Tổng hợp đề thi IELTS Writing Task 2 dạng bài Discussion Essay

Tiếp nối chuỗi bài viết về các dạng bài trong IELTS Writing task 2, trong bài viết này, TAK12 xin gửi đến các bạn kiến thức tổng quan về dạng bài Discussion Essay và tổng hợp đề thi theo từng năm. Hy vọng giúp ích cho các bạn trong quá trình luyện tập.

1. Tổng quan về dạng bài Discussion Essay

1.1: Giới thiệu chung:

Đối với dạng bài Discussion essay, đề sẽ đưa ra câu hỏi thảo luận về hai quan điểm trái ngược đối với một vấn đề cụ thể. Trong dạng đề này sẽ đưa ra các ý kiến mâu thuẫn và bạn sẽ phải nói về các quan điểm mẫu thuẫn này trước khi nêu ý kiến cá nhân. Điều quan trọng khi làm bài dạng này là bạn cần phải giữ được tính khách quan trong khi phân tích đối với các quan điểm mẫu thuận rồi từ đó mới đưa ra ý kiến cá nhân.

1.2: Dấu hiệu nhận biết Discussion Essay

Dấu hiệu nhận biết: Các câu hỏi thường xuất hiện cuối đề bài của dạng bài này: 

  • Discuss both points of view and give your opinion.
  • Discuss both views and give your opinion.

1.3:  Cách viết Discussion Essay

Mở bài:

  • General Statement: paraphrase câu hỏi đề bài
  • Thesis statement: trả lời câu hỏi đề bài bằng cách giới thiệu hai quan điểm và nêu ý kiến cá nhân: quan điểm nào mạnh hơn?

Thân bài 1:

  • Topic Sentence – Câu chủ đề: nhắc lại quan điểm 1 bằng cách paraphrase thesis statement
  • Supporting ideas: phát triển ý

Thân bài 2 (nếu quan điểm 2 mạnh hơn):

  • Topic Sentence – Câu chủ đề: nhắc lại rằng quan điểm 2 quan trọng hơn bằng cách paraphrase thesis statement
  • Supporting ideas: phát triển ý

Kết luận:

  • Restatement of the answer: diễn giải lại câu luận điểm và quan điểm cá nhân
  • Recommendation: đưa ra một đề xuất nên theo quan điểm nào

2. Tổng hợp đề thi IELTS Writing Task 2 dạng bài Discussion Essay

2.1: Đề IELTS Writing Discussion essay ngày 07/04/2018

Đề bài: Some people think the government funding should not be used for supporting art and culture, while others think supporting cultural activities may be beneficial for the population and the culture. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Bài viết mẫu:

Opinions diverge on the necessity of funding cultural activities. While some claim it is an unnecessary investment, others believe both citizens and cultures would benefit if governments were to provide financial support for art and culture. I will discuss both views and state my own opinion in this essay.

On the one hand, many people oppose investing in cultural activities because there are more serious issues to address. The deterioration of transport infrastructure in many cities, for example, is the major reason for the increased number of traffic accidents. Using money for the construction of new roads and highways would bring about immediate effects and save thousands of lives. In addition, nations across the globe are facing many environmental problems that require urgent attention, namely pollution and natural resource depletion. National leaders, therefore, should join forces with scientists to combat these issues by allocating financial resources to the development of renewable and environmentally friendly sources of energy. There is no point in spending money on cultural activities before ensuring a safe and clean environment for citizens.

Advocates of art and culture, on the other hand, argue that cultural activities play an important role in people’s lives. Cultural events, like Tet holiday or Christmas, are occasions when family members gather together, which helps to strengthen the sense of family and community and further enriches people’s lives. Moreover, funding these activities helps to preserve cultural diversity, especially in such a globalised world where so much culture is being lost and forgotten. The Vietnamese government, for instance, has constructed many museums that solely exhibit examples of ethnic minority culture, whose populations are decreasing at an alarming rate.

