IELTS Writing Task 2

Discussion Essay: Discuss both views and give your own opinion

Discussion Essay — Practice 2
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Discussion Essay — New Topic

Same essay type, different question. This time you'll discuss study methods. Remember: you must present both sides fairly before giving your own opinion.

Today's Question

Some people think that it is more effective for students to study in a group, while others believe that it is better for them to study alone.

Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

(Based on a question from IELTS Academic, November 2025)

Remember: This is a DISCUSSION essay — you must cover BOTH views fairly. Your opinion comes in the conclusion, not the introduction.

Essay Structure (same as before)

Introduction

Paraphrase the question + acknowledge both views + signal you will discuss both

40-50 words
Body 1: View A — Group Study

Present the best arguments FOR studying in groups — collaborative learning, diverse perspectives, motivation, social skills

90-110 words
Body 2: View B — Solo Study

Present the best arguments FOR studying alone — personal pace, deep concentration, no distractions, self-discipline

90-110 words
Conclusion

Give your opinion clearly + brief justification or synthesis

30-40 words

What Do You Already Know?

From your own experience — which study method works better? What are the advantages of each approach?

Today's goal: Write a complete discussion essay on a new topic, applying the same balanced structure and discussion language you learned in Practice 1. The topic is different, but the strategy is the same.

Model Essay: Band 8

Notice: both views are presented fairly with balanced language. Only the conclusion states a personal preference. The opinion is that both approaches have merit, and the best method depends on context.

INTROThe question of whether students benefit more from collaborative or individual study remains a subject of ongoing debate among educators. While those who advocate for group learning emphasise peer interaction and shared understanding, proponents of solo study highlight the importance of personal focus and self-paced learning. This essay will examine both perspectives before offering a balanced conclusion.
VIEW AThose who favour studying in groups argue that collaborative learning offers significant cognitive benefits. Discussing concepts with peers allows students to articulate their understanding, encounter alternative viewpoints, and identify gaps in their knowledge. Furthermore, it is widely recognised that group study fosters social skills and increases motivation through peer accountability. Moreover, the diversity of perspectives within a study group can illuminate complex topics in ways that solitary review cannot.
VIEW BConversely, proponents of independent study contend that focused, uninterrupted concentration is essential for deep learning. It could be argued that solo study allows learners to progress at their own pace, revisiting difficult material without the pressure of keeping up with others. Research on learning preferences confirms that introverted students and those with certain learning needs often achieve better results in solitary environments. Additionally, solo study eliminates distractions and enables students to develop self-discipline—a critical skill for long-term academic success.
CONCLUSIONHaving weighed both arguments, I believe that the most effective approach is neither purely individual nor purely collaborative, but rather a combination of both. Group study strengthens understanding and motivation, while solo study builds concentration and self-reliance. The optimal strategy depends on the subject matter, the learning objective, and the individual student's preferences.

Discussion language from the model:

"Those who advocate for... argue that..." — introduces a view neutrally

"Proponents of... emphasise..." — presents the view without commitment

"Furthermore, it is widely recognised that..." — distancing phrase

"Conversely, proponents of... contend that..." — signals contrast clearly

"It could be argued that..." — hedging language (shows this is one perspective)

"Having weighed both arguments, I believe..." — opinion only in conclusion

"Research on learning preferences confirms that..." — evidence supports a point

Compare the Two Discussion Essays

Look at your Practice 1 (working from home) and Practice 2 (study methods) discussions. What language patterns do they share?

Write Your Introduction

Question

Discuss: Is group study or solo study more effective for students? Give your opinion.

Introduction frame (adapt for this topic):

[The question of / The debate about] [paraphrase: whether students benefit more from group or solo study] remains [a subject of debate / widely discussed / contested] among educators. While [those who advocate for / proponents of] group study [emphasise / highlight] [peer interaction / shared understanding], [proponents of / advocates of] solo study [stress / emphasise] the importance of [personal focus / self-paced learning]. This essay will examine both perspectives before offering a balanced conclusion.
Paraphrasing challenge: Do NOT write "group study" and "study alone" — paraphrase using synonyms. Try: "collaborative learning" vs "independent/individual study", or "group learning" vs "solo study", or "collective study" vs "self-directed learning".

