IELTS Writing Task 2

IELTS Writing Task 2
Discuss both views essay

Trương Văn Ánh
Trường Đại học Sài Gòn
Discuss both views essay- a common question type in VSTEP Writing Task 2.
We will present the general outline and some useful expressions in this kind of essay.
These particular questions require a different approach to argumentative essays because you have to discuss both sides rather than just argue in favor of one side.







Sample questions
Some people think that celebrities should be given more privacy. Others believe that the price of their fame is an invasion into their private lives.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Computers are being used more and more in education. Some people say that this is a positive trend, while others argue that it is leading to negative consequences.
Discuss both sides of this argument and then give your own opinion.







General outline
INTRODUCTION– rephrase the topic and state your opinion
BODY 1: The view you support (Reason 1+ Reason 2+ Explanation+ Examples)
BODY 2: The view you DO NOT support (Reason 1+ Reason 2+ Explanation, Examples+ Rebuttal [phản biện lại] )
CONCLUSION 
Sentence 1- Summary of main points
Sentence 2- State which one is better or more important









Useful expressions
INTRODUCTION
To introduce the first view:
There are certain people in society which claim that
It is argued by some people that
A commonly held belief is that
To introduce the second view
In contrast, other individuals espouse the idea that
However, this is refuted by others who say that









To state your opinion
This is a controversial issue, but I believe that
Both sides have their own merits; however, I believe the (former/ latter) view is more reasonable.
To close the paragraph/ introduce the body
This essay aims to prove my claim









BODY 1: You can start with “On the one hand,”
BODY 2: You can start with “On the other hand,”
CONCLUSION 
In conclusion, although there are valid reasons why……………, it is still more reasonable to conclude that…………….
Therefore, while to a certain extent, it is true………., I strongly believe that……….









Writing task 2
Cause/Effect/Solution essay
Causes/ Effects/ Solutions essay- a common question type in VSTEP Writing Task 2. We will present the general outline and some useful expressions in this type of essay.
Causes/ Effects/ Solutions essays require you to determine a scenario in which one action or event caused certain effects to occur. Then, explain what took place and why! This kind of essay sometimes also asks us to propose some solutions to the problem. The questions will only ask for 2 of the 3 aspects (Cause/ effect or Cause/ Solution or Effect/ Solution).








Sample questions
In some countries, it can be very difficult for people over the age of 50 to get good jobs, despite their experience.
What do you think are the causes of this problem and what measures could be taken to solve it?
Cheating in school exams has been a serious concern since time immemorial.
Why do you think children cheat in exams? What are the long-term effects if this ubiquitous practice is tolerated?









General Outline
INTRODUCTION– rephrase the topic and state what are required
BODY 1– Discuss the causes (or effects, depending on the question task)
BODY 2– Discuss the solutions
Conclusion– summarize and restate task requirements









Useful expressions in the Introduction
Developing countries, like Viet Nam, are faced with a wide range/ plethora/ myriad of problems, ranging from environmental and socio-economic, and one of the most concerning/ worrying/ alarming is…..
[Cause+ Effect] The essay will not only analyze the principal factors leading to this problem but also highlight its outcomes









[Cause+ Solution] The following essay will attempt to present the reasons behind this damaging phenomenon and then offer some potential ways to address it.
[Effect+ Solution] After elaborating on the consequences of this important issue, some measures that can be taken/ employed/ implemented to tackle it will be provided.









To express causes
This problem is caused by….
This situation can be attributed to….
One rationale that can be given to explain this is…
This can be traced to the fact that….









To express effects
A few problems have sprung out of this situation
This issue has been a menace to society in several ways
Because of this, society is now facing various hazards
One vital consequence of this is









To express solutions
The problem can be successfully prevented
There are several concrete steps we can take to combat this threat
Some suggestions can be given to solve the problem









Writing task 2
Argumentative essay
Argumentative essay- a very common question type in VSTEP Writing Task 2. We will present the general outline and some useful expressions in this type of essay.
Argumentative essay question usually voices a controversial topic (các chủ đề gây tranh cãi) and asks you to state your opinion of that topic (if you are FOR or AGAINST).









Sample questions
Animals should not be used in scientific research.
          Do you agree or disagree?
Most people in developing countries do not have food to eat and place to live. Instead of saving forest to protect the environment, we should aim to maximize land for food production and making homes for the homeless.
          Do you agree or disagree?









General Outline
Introduction:
–  Introducing the topic.
–  Giving background information and Narrowing the topic.
–  Giving your point of view and mentioning the main reasons covered in the essay.
Body:
–  Reason 1 (with 2-3 supporting ideas).
–  Reason 2 (with 2-3 supporting ideas).
–  Counter- argument (phản biện lại ý kiến trái ngược với mình)
Conclusion: 
–  Restate your point of view.
–  Summary is required.









