Discussion essays contain the instruction 'Discuss both views and give your own opinion.' This question type challenges candidates who confuse it with an opinion essay — you must genuinely present both sides before giving your own view. This guide shows you how to do this with a clear 5-paragraph structure that prevents the 'one-sided discussion' error and earns Band 7+ Task Response scores.
1The 5-Paragraph Discussion Essay Structure
Paragraph 1 — Introduction: Paraphrase the topic. State that you will discuss both sides and indicate your overall view. Paragraph 2 — View 1: Present the first perspective with developed arguments. Paragraph 3 — View 2: Present the second perspective with developed arguments. Paragraph 4 — Your opinion: Explain clearly which view you find more persuasive and why. Paragraph 5 — Conclusion: Summarise both views and restate your position. This structure earns Band 7 for Task Response because it addresses all parts of the task. Many candidates write only 4 paragraphs and merge paragraphs 3 and 4 — this is acceptable only if the opinion paragraph is clearly developed.
2How to Present View 1 Without Agreeing with It
A common problem: candidates believe they can only write arguments they personally support. This is not the case. You must present View 1 objectively, using distancing language: 'Proponents of this view argue that…', 'Those in favour contend that…', 'Supporters of this position point out that…'. You then develop the argument as if it were your own, but the distancing language signals to the examiner that you are presenting a view, not your personal belief. Example: 'Those who support mandatory school uniforms argue that they reduce economic inequality among students, as children from different income backgrounds are less visible when dressed identically, potentially reducing bullying related to clothing.' This is a developed, logical argument presented neutrally.
3How to Present View 2 with Equal Development
The Band 8 criterion requires 'both views... presented with clarity, ideas well extended and supported.' This means both view paragraphs must be equally developed — not one long paragraph and one short. Use the same 3–4 sentence structure for each view: opening distancing statement, developed argument, specific example or elaboration. Example for View 2: 'On the other hand, critics of uniform policies maintain that they suppress individual self-expression during the formative years of adolescence. Clothing choices allow young people to develop their identities and make social connections based on shared interests. Research from several Scandinavian countries, where uniforms are uncommon, suggests no correlation between their absence and poorer academic outcomes.' Equal depth = equal marks.
4Writing the Opinion Paragraph
Your opinion paragraph comes after both view paragraphs and must be distinct from them. Start with a clear signpost: 'In my view', 'From my perspective', 'Personally, I believe', 'I am more persuaded by the argument that'. Then give your position and your specific reason for finding one view more convincing than the other. This should not be a copy of a body paragraph — it should add a synthesising perspective. Example: 'In my view, the case for school uniforms is more compelling. While individual expression has merit, the social equality function of uniforms addresses a more fundamental concern — ensuring that economic background does not determine a child's school experience. Self-expression can be channelled through many other means outside of clothing.' Three sentences here is sufficient.
🎯 Key Takeaway
The discussion essay tests intellectual balance — your ability to present opposing arguments fairly before reaching a reasoned conclusion. Examiners reward writers who can articulate views they may not personally hold. This skill — arguing from perspectives other than your own — is precisely what university-level academic writing demands.