WRITING TASK 2

Discuss both sides: Writing

the introduction & conclusion

1. I think that you should tell the examiner your position in the introduction to a ‘Discuss
both Sides” essay.
□ True □ False
2. You should include specific arguments in the introduction.
□ True □ False
3. Complete the sentence taken from an introduction with ONE word.
_____________ some feel that the IELTS exam is a good indicator of students’ English
levels, I agree with those who believe that it only offers a snapshot of their ability.
4. What is missing from this introduction?
The IELTS exam is taken by 3 million international test takers every year. However, does the
IELTS exam really provide a clear indication of a student’s level?
5. Write two introductions to the following exam question:

Some people feel that the cost of space exploration is far too high
for the benefits it brings while others argue that space programmes
should continue no matter what the cost.

Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.

a. Give your opinion using a “While some feel that……………, I agree with those who
believe……………….” sentence.
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_________________________________________________________________________________

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_____________________________________________________________

b. Give your opinion by creating a question and answering it. (Please note that many
students find it difficult to write a good question. If you find this difficult, you can
SKIP THIS QUESTION. I think that for 99% of students it is better to use the “while”
sentence in the introduction.)
_________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

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 _________________________________________________________________________________

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6. Write two introductions to the following exam question:

There are those that feel that modern technology has had
an overall positive impact on our lives, but others feel its existence
has been more of a negative influence.

Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.

a. Give your opinion using a “While some feel that……………, I agree with those who
believe……………….” sentence.

_________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

b. Give your opinion by creating a question and answering it. (Again, feel free to skip
this question – it is probably best to stick to the “while” sentence)
_________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

7. Write two introductions to the following exam question:

Some people believe that advertising has a strong effect on a person’s
decision-making process. Others feel that it has little or no real impact.

Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.

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 a. Give your opinion using a “While some feel that……………, I agree with those who
believe……………….” sentence.

_________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

b. Give your opinion by creating a question and answering it. (Again, skip, skip, skip
this if you wish!)
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_________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

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8-9. There are 2 steps in writing a conclusion. Complete each step with ONE word.
(8) S_________ the main ideas in the body.
(9) Re-state our answer to the specific question = GIVE OUR O________ .
10. It is a good idea to include new arguments inside the conclusion.
□ True □ False
11. Write a conclusion for this essay question:

Some people feel that the cost of space exploration is far too high
for the benefits it brings while others argue that we space programmes
should continue no matter what the cost.

Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.

You can use the ideas below or your own ideas if you would like.

Opposite too many problems on Earth that need to be faced

Side:

My Side: space exploration drives the development of technology on Earth

My Position: should continue

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 Remember to use the formula:

In conclusion, although __________ (argument for opposite side),

__________________ (argument for my position). Therefore,
on balance, I believe ______________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

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____________________________________________________________________________________________________

12. Write a conclusion for this essay question:

There are those that feel that modern technology has had
an overall positive impact on our lives,
but others feel its existence has been more of a negative influence.

Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.

You can use the ideas below or your own ideas if you would like.

Opposite many people spend too much time online

Side:

My Side: medical breakthroughs mean we live longer lives

My Position: positive impact

Remember to use the formula:

In conclusion, although __________ (argument for opposite side),

__________________ (argument for my position). Therefore,
on balance, I believe ______________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________
© 2017 My IELTS Classroom ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

13. Write a conclusion for the essay question:

Some people believe that advertising has a strong effect on

a person’s decision-making process. Others feel that it has little or
no real impact.

Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.

You can use the ideas below or your own ideas if you would like.

Opposite
Side: many people use product reviews

My Side: advertising affects us in subliminal ways

My Position: strong effect on decisions

Remember to use the formula:

In conclusion, although __________ (argument for opposite side),

__________________ (argument for my position). Therefore,
on balance, I believe ______________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________

© 2017 My IELTS Classroom ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

 ANSWERS & COMMENTS

1. True Yes. I believe that it is best to give your opinion in the introduction. There is no
“rule” about this, but the more clearly you can make your position
THROUGHOUT the essay, the higher your score will be. If you want to read more
about this, you can read this blog post: http://blog.myieltsclassroom.com/do-i-
need-to-include-my-opinion-in-the-introduction-to-an-ielts-discuss-both-sides-
essay/
2. False No, there should be no specific arguments inside the introduction. Keep these
for the body of the essay!
3. While
4. The writer’s opinion! If you ask a question in your introduction (which is a good idea), make sure that
you answer the question. For example:
The IELTS exam is taken by 3 million international test takers every year.
However, does the IELTS exam really provide a clear indication of a student’s
level? While some feel it doesn’t, I strongly believe that it does.
5. a. The desire to explore what surrounds us is a fundamental part of human nature, and therefore it is
no surprise that many generations have dreamed of going into space. While some feel that it is too
expensive to keep up space programmes, I agree with those who believe that the advantages we
gain from space travel are worth the cost.
b. The desire to explore what surrounds us is a fundamental part of human nature, and therefore it is
no surprise that many generations have dreamed of going into space. However, does the vast
amount of money we spend on space programmes really reap sufficient rewards? While some
believe it doesn’t, I firmly believe that it does.
6. a. From smart cars to lightning-fast Internet, the effect that modern technology has had on our lives is
undeniable. While there are some that feel the introduction of modern technology has had a
harmful impact on our lives, I side with those who believe that it has been wholly positive.
b. From smart cars to lightning-fast Internet, the effect that modern technology has had on our lives is
undeniable. However, has modern technology brought us more benefits than drawbacks? While
some feel it hasn’t, I strongly believe that it has.
7. a. With billboards on every street corner and pop-up ads on every website, it is difficult to escape
advertising today. While some people think that all these advertising messages make no difference
to the way people choose a product, I agree with those who feel that adverts have a definite
influence on our purchases.
b. With billboards on every street corner and pop-up ads on every website, it is difficult to escape
advertising today. However, does all this advertising really influence our purchasing habits?
While some believe that it doesn’t, in my opinion, it does.
8. Summarise 9. POSITION

10. False It is a TERRIBLE idea! Remember, all you should do in the conclusion is
summarise and re-state your position. If you have less than 250 words, you can
give a comment or suggestion about the future, BUT NO NEW IDEAS.
11. In conclusion, although it is true that there are many problems on Earth that require attention, the
scientific know-how gained while developing technology for space more than justifies its cost.
Therefore, on balance, I strongly believe that man should continue its exploration of space in spite
of the cost.
12. In conclusion, although there are many people who spend too much time at home on the Internet,
breakthroughs in modern technology allows us to live longer, more comfortable lives. Therefore, on
balance, I believe that the impact technology has had on our lives has been overwhelmingly positive.
13. In conclusion, although some people make purchases based on product reviews, advertising
affects us in subliminal ways that even the most perceptive person may not notice. Therefore, on
balance, I believe that advertising has a very strong influence on our buying choices.
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