8+ IELTS Essay Topics for IELTS with Answers, Writing Task 2 Samples

8+ IELTS Essay Topics for IELTS with Answers, Writing Task 2 Samples

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The IELTS writing section is one of the essential components of the IELTS exam as it evaluates your ability to express yourself effectively in written English.

Consisting of two tasks, Writing Task 1 and Writing Task 2 , this section aims to measure your skills in presenting information and opinions, as well as your capacity to organise and articulate ideas coherently.

As a result, it's important to know the most common essay topics for IELTS that are likely to come up.

In this guide, we will discuss the latest IELTS essay topics for 2024 and give you some tips on how to approach them.

Table of Contents

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These topics are often repeated in IELTS exams , so make sure you are prepared for them!

Read also: IELTS tips and tricks to score high

IELTS Writing Task 2 for Academic assesses your ability to present and support an argument or opinion on a specific topic related to academic subjects or general issues. 

It consists of 2 tasks:

  • IELTS Writing Task 1: It assesses your ability to interpret and describe visual information accurately. In this task, you are presented with a graph, chart, table, diagram, or process, and are required to write a short report summarising the information presented.
  • IELTS Writing Task 2 : It assesses your ability to present and support an argument or opinion on a specific topic related to academic subjects or general issues. It requires you to express ideas coherently, use relevant examples, and maintain a well-structured essay format.

Types of IELTS essays

IELTS essays are divided into 5 main categories. These are:

Opinion essays require you to express your viewpoint on a given topic. You need to clearly state whether you agree or disagree with a statement and support your opinion with relevant arguments and examples.

“You say if you agree or disagree, back it up with good reasons.”

Sample IELTS essay writing topics:

  • In your opinion, should the government invest more in space exploration or environmental conservation?
  • Do you believe that social media has a positive impact on mental health?
  • Some people argue that zoos are essential for animal conservation. What is your opinion on this matter?
  • Is it better to raise children in a single-parent family or a two-parent family? Give reasons for your opinion.
  • In your opinion, should school uniforms be mandatory for all students?
  • Do you think that violent video games contribute to aggressive behavior in children?
  • Some people believe that professional athletes are overpaid. Do you agree or disagree with this view?

Discussion essays demand a balanced analysis of a topic by exploring both sides of an argument. You need to present the main points for each perspective and provide a thoughtful discussion.

“You need to show both sides of a topic and talk about them fairly.”

  • Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using renewable energy sources over fossil fuels.
  • What are the benefits and drawbacks of online education compared to traditional classroom learning?"
  • Examine the impact of globalisation on local cultures and traditions.
  • Discuss the pros and cons of the growing popularity of online shopping.
  • Compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of living in a city versus living in a rural area.
  • Examine the impact of technology on interpersonal communication in today's society.
  • Discuss the positive and negative effects of immigration on a country's economy.

Solution essays require you to identify a problem and propose effective solutions to address it. You need to analyse the causes of the issue and present practical remedies.

“You talk about a problem and give practical ideas to fix it.”

  • What are the main causes of traffic congestion in urban areas, and what measures can be taken to alleviate it?
  • Discuss the steps that can be taken to reduce the use of plastic and promote eco-friendly alternatives.
  • Explain how governments can encourage citizens to adopt healthier eating habits and combat obesity.
  • What can be done to address the issue of unemployment among young people?
  • "Discuss the measures that can be implemented to reduce air pollution in major cities.
  • How can governments promote renewable energy adoption and decrease reliance on fossil fuels?
  • Explain the steps that individuals can take to reduce their carbon footprint and combat climate change.

Advantage or disadvantage essays involve analyzing the positive and negative aspects of a particular subject or situation.

“You look at the good and bad parts of something.”

  • Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using artificial intelligence in various industries.
  • What are the pros and cons of globalisation on the economies of developing countries?
  • Examine the benefits and drawbacks of studying abroad for higher education.
  • Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using social media for personal communication.
  • What are the positive and negative effects of tourism on local communities and the environment?
  • Explain the advantages and disadvantages of using nuclear power as a source of energy.
  • Discuss the benefits and drawbacks of the increasing reliance on online banking and digital transactions.

Also read: 12 best books for IELTS exam preparation

Direct question essays consist of several direct questions related to a specific topic. You need to answer these questions comprehensively.

“You answer specific questions about a topic.”