In conclusion, I believe that cultural activities are of great significance and require attention and financial support from governments. However, it is also the government’s duty to address issues in transportation and the environment to protect citizens’ lives and maintain a healthy environment for people to live.

2.2: Đề IELTS Writing Discussion essay ngày 19/10/2019 

Đề bài: Many people are now spending more and more time travelling to work or school, some people believe that this is a negative development, while others think there are some benefits. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Bài viết mẫu:

These days, many people spend an increasing amount of time commuting to the workplace or academic institutions. Although certain merits can be pointed out, I believe that it is overall a negative development.

On the one hand, some people may consider longer trips to and from work or school as an opportunity to enjoy themselves. First, some people can take advantage of those longer rides to pursue their interest in reading or movie watching. Besides, while sitting on a train or a bus, the bliss of solitude can give passengers moments of freedom to contemplate their own matters. Additionally, some people can use these longer rides to have a quick nap to recharge their energies. For example, it is easy to catch sight of office workers taking a nap on the subway in Japan, a country where people have the culture of long working hours.

Nevertheless, longer travelling time to work and school negatively affects people’s lives. First, long hours driving drains people’s health both physically and mentally. Since driving requires a level of alertness and concentration, any sign of sleepiness, fatigue or careless behavior can lead to tragic accidents. Additionally, spending more and more time travelling leaves less time for other more productive activities such as spending time with beloved families or chasing one’s pursuits. As a result, those people easily suffer from stress. Finally, longer driving time on a daily basis increases transportation costs including fuel and car maintenance. 

In conclusion, despite certain advantages, the phenomenon of spending an increasing amount of time travelling has adverse implications on people’s quality of life.  

2.3: Đề IELTS Writing Discussion essay ngày 15/07/2019

Đề bài: Some people say that advertising is extremely successful at persuading us to buy things. Other people think that advertising is so common that we no longer pay attention to it. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Bài viết mẫu:

There could be a debate surrounding whether advertising is effective, with opponents arguing that it is now too ubiquitous to actually have any impact. In my opinion, advertising is a large waste of money, since most advertisements are not paid attention to.

On the one hand, there are those who argue that the returns on advertising for companies is worthwhile, since advertising can help us differentiate between the same types of products. If advertising is not effective, for instance, it is questionable as to why companies still continue to do it. Thus, one might suggest that the billions of dollars poured into marketing yearly, for instance, is a testament to the ongoing effectiveness of advertising.

On the other hand, it could be said that the large amounts of money invested into advertising does not show its efficacy, but actually proves that it is rather cost-ineffective. With the constant bombardment of ads today, it could be said that many people are increasingly becoming averse to them, and as such, more and more money has to be invested in order to grab the consumer’s attention. Recent studies, for instance, show that millennials and Gen Z respond much less to ads, preferring to use things such as Adblock on their browsers instead.

Overall, I thus argue that the huge cost of advertising today, far from showing its usefulness as an industry, actually showcases how its ubiquity has become the source of its falling popularity. 

2.4: Đề IELTS Writing Discussion essay ngày 08/10/2020 

Đề bài: Governments in many countries have recently introduced special taxes on foods and beverages with high levels of sugar. Some think these taxes are a good idea while others disagree. Discuss both views and give you own opinion.

Bài viết mẫu:

Today, with the increasing rate of health problems due to sugary foods, governments worldwide have introduced special taxes on sugar. While I think this action is mainly effective, there are some downsides that we need to consider.

I agree that there should be a special tax on sugary foods and beverages. Firstly, sugar is the culprit for multiple health issues. For example, sugary foods can first lead to obesity and dental problems. A more serious case of overindulgence of sugary foods and beverages can ultimately lead to diabetes, which almost cannot be entirely cured. Another reason why I think sugary foods should be taxed is this tax is a way to relieve the burden on healthcare systems in the future. Health issues involving sugar usually show themselves when individuals are older, and statistically poorer. This demographic's healthcare is usually subsidized by the government, which is why taxing sugary foods helps to balance out healthcare costs.

