IELTS Discussion Essay: How to Present Both Sides

Quick Answer: In an IELTS Discussion Essay, you must explore both sides of an issue equally before giving your opinion. To score well, use a clear structure: introduce the topic and both sides in the introduction, dedicate one body paragraph to each side, and conclude with your balanced view. Avoid one-sided arguments and ensure you present evidence or examples for each perspective.

Table of Contents

What is an IELTS Discussion Essay?

How to Structure Your Essay

Key Language for Discussing Both Sides

Band Score Comparison Table

What is an IELTS Discussion Essay?

An IELTS Discussion Essay typically asks you to "discuss both views and give your opinion." For example:

"Some people believe that the best way to reduce crime is to increase prison sentences. Others think that education and rehabilitation are more effective. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion."

The task requires you to:

Present arguments for both sides fairly and objectively.

Provide evidence or examples to support each side.

Clearly state your own opinion in the conclusion.

Why is this essay type challenging? Many students either:

Favor one side heavily.

Fail to develop each side sufficiently.

Forget to give their own opinion.

The key is balance. You must treat both sides equally before showing where you stand.

How to Structure Your Essay

A strong structure is vital for clarity and coherence. Use this proven format:

Introduction

Hook: Introduce the topic in a general way.

Paraphrase the question: Restate both views clearly.

Thesis statement: Briefly state that you will discuss both sides and give your opinion.

Example:

"The issue of reducing crime rates is a subject of considerable debate. While some argue that longer prison terms act as a strong deterrent, others contend that investing in education and rehabilitation is more effective. This essay will examine both perspectives before concluding that a combination of both approaches is the most prudent.”

Body Paragraph 1: First View

Topic sentence: State the first view clearly.

Explanation: Why do people hold this view? What are the main arguments?

Evidence/Example: Provide a real-world example, statistic, or logical reasoning.

Example:

“Advocates of harsher prison sentences often argue that they serve as a powerful deterrent. The logic is simple: if the consequences for committing a crime are severe, potential offenders will think twice. For instance, countries like Singapore, which impose long sentences for drug-related crimes, have some of the lowest crime rates globally. Furthermore, lengthy imprisonment ensures that dangerous individuals are removed from society, thereby protecting the public.”

Body Paragraph 2: Second View

Topic sentence: Introduce the opposing view.

Explanation: Why do others support this perspective?

Evidence/Example: Provide supporting details.

Example:

“On the other hand, proponents of education and rehabilitation argue that punishment alone does not address the root causes of crime, such as poverty, lack of education, and mental health issues. They point to Norway’s prison system, which focuses on rehabilitation through vocational training and therapy. This approach has resulted in one of the lowest reoffending rates in the world. Moreover, critics argue that long prison sentences can be counterproductive, often making inmates more hardened criminals rather than reforming them.”

Conclusion

Summary: Briefly restate both views.

Your opinion: Clearly state your own position.

Reason/Recommendation: Explain why you hold this view.

Example:

“In conclusion, while both approaches have merits, I believe that a balanced strategy is most effective. Harsh sentences or strict education alone are insufficient. A justice system that combines proportionate punishment with robust rehabilitation programs offers the best chance of reducing crime and improving society.”

Key Language for Discussing Both Sides

Using the right phrases shows the examiner that you are discussing both sides fairly. Here’s a handy table:

Introducing the first side	Introducing the second side	Giving your opinion
On one hand, ...	On the other hand, ...	In my opinion, ...
Some people argue that ...	Others believe that ...	I firmly believe that ...
Proponents of this view claim that ...	Opponents point out that ...	From my perspective, ...
It is often asserted that ...	Conversely, ...	I tend to agree with ...
A common argument is that ...	Another perspective holds that ...	While both views have merit, I maintain that ...

Example paragraph with transition phrases:

"On one hand, some people believe that governments should prioritize economic growth over environmental protection, as it provides jobs and improves living standards. On the other hand, environmentalists argue that without a healthy planet, long-term prosperity is impossible. In my opinion, a middle ground is necessary—pursuing green technologies that create jobs while protecting nature."