  • Should governments invest more in public transportation or road infrastructure? Why?
  • Do you believe that the use of animals for scientific research is justified? Why or why not?
  • What are the key factors that contribute to job satisfaction? How can job satisfaction be improved?
  • Should children be given access to smartphones at a young age? What are the potential consequences?
  • Do you think that the death penalty should be abolished worldwide? Why or why not?
  • What are the challenges of an ageing population, and how can societies address them?
  • Should fast-food advertising be restricted to combat the rise in obesity rates among children? Why?

Also read: List of IELTS vocabulary words

8 Common IELTS Essay Topics

Here are the common IELTS essay topics

  • Environment

IELTS essays can cover a wide range of topics, but some topics often appear in the exam. Let's explore The 8 most common IELTS essay topics:

Education is one of the most popular and influential topics for IELTS essays.

Education can take many forms, from formal education in a classroom to informal education through life experiences.

For example, in an essay about education, you could discuss the importance of formal education, the benefits and drawbacks of different types of schooling or teaching methods, or even the impact of technology on education.

Education is a complex and interesting subject. When writing an education-related essay, make sure you research different education systems around the world and provide examples to support your assertions.

Additionally, consider how education can affect different aspects of life, such as economic development or social mobility.

Depending on the question prompt and your personal opinion, you can craft compelling essays that make strong statements about education in general or focus more narrowly on particular aspects, such as technology's role in modern classroom settings.

Additionally, it helps to have a few concrete examples for supporting evidence so that your argument is convincing and well-rounded. Education is a broad topic, but with careful thought, any student can write an essay that impresses the IELTS examiners.

🎥 Watch our IELTS Lessons Playlist on YouTube . Our expert instructor covers all modules: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.

Technology is one of the ten common IELTS essay topics and is becoming increasingly relevant in modern society.

Technology-related essays ask you to discuss the potential impact of technological solutions on an issue or analyze how technology has been used for progress in a particular field.

Technology can be used as both a positive and negative force, so it's important to consider both sides when tackling these types of IELTS essays. Be sure to explore various opinions and provide reliable evidence to support your points.

Technology should also be discussed regarding its implications for the future, particularly within the context of global development goals. In any case, keep in mind that technology should always be analyzed with a critical eye and thoughtful insight into its impacts on society.

When writing IELTS essays on technology, always use clear and thoughtful language that considers the future implications of this dynamic force.

By understanding the various facets of technology and approaching essay topics with an open mind, you'll be well-prepared to tackle any tech-related IELTS essay you encounter.

The environment is a popular topic for IELTS essays, and it's no surprise why.

Environment-related issues are growing in importance due to the impacts of climate change, pollution, and resource depletion.

As such, there are various IELTS essay topics that may focus on these issues. Examples include:

  • Discussing ways to protect our environment from pollution
  • Identifying strategies for reducing waste
  • Examining the effects of global warming
  • Studying methods of sustainable development
  • Exploring how to conserve natural resources
  • Investigating approaches to preserving biodiversity
  • Analyzing the impact of climate change
  • Evaluating renewable energy sources
  • Proposing solutions to environmental problems
  • Comparing environmental protection strategies in different countries.

It is important to keep up with current events and research related to environmental protection to provide relevant examples when writing your essays.

With the right preparation, you can ensure that your IELTS essay stands out from the crowd!

Wish to study abroad? Get started with your application while you prepare for the IELTS!

Work is an important topic in both Work & Study essays, which are commonly seen on IELTS exams.

Work can refer to any job or career someone has chosen to pursue, whether they are paid or unpaid. Work essays typically end with a discussion of future trends related to the topic. It would be best if you explored both sides of this issue before concluding.

Work-related topics that often appear in IELTS essays include globalization and its effect on labour markets, automation and technological advances in the workplace, new forms of employment such as freelancing or gig economy jobs, part-time or flexible working, and the ethical implications of unpaid labour.

Brainstorming different perspectives on these topics is important to develop a well-rounded essay.

Work is an interesting and often contentious topic that many students are passionate about, so it's important to ensure your arguments are clear and persuasive. Work essays require much thought and research to earn a high score on IELTS exams.

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Culture is a popular IELTS essay topic due to its broad scope and complexity.

Culture can include anything from national traditions, customs, lifestyles, artwork, holidays, and cuisine. Culture also reflects a country's history and values, making it an important topic of discussion in the IELTS exam.

Essays on culture may ask you to discuss how culture affects society or how particular cultural aspects have changed over time. In addition, you may be asked about your own cultural experiences or views on certain cultures worldwide.

To prepare for this type of essay, you should research different cultures and be familiar with key elements such as language, religious beliefs, values, and rituals.

