Discussion Essays: Structure (British Council Academic IELTS: Writing): Study Material

Discussion essays: structure

Introductions

Rephrasing the question

• In the introduction, you just need to do two things:

  • Introduce the topic of your essay by rephrasing the question

  • Express (briefly) your opinion

• Because of this, you do not need to write a long paragraph for the introduction

• Two sentences are enough

• The first sentence is a paraphrase of the task question

• You will lose marks in Task Response if you simply copy the task question

• To avoid that, use the task question as your starting point and circle the keywords in it

• Think of synonyms  and alternative phrases for those keywords and use them to rephrase the question

• Make sure your paraphrase keeps the same meaning as the task question

Expressing opinions

• After the introductory sentence, you need to make your position clear

• You do not need to go into detail

• Simply write a sentence that explains your views

• It is acceptable and recommended to use the first person “I” (I agree/I disagree/ I believe, etc)

• Remember that you will then need to keep your opinion consistent throughout the essay

  • For example, if in the introduction you say you agree with only one of the views, in the body paragraphs do not say that you agree with the other  view too

• You can use a “while” sentence to:

  • introduce both views

  • show contrast

  • give your opinion in one sentence

Example of a good introduction

• Task question:

  • Some people believe that children should be given homework every day. Others think that homework is unnecessary and puts too much pressure on children

• A possible introduction:

  • People have different views about whether children should be assigned homework on a daily basis or whether this practice creates unnecessary pressure. While regular homework can reinforce learning, I believe that too much homework can be harmful to children’s well-being

Body paragraphs (format A)

Discussing views in the body paragraphs

• Keep it simple and focus on one view per paragraph

• This helps you organise your ideas clearly and ensures that you fully address both sides of the argument

• Begin each paragraph with a clear topic sentence that introduces the view you are about to discuss. 

• You can use expressions such as:

  • On the one hand,… (first view)

  • On the other hand,… (second view)

• After the topic sentence, develop the view by adding:

  • reasons

  • explanations

  • examples

• Make sure your ideas are relevant and  logically connected

• You can develop your paragraph step by step:

  • main idea

  • explanation

  • result or consequence

  • example

• For example, you might explain how one idea leads to a specific outcome, and why this supports the view you are discussing

• It is important to:

  • give equal attention to both views

  • keep your paragraphs balanced in length

  • ensure that every sentence supports the main idea of the paragraph

• Do not leave your opinion for the conclusion

• You should include your opinion in the body paragraphs 

• Make sure it is clearly stated and consistent with your introduction and conclusion

Conclusions

• The conclusion is where you briefly repeat and summarise your answer to the question

• What you say in the conclusion must match what you say in the introduction

• Do not introduce new information or ideas in the conclusion

• Keep it simple and write one or two sentences only

• You can simply begin this paragraph by writing  “In conclusion,” or “To conclude”

• Do not change your opinion in the conclusion