However, I can understand why people are against this special tax law. Special taxes on harmful items have been placed on tobacco and alcohol products, for example. Despite this effort, many people are consuming these products regularly. Therefore, many think taxing sugary foods will not make a difference. Some also point out that putting taxes on sugar, without educating people on the reasons for it, can be seen as oppressive to many. For example, only health-conscious people are aware of the dangers high levels of sugar bring. The general public cannot fully understand this, so taxing sugary drinks out of the blue seems oppressive and not transparent. Extreme people may even makeup conspiracies that this tax will only benefit the government.

In conclusion, while I think that there should be a tax on overly sugary foods and drinks, I still believe that the government should carry out this action carefully and inform citizens beforehand. 

2.5: Đề IELTS Writing Discussion essay ngày 18/07/2020

Đề bài: Some people focus on news in their country, while others think it is more important to be aware of international news. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Bài viết mẫu: 

People hold widely differing views on whether following domestic news or world news is more important. Although it is true that concentrating on news from all over the world is beneficial to some extent, I would argue that keeping abreast of national news is a wiser choice.

On the one hand, it is undeniable that being aware of international news has certain benefits. To begin with, following international news can keep people up-to-date with information about global environmental issues. For example, this type of news often provides people with up-to-the-minute reports about the harmful effects of climate change. Therefore, they would realize the urgency of the current environmental situation, thereby taking actions to improve it. Furthermore, if people prefer world news, they can be well-informed about global pandemics. As a result, preventive measures could be promptly taken to prevent deadly diseases from spreading further.

On the other hand, I believe that national news is of greater importance for a number of reasons. The first one is that since this kind of news can keep people informed about any changes in the job market in their country, they would be able to make timely corresponding adjustments to their skills and knowledge. Thus, it would be easier for them to find a suitable and promising career path, which could lead to a happier life in general. Additionally, focusing on domestic news would help people to be more aware of events relating to national politics that may have a direct impact on their lives. To illustrate, when people have sufficient information about presidential candidates in the upcoming election, they would know who they should cast their vote for, which is an important decision as the future of their country depends on it.

In conclusion, while I acknowledge the importance of keeping up with what is happening around the world, I am still of the opinion that domestic news should be paid more attention to.

2.6: Đề IELTS Writing Discussion essay ngày 09/10/2021 

Đề bài: Some people think that it is more beneficial to take part in sports which are played in teams, like football. But others think taking part in individual sports is better, like swimming. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Bài viết mẫu:

While some say that participating in team sports is advantageous, others think that players will reap more benefits from individual sports. In my opinion, I support the idea that team sports can support a person’s development better.

First of all, team sports are beneficial as they can help foster various desirable qualities in a person. A great team player is oftentimes also a supportive and cooperative friend, and a visionary who is capable of utilizing team members’ strengths when and where appropriate. A case in point is double badminton. To win a match, both players must understand how each other plays. Only in that case can both athletes find a suitable arrangement within a match. Next, both have to place their trust in the other person’s ability to cover the arena. Moreover, team sports can help build great camaraderie, especially for working adults who do not have time to mingle.

Nevertheless, individual sports are quite advantageous in some cases. It allows the players to learn more about themselves and focus on improving their ability alone. By having to fully bear the weight of any loss or take credit for any success, the player will grow to be a responsible, self-reliant, and confident person. Take chess for example, in most cases, chess is an individual sport as this game requires complete trust in one’s ability, speed, and the ability to foresight. All of which are difficult to achieve in team sports where many minds are involved in the decision making process.

Overall, even though individual sports offer some positives to a certain extent, I completely agree with the idea that team sports is more beneficial to people since it can help them develop valuable attributes.

