*how* and *where* to give your opinion in discuss both these views//ielts writing task 2

Main Ideas / Lessons from the Video

(IELTS Writing Task 2: Discuss both views + give your opinion)

Overall Essay Structure (Core Lesson)

For a “discuss both views and give your own opinion” essay, you must include your opinion in all three parts:

• Introductory paragraph
• Body paragraph 1
• Body paragraph 2
• Conclusion paragraph

In each body paragraph, follow this method:

1. Discuss the opposing view first (briefly explain it with a main idea).
2. Then give your opinion about that view.
3. Explain why you agree/disagree with it.

Key warning: Your opinion explanations must match the main idea of that body paragraph. Otherwise, your Task Response can drop.

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Method for Body Paragraph 1 (Disagree Side): Avoiding Change / Same Routine

Target View Being Discussed

Some people prefer:

• Doing the same things
• Avoiding change

Main Idea Requirement (Key Warning)

Many IELTS writers fail because they:

• Write paragraphs without a clear main idea
• Merely reword the prompt (e.g., “some people like to stay the same…”) and then add details

Instead:

• Choose one reason as the topic sentence
• Build the entire paragraph around that reason

Example Topic Sentence (One Possible Main Idea)

“People who resist change may be too afraid of the risks involved.”

Development Approach (Two Options)

Option 1: Traditional Method (Explanation-First)

• Provide an explanation (why the risks exist)
• Then provide an example

Option 2: Example-Led Paragraph Method (Recommended)

Because abstract explanations can be harder to develop, the video recommends:

• Use concrete examples first
• Let the explanation be supported by the example

The speaker attributes this idea to IELTS Simon (an ex-examiner), who calls it “example-led paragraph.”

Example Content Used in the Video (Risks of Changing)

The risk is that change may lead to outcomes people didn’t expect, and they may lose what they had.

Concrete examples mentioned:

• Staying in a low-paying job someone hates due to fear of not finding another job → losing stability
• Staying in an abusive relationship due to fear of never finding someone else
• Staying in a hated job because quitting could mean inability to find a new job

How to Insert “Your Opinion” in Body 1 (Disagree)

Your disagreement must connect to the paragraph’s main idea: avoiding risks.

Opinion logic provided:

• Maintaining the status quo does not remove risk
• Eventually, low-level jobs may be lost to automation

Quotation used:

• Peter Thiel: “in a world that’s changing so quickly, the biggest risk you can take is not taking any risk.”

Key caution: Don’t write a disagreement that isn’t clearly tied to avoiding risks. For example, saying “staying the same is easier now but you’ll fail long-term” without linking it back to the paragraph’s focus is weaker.

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Method for Body Paragraph 2 (Agree Side): Change / Long-Term Success

Target View Being Discussed

Others argue:

• Change is always a good thing

Main Idea Requirement

Again, include one clear main idea via a topic sentence.

Example Topic Sentence (One Possible Main Idea)

“Others, on the other hand, argue that change is always a good thing because it is the only way to succeed in the long run.”

The key emphasis is long-term thinking.

Development Approach

The video mentions an explanation-first method, but recommends a simpler approach:

• Use the paragraph so that:
  • The example explains the argument
  • The explanation can be placed at the end, connected to your agreement

Example Content Used in the Video

Example type:

• Super successful people and organizations

Core mechanism:

• They keep trying new things
• They experiment and may fail frequently
• Short-term downsides exist, but it helps them stay relevant/competitive longer

How to Insert “Your Opinion” in Body 2 (Agree)

Since the topic sentence already sets up the long-term logic, the suggested way is:

• Give agreement plus reasoning at the end
• Don’t re-explain the same logic in the middle

Example of the opinion wording logic:

“I agree… because if someone is stagnant for short-term comfort, they will fail in the longer term.”

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Introductory Paragraph Template (As Taught)

Suggested Steps

1. Optionally paraphrase the question (the speaker says you can, but it’s not mandatory).
2. Write one sentence introducing the general topic, e.g.:
   • “There are competing views on whether to make changes in life.”
3. Then do two things:
   • State your opinion (briefly)
   • State the two main ideas that will be covered in the body paragraphs

Linker + Positioning from the Video

Use “although” to introduce the first main idea (the risks side):

• “Although change always involves risks…”

Then add your opinion and the second main idea (long-term benefits):

• “…in the long run… [change is good]”

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Conclusion Paragraph Template (As Taught)

Suggested Steps

Restate:

1. Your overall opinion
2. The two main ideas:
   • Risks vs. long-term benefits

Example conclusion logic:

“In conclusion, although a shift in direction comes with risks, in the long run people will benefit…”

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Key “Do / Don’t” Checklist (Explicit Lessons)

Do

• Include your opinion in:
  • Intro
  • Both body paragraphs
  • Conclusion
• Give each body paragraph a clear main idea
• In each body paragraph:
  • Discuss the opposing view first
  • Then add your opinion and explain why you agree/disagree
• Keep opinion explanations aligned with the paragraph’s main idea:
  • Body 1 → avoiding risks
  • Body 2 → succeeding in the long run

Don’t

• Add opinion only in the intro and conclusion (not enough)
• Write a disagreement that doesn’t connect to the main idea of that paragraph
• Use vague “some people like X” paragraphs with no defined reason

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Speakers / Sources Featured

• The speaker / YouTube instructor (unnamed in the subtitles)
• Peter Thiel (quoted)
• IELTS Simon (mentioned as the source of the “example-led paragraph” method)