how to write a

Discussion essay
IELTS WRITING TASK 2

BY LOUISE BOLLANOS
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The information in this ebook is provided to help you study for

the IELTS Test. This is for your personal use and information

purposes only. The material provided in this ebook has been

created by experienced IELTS teachers and ex-examiners.

IELTS is a registered trademark of University of Cambridge, the

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Page 1
Table of Contents

Page 3: Introduction

Page 4: Tips

Page 5: Discussion essay structure

Page 6: The introduction

Page 7: Paragraph 2

Page 8: Paragraph 3

Page 9: Paragraph 4

Page 10: The conclusion

Pages 11-12: Complex sentences

Pages 13-14: Cohesive devices

Pages 15-19: Discussion essay breakdown

Pages 20-21: Discussion question and essay answer

Page 22: Essay feedback

Page 23: Recap

Page 24: About the author

Page 2
Introduction

In writing task 2 you will be asked to write a discursive essay

(250 words minimum).

You will be given a question asking you to give your opinion,

discuss a problem or issue.

You could also be asked to provide solutions, evaluate a

problem, compare and contrast different ideas or challenge

an idea.

One of the first things you should do is read the marking

criteria to see what the examiners expect.

This is really important, as you need to know what they are

looking for in the band 7+ boxes. 

Page 3
Tips

TIP >> Before you start writing, plan your ideas so that you can
organise the information clearly.

You must decide on the specific points and possible examples

you can use.

Take 5 minutes and plan out your ideas and examples.

TIP >> It is very important that spend a full 40 minutes on this

task as the score you get for writing task 2 is two-thirds of your

total writing score.

You also need to write a minimum of 250 words and use your

own ideas.

TIP >> Remember to write in a formal tone, this is an academic

essay, therefore your writing should be formal.

TIP >> The structure may differ depending on the question. 

You will have to adjust the structure, to make sure you are

answering all parts of the question.

This means adding an extra paragraph to answer another

question, or to give your opinion.

Page 4
Discussion Essay Structure

Page 5
The Introduction

This is the introduction to the essay and where you should start

off by paraphrasing the question.

Do you understand what I mean, when I say 'paraphrase' the

question?

This means that you rewrite the question in your own words using

synonyms. You can't just copy the question again or use the

same words in the question. Paraphrase and show off your

vocabulary knowledge by using synonyms.

When practising your essay writing, use an online thesaurus to

help you. This is a great tool and can help you to learn many

new words.

After that, give your view/opinion on the issue. A good way to

say this is to start with...'In my opinion, I believe that........'

The last sentence in the introduction should outline for the

examiner exactly what you will discuss in the main body

paragraphs. For example, 'this essay will discuss both views and

state my own position'.

There are three sentences you need in the introduction >

Paraphrase the question/ State both views

Give your view/opinion

Outline what is going to be discussed in the essay

Page 6
Paragraph 2 - Main Body Paragraph 1

In this paragraph, you should write about the first

argument/viewpoint, discuss it, then give an example. You

should give specific information and only write about one main

idea in each main body paragraph.

Start the paragraph by introducing the first view (View A). This

is where you need to have a topic sentence.

The next sentence(s) should discuss the view, going into detail.

The third sentence should give an example that supports the

view.

The example you give could be something from your own

experience or made up - it is ok to make up something as the

examiners will not fact check your information.

They want to see your ability to use English at a certain level.

You could make up an example from a report, journal,

newspaper or University study to support your view.

This is how the paragraph should look >

Introduce the view (View A - topic sentence)

Discuss - give detail

Example

Page 7
Paragraph 3 - Main Body Paragraph 2

In this paragraph, you should write about your second view

(View B).

You should give specific information and only write about one

main idea in each main body paragraph.

Start the paragraph by introducing the view (View B). This is

where you need to have a topic sentence.

The next sentence(s) should discuss the view, going into detail.

The third sentence should give an example that supports the

view.

The example you give could be something from your own

experience or made up - it is ok to make up something as the

examiners will not fact check your information.

They want to see your ability to use English at a certain level.

You could make up an example from a report, journal,

newspaper or University study to support your view.

