IELTS Writing Task 2: “Discuss Both Views” Strategy

In IELTS Writing Task 2, the “Discuss Both Views and Give Your Opinion” prompt is a notorious trap for test-takers. It requires a delicate balancing act: you must objectively analyze two completely opposing arguments, and then clearly insert your own perspective.

Many students lose heavy points in Task Response because they forget to discuss one side, or worse, they fail to give their own opinion until the very last sentence.

Think of this essay as a structured debate. You are the moderator explaining both sides of the argument, and then you step in as the judge to make the final call. This guide provides the exact blueprint and vocabulary strategies you need to secure a Band 7.0 or higher.

The Core Strategy: The 4-Paragraph Blueprint

To maximize your 40 minutes, you need a rigid framework. Do not blend the two views together; keep them strictly separated to ensure maximum Coherence and Cohesion.

Paragraph 1: The Introduction (3 Sentences)

Your introduction must accomplish three things immediately:

The Hook/Paraphrase: Introduce the topic by paraphrasing the prompt.
State Both Views: Briefly mention that there are two distinct sides to this debate.
The Thesis (Your Opinion): Explicitly state which side you agree with right now. Do not keep it a secret until the conclusion!
- Example: “While some argue that university education should be free, others believe students should pay tuition. In my opinion, I completely agree with the latter view because…”

Paragraph 2: Main Body 1 (The View You DISAGREE With)

Always start with the opposing side. Your goal here is to explain why other people hold this view, even if you think it is wrong.

Topic Sentence: “On the one hand, there are those who argue that [View A]…”
Explanation & Example: Explain the logic behind this perspective.
Crucial Tip: Use third-person language here. Say “Supporters claim…” or “They believe…” Do not use “I” in this paragraph.

Paragraph 3: Main Body 2 (The View You AGREE With)

Now, pivot to the other side—the side you actually support. This paragraph should ideally be slightly longer and more persuasive than the first.

Topic Sentence: “On the other hand, I firmly believe that [View B] is the better approach because…”
Explanation & Example: Provide robust reasons and a clear real-world example to back up your stance.
Crucial Tip: Use first-person language here to reinforce your thesis. Say “I would argue…” or “From my perspective…”

Paragraph 4: The Conclusion (2 Sentences)

Summarize the debate and restate your final verdict.

Summary: Briefly remind the examiner of the two sides.
Final Opinion: Reiterate your stance using different vocabulary than you used in the introduction.

The “3rd Person” Rule for Analyzing Opposing Views

The biggest mistake students make is accidentally adopting the opposing view as their own. If you write, “University should be free because it helps poor students,” the examiner thinks that is your opinion.

You must distance yourself from the view you disagree with by using distancing language.

Instead of saying…	Use these Band 7+ Distancing Phrases…
People think that…	There is a common belief that… / It is often argued by some that…
This is good because…	Proponents of this view point out that… / Supporters claim that…
For example…	They often cite examples such as… / This perspective is driven by the fact that…

The Pivot (Transition Vocabulary)

Because you are discussing two opposing ideas, the transition between Paragraph 2 and Paragraph 3 is the most critical joint in your essay. You must signal to the reader that you are switching sides.

Use these high-level transition phrases to open Body Paragraph 2:

“Conversely, I would argue that…”
“Despite the arguments outlined above, I firmly believe that…”
“On the other hand, from my perspective, the benefits of [View B] far outweigh…”
“However, I align myself with those who believe…”

Top 3 Strategic Traps to Avoid

The “Fence-Sitter” Trap: The prompt asks for your view. If you conclude by saying “Both sides have good points and I cannot decide,” you will fail the Task Response criteria. You must make a decision and defend it.
The “Missing Opinion” Trap: Never wait until the conclusion to give your opinion. If you run out of time and don’t finish the conclusion, the examiner will think you forgot to give your view entirely. Put your opinion in the introduction!
The “Lopsided” Essay: You must discuss both views. If you write 200 words on the view you like, and only 30 words on the view you don’t like, your essay is unbalanced and will be heavily penalized.