IELTS Writing Task 2 Discussion Essay (Both Views + Your Opinion) yêu cầu bạn thảo luận cả 2 quan điểm rồi đưa ý kiến riêng. Đây là dạng đề phổ biến đứng thứ 2 sau Opinion. Bài này tổng hợp cấu trúc band 7-8, sample essay, và mẫu câu cần thiết.

I. Dạng đề Discussion Essay

Đề thường có format:

  • “Discuss both these views and give your opinion.”
  • “Some people think A. Others believe B. Discuss both and give your opinion.”
  • “What is your view?”

II. Cấu trúc chuẩn band 7-8 (4 đoạn)

Đoạn 1: Introduction (50 từ)

  1. General statement: giới thiệu chủ đề.
  2. 2 views: paraphrase 2 quan điểm.
  3. Thesis: nêu OPINION của bạn + outline.

Mẫu:

“In today’s society, there is an ongoing debate about [topic]. While some believe [view A], others argue that [view B]. This essay will discuss both perspectives before explaining why I personally favor [your opinion].”

Đoạn 2: Body 1 – View 1 (90 từ)

Trình bày view không phải ý kiến của bạn TRƯỚC. Lý do: examiner thấy bạn fair, không thiên vị.

Cấu trúc:

  1. Topic sentence introduce view A
  2. Reasons supporting view A
  3. Example for view A

Mẫu:

“On the one hand, supporters of [view A] argue that… For instance,…”

Đoạn 3: Body 2 – View 2 + Your Opinion (90 từ)

Trình bày view bạn UNG HỘ và đưa lý do mạnh hơn.

Mẫu:

“On the other hand, I personally favor [view B] because… A clear example of this is…”

Đoạn 4: Conclusion (30 từ)

Restate cả 2 views + opinion + 1 câu tóm tắt.

III. Bài mẫu band 7-8 hoàn chỉnh

Đề: “Some people believe that schools should focus on academic subjects, while others think practical skills are more important. Discuss both views and give your opinion.”

Bài viết (290 từ):

The question of what schools should prioritize — academic subjects or practical skills — has long been a subject of debate. While proponents of traditional education stress the importance of subjects like mathematics, literature, and science, others argue that practical competencies are essential for real-life success. This essay will examine both perspectives before explaining why I believe a balanced approach is most effective.

On the one hand, advocates of academic education argue that these subjects provide a strong intellectual foundation. Subjects such as mathematics develop logical thinking, while literature enhances critical analysis and empathy. Furthermore, academic disciplines are often prerequisites for higher education and many professional fields, including medicine, engineering, and law. For instance, students aspiring to become doctors must master biology, chemistry, and physics. Without such foundational knowledge, pursuing specialized careers would be impossible.

On the other hand, supporters of practical skills argue that traditional academics often fail to prepare students for real-world challenges. Skills such as financial literacy, communication, problem-solving, and digital competency are increasingly demanded in today’s workforce. A recent study by the World Economic Forum found that 65% of children entering primary school today will work in jobs that do not yet exist. Personally, I lean towards this view, but with a caveat: rather than choosing one over the other, schools should integrate both academic and practical learning. For example, mathematics can be taught alongside personal finance, and literature lessons can incorporate persuasive writing for real-world communication.

In conclusion, while both academic subjects and practical skills have their merits, the most effective educational approach combines them. By integrating both elements, schools can produce well-rounded graduates capable of thinking critically while also navigating real-life challenges with practical competence.

IV. Mẫu câu cho Discussion Essay

1. Giới thiệu 2 views

  • “There is an ongoing debate about whether…”
  • “Opinions are divided on the issue of…”
  • “While some argue that X, others believe that Y.”
  • “This issue has sparked considerable debate.”

