Quick Answer
'Discuss' requires exploring multiple perspectives on an issue. 'To what extent' asks you to assess the degree to which something is true. Both require balance, but 'to what extent' specifically asks you to reach a judgment about degree, not just present views.
What You'll Learn
- Discuss = explore multiple perspectives
- To what extent = assess degree (fully, partially, not at all)
- Both require balanced consideration
- Your conclusion should address the degree
What 'Discuss' Requires
Discussion questions ask you to explore an issue from multiple angles. A strong discussion presents different perspectives, considers evidence for each, and shows how they relate to each other. You may or may not need to reach a conclusion, depending on the question.
- Present multiple perspectives or interpretations
- Support each perspective with evidence
- Show how perspectives relate or conflict
- Consider strengths and weaknesses of each view
- May require a conclusion synthesising your discussion
What 'To What Extent' Requires
'To what extent' questions specifically ask about degree. Your answer should assess whether something is fully true, partially true, or not true at all. This requires weighing evidence and reaching a judgment about the degree.
- 1Consider evidence that supports the proposition
- 2Consider evidence that challenges it
- 3Weigh the relative strength of each
- 4Reach a judgment about degree (fully, largely, partially, minimally)
- 5Justify your degree assessment
Pro Tip
Your conclusion should include words like 'fully', 'largely', 'to a limited extent', or 'not significantly' to directly address the 'extent' question.
Structuring Your Response
Both question types benefit from a balanced structure that shows you've considered multiple angles before reaching your conclusion.
- Introduction: Define key terms and outline your approach
- Body paragraphs: Each paragraph addresses one perspective or aspect
- Use linking phrases to show how arguments relate
- Conclusion: Synthesise your discussion and, for 'to what extent', state your degree judgment