Being able to draw examples from various countries will help demonstrate your understanding of the complex nature of culture.

Crime is a popular topic among IELTS essay questions.

Crime involves any behaviour that goes against social norms and laws, such as robbery, theft, murder, assault or even drug trafficking.

Therefore, it is important to consider both sides of an argument when writing about crime; for example, looking at both the benefits and drawbacks of harsher punishments or greater law enforcement.

Crime essay topics may include discussing the causes and effects of crime, how to tackle it, or its impact on society.

Examples of crime essay questions could involve researching the increase in juvenile delinquency, discussing effective strategies to reduce cybercrime, or providing solutions for tackling alcohol-related offences.

It is also important to provide evidence from reliable sources to support your opinion and make a compelling argument. The more informed you are about current issues concerning crime, the better prepared you will be when tackling this question type.

Ensure that your conclusion summarizes your views on crime and provides reasoned arguments that support them.

Related article: IELTS preparation books

Health is a common topic in IELTS essays, as health and well-being are integral parts of our lives.

You might be asked about health services, health care systems, health promotion, or health education. You may also be asked to discuss the causes and effects of public health issues such as obesity.

To answer these questions successfully, you need to understand health policies and current global health trends.

You should also include sound arguments explaining why certain approaches should be used to address health problems. Citing examples from your own experience or research can help strengthen your essay and make it more convincing.

Moreover, if you can provide health-related statistics, this can also help to illustrate the seriousness of health issues.

Health is an important topic in IELTS essays, and by properly researching and understanding health policies and global health trends, you can write effective essays on the subject.

You might also like: Score high on IELTS Speaking Exam

Family is another common IELTS essay topic.

Addressing issues such as nuclear versus extended families, parenting styles, gender roles in the home, or traditional versus modern family dynamics are all valid approaches when writing about this topic.

In any case, make sure you use relevant examples to illustrate your point and develop a logical and well-structured argument.

Family can be explored from different angles, ranging from exploring changes in family structure and values to discussing the roles of parents and children within the family dynamic.

It is also possible to write about how families interact with society or how they have adapted over generations to produce a unique culture.

Another important issue to consider when writing about family is how it has been affected by technological and social advancements. Exploring topics such as technology's impact on family life or how a changing society has led to different expectations of parents can provide interesting insights into the topic of family.

With such a wide range of possibilities, family can make for an interesting and thought-provoking essay topic on the IELTS exam.

The IELTS essays cover a wide range of topics and have been designed to test students' writing abilities.

These above-mentioned topics are the eight most common for IELTS essays, but many other potential topics could come up in your exam.

With practice and commitment, any student can become skilled in writing compelling content for the IELTS exam.

Frequently asked questions

IELTS writing topics cover a wide range of subjects, including education, health, technology, environment, society, work, and more. 

Both Task 1 and Task 2 essays hold importance in IELTS writing. However, Task 2 is often considered more crucial as it contributes more to your overall writing score and requires you to present and support your viewpoint on a relevant topic.

Common IELTS Task 2 essay topics include subjects like climate change, technology's impact, education systems, health, social issues, and cultural diversity.

While there's no strict word limit, it's advisable to aim for around 250 to 300 words for Task 2 essays. Writing excessively, such as 400 words, might lead to less focused and coherent content. It's essential to prioritize clarity and quality over word count.

A writing score of 7.0 in IELTS is generally considered good and reflects a strong level of language proficiency. 

Not meeting the recommended word count of around 250 words in Task 2 essays could potentially lead to a lower score. 

The three main essay types in IELTS writing Task 2 are opinion essays, discussion essays, and solution essays.

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A rocket on a space background symbolises the importance of practicing with these authentic 100 IELTS essay topics

100 IELTS Essay Topics for IELTS Writing

Let me start by saying that by far the best resource for authentic IELTS essay topics are the Cambridge 1 – 13 books. These are real past IELTS exam papers and, therefore, provide students with the highest quality questions for all parts of the test. However, what do you do if you have finished the Cambridge books? Or you struggle with one particular type of question and want a lot of that specific type of practise?

Well, until now, people have relied on questions that were “memorised” by test-takers(often incorrectly), or written by well-meaning teachers who have no specific education in test creation. As a result, many of the “IELTS questions” on the Internet are worded incorrectly. And, as a professional exam writer ( yes, I work creating academic exams for universities ), I know how damaging it can be if even one word in a question is changed.

