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IELTS Writing Task 2: discuss both views + give your

opinion
In this guide, you'll learn how to answer IELTS writing task 2 questions
that ask you to discuss both points of view before giving your opinion.
This type of question is often confused with an agree/disagree question or
a give your opinion question. In the latter types of questions, you can
choose an opinion and generate your arguments. However, for a discuss
both views + give opinion question, you have to discuss both points of
view impartially before giving your own view.

In this lesson you will see IELTS writing task 2 sample question + model
answer and learn:

 how to impartially discuss the points of view


 how to present your own point of view
 how to give a band 9 answer

IELTS question - discuss both views + give opinion


Let's look at an example of IELTS writing task 2 question that asks you
to discuss both views and give your opinion:

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

It is commonly believed that nowadays main factors that affect a


child's development are media, pop culture and friends. A different
point of view is that family plays the most significant role.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Write at least 250 words.


Step 1:
Generate arguments for each point of view:

First of all, you have to identify the two opinions. These are:

1. External factors have more considerable influence on a child's


development.
2. The family has a greater influence on a child's development.

Next, let's brainstorm for arguments that support each side:

1. External factors have a more considerable influence on a


child's development.

1. Children tend to copy the behaviour of their favourite


fictional characters.
2. Children spend a lot of time with their peers.
3. Technology has an all-pervasive impact on children.

2. The family has a greater influence on a child's development.

1. Parents are always present in the life of a child.


2. The younger the children are, the more malleable their
character is.
3. Parents can set boundaries and have more control over their
children.

Step 2:
Choose your point of view:

For our essay, we will agree that although external factors influence the
development of a child, parents and family still have the upper hand.

Our reason: A child's choice of friends, books or music depends on the


values instilled in them by their parents.
Band 9 answer structure for discuss both views + give
opinion essay
Though there are many ways to structure your IELTS essay, we’ll use
this time-tested band 9 essay structure:

1. Introduction
2. Body paragraph 1 – discuss the first opinion
3. Body paragraph 2 – discuss the second opinion
4. Body paragraph 3 – give your own opinion
5. Conclusion

Tip: Use linking structures, vocabulary to write essays and some


words from academic wordlist.

Introduction
Paraphrase the statement (sentences 1 and 2) and give your own
opinion (sentence 3):

It is often held that teachers, peers and the media have a significant
influence on the life of children. While some people argue that these
factors are predominant in shaping a child's future, others believe that
parents impact their offspring in more critical ways. This essay will
discuss both these points of view and argue in favour of the latter.

Body paragraph 1
For this essay, it is good to write three body paragraphs. In the first
paragraph, you can dissect the first argument.

On the one hand, the books children read and the music they listen to
form their belief system. In other words, children tend to copy the
behaviour of their favourite personality or fictional character. Moreover,
when little ones work and play in groups, they are influenced by their
peers. Finally, other factors, like the media, prompt children to want
things regarded as fashionable. For instance, children demand toys that
they see on television.
Body paragraph 2
In the second paragraph, you can discuss the second point of view.

On the other hand, a child's personality is malleable at a very young age,


and parents are always present in their life at this stage. Also, very young
children love to imitate. For example, children who come from a
dysfunctional family often exhibit behavioural problems at school. An
emotionally secure environment at home is critical for the child's
confidence. Moreover, parents also teach children about setting
boundaries.

Body paragraph 3
In the 3rd body paragraph, which is shorter than either of the
above, you can give your opinion.

In my opinion, children's choice of friends, books or music depends on


the values instilled in them by their parents. Therefore, parents hold more
substantial sway over their offspring than media, pop culture and friends
circle.

Conclusion
In the concluding paragraph, briefly summarise what you have
written and restate your opinion:

In conclusion, the outside world influences the intellectual and social


development of children. However, I believe that it is parents who set the
stage for these developments by laying a strong foundation from a very
young age.

Band 9 answer sample


It is often held that teachers, peers and the media have a significant
influence on the life of children. While some people argue that these
factors are predominant in shaping a child's future, others believe that
parents impact their offspring in more critical ways. This essay will
discuss both these points of view and argue in favour of the latter.

On the one hand, the books children read and the music they listen to
form their belief system. In other words, children tend to copy the
behaviour of their favourite personality or fictional character. Moreover,
when little ones work and play in groups, they are influenced by their
peers. Finally, other factors, like the media, prompt children to want
things regarded as fashionable. For instance, children demand toys that
they see on television.
On the other hand, a child's personality is malleable at a very young age,
and parents are always present in their life at this stage. Also, very young
children love to imitate. For example, children who come from a
dysfunctional family often exhibit behavioural problems at school. An
emotionally secure environment at home is critical for the child's
confidence. Moreover, parents also teach children about setting
boundaries.

In my opinion, children's choice of friends, books or music depends on


the values instilled in them by their parents. Therefore, parents hold more
substantial sway over their offspring than media, pop culture and friends
circle.

In conclusion, the outside world influences the intellectual and social


development of children. However, I believe that it is parents who set the
stage for these developments by laying a strong foundation from a very
young age.

(273 words)

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