2. Trình bày view 1

  • “On the one hand,…”
  • “Supporters of [view A] argue that…”
  • “Proponents of [X] contend that…”
  • “Those who favor [X] maintain that…”

3. Trình bày view 2

  • “On the other hand,…”
  • “However, others believe that…”
  • “In contrast,…”
  • “Conversely,…”

4. Đưa opinion

  • “In my opinion,…”
  • “Personally, I am inclined to agree with…”
  • “My personal view aligns more closely with…”
  • “I find myself in agreement with…”
  • “While I acknowledge both perspectives, I believe…”

5. Đưa ví dụ thuyết phục

  • “A clear example of this is…”
  • “This is exemplified by…”
  • “Take… as an illustration.”
  • “Research has shown that…”

6. Conclude

  • “In conclusion, while both views have merit, I believe…”
  • “To sum up, both perspectives offer valid points, but…”
  • “All things considered, …”

V. 10 đề Discussion Essay phổ biến

  1. Some say government should fund the arts. Others say it’s a waste.
  2. Some think TV is harmful. Others believe it has benefits.
  3. Some prefer rural life. Others favor urban living.
  4. Some think technology improves communication. Others say it reduces face-to-face interaction.
  5. Some think working from home is ideal. Others believe office work is better.
  6. Some prefer single-sex schools. Others favor co-ed schools.
  7. Some say tourism damages culture. Others say it preserves it.
  8. Some think English should be the only global language. Others disagree.
  9. Some prefer cars. Others advocate public transport.
  10. Some think children should play sports. Others say academics come first.

VI. Mẹo trình bày 2 views cân bằng

  1. Dành cùng số câu cho cả 2 views (3-4 câu mỗi view).
  2. Dùng tone trung lập khi present opposite view.
  3. Thêm strong reasoning khi present view bạn ủng hộ.
  4. Acknowledge other side: “While X has its merits…”
  5. Personal opinion ở body 2 hoặc conclusion: cần rõ ràng.

VII. Vocabulary band 7-8 đa dạng

Concession (Nhường):

  • Admittedly… – Phải thừa nhận
  • It is true that… – Đúng là
  • Granted, X does have some validity… – Đồng ý X có lý
  • While X has its merits… – Mặc dù X có ưu điểm

Contrast (Phản bác):

  • However… – Tuy nhiên
  • Nevertheless… – Mặc dù vậy
  • Conversely… – Ngược lại
  • On the contrary… – Ngược lại
  • In contrast… – Trái ngược

Strengthen opinion (Củng cố ý kiến):

  • I firmly believe… – Tôi tin chắc
  • Without doubt… – Không nghi ngờ
  • Undeniably… – Không thể phủ nhận
  • Clearly… – Rõ ràng
  • It is evident that… – Hiển nhiên

VIII. Mẹo đạt band 7-8

  1. Đọc kỹ đề: 2 views là gì, có nhiệm vụ “give opinion”?
  2. Trình bày BOTH views: không chỉ favorite của bạn.
  3. Opinion rõ ràng: examiner phải biết bạn ủng hộ phía nào.
  4. Cân bằng nhưng có thiên hướng: 50/50 không thuyết phục.
  5. Đưa ví dụ cụ thể ở cả 2 views.
  6. Cohesion tốt: dùng “however”, “on the other hand”, “moreover”.
  7. 270-290 từ.

IX. Common mistakes

  1. Chỉ trình bày 1 view → fail “discuss both views”.
  2. Không đưa opinion riêng.
  3. Opinion không rõ ràng – mơ hồ.
  4. Trình bày 2 view nhưng không có examples.
  5. Conclusion không tóm tắt cả 2 views.
  6. Quá thiên về 1 view, bỏ qua view khác.

X. Brainstorm checklist trước khi viết

Đề: Some say X, others say Y. Discuss + opinion.

Step 1: Xác định 2 views.

Step 2: Brainstorm 2 reasons cho mỗi view.

Step 3: Chọn 1 reason mạnh nhất cho mỗi view.

Step 4: Tìm 1 ví dụ cụ thể cho mỗi reason.

Step 5: Quyết định opinion của bạn.

Step 6: Bắt đầu viết theo cấu trúc 4 đoạn.

Kết luận

Discussion Essay đòi hỏi kỹ năng cân bằng – trình bày fair cả 2 views nhưng vẫn có opinion rõ ràng. Hãy luyện cấu trúc 4 đoạn, đưa ví dụ thuyết phục cho cả 2 phía, và biết acknowledge counter-argument. Với 30 ý tưởng phổ biến + vocabulary band 7-8, bạn có thể xử lý mọi đề Discussion trong IELTS.