Writing Both Side of an

Argument
IELTS Writing Task 2
INTRODUCTION
Question:
• Some people think children in secondary school should study
international news as part of the curriculum. Others think that this
would be a waste of time as there are already too many subjects for
children to concentrate on.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Sample IELTS essay introduction:

• While some people are of the opinion that it would be useful to include
international news as a subject in the school curriculum, others believe
that this is a waste of students time because they are already
overloaded with subjects to study. This essay will examine both sides of
the issue.
Different kind of Introduction:
Some questions ask you specifically to discuss two opinions and to
give your opinion.

Some people think that young children should be allowed to do paid

work, while others think that this should be illegal.
Discuss both opinions and give your opinion.

There are various ways you could choose to write an introduction and
thesis for this.
1. You could begin by paraphrasing the two opinions, then
stating in the thesis what you will do:
Some people believe that it is acceptable for young children to
undertake jobs that they are paid for, whereas others believe
that this is wrong and should be illegal. This essay will discuss
both sides of the issue.

• This is quite simplistic, but it makes it very clear what you are
going to do.
• You will obviously need to give your opinion as well in the
essay but stating this in the thesis ("This essay will discuss
both sides of the issue and then give my opinion") sounds
awkward so it is better without it.
2. Another possible way to do it is by having a sentence to
introduce the topic first, and then paraphrasing the two
opinions to make them your thesis:

At present, more and more young children are becoming

involved in paid work. Whilst some people are of the opinion
that this is an entirely acceptable practice, others believe that
this is completely wrong and should be made illegal.

• This is fine as your thesis will match with your essay - you go
on to discuss the first opinion and then the second one.
3. Or of course you could modify this slightly to include your
opinion:

At present, more and more young children are becoming

involved in paid work. Whilst some people are of the opinion
that this is an entirely acceptable practice, I believe that this is
completely wrong and should be made illegal.

• As long as you go on to discuss both sides of the argument,

this is fine.
Body
• Paragraph 2  Discuss one side of the argument
• Main Idea: First argument
• Supporting Information
• Paragraph 3  Discuss the other side of the argument
• Main Idea: Second argyment
• Supporting Information
Listing Points to Show New Ideas:
• Firstly,   First of all,To begin,Secondly,Finally,Furthermore, In
addition,Also,Moreover,

Showing Contrast:
• However, On the other hand,In contrast,
• Some people believe the aim of university education is to help graduates get better jobs. 
Others believe there are much wider benefits of university education for both individuals
and society.
• Discuss both views and give your opinion.

PARAGRAPH 2
• It is certainly true that one of the main aims of university is to secure a better job.  To
begin, the majority of people want to improve their future career prospects.  Attending
university is one of the best ways to do this as it increases your marketable skills and your
attractiveness to potential employers.  For example, in Europe, further education is very
expensive for many people, so most would not consider it if it would not provide them
with a more secure future and a higher standard of living.  Also, universities have their
reputation to consider.  They definitely want to ensure that their students are going to get
the best jobs as this will affect future funding and university applications. 
PARAGRAPH 3
• However, there are other benefits for individuals and society.  Firstly, the independence of
living away from home is a benefit because it helps the students develop better social skills
and improve as a person.  Many students, for instance, will have to leave their families, live
in halls of residence and meet new friends.  As a result, their maturity and confidence will
grow enabling them to live more fulfilling lives.  Secondly, society will gain from the
contribution that the graduates can make to the economy.  We are living in a very
competitive world, so countries, especially developing countries, need educated people in
order to compete and prosper.
Conclusion
• The last paragraph of the essay forms your conclusion.

• You should do three things in your conclusion:

• Use a concluding phrase

• State your opinion about the two point of view you have
discussed
• Give some personal opinions, hopes, fears, or
recommendations about the future
Some people believe the aim of university education is to help graduates
get better jobs. Others believe there are much wider benefits of
university education for both individuals and society.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Introduction:
• These days, more and more people are making the choice to go to
university.  While some people are of the opinion that the only purpose
of a university education is to improve job prospects, others think that
society and the individual benefit in much broader ways.
Conclusion:
• All in all, I believe that although a main aim of university education is to
get the best job, there are clearly further benefits.  If we continue to
promote and encourage university attendance, it will lead to a better
future for individuals and society.
• Some people believe the aim of university education is to help graduates get better jobs. 
Others believe there are much wider benefits of university education for both individuals and
society.
• Discuss both views and give your opinion.
• These days, more and more people are making the choice to go to university.  While some people
are of the opinion that the only purpose of a university education is to improve job prospects,
others think that society and the individual benefit in much broader ways.
• It is certainly true that one of the main aims of university is to secure a better job.  To begin, the
majority of people want to improve their future career prospects.  Attending university is one of
the best ways to do this as it increases your marketable skills and your attractiveness to potential
employers.  For example, in Europe, further education is very expensive for many people, so most
would not consider it if it would not provide them with a more secure future and a higher
standard of living.  Also, universities have their reputation to consider.  They definitely want to
ensure that their students are going to get the best jobs as this will affect future funding and
university applications. 
• However, there are other benefits for individuals and society.  Firstly, the independence of living
away from home is a benefit because it helps the students develop better social skills and improve
as a person.  Many students, for instance, will have to leave their families, live in halls of residence
and meet new friends.  As a result, their maturity and confidence will grow enabling them to live
more fulfilling lives.  Secondly, society will gain from the contribution that the graduates can make
to the economy.  We are living in a very competitive world, so countries, especially developing
countries, need educated people in order to compete and prosper.
• To conclude, I believe that although a main aim of university education is to get the best job, there
are clearly further benefits.  If we continue to promote and encourage university attendance, it
will lead to a better future for everyone.
Writing Task 2