Writing a Discussion Essay: Discuss Two Views and Give Your Opinion - B2 English Writing — Explanation

A B2 discussion essay asks you to examine two contrasting views and make your own position clear. A successful answer does more than list advantages and disadvantages: it explains why people hold each view, supports ideas with reasons or examples, and reaches a balanced conclusion.

What is a discussion essay?

In this task, the question normally presents two opinions about the same issue and gives an instruction such as Discuss both views and give your own opinion. You must respond to every part. If you explain only the side you agree with, you have not completed the task.

Example question: Some people believe university students should study only subjects connected to their future careers, while others think they should be free to study any subject that interests them. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Plan before you write

Underline the two views and the instruction. Then make two short lists: reasons for a career-focused education and reasons for academic choice. Decide which position you support before writing your introduction. A simple plan prevents repetition and helps each paragraph perform one clear function.

Discussion essay structure

1. Introduction: paraphrase the issue, present both positions and state your opinion.
2. Body paragraph 1: explain the first view with reasons and a relevant example.
3. Body paragraph 2: explain the opposing view with reasons and an example. Make your own position clear without ignoring the other side.
4. Conclusion: summarise the debate and restate your opinion. Do not introduce a new argument.

How to write the introduction

Begin by paraphrasing rather than copying the question. You can introduce the contrast with phrases such as While some people argue that… and others maintain that…. End the introduction with a direct thesis statement.

Model introduction: There is continuing debate over whether higher education should concentrate on employment-related subjects or allow learners to follow their intellectual interests. Although specialised courses can improve graduates’ job prospects, I believe students benefit most from having a degree of choice.

Develop the first view

Start with a topic sentence that identifies the position. Explain its logic before giving an example. Avoid unsupported statements such as this is better.

Model paragraph: On the one hand, supporters of career-focused degrees argue that universities should prepare students for employment. Professional courses can provide practical skills that companies urgently need, which may help graduates enter the labour market more quickly. For instance, nursing and engineering programmes combine specialist knowledge with supervised experience, enabling students to contribute from the beginning of their careers.

Develop the opposing view

Use a clear contrast marker and treat the second position fairly. Strong discussion essays acknowledge why reasonable people may disagree.

Model paragraph: On the other hand, advocates of greater choice point out that education has purposes beyond immediate employment. Subjects chosen through genuine curiosity often develop motivation, independent thought and transferable abilities. Moreover, the labour market changes so rapidly that a narrowly vocational qualification may become outdated, whereas research, communication and critical-thinking skills remain useful across many professions. For these reasons, I favour a flexible system in which students can combine career preparation with broader study.

Write a focused conclusion

Your conclusion should briefly bring the two sides together and confirm your judgement. It should not simply repeat the introduction word for word.

Model conclusion: In conclusion, employment-focused degrees can meet economic needs and offer a direct path into work, while academic freedom can produce adaptable and engaged graduates. In my view, universities should preserve student choice but also offer practical modules that connect learning with future opportunities.

Useful language for discussing two views

• Introducing one view: Some people contend that…; Supporters of this position argue that…; It is often claimed that…
• Introducing the other view: On the other hand…; By contrast…; Opponents maintain that…
• Adding support: Furthermore…; A further consideration is…; For example…
• Expressing your opinion: In my view…; I am convinced that…; I would argue that…
• Conceding a point: Although it is true that…; While this argument has some merit…
• Concluding: In conclusion…; On balance…; Taking both perspectives into account…

Common mistakes to avoid

• Discussing only one of the two views.
• Giving your opinion only in the conclusion or changing it halfway through.
• Using memorised linking phrases without a logical connection.
• Listing ideas without explaining their causes, consequences or relevance.
• Adding new evidence in the conclusion.
• Using an informal tone, contractions or vague words in an academic essay.

B2 discussion essay checklist

• Have I answered both views and given my opinion?
• Does each body paragraph have one controlling idea?
• Have I explained and illustrated my main arguments?
• Are my linking expressions accurate and varied?
• Is my register consistently neutral or formal?
• Does my conclusion summarise rather than add information?

Complete the three exercises to practise organising a discussion essay, using reporting structures and choosing cohesive expressions.