By English Test Coach · Updated
Academic Task 2 · Discuss both views
Local services for an ageing population
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
A town with a growing proportion of older residents is reviewing its community budget. Some residents think extra money should go to organised social activities for older people. Others believe practical support at home should receive priority. 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: Compare different needs without age-based assumptions →
Social participation: a voluntary local activity could give someone who wants more contact a regular opportunity to contribute skills and meet others. Explain how the activity works and who can reach it. Do not assume all older residents are lonely, inactive or interested in one programme.
Practical support and priority: help with a named essential task could support someone whose current abilities or circumstances make it difficult. Compare this need with the participation benefit, base assistance on actual circumstances and preferences, and acknowledge that allocating extra funds to one service limits the other.
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.
- regular contact
- Repeated interaction with other people over a period of time.
A weekly group could provide regular contact for residents who want to take part.
- assessed need
- A requirement identified from someone’s actual situation rather than a general label.
Practical support should reflect assessed need rather than age alone.
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