Discuss and Give your Opinion
Topic: Some people believe that technology has made the world more connected, while others argue that it has caused people to become more isolated. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Answer:
Technology has profoundly reshaped the way we communicate and interact, leading some to argue it has fostered global connectivity, while others claim it has increased individual isolation. In my opinion, technology generally enhances human interaction, but it can also encourage loneliness if misused.
What’s wrong with this answer?
Well, it’s capable of hitting a 7 or so, but it’s not all that strong.
Let’s break it down.
Sentence 1 is a complex sentence, but it is expressing what ‘some people think’, and the question is asking you for your opinion and for your explanation of it. So, let’s improve it.
Try this:
“People are able to reach others from almost any part of the world instantly online; however, this type of connection tends to be weak and shallow.” As such, this essay will discuss the quality and length of connections online and suggest that it has caused people to lose connection with the world, and I will argue that people feel more isolated because they lack human warmth in communications.
This is 68 words, more than I would like. 50 is the max really but in ‘discuss and give your opinion’ essays, it is often necessary to use more words.
I could shorten the first sentence.
We could say ‘make it more pithy’ or ‘to the point’.
People are able to reach others from almost any part of the world instantly online. This essay will discuss the quality of connections online and suggest that it is low, and I will argue that people feel more isolated because they lack human warmth in communications.
Now, we have 46 words, much better.
Why is this important?
We need the other 204 words to make three paragraphs and a conclusion.
Point:
Essay writing for Discuss and give your opinion has to be concise.
Another new word? Concise means with few extra words and directly to the point in a small space.
In the course, we will look at
the thesis and how to construct it correctly.
Impress the examiner in your very first sentence, not using formulas but your own sharp intelligence.
Question 1: Some people think the best way to reduce crime is to give longer prison sentences. Others, however, believe there are better alternative ways to reduce crime.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
See what you come up with for this question.
This is what chatgpt thinks a 7 intro is.
Anything wrong with it?
People have differing opinions on how best to reduce crime in society. While some believe that imposing longer prison sentences acts as the most effective deterrent, others argue that alternative approaches, such as rehabilitation programs and community services, would yield better results. In my view, a combined approach that emphasizes both strict penalties and rehabilitative methods is likely the most effective solution.
That’s right, it’s too long!
Can you cut it down?
What are the key points?
While some believe that imposing longer prison sentences acts as the most effective deterrent, others argue that alternative approaches, such as rehabilitation programs and community services, would yield better results.
It can be argued that longer prison sentences reduce crime while rehabilitation programmes are largely effective. This essay will examine both views and suggest that the latter (second) (the former is the first one: longer sentences) is most effective.
Let’s break it down.
“This essay will suggest that” means “In my view…”
I shortened the first sentence to it’s bare bones. There’s no extra marks for making long lists of alternative sentences (a sentence is a punishment for a crime, like jail time etc) here.
We have under 40 words and plenty of extra words to fully explain the ideas in the essay.
Notice that I cut the list of types of punishments down as well. Why? We only need to explain one, just ONE in the paragraph, but explain it WELL.
Try another
Question 2: Some people believe that children should spend their free time doing structured activities, such as sports or music classes, while others argue that children need more time to play freely.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Free Workshop


Essay 2
Topic:
Some people believe that online education is as effective as traditional classroom education, while others argue that it cannot match face-to-face learning. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Essay:
In the era of technological advancement, the debate over whether online education can rival traditional classroom learning has gained considerable attention.
Spot it!
Which is the stronger opening sentence and why?
In the era of technological advancement, the debate over whether online education can rival traditional classroom learning has gained considerable attention.
While online education allows for teaching world-wide, there are some physical (kinetic) aspects of teaching which are best conducted (done) in-person.
Some people think that teaching in-person is better than teaching online.
What does the second version do for you?
It sets up one of your paragraph topics “kinetic teaching”.
Why that’s important.
The DEEPER you get into explaining your point in the paragraph the more you have “fully explained’ and thus the HIGHER your band! So, why not get started right away!
