AVTC6_Unit 8_Discussion/ Opinion Essays

Unit 8: DISCUSSION / OPINION ESSAYS

I. PRE-WRITING

A. Definition

For an IELTS discussion essay, you are usually given two different views on a social issue.
Then, you have to discuss it and finally, offer your viewpoint.

Key instruction: “Discuss both views and give your own opinion.”

Example: Some people believe that studying at university or college is the best route to a
successful career, while others believe that it is better to get a job straight after high school.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

B. Essay Structure (General outline)

Type 1 - 50/50 Type 2 - 40/60

(You agree with both views) (You agree with only 1 view)

1. Background statement: Paraphrase 1. Background statement: Paraphrase

Introduction the question the question
2. Thesis statement: State your 2. Thesis statement: State your general
general opinion opinion

View 1: View 1 (weaker view/ side):

1. Topic sentence: introduce the first 1. Topic sentence: introduce the first
view view
2. Supporting idea 1: A reason why 2. Supporting idea 1: A reason why view
view 1 is good. Provide supporting 1 is good. Provide supporting details
Body 1
details (examples and/ or explanation) (examples and/ or explanation)
3. Supporting idea 2: Another reason 3. Supporting idea 2: Counter-argue
why view 1 is good. Provide why view 1 is not good. Provide
supporting details (examples and/ or supporting details (examples and/ or
explanation) explanation)

Body 2 View 2: View 2 (stronger view/ side):

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1. Topic sentence: introduce the 1. Topic sentence: introduce the second

second view view
2. Supporting idea 1: A reason why 2. Supporting idea 1: A reason why view
view 2 is good. Provide supporting 2 is good. Provide supporting details
details (examples and/ or explanation) (examples and/ or explanation)
3. Supporting idea 2: Another reason 3. Supporting idea 2: Another reason
why view 2 is good. Provide why view 2 is good. Provide supporting
supporting details (examples and/ or details (examples and/ or explanation)
explanation)

1. Summarize the main points 1. Summarize the main points

2. (Re)state your opinion, and provide 2. (Re)state your opinion, and provide
Conclusion
further suggestions, warning, or further suggestions, warning, or
predictions predictions

Example of counter-arguments: [Benefits of studying at universities.] However, what this

argument fails to consider is that not everyone can afford the tuition fees at this level. For
example, my friend came from a very poor family in the highland. Although he passed the
university’s entrance exam, he could not continue his education because the fees are too
expensive.
(Source: ieltsvietop.vn)

C. Analyze a sample essay

Task 1. Read the writing task below. Underline the keywords and answer the following
questions.

"Some people believe that studying at university or college is the best route to a
successful career, while others believe that it is better to get a job straight after high
school."

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own
knowledge or experience.

1. What is the main topic of the task? (i.e., environment, education, career, etc.)

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2. How many views are presented in the question prompt? What are they?
____________________________________________________________________________

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3. What tasks are you asked to do?

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Task 2. Read the sample essay and answer the following questions.

Opinions are divided on whether advancing for higher education or applying for a job after high
school would be more beneficial. This essay will discuss both sides of this argument, and then I
will give my own perspective.

On the one hand, it is undeniable that both the learners and society are likely to benefit from
tertiary education. Firstly, universities offer major-oriented curriculums for students, giving them
opportunities to expand their academic knowledge for future use. Therefore, they may increase
the probability of accessing well-paid jobs such as doctor, lawyer, or lecturer. Secondly, an elite
workforce is essential in adapting to the latest development of technology. Thus, not only will
graduates be able to raise their living standards, but they can also contribute to the
development of their country.

On the other hand, there are several reasons why acquiring a job after high school is
advantageous. To begin with, an enormous number of bachelor's degree holders are losing
their jobs to artisans or other blue-collar workers due to the lack of practical skills or experience.
Hence, by joining the workforce early, people can enhance their expertise, and fairly compete
against graduates with more academic knowledge. Secondly, getting a job early allows people
to become financially independent. Moreover, they may afford to start their own family if they
work hard.

In conclusion, I am convinced that while pursuing a bachelor's degree will pave an easier road
to success, it is no longer the only route as working early is also a reasonable option. To the

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best of my belief, people should be cautious about choosing their future path based on their own
desire and the available resources.

(273 words)

1. What is the author's general opinion on the two views? Is this a 50/50 or 40/60 essay?

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2. List two reasons supporting the view of going to universities that are provided in the sample

essay. What phrases indicate that?

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____________________________________________________________________________

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3. List two reasons supporting the view of getting a job straight after school that is provided in

the sample essay. What phrases indicate that?

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

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4. List all the transitions in the sample essay.

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5. How did the author paraphrase these phrases in the essay?

+ Studying at university or college =

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+ Get a job straight after school =

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AVTC6_Unit 8_Discussion/ Opinion Essays

____________________________________________________________________________

Task 3. Below is an outline for the sample essay. Reread the essay and complete the
outline.