So, today I am sharing my list of 100 IELTS writing topics. Some are taken from old exam papers, a few are from the Cambridge books, but most are from my own course .  More importantly, I can guarantee that each of these questions is as “authentic” as a question can be.  Have fun (and let me know your favourite question in the comments!) 

If you are new to IELTS, then check out my FREE  Introduction to Writing Task 2  👈 video lesson. It contains everything you need to know to get started on your IELTS journey   🚀

IELTS Discuss Both Views and Give your Own Opinion Writing Topics

  • Some people think that illegal Internet downloads are having a negative effect on the music   industry . Others feel that they have little or no impact on artists. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  •   Some people think that exams are a good way of assessing a student’s level . Other people believe that they put unnecessary pressure on young learners and tell us very little about their actual ability.  Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  • Successful sportsmen can earn a great deal more than people in other important professions. Some people think this is fully justified while others think it is unfair. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  • Some people feel that there should be a fixed punishment for each type of crime . Others feel that the circumstances of an offence should be taken into account when deciding on a punishment. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  • Some people believe that all children should learn a foreign language  from the time they start school, while others believe it is better to wait until a child is at secondary school. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  • Some people believe that in the near future there will be no borders between countries , while others feel that national borders will always remain. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  • Some people feel that the cost of space exploration  is far too high for the benefits it brings while others argue that we space programmes should continue no matter what the cost. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  • Some people believe that advertising has a strong effect on a person’s decision-making process. Others feel that it has little or no real impact. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  • Some people believe that every human can create art . Other people think that art can only be created by people with special talents. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
  • Some people feel that the media has the strongest impact on people’s lives . Others feel that it is politicians who have the most control over the way people lives. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  • Some people feel that the primary function of a university should be to prepare students for the working world. Others argue that the purpose of a university education is to provide knowledge for knowledge’s sake. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  • Some people think that the teenage years are the happiest times of most people’s lives . Others think that adult life brings more happiness in spite of greater responsibilities. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  • Some people prefer to spend their lives doing the same things and avoiding change. Others, however, prefer to take risks and think that change is a positive thing. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  • Some people think that boys and girls should attend school together . Others feel that they should be educated separately. Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.
  • Some people feel that  global warming should be dealt with by governments. Others feel that it is the responsibility of individuals in society to solve the problem. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  • Some people think that all university students should study whatever they like . Others believe that they should only be allowed to study subjects that will be useful in the future, such as those related to science and technology. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  • Some people think that a sense of competition should be encouraged in children . Others believe that children who are taught to cooperate rather than compete become more useful adults. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  • Some people think that economic development is the only way to end poverty  while others believe that it is causing damage to the environment and so should be stopped. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
  • Some people think that new houses should be built in the same style as the older houses in an area . Others believe that the government should allow people to build houses in the style they want. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
  • Some people like to spend their leisure time with their colleagues . Others think it is better to keep their private life separate from their work life. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Want to know how the examiner will apply the band descriptors when marking your IELTS essay?

Th en download a copy of our FREE e-book, which explains how each of the four marking criteria is applied and includes the most common errors made by test-takers. Just click here for your copy.

most common essay topics in ielts

  T o What Extent Do you Agree or Disagree Writing Topics

  • University education s hould be free for all students. To what extent do you agree or disagree
  • Men and women are capable of doing all jobs  equally well. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • Some people believe that nowadays we have too much choice . To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • Advertising that targets children  should be banned from our televisions. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • Some people say it is important to keep your home and your workplace tidy , with everything organised in the correct place. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • In some countries it is common for school leavers to take a year off  between finishing school and starting university. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this practice?
  • Open plan offices offer a better working environment for staff than a normal office. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • Universities should accept equal numbers of male and female students  in every subject. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • The recent popularity of online shopping will result in the end of high street shops. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • International sporting events promote peace between countries. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • Some people think it is a good thing for senior managers to have much higher salaries than the other workers in a company. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • People who read for pleasure in their free time have a better imagination than those who prefer to watch TV. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • Some people believe that children who are given pocket money every week have less problems managing money when they become adults. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • Some people believe that eventually all jobs will be done by artificially intelligent robots . What is your opinion?
  • Nowadays environmental problems are too big for individual countries or people to solve. We have reached the stage where we need cooperation on an international level to protect the environment. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • Some people say that  a person’s success is as a direct result of the way they were brought up by their parents. Do you agree or disagree?
  • Some people think that plastic shopping bags should be banned because they contribute to land and sea pollution. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • Some people who have been in prison become good citizens later, and so it is often argued that these are the best people to talk to teenagers about the dangers of committing a crime. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • Some people believe that children should be taught how to manage money at school. Do you agree or disagree?
  • Some people believe that in order for a hobby to be enjoyable , it needs to be difficult. Do you agree or disagree?

