Writing · Free lesson
IELTS Task 2: address both views and your opinion
Use this original library-funding prompt to practice planning for IELTS Academic Writing Task 2. This is a planning activity, not an official question or a scored essay.
Professor Scott MendozaThe short answer
If an IELTS Task 2 prompt asks you to discuss both views and give your opinion, your plan needs all three: a fair explanation of each view and your own clear position. Discussing a view does not mean agreeing with it.
Separate the task instructions from the position you prefer.
First explain why someone might support digital access. Then explain a reason for printed collections. Decide which approach you favor and why. You may favor one view or propose a qualified balance, but your position must be clear and consistent.
An original prompt and useful planning notes
Some people think public libraries should spend more on digital access. Others prefer investment in printed collections. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Digital access can help people who cannot visit during opening hours.
Printed collections serve readers who lack reliable internet.
I favor expanding digital access while retaining essential print services so that neither group is excluded.
The position states a choice and its reason. It does not just announce that both sides exist.
Check the three duties
Explain both views
digital access → access outside opening hours; print → access without reliable internet
Choose and support
expand digital access + retain essential print → avoid excluding readers
Try it now
Does the plan cover the prompt?
Read all answers and explanations
A plan explains both views but gives no personal position. What is missing?
The writer’s own opinionThe prompt explicitly asks for your own opinion as well as both views.
You favor digital access. How should you handle printed collections?
Explain a genuine reason for that viewDiscussing a view means explaining it fairly; you can still prefer another approach.
Which note clearly states a position?
I favor more digital access while keeping essential print services.The last note says what the writer favors. The others give background without a choice.
Put it into practice
Complete the missing opinion
The plan already explains both views. Choose a final note that adds a supported opinion.
Digital access helps remote users. Print helps readers without reliable internet. My view: ...
See a model answer
I favor expanding digital access while keeping essential print services so that neither group is excluded.
This is one valid position, not the only acceptable opinion. A different clear position can work if it addresses the task and is supported.
A little more clarity
Common questions
A few useful details before you move on.
Must I agree equally with both views?
No. Explain both fairly, then make your own supported position clear. Fair discussion is not equal agreement.
I recognize the value of print, but I favor expanding digital access.
Must I use this exact structure?
No. This is a planning aid. The real requirement is to address the actual prompt with organized, developed ideas and a clear position.
Both views + your position → check the task, not a memorized template.
Take it into your day
Explain each view fairly, then make your own position unmistakable.
Your next step · Available on Udemy
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The English Grammar and English Speaking Master Course develops broader grammar, sentence-building, and communication foundations. Clear sentences help you express reasons and a consistent position. The dedicated exam course is coming soon; the available main course is not a complete exam-preparation program.
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