IELTS Writing Task 2
Both Points of View and Own Opinion: Sample Answer
Requirements
This essay combines discussion with opinion. You are required to discuss both views and state your own opinion all with supporting details.
This is one of the more challenging essays since you are asked to do more than the other question types. Candidates often run out of time on this question. So, it needs careful planning.
There are 2 possible structures depending on your own opinion. It can agree with one of the points of view or you can take the position (opinion) that does not agree with the other viewpoints.
Watch the video on how to write a discuss both points of view and give your own opinion essay.
Structure: Your opinion agrees with one of the points of view
Paragraph 1: Introduction
Paraphrase the statement and include your thesis statement.
“This essay will elaborate on both these positions and explain why I agree with the viewpoint that global warming is the primary cause of the environmental issues.”
Paragraph 2: The point of view you agree with
1, maximum 2 reasons why people have this point of view.
Begin with a topic sentence – the main reason why they have this view and state clearly you agree with it.
Expand with supporting details – your knowledge, experience, and examples.
Paragraph 3: The other point of view
1, maximum 2 reasons why people have this point of view.
Begin with a topic sentence – the main reason why they have this view.
Expand with supporting details – your knowledge, experience, and examples.
Paragraph 4: Conclusion
Restate (paraphrase) both points of view and your own opinion.
No new information.
Sample Answer
It is suggested that science be every student’s fundamental subject at school; others, on the other hand, argue against such a suggestion. This essay will elaborate on these two opposing ideas and shall provide my own perspective.
On one hand, critics of forcing students to study this subject perhaps perceive this as neglecting learners’ diverse interests. Not all individuals in a classroom are naturally inclined towards or interested in science. For instance, a student may love painting and drawing; however, his school requires all students to extensively study science subjects, including physics, chemistry, and biology. This can lead to this student’s disengagement and frustration, which may demotivate him from pursuing his passion.
On the other hand, I share the belief of those who propose scientific literacy, since science will open a wide range of career opportunities for people. This field of study provides students with foundational knowledge that serves as a springboard for pursuing a career in industries that are world-essential, such as medicine and technology. For example, students who study biology and chemistry can be prepared for professions such as doctors and pharmacists. Similarly, those who excel in science subjects are well-positioned for careers in software development and information technology.
In conclusion, ignoring students’ varied inclinations is apparently the reason why some people do not support the idea of having it included in our education system. However, I agree with those who see its importance. With its promise of a bright future, it is reasonable that it should not be excluded from schools’ curricula.
255 words
Sample: Discuss Both Points of View and Give Your Own Opinion 1. PDF
Structure: Your opinion does not agree with the other views
Paragraph 1: Introduction
Paraphrase the statement and include your thesis statement.
“This essay will elaborate on both these positions and explain why over-population is the primary cause of environmental issues.”
Paragraph 2: One point of view
1 reason why people have this point of view.
Begin with a topic sentence – the main reason why they have this view.
Expand with supporting details – your knowledge, experience, and examples.
Paragraph 3: Other point of view
1 reason why people have this point of view.
Begin with a topic sentence – the main reason why they have this view.
Expand with supporting details – your knowledge, experience, and examples.
Paragraph 4: Your point of view
1 reason why you have this point of view.
Begin with a topic sentence – the main reason why you have this view.
Expand with supporting details – your knowledge, experience, and examples.
Paragraph 5: Conclusion
Restate (paraphrase) both points of view and your own opinion.
No new information.
Sample Answer
While some people consider global warming to be the most pressing environmental problem, others believe that deforestation has a more devastating impact on our world.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
It is believed by some that global warming is the greatest threat to our environment while others contend that deforestation is more destructive. This essay will elaborate on both these positions and explain why over-population is the primary cause of environmental issues.
It has been scientifically proven that the Earth’s temperature has increased steadily over a relatively short period of time. Global warming has had an adverse effect on the world’s climate with an increase in extreme weather conditions such as drought and flooding. Furthermore, the polar ice caps are shrinking with has resulted in a rise in sea levels that threatens to engulf certain regions.
Deforestation, in addition, has accelerated with huge swathes of natural habitats destroyed. For instance, the Amazon rainforest has been reduced in size at a record rate over the previous decades. The effect on indigenous animals has been dire with many species pushed to the brink of extinction through the loss of their natural habitat.
The negative effects of both trends are significant; however, they are symptoms of the root problem which is over-population. The world’s population now stands at approximately 8 billion and is projected to increase to 10 billion by 2050. This rise has placed increasing demands on the earth’s natural resources and increased the levels of CO2 emissions to an extent that the rise is global temperatures is out of control.
In conclusion, global warming has contributed to life threatening weather conditions and the rise in sea levels, while deforestation has contributed to the extinction of several species. However, both are the result of the spectacular rise in the world’s population to levels that have become unsustainable.
275 words
Sample: Discuss Both Points of View and Give Your Own Opinion 2. PDF