The Last Word
Speaking skill

Evaluating Two Views

When a question asks why some people think one thing while others think another, the examiner wants to hear you weigh up both sides - not just deliver your own opinion. This skill is about doing that fluently, with real reasons behind each view.

This is the quick-fix version — see the full guide →
Common mistake

Answering with only your own opinion, not both views

"The question asks 'why do some people... while others...' - do I need to talk about both groups, or can I just say what I think?"

Cover both groups first - give a real reason each side might have - and only then, if you like, add your own personal lean at the end.

Why this works
— Name both groups explicitly ('some people... while others...') Mirroring the question's own "some people... others..." structure immediately shows the examiner you're comparing two opinions, not just stating your own.
— Give a concrete reason for each side A specific reason - cost, convenience, tradition, or feeling - explains WHY each group holds its view, not just what the view is.
— Finish by saying which side you lean towards Weighing both sides doesn't mean staying neutral forever - ending with your own lean shows you can synthesize, not just report.
Weak
Some people like to travel abroad. I don't really know why - I just like staying home.
Upgraded
Some people love travelling abroad because it lets them experience a completely different culture, while others would rather stay in their own country since it's cheaper and far less stressful to organise. Personally, I'm in the first group - I'll save up for a trip abroad every chance I get.
Weak
I like pop music more than classical music, but I don't really know why other people like classical.
Upgraded
Some people are drawn to classical music because they find it soothing and it helps them unwind, whereas others prefer pop music since the catchy rhythms suit a livelier lifestyle. I'm firmly in the pop camp myself.
Weak
I only keep photos on my phone. Some people print them out but I don't get why.
Upgraded
Some people still print their photos because they find a physical album more meaningful and enjoy flipping through it with family, however plenty of people - me included - prefer digital photos since they're far easier to store and share instantly.
Common mistake

Restating both views without giving reasons

"I named both sides ('some people like X, other people like Y') but it still sounds flat - what's missing?"

A reason for each side. Just repeating the two positions doesn't explain WHY people hold them - add a concrete reason to each one, joined with a contrast word like 'while' or 'whereas'.

Why this works
— Give a concrete reason for each side A specific reason - cost, convenience, tradition, or feeling - explains WHY each group holds its view, not just what the view is.
— Use a contrast linker ('while', 'whereas', 'however') A contrast linker joins the two views into one fluent sentence instead of two flat, disconnected statements.
Weak
Some people like buying branded products. Other people don't like it.
Upgraded
Some people go for branded products because they trust the quality and like the status of a recognisable name, whereas others stick to generic options simply because they're a lot cheaper and do exactly the same job.
Weak
Some people prefer to travel abroad. Some people prefer to stay in their own country.
Upgraded
Some people prefer travelling abroad because they crave the excitement of somewhere completely new, although others stick with their own country since a familiar trip is far less stressful to plan and pay for.
Weak
Some people like listening to live music. Some people prefer listening to CDs.
Upgraded
Some people love live music because the atmosphere and energy of a real crowd can't be recreated at home, while others prefer CDs since they get the same sound quality anytime, without the ticket price.
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