DISCUSSION ESSAY
General information
You are asked to discuss 2 sides of a given argument. The task may or may
not ask for your opinion on the issue, only give your opinion if the task
requires so Try to find 2 ideas for each side of the argument.
Therefore, the way to write this particular type of essay is rather similar to
that of a balanced opinion essay. The only difference is the language used.
In a discussion essay: using the 4-paragraph format, if the task asks for
opinion, the term “give your opinion” can be interpreted as “which side of
the argument do you agree with”.
MR ZIENENGLISH
Essay Structure
• The introduction
Sentence 1: Paraphrase the background information given in the topic
Sentence 2: Say that you will discuss the two views or state your opinion of which
side you are inclined to (for question asking for your opinion)
• The body The first paragraph: the first side of the argument
Sentence 1: the topic sentence
Sentence 2-5/6: Give 2 reasons and explanations, and use SPECIFIC examples to
support those reasons
The second paragraph: the other side of the argument/ the favourable side
Sentence 1: the topic sentence/ or restate your opinion here
Sentence 2-5/6: give 2 reasons and explanations , and use SPECIFIC examples to
support those reasons
• The conclusion: restate your opinion
Mr ZIENENGLISH
These days there are a lot of TV channels available to view. Some
people think it is good to have a range of options but others argue that
it affects the quality of programs. Discuss both views.
- More channels = more choices - Confusion
+ Too many sources -> lower
+ Viewers’ preferences are varied quality
- Credibility
+ Comparison with the past + Gain more viewership -> more
- Closer look at the world deceiving programs
+ Domestic + People will have difficult time
+ Global choosing trustworthy channels
The nonstop progress of the modern TV industry has provided people with permanent access
to numerous choices of channels, depending on viewers’ interests. This broad availability
instigates many public debates over how the number of TV programs and their quality
interrelate. In this essay, both views of this issue will be discussed.
On the one hand, the reasons why people enjoy more choices on TV are varied. Firstly, people
believe the upsurge in the number of programs can satisfy viewers of different preferences.
Compared to the limitation of TV content in the past, contemporary technology has unfolded
the possibility to bring every aspect of life such as sports, science and education to people.
Secondly, people now can have a more integral approach upon not only their society but also
other countries around the world through TV telecasts. In fact, both domestic and foreign
issues are updated daily on various sources, which equips viewers with more intimate
perception on global matters.
On the other hand, as the number of TV channels grows, their quality suffers in comparison. In
fact, people are being bombarded with all kinds of sources of information. Unfortunately, many
publishers are trying to increase their viewership which generates greater profit by deliberately
producing programs with low-quality interface or even fraudulent content. This, coupled with
the acceleration in numbers, can engender bewilderment amongst viewers since they will have
a difficult time differentiating which channels they can trust from the deceiving ones.
In conclusion, although it is undeniable that the wider range of selections has some certain
benefits to people, the shortcomings associated with their quality are the worrying topic that
people should pay heed to.
Mr ZIENENGLISH
USEFUL LANGUAGE
• The introduction:
Sent 1: Paraphrase
Sent 2: In this essay, I will discuss both views (and state my own
position- {only used when the task asks for Opinion}).
• The Body
Para 1: Sent 1: On the one hand, Topic Sentence (of one view)
Sent 2-5/6/7: explanation/example
Para 2: Sent 1: On the other hand, Topic Sentence (the other views)
Sent 2-5/6/7: explanation/example
• The Conclusion: restatement of the Thesis
* IMPORTANT NOTE: a discussion essay vs a balanced opinion essay
SML: THESE 2 PARTICULAR TYPES OF ESSAY SINCE
BOTH OF THEM REQUIRE STUDENTS TO PRESENT 2
SIDES OF THE GIVEN ARGUMENT WITH THE SAME WAY
OF WRITING.
DIFF:
• IN A BALANCED OPINION ESSAY, WRITE ABOUT WHAT
YOU THINK.
• IN A DISCUSSION ESSAY, WRITE ABOUT WHAT OTHER
PEOPLE THINK.
Mr. ZIENENGLISH
Some people believe that video games are bad, Some people believe that video games are bad,
while others think playing these games is while others think playing these games is
beneficial. What is your opinion? beneficial. Discuss both views and give your
opinion
On the one hand, I agree that video games have On the one hand, it is agreed that video games
some undeniable benefits. Firstly, I would argue have some undeniable benefits. Firstly, many
that playing video games is a way to relax after people argue that playing video games is a way to
hardworking hours. For example, my brother has to relax after hard-working hours. For example, many
go to school on every weekday and to do a lot of students have to go to school on every weekday
assignments at home, which is very stressful. and to do a lot of assignments at home, which is
Therefore, playing video games during his free time very stressful. Therefore, playing video games
can help reduce the stress from his studies. during their free time can help reduce the stress
from their studies.
MR. ZIENENGLISH
THE TASK WITH OPINION
• The introduction:
Sent 1: Paraphrase
Sent 2: In this essay, I will discuss both views and state/propose my
own position/prospective/viewpoint. ( for more see the next SLIDE)
• The Body
Para 1: Sent 1: On the one hand, Topic Sentence (of one view)
Sent 2-5/6/7: explanation/example
Para 2: Sent 1: On the other hand, Topic Sentence (the other views)
Sent 2-5/6/7: explanation/example
• The Conclusion: restatement of the Thesis
