By English Test Coach · Updated
Academic Task 2 · Discuss both views
Advertising on children’s learning websites
An original IELTS practice question with a planning route and a sample answer to learn from.
Aim for at least 250 words in about 40 minutes. Suggested practice level: intermediate, not a predicted band.
Your writing task
Some people support allowing advertising on free learning websites designed for children because it helps pay for the service. Others believe these websites should contain no commercial advertising. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
How to approach this question
Explain both viewpoints fairly and give your own judgement when the question asks for it.
Discussion essays: cover both views and your opinion →
Worked example: Test what an advertising safeguard would actually solve →
Advertising-supported view: explain how revenue could pay for lesson creation and website maintenance without charging families. Develop a concrete access example, then describe a proposed safeguard such as separating advertisements from exercises; do not assume that all providers or adverts meet it.
Advertising-free view and judgement: consider the difference between identifying a sales message and removing it from the learning environment. Evaluate distraction or the perceived connection with a trusted activity. If you prefer alternative funding, acknowledge that donations or school partnerships may support fewer activities rather than assuming unlimited money.
These are possible directions, not required opinions or facts to memorise. Develop your own response and check every claim against the task.
A possible plan
- Introduction: identify both views and give your own opinion.
- Body 1: explain why people hold the first view and illustrate their reasoning.
- Body 2: fairly explain the second view; show how your judgement relates to it.
- Conclusion: weigh the views and restate your own position.
Vocabulary you can use precisely
Choose language that fits your meaning. You do not need to include every phrase.
- advertising revenue
- Money received for displaying advertisements.
Advertising revenue could help a provider keep its learning activities free to families.
- learning environment
- The setting and conditions in which someone studies.
A commercial message can change the learning environment even when it is clearly labelled.
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