This is how the paragraph should look >

Introduce the view (View B - topic sentence)

Discuss - give detail

Example

Page 8
Paragraph 4 - Main Body Paragraph 3

In this paragraph, you should write your opinion. You should

give specific information and only write about one main idea in

each main body paragraph.

Start the paragraph by introducing your opinion. This is where

you need to have a topic sentence.

The next sentence(s) should explain your opinion, going into

detail.

The third sentence should give an example that supports your

opinion.

The example you give could be something from your own

experience or made up - it is ok to make up something as the

examiners will not fact check your information.

They want to see your ability to use English at a certain level.

You could make up an example from a report, journal,

newspaper or University study to support your view.

This is how the paragraph should look >

Introduce your opinion (topic sentence)

Explain your opinion

Example

Page 9
Paragraph 5 - The Conclusion

In the final paragraph, you write the conclusion giving a

summary of your main points and state which view is more

important.

You should not enter any new information or ideas in this

paragraph.

This is how the paragraph should look >

Summary of the main points

State which view is more important

Expressing Your Opinion

You can use phrases like this to give your opinion in the essay….

In my opinion….

I strongly believe that…….

In my view…….

I am opposed to…….

As far as I’m concerned…….

To my way of thinking………...

Sequencing Ideas

You can use phrases like this to sequence your ideas in the

essay……

Firstly, secondly, lastly……

Some people think, while others……

On the one hand, on the other hand…….

First of all…...second of all……..

To begin with, another, one more……….

Page 10
Use complex sentences in your essay for a high

band score

Simple Sentences

1. Climate change is a common topic these days.

2. Climate change causes environmental problems.

3. There are tough challenges associated with climate change.

4. Climate change has very serious consequences

Complex Sentences

One of the most common issues associated with climate

change is global warming which causes many serious

environmental problems. There are tough challenges ahead if

climate change is not acknowledged and its effects could very

serious consequences for us in the future.

Page 11
Complex sentences

When to use them….

You should use simple sentences when making your main

points; normally at the beginning of a paragraph.

You should then use complex sentences when expanding on

the main point, for instance when giving a supporting example

or explaining your main idea.

Example Paragraph:

On the one hand, having the option to work from home, can

have a positive impact on an employee's schedule. This is

especially so if the person has children or other dependants

because working long hours is not always possible depending

on your lifestyle. Therefore it allows the employee to manage

their own schedule while ensuring that they maintain a work-

life balance, working from wherever they are in the world.

Having flexible working hours means that collecting children

from school, spending time travelling and being able to attend

non-work related appointments becomes much easier. For

example, Google allows senior engineers to work remotely,

using flexible hours for those who travel a lot or have the need

to work with little interruptions. 

Page 12
Cohesive Devices

In the IELTS exam, to reach a band 7 or above you need to be

able to use a range of cohesive devices accurately.

Linking words are a great way to join your ideas together and

make your sentences and your paragraph much more coherent.

But be careful you don’t add too many in your paragraphs.

Page 13
Cohesive Devices

Bad Example

Firstly, the foremost problem with skilled professionals, such as

doctors and teachers leaving is that it deprives the country of

people who are necessary to its survival. Therefore, a shortage

of doctors in hospitals could lead to them being severely

understaffed. In addition, some academic institutions will also

suffer, with a lack of skilled teachers in highly desirable subjects,

like maths, science and languages. Moreover, many

professionals desire better pay and working conditions, leaving in

search of a better lifestyle. For example, a study from

Cambridge University showed that in Romania in 2014, 75% of

graduates had applied to work in the UK and the USA.

Good Example

On the one hand, the foremost problem with skilled

professionals, such as doctors and teachers leaving is that it

deprives the country of people who are necessary to its survival.

A shortage of doctors in hospitals could lead to them being

severely understaffed, even though they have the trained doctors

and nurses who are local and willing to work. In addition, some
academic institutions will also suffer, with a lack of skilled

teachers in highly desirable subjects, like maths, science and

languages. Many professionals desire better pay and working

conditions, leaving in search of a better lifestyle so that they can

earn a higher salary and have a better lifestyle. For example, a

study from Cambridge University showed that in Romania in 2014,

75% of graduates had applied to work in the UK and the USA. 

