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Band 7+ IELTS discuss-both-views essay: explain both fairly in separate body paragraphs, clear personal opinion in intro or conclusion. 280-300 words, 40 min. Full sample (AI + jobs) + signaling phrases.
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Band 7+ IELTS discuss-both-views essay: explain both fairly in separate body paragraphs, clear personal opinion in intro or conclusion. 280-300 words, 40 min. Full sample (AI + jobs) + signaling phrases.
For IELTS "Discuss both views and give your opinion" prompts: dedicate one body paragraph to each view (balanced, not dismissive), then clearly state YOUR opinion in the conclusion or intro. Cover BOTH sides fairly — dismissive treatment of one side caps Task Response at Band 5. 280-300 words, 40 minutes.
``` ¶1 INTRODUCTION (50-60 words)
¶2 VIEW 1 (100-120 words)
¶3 VIEW 2 (100-120 words)
¶4 CONCLUSION (40-50 words)
```
Prompt: "Some argue AI will create more jobs than it destroys. Others believe it will cause widespread unemployment. Discuss both views and give your opinion."
The economic impact of artificial intelligence has become one of the most contested issues of the digital age. While some experts forecast that AI will generate more employment opportunities than it eliminates, others warn of technological unemployment on an unprecedented scale. In my view, the short-term reality will skew toward disruption, with longer-term outcomes depending on policy response.
Proponents of the optimistic view point to historical precedent. Every previous wave of automation — from mechanized agriculture to digital office software — was predicted to cause mass unemployment, yet economies ultimately produced more jobs than they lost. They argue AI will similarly spawn new industries, roles, and entire sectors that do not yet exist. A case in point is the "AI engineer" job title, which barely existed five years ago and now commands six-figure salaries globally. Advocates suggest AI will free humans from repetitive work to focus on creative and interpersonal roles.
Conversely, critics contend that AI is qualitatively different from past technological shifts. Whereas earlier automation replaced specific physical tasks, modern AI now threatens cognitive work — legal research, medical diagnosis, and software development — affecting white-collar roles that previously seemed automation-proof. Goldman Sachs estimates that up to 300 million jobs could be displaced globally by 2030. Critics argue the new roles created will be too few and too specialised to absorb displaced workers, particularly those over 45 in non-STEM fields.
In my view, both arguments contain truth, but the transition will be painful. AI likely will create substantial new employment long-term, yet the next decade is likely to produce significant displacement, particularly in middle-class cognitive roles. Governments must therefore proactively invest in reskilling programmes and consider income support for workers caught in the transition.
Two options:
Option A: Intro (recommended for Band 7+)
Option B: Conclusion only
Either works — just don''t waffle.
Neutral connectives for each view:
View 1 introducers: "Proponents of this view argue..." / "Those who support this position contend..." / "On one hand..."
View 2 introducers: "Conversely..." / "Critics counter that..." / "On the other hand..."
YOUR opinion: "In my view..." / "My position is..." / "Upon reflection..."
Q: Can I favor one view heavily in discussion essays? A: You must fairly present BOTH, but in your opinion you can favor one.
Q: How detailed should each view be? A: Equal — about 100-120 words each. Imbalance = penalty.
Q: Can I agree with neither view? A: Yes, if you propose an alternative. But it''s risky — default to favoring one.
Q: Where do I put my opinion? A: Intro (recommended) or conclusion. Not both.
Q: Do I need citations for examples? A: No — made-up plausible examples are fine. But real citations (like Goldman Sachs) boost credibility.