2. There’s NO confusion as to what the topic is.
3. You have already thought about and chosen one of your topics/points, so that’s 1 of 3 key points for your plan/essay.
4. It’s a complex sentence.
5. It paraphrases the two points in the question and shows that you understand it.
6. You used ‘kinetic’ which is a band 8 word.
Think of your sentences as hitting ALL four bands and the examiner will have NO CHOICE but to boost your band!
And by the way, that’s a chatgpt produced ‘band 7’ essay. Is it 7? Maybe, but is it good writing? Absolutely not. Can you do better? For sure!
While proponents of digital education highlight its flexibility and accessibility, others argue that it lacks the depth and engagement of face-to-face interaction.
What’s wrong with this sentence?
Easy. It’s unnecessary.
And this thesis……I’ll give you a better one and explain it in another post.
GPT “This essay will explore both perspectives before offering a personal viewpoint.”
This doesn’t tell the examiner much about your essay.
What can you add? (think based on the four band descriptors) Can you add vocabulary? Yes. Grammar? For sure. Organization? Yup! And fully respond. For SURE!
Now you have the power!
This essay will show that online education connects disparate talents around the world, and how in-person teaching amplifies physical teaching and suggest that online education allows top talent to spread skills globally.
Answered fully? Yes, we addressed all three requests of the question (including adding a NEW point for our opinion.)
Organised? (points 1, 2, 3. Easy but we had to say it)
Vocabulary: ‘amplifies’ (one is enough) (you could use explicate or a word like that meaning exlplain but it’s too forced. It shows. So say it shows.)
Grammar: SVOOO. The essay will show three things.
The full essay with more powerful tools is in the course.




Finding the new…
Discuss/Opinion Essay
IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay (Band 9)
Topic:
Some people believe that unpaid community service should be a compulsory part of high school programmes (for example working for a charity, improving the neighbourhood or teaching sports to younger children).
To what extent do you agree or disagree? Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Essay:
Due changes in food and the heightened awareness of mental health issues, many students in high-school spend time in counsesling and getting one-to-one care. This is crucial in the age of social media. This essay will argue that community service should not be a compulsory part of education because it is unsafe and detracts from maintaining good mental health.
my essay here….
On the one hand, critics of mandatory community service contend that it imposes an additional burden on students who are already struggling with academic pressures. High school is a critical time for personal development, and students must focus on their studies, extracurricular activities, and sometimes even part-time jobs. Mandating unpaid work, they argue, could lead to stress, burnout, or resentment. Moreover, opponents often claim that forcing altruism diminishes its value. True volunteerism, they assert, should be motivated by genuine intent, not obligation.
On the other hand, supporters of compulsory service maintain that it cultivates empathy, discipline, and a deeper understanding of societal issues. Engaging in local projects—such as mentoring younger children, cleaning public spaces, or assisting the elderly—can significantly enrich a student’s character. It also helps bridge the gap between youth and the community, creating a more cohesive society. Importantly, such experiences can be transformative, broadening students’ horizons and even influencing future career paths.
In my opinion, making community service a core part of the high school curriculum is highly beneficial. While there may be challenges in implementation, the long-term gains—in terms of civic engagement and personal development—far outweigh the potential drawbacks. With proper time management support and flexibility, students can integrate service into their schedules without compromising their education.
High-Level Vocabulary with Explanations and Examples:
- Infringes (verb) – Violates or limits someone’s rights or freedom.
Example: Forcing students to participate in activities without choice may infringe on their autonomy. - Burden (noun) – A heavy responsibility or duty.
Example: Some believe that compulsory service adds an unnecessary burden to students’ lives. - Altruism (noun) – Selfless concern for the well-being of others.
Example: Genuine altruism arises from free will, not obligation.
See it in action/ make it your tool, in the full course.
High-Level Grammar Point:
“This essay will argue that high school students should be required to engage in unpaid community service…”
- Structure: should + be + past participle
- Function: To suggest obligation while maintaining a formal tone.
- This is useful when expressing necessity or recommendation in a polite and academic way.
Other examples:
- It is essential that everyone should be made aware of the consequences.
- Some argue that governments should be encouraged to invest more in education.
