A discussion question asks you to examine two opposing views and usually give your own. The examiner wants balanced coverage of both sides before a clearly signposted opinion. The common mistake is arguing only one side, or burying your view so the reader can't find it. Each question below presents two positions for you to weigh.
The one rule
Both views get a fair paragraph — but the examiner must be able to quote your opinion by the end of the introduction.
On test day
It's one of the recognised Task 2 formats, so it's fair game on test day — but you can't reliably predict which one you'll be given. Treat every format as likely and practise across all of them rather than betting on a single type.
Templates
Learn the shape, not a script. A reliable structure for discuss both views questions saves planning time, but a memorised essay bolted onto the wrong prompt is penalised. Adapt the structure to the exact question in front of you.
Marking
Against the four official IELTS Writing criteria — task response, coherence and cohesion, lexical resource, and grammatical range and accuracy. Getting the format right mainly protects your task response score; the other three come down to your language.
Practice volume
Enough to make the format automatic, then stop drilling it in isolation. Once you can structure a discuss both views response without thinking, your time is better spent on the language criteria that actually move your band.
More Task 2 types
Attempt any discuss both views question in the exam workspace — 40 minutes on the clock, then a band for all four criteria in about 60 seconds. Starts with a 3-day free trial.
“Some people think that mothers should stay at home with their young children while fathers go out to work. Others believe that both parents should share childcare and work responsibilities equally. Discuss both views and give your opinion.”
“As populations in many countries grow older, there is a debate about who should be responsible for caring for the elderly. Some people think families should take care of their elderly relatives, while others believe the government should provide this care. Discuss both views and give your opinion.”
“Some believe standardised tests are the fairest way to assess students, while others argue they fail to measure real ability. Discuss both views.”
“Some believe public protests are an essential part of democracy; others say they cause too much disruption. Discuss both views.”
“Some governments invest huge sums in space research while others say the money should be spent on Earth-bound problems. Discuss both views.”
“Some argue widespread CCTV cameras make cities safer; others say they invade privacy. Discuss both views and give your opinion.”
“Some argue all children should be required to be vaccinated; others believe parents should choose. Discuss both views.”
“Some say families should look after elderly relatives, while others believe this is the state's responsibility. Discuss both views.”
“Some say workers should specialise in one career for life; others believe people should change careers several times. Discuss both views.”
“Some governments set a minimum wage to protect workers. Others argue it harms small businesses. Discuss both sides and give your view.”
“Some people believe that children should start formal education as early as possible. Others think they should not begin until at least age seven. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.”
“Some people believe that zoos play an important role in protecting wild animals, while others feel that keeping animals in zoos is cruel and unnecessary. Discuss both views and give your opinion.”
“Some people believe that professional athletes are paid too much money. Others argue that their high salaries are justified. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.”
“Some parents choose private education for their children, while others prefer public schools. Discuss both views and give your opinion.”
“Some say unpaid internships exploit young workers; others see them as a chance to gain experience. Discuss both views.”
“Some argue testing products on animals is necessary, while others believe it is unethical. Discuss both views.”
“Some argue exercise is the key to losing weight, while others say diet matters more. Discuss both views and give your opinion.”
“Some countries impose strict term limits on political leaders, while others allow them to remain in office indefinitely. Discuss both views.”
“Some believe teenagers should have part-time jobs to learn responsibility. Others think they should focus solely on school. Discuss both views.”
“Some say travel is more rewarding when you are young, while others believe older people benefit more. Discuss both views.”
“Some believe the death penalty deters serious crime, while others see it as inhumane. Discuss both views and give your opinion.”
“Some say historic buildings should be preserved at all costs; others argue cities need modern development. Discuss both views.”
“Some argue that multicultural societies are stronger; others say cultural differences cause conflict. Discuss both views.”
“Some people argue zoos play a vital role in protecting endangered species; others believe they are cruel and unnecessary. Discuss both views.”
“Some argue history should be compulsory in school, while others say students should focus on practical subjects like science. Discuss both views and give your opinion.”
“Some say formal education is the best preparation for work, while others believe real-world experience matters more. Discuss both views.”
“Tech companies collect vast amounts of personal data. Some say this is dangerous; others say users gain useful services in return. Discuss both views.”
“Some say healthcare should be entirely free; others believe individuals are responsible for their own health. Discuss both views.”
“Some say governments should fund the arts; others think public money should be spent on more essential services. Discuss both views and give your opinion.”
“Some argue multinational companies harm developing countries; others say they bring valuable investment. Discuss both views.”
“Some people think the global spread of English damages other languages. Others see it as a positive force for communication. Discuss both views and give your opinion.”
“Some people say that advertising is extremely successful at persuading us to buy things. Other people think that advertising is so common that we no longer pay attention to it. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.”