IELTS Writing Task 2: Discussion Essay

12/22/2023

In the IELTS Writing Task 2, one common question type is the Discussion Essay. In this task, you are asked to discuss two different views on a topic and then give your own opinion. A simple and effective way to organize your answer is the 4-paragraph structure:

Introduction – Paraphrase the question and clearly state that you will discuss both sides. End with a thesis statement that gives your own opinion.
Body Paragraph 1 – Present the first viewpoint. Explain the reasons people support this idea and give an example if possible.
Body Paragraph 2 – Present the opposite viewpoint. Again, explain the reasoning behind this side and support it with examples. Then, connect it to your own opinion.
Conclusion – Summarize both sides briefly and restate your opinion in a clear and decisive way.

Discussion Essay Sample Answer

WRITING TASK 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:

Some people work for the same organization all their working life. Others think that it is better to work for different organizations.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

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

Sample essay:
Some employees prefer to remain with a single employer throughout their career, whereas others believe that switching companies brings greater benefits. This essay will consider both ideas but will ultimately present why it is more advantageous to have experience working in different companies.

One clear advantage of working for the same company throughout one’s career is the opportunity to develop a deep expertise in a particular field. This expertise not only makes them more efficient at their tasks but also allows them to contribute meaningfully to the company’s progress. Furthermore, loyalty and consistency are often rewarded, and long-serving employees may be promoted to leadership positions as a result of their dedication. For example, many managers and executives have risen through the ranks after decades of service, demonstrating how loyalty can lead to professional recognition and authority.

On the other hand, moving between different organizations can provide employees with broader opportunities for career advancement. Moving to new workplaces allows individuals to experience diverse work environments, adapt to various professional challenges, and acquire new skills. This exposure helps employees become more versatile and competitive in the job market. Additionally, working for multiple companies often accelerates career growth, as professionals may be able to negotiate better salaries and positions when they bring varied experience to the table. For instance, someone who has worked in both multinational corporations and small start-ups will likely have a wider skill set and stronger problem-solving abilities than someone who has only stayed in one company. This adaptability can prove invaluable in today’s fast-changing global economy.

In conclusion, remaining with one organization can foster expertise and open pathways to leadership, while working in different companies gives employees diverse experiences and skills sets. However, professionals who have worked in multiple environments are more competitive and better equipped to thrive in today’s ever-evolving society.

(303 words)

Paragraph Structure Breakdown

Introduction

Sentence 1 (Paraphrase the question): Presents both views clearly (“Some employees prefer… whereas others believe…”).
Sentence 2 (Thesis): States intention to discuss both but signals final opinion (“ultimately present why it is more advantageous…”).

Body Paragraph 1 (Viewpoint 1: Staying in one company)

Topic sentence: Advantage of staying in one company = deep expertise.
Explanation: Expertise makes tasks efficient and meaningful.
Extension: Loyalty leads to promotions and leadership roles.
Example: Managers/executives rising after decades of service.

Body Paragraph 2 (Viewpoint 2: Changing companies)

Topic sentence: Advantage of switching = broader career opportunities.
Explanation: Exposure to different workplaces builds versatility.
Extension: Career growth through negotiating better salaries/positions.
Example: Multinationals + start-ups → wider skills and adaptability.
Final tie-back: Adaptability is key in the modern economy.

Conclusion

Restatement of both views: One-company stability vs. varied-company experience.
Final opinion: Working in different companies = stronger competitiveness in an evolving society.

Why this is a Good Essay Based on the Band Descriptors

1. Task Response

Fully addresses the prompt: Both views are explained clearly (staying in one company vs. changing companies).
Clear opinion: From the introduction and reinforced in the conclusion, it is clearly stated that working in different companies is more advantageous.
Well-developed arguments: Each idea is explained with reasoning and extended with examples (managers rising through ranks; employee from multinationals + start-ups).

2. Coherence and Cohesion

Logical 4-paragraph structure: Intro → one side → other side → conclusion.
Effective cohesion: Linking words like “One clear advantage… Furthermore… On the other hand… Additionally… For instance… In conclusion…” guide the reader smoothly.
Progression: Each paragraph flows naturally and builds toward the final opinion.

3. Lexical Resource

Uses a range of academic vocabulary: expertise, contribute meaningfully, rewarded, accelerated growth, versatile, competitive, adaptability, invaluable, global economy, ever-evolving society.
Avoids repetition of words by using synonyms or by rephrasing ideas (e.g., single employer → same company, switching companies → moving between different organizations)
Some collocations are very natural for IELTS (e.g., career advancement, professional recognition, problem-solving abilities).

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy

Sentence structures vary: the essay complex sentences (“For instance, someone who has worked in both multinational corporations and small start-ups will likely have…”), relative clauses, conditionals, and cause/effect structures.
No major grammar errors visible; tenses and agreement are consistent.
Good mix of longer and shorter sentences.

To get better at IELTS Discussion Essays, practice paraphrasing prompts, balancing both views fairly, and always keeping your essay within a clear 4-paragraph structure. Use topic sentences to guide the examiner, extend your ideas with explanations and examples, and make sure your opinion (if required) is clear and consistent from start to finish.

Sample Prompt for Practice

WRITING TASK 2

Some people believe that university education should be free for all students, regardless of their financial background, while others argue that students should pay for their own higher education. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Try writing this using the 4-paragraph structure:

Introduction – Rephrase the task + thesis with opinion.
Body 1 – Why education should be free.
Body 2 – Why students should pay.
Conclusion – Summarize and state your opinion.

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