📖 AVTC7_Discussion/ Opinion Essay

DISCUSSION/ OPINION ESSAY

I. Pre-writing

1. Definition
* Definition
- The Discussion/ Opinion essay task tests your ability to discuss opposing opinions and to
give your own opinion.

- The question for an IELTS Discussion/ Opinion essay includes 2 parts:

+ Part 1: a statement containing two opposing views about the same topic.
For example: Some people think (view 1). Other people think (view 2)
+ Part 2: a question asking you to discuss both points of view and to explain what you think
about this topic.
For example:
 Discuss both views and give your opinion.
 Discuss both these views and then give your own opinion.
 Discuss both sides of this argument and give your own opinion.
(Adapted from Rogers, B., & Kenny, N. (2016). The Complete Guide to IELTS: Students book: Band 5.5-7+.
National Geographic Learning, Cengage Learning.)

* An example of a discussion/ opinion essay:

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Some people think that schools should use teaching methods that encourage
students to cooperate. Other people think that schools should use teaching
methods that encourage students to compete. Discuss both views and give your
opinion.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own
knowledge and experience. Write at least 250 words.
(Adapted from Rogers, B., & Kenny, N. (2016). The Complete Guide to IELTS: Students book: Band 5.5-
7+. National Geographic Learning, Cengage Learning.)

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📖 AVTC7_Discussion/ Opinion Essay

2. General outline of a discussion/opinion essay

Outline of a discussion/opinion essay

- Background statement: paraphrases the keyword in the question

Introduction to state opposing viewpoints

- Thesis statement: states what the essay will be about.

- Topic sentence: 1st view of the argument

Body paragraph 1
- Supporting ideas and details: examples, explanation, results,
etc.).

- Topic sentence: 2nd view of the argument.

Body paragraph 2
- Supporting ideas and details: examples, explanation, results,
etc.).

- Summarize the main points.

Conclusion
- Give/restate your opinion.

3. Analyze a sample essay.

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Some people think that schools should use teaching methods that encourage students to
cooperate. Other people think that schools should use teaching methods that encourage
students to compete. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge and
experience. Write at least 250 words.

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📖 AVTC7_Discussion/ Opinion Essay

(Adapted from Rogers, B., & Kenny, N. (2016). The Complete Guide to IELTS: Students book: Band 5.5-7+. National
Geographic Learning, Cengage Learning.)

Task 1. Read the sample essay below and fill in the blanks with suitable words or phrases
from the box.

On the one hand Secondly The main advantage An additional benefit While

This is because wheather On the other hand For example

Opinions are divided on (1) _________schools should employ teaching methods that foster
cooperation among students or those that promote competition. This essay will discuss both
sides of this argument, and then I will give my own perspective.

(2) _________, it is undeniable that competitive spirit provides numerous benefits to students.
Firstly, students will have more motivation to try harder in their studies. (3) _________in a
competition, when under pressure from others, students will have to try their best to be the
winner. (4) _________, a competitive attitude enables students to be more independent. This is in
sharp contrast to working in a group where one member may heavily rely on others.

(5) _________, there are several reasons why cooperative teaching methods are advantageous. (6)
_________ is that they prepare students for future workplaces. This is because cooperation is
usually one of the most important criteria of a good employee, which helps to achieve the
company's targets. (7) _________of cooperation is that it helps to enhance friendships among
students due to the fact that students learn more from each other when they work in groups or
teams, leading to a better understanding of each other. (8) _________, thanks to many group work
activities in my class, I had a chance to better understand my high classmates, which contributed
a lot to our long-lasting friendships.

In conclusion, (9) _________ the cooperation-based approach is beneficial, the competition-based

one also brings several benefits. From my perspective, I believe that the teaching methods
promoting cooperation are better.

(259 words)

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📖 AVTC7_Discussion/ Opinion Essay

Task 2. Read the sample essay in Task 1 and answer the following questions.

1. What is the main topic of this essay?

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

2. Underline the thesis statement of the essay.

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

3. What are the benefits of cooperation?

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

4. What details are used to support the idea of teaching cooperation?

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

5. What are the benefits of competition?

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

6. What details are used to support the idea of competition?

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

7. What linking words/ phrases are used? Highlight them.

____________________________________________________________________________

8. What side does the author support?

____________________________________________________________________________
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📖 AVTC7_Discussion/ Opinion Essay

4. Language for Writing

4.1. Introduction

1. Background statement (Paraphrase the question):

- Opinions are divided on + whether + S1 + V1 (1st view) + or S2 + V2 (2nd view).

- People have different views/ opinions about whether + S1 + V1 (1st view) or S2 + V2 (2nd view).
- While many people claim/ believe that S1 + V1 (1st view), others suggest that S2 + V2 (2nd view).

2. Thesis statement:

- This essay will analyze/ discuss both sides of this argument/ both points of view, and then I will give
my own perspective.
- In my opinion, although there are certain benefits/ advantages related to + N/NP1 (view 1), S + benefit
more from + N/NP2 (view 2).
- Although + N/NP (view 1) has certain benefits/ may solve the problem partly, I believe/ would argue
that S + V (2nd view).
* Note: DO NOT give or discuss any specific reasons in your introduction.

