IELTS Writing Task 2 – Discuss Both Views Essay
A simple four-paragraph plan for discuss both views questions: collect ideas for each view, pick your side, and make your opinion clear from start to finish. Then try the practice question below.
Key points
The example question from the video
Some people believe that employees should work in an office, while others think that working from home is better. Discuss both views and give your own opinion. Write at least 250 words.
Band 9 model answer from the video (271 words)
Nowadays, many companies allow their staff to work remotely, and people disagree about whether it is better to go to the workplace or to stay at home. This essay will discuss both views, and I believe that working from home is the better option for most workers.
The two main reasons why some people prefer working in an office are easier teamwork and fewer distractions. When colleagues sit in the same room, they can ask each other questions and solve problems quickly. For instance, a new employee can simply walk to a manager's desk and get help in seconds instead of waiting for an email. Because of that, the whole team works faster and makes fewer mistakes. Also, homes are full of distractions, such as television, housework and children. For example, parents working from home may be interrupted by their kids many times a day.
On the other hand, I agree with those who think that working from home is better, mainly because there is no daily travel and it offers more flexibility. Remote workers do not need to go to an office, so they save a lot of time and money. For instance, in big cities, many people spend two hours a day stuck in traffic. Moreover, people who work from home can plan their own day and spend more time with their families. As a result, they feel less stressed and are often more productive.
To conclude, working in an office makes teamwork easier and helps people avoid distractions. However, I believe that working from home is the better choice because it saves time and gives workers more freedom.
Chapters in this video (11)
Useful phrases for this essay
| Word / phrase | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| people disagree about whether … | shows there are two views (introduction) | People disagree about whether it is better to go to the workplace or to stay at home. |
| This essay will discuss both views, and I believe that … | says what the essay does and gives your opinion | This essay will discuss both views, and I believe that working from home is the better option. |
| The two main reasons why some people … are … | first sentence of body paragraph 1 | The two main reasons why some people prefer working in an office are easier teamwork and fewer distractions. |
| On the other hand, I agree with those who think that … | moves to view 2 and repeats your opinion | On the other hand, I agree with those who think that working from home is better. |
| For instance / For example | introduce an example | For instance, a new employee can simply walk to a manager's desk. |
| Because of that / As a result | show a result | As a result, they feel less stressed. |
| Moreover / Also | add a second reason | Moreover, people who work from home can plan their own day. |
| To conclude / In conclusion / To summarise | start the conclusion | To conclude, working in an office makes teamwork easier. |
Practice task: When should children start a foreign language?
Some people think that children should start learning a foreign language at primary school, while others believe they should wait until secondary school. Discuss both views and give your own opinion. Write at least 250 words.
Plan first: one or two reasons for each view.
Decide your opinion now, and put it in the introduction, body paragraph 2 and the conclusion.
Body paragraph 1 explains the other view without your opinion.
Show model answer (try first!)
Most schools around the world teach at least one foreign language, but people disagree about the best age to begin. This essay will discuss both views, and I believe that starting at primary school is the better choice.
The two main reasons why some people think children should wait until secondary school are the heavy workload of young pupils and the faster progress of older students. In their first years at school, children need to master reading, writing and basic maths in their own language. For instance, a six-year-old who is still learning to read may become confused if they also have to learn a second alphabet. Also, teenagers can understand grammar rules and use study strategies, so they often learn more in a shorter time. Because of that, some parents feel that early language lessons waste valuable school hours.
On the other hand, I agree with those who believe that children should start at primary school, mainly because young learners copy sounds easily and an early start gives them more years of practice. Young children are usually not afraid of making mistakes, and they can imitate the pronunciation of a new language very naturally. For example, a seven-year-old will often repeat a new English word with a clearer accent than their parents. Moreover, a pupil who begins at primary school will have studied the language for around ten years by the time they finish school. As a result, they are more likely to use it confidently at university or at work.
To conclude, waiting until secondary school allows children to focus on basic skills and learn grammar more quickly. However, I believe that primary school is the right time to begin, because young learners pick up pronunciation easily and benefit from many more years of study.
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