Introduction Where people choose to live has a significant impact on their lifestyle and happiness. Some prefer the fast pace and convenience of city life, while others are drawn to the peace and simplicity of the...
Faglig kvalitetssikret av lærere og toppstudenter · Følger læreplanen (LK20) · Sist oppdatert 2026-07-23
When an exam task asks you to discuss both views and give your opinion on whether it is better to live in the city or the countryside, you must present a balanced, well-structured argument. This guide deepens the provided essay, showing you how to move from simple statements to a nuanced analysis that earns top grades.
Why this matters on the exam
The "Discuss both views and give your opinion" format is a cornerstone of English writing exams in upper secondary school, as well as standardized tests like IELTS and TOEFL. It directly tests several competence aims from the LK20 curriculum, particularly the ability to "write formal texts with a logical structure" and "use subject knowledge and sources in a critical and verifiable way". In a final exam, you might encounter a task like: "Some argue that urbanisation is the key to progress, while others claim it destroys local communities and the environment. Discuss both perspectives and present your own reasoned conclusion." This task type requires you to demonstrate intellectual maturity by weighing conflicting ideas before forming a judgement, a key skill for higher education.
Excelling at this format shows an examiner that you can do more than just list points; you can synthesise information, construct a coherent argument, and use sophisticated language to express complex ideas. It is not simply a test of your opinion, but a test of your ability to engage critically with a debate. …