Looking for an IELTS school run by native speakers who have a proven track record of helping students achieve their potential in IELTS? Then come join the students at  My IELTS Classroom  who are using our unique video courses, live lessons and marking service to maximise their scores. 

most common essay topics in ielts

Best Way IELTS Essay Topics

  •   One of the biggest problems facing the world today is growing enough food to feed the ever-expanding population .  Genetically Modified foods are the best way to solve this issue . To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  •   The main cause of global warming   is pollution from cars.  To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • Playing computer games   only has negative effects on children.  To what extent do you agree or disagree
  • The main reason for the high sale of consumer goods in today’s society is advertising .  To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • Good marketing is the key to running a successful business .  To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • The best way to tackle the problem of obesity   is to educate people about healthy eating.  To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • The most important factor in job satisfaction is salary .  To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • Many people use  customer reviews on the Internet to make decisions about what they  buy. A re customer reviews the most useful tool to use when making a purchase ?
  • Many governments think that economic progress is their most important goal . Some people, however, think that other types of progress are equally important for a country.  Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  • Some people say that the only reason for learning a foreign language is in order to travel to or work in a foreign country . Others say that these are not the only reasons why someone should learn a foreign language.  Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.

When you are writing an IELTS essay, it is important to always think about how your answer will satisfy the IELTS Band descriptors. Don’t know what they are or how the examiner uses them to check your work?  Watch my free video lesson to find out how you can use the band descriptors to achieve a high score.

Cause / Problem / Solution IELTS Essay Topics

  • The increase in the number of privately-owned cars is having a negative impact on both our towns and the environment .  What can individuals and the government do to reduce this problem?
  • Many people play sport when they are young, but then stop when they become adults. Why do so many adults stop doing physical exercise ? What can be done to solve this problem?
  • Fewer people today visit museums than in the past. Why is this? What can be done to encourage more people to visit museums in the future?
  • Many animals today are being hunted to the point of extinction. What can be done to tackle this problem?
  • In many countries today,  the average weight of people is increasing . What has led to this situation? What can be done to solve it?
  • Global warming is one of the most serious issues facing the world today. What are some of the causes of global warming? What can governments and individuals do to solve the problem?
  • The gap between the rich and poor  is growing. What difficulties does this cause? How can these problems be overcome?
  • More people are stressed  today than ever before. What are the causes of this stress? What can be done to address this problem?
  • Many young people today are leaving their homes in the countryside to move to cities . Why is this happening? What can be done to encourage young people to stay in rural areas?
  • Many people today are choosing to stay in rented apartments rather than hotels  when they travel. What led to this change? What problems could it cause the travel industry?
  • Children today spend a lot of time on social media . What potential problems could this cause and how could they be addressed?
  • Many young people today will never be able to afford to buy a house . What has led to this situation? What can be done to remedy it?
  • In many countries, the tradition of having family meals together is disappearing. Why is this happening? What will the effects of this be on the family and society?
  • Nowadays we are producing more and more rubbish . Why do you think this is happening? What can the government do to help reduce this amount of rubbish produced?
  • In many countries, the level of crime is increasing. What do you think are the main causes of crime? How can we deal with those causes?
  • People today are spending more and more time outside of the home . What are the reasons for this trend? What effects is it having on individuals and society?
  • In spite of the advances made in agriculture, many people around the world still go hungry . Why is this the case? What can be done about this problem?
  • People today know fewer of their neighbours  than in the past. Why is this? What can be done to solve this problem?
  • The quality of life in many large cities is currently becoming worse. Why is this? What measures can be introduced to tackle this issue?
  • Many people have jobs that involve working shifts (i.e. working at night). What are some of the problems that shift workers might face? What can be done to solve them?

IELTS Advantages and Disadvantages Essay Topics

  • Thanks to low-cost airlines , many people can travel abroad.  What advantages and disadvantages do tourists bring to the countries they visit?
  • People today are able to take out loans from the bank or get a credit card very easily. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this practice?
  • Many people use the Internet as their main educational resource . What are the advantages and disadvantages of this practice?
  • In some countries, teenagers have part-time jobs while they are still at school. What benefits does this bring a child? Are there any drawbacks?
  • Schools in some countries require their students to wear a uniform . What are the positives and negatives of this rule?