Useful expressions
INTRODUCTION
First sentence: There is an increasingly growing popular idea that…
There is an argument that…
There is a popular claim that….
Second sentence:
I, however, believe that….
I firmly believe that….
I believe in the truth/ veracity of this statement
…..and this essay will tackle the most important reasons, considering [the main areas covered in your essay]








BODY
Giving the first point
First and foremost,
This is primarily due to the fact that
One crucial point to consider is that
Giving the second point
Moreover/ Furthermore,
More importantly,
We should also recognize the fact that









Expressing counter-arguments
(First sentence) Admittedly, it could also be said that…
Some people continue to claim that
(Second sentence) Still, I would like to emphasize that…
It is still my belief though that…
I reiterate, however, that….










Conclusion
In conclusion/ To sum up
After discussing all the points mentioned above, I can finally conclude that…
All in all, regardless of the points to the contrary, it can be concluded that….
Considering all arguments put forward, I have arrived at the conclusion that…









TOPICS ON WRITING TASK 2 
Education
1- Formal examinations are the only effective way to assess a student’s performance. Continual assessment such as course work and projects is not a satisfactory way to do this.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
2- Do the benefits of study abroad justify the difficulties? What advice would you offer to a prospective student?








3- Most schools offer some type of physical education program to their students. Why is physical education important? Should physical education classes be required or optional?
4- Textbooks should be replaced by laptops in classrooms. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
5- Many people argue that in order to improve educational quality, high school students are encouraged to make comments or even criticism on their teachers. Others think it will lead to loss of respect and discipline in the classroom. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.









6- In some countries young people are encouraged to work or travel for a year between finishing high school and staring university studies. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages for young people who decide to do this.









Technology and media
1- Some people think that the increasing use of mobile phones and computers have negative impacts on users. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
2- Do you think that modern technology, such as the internet and computers will ever replace the book or the written word as the main source of information?
3- Some children can learn more efficiently by watching TV. Therefore, children should watch TV regularly both in school and at home. Do you agree or disagree?









Social issues
1- Nowadays, people have longer life span thanks to the development in terms of health services and medical treatment. What are the positive and negative effects of this trend?
2- Prostitution should be banned. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
3- Increasing the price of petrol is the best way to solve growing traffic and pollution problems. What is your opinion?









4- Some people prefer to provide help and support directly to those in their community. However, others prefer to give money to national and international charitable organizations. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
5- Same sex marriage should be legalized. Do you agree or disagree?









Travelling and tourism
1- Tourism is seen as a major industry for many countries. However it tends to have a deleterious effect on the environment and should be strictly monitored. What is your opinion?
2- What are the advantages and disadvantages of tourism? In general, do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?









Science
1- Although many benefits may result from space exploration, the costs involved are enormous. There is debate as to whether this money could be more wisely spent to provide for the basic needs of mankind such as food, clean water, etc. For this reason space exploration should be restricted. Do you agree?









Task 2
Topic: You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Levels of youth crime are increasing rapidly in major cities in Viet Nam.
What are the reasons for this? Suggest some solutions.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own experience or knowledge.
You should write at least 250 words.

Over the last few years, many cities throughout the country have seen an alarming increase in the levels of youth crime. This has become a question that not only the authorities but also parents are concerned about. In this essay, I would like to analyze some reasons for this and suggest some possible solutions.
The causes of this issue lies in the way the youth are brought up by their parents and the increasing level of poverty in cities. The first reason is connected with the family. In order for a child to grow up in a balanced way, it is very

important that he or she must be nurtured by his or her parents with love, care, and support. However, these days, it is often the case that children are neglected due to the fact that many parents in cities now are too busy with their work to give their children good advice and support in time. Another factor to consider is the increasing levels of poverty around the world. We have seen with globalization the rich get far richer and the poor get much poorer, and this inevitably means that those who were unfortunately born into a poor family and are reluctant to work hard, but want to live in

comfort turn to robbing and stealing. Reality shows that they even dare to kill others to grab what they desire.
To solve the problem, we should take several measures on the part of families as well as society. First, parents must spend more time with their children to control what they do and how they behave so as to offer them timely guidance and prevent them from making a mistake and then committing a crime. Second, those who commit a crime must be severely punished; for example, a teenage murderer can be sentenced

to death. It is also essential that the authorities send young criminals to a rehabilitation center, where they have a chance to learn how to behave well and get some vocational training so that they can find a job to support themselves later.
In conclusion, several factors have led to a dramatic increase in youth crime at present, but feasible solutions are available to tackle this problem. I’m convinced that taking the above-mentioned measures can help to reduce the level of youth crime substantially in big cities of Viet Nam. (Word count: 380)
Topic: Some people argue that immigrants should adopt the local culture when immigrating to a new country. An alternative view is that they can adapt to a new environment by establishing a minority community. What are your opinions? 








Good luck!