2.7: Đề IELTS Writing Discussion essay ngày 11/08/2022

Đề bài: Many people believe that good planning is the key factor to success in life, while others believe that other factors like hard work or luck are important. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Bài viết mẫu:

There are those who take the stand that successful people result from them making effective plans, while others argue that other elements such as diligence and fortune are more vital. This essay will discuss both perspectives and the reasons why I favor the former.

On the one hand, proponents believe planning skills are the main contributor to one’s success. The first benefit is that they enable people to achieve their goals. This is because they would plan out specific steps to follow so as to fulfill singular aims and then see the bigger picture of the procedure. In other words, plans remind them to make greater efforts and persevere with what they are doing. Furthermore, planning allows people to make timely adjustments in the future. More specifically, they could predict foreseeable scenarios, thus they are more likely to minimize potential risks and take advantage of opportunities to thrive in their career paths.

On the other hand, opponents consider other criteria are pivotal to success in many aspects of life. The foremost one is being assiduous. This quality ensures people pay attention to their work and pursue their passions without giving up, hence they are more likely to gain their own success. Another element is being fortunate in having opportune chances to develop. For instance, Bun Cha Huong Lien restaurant in Hanoi became instantly famous after the surprise visit of U.S president Obama in 2016 since diners from all corners of Vietnam wanted to come to this restaurant and try the same staples as he did.

In conclusion, both sides of the argument have their own merits. However, my personal view is that other factors including being industrious and lucky can have a more tangible effect on each individual’s success. This is because they would persevere in what they are doing and seize the opportunity to become successful.

3. Từ vựng dùng trong các bài mẫu trên:

  • To invest in something: Đầu tư vào một cái gì đó
  • The deterioration of transport infrastructure: Sự xuống cấp của cơ sở hạ tầng giao thông
  • To face many environmental problems: Đối mặt với nhiều vấn đề môi trường
  • To play an important role in something: Đóng một vai trò quan trọng trong một
  • To strengthen the sense of family and community: Tăng cường ý thức gia đình và cộng đồng
  • To preserve cultural diversity: Để bảo tồn sự đa dạng văn hóa
  • To play irreplaceably crucial roles: Đóng vai trò cực kỳ quan trọng không gì/ai có thể thay thế được
  • To carry out some research: Thực hiện nghiên cứu
  • The collection of actual data: Việc thu thập dữ liệu thực tế
  • To satisfy someone’s needs / to meet someone’s needs: Đáp ứng nhu cầu
  • Catalyst: Chất xúc tác
  • As a matter of course: Đương nhiên / tất nhiên
  • On a daily basis: Hàng ngày
  • An opportunity to: một cơ hội để
  • To drain sb’s health: làm kiệt sức của ai
  • Physically and mentally: về mặt thể chất và tinh thần
  • Alertness: sự tỉnh táo
  • To take advantage of: tận dụng
  • To pursue sb’s interest in: theo đuổi sở thích
  • The bliss of solitude: sự hạnh phúc của đơn độc
  • Passengers: hành khách
  • To contemplate sb’s matters: suy ngẫm về vấn đề của ai đó
  • To have a quick nap: chợp mắt
  • To recharge sb’s energies: nạp năng lượng
  • To catch sight of sth: bắt gặp
  • Fatigue: mệt mỏi, uể oải
  • Tragic accidents: tai nạn thảm khốc
  • Productive activities: hoạt động có chất lượng
  • Beloved families: gia đình thân yêu
  • To chase one’s pursuits: theo đuổi sở thích của ai đó
  • To suffer from: chịu đựng
  • Car maintenance: bảo dưỡng xe ô tô

Trên đây là tổng hợp của TAK12 về các đề IELTS Writing Task 2 dạng bài Discussion Essay trong những năm vừa qua. Hy vọng các thí sinh sẽ có thêm sự tự tin khi gặp dạng bài này trong phòng thi.

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