Page 14
Discussion Essay Example

Question

Some people think that developments involving the Internet have

brought people closer together, while others think that people and

communities have become more isolated.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

The Introduction

It is undeniable that modern technology has a huge influence on

people’s lives. The use of the internet, for example, has become

more common and some claim that it has been able to connect

people who are far apart, while others argue that its use can

lead to social isolation or confinement.

This essay will discuss both views and state my own position.

*The first part highlighted has paraphrased the question using

synonyms.

*The second sentence outlines what the essay will discuss in the

main body paragraphs, making the content of the essay really

clear for the examiner. Keeps it short and simple.

Page 15
Main Body Paragraph 1

Firstly, during the last two decades, there have been many tech

developments and advancements, bringing convenience to all.

One significant attribute of this modernization is the internet, while

this technology has made our lives more convenient in many

aspects, including our approach to communication. In the past, we

only used mail or the telephone to send our messages across the

globe, whereas today, the internet allows us to reach out to almost

everyone in just a few seconds. The inconvenience of long

distances is eliminated as we can talk and even see distant friends

or relatives for an unlimited time.

For example, the internet connects people whose relatives or

families are abroad, through Facebook, Twitter or Skype anytime

and anywhere.

*The first sentence is the introduction to the topic and the

paragraph. They have started it with a good cohesive device -

Firstly

*The second part explains the topic further - giving detail and

background information.

*The third part gives a relevant example, that supports the

viewpoint.

Everything that is written is relevant to the question. Keep checking

the question and make sure that you are answering it and not going

off topic.  You are allowed to make up some statistics here to

support your views - the examiner will not check that your facts are

correct.

Can you see the cohesive devices and see where the writer has

added complex sentences? While / whereas / as  - complex

sentences

Page 16
Main Body Paragraph 2

Secondly, this technological development has its drawbacks, as it has

been observed that some individuals tend to spend a lot of their time

surfing the internet or on different social networking sites.

Communities meet online via private Facebook groups, instead of in a

community hall to discuss matters, since this does not allow them to

socialise physically with people, they isolate themselves in this virtual

world. Both teenagers and adults use much of their time online and

this does not allow them to develop their interpersonal skills.

For instance, a study from 2015 by The Social Media Explorer saw that

over 93% of teenagers aged 16-19 have a social media presence, with

more than three social accounts per person.  

*The first sentence is the introduction to the topic and the paragraph.

They have started it with a good cohesive device - secondly

*The second part explains the topic further - giving detail and

background information.

*The third part gives a relevant example, that supports the viewpoint.

Uses for instance and does not repeat - for example. Try not to repeat

any words if you can. This shows the examiner that you have a wide

vocabulary - which is something you need to get a high band score.

Everything that is written is relevant to the question. Keep checking

the question and make sure that you are answering it and not going

off topic.  You are allowed to make up some statistics here to support

your views - the examiner will not check that your facts are correct.

Can you see the cohesive devices and see where the writer has added

complex sentences? As / since / that  - complex sentences

Page 17
Main Body Paragraph 3

Thirdly, in my opinion, I believe that the internet can bring people

closer together, as it can make both socialising and work much easier

for those who travel.

Communities can speak freely at any time, in groups, asking for help

or advice, though it is up to the individuals to acknowledge how much

time they are spending online and whether this is a cause for concern.

Isolation cannot be blamed on the internet, as it is just a tool to use,

the individual must be in charge of their own time.

For example, a person who works from home online for many hours in

the day should make sure they have adequate breaks and make time

for socialising, as to not feel isolated or removed from their own

community.  

*This is an added opinion paragraph. The first sentence is the

introduction to the topic and the paragraph. They have started it with

a good cohesive device - thirdly.

*The second part explains the topic further - giving detail and

background information.

*The third part gives a relevant example, that supports the viewpoint.

Try not to repeat any words if you can. This shows the examiner that

you have a wide vocabulary - which is something you need to get a

high band score.

Everything that is written is relevant to the question. Keep checking

the question and make sure that you are answering it and not going

off topic.  You are allowed to make up some statistics here to support

your views - the examiner will not check that your facts are correct.

Can you see the cohesive devices and see where the writer has added

complex sentences? As / though / as  - complex sentences

Page 18
The Conclusion

In conclusion, with the rising demand for nurses, doctors and

teachers in economically rich countries like the UK, more and more

people are leaving their poor origin countries in search of better

pay, working conditions and benefits.

