Discussion Essays: Discuss Both Views

Discussion essays require you to present and explain two opposing viewpoints before giving your own opinion. This essay type tests your ability to be balanced and analytical while still maintaining a clear personal position.

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Recognising Discussion Questions

Discussion questions typically use this instruction:

• "Discuss both views and give your own opinion."
• "Some people think X. Others believe Y. Discuss both views and give your opinion."

Example Prompt

Some people think that the best way to reduce crime is to give longer prison sentences. Others, however, believe there are better alternative ways of reducing crime. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

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How Discussion Essays Differ from Opinion Essays

Feature	Opinion Essay	Discussion Essay
Views to discuss	Mainly your own	Both sides + your own
Balance	Can be one-sided	Must cover both views fairly
Body paragraphs	Both support your opinion	One per view (minimum)
Opinion placement	Introduction + throughout	Introduction + conclusion (at minimum)

Critical difference: In a discussion essay, you must discuss both views. If you only discuss one side, you have not answered the question and your Task Response score will drop significantly.

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Essay Structure

The most effective structure for a discussion essay:

Paragraph	Purpose	Approximate Length
Introduction	Paraphrase both views, state which you favour	40-50 words
Body 1	Present and explain the first view	80-100 words
Body 2	Present and explain the second view	80-100 words
Conclusion	Give your clear opinion and summarise	40-50 words

Alternative Structure (Opinion in a Separate Paragraph)

Some candidates prefer to add a short third body paragraph for their opinion. This works well if your opinion is nuanced or if you want to propose a synthesis of the two views:

Paragraph	Purpose	Approximate Length
Introduction	Paraphrase both views, briefly indicate your position	40-50 words
Body 1	First view with supporting reasons	70-90 words
Body 2	Second view with supporting reasons	70-90 words
Body 3	Your opinion with justification	50-70 words
Conclusion	Restate your position concisely	30-40 words

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Writing the Introduction

Your introduction should:

1. Paraphrase both views presented in the question
2. Indicate which view you support (or that you hold a nuanced position)

Model Introduction

While some people advocate for longer prison sentences as the most effective strategy for reducing crime, others argue that alternative approaches, such as education and rehabilitation, yield better results. Although I acknowledge that custodial sentences serve an important purpose, I believe that preventative measures are ultimately more effective in reducing crime rates.

Common Mistakes in Introductions

• Discussing only one view (the examiner must see both)
• Failing to state your own opinion
• Using the exact words from the question without paraphrasing
• Writing an excessively long introduction (keep it under 60 words)

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Body Paragraph 1: The First View

Present the first view fairly and explain why people hold this opinion. Even if you disagree with this view, you must present it objectively.

Structure

Body Paragraph Pattern
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Topic sentence    Introduce the view clearly
Reason 1          Why do people hold this view?
Explanation       Develop the reasoning
Example/Evidence  Support with a specific illustration

Model Paragraph

Those who support harsher sentencing argue that longer prison terms act as a powerful deterrent. The logic is straightforward: if potential offenders know that they face severe consequences, they are less likely to commit crimes. Furthermore, longer sentences ensure that dangerous individuals are kept away from the public for extended periods, thereby reducing the opportunity for reoffending. In countries such as Singapore, strict sentencing policies are often credited with contributing to low crime rates.

Key Technique: Distancing Language

When presenting a view you disagree with, use language that attributes the view to others:

• "Those who support this view argue that..."
• "Proponents of this approach contend that..."
• "It is often claimed that..."
• "Supporters of this position maintain that..."