DISCUSS BOTH VIEWS

TASK 2 – IELTS BRAZIL

MAKE BU CIDA FEITOSA
YOU HAVE TO

VIEW 1 VIEW 2 OPINION

 SEE THIS
QUESTION
• Some people say History is one of the most
important school subjects. Other people think
that, in today’s world, subjects like Science
and Technology are more important than
History.

• Discuss both these views and give your own

opinion.

• Cambridge IELTS 13 Academic Test 3

IN THIS EXAMPLE

View 1: History is one of the most important

school subjects

View 2: “Subjects like” Science and

Technology are more important than History
YOU HAVE TO

Present the reasons for each view

Present your own view. (This can include

saying what you think about each of the two
views)
WHY do some people think that History is
one of the most important school subjects?

WHY do some people think that subjects

like Science and Technology are more
important than History?
 What are the reasons for their view that History
is one of the most important school subjects?
You need to understand your country’s past if you can
really understand your country today

Understanding History gives you a shared cultural

understanding with other people

Because the study of History may require a lot of reading

and writing, it helps you to develop literacy skills
I DON’T NECESSARILY AGREE WITH THESE
REASONS. I JUST THINK THESE MAY BE
THE REASONS WHY SOME PEOPLE THINK
HISTORY IS SO IMPORTANT.
SO BE CAREFUL
And why do some people think that subjects like
Science and Technology are more important that
History?

the study of science and technology helps you to

develop skills that are important in getting a job in
today’s world

it’s useful to have a good understanding of science

to help you navigate the modern world (e.g.
advanced in health and electronics)
THE SECOND MOMENT IS TO GIVE
YOUR OPINION
You need to present your OWN view. Your opinion. You
need to say what YOU think.

For a high band score, it’s a good idea to base your view on
your discussion of the 2 views. You could point out
the weaknesses or limitations of the view
you disagree with, and suggest which view is stronger.
“Studying History can certainly boost literacy skills,
but then so can any other subject requiring lots of
reading and writing.”

“Scientific and technological subjects should be given

priority in the curriculum because they help young
people get well-paid jobs in modern companies.”
IDEAL STRUCTURE
Paragraph 1: introduce essay

Paragraph 2: present the reasons for the 1st view

Paragraph 3: present the reasons for the 2nd view

Paragraph 4: present your opinion

Conclusion
EXERCISE
• You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
• It is commonly believed that nowadays main factors that affect a child's
development are media, pop culture and friends. A different point of view is
that family plays the most significant role.
• Discuss both views and give your opinion.
• Write at least 250 words.
IDENTIFYING THE TWO OPINIONS

External factors have more considerable

influence on a child's development.

The family has a greater influence on a

child's development.
ARGUMENTS FOR External factors have a more
considerable influence on a child's development.

Children tend to copy the behaviour of their

favourite fictional characters.
Children spend a lot of time with their peers.

Technology has an all-pervasive impact on

children.
ARGUMENTS FOR The family has a greater
influence on a child's development.

Parents are always present in the life of a child.

The younger the children are, the more malleable

their character is.
Parents can set boundaries and have more
control over their children.
YOUR OPINION
• For our essay, we will agree that although external factors
influence the development of a child, parents and family
still have the upper hand.
• Our reason: A child's choice of friends, books or music depends
on the values instilled in them by their parents.
IDEAL STRUCTURE

Introduction
Body paragraph 1 – discuss the first opinion
Body paragraph 2 – discuss the second opinion
Body paragraph 3 – give your own opinion
Conclusion
It is often held that teachers, peers and the media have a significant influence on the life of children. While some people
argue that these factors are predominant in shaping a child's future, others believe that parents impact their offspring in
more critical ways. This essay will discuss both these points of view and argue in favour of the latter.

On the one hand, the books children read and the music they listen to form their belief system. In other words, children
tend to copy the behaviour of their favourite personality or fictional character. Moreover, when little ones work and play
in groups, they are influenced by their peers. Finally, other factors, like the media, prompt children to want things
regarded as fashionable. For instance, children demand toys that they see on television.

On the other hand, a child's personality is malleable at a very young age, and parents are always present in their life at
this stage. Also, very young children love to imitate. For example, children who come from a dysfunctional family often
exhibit behavioural problems at school. An emotionally secure environment at home is critical for the child's confidence.
Moreover, parents also teach children about setting boundaries.

In my opinion, children's choice of friends, books or music depends on the values instilled in them by their parents.
Therefore, parents hold more substantial sway over their offspring than media, pop culture and friends circle.

In conclusion, the outside world influences the intellectual and social development of children. However, I believe that it
is parents who set the stage for these developments by laying a strong foundation from a very young age.

(273 words)
Exercise
• Some people say that now we can see films on our phones or tablets
there is no need to go to the cinema. Others say that to be fully
enjoyed, films need to be seen in a cinema.

• Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

• Cambridge IELTS Book 13 General Training Test 3
These are the most common mistakes made by Test
Takers when writing an IELTS Discuss Both Views
essay:
• presenting too many reasons for each view: you MUST develop ALL of your
ideas to get a high band score, so it’s best to present 1-2 reasons for each
view and explain them all
• not giving your own opinion
• not writing your opinion in much detail. You should try to give some reasons
for your view
• Writing an overly general statement about the topic in the introduction
(e.g. “Healthcare is a topic of hot debate.”)
• Your main ideas are not explained and illustrated enough. You need to
develop all of your ideas to get a band 7 and higher.
• Including ideas and information that does not directly answer the essay
question
• Not fully understanding the essay question(s). This is often caused by
reading the question quickly, not carefully.
• Using memorised phrases (e.g. “a hot topic”, “in a nutshell”, “my considered
opinion”).
• Trying to use rare or “novel” language: examiners are looking for groups of
words used naturally, not rare words.
Homework
• Some people think that parents should teach children how to be good
members of society. Others, however, believe that school is the place to
learn this.
• Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
• Cambridge IELTS 8 Academic Test 1
Homework
• Some people believe that it is best to accept a bad situation, such as
an unsatisfactory job or shortage of money. Others argue that it is better to
try and improve such situations.
• Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
• Cambridge IELTS 14 Test 1
Homework
• Some people like to try new things, for example, places to visit and
types of food. Other people prefer to keep doing things they are
familiar with.
• Discuss both these attitudes and give your own opinion.
• Cambridge IELTS 16 General Training Test 2