Task 236 questions
Discuss both views questions.
How this type works
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.
Task 2🌍 EnvironmentDiscuss both views🔥 Hot
“Some people argue that climate change is the responsibility of individuals, while others think only governments can solve it. Discuss both views and give your opinion.”
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Task 2🎓 EducationDiscuss both views🔥 Hot
“Some say university should be free for all. Others say students should pay tuition. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.”
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Task 2🤝 Society & CultureDiscuss both views
“Some people think that competition at work, at school and in daily life is a good thing. Others believe that we should try to cooperate more, rather than competing against each other. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.”
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Task 2🎓 EducationDiscuss both views
“Some university students want to learn about other subjects in addition to their main subjects. Others believe it is more important to give all their time and attention to studying for a qualification. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.”
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Task 2🩺 Work & CareerDiscuss both views
“Some people believe that professionals, such as doctors and engineers, should be required to work in the country where they did their training. Others believe they should be free to work in another country if they wish. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.”
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Task 2📝 EducationDiscuss both views
“Some believe standardised tests are the fairest way to assess students, while others argue they fail to measure real ability. Discuss both views.”
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Task 2✊ Society & CultureDiscuss both views
“Some believe public protests are an essential part of democracy; others say they cause too much disruption. Discuss both views.”
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Task 2👵 Family & ChildrenDiscuss both views
“Some say families should look after elderly relatives, while others believe this is the state's responsibility. Discuss both views.”
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Task 2📹 Government & LawDiscuss both views
“Some argue widespread CCTV cameras make cities safer; others say they invade privacy. Discuss both views and give your opinion.”
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Task 2🛰️ Government & LawDiscuss 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.”
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Task 2💉 HealthDiscuss both views
“Some argue all children should be required to be vaccinated; others believe parents should choose. Discuss both views.”
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Task 2💼 Work & CareerDiscuss both views
“Some say workers should specialise in one career for life; others believe people should change careers several times. Discuss both views.”
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Task 2💰 Government & LawDiscuss both views
“Some governments set a minimum wage to protect workers. Others argue it harms small businesses. Discuss both sides and give your view.”
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Task 2🎒 EducationDiscuss both views
“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.”
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Task 2🎒 Travel & TourismDiscuss both views
“Some prefer luxury holidays in resorts, while others enjoy backpacking. Discuss both views.”
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Task 2🌏 Travel & TourismDiscuss both views
“Some say travel is more rewarding when you are young, while others believe older people benefit more. Discuss both views.”
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Task 2💼 Family & ChildrenDiscuss both views
“Some believe teenagers should have part-time jobs to learn responsibility. Others think they should focus solely on school. Discuss both views.”
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Task 2🏛️ Government & LawDiscuss both views
“Some countries impose strict term limits on political leaders, while others allow them to remain in office indefinitely. Discuss both views.”
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Task 2🏋️ HealthDiscuss both views
“Some argue exercise is the key to losing weight, while others say diet matters more. Discuss both views and give your opinion.”
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Task 2🐭 Society & CultureDiscuss both views
“Some argue testing products on animals is necessary, while others believe it is unethical. Discuss both views.”
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Task 2☕ Work & CareerDiscuss both views
“Some say unpaid internships exploit young workers; others see them as a chance to gain experience. Discuss both views.”
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Task 2🏫 EducationDiscuss both views
“Some parents choose private education for their children, while others prefer public schools. Discuss both views and give your opinion.”
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Task 2💼 EducationDiscuss both views
“Some say formal education is the best preparation for work, while others believe real-world experience matters more. Discuss both views.”
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Task 2📜 EducationDiscuss 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.”
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Task 2🦁 EnvironmentDiscuss both views
“Some people argue zoos play a vital role in protecting endangered species; others believe they are cruel and unnecessary. Discuss both views.”
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Task 2🌍 Society & CultureDiscuss both views
“Some argue that multicultural societies are stronger; others say cultural differences cause conflict. Discuss both views.”
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Task 2⚖️ Government & LawDiscuss both views
“Some believe the death penalty deters serious crime, while others see it as inhumane. Discuss both views and give your opinion.”
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Task 2🏛️ Urban LifeDiscuss both views
“Some say historic buildings should be preserved at all costs; others argue cities need modern development. Discuss both views.”
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Task 2🔒 TechnologyDiscuss 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.”
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Task 2🎭 Government & LawDiscuss 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.”
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Task 2🏥 HealthDiscuss both views
“Some say healthcare should be entirely free; others believe individuals are responsible for their own health. Discuss both views.”
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Task 2🌐 GlobalisationDiscuss 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.”
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Task 2🏭 GlobalisationDiscuss both views
“Some argue multinational companies harm developing countries; others say they bring valuable investment. Discuss both views.”
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Task 2🎓 EducationDiscuss both views
“Some believe universities should focus on one subject in depth, while others say they should offer a broad range of subjects. Discuss both views and give your opinion.”
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Task 2📣 MediaDiscuss both views
“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.”
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Task 2✈️ GlobalisationDiscuss both views
“Some say globalisation has destroyed traditional cultures, others say it has enriched them. Discuss both and give your view.”
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❓ FAQ
About discuss both views questions
- How often does a Discuss both views question appear in IELTS Task 2?
- 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.
- Should I memorise a template for Discuss both views questions?
- 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.
- How is a Discuss both views answer marked?
- 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.
- How many Discuss both views questions should I practise?
- 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.