Discuss Both Views Imbalance Trap in IELTS Writing
Task 2 | Task Response | May 2026
The discuss-both-views imbalance trap is treating Discuss both views as Agree with one side. You label View A and View B, but one paragraph is thin while the other dominates. Examiners want each view developed, then a clear final position. Balance means developmental fairness, not identical word count.
Signs of imbalance
Imbalance patterns
| Pattern | Why it fails |
|---|---|
| Thin View B | Task Response looks one-sided |
| Conclusion surprise | New stance without fair coverage |
| List both, argue one | View B never developed |
| Equal words, weak side | Repetition masks thin argument |
Paragraph plan
Intro: paraphrase and outline both views. Body 1: View A with reason and example. Body 2: View B with reason and example. Conclusion: your position and why, without new arguments. Count sentences per view before submit. See discussion essay traps and balanced essay without balance trap.
What balanced coverage looks like
Each view gets a fair hearing with evidence, not a caricature. Your conclusion states which view you lean toward and why, without a third argument you never discussed.
Quick mistakes to cut
- Straw-man View B paragraph
- Conclusion that only repeats intro
- Third view smuggled in at the end
One-week practice plan
Day 1-2: outline two equal body blocks. Day 3-5: write two essays with sentence count check. Day 6-7: Task 2 mock under 40 minutes.
Key takeaways
- Discuss both views is not pick one side only.
- Develop both views before you judge.
- Equal development beats equal word count.
- Pair with discussion-essay trap pages.
FAQ
Check whether your discuss-both-views essay develops each side before you judge.
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