Introduction checklist:

The question of whether students benefit more from collaborative or individual study remains a subject of ongoing debate among educators. While those who advocate for group learning emphasise peer interaction and shared understanding, proponents of solo study highlight the importance of personal focus and self-paced learning. This essay will examine both perspectives before offering a balanced conclusion.

57 words

Write Body 1: View A (Group Study)

Present the best arguments FOR group study fairly — even if you personally prefer solo study.

Discussion language for presenting View A:

[Those who favour / Advocates of / Proponents of] group study [argue / contend / assert] that [main benefit].
[Furthermore / In addition / Moreover], [it is widely recognised that / research shows that] group study [benefit with evidence].
[The diversity of perspectives / Collaborative dialogue / Peer interaction] within a study group [illuminate / reveal / enhance] [understanding of complex concepts].
Stay balanced! Present the group study view fairly with real benefits: peer learning, different perspectives, motivation, social skills, accountability. Don't use weak language.

Body 1 checklist:

Those who favour studying in groups argue that collaborative learning offers significant cognitive benefits. Discussing concepts with peers allows students to articulate their understanding, encounter alternative viewpoints, and identify gaps in their knowledge. Furthermore, it is widely recognised that group study fosters social skills and increases motivation through peer accountability. Moreover, the diversity of perspectives within a study group can illuminate complex topics in ways that solitary review cannot.

91 words

Write Body 2: View B (Solo Study)

Now present the other side with equal fairness. Use transition language like "Conversely," or "On the other hand,"

Discussion language for View B:

[Conversely / On the other hand / By contrast], [proponents of / advocates of] solo study [contend / argue / maintain] that [main benefit].
[It could be argued that / Research confirms that / Studies show that] independent study [allows learners to / enables students to] [progress at own pace / develop concentration / build self-discipline].
[Solo study eliminates / Independent learning removes / Studying alone avoids] [distractions / pressure / social dynamics] that can [hinder learning / reduce focus / slow understanding].
Stay balanced! Present solo study benefits fairly: deeper concentration, individual pace, no distractions, self-discipline, flexibility for certain learning types (e.g. introverts). Equal weight to View A.

Body 2 checklist:

Conversely, proponents of independent study contend that focused, uninterrupted concentration is essential for deep learning. It could be argued that solo study allows learners to progress at their own pace, revisiting difficult material without the pressure of keeping up with others. Research on learning preferences confirms that introverted students and those with certain learning needs often achieve better results in solitary environments. Additionally, solo study eliminates distractions and enables students to develop self-discipline—a critical skill for long-term academic success.

98 words

Write Your Conclusion

This is where your opinion finally appears. You can agree with one view, synthesise both, or offer a nuanced position.

Discussion conclusion frame:

Having weighed both arguments, I [believe / am convinced / conclude] that [your verdict — could be: one view is better; both have merit; it depends on context]. [Brief justification or synthesis].

Conclusion checklist:

Having weighed both arguments, I believe that the most effective approach is neither purely individual nor purely collaborative, but rather a combination of both. Group study strengthens understanding and motivation, while solo study builds concentration and self-reliance. The optimal strategy depends on the subject matter, the learning objective, and the individual student's preferences.

55 words

Your Complete Essay

Read it as one piece. Does it sound balanced? Does your opinion only appear in the conclusion?

Click "Assemble Essay" to see your complete essay.
Total: 0 words

Self-Assessment

Band 7+ checklist:

You can now: Write a balanced IELTS discussion essay on ANY topic — presenting both sides fairly using neutral language, then giving a clear, justified opinion in the conclusion.