litumi
B2 · Pre-advanced35 min

Writing a discussion essay: Discuss two views and give your opinion

Syllabus topic 3: Writing a discussion essay: Discuss two views and give your opinion

170–230 words · Discussion essay. Discuss these views: 'Public libraries should spend most of their budget on books' and 'Libraries should prioritise shared working spaces and activities.' Explain both views and give your own opinion.

Your writing task

Write 170–230 words. Discuss these views: 'Public libraries should spend most of their budget on books' and 'Libraries should prioritise shared working spaces and activities.' Explain both views and give your own opinion.

Writing focus

Do not turn the first viewpoint into an obviously weak argument. Explain why a reasonable person could support it before evaluating the alternatives.

Your progress

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Mark this lesson as studied when you have finished the explanation.

My plan

Plan, write, revise

Suggested structure

  1. Introduce the competing priorities.
  2. Explain the strongest case for each view.
  3. Give a reasoned judgement that addresses the trade-off.

Useful language

  • Those who favour… argue that…
  • An alternative view is that…
  • The stronger priority, in my view, is…

Use these phrases if they fit your ideas. There is no single correct response.

0 words · Suggested: 170–230Restoring your draft…

170 more words to reach the suggested range.

Review your draft

This is guided self-review, not automatic grading. The word range is a guide. Editing your text clears the checklist so you can review the new version; previous lesson completion stays in your history.

See an illustrative response

Libraries face increasing demands on limited budgets. Some people believe their main responsibility is to provide books, while others argue that shared spaces and activities now deserve greater priority. The case for books is strong. A library allows readers to access material they could not afford to buy, including specialist books that may be difficult to find elsewhere. Reducing the collection too far could weaken the service that originally brings many visitors through the door. However, a library can also provide something that books alone cannot: a welcoming place to study, meet or learn with others. A quiet desk may be particularly valuable to someone whose home is crowded. Activities can introduce new users to services they would otherwise overlook. In my view, neither function should be treated as disposable. Maintaining a useful collection should remain a core commitment, but additional spending should respond to local needs. A branch with unused rooms might benefit more from a study area than from expanding a collection that already serves its readers well. Decisions should therefore be based on how the library is used, not on a single rule for every community.

This example illustrates structure and tone and may be shorter than the suggested range. Develop your own response.

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