IELTS lesson · Writing

IELTS Writing Task 2 Discussion Essay notesDiscussion essays: add your own voice

Two views, each explained fairly, and an opinion of your own when the question asks for one. This IELTS lesson is a deck of 10 visual cards from BandLadder's own study library, written and fact-checked by our team.
  • 10 cards
  • 3 cards free
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  • Updated 30 September 2026

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What's inside

It teaches a 4-step method: split it, take a stand, one view per paragraph and land it. Along the way you get worked examples with the key words marked, before-and-after fixes that show why the first version loses marks, a model answer with its key moves highlighted, a one-page visual summary, a quick check to test yourself and a recap of the rules to remember. Each card holds one idea, so you can read it on a phone between practice sessions.

With a free BandLadder account you can read the first three cards online in our study reader, on the web and in the app. The other 7 cards and the PDF download come with any plan.

The first 2 of 10 cards

Preview

  1. IELTSWriting · Task 2 · Discussion essay

    Both views, and no opinion

    the essay that reports and stops

    The question says 'give your opinion'. Explaining both views fairly, then stopping, answers only half of it.

    Some people say councils should fund public art. Others say only basic services matter. Both views have merit, so it is hard to decide.no opinion of yours

    Fair to both. Silent on yours.

    © 2026 BandLadder · original material1 / 10
  2. IELTSWriting · Task 2 · Discussion essay

    This question has three parts

    read it as a checklist

    Discuss both views and give your opinion
    Question partYou write
    View 1A fair paragraph on it
    View 2A fair paragraph on it
    Your opinionA clear, developed position

    Public descriptors, paraphrased: Band 6 may cover some parts less fully; Band 7 covers the main parts appropriately.

    © 2026 BandLadder · original material2 / 10
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10 cards

Contents

  1. 1Both views, and no opinionthe essay that reports and stopsIn the preview
  2. 2This question has three partsread it as a checklistIn the preview
  3. 3Split, stand, explain, landBandLadder's method, not an exam ruleFree account
  4. 4Moves 1-2: split, then standthree jobs in one questionWith a plan
  5. 5Move 3: give each view roomgive each view its owner and its best caseWith a plan
  6. 6Move 4: land your opinionreturn to where you stand, and say whyWith a plan
  7. 7Two ways to get it wrongno opinion, or an unfair viewWith a plan
  8. 8Fair first, then yoursthe second view, then your opinionWith a plan
  9. 9Your turnthree quick checksWith a plan
  10. 10Save thisthe discussion-essay checklistWith a plan

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Is the Discussion essays: add your own voice lesson free?+

The first three cards are free to read online with a free BandLadder account. The full lesson opens with any plan.

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The PDF download comes with any BandLadder plan. Free accounts read the lesson online in the study reader, on the web and in the app.

Who wrote this lesson?+

The BandLadder team wrote and checked it. It is original BandLadder material, not copied from books or other websites, and its exam facts are checked against the official IELTS and PTE pages.

Is it for IELTS Academic or General Training?+

Both versions of the test: it covers what they share and says where they differ.

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