IELTS Discuss essay Format/ Samples for 2026

IELTS Discuss essay Format/ Samples for 2026

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INTRODUCTION

The growing debate is about whether __________ or  __________. I think __________ and this essay will explain both  with examples.

BODY PARAGRAPH 1 (FIRST VIEW)

Highlighting __________ is the main argument of those who support this view. As __________, __________.

Pointing out another crux, __________ further strengthens this argument. When __________, __________.

For example, __________, which __________.

BODY PARAGRAPH 2 (SECOND VIEW)

Emphasising __________ supports the opposing view.

As __________, __________. Underlining __________ also makes this view stronger. If/When __________, __________.

For instance, __________, which __________.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, although __________, I believe __________ because __________.

Question 1 (Discuss Essay – 2026 Style)

Some people believe artificial intelligence will replace most human jobs, while others argue it will create more employment opportunities. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

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Synonyms Bank (to avoid repeating question words)

Artificial intelligence → intelligent systems, automation tech, smart machines

Replace → displace, take over, substitute

Human jobs → occupations, roles, livelihoods

Create → generate, open up, give rise to

Employment opportunities → job prospects, career openings

Believe → hold the view, assume

Others → an opposing group, critics

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Sample Answer (≈ 270 words)

The rapid growth of intelligent systems has raised the question of whether automation tech will displace most human livelihoods or generate fresh job prospects. I think it will create more career openings overall despite short-term losses, and this essay will explain both stances with examples.

Highlighting large-scale job displacement is the main argument of critics who oppose automation. As machines can perform repetitive tasks faster and more accurately, companies increasingly substitute human labour with smart machines to cut costs and improve efficiency. Pointing out the decline of low-skill roles further strengthens this fear. When routine-based occupations such as assembly-line work, data entry, and basic customer support are automated, workers with limited technical skills struggle to find alternative livelihoods. For example, Amazon introduced over 750,000 warehouse robots in the United States, which reduced the need for manual pickers and led to thousands of entry-level positions being phased out between 2015 and 2022.

Emphasising the creation of new professions supports the opposing view that automation tech expands career openings. As intelligent systems require constant development, monitoring, and ethical supervision, new roles emerge in fields such as AI engineering, data science, and cybersecurity.

Underlining the need for reskilling also weakens the fear of permanent unemployment. When governments and companies invest in digital training programs, displaced workers can shift into higher-value occupations that did not exist in earlier labour markets. For instance, Google’s IT certification program helped thousands of former retail workers in India and the US move into tech-support and junior developer roles within one year of completion.

In conclusion, although automation tech will displace certain low-skill roles, I believe it will ultimately give rise to more diverse and higher-quality career openings if societies prioritise reskilling and digital education.

Question 2 (Discuss Essay – 2026 Style)

Some people think governments should invest more in renewable energy, while others feel funds should be prioritised for healthcare and education. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Synonyms Bank (to avoid repeating question words)

Governments → public authorities, state bodies

Invest → allocate funds, channel money

Renewable energy → clean power, green energy, sustainable energy

Healthcare → medical services, public health system

Education → schooling, academic sector

Prioritised → given precedence, ranked higher

Funds → public money, state budget

Sample Answer (≈ 270 words)

The ongoing policy debate is about whether public authorities should allocate more funds to clean power or give precedence to medical services and the academic sector. I think prioritising healthcare and education is more urgent, and this essay will explain both views with examples.

Highlighting environmental protection is the main reason supporters give for funding green energy.

As fossil fuels contribute heavily to climate change, investing in sustainable energy reduces carbon emissions and slows environmental damage.

Pointing out long-term economic benefits further strengthens this argument.

When countries develop domestic clean power industries, they reduce energy imports and create new green-sector jobs.

For example, Germany’s large-scale investment in solar and wind energy under its Energiewende policy helped cut emissions while generating over 300,000 renewable-energy jobs by 2020.

Emphasising immediate social needs supports the opposing view that public money should go to healthcare and schooling first. As hospitals and schools directly affect citizens’ quality of life, underfunding these sectors leads to overcrowded wards and poorly resourced classrooms.

Underlining human capital development also makes this view more convincing. When governments invest in education, they produce a skilled workforce that can later drive innovation, including in the clean energy sector itself. For instance, India’s increased spending on public healthcare after COVID-19 improved hospital infrastructure and vaccination capacity, which directly saved lives and stabilised the workforce.

In conclusion, although investing in sustainable energy is essential for long-term environmental goals, I believe allocating funds to healthcare and education should take priority because these sectors meet urgent human needs and lay the foundation for future development.

Question 3 (Discuss Essay – 2026 Style)

Some people believe online education is as effective as traditional classroom learning, while others argue face-to-face teaching is irreplaceable. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

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Synonyms Bank (to avoid repeating question words)

Online education → digital learning, virtual schooling, e-learning

Traditional classroom learning → in-person education, on-campus teaching

Effective → efficient, productive, impactful

Irreplaceable → indispensable, essential

Believe → hold the view, assume

Argue → contend, claim

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Sample Answer (≈ 270 words)

The growth of digital learning has raised the question of whether virtual schooling is as impactful as in-person education or whether on-campus teaching remains indispensable. I think face-to-face learning is still more effective overall and this essay will explain both  with examples.

Highlighting flexibility and accessibility is the main argument of those who support virtual schooling.

As students can attend classes from any location and at any time, digital learning removes geographical and time barriers. Pointing out cost efficiency further strengthens this view. When learners avoid accommodation, transport, and printed material expenses, education becomes more affordable for low-income groups. For example, during the COVID-19 lockdowns, India’s SWAYAM online platform enrolled over 20 million students, which allowed learners from rural areas to access university-level courses without relocating.

