For a 'Discuss both views' essay, it's crucial to dedicate a distinct body paragraph to each perspective presented in the prompt. Avoid the common pitfall of merging arguments or giving disproportionate attention to one side, as this will undermine your task response and coherence. Present your own opinion clearly in the conclusion, drawing logically from the discussion.

When discussing the benefits of an early school start, you could reference the emphasis on early literacy and numeracy found in some East Asian education systems, or the benefits of early socialisation observed in well-structured preschool programs. Conversely, for a later start, consider citing the Finnish model, which prioritises play-based learning and social-emotional development until age seven, often lauded for its academic success and student well-being.

The most common mistake on this question is failing to adequately discuss *both* views presented in the prompt, or introducing a third, irrelevant perspective. Ensure each body paragraph clearly addresses one side of the argument, providing supporting details, and then articulate your personal stance explicitly in the conclusion, not earlier.

To effectively transition between the two contrasting views, use clear signposting phrases at the start of each body paragraph. For instance, begin the first view with 'One perspective posits that...' and the second with 'Conversely, proponents of a later start contend that...'. This clearly delineates your discussion points.

For a band 8-9, examiners seek a nuanced discussion that doesn't just list points but develops them with logical reasoning and relevant examples, demonstrating a deep understanding of the educational debate. Crucially, your own opinion in the conclusion must be well-justified and reflect a thoughtful synthesis of the arguments presented, showcasing sophisticated lexical resource and grammatical range and accuracy.