Video Lesson

Writing Task 2
I E LT S W R I T I N G T A S K 2

How to write a
Discussion + Opinion essay
(opinion in the conclusion #2)
LOOK AT THE TASK 2 QUESTION

Science can now help people to live to the age of a hundred

or more. Some people view it in a positive light, but others
believe it creates problems. Discuss both views and give
your own opinion.

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your
own knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words

GET A HIGH IELTS GRADE

BAND 9 MODEL ANSWER (325 WORDS)
Life expectancy has risen dramatically over recent decades, and it is no longer unusual to meet
individuals who have lived for a century. At first sight, this might appear to be a positive development.
However, there is a negative side which also needs to be considered.
Individuals, their families and society can benefit from this longevity. Those lucky enough to have
excellent physical and mental health can engage in recreational activities and enjoy their later years. They
may also support their families in several ways. For instance, even extremely elderly relatives can look
after grandchildren or great-grandchildren whose parents have busy working lives and other
commitments. Finally, the elderly have accrued a great deal of experience and their wisdom can enrich
society as a whole. In many cultures, those who have lived longest are asked for advice when difficult
issues have to be dealt with.
However, we need to recognise that living longer can be miserable, and the elderly can be a burden for
relatives and the state. Centenarians often suffer from physical illnesses which prevent them from leading
an active life. They may be housebound or even confined to bed. Similarly, mental conditions such as
memory loss and Alzheimer ’s disease can be devastating. Having an extremely old relative can create
difficulties for a family.Younger relatives may resent caring for them or supporting them financially, and
many of those who reach the age of a hundred are neglected, abandoned or sent to care-homes. Finally,
the elderly may be entitled to a state pension and will probably require expensive medical treatment.
This is money which the authorities would rather spend on healthcare and education for the young.
In conclusion, although hundred-year-olds can be fulfilled and contented and can benefit those around
them, it is often the case that they struggle with debilitating medical conditions and loneliness, and that
they feel unwanted and surplus to requirement. We should recognise this and consider how best to help
them.
POINTS TO REMEMBER
Question: Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

You can
• End your INTRODUCTION with a THESIS STATEMENT which either: 1. indicates your
plan 2. explains that the issue is important or difficult to solve 3. describes the two
sides/views and shows that they are different
• Remember that it is possible to put your opinion in the INTRODUCTION to a
DISUCSSION + OPINION essay but we are showing you a different strategy in this
lesson
• Write two MAIN BODY PARAGRAPHS (one paragraph for each side/view)
• Include a clear TOPIC SENTENCE and 2-3 points in each MAIN BODY PARAGRAPH
• Support some/all of the points in your MAIN BODY PARAGRAPHS
• Use the CONCLUSION to: 1. give a consensus/compromise opinion 2. express a
hope, wish or suggestion
INTRODUCTION
Life expectancy has risen dramatically over recent decades, and it is no longer
unusual to meet individuals who have lived for a century. At first sight, this
might appear to be a positive development. However, there is a negative side
which also needs to be considered.

It is often good to start your essay with a GENERAL

STATEMENT about the topic (the ageing population). These
GENERAL STATEMENTS can often: 1. explain how a situation
has changed 2. explain how a situation has remained the same for
a long time 3. explain how a situation is important 4. explain how
a situation is contentious ( = people argue/disagree about it)
INTRODUCTION
Life expectancy has risen dramatically over recent decades, and it is no longer
unusual to meet individuals who have lived for a century. At first sight, this
might appear to be a positive development. However, there is a negative side
which also needs to be considered.
It is possible to have a THESIS STATEMENT with two sentences. It would also be possible
to combine these two sentences. If you decide not to include your opinion in the
INTRODUCTION to a DISCUSSION + OPINION question, you can use the THESIS
STATEMENT to:
1. describe both sides and show the difference between them (as in this model answer)
2. indicate your plan: EXAMPLE:This essay will consider the benefits and drawbacks of
there being a significant number of extremely elderly members of society.
3. explain that the issue is important or difficult: EXAMPLE: Clearly, understanding
whether or not it is beneficial to have so many elderly individuals is of fundamental
importance
PARAGRAPH 2 Use MAIN BODY PARAGRAPH 1
to discuss the first view

