The short answer
For a prompt that asks you to discuss both views and give your opinion, explain the reasoning behind each view and make your judgement explicit. Mentioning an opposing view in one sentence is usually insufficient development.
Identify all three jobs
This task combines two explanations and a judgement. Put three boxes on your planning page: view A, view B and my opinion. For each view, ask why a reasonable person might support it. This helps you discuss the argument fairly even when you disagree.
Decide how the views relate. Sometimes they offer incompatible policies; sometimes each is useful under different conditions. Your opinion should arise from that comparison. Avoid attaching an unrelated personal preference to the end of two descriptive paragraphs.
Give both sides a reason
Use the same level of specificity for each view. If one paragraph offers a developed example and the other only asserts that people disagree, the discussion is unbalanced.
Revise for balance and relevance
Highlight sentences about each view in different colours. Look for an entire paragraph that describes an example without explaining why it supports that view. Add the missing link rather than adding more examples. Then underline your own judgement and check that it appears clearly before the reader reaches the final sentence.
For a second practice attempt, keep the topic but reverse your personal opinion. This tests whether you understand both arguments or have merely memorised one response. You do not need equal word counts for each side, but both need enough explanation to fulfil the instruction.
Before your next attempt
- I explained why someone would support each view.
- My opinion addresses the comparison in the prompt.
- The conclusion does not introduce an undeveloped third argument.
Frequently asked questions
Where should I put my opinion?
State it clearly in the introduction and maintain it through your discussion and conclusion. There is no need to hide it until the last sentence.
Must I agree equally with both views?
No. Discuss both fairly, then explain which is stronger or under what conditions each is useful.
Sources and editorial notes
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