Band Score Comparison Table

Band	What Examiner Wants
6	Addresses the task but may not cover both sides equally. May present one side in more detail. Opinion is present but may be unclear or repetitive. Uses basic linking words (e.g., on the one hand, on the other hand).
7	Addresses both sides fully and gives a clear opinion. Uses a range of linking words and paragraph structures. Provides relevant examples and explanations. Some minor errors in grammar or vocabulary.
8	Fully addresses all parts of the task. Each side is discussed in depth with specific examples. Opinion is well-supported. Uses a wide range of complex structures and vocabulary with few errors.
9	Completely meets all criteria. Presents a flawless, well-argued essay with nuanced discussion. Uses sophisticated language and cohesive devices naturally. No significant errors.

Sample Answers

Band 7: “Some individuals believe that increasing prison sentences is the most effective way to combat crime. They argue that harsher penalties deter potential criminals and keep dangerous people off the streets. However, others suggest that education and rehabilitation programs are better solutions, as they address the underlying causes of criminal behavior, such as lack of skills or addiction. In my view, while both strategies have their strengths, I feel that a combined approach would be most successful. For example, short prison terms for minor crimes could be paired with mandatory education courses.” Band 8: “The debate over crime reduction often pits punitive measures against rehabilitative strategies. Proponents of longer prison sentences cite deterrence as a key benefit, arguing that the threat of lengthy incarceration discourages criminal activity. Conversely, advocates of rehabilitation emphasize the need to address root causes, such as unemployment and mental health. I believe that neither approach is sufficient on its own. A more effective solution would involve a tiered system where serious offenders face firm sentences while non-violent criminals receive education and job training. This balanced policy has been successfully implemented in several European nations, resulting in lower recidivism rates.” Band 9: “The question of how to reduce crime remains a contentious issue, with opinions sharply divided between those who champion harsher sentencing and those who advocate for educational reform. The former posits that lengthy imprisonment serves as a necessary deterrent and protects society by incapacitating offenders. Yet, this viewpoint fails to account for the fact that many criminals come from disadvantaged backgrounds where opportunities for legal employment are scarce. In contrast, the latter perspective argues for a more holistic approach—investing in education, vocational training, and psychological support. Norway’s exemplary recidivism rate of just 20% after five years stands as a testament to the effectiveness of such methods. After weighing both arguments, I conclude that a hybrid model is most appropriate: one that imposes proportionate penalties while simultaneously providing rehabilitative resources. This dual approach not only punishes wrongdoing but also helps prevent future crimes.”

Common Mistakes

❌Only discussing one side in depth. Why? The task specifically asks to “discuss both views.” Skimping on one side will lower your Task Response score.

❌Forgetting to give your own opinion. Why? The prompt explicitly says “give your own opinion.” Missing this means you fail the basic requirement.

❌Using vague or repeated examples. Why? Saying “For example, in some countries this works” is too generic. Be specific: “For instance, Sweden’s rehabilitation-focused prisons report a recidivism rate of only 30%.”

❌Writing an unbalanced conclusion. Why? Don’t suddenly dismiss one side unfairly. Instead, acknowledge that both have merit before stating your stance.

Top Tips

💡 Plan before you write. Spend 2-3 minutes listing arguments for each side. This ensures equal treatment and avoids running out of ideas.

💡 Use a clear signpost. Start each body paragraph with a clear topic sentence that tells the reader which side you’re discussing (e.g., “On the one hand…” or “Proponents of… argue that…”).

💡 Keep your opinion until the end. While you can hint at your view in the introduction, reserve a full explanation for the conclusion. This keeps the discussion of both sides objective.

💡 Practice with real prompts. Use official IELTS topics like “university education should be free” or “zoos are cruel.” The more you practice, the more natural the structure becomes.

Resources

Check out IELTS Active for practice tests and study materials. They offer curated question banks and model answers similar to those in this article.

FAQ

Q: Do I need to write a separate paragraph for my opinion? A: No, you can include your opinion in the conclusion or briefly in the introduction. However, make sure it is clearly stated and supported. Q: How long should each body paragraph be? A: Aim for 3-5 sentences per paragraph. One sentence to present the view, two to explain, and one to give an example. Q: Can I agree with both sides equally? A: Yes, you can say that both sides have merit and propose a middle ground. However, you must still explain and compare them clearly. Q: What if I don’t have an opinion? A: You must state an opinion, even if it’s neutral. For example: “While I see value in both arguments, I believe the most effective approach is a combination of both.”

Key Takeaways

✅Always discuss both sides equally in separate paragraphs.

✅Give your opinion in the conclusion (or introduction).

✅Use specific examples and transition phrases.

✅Avoid one-sided arguments and vague language.

✅Practice with official IELTS topics to build confidence.

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