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Discussionacademic·2025

Some people believe that children should be taught practical skills at school such as cooking and budgeting, while others think academic subjects are more important. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Write **at least 250 words**. Spend ~40 minutes. This is a real IELTS exam-style question.

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Step 1

IELTS Examiner Tips for This Topic

1

Dedicate one full body paragraph to each view, ensuring equal depth and development. Avoid the common pitfall of spending too much time on one side and then rushing the other, as this can make your argument appear unbalanced and reduce your Coherence and Cohesion score. Your personal opinion should be clearly stated in the conclusion, drawing from the points discussed.

2

For practical skills, consider referencing the educational models in Nordic countries, such as Finland, which integrate home economics and financial literacy to foster independent adults. For academic subjects, you could highlight how a strong foundation in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) is crucial for national innovation and competitiveness, drawing parallels to economies like South Korea or Germany.

3

The most common mistake is failing to adequately discuss *both* views with equal depth, often leading to an unbalanced essay where one side is merely acknowledged while the other is extensively elaborated. To avoid this, dedicate a distinct body paragraph to each perspective, ensuring you provide specific examples and logical reasoning for *both* the practical skills argument and the academic subjects argument before presenting your own nuanced opinion in the conclusion.

4

To effectively transition between the two contrasting views, employ clear signposting phrases at the start of each body paragraph. For instance, begin the first body paragraph with 'On the one hand, proponents argue that...' and the second with 'Conversely, those who champion academic subjects contend that...'. This explicit linguistic signalling enhances coherence and guides the examiner through your discussion.

5

For a band 8-9 on this question, examiners seek a nuanced discussion that not only presents both views thoroughly but also subtly explores their potential interplay or complementary nature, rather than treating them as entirely mutually exclusive. A high-scoring essay will demonstrate sophisticated vocabulary related to education and policy, complex grammatical structures used accurately, and a clear, well-supported personal opinion that synthesises the arguments presented.

Step 2

Recommended Essay Structure (Band 7+ Standard)

1
Introduction

Show mastery by presenting both sides fairly and establishing your stance.

  • Demonstrate understanding of BOTH perspectives — this shows critical thinking
  • State which side you lean toward — even if you're discussing both equally
  • Maintain neutral, academic tone — avoid emotional language or bias

Band 7+ sentence starters for each paragraph

There are differing opinions on whether...While some people believe that..., others argue that...This essay will examine both perspectives before reaching a conclusion.
2
Body Paragraph 1 — First Viewpoint

Present one side with respect and credibility.

  • Even if you disagree, present this view authentically with real examples
  • Use academic reporting language: 'Research indicates...', 'Studies show...', 'Experts argue...'
  • Acknowledge strengths — this demonstrates balanced analysis and earns marks

Band 7+ sentence starters for each paragraph

On the one hand, supporters of this view argue that...Those in favour point out that...A key argument for this position is...
3
Body Paragraph 2 — Opposing Viewpoint

Present the counter-argument with equal depth and sophistication.

  • Match the structure and depth of paragraph 1 — examiners compare them
  • Use contrasting transition words: 'Conversely', 'In contrast', 'On the other hand'
  • If you have an opinion, make this paragraph slightly stronger — but stay fair

Band 7+ sentence starters for each paragraph

On the other hand, critics contend that...However, there is a strong counter-argument...Conversely, many people feel that...
4
Conclusion

Synthesize both views and deliver your decisive judgment.

  • Acknowledge validity of both sides — this shows intellectual maturity
  • State your preference clearly and confidently — don't hedge or waffle
  • Take a firm position — examiners reward clarity over fence-sitting

Band 7+ sentence starters for each paragraph

In conclusion, while both sides have merit, I believe that...Having considered both arguments, it seems that...

Step 3

High-Scoring Vocabulary & Collocations

holistic developmentThe process of nurturing a child's intellectual, emotional, social, physical, and creative growth.
financial literacyThe ability to understand and effectively use various financial skills, including personal financial management, budgeting, and investing.
pedagogical approachThe method and practice of teaching, especially as an academic subject or theoretical concept.
it is widely acknowledged thatA phrase used to introduce a generally accepted fact or belief.
a compelling argument can be madeA phrase used to introduce a strong and persuasive reason or point of view.
this notion is predicated onThis idea or belief is based on or dependent upon a particular assumption or principle.
from my perspectiveA phrase used to introduce one's personal opinion or viewpoint.
the evidence overwhelmingly suggestsA phrase used to indicate that there is a great deal of strong proof supporting a particular conclusion.
notwithstandingDespite; in spite of (used to introduce a contrasting point that does not diminish the previous one).
this is not to say thatA phrase used to clarify that a previous statement does not imply something else, often to avoid misinterpretation or to introduce a nuance.

Step 4

Academic Phrases for This Essay Type

It is widely acknowledged thatThere is compelling evidence to suggestThis phenomenon can be attributed toA growing body of research indicatesThe implications of this are far-reachingThis raises important questions aboutFrom a broader perspectiveIt would be short-sighted to ignore

Addition

MoreoverFurthermoreIn additionWhat is more

Contrast

HoweverNeverthelessOn the other handConversely

Cause / Effect

ConsequentlyAs a resultThereforeThis leads to

Example

For instanceTo illustrateA case in point isSuch as

Concession

AlthoughWhile it is true thatDespiteAdmittedly

Step 5

Grammar Patterns for Band 7+

Complex sentence with concession

Although some argue that technology isolates people, the evidence suggests it strengthens connections.

Shows advanced grammatical control. Start with 'Although/While' + opposing view, then state your position — demonstrates nuanced thinking.

Conditional (Type 2)

If governments invested more in public transport, traffic congestion would decrease significantly.

Perfect for hypothetical scenarios and solutions. Structure: 'If + past simple, would + infinitive' — shows flexibility and imagination.

Passive for academic tone

It is often argued that education should be free. However, this view overlooks the practical challenges.

Academic writing favors passive constructions. 'It is + past participle + that' creates authoritative, objective tone.

Relative clause

Students who study abroad, which is becoming increasingly common, tend to develop greater independence.

Adds sophistication without complexity. Use 'who' for people, 'which' for things, 'that' for either.

Noun phrase for density

The rapid expansion of urban areas has led to increased pollution levels.

Packs more information into fewer words. 'The implementation of effective policies' vs 'policies are implemented effectively' — boosts Lexical Resource score.

Step 6

Band 9 Model Answer (Fully Marked)

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