Discuss both views and give your own opinion

1.

"DISCUSS BOTH VIEWS
AND GIVE
YOUR OWN OPINION"
QUESTIONS

2.

•The growing number of overweight people is
putting a strain on the health care system in
an effort to deal with the health issues
involved. Some people think that the best
way to deal with this problem is to introduce
more physical educations lessons in the
school curriculum. To what extent do you
agree or disagree?

3.

•Example Question: Some believe that
the Olympic Games help bring people
from different nations together, while
others claim that holding the
Olympics wastes money which could
be used for important issues. Discuss
both sides and give your own opinion.

4.

Analyzing the Question
•View 1: The Olympic Games bring people from
different nations together.
•View 2: The Olympics waste money that could be
used for more important issues.
•Your Task: Discuss both views and give your own
opinion on whether the benefits of hosting the
Olympics outweigh the costs.

5.

2. Planning Your Essay
•Outline:
•1. Introduction
•2. Body Paragraph 1: Discuss the View You
Disagree With
•3. Body Paragraph 2: Discuss the View You
Agree With + Opinion
•4. Conclusion

6.

3. Writing the Essay
• Introduction
• ● Introduce the Topic: Begin by introducing the debate on the Olympic Games.
• Example: "The Olympic Games have long been celebrated as an event that unites nations
through sport, fostering a spirit of global camaraderie. However, some argue that the
substantial financial resources required to host the Olympics could be better spent on
addressing critical social issues."
• ● Outline Both Views: Briefly mention both sides of the argument.
Example: "While
many believe that the Olympics promote international harmony, others view them as an
unnecessary extravagance that diverts funds from more pressing needs."
• ● Thesis Statement (Your Opinion): State your opinion and hint at the direction your
essay will take.
• Example: "In my view, although the Olympics do bring people together, the financial
burden they impose cannot be overlooked, and careful consideration must be given to the
true value they offer."

7.

Body Paragraph 1: Discuss the View You Disagree
With
• Present the Opposing View: Start by discussing the view you disagree with (for the sake of this
guide, we’ll assume you disagree with the idea that the Olympics are a waste of money).
Example: "Critics of the Olympic Games argue that the immense costs associated with hosting the
event are unjustifiable, particularly when many countries face significant social challenges. They
contend that the billions of dollars spent on infrastructure, security, and logistics could be better
allocated to addressing poverty, healthcare, and education."
• ● Explain and Support: Provide reasons and examples to support why some hold this view.
Example: "For instance, the 2016 Rio Olympics left Brazil with vast debts, while many of its
citizens continued to live in poverty. This raises questions about the priorities of nations when such
vast sums are spent on a temporary event rather than long-term social investments."
• ● Refutation (Optional): Briefly mention why this view might be limited or insufficient.
• Example: "However, this perspective overlooks the potential long-term benefits that the Olympics
can bring to host cities and nations."

8.

Body Paragraph 2: Discuss the View You Agree
With + Opinion
• Present the Supporting View: Now discuss the view you agree with (in this case, that the Olympics bring
nations together).
Example: "On the other hand, supporters of the Olympic Games argue that they serve as a unique
platform for fostering global unity and understanding. The event draws people from all corners of the
world, providing a rare opportunity for cultural exchange and mutual respect."
• ● Explain and Support: Offer strong reasons and examples to support this view. Example: "For
example, the 2012 London Olympics not only celebrated athletic achievement but also highlighted the
importance of diversity and inclusion, bringing together participants from over 200 nations. The shared
experiences of athletes and spectators alike help to break down barriers and promote a sense of global
citizenship."
● State Your Opinion: Clearly express why you find this view more convincing, tying it to your overall
argument.
Example: "While the costs of the Olympics are indeed substantial, the event’s ability to foster
international goodwill and create lasting memories for millions of people cannot be understated. It is
crucial, however, that these benefits are weighed against the financial implications, and that steps are
taken to ensure that the legacy of the Olympics is positive and sustainable.

9.