I. Introduction
1. Background statement:

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2. Thesis statement:
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II. Body paragraphs

1. Body 1: Discuss view 1
a. Topic sentence:
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b. Supporting idea 1:
____________________________________________________________________________

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→ Supporting details (examples and/or explanation):

____________________________________________________________________________

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c. Supporting idea 2:
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→ Supporting details (examples and/or explanation):

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2. Body 2: Discuss view 2

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a. Topic sentence:
____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

b. Supporting idea 1:
____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

→ Supporting details (examples and/or explanation):

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

c. Supporting idea 2:
____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

→ Supporting details (examples and/or explanation):

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

III. Conclusion
1. Summarize the main points:
____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

2. Restate writer’s opinion and provide further suggestions, warning, or predictions:

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

D. Useful language

I. Introduction
1. Background statement (Paraphrase the question):

- Opinions are divided on + whether (view 1) or (view 2) would be more beneficial.

- People have different views/opinions about whether (view 1) or (view 2) is the best option/ plays
a more important role, etc.

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- There has been a heated debate on whether (view 1) or (view 2) is the best option.

- While many people claim/believe that (view 1), others think/ suggest that (view 2).

2. Thesis statement:
- This essay will analyze/ discuss both sides of this argument/ both points of view and then I will
give my own perspective.
- In my opinion, although there are certain benefits/ advantages related to (view 1), S + benefit
more from (view 2).
- Although (view 1) has certain benefits/ may solve the problem partly, I believe/ would argue
that (view 2).

Example: In my opinion, although continuing to higher education has certain advantages, I

believe that employees in the sectors that require practical skills benefit more from having a job
early after graduating from high schools.

II. Body paragraphs

1. Body 1: Discuss view 1
a. Topic sentence:
- (On the one hand,) there are several reasons why + view 1 + is beneficial/advantageous.
- (On the one hand,) it is undeniable that + view 1 + provides numerous benefits to + someone.
- (On the one hand,) there are several points supporting + the belief that + view 1
b. Supporting idea 1:
- The main/ obvious benefit/ advantage of + view 1 + is …
- The most important benefit/ advantage of + view 1 + is …
→ Supporting details (examples and/ or explanation):
- This is because …
- This leads to/ results in …
- For example/ For instance, …
- A typical example of this is that …
- Take (someone/ something) as an example.
- If …
c. Supporting idea 2: OR c. Supporting idea 2: Counter the
- A further/ An additional benefit/ arguments:
advantage/ reason is … - This view seems convincing at first, but …

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- Furthermore/ Moreover/ In addition - While this viewpoint is popular, it is not

to this, … logical/ impractical/ not supported by facts, etc.
- Firstly/ Secondly, … - What this argument fails to consider/does not
→ Supporting details (examples take into account is …
and/or explanation): - However, such claim/ view is only valid to
- This is because … some extent because …
- This leads to/ results in … - However, one of the drawbacks of (this
- For example/ For instance, … view/ this claim) is …
- A typical example of this is that … → Supporting details (examples and/or
- Take (someone/ something) as an explanation):
example. - This is because …
- If … - This leads to/ results in …
- For example/ For instance, …
- A typical example of this is that …
- Take (someone/ something) as an example.
- If …
2. Body 2: Discuss view 2
a. Topic sentence:
- On the other hand, there are several reasons why + view 2 + is beneficial/ advantageous.
- On the other hand, although (view 1) can/may …, (view 2) should be taken into consideration
as well.
- On the contrary, supporters of (view 2) suggest that …
- On the other hand, I think/believe that (view 2) would be more beneficial/ advantageous.

b. Supporting idea 1:
- The main/ obvious benefit/ advantage of + view 2 + is …
- The most important benefit/ advantage of + view 2 + is …
→ Supporting details (examples and/ or explanation):
- This is because …
- This leads to/ results in …
- For example/ For instance, …
- A typical example of this is that …
- Take (someone/ something) as an example.
- If …

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c. Supporting idea 2:
- A further/ An additional benefit/ advantage/ reason is …
- Furthermore/ Moreover/ In addition to this, …
- Firstly/ Secondly, …
→ Supporting details (examples and/ or explanation):
- This is because …
- This leads to/ results in …
- For example/ For instance, …
- A/Another typical example of this is that …
- Take (someone/ something) as an example.
- If …
III. Conclusion
1. Summarize the main points:
- In conclusion/ To conclude, while (view 1 + benefits), (view 2 + benefits) …

2. Restate your opinion and provide further suggestions, warning, or predictions:

- In my opinion, / I believe that …
E. Writing Practice
Task 4. Read the Writing task below and brainstorm at least 2 ideas to support each view.

"Some people say History is one of the most important school subjects. Other people
think that, in today's world, subjects like Science and Technology are more important
than History."

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.

History - one of the most important school Subjects like Science and Technology are
subjects more important than History

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