IELTS

WRITING
TASK 2-
DISCURSIVE
ESSAYS
There are three main types of discursive essays:

1. For and Against essays: present both sides of an issue, discussing points in
favour of a particular topic as well as those against, or the advantages and A discursive
disadvantages of a particular question. Each point should be supported by
justifications, examples and/or reasons. The writer’s own opinion should be essay is a
presented only in the final paragraph piece of
2. Opinion essays: present the writer’s opinion concerning the topic, clearly
formal writing
stated and supported by reasons and/or examples. The opposing viewpoint which
and reason should be included in a separate paragraph before the closing discusses a
one, together with an argument that shows it is an unconvincing viewpoint.
The writer’s opinion should be included in the introduction, and particular
summarized/ restated in the conclusion. issue, situation
3. Problems & Solutions Essays: the problems associated with a particular
or problem
issue or situation are analyzed and possible solutions are put forward,
together with any expected results/ consequences. The writer’s opinion
may be mentioned, directly or indirectly, in the introduction and/ or
conclusion
 EX1. Look at the essay topics below, and say whether each topic asks for a For and Against essay, an
Opinion essay or an essay suggesting Solutions to problems. CIRCLE F/ O/ P
1. Animals should be treated with the same respect as humans. Do you agree with this view. F / O / P

2. The generation gap is one which cannot be bridged. Discuss. F / O / P

3. Do you believe that equality for woman means that women should also do such things as military service? F / O / P

4. One language spoken worldwide would lead to a better international relations. Discuss F / O / P

5. Genetic engineering poses a number of worrying problems, both moral and practical. Discuss some of these problems and
suggest what could be done to over come them. F / O / P

6. Celebrities should be allowed to keep their private lives private, without the invasion of the media. Discuss F / O / P

7. Fear and ignorance are the root causes of racial hatred. Discuss this statement and offer some possible solutions to the
problem of racial prejudice. F / O / P

8. The motion picture industry is threatening to destroy culture and tradition. Do you agree? F / O / P

9. To much money is spent on sport when it could be used to help the poor. What are your views on this issue? F / O / P

10. What are the advantages and disadvantages of our ever- increasing use of computer technology? F / O / P
 •A “for and against” essay is a formal piece of writing in which a topic is
considered from opposing points of view. You should present both sides
in a fair way by discussing them objectively and in equal detail.

•A good essay of this type should consist of:

For and • An introductory paragraph in which you clearly state the topic to be
Against discussed, WITHOUT giving your opinion.

Essay • A main body in which the points for and against along with your
justifications, examples, or reasons are presented in separate
paragraphs.

• A closing paragraph in which you state your opinion or give a

balanced consideration of the topic.
Planning
• Introduction • Introduction
• Main Body • Main Body

For First argument for & against

Against Second argument for &
against
( third argument for and
against)

• Conclusion • Conclusion
 Points to consider

• Before you start writing your essay, you should make a list of the points FOR and AGAINST

• Each paragraph should start with a topic sentence.

• Do not use informal style( lots of, put up with, over the moon, and, but, so, It’s….) or strong language to
express your opinion ( e.g. I know, I strongly disagree,…)

• Express your opinion in a non- emotional way ( e.g. it seems that, I therefore fell,…)

• You also should use passive voice, impersonal constructions (e.g. It is argued that, it is a common belief that)
EX 2. Complete the following sentences without changing the meaning of
the sentence before

1. It is widely maintained that recycling some products reduces the amount of damage we do to the
environment.
-> Most people advocate…
2. Some people still oppose the view that mothers can be career women too.
-> Some people feel…
3. One argument against nuclear testing is that it has long- lasting effects on surrounding areas.
-> Sceptics point out that…
4. It is generally held that harsher punishments for criminals would result in a decrease in the crime rate.
-> Many people support…
5. Critics often argue that the use of computers is reducing levels of literacy.
-> A further common …
EX 3. Read the items below and say whether the second sentence presents an
additional or contrasting point. Then join the sentences using words/ phrases from
the table

1. Alternative medicines treat the symptoms of a disease. Conventional medicines

treat the underlying cause of a disorder.
2. Alternative medicine makes us of natural products rather than drugs. Alternative
medicines are not tested on animals.
3. Conventional doctors have recognizable and respected qualifications.
Conventional treatments are widely available to everyone.
4. People trust conventional treatments because they are tested scientifically. People
are often suspicious of alternative methods which sometimes rely on a “ trial and
error” technique.
5. Alternative treatments cause few or no side- effects. Conventional treatments can
cause severe side- effects.
Ex 4. Rewrite sentences using the words in brackets
1. Pets can prove to be good companions. They teach children a sense of responsibility. (not only)

2. Many people nowadays decide to open their own business A slump in the economy has resulted in the closure of
many small business. (even though)

3. Computers are time- saving devices. They can do things which people could hardly do before. (apart from)

4. Living in the countryside can be beneficial for your health. Some essentials are not so available in the country as in
the city. (despite)

5. Voting gives you a voice in the decisions of the government. It gives you a feeling of belonging to a larger
community. (not to mention that)
 EX 5. Fill in the gaps using words/ phrases from the list. Some words/ phrases can
be used more than once
Up to a point, specially, indeed, this means, needless to say, in general, in fact, the fact that, obviously, example.

1. …………………...., people have mixed feelings about the effects tourism has on a country.
2. Most people believe that computers always make life easier, but.. …………………....., the opposite is sometimes true since they
often cause problems when they break down.
3. …………………… testing products on animals is cruel, but is is difficult to find a suitable alternative.
4. A typical ……..……. of the benefits of country life is the fact that there is very little pollution from the traffic.
5. ……………………more and more zoos are closing down shows that fewer people agree with keeping animals in captivity and,
therefore, do not want to visit them any longer.
6. Using public transport can be a nuisance, …………….. when buses and trains are late during rush hour periods.
7. Advances in medical science mean that cures have been founded for many diseases. ………………… people live longer
nowadays.
8. …………….., most people agree that more effort should be made where the recycling of materials is concerned.
9. More and more women are going back to work after the birth of their children and ………….. they have to find someone to
look after the children during the day.
Writing Conclusion
Ex 6. Read the conclusions below and say whether they express a balanced
consideration, or the writer’s opinion directly/ indirectly

Balance
consideration

Opinion
directly/
indirectly
 EX 7. Replace the phrases in bold with other similar ones.

1. All things considered, I believe that corporal punishment should not be reintroduced into
our schools as it is a cruel method of disciplining students.

2. Lastly, it may be concluded that freedom of speech is a basic right of every individual,
regardless of race or creed.

3. To conclude, I am convinced that all the governments of the world should embark
immediately on a joint policy of total disarmament.

4. To conclude, it is clear that in the light of the many miscarriages of justice in the past, capital
punishment is not ethical or humane, and should be abandoned entirely

5. In conclusion, it is my opinion that school uniforms are an unfortunate necessity and

therefore should not be abolished
PRACTICE TEST