IELTS Writing Task 2 — Discussion Essay (Structure + Band 8 Sample)
The discussion essay asks you to weigh two opposing views fairly and then commit to your own position. The trap most Band 6.5 candidates fall into is discussing both views beautifully and forgetting to ever say what they actually think.
How It Differs From Agree/Disagree
A discussion prompt gives you two opposing views and asks you to discuss BOTH, then state your own opinion ("Some people think X, others believe Y. Discuss both views and give your own opinion."). An agree/disagree prompt gives you one statement and asks where you stand. Mixing them up is one of the most common Task Response mistakes.
Recommended 4-Paragraph Structure
Introduction (45–55 words): paraphrase both views plus brief statement of your own opinion. Body 1 (95–105 words): develop View A fairly with one extended example. Body 2 (95–105 words): develop View B fairly with one extended example. Conclusion (35–45 words): restate your opinion plus one supporting reason.
Band 8 Sample on University Subjects
"Whether universities should narrow their offering to vocationally useful subjects is a debate that resurfaces with every economic downturn. While some argue that career-relevant courses deliver the best return on investment, others maintain that the breadth of higher education is itself the point. I lean towards the second view, though with important caveats about cost and access."
Common Pitfalls
Forgetting to give your opinion — the single biggest error. Treating it as agree/disagree by attacking only one view. Switching opinions between intro and conclusion. Memorised "balanced" phrasing like "every coin has two sides" is a Band 5 marker.
Try our IELTS score calculators
- Try the IELTS ↔ TOEFL Score Converter — Convert IELTS bands to TOEFL iBT and Duolingo scores instantly.
- Try the AI Essay Grader — Score GRE AWA, IELTS Writing, and SAT essays on official rubrics.
- Try the Graduate School Requirements — Look up GRE, GMAT, IELTS, and TOEFL requirements by program.