© Compiled by Mr. Sang Vo [IELTS 8.5] – 0944.27.

3350
IELTS Writing Task 2 - TR | CC | LR | GRA
Target Band Score: 7.0+
@ETEST

TYPE 2: DISCUSS BOTH VIEWS + YOUR OPINION

- Discuss both views of this issue and give your opinion

- Discuss both sides and give your opinion
- Discuss both the advantages and disadvantages of this issue and give your opinion
- Discuss both the advantages and disadvantages of this trend

Sample questions:

❖ Some people think that the government should be responsible for crime prevention,
while others believe that it is the responsibility of the individual to protect
themselves. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

❖ The internet has made knowledge immediately available to people through

computers and smartphones all around the world. Much of this knowledge is also
free. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this trend.
 © Compiled by Mr. Sang Vo [IELTS 8.5] – 0944.27.3350
IELTS Writing Task 2 - TR | CC | LR | GRA
Target Band Score: 7.0+
@ETEST

TYPE 2: BOTH “...DISCUSS BOTH VIEWS AND GIVE YOUR OPINION”

VIEWS + OPINION

BOTH SIDES / BOTH ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGES

INTRODUCTION:

In recent years, people have been divided over whether ABC [ABC is the topic]. This essay
discusses both [sides/ views/ advantages & disadvantages] of this issue, and I will give my own
perspective.

BODY PARAGRAPH 1

On the one hand, [side 1]. The main reason for this is that ............... In addition, ..................
One good illustration of this is/ To illustrate, .............

BODY PARAGRAPH 2

On the other hand, [side 2]. People often hold this view because ............... A second point is
that ........... A particularly good example here is ..............

CONCLUSION:

[views/ sides]
In conclusion, I believe both views/sides have their own merits. On balance, however, I feel
that …………. This is because………… Given this situation, [your recommendation]

[advantages & disadvantages]

In conclusion, I believe both the advantages and disadvantages of this issue hold true. On
balance, however, I feel that …………. This is because………… Given this situation, [your
recommendation]
 © Compiled by Mr. Sang Vo [IELTS 8.5] – 0944.27.3350
IELTS Writing Task 2 - TR | CC | LR | GRA
Target Band Score: 7.0+
@ETEST

Model essay

Rubric: Some people think that teachers should be responsible for teaching students to judge
what is right and wrong so that they can behave well. Others say that teachers should only
teach students academic subjects.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

In recent years, people have been divided over whether schools should only focus students on
academic subjects or should also pay due attention to teaching them right from wrong to
become well-behaved citizens. This essay discusses both views of the issue, and I will give my
own perspective.

On the one hand, there are merits of putting more emphasis on teaching academic subjects at
school. The main reason for this is that academic subjects prime students with specialist
knowledge, which can greatly enhance their future employability. As a matter of fact, more and
more employers expect candidates to fare very well in their specialisation in this day and age,
which makes greater demands on schools. Therefore, teachers cannot afford to lose focus on
their students’ academic performance. In addition, when students are academically
competent, the country concerned can be assured of a more skilled workforce which will surely
give rise to improved GDP, and breakthroughs in various fields.

On the other hand, it is also possible to make the opposing case. It is often argued that
teachers should pay due attention to teaching students how to behave well. In doing so, teachers
can maintain discipline and order at school where they are expected to cater for thousands of
students. Apparently, without teaching them how to behave properly, the whole school will
probably be unable to operate effectively. A second point is that those taught to judge right
from wrong stand a better chance of advancing in the career ladder. Admittedly, academic
knowledge may land students their dream jobs, but it is their good behaviour that wins them
respect from their colleagues and promotions to higher positions.

In conclusion, I believe both views have their own merits. On balance, however, I feel that
teachers should be tasked to teach students both academically and behaviourally so that they
can become well-rounded citizens to the benefits of their own and of the community at large.

319 words - by an ex-examiner