Discussion Essay — discuss both + give your opinion structure

Question format

"Some people think A. Others believe B. Discuss both views and give your own opinion."

Điểm khó: phải present view A fairly + view B fairly + give YOUR opinion (which can align with A, B, or middle ground).

Structure A: Body 1 = A, Body 2 = B + opinion at end

Intro

• Sentence 1: Paraphrase topic (both views exist)
• Sentence 2: State YOUR opinion clearly upfront

Ví dụ:

"Whether higher education should be free or fee-paying remains a contentious issue. While both perspectives have merit, I lean towards the view that university should be publicly funded, as this best serves long-term societal interests."

Body 1: View A (free education)

• Topic sentence: "Those who advocate free education argue that..."
• Reasons supporting view A (NEUTRAL tone, not your opinion)
• Example illustrating view A

Body 2: View B (fee-paying) + your opinion

• Topic sentence: "Conversely, proponents of fee-paying systems contend that..."
• Reasons supporting view B (NEUTRAL)
• Brief example
• YOUR OPINION (last 2-3 sentences): why you ultimately favor one view

Conclusion

• Restate both views exist
• Reaffirm your position

Structure B: Body 1 = your view, Body 2 = other view (refuted)

Intro

• Same as Structure A — state opinion upfront

Body 1: View you agree with

• Develop your supported view extensively

Body 2: Opposing view

• Present opposing view fairly
• Acknowledge merit
• BUT refute ("however, this overlooks...")

This structure stronger if you have CLEAR preference. Structure A better if you're more balanced.