4.2 Body paragraphs

1. Body 1: Discuss view 1
a. Topic sentence:
On the one hand,
- there are several reasons why + N/NP (view 1) + is beneficial/advantageous.
- it is undeniable that + N/NP (view 1) + provides numerous benefits to + O.
- it is true that + S + V (1st view)
b. Supporting idea 1:
- The main benefit/ advantage/ reason of + N/P (view 1) + is …
- The most important benefit/ advantage/ reason of + N/NP (view 1) + is …
- Firstly, S + V + O.
* Supporting details (explanations, consequences and/ or examples):
Explanation:

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📖 AVTC7_Discussion/ Opinion Essay

- This is because S + V + O.
- Due to / Because of + noun phrase, S + V + O.
- This leads to/ results in + noun/ noun phrase.
Consequences:
- As a result / Therefore, S + V + O.
- S + therefore/ thus + V + O.
Examples:
- For example,/ For instance, S + V + O.
- A typical/ good example of this is S + V + O.
c. Supporting idea 2:
- A further/ An additional benefit/ advantage/ reason is …
- Furthermore/ Moreover/ In addition to this, S + V + O.
- Secondly, S + V + O.
* Supporting details (explanations, consequences and/ or examples)
2. Body 2: Discuss view 2
a. Topic sentence:
On the other hand, / On the contrary, / However,
- there are several reasons why + N/NP (view 2) + is beneficial/ advantageous.
- although N/NP1 (view 1) + can/may …, N/NP2 (view 2) + should be taken into consideration as well.
- supporters of N/NP (view 2) + suggest that …
- I think/believe that + N/NP (view 2) would be more beneficial/ advantageous.
b. Supporting idea 1
* Supporting details (giving explanations, consequences and/ or examples)
c. Supporting idea 2
* Supporting details (giving explanations, consequences and/ or examples)

4.3. Conclusion
1. Summarize the main points:
- In conclusion/ To conclude, while S1 + V1 (1st view), S2 + V2 (2nd view).
2. Give your opinion:
- In my opinion,/ Personally/ From my perspective, I believe that S + V + O.

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📖 AVTC7_Discussion/ Opinion Essay

- I am convinced that S + modal verb (can/ could/ would) + clearly/ obviously/ certainly + V + O.

5. Brainstorm and outline

Task 3. Read the Writing task below and brainstorm the ideas for the task based on the given
words/ phrases.
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Some jobs are based at a single workplace where the hours are the same each day,
while other jobs involve frequent travel and irregular working hours.
Discuss the advantages of both types of job and give your own opinion about which
one is best.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own
knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words.
(Adapted from Rogers, B., & Kenny, N. (2016). The Complete Guide to IELTS: Students book: Band 5.5-7+. National
Geographic Learning, Cengage Learning.)

Task 3.1:
[Debating task]. Divide the class into teams. Each team will be given a point of view.
Students will work in groups to provide ideas and support their opinion. Students are
required to use the useful language to express their opinion. For each correct use of useful
language, the team will have 1 more extra point.

View 1: Jobs with frequent travel and View 2: Working at a same place with the
flexible hours is better same hour each day is better.

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📖 AVTC7_Discussion/ Opinion Essay

Task 3.2. Work in pairs. Look at the supporting ideas below. Which ones support the view 1
“jobs with frequent travel is better” and which ones support the view 2 “working at a same
place with the same hour each day is better”?

View 1: Jobs with frequent travel and View 2: Working at a same place with the
flexible hours is better same hour each day is better.

1. It allows us to spend more time with our kids and our families. We will have more time to take
care of our family, cook meals, play with our kids, and see them grow up.
2. It gives us a sense of comfort and familiarity. We know what we should do and can carry out our
tasks smoothly and easily.
3. This job is very exciting, with many new things for us to discover.
4. Some people get jet lag, so this type of job can affect their health seriously.
5. Each day is another new day. It is unpredictable, and we might not know what will happen next.
Task 4. Complete the outline for the essay based on the ideas in Task 3 and the useful
language in Pre-writing.

INTRODUCTION

Topic: ____________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
Thesis statement: __________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

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📖 AVTC7_Discussion/ Opinion Essay

BODY PARAGRAPH 1 BODY PARAGRAPH 2

Topic sentence: Topic sentence:

___________________________________ ____________________________________

___________________________________ ____________________________________
Supporting idea 1: Supporting idea 1:
____________________________________ ____________________________________
Supporting details (example, reason, Supporting details (example, reason,
consequence, fact, etc.): consequence, fact, etc.):
____________________________________ ___________________________________
____________________________________ ____________________________________
____________________________________ ____________________________________
____________________________________ ____________________________________
Supporting idea 2: Supporting idea 2:
____________________________________ ____________________________________
Supporting details (example, reason, Supporting details (example, reason,
consequence, fact, etc.): consequence, fact, etc.):
____________________________________ ____________________________________
____________________________________ ____________________________________
____________________________________ ____________________________________
____________________________________ ____________________________________

CONCLUSION
Summarize the main ideas + Your opinion:
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

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