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IELTS discuss both views essay topics
A discussion question gives two opinions. Explain each one in its own body paragraph, then say which you agree with. Leaving out your own opinion costs marks.
Get a random Task 2 question
- EducationUniversity purposeSome people think that universities should focus on preparing students for employment. Others believe that the main purpose of a university is to provide knowledge for its own sake.
- EnvironmentEnvironment vs economic growthSome people think that protecting the environment should be the priority for governments. Others believe that economic growth is more important.
- WorkJob satisfaction vs salarySome people believe that job satisfaction is more important than a high salary. Others think that earning a lot of money is the most important factor when choosing a job.
- CitiesCity life vs countryside lifeSome people prefer to live in a big city, while others think living in the countryside is better.
- ScienceAnimal testing for medicinesSome people believe that animals should never be used in scientific experiments. Others argue that testing on animals is necessary to develop new medicines.
- EducationSmartphones in schoolSome people think that students should be allowed to use smartphones in school. Others believe they should be banned from classrooms.
- EnvironmentClimate change and individualsSome people think that individuals can do little to combat climate change and that big companies must take the lead. Others believe that ordinary people's choices make a real difference.
- HealthHerbal vs modern medicineSome people believe that traditional and herbal medicine is better for treating illness. Others think that modern medicine is more effective.
- CitiesOld buildings vs new onesSome people think that old buildings in cities should be preserved. Others believe they should be demolished to make way for modern developments.
- ScienceScience vs arts fundingSome people think that governments should fund scientific research above everything else. Others believe the arts deserve equal support.
- TechnologyVideo games harm or benefitSome people think that video games are harmful to young people. Others believe that games can have educational and social benefits.
- TransportBuilding new airportsSome people believe that building new airports and expanding existing ones is essential for a country's economy. Others think the environmental and social costs are too high.
- ScienceDo satellites help peopleSome people think that satellites and space technology have little benefit for ordinary people. Others argue that they improve everyday life in many ways.
- EconomyHigher tax rates for the richSome people believe that wealthy people should pay a much higher rate of tax than others. Others think everyone should pay the same percentage.
- EducationLife skills vs academicsSome people think that schools should teach students practical life skills, such as cooking and managing money. Others believe schools should focus on academic subjects.
- EnvironmentIntensive vs organic farmingSome people believe that large-scale intensive farming is necessary to feed a growing population. Others argue that organic and small-scale farming is better for the planet.
- WorkCareers in the artsSome people think that choosing a career in the arts, such as music or painting, is a poor decision. Others believe that following your creative passion is more important.
- WorkFollowing parents' careersSome people think that young people should follow the same career as their parents. Others believe that they should choose their own path.
- HealthPrivate vs public healthcareSome people think that healthcare should be provided entirely by the government. Others believe that private hospitals and insurance are better.
- HealthFamily care vs care homesSome people think that families should look after elderly relatives at home. Others believe that professional care homes are a better choice.
- TransportNew roads vs public transportSome people think that governments should spend more on building new roads. Others believe that investment in public transport is a better use of money.
- TechnologyVirtual reality in educationSome people think that new technology such as virtual reality will change education for the better. Others believe traditional teaching methods cannot be improved by technology.
- EconomyEconomic growth vs happinessSome people believe that economic growth is the best measure of a country's success. Others think that other factors, such as health and happiness, are more important.
- EconomyAid vs tradeSome people think that rich countries should give financial aid to poorer countries. Others believe that trade and investment would help them more.
- EducationExams vs continuous assessmentSome people think that exams are the fairest way to assess students. Others believe that continuous assessment through coursework and projects is better.
- CitiesWhere to build shopping mallsSome people think that new shopping centres should be built in the centre of towns. Others prefer to build them outside the town.
- WorkMultilingual employeesSome people think that employees should be able to speak several languages. Others believe that one language, such as English, is enough for business.
- EducationArt, music and sport at schoolSome people think that subjects like art, music and sport are less important in school than maths and science. Others believe they are equally valuable.
- SciencePublic vs private researchSome people think that scientific research should be funded and controlled by governments. Others believe that private companies should take the lead.
- EconomyWho gains from globalisationSome people think that globalisation has benefited all countries. Others believe it has mainly helped wealthy nations and large companies.
- EconomySaving vs spendingSome people believe that spending money boosts the economy and is good for society. Others think that saving is more responsible.
- SocietyElderly care by the stateSome people believe that the care of elderly people is the responsibility of their families. Others think that the government should provide it.
- SocietyCharity vs government helpSome people say that the best way to help poor people is for individuals to give money to charity. Others believe governments should be responsible for this.
- FamilyStrict vs lenient parentsSome people think that parents should be strict with their children, while others believe that children should be given more freedom.
- FamilyArranged marriagesSome people believe that parents should help choose their children's marriage partners. Others think young people should decide for themselves.
- CrimePrison vs community serviceSome people believe that prison is the best punishment for criminals. Others think that community service is more effective.
- CrimeMore police vs citizen safetySome people believe that the only way to make streets safer is to have more police officers. Others think that citizens should be more responsible for safety in their neighbourhoods.
- GovernmentArts vs health spendingSome people think governments should spend taxes on art, music and museums. Others think the money should be used on health and education.
- GovernmentLocal vs national governmentSome people believe that important decisions should be made by national governments. Others argue that local authorities should have more power.
- GovernmentLimiting immigrationSome people think governments should strictly limit the number of immigrants. Others say that countries benefit from immigration.
- MediaNewspapers vs online newsSome people prefer to get their news from newspapers, while others prefer to read it online or watch it on television.
- MediaNeutral news vs opinionSome people believe that news reports should always be neutral. Others think journalists should give their own opinions.
- MediaForeign vs local filmsSome people think that films from other countries are more valuable than local films, while others believe in supporting national cinema.
- CultureGovernment support for artistsSome people think that governments should support artists financially. Others believe artists should earn a living by selling their work.
- CultureReturning historical artefactsSome people say that historical artefacts should be returned to the countries they came from. Others believe they should stay in the museums where they are now.
- GlobalisationTechnology and isolationSome people think technology has brought people closer together across the world. Others think it has made people more isolated.
- SportCompulsory PE at schoolSome people think physical education should be a compulsory subject in schools. Others think students should choose whether to play sports.
- SportTeam vs individual sportsSome people believe that team sports are the best for children, while others think individual sports are better.
- FoodHome cooking vs eating outSome people think it is better to cook and eat at home, while others prefer eating in restaurants.
- FoodLocal vs imported foodSome people prefer buying local food, while others prefer imported food from other countries.
- LanguageEnglish vs mother tongueSome people think that all school lessons should be taught in English, while others believe students should study in their mother tongue.
- LanguageLearning a language abroadSome people say that the best way to learn a foreign language is to live in a country where it is spoken. Others think it can be learned effectively at home.
- TourismGroup tours vs solo tripsSome people prefer to travel on organised group tours, while others prefer to plan their own trips independently.
- TourismTourism and natureSome people think tourism harms the natural environment, while others believe it can help protect it.
- TourismSpending to attract touristsSome people think governments should spend money to attract tourists. Others think that money should be used for local people's needs.
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