C1 Essay Mastery
The ultimate C1 test is mastering the difference between an Argumentative essay and a Discursive essay.
gavel Argumentative
Goal: Persuade the reader to agree with your specific opinion from the very first paragraph.
2. Body 1: Your first reason.
3. Body 2: Your second reason.
4. Body 3: Counter-argument (prove the other side is wrong).
5. Conclusion: Restate your stance.
balance Discursive
Goal: Explore both sides of a topic objectively before giving your opinion.
2. Body 1: Arguments FOR (Advantages).
3. Body 2: Arguments AGAINST (Disadvantages).
4. Conclusion: Summarize and give your final opinion.
my_location The Counter-Argument
In C1 Argumentative essays, acknowledging the opposite side makes your own argument much stronger!
Don't ruin a Discursive essay.
Mastering Essays 🎬
Watch Teacher Sopheak map out the exact paragraph structure required for IELTS Task 2. Learn how to identify whether a prompt is asking for an Argumentative or Discursive response.
C1 Check ⚡
In a Discursive essay, you should never give your opinion.
Mission 🎯
Mission 🎯
Mission 🎯
Ask a Question 🙋♂️
Recent Questions
Hi Nita! Look at the instruction words. If it asks "To what extent do you agree or disagree?", it is asking for an ARGUMENTATIVE essay (pick one side and defend it). If it asks "Discuss both views and give your opinion", it is asking for a DISCURSIVE essay! 📝
If I write a Discursive essay, do I HAVE to write a conclusion? Or can I just leave it balanced?
You MUST write a conclusion, Vireak! A Discursive essay explores both sides in the body, but the prompt almost always asks you to "give your opinion". The conclusion is the only place where you step in, weigh the evidence you just presented, and give your final verdict! ⚖️
Teacher, how do I know if an IELTS prompt is asking for an Argumentative or Discursive essay?