Conclusion
Summarize Both Views: Briefly recap the main points discussed in the
essay.
Example: "In conclusion, while the financial costs of hosting the
Olympics are significant and must be carefully managed, the event’s
ability to bring people together and promote international understanding
is a powerful argument in its favor."
Restate Your Opinion: Reaffirm your stance, ensuring that it is clear and
concise.
Example: "Therefore, I believe that with responsible planning and a
focus on long-term benefits, the Olympics can indeed be a valuable and
worthwhile endeavor."

10.

Review
and
Refine
After completing your essay, take a few minutes to review it.
Check for:
•
Coherence and Cohesion: Ensure that your essay flows
logically from one point to the next.
• ● Task Response: Verify that you have fully addressed both
views and clearly stated your opinion.
• ● Grammar and Vocabulary: Look out for any grammatical
errors or awkward phrasing. Make sure you’ve used a range
of vocabulary.

11.

Practice with Different Topics
•To master this approach, practice writing
essays on a variety of "Discuss both views
and give your own opinion" topics. Each
topic may present unique challenges, so
practicing with different scenarios will help
you become more comfortable with adapting
your structure and argumentation.

12.

Remember: Multiple Approaches Available
The approach outlined above is just one of
several you can use. Depending on the specific
question, your ideas, and the level of
complexity, you may choose a different
structure that better fits the task. Here are
three different approaches to consider:

13.

• The misbehaviour of children is common in all schools, although most schools manage to maintain tolerable standards
of discipline. Low levels of indiscipline can result in a detrimental working environment for children, while poor
disciplinary management within a school can cause a more general breakdown in order.
• Problems with school discipline have also led to a reduction in the number of people willing to become teachers,
especially in schools regarded as difficult. Student misbehaviour and rudeness is the leading cause of teacher
resignations. In some areas and countries, this has led to a severe teacher shortage, with classes either not taught, or
taught by an unqualified person. In some schools, a class may have up to a dozen different teachers in a single year, as
the replacements decide to leave rather than deal with student behaviour. Many countries are now trying to offer
incentives to new teachers to remain in such schools, but with very limited success.
• Find words or phrases in the text that are similar to those in the list below.
• 1.sufficient levels ……..
• 2.negative ……..
• 3.resulted in ……..
• 4.main reason for ……..
• 5.serious ……..
• 6.as many as twelve ……..

14.

We've had a tradition of doctors being fairly powerful and I guess they are pretty loath to
allow any pretenders to their position to come into it. A better educated and less accepting
public has become disillusioned with the experts in general, and increasingly sceptical
about science. Those surveyed had experienced chronic illnesses, for which orthodox
medicine had been able to provide little relief.
Which words in the sentences above have the following meanings? Write
ONE WORD ONLY.
• long-term or persistent: ……….
• having doubts or reservations:……….
• reluctant or unwilling: ……….
• conventional or normal: ……….
• disappointed when something is not as good as you thought it was: ……

15.

Some people think that parents should teach their children how to be good
members of society. Others, however, believe that school is the best place to
learn this. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
•INTRODUCTION: Some would say that parents
should teach their offspring how to be good
members of society, while others are of the
opinion that school is the best in this regard. This
essay agrees with the latter point and will show
that, despite the practical experiences that
parents give their children, school lessons can
give deep insights into what it takes to be good
citizens.

16.

MAIN BODY I
• Some believe that parents can educate their children
about being good members of society based on their life
experiences. This is because the life experiences that
parents can give their children are straightforward,
down-to-earth, and so they can easily apply what their
parents teach them in reality. For example, many
children in Thailand become more polite, honest, and
caring to everyone as a direct result of the practical
lessons that their parents give them at home. However, I
believe that parents now are so busy and do not spend
much time with their children teaching them.

17.

MAIN BODY II
Lessons at school can provide children with valuable
insights into being good members of society. In class,
students can receive lessons about different traits of a
truly good person that society needs, and then they put
what they learn into practice by creating real-life
problems and solving them together. For instance, after
receiving lessons in civic education at school, many
Vietnamese students are more willing to help their
neighbors and even strangers, and they feel extremely
happy after doing something good for others. For this
reason, I believe that school lessons are more influential
to young children.

18.

CONCLUSION
•In conclusion, despite the practical
experiences that parents can give
their children at home, this essay
believes that school lessons can help
students deepen their understanding
of being good members of society.