Discussion Essay Traps in IELTS Task 2
Task 2 · Discussion · May 2026
Direct answer
The discussion-essay trap hits when the prompt asks you to discuss both views and give your opinion—but your essay does only one of those. You argue your side and barely mention the other, or you summarise both views and never say which you prefer. Examiners score Task Response on fair coverage plus a clear personal stance. One-sided summaries and opinion-free conclusions often stay at Band 6 for TR.
How the trap shows up
View A only Body develops your side; other view gets one line
Opinion missing Both views described, no I believe
Fake balance Both are valid with no preference stated
Discussion traps that cap Task Response
| Trap | Why it fails |
|---|---|
| Agree-disagree plan | Wrong template for discuss both views |
| Straw-man view B | Other side caricatured, not developed |
| Opinion in intro only | Body never supports your stated view |
| Conclusion surprise | New opinion appears only at the end |
Contrast with agree-disagree essay traps.
Fix: two views, then your verdict
Body 1 develops view A with reasons; body 2 develops view B fairly. Body 3 or conclusion states your opinion and explains why it outweighs the other side—or why context decides.
Key takeaways
- Discuss both views means develop both—not just name them.
- Your opinion must be explicit and supported.
- Partial agreement works if you explain the nuance.
- Match essay type to prompt keywords.
FAQ
Yes if the prompt allows—but discuss both views first, then state which you find more convincing with reasons.
Rough balance matters; one view with two sentences and the other with five looks unfair to examiners.
You must give your opinion; both are valid without a clear preference caps Task Response.
Check whether your essay treats both views fairly and states your opinion clearly.
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