Faizal from Bhopal described both views in detail. However, his own opinion appeared only in the last line, and it contradicted his introduction. Conclusions that are unclear or unjustified are typical of Band 6 Task Response.

A discuss both views question requires explaining both perspectives fairly and stating your own opinion. State your position in the introduction, give each view its own body paragraph, and confirm your stance in the conclusion.

Practice question: Some people think that parents should decide which career their children follow, while others believe young people should choose for themselves. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

The Two Jobs You Must Complete

The question gives you two jobs:

  1. Explain both views fairly.
  2. Present your own clear opinion.

Missing either job limits Task Response; without the second view you have written an opinion essay instead.

Structuring a Discussion Essay

You can organise your essay using one of two layouts:

Paragraph Option A (recommended) Option B
Introduction Paraphrase + your stance Paraphrase + your stance
Body 1 View A (the one you disagree with) View A
Body 2 Your view (View B) + why View B
Conclusion Restate your stance Confirm your view

Option A lets Body 2 lead naturally into your conclusion.

Language for Other Views vs Your Own

Other people’s views:

  • Those favouring parental direction argue that elders understand employment realities.
  • It is often claimed that adolescents lack career foresight.
  • Supporters of this view point out that family investments deserve protection.

Your own view:

  • I believe individual choice drives motivation.
  • In my view, enthusiasm outweighs parental expectations.
  • I would argue that young adults should decide.

See also linking words.

Model Introduction and Body Paragraph

Model introduction + Body 1 (Band 7+)

While some argue that parents ought to determine their children’s career trajectories, others contend that young people should be free to select their own professions. Although parental guidance is invaluable, I believe that young adults should make the final decision because personal motivation is essential for long-term professional fulfilment.

Those who support parental decision-making point out that older generations have practical knowledge of the changing job market. Parents often know which industries offer stable incomes and room for growth, whereas teenagers may be drawn to passing trends without considering job prospects. Some families also make substantial financial sacrifices to pay for private coaching for competitive entrance examinations and for university fees, so parents understandably want their children to pursue a secure career. Parents who have lived through economic downturns can also offer realistic advice that school-leavers lack. From this perspective, parental authority acts as a safeguard against impulsive career choices that could undermine a young person’s long-term financial independence.

Why It Works

  • Task Response: The introduction names both views and takes a clear position; Body 1 gives the parents’ case with reasons.
  • Coherence and Cohesion: One central topic, linked by phrases such as “From this perspective”, not “Firstly… Moreover…”.
  • Lexical Resource: Accurate collocations: “financial sacrifices”, “economic downturns”, “impulsive career choices”.
  • Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Relative clauses (“Those who support…”) and a “whereas” contrast are controlled.

Where Your Opinion Belongs and Balance

State your stance in three places:

  1. Introduction: In your thesis; see how to write introductions.
  2. Body Paragraph 2: Supported with reasons and an example; see body paragraphs.
  3. Conclusion: Restating your final verdict.

Keep both body paragraphs balanced in length (100–130 words each); your own side can be slightly fuller.

Common Discussion Essay Mistakes

Incorrect: Some people say parents should decide. Other people say children should decide. Both are right.

Correct: While parents offer industry experience, I believe young people should choose their careers because genuine interest drives success.

Present each viewpoint with reasons, then commit to your own position.

Incorrect: Omitting your personal opinion until the final sentence of your conclusion.

Correct: Stating your position in the introduction, in Body 2, and in your conclusion.

Maintain a clear position from start to finish.

Tip

In Body 1, make the view you disagree with sound convincing. Save your counter-arguments for Body 2.

Try It

Practice question: Some people believe that children should learn practical skills like cooking and budgeting at school, while others think schools should focus on academic subjects. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Task: write a two-sentence introduction that paraphrases both views and states your position.

Show sample answer

Some people want schools to teach everyday skills such as cooking and managing money, whereas others think classroom time should go to academic subjects. Although academic study matters, I believe that basic life skills deserve a regular place in the timetable because they prepare pupils for independent adult life.

Key Takeaways

  • A discuss both views question requires explaining both views and giving your opinion.
  • Put the view you disagree with in Body 1 and yours in Body 2.
  • Use different language for other views and for your own.
  • Keep both body paragraphs balanced in length.
  • State your position in the introduction and confirm it in the conclusion.

The bottom line: Explain both views fairly, but maintain a clear personal position from introduction to conclusion.