Hustlers IELTS | Cambridge IELTS 8 (General Training Test B) | Discuss Both Views + Opinion (Band 7–9)
This is a classic “Discuss both views and give your opinion” question. The two views are direct opposites, so your structure must be disciplined:
- one paragraph for single-sex schools
- one paragraph for mixed (co-educational) schools
- one paragraph for your opinion
- a clear conclusion (or a strong final opinion paragraph)
If you blur the views together or hide your position until the end, you bleed marks.
The Task
Some people think that it is better to educate boys and girls in separate schools. Others, however, believe that boys and girls benefit more from attending mixed schools.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
The High-Band Plan (Fast, Clear, Effective)
View 1: Separate schools
- fewer distractions from the opposite sex → better focus, confidence
- girls may feel freer to study “boys’ subjects” (e.g., science) without stereotypes
View 2: Mixed schools
- stereotypes can be challenged inside co-ed schools
- boys and girls learn to socialise and cooperate — school is social preparation for real life
Opinion
- if schools actively encourage participation and challenge bias, single-sex schooling is hard to justify
- mixed schools better reflect the real world and develop social skills
Band 7–9 Model Essay
Many countries offer parents the choice of whether to send their children to single sex schools or co-educational schools, and there are various arguments for both systems.
One justification for educating boys and girls separately is that young people will not be distracted by a desire to impress members of the opposite sex through such things as fashion, behaviour, body image or make-up. This not only means that students can instead focus on their studies, but they are likely to feel more confident. Another reason is that in a girls’ school, girls are more likely to do well in subjects traditionally seen as “boy’s subjects”, such as science, because they don’t have to overcome these stereotypes.
However, such stereotypes can be challenged. When schools actively encourage girls to study these so-called boys’ subjects, they can attain high levels. In the United Kingdom, for example, where co-educational schools are common, girls are now achieving higher levels of attainment in science than boys, which seems to undermine the argument that girls do better in single sex schools. It should also be recognised that schools are not just educational environments, they are also social settings, and having boys and girls mixing together means that young people learn to socialise and work together with members of the opposite sex. Without that socialisation, boys in particular may have difficulty interacting with girls as they get older.
Personally I feel that if schools actively challenge traditional gender biases towards certain subjects, then there is little justification for single sex schools. And I think it is important to recognise the importance of a school in developing social skills, and therefore mixed gender schools seem to be the ones most parents prefer. After all, schools are supposed to prepare young people for the real world, and in most countries there is little if any gender segregation.
(309 words)
Why This Essay Scores High
1) Both views are explained fairly
The essay doesn’t dismiss single-sex education. It gives two clear reasons, developed logically.
2) The co-ed argument is stronger and supported with a real example
The UK example adds credibility and shows the writer can support claims with evidence.
3) The opinion is clear and justified
The position isn’t emotional. It’s conditional and reasoned:
If schools challenge bias proactively, mixed schools make more sense — academically and socially.
That’s the kind of judgement IELTS rewards.
Vocabulary & Collocations to Reuse
- single sex schools / co-educational schools
- various arguments for both systems
- distracted by a desire to impress
- focus on their studies
- feel more confident
- subjects traditionally seen as
- overcome stereotypes
- actively encourage
- attain high levels
- levels of attainment
- undermine the argument
- educational environments / social settings
- mixing together
- work together
- have difficulty interacting
- little justification
- prepare young people for the real world
- gender segregation
Hustlers IELTS Final Word
To score Band 7+ on this task:
- separate the views cleanly
- make your position obvious
- use one strong example (not ten weak ones)
- show balanced thinking without sounding confused