Individuals, their families and society can benefit from this longevity. Those
lucky enough to have excellent physical and mental health can engage in
recreational activities and enjoy their later years. They may also support their
families in several ways. For instance, even extremely elderly relatives can
look after grandchildren or great-grandchildren whose parents have busy
working lives and other commitments. Finally, the elderly have accrued a
great deal of experience and their wisdom can enrich society as a whole. In
many cultures, those who have lived longest are asked for advice when
difficult issues have to be dealt with.
PARAGRAPH 2
Individuals, their families and society can benefit from this longevity. Those
lucky enough to have excellent physical and mental health can engage in
recreational activities and enjoy their later years. They may also support their
families in several ways. For instance, even extremely elderly relatives can
Use the TOPIC SENTENCE to make it
look after grandchildren or great-grandchildren whose
clear to the reader which parents
view you willhave busy
describe and explain in this paragraph
working lives and other commitments. Finally, the elderly have accrued a
great deal of experience and their wisdom can enrich society as a whole. In
many cultures, those who have lived longest are asked for advice when
difficult issues have to be dealt with.
PARAGRAPH 2
Try to make a strong link between the TOPIC
SENTENCE and the rest of the paragraph

Individuals, their families and society can benefit from this longevity. Those
lucky enough to have excellent physical and mental health can engage in
recreational activities and enjoy their later years. They may also support their
families in several ways. For instance, even extremely elderly relatives can
look after grandchildren or great-grandchildren whose parents have busy
working lives and other commitments. Finally, the elderly have accrued a
great deal of experience and their wisdom can enrich society as a whole. In
many cultures, those who have lived longest are asked for advice when
difficult issues have to be dealt with.
 Include 2-3 points to support your TOPIC SENTENCE.
PARAGRAPH 2 Expand some/all of the points with explanation, explanation
of results, examples, evidence, explanation of alternatives
Individuals, their families and society can benefit from this longevity. Those
lucky enough to have excellent physical and mental health can engage in
recreational activities and enjoy their later years. They may also support their
families in several ways. For instance, even extremely elderly relatives can
look after grandchildren or great-grandchildren whose parents have busy
working lives and other commitments. Finally, the elderly have accrued a
great deal of experience and their wisdom can enrich society as a whole. In
many cultures, those who have lived longest are asked for advice when
difficult issues have to be dealt with.
 Use MAIN BODY PARAGRAPH 2 to discuss the second

PARAGRAPH 3 view. Balance is important so try to make sure the two

MAIN BODY PARAGRAPHS are of similar length
However, we need to recognise that living longer can be miserable, and the
elderly can be a burden for relatives and the state. Centenarians often suffer
from physical illnesses which prevent them from leading an active life.They
may be housebound or even confined to bed. Similarly, mental conditions such
as memory loss and Alzheimer ’s disease can be devastating. Having an
extremely old relative can create difficulties for a family.Younger relatives
may resent caring for them or supporting them financially, and many of those
who reach the age of a hundred are neglected, abandoned or sent to care-
homes. Finally, the elderly may be entitled to a state pension and will probably
require expensive medical treatment. This is money which the authorities
would rather spend on healthcare and education for the young.
PARAGRAPH 3
However, we need to recognise that living longer can be miserable, and the
elderly can be a burden for relatives and the state. Centenarians often suffer
from physical illnesses which prevent them from leading an active life.They
may be housebound or even confined to bed. Similarly, mental conditions such
as memory loss and Alzheimer ’s disease can be devastating. Having an
Use the TOPIC SENTENCE to make it
clear to thefor
extremely old relative can create difficulties reader which Younger
a family. view you will
relatives
describe and explain in this paragraph
may resent caring for them or supporting them financially, and many of those
who reach the age of a hundred are neglected, abandoned or sent to care-
homes. Finally, the elderly may be entitled to a state pension and will probably
require expensive medical treatment. This is money which the authorities
would rather spend on healthcare and education for the young.
PARAGRAPH 3
However, we need to recognise that living longer can be miserable, and the
elderly can be a burden for relatives and the state. Centenarians often suffer
from physical illnesses which prevent them from leading an active life.They
may be housebound or even confined to bed. Similarly, mental conditions such
Start the TOPIC SENTENCE
as memorywith
lossa word/phrase
and Alzheimer ’s disease
to indicate a can be devastating. Having an
contrast, such as However,…
extremely Nevertheless,…
old relative can create difficulties for a family.Younger relatives
Even though the
points made
may resent caring in the or
for them previous
supporting them financially, and many of those
paragraph are valid,…
who reach the age of a hundred are neglected, abandoned or sent to care-
homes. Finally, the elderly may be entitled to a state pension and will probably
require expensive medical treatment. This is money which the authorities
would rather spend on healthcare and education for the young.
PARAGRAPH 3
Try to make a strong link between the TOPIC
SENTENCE and the rest of the paragraph