Emphasising personal interaction supports the opposing view that on-campus teaching is indispensable. As students can engage directly with instructors and peers, misunderstandings are resolved faster through real-time feedback.

Underlining structured discipline also makes this argument stronger. When learners follow a fixed timetable and attend physical classes, they are more likely to stay motivated and complete their courses on time. For instance, a 2021 UK university report showed that first-year students attending in-person lectures had a 25% higher course completion rate than those studying fully online.

In conclusion, although digital learning offers flexibility and wider access, I believe face-to-face education remains more effective because it provides stronger interaction, discipline, and academic support.

Question 4 (Discuss Essay – 2026 Style)

Some people think social media does more harm than good to mental health, while others believe it helps people stay connected and informed. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

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Synonyms Bank (to avoid repeating question words)

Social media → online platforms, networking apps, digital networks

Harm → damage, negatively affect

Good → benefit, support

Mental health → psychological wellbeing, emotional health

Connected → socially linked, in touch

Informed → aware, updated

Believe → hold the view, assume

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Sample Answer (≈ 270 words)

The widespread use of online platforms has raised the question of whether digital networks damage psychological wellbeing or whether they help people stay socially linked and informed. I think social media causes more harm than good overall and this essay will explain both  with examples.

Highlighting emotional stress is the main argument of critics who oppose networking apps. As users constantly compare their lives with carefully edited online images, feelings of anxiety and low self-esteem increase. Pointing out addiction-related problems further strengthens this view. When people spend excessive time scrolling through digital networks, productivity declines and sleep patterns are disrupted. For example, a 2022 study by the American Psychological Association reported that teenagers who spent more than three hours daily on social media were twice as likely to show symptoms of depression.

Emphasising social connection supports the opposing view that online platforms offer real benefits.

As people can communicate instantly across long distances, digital networks help families and friends stay in touch. Underlining access to information also makes this argument stronger. When users follow news outlets and educational pages, they become more aware of global events and social issues. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, platforms like WhatsApp and Twitter were widely used to share emergency updates and vaccination information, which helped communities respond faster.

In conclusion, although online platforms help people stay connected and informed, I believe they cause more harm than good because of their negative impact on emotional health and daily productivity.

Question 5 (Discuss Essay – 2026 Style)

Some argue that space exploration is a waste of public money, while others think it is essential for scientific progress. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

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Synonyms Bank (to avoid repeating question words)

Space exploration → space research, cosmic missions

Waste of public money → misuse of state funds, financial drain

Essential → vital, indispensable

Scientific progress → technological advancement, research development

Argue → contend, claim

Think → hold the view, believe

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Sample Answer (≈ 270 words)

The ongoing debate is about whether cosmic missions are a misuse of state funds or whether they are vital for technological advancement. I think space research is essential for long-term scientific progress and this essay will explain both  with examples.

Highlighting urgent social needs is the main argument of critics who oppose spending on space research.

As many countries still struggle with poverty, unemployment, and weak healthcare systems, directing large budgets to cosmic missions seems irresponsible.

Pointing out uncertain returns further strengthens this view. When space projects take decades to deliver results, taxpayers question whether the investment is worth the delay. For example, India’s Gaganyaan mission has a projected cost of over $1.5 billion, which some critics argue could instead improve rural hospitals and school infrastructure.

Emphasising technological spillover supports the opposing view that space research drives research development. As innovations created for cosmic missions are later used in everyday life, society benefits beyond scientific curiosity. Underlining national competitiveness also makes this argument stronger. When countries lead in space technology, they gain strategic advantages in communication, defence, and global influence. For instance, NASA’s space programs led to inventions such as GPS, memory foam, and advanced satellite imaging, which now support navigation, healthcare, and disaster management worldwide.

In conclusion, although space research demands massive financial investment, I believe it is indispensable because it fuels technological advancement and delivers long-term benefits to society.

Question 6 (Discuss Essay – 2026 Style)

Some people believe electric vehicles are the best solution to climate change, while others argue public transport should be improved instead. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

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Synonyms Bank (to avoid repeating question words)

Electric vehicles → EVs, battery-powered cars

Best solution → most effective answer, ideal fix

Climate change → global warming, environmental crisis

Public transport → mass transit, public transportation systems

Improved → upgraded, modernised

Believe → hold the view, assume

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Sample Answer (≈ 270 words)

The environmental debate is about whether battery-powered cars are the most effective answer to global warming or whether mass transit should be upgraded instead. I think improving public transportation systems is the better solution overall and this essay will explain both views with examples.

Highlighting reduced tailpipe emissions is the main argument of supporters of EVs. As battery-powered cars do not burn fossil fuels, they release zero exhaust gases during operation. Pointing out technological advancement further strengthens this view. When EV technology becomes cheaper and more efficient, more consumers can switch from petrol vehicles. For example, Norway’s heavy subsidies for electric cars helped raise EV sales to over 80% of new vehicles by 2022, which significantly lowered urban air pollution.

Emphasising large-scale impact supports the opposing view that mass transit is a stronger solution.

As buses, metros, and trains can carry thousands of passengers daily, upgrading public transportation systems reduces far more carbon emissions per dollar spent. Underlining traffic reduction also makes this argument stronger. When reliable mass transit is available, fewer private cars are needed, which eases congestion and lowers fuel consumption. For instance, Delhi’s Metro expansion has removed an estimated 300,000 cars from the roads each day, cutting both emissions and commute times.

In conclusion, although battery-powered cars help reduce exhaust pollution, I believe upgrading public transportation systems is a more practical and impactful solution to the environmental crisis.