With rising tuition costs, students and families expect tangible returns on their investment. Universities that ignore industry needs risk producing graduates who struggle in the job market despite their qualifications. I believe the most effective approach integrates both perspectives—core academic skills provide the foundation, while internships, industry projects, and practical modules ensure relevance to employer needs. This combination prepares graduates for current opportunities while equipping them to adapt to future changes.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, both purely academic and purely vocational approaches have merits, but universities serve students best by combining intellectual rigor with practical preparation. This balanced model develops adaptable professionals who can contribute meaningfully to their fields.

Structure for Opinion Essays

Opinion essays can also use four paragraphs, but the focus differs:

Paragraph 1: Introduction

• Paraphrase the topic
• State your clear position

Paragraph 2: First Reason

• Present your first argument supporting your position
• Develop fully with explanation and example

Paragraph 3: Second Reason

• Present your second argument
• Develop fully with explanation and example

Paragraph 4: Conclusion

• Restate your position
• Summarize your main points

Sample Opinion Essay Structure in Action

Question: Some people think that parents should teach children how to be good members of society. Others believe that school is the place to learn this. What is your opinion?

Note: This looks similar to a discussion question, but it asks "What is your opinion?"—not "Discuss both views." You don't need to give equal coverage to both perspectives.

Introduction:

The responsibility for developing children's social values is shared between families and educational institutions. While schools certainly play a role, I firmly believe that parents hold primary responsibility for teaching children to be good members of society.

Body Paragraph 1:

Parents are uniquely positioned to instill social values because of the early, intensive bond formed in the home environment. From birth, children observe and imitate their parents' behavior—how they treat others, resolve conflicts, and participate in community life. This constant modeling occurs during the formative years when character foundations are established. A child whose parents demonstrate honesty, kindness, and civic responsibility absorbs these values naturally, long before formal schooling begins. By contrast, teachers interact with students for limited hours in structured academic settings, with less opportunity for the informal, everyday lessons that shape character most deeply.

Body Paragraph 2:

Furthermore, effective social education requires consistency between values taught and values practiced—something families can provide more readily than institutions. When parents involve children in community activities, discuss ethical dilemmas during daily life, and model the behavior they expect, learning becomes authentic and lasting. Schools, facing large class sizes and curriculum pressures, inevitably focus more on academic outcomes than character development. While schools can reinforce values through programs like community service or ethics classes, these initiatives work best when they complement, rather than replace, lessons already learned at home.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, while schools contribute to children's social development, parents bear the primary responsibility for raising good citizens. The home environment provides the early experiences, consistent modeling, and authentic learning opportunities that form the foundation of children's character and social behavior.

Common Confusion Points

"Can I give my opinion in both essay types?"

Yes! The difference is in what else you must include:

• Discussion essay: You must discuss both views AND give your opinion
• Opinion essay: You must give your opinion (discussing opposing views is optional)

"What if I agree with one side in a discussion essay?"

That's fine. You can clearly side with one view. But you still need to explain the other view fairly before dismissing or refuting it. Don't spend one sentence on the opposing view and three paragraphs on your preferred position.

"What if the discussion question doesn't ask for my opinion?"

Some older IELTS questions say only "Discuss both views" without "give your opinion." In this case, you can remain neutral and simply present both sides without choosing one. However, most current questions include the opinion component.

"Should I use 'some people believe' in opinion essays?"

You can acknowledge that other views exist, but don't spend significant time on them. Phrases like "While some may argue that..." followed by your counter-argument can add sophistication, but your essay should primarily develop your own position.

Quick Reference: Key Differences

Practice: Identify the Question Type

Read each question and identify whether it requires a discussion essay or an opinion essay:

1. Some people think that governments should ban dangerous sports, while others think people should have freedom to do any sport or activity. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

2. International tourism is now more common than ever before. Is this a positive or negative development?

3. Some believe that children should be taught to compete, while others think cooperation should be encouraged. Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.

4. In many countries, the gap between rich and poor is increasing. What problems does this cause? What solutions can you suggest?

5. Some people think that museums should be enjoyable places to entertain people, while others believe that the purpose of museums is to educate. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Answers:

1. Discussion (both views + opinion)
2. Opinion (positive or negative = your position)
3. Discussion (both sides + opinion)
4. Neither! This is a problem-solution essay (a different type)
5. Discussion (both views + opinion)

Final Checklist

Before you start writing, confirm:

For Discussion Essays:

• ☐ I've identified both views clearly
• ☐ I know what my own opinion is
• ☐ I plan to give reasonable coverage to both perspectives

For Opinion Essays:

• ☐ I've identified the statement I'm responding to
• ☐ I've decided my position (agree, disagree, or partial)
• ☐ I have at least two reasons supporting my position

During planning:

For Discussion Essays:

• ☐ Body paragraph 1: Explain View A with reasons and examples
• ☐ Body paragraph 2: Explain View B with reasons and examples
• ☐ My opinion is clear in introduction and conclusion

For Opinion Essays:

• ☐ Body paragraph 1: First reason with full development
• ☐ Body paragraph 2: Second reason with full development
• ☐ My opinion is consistent throughout

Getting the essay type right is the foundation for everything else. Once you can instantly recognize whether you're facing a discussion or opinion question, you can apply the appropriate structure confidently—and give the examiner exactly what they're looking for.

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