Writing Task 2: Discussion (Both Views) Essay: IELTS Academic 9990 (IELTS Academic)
Syllabus W.task2 · Strand 3 Writing
- Questions
- 10
- Total marks
- 40
- Tier mix
- 10 Core
0 of 10 questions completed
Syllabus coverage
- W.task2 10 questions completed
A discussion prompt gives two opposing views on an issue and instructs the candidate to discuss both before giving a personal opinion. This differs structurally from an opinion essay: rather than arguing for one side from the outset, the response should dedicate a genuinely developed body paragraph to each view, explaining why someone might hold it and supporting it with a reasoned example, before a further section or the conclusion makes clear which view, or what balance of the two, the candidate personally holds.
A frequent error is treating this as an opinion essay in disguise, spending only a sentence on the view the candidate disagrees with before moving on; examiners expect both views to be explored with comparable depth even though the candidate need not treat them as equally valid. The candidate’s own opinion should be unmistakable, whether stated early and reinforced throughout or built up to at the end.
Question 1
Some companies expect their staff to remain reachable by email or phone outside their normal working hours. Some people believe this is necessary to maintain productivity and provide a responsive service to clients. Other people believe that this practice damages employees' wellbeing and blurs the boundary between work and personal life.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words.
Question 2
Some cities are closing residential streets to through-traffic to create quieter, safer neighbourhoods, while others argue this simply pushes congestion onto nearby roads and inconveniences drivers.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words.
Question 3
Streaming services can release an entire series at once or one episode per week. Some viewers prefer having every episode immediately, while others think a weekly release is better.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words.
Question 4
Some people believe that the rapid growth of tourism in historic town centres brings vital economic benefits to the people who live there. Other people believe that this growth damages the character of these communities and lowers local residents' quality of life.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words.
Question 5
Some people believe that children who display a strong talent in one particular area, such as music, art or a sport, should be encouraged to specialise in it from a young age. Other people believe that all children should follow a broad, balanced curriculum throughout their school years, regardless of any early talent they show.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words.
Question 6
Many festivals, stadiums and venues have stopped accepting cash and now take only card or app payments. Some see this as faster and safer, while others believe it excludes certain people and encourages overspending.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words.
Question 7
Some people believe that professional sports clubs should focus mainly on developing young players from their own local area. Other people believe that clubs should instead prioritise signing established star players from elsewhere.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words.
Question 8
In some professions, qualifications expire and workers must periodically retake tests to keep them, while others believe a qualification, once earned, should last for life.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words.
Question 9
Some organisations make all employees' salaries open and visible to their colleagues. Other organisations keep individual pay strictly private.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words.
Question 10
In many sports, important decisions are increasingly made using video-replay technology rather than by on-field referees alone. Some welcome this, while others think decisions should stay with human officials.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words.