The Allure of the Blank Page: Why Rushing to Write is a Strategic Error
The clock starts ticking, the prompt appears, and a common impulse for many IELTS candidates is to immediately begin writing. There's a palpable pressure to fill the page, to demonstrate vocabulary and grammar from the outset. However, for a 'discuss both views and give your opinion' essay, this eagerness often backfires. While a rapid start might feel productive, it frequently leads to essays that lack coherence, fail to fully address the prompt's nuances, or present an opinion that feels arbitrary rather than reasoned. The critical flaw lies in bypassing the essential planning phase.
The IELTS Writing test format demands more than just presenting information; it requires a structured argument. The public band descriptors for Task 2 emphasize 'presenting a clear position throughout the response' and 'developing and supporting main ideas.' Without a robust plan, your essay risks becoming a mere description of two viewpoints, rather than a critical discussion culminating in a well-supported opinion. This directly impacts your Task Response score, as well as Coherence and Cohesion, making a well-crafted plan indispensable for higher bands.
Dissecting the Prompt: Unearthing the Core Debate
Before you even consider your own arguments, a meticulous deconstruction of the essay prompt is paramount. For a 'discuss both views' question, this means identifying not just the two opposing perspectives, but also the underlying issue or debate they address. Consider this example:
Some people believe that all university students should study subjects that will be useful in the future, such as science and technology. Others argue that students should be free to choose any subject they like. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
A superficial reading might simply identify 'useful subjects' versus 'free choice.' A deeper analysis, however, reveals the core tension: the fundamental purpose of university education – is it primarily for vocational training and economic contribution, or for personal enrichment and broad intellectual development? Your plan must acknowledge this deeper conflict, as it will inform the arguments you construct for each side, ensuring your discussion is analytical rather than merely descriptive.
Once the core tension is identified, dedicate time to brainstorming arguments for each view. Do not self-censor at this stage; simply list all relevant ideas. For the 'useful subjects' view, you might consider job market demands, national economic competitiveness, and return on investment for both individuals and society. For 'free choice,' think about personal passion, the development of critical thinking, a well-rounded education, and the potential for unexpected career paths. This comprehensive brainstorming ensures you have sufficient, relevant ideas to develop each body paragraph adequately, meeting the 'fully extended and supported' criterion for higher band scores.
Crafting Your Blueprint: A Structured Approach to Argumentation
A discussion essay typically follows a four or five-paragraph structure: Introduction, Body Paragraph 1 (View 1), Body Paragraph 2 (View 2), (Optional: Body Paragraph 3 for your nuanced opinion), and Conclusion. The planning stage is where you meticulously outline the content of each paragraph.
Your introduction serves as the essay's foundation. It should paraphrase the prompt, acknowledge the existence of two differing viewpoints, and present your thesis statement. For discussion essays, your thesis statement should clearly indicate that you will discuss both sides and signal your overall position. It doesn't need to be overtly argumentative yet, but it should foreshadow your stance. For instance, for the university subjects essay, a thesis might be: "While compelling arguments exist for a curriculum focused on practical subjects, I believe that a holistic education encompassing a wider range of disciplines ultimately better prepares individuals for a complex future."
Each body paragraph should then be dedicated to one view. Begin with a clear topic sentence that introduces the perspective. Subsequently, provide explanations and specific examples to support it. Crucially, aim for depth over breadth. Instead of listing three underdeveloped points, focus on one or two strong points with detailed elaboration. For example, when discussing the 'useful subjects' view:
- Weaker example: "Some people think science is good because it gets jobs. Also, technology is useful. This helps the economy." (This lacks specific development and analytical depth.)
- Stronger example: "Proponents of a vocational approach to university education often highlight the pressing demands of the modern job market, arguing that degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) directly equip graduates with skills vital for economic growth and innovation. For instance, a nation's competitiveness in global industries heavily relies on a skilled workforce capable of driving technological advancements and research, making such subjects a strategic investment." (This demonstrates a clear topic sentence, extended explanation, and specific reasoning, showcasing better lexical resource and a more developed argument.)
The stronger example not only uses more precise language but also elaborates on the causal link between STEM subjects and economic growth, which is essential for higher scores.
Integrating Your Stance: Beyond a Concluding Remark
A common pitfall in discussion essays is the abrupt introduction of the candidate's opinion solely in the conclusion. Your opinion should not appear as an afterthought. Instead, it should be subtly woven into the essay's fabric, either by dedicating a separate body paragraph to it (if your stance is complex enough to warrant extensive development) or by subtly reinforcing it throughout the discussion and then clearly articulating it in the conclusion.
If you opt for a separate paragraph for your opinion, ensure it builds logically on the preceding discussions. It is insufficient to merely state 'I agree with X.' You must explain why, often by weighing the arguments presented for both sides. For instance, you might acknowledge the merits of one view but argue that the other perspective holds greater long-term value or addresses a more fundamental societal need.
The conclusion then serves to summarise your main points and restate your opinion in new words, without introducing any new information. It should provide a sense of closure and reinforce your central argument, ensuring that your essay feels complete and well-argued. Effective planning guarantees that your conclusion is the natural culmination of your discussion, not an isolated statement.
Deliberate Practice: Honing Your Planning Acumen
The most effective way to improve your planning is through deliberate, focused practice. Do not just write essays; plan them meticulously. Dedicate 5-7 minutes to outlining your ideas, crafting topic sentences, and identifying supporting details before writing a single word. You can even practice planning multiple essays without fully writing them, specifically to hone your structural and argumentative skills. This structured approach is invaluable for managing your time effectively during the exam and ensuring you address all parts of the prompt comprehensively.
Remember, the objective is not to present a flawless argument, but a well-structured, coherent, and thoroughly supported one. By dedicating sufficient time to planning, you establish the groundwork for an essay that demonstrates strong cohesive devices, a clear progression of ideas, and a nuanced understanding of the task. This strategic investment in planning is not merely a preparatory step; it is a direct pathway to achieving a higher band score, making your investment in the band packages even more effective.
