IELTS Discussion Essay Sample (Band 9 Model): Full Guide

The Task 2 Prompt (Discussion + Opinion)

Question: Some people believe that the government should fund public transport to reduce pollution, while others think individuals should pay their own costs. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

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Band 9 Model Essay (≈ 310 words)

Introduction

‍The question of who should bear the cost of public transport has sparked considerable debate. Some argue that governments should provide free or subsidised travel to lower emissions, while others believe costs should remain with individuals. This essay will discuss both perspectives before explaining why a government-supported model is ultimately preferable.

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Body 1: Argument for government funding

‍Advocates of public investment argue that transport is a public good with wide-reaching social benefits. Affordable or free services encourage people to abandon private cars, directly reducing urban congestion and air pollution. Moreover, investment in cleaner fleets, such as electric buses, can transform entire cities. For example, Tallinn in Estonia introduced free public transport for residents, leading to higher ridership and noticeable improvements in air quality. When citizens see tangible benefits, public trust in institutions may also increase.

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Body 2: Argument for individual responsibility

‍Conversely, some maintain that transport is a personal service which should not burden taxpayers. Free systems risk overuse, overcrowding, and reduced efficiency. When individuals pay fares, services remain financially sustainable and governments can allocate funds to other pressing needs, such as healthcare or education. Furthermore, critics argue that subsidies often benefit wealthier commuters more than lower-income groups, since the latter may not use extensive transport networks in the first place.

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Body 3: Weighing the views

‍Despite these concerns, the environmental and social gains of subsidised transport outweigh the drawbacks. Pollution is a collective problem requiring collective solutions, and only governments can implement such wide-scale measures. Importantly, costs can be recovered indirectly through healthier populations, reduced congestion, and increased economic activity. While personal responsibility is valid, it is insufficient on its own to tackle global climate challenges.

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Conclusion

‍In conclusion, while requiring individuals to pay may promote efficiency, the broader environmental, social, and economic benefits of government-funded transport are more compelling. A hybrid model with subsidised costs and sustainable practices could offer the best long-term solution.

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Why This Scores Band 9

Task response

• Fully addresses both sides with examples.
• Opinion is clear and supported consistently.

Coherence & cohesion

• Logical flow: pro-government → pro-individual → balanced judgement.
• Cohesive devices: conversely, despite these concerns, importantly, in conclusion.

Lexical resource

• Range: public good, ridership, financially sustainable, indirect recovery, collective solutions.
• Precise collocations strengthen the argument.

Grammatical range & accuracy

• Mix of complex sentences, passive forms, conditionals, and relative clauses.
• Accurate use of comparatives (more compelling, wider-reaching).

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Step-by-Step Structure for Discussion Essays

1. Introduction
   • Paraphrase the question.
   • State you will discuss both sides.
   • Give your opinion (clear stance).
2. Body 1: Present view A (explain + example).
3. Body 2: Present view B (explain + example).
4. Body 3 (optional but powerful): Weigh the two views; show balance.
5. Conclusion: Summarise both sides and restate your stance.

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Planning Routine (10 minutes)

1. Analyse the question (identify “discuss both views + give opinion”).
2. Decide stance: full agreement with one side OR balanced view.
3. Brainstorm points: 2 per side.
4. Choose examples: governments, case studies, personal experience.
5. Map structure: Intro, body 1, body 2, body 3, conclusion.

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Useful Language for Discussion Essays

• Introducing views: Advocates of…, Opponents argue that…, Supporters believe…
• Balancing: Conversely, On the other hand, However
• Giving opinion: Ultimately, I contend that…, From my perspective…
• Concluding: In summary, To conclude, Overall

Conclusion

A high-scoring IELTS discussion essay sample demonstrates balance, structure, and precise language. Always present both views, clearly state your own opinion, and back up your points with examples.

With practice and a clear plan, you can achieve Band 8 or even Band 9. Read more about Speaking Part 1 here.

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Glossary

• Discussion essay (noun): an essay type that requires presenting both sides before giving an opinion.
• Stance (noun): your position on the question.
• Cohesion (noun): logical linking of ideas.
• Concession (noun): acknowledgement of an opposing idea.
• Sustainability (noun): the ability to continue over time without loss.

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Comprehension Practice

Questions

1. What does a discussion essay require you to do?
   a) Present one view only
   b) Present both views and give your opinion
   c) Present only facts without opinion
2. In the Band 9 sample, which city is given as an example of free public transport?
   a) Tallinn
   b) London
   c) Singapore
3. True/False: You must always include three body paragraphs.
4. Fill in the blank: Discussion essays often use the linking phrase “On the ______ hand.”
5. Short answer: Name one cohesive device from the sample essay.

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Answers

1. b
2. a
3. False (two or three is fine, clarity matters most)
4. other
5. e.g., conversely, despite these concerns, in conclusion.