Writing Task 2 · Both sides and opinion essays · Lesson 12 of 18
Both sides and opinion essays
“Discuss both views and give your own opinion.” Learn how to present two opposing views fairly and still make your own position clear.
In this lesson you will
- recognise a both sides and opinion question
- present two opposing views fairly
- make your own position clear in the introduction and conclusion
- use language for reporting other people's views
Step 1
Recognise the question type
The question gives two opposing views (Some people believe… Others believe…) and asks you to Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Many people believe working from home is better than going to an office. Others believe it is better to work in an office environment.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
| You must… | You must not… |
|---|---|
|
|
Check your understanding
- How many views must you discuss?
- In Body 2 of the model, whose view is described?
Step 2
Plan the essay
Follow the four planning steps from Lesson 1.
- Paraphrasemany people believe → some people prefer · others believe → others feel · better → preferable
- Identify the typeBoth sides + opinion: view 1, view 2, then your opinion.
- BrainstormHome: productivity, saves time · Office: motivation, easier communication. Opinion: home-based work is better.
- StructureIntroduction (with opinion) → Body 1: view 1 → Body 2: view 2 → Conclusion (opinion + why)
Paraphrase: match the words
How did the model answer paraphrase the words from the question?
- Many people believe
- Others believe
- to work in an office environment
- better
Put the paragraphs in order
Use the arrows to put the paragraph plan in the correct order.
- Conclusion: both sides have merits, but overall… (my opinion + why)
- Body 1: view 1, working from home is better
- Introduction: paraphrase both views + my opinion
- Body 2: view 2, working in an office is better
Step 3
Model answer
Read the model answer. The colours show what each sentence does.
IntroductionSome people prefer to work from home, while others feel that working in an office is better. This essay discusses both views and outlines my belief that home-based work is preferable.
Body paragraph 1Many people believe it is more beneficial to work from home. Firstly, working from one’s residence leads to higher productivity, because it removes the distractions of an office environment. For instance, when working from home, I am not interrupted by co-workers stopping by my desk to ask unnecessary questions. Furthermore, a great deal of time can be saved, as there is no need to commute to an office.
Body paragraph 2However, others feel that it is better to work in an office. The most significant reason is that it is easier to stay motivated. When managers supervise their staff directly, employees are more likely to stay on task, partly because they do not want to lose favour with their supervisor. For example, many new employees find it easier to concentrate when their manager is in the same room. Another reason is that it is easier to communicate with colleagues, as meeting face to face is often more effective than relying on online communication.
ConclusionIn conclusion, both sides of the argument have merit. However, overall, I believe that the benefits of greater productivity and no daily commute outweigh the drawbacks of occasionally lower motivation and fewer face-to-face meetings. Furthermore, in my opinion, motivation can be maintained through careful scheduling and goal setting.
- position
- topic sentence
- explanation
- example
- Band 8 extra (optional)
Band 8 tip: the last sentence (purple) answers a weakness of the writer's own view. It is optional, for students aiming at Band 8.
What does each sentence do?
Choose the function of each sentence from the model answer.
- “Some people prefer to work from home, while others feel that working in an office is better.”
- “This essay discusses both views and outlines my belief that home-based work is preferable.”
- “However, others feel that it is better to work in an office.”
- “For example, many new employees find it easier to concentrate when their manager is in the same room.”
- “Furthermore, in my opinion, motivation can be maintained through careful scheduling and goal setting.”
Step 4
Useful language
Report other people's views neutrally, then make your own view clear, with an extent.
| Purpose | Language |
|---|---|
| View 1 | Many believe that… · Some people argue that… · Supporters of … claim that… |
| View 2 | However, others feel that… · On the other hand, opponents argue that… · Those who favour … believe that… |
| Your opinion | I side with those who… · I am more inclined to agree with the view that… · I strongly / largely believe that… |
| Balanced conclusion | I believe both sides of the argument have merits. However, overall, I think that… |
| Reasons | The most significant reason is that… · Another reason is that… · This results from … |
Complete the sentences from the model
Type the missing word or phrase. Then check against the model answer.
- This essay discusses both and outlines my belief that home-based work is preferable.
- Many people it is more beneficial to work from home.
- However, others that it is better to work in an office.
- In conclusion, both sides of the argument have .
- For , many new employees find it easier to concentrate…
Whose view is it?
- “Many people believe it is more beneficial to work from home.” This sentence…
- “…and outlines my belief that home-based work is preferable.” This sentence…
- Which sentence gives your own opinion with a clear extent?
Step 5
Your turn: practice task
Use the same four steps to plan and write your own essay. Save your work and send it to your tutor for feedback.
Some people believe that talent is something we are born with, while others think it can be developed through learning and practice.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Extra practice: Some people think online learning is more effective than classroom learning. Others disagree. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Plan and write
- 1. Paraphrase the first sentence of the question:
- 2. Identify the type. What must your essay do?
- 3. Brainstorm (+ / −) and choose your two best ideas:
- 4. Structure. What will each paragraph say?
- Write your essay (at least 250 words, about 40 minutes):
- Does your introduction paraphrase both views and give your opinion?
- Body 1 = view 1, Body 2 = view 2, both explained fairly?
- Did you use reporting language (Many believe… Others feel…)?
- Does your conclusion make your opinion and its extent clear?
- At least 250 words?
Model plan: Body 1: nature (born with talent: genes, early ability) · Body 2: nurture (learning, practice, training) · Opinion with extent in the introduction and conclusion.
Model answers and lesson materials by Tips4IELTS.