However, we need to recognise that living longer can be miserable, and the
elderly can be a burden for relatives and the state. Centenarians often suffer
from physical illnesses which prevent them from leading an active life.They
may be housebound or even confined to bed. Similarly, mental conditions such
as memory loss and Alzheimer ’s disease can be devastating. Having an
extremely old relative can create difficulties for a family.Younger relatives
may resent caring for them or supporting them financially, and many of those
who reach the age of a hundred are neglected, abandoned or sent to care-
homes. Finally, the elderly may be entitled to a state pension and will probably
require expensive medical treatment. This is money which the authorities
would rather spend on healthcare and education for the young.
 Include 2-3 points to support your TOPIC SENTENCE.
PARAGRAPH 3 Expand some/all of the points with explanation, explanation
of results, examples, evidence, explanation of alternatives
However, we need to recognise that living longer can be miserable, and the
elderly can be a burden for relatives and the state. Centenarians often suffer
from physical illnesses which prevent them from leading an active life. They
may be housebound or even confined to bed. Similarly, mental conditions such
as memory loss and Alzheimer ’s disease can be devastating. Having an
extremely old relative can create difficulties for a family.Younger relatives
may resent caring for them or supporting them financially, and many of those
who reach the age of a hundred are neglected, abandoned or sent to care-
homes. Finally, the elderly may be entitled to a state pension and will probably
require expensive medical treatment.This is money which the authorities
would rather spend on healthcare and education for the young.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, although hundred-year-olds can be fulfilled and contented and
can benefit those around them, it is often the case that they struggle with
debilitating medical conditions and loneliness, and that they feel unwanted
and surplus to requirement. We should recognise this and consider how best
to help them.
If you do not indicate your position/opinion in the INTRODUCTION, you must include
it in the CONCLUSION. Because the question asks you to write about both views, it is
better if your opinion includes both views.You can write from the positions that:
1. both views are equally valid (as in this model answer)
2. both views have some good points but one is better: EXAMPLE: Although some
older people probably have rewarding and productive lives, the vast majority not
only experience difficulties themselves but also cause hardship for their families and
society as a whole.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, although hundred-year-olds can be fulfilled and contented and
can benefit those around them, it is often the case that they struggle with
debilitating medical conditions and loneliness, and that they feel unwanted
and surplus to requirement. We should recognise this and consider how best
to help them.
It is often good to end a
CONCLUSION with a
wish, hope or suggestion
BAND 9 MODEL ANSWER (325 WORDS)
Life expectancy has risen dramatically over recent decades, and it is no longer unusual to meet
individuals who have lived for a century. At first sight, this might appear to be a positive development.
However, there is a negative side which also needs to be considered.
Individuals, their families and society can benefit from this longevity. Those lucky enough to have
excellent physical and mental health can engage in recreational activities and enjoy their later years. They
may also support their families in several ways. For instance, even extremely elderly relatives can look
after grandchildren or great-grandchildren whose parents have busy working lives and other
commitments. Finally, the elderly have accrued a great deal of experience and their wisdom can enrich
society as a whole. In many cultures, those who have lived longest are asked for advice when difficult
issues have to be dealt with.
However, we need to recognise that living longer can be miserable, and the elderly can be a burden for
relatives and the state. Centenarians often suffer from physical illnesses which prevent them from leading
an active life. They may be housebound or even confined to bed. Similarly, mental conditions such as
memory loss and Alzheimer ’s disease can be devastating. Having an extremely old relative can create
difficulties for a family.Younger relatives may resent caring for them or supporting them financially, and
many of those who reach the age of a hundred are neglected, abandoned or sent to care-homes. Finally,
the elderly may be entitled to a state pension and will probably require expensive medical treatment.
This is money which the authorities would rather spend on healthcare and education for the young.
In conclusion, although hundred-year-olds can be fulfilled and contented and can benefit those around
them, it is often the case that they struggle with debilitating medical conditions and loneliness, and that
they feel unwanted and surplus to requirement. We should recognise this and consider how best to help
them.
Copyright