Level B2 (approx. band 5.5-6.5) · Academic and General Training The instruction "Discuss both views and give your own opinion" contains two jobs, not one. Many candidates do the first job well. They describe both sides fairly, then finish with "both views have their merits" and never say what they think. In this episode: • Two jobs in one instruction • Balance: fair and developed • Where your opinion goes • Avoiding a hidden opinion • Model • Language bridge • Practice • Self-check questions with answers Key points: • a discussion essay has two jobs, and you must do both. • report each view with a reason and an example, even the one you disagree with. • state your opinion in the introduction, show it in the body and confirm it in the conclusion. • if your opinion can be missed, it will be missed. IELTS Complete Course: a self-study podcast from A1 to C2 for Academic and General Training. Listen, pause and answer, then take the 52-question quiz. Audio voiced with AI from an original script by Dr. Rashmi R Nair. Independent course, not affiliated with the IELTS test owners.