It is, therefore, necessary for governments to put appropriate

schemes into place, with mandatory service for state-funded

degree holders.

*In the conclusion, it is good to start this off with - in conclusion,

then summarise your main points.

*The conclusion also outlines what the writer thinks is important

about the points he made and has also given a recommendation -

saying what the government should do.

Page 19
Question

Some people think that developments involving the Internet have

brought people closer together, while others think that people and

communities have become more isolated.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Answer

It is undeniable that modern technology has a huge influence on

people’s lives. The use of the internet, for example, has become more

common and some claim that it has been able to connect people who

are far apart, while others argue that its use can lead to social

isolation or confinement. This essay will discuss both views and state

my own position.

Firstly, during the last two decades, there have been many tech

developments and advancements, bringing convenience to all. One

significant attribute of this modernization is the internet, while this

technology has made our lives more convenient in many aspects,

including our approach to communication. In the past, we only used

mail or the telephone to send our messages across the globe, whereas

today, the internet allows us to reach out to almost everyone in just a

few seconds. The inconvenience of long distances is eliminated as we

can talk and even see distant friends or relatives for an unlimited time.

For example, the internet connects people whose relatives or families

are abroad, through Facebook, Twitter or Skype anytime and

anywhere.

Page 20
Secondly, this technological development has its drawbacks, as it has

been observed that some individuals tend to spend a lot of their time

surfing the internet or on different social networking sites.

Communities meet online via private Facebook groups, instead of in a

community hall to discuss matters, since this does not allow them to

socialise physically with people, they isolate themselves in this virtual

world. Both teenagers and adults use much of their time online and this

does not allow them to develop their interpersonal skills. For instance,

a study from 2015 by The Social Media Explorer saw that over 93% of

teenagers aged 16-19 have a social media presence, with more than

three social accounts per person.  

Thirdly, in my opinion, I believe that the internet can bring people

closer together, as it can make both socialising and work much easier

for those who travel. Communities can speak freely at any time, in

groups, asking for help or advice, though it is up to the individuals to

acknowledge how much time they are spending online and whether

this is a cause for concern. Isolation cannot be blamed on the internet,

as it is just a tool to use, the individual must be in charge of their own

time. For example, a person who works from home online for many

hours in the day should make sure they have adequate breaks and

make time for socialising, as to not feel isolated or removed from their

own community.  

In conclusion, it is a fact that the internet has brought more

convenience into society and allowed many people to be closer.

However, people should take responsibility to balance the use of the

internet so that other aspects of their lives will not become neglected.

(Word Count - 471 / Band Score 9)

Page 21
Essay Feedback

Task Achievement - The answer discusses both sides of the

argument and ends with a clear opinion. the main body

paragraphs are supported with relevant examples. The essay

exceeds the word count, but all sentences are relevant and

focussed.

Coherence and Cohesion - The answer has been divided into

clear logical paragraphs and each main body paragraph only

has one main idea. There are cohesive links between the main

body paragraphs (Firstly, Secondly, Thirdly, In conclusion).

   

Lexical Resource - There is evidence of a wide range of

vocabulary, with no errors in the text.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy - The answer has no

grammatical errors. The sentences have a wide range of

structures including relative clauses (in which...).

Page 22
Recap

Use each of the main body paragraphs (paragraphs 2 and 3) to

discuss both views, giving examples that are relevant.

Remember to give your opinion, state your opinion in the fourth

paragraph.

In the conclusion (paragraph 5), summarise your main points

and state which view is more important. 

Page 23
Thank You!

To view free IELTS study materials, visit the bookshop or to join

the IELTS Achieve Academy please visit www.ieltsachieve.com

About the author - Louise Bollanos

Louise had been teaching in the UK for over 10 years in further

education. She worked in colleges for a number of years

before deciding to teach online.

Louise has experience teaching IELTS to nurses and doctors

from around the world, with many starting out at a 6.5 or

lower and passing with band scores of 7, 8 or above.

She writes IELTS study materials for schools internationally and

has completed extensive IELTS training.

Louise loves to meet new IELTS students and works hard with

them to improve their band scores. Louise is originally from the

UK and currently lives in Corfu, Greece with her husband and

dog.

Page 24