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IELTS Writing Task 2

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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  • 169Academic questions in the app
  • 133General Training questions in the app
  • 3sample answers to one question
01 / Plan

How to answer discussion questions.

  1. Introduction

    name both views and say what you think.

  2. Body paragraph 1

    the first view and why people hold it.

  3. Body paragraph 2

    the second view and why people hold it.

  4. Conclusion

    your own view and the main reason for it.

Choose two views to weigh, then press Write this one.
02 / Academic

Academic discussion questions, one for each subject.

Advertising

Billboards and digital screens in public spaces should be banned to reduce visual pollution and distraction. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Aging

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.

Animals

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.

Art

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.

Business

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?

Charity

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.

Communication

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.

Consumerism

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.

Crime

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.

Culture

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.

Education

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.

Energy

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.

Environment

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.

Ethics

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.

Family

Adults should be legally required to financially support their elderly parents if the parents cannot support themselves. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Food

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.

Gender

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.

Government

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?

Health

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.

Housing

Rent controls make housing more affordable; others argue they reduce supply and quality. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Language

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.

Law

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.

Leisure

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.

Media

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.

Migration

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.

Poverty

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.

Privacy

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.

Reading

Some people prefer reading physical books, while others think digital books and e-readers are better. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Science

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.

Society

Globalisation has both advantages and disadvantages. Discuss both and give your opinion.

Space

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.

Sport

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.

Technology

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.

Tourism

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.

Transport

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.

Upbringing

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.

Urban life

Some people prefer to live in cities, while others believe that life is better in the countryside. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Water

Desalination and large dams are acceptable solutions to water shortages even if they harm local ecosystems. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Work

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.

Sample answers

One discussion question, three bands.

All sample answers
FAQ

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.