Billboards and digital screens in public spaces should be banned to reduce visual pollution and distraction. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
IELTS discussion essay topics. Both views, then yours.
A discussion question gives two views. Explain each one fairly, then say which view you agree with, or how you agree with both in part.
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How to answer discussion questions.
- Introduction
name both views and say what you think.
- Body paragraph 1
the first view and why people hold it.
- Body paragraph 2
the second view and why people hold it.
- Conclusion
your own view and the main reason for it.
Academic discussion questions, one for each subject.
Products and treatments that promise to make people look younger are more popular than ever. Some people think that using them is a harmless personal choice, while others believe that it reflects an unhealthy fear of growing old. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Some people believe that keeping pets is beneficial for both humans and animals, while others think it is a form of captivity. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Some people think that art is an essential subject for children at school while others think it is a waste of time. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
In many countries, it is common for families to own and run their own business. Some people think this is the best way to run a business, while others consider this a potential source of problems. What is your opinion?
Some argue that wealthy individuals have a moral obligation to donate a significant portion of their income to charity, while others think it should be a personal choice. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Some people think our first impression of someone is important, while others think we should not judge another person so quickly and should take our time to know them better. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
Some argue that people should buy locally produced goods to support their economy, while others believe consumers should be free to buy the cheapest products available. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Some people think that surveillance cameras in public places are an unacceptable invasion of privacy. Others say they reduce crime. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Some people believe that cultural heritage should be preserved at all costs, while others think that it is more important to focus on the future. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Being able to speak a foreign language is an advantage these days. Some people think that children should start learning a foreign language at primary school, while others think children should begin in secondary school. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
Some argue that individuals have the greatest role to play in reducing energy consumption, while others believe it is the responsibility of governments and businesses. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Human activity has had a negative impact on plants and animals around the world. Some people think that this cannot be changed, while others believe actions can be taken to bring about a change. Discuss both and give your opinion.
It is sometimes acceptable to tell a lie if it prevents someone from being hurt. Others say honesty must always come first. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Adults should be legally required to financially support their elderly parents if the parents cannot support themselves. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Some people think that genetically modified food offers a solution to world hunger, while others believe it is dangerous. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Some argue that quotas should be introduced to ensure equal gender representation in politics and business, while others think positions should be filled based on merit alone. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Some people think that only the government can make significant changes in society, while others think that individuals can have a lot of influence. What is your opinion?
Many people now search the internet for information about their symptoms before, or instead of, visiting a doctor. Some think this helps people understand and take better care of their own health, while others believe it does more harm than good. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Rent controls make housing more affordable; others argue they reduce supply and quality. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Some believe that the dominance of English as a global language is beneficial, while others argue it threatens linguistic diversity. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Some people think that juries of ordinary citizens are the fairest way to decide criminal trials. Others prefer professional judges only. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Having more money and less free time is better than earning less money and having more free time. Discuss both views and state your opinion.
More and more newspapers and news channels are using photographs to support their news articles and stories. Some people think that photographs are not a reliable source of news, while others consider photographs to be irrefutable. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
Refugees should be able to apply for asylum in any country they choose, not only the first safe country they reach. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Much of the clothing that people in wealthy countries give to charity is later sold cheaply in poorer parts of the world. Some people believe this helps families who cannot afford new clothes, while others argue that it puts local tailors and clothing makers out of work. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Some argue that social media companies should be held responsible for protecting users' personal data, while others think individuals should take responsibility for their own privacy. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Some people prefer reading physical books, while others think digital books and e-readers are better. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Some people believe that scientific progress always brings benefits to society, while others think it can sometimes be harmful. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Globalisation has both advantages and disadvantages. Discuss both and give your opinion.
Some people argue that space exploration should be left to robots and unmanned spacecraft, while others believe it is still important to send astronauts into space. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Many countries want to host international sports events, while other countries think that hosting sports events has more problems than benefits. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
An increasing number of people are now using the internet to meet new people and socialise. Some people think this has brought people closer together while others think people are becoming more isolated. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
Some argue that tourism should be restricted in certain areas to protect the environment and local way of life, while others think everyone should have the right to travel freely. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
As cycling becomes more popular in towns and cities, some people believe that cyclists should have to pass a test and buy insurance, just as drivers do. Others argue that such rules would discourage people from cycling. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Some parents give their children money for doing household chores, believing it teaches them the value of work. Others think children should help at home without expecting any reward. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Some people prefer to live in cities, while others believe that life is better in the countryside. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Desalination and large dams are acceptable solutions to water shortages even if they harm local ecosystems. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Completing university education is thought by some to be the best way to get a good job. On the other hand, other people think that getting experience and developing soft skills is more important. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
General Training discussion questions, one for each subject.
Some people think that body language and non-verbal communication are more important than words. Others think the opposite. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Some people think that young offenders should be treated the same as adult criminals. Others think they should be treated differently. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Some believe that museums should be free and funded by the government. Others think that visitors should pay an entrance fee. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Some people believe that organic food is healthier and better for the environment. Others think it is just a marketing trend. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Some people think that the government should provide free childcare for all working parents. Others think this should not be the responsibility of the government. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Some people think that people should be able to build whatever they want on their own land. Others think there should be strict rules about building design. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Some people think that robots and artificial intelligence will replace many human jobs. Others believe that technology will create new types of employment. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Some people think that governments should invest in making cycling safer and more convenient. Others think there are more important priorities for transport spending. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Some people prefer to travel on organised tours while others prefer to travel independently. Discuss both approaches and give your opinion.
White lies or honesty
It is sometimes acceptable to tell a lie if it prevents someone from being hurt.
Questions about discussion essays.
Where should my opinion go in a discussion essay?
Give it in the introduction and again in the conclusion. You can also show it in the body paragraph about the view you agree with. Do not leave it until the very end.
Can I agree with both views?
Yes, if you explain how. For example, you can say each view is right for a different group of people. Say this clearly, so the reader knows your position.