One of the most important things you should do in an IELTS essay is support your argument with relevant examples. But what are good examples for an IELTS essay ? – well, let me give you a clue: they do NOT include fake statistics and they are NOT personal! 

The symbols e dot g dot which are used to denote an example are used to illustrate that the text is about how to add good examples in your IELTS essay, for example essay

Outweigh Advantages and Disadvantages Essay Topics

  • Being a celebrity – such as a film star or singer – brings problems as well as benefits. Do you think that being a celebrity brings more benefits or more problems?
  • As a country develops, more people are able to purchase a car . Do you think that the positive for the individual outweigh the negatives for the environment?
  • Many museums charge an admission fee  while others are free. Do you think that the advantages of charging admission to museums outweigh the disadvantages?
  • Today, it is common to see famous sports people advertising sports products . Do the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?
  • More and more people are choosing to eat ready-made meals rather than freshly cooked food. Does this trend have more advantages than disadvantages?

Positive or Negative Development IELTS Essay Topics

  •   Many parents today employ private tutors   to teach their children after school hours.  Do you think this is a positive or negative development?
  • Today, more people are waiting until their thirties to get married and have children .  Do you think this is a positive or negative development?
  • In recent years, many small local shops have closed   because customers travel to large shopping centres or malls to do their shopping.  Do you think this is a positive or negative development?
  • Countries are becoming more and more similar   because people are able to buy the same products anywhere in the world.  Do you think this is a positive or negative development?
  • Nowadays  many people communicate using social media .  Do you think this is a positive or negative development?

Most IELTS blog posts are full of advice about how to paraphrase. Me? I’m the opposite – I want to encourage people NOT to paraphrase? Why? Read my blog post on the Dangers of Paraphrasing to find out! ☠️

IELTS Direct Question Writing Topics

  • Some students who perform badly at school   go on to have very successful lives as adults. What qualities are needed to do well at school? Are these the same qualities that help people succeed later in life?
  • 100 years ago, it was felt that the human race was making progress in all areas of life . Nowadays, there is less certainty that this is the case. In what areas do you think that the most progress has been made so far?  In what area are more things needed to be done?
  • Many people believe that globalisation is leading to the culture of individual countries being lost . What can be done to protect a society’s traditional values?
  • Children often complain that history lessons are boring because they are about a past that is dead. How can schools bring history alive for pupils?
  • Some people think that the government is responsible for looking after the elderly . Others believe that it should be family members. Who do you think should take responsibility?

Don’t know what a complex sentence is or how to write one? Well my friend, you are in the right place! Watch the lesson voted the #1 most useful by my students here (you really don’t need to be afraid!)

IELTS Two-Part Question Essay Topics

  • More and more people today are moving from the countryside .  Why is this happening?  Do you think it is a positive or a negative development?
  • People spend a major part of their adult life at work, and job satisfaction  is an important part of individual well-being. What contributes to a person feeling satisfied at work? How realistic is it for all people to feel satisfied?
  • Many people have problems managing money . What skills does a person need to manage their money well? Who should teach children these skills?
  • Technology has changed the way that people interact with each other. In what ways has technology changed the types of relationships that people make? Has this been a positive or negative development?
  • Children have to be punished  to learn the difference between right and wrong. To what extent do you agree or disagree? What sort of punishments should parents be able to give their children?
  • Thanks to developments in technology, many people today have lost basic skills such as how to repair clothes, etc. Why is this happening? Do you think that this is a negative development?
  • Some people think that governments should try to reduce air traffic  by taxing it more heavily, Do you agree or disagree? What other methods could be used to reduce air traffic?
  • Some people feel that schools should teach children how to become a good parent.  Do you agree or disagree with this opinion? What skills do people need to be a good parent?
  • Nowadays, men’s sport is given far more attention in society than women’s sports. What are the reasons for this? Do you think this is a positive or a negative situation?
  • Advances in technology mean that many people today work from home . What has led to this change? Is it a positive or negative development?

So, those were 100 IELTS essay topics you can use to practice your IELTS skills. I hope you found them useful. You can find out how to write every one of these 100 essay in My IELTS Classroom – the interactive writing course with 33-hours of lessons that will prepare you for any IELTS  question 🚀

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30 Common IELTS Writing Topics

Posted by David S. Wills | Mar 2, 2020 | IELTS Tips , Writing | 0

30 Common IELTS Writing Topics

In the past, I have talked often about IELTS topics because I believe that this is the best way to prepare for the exam. I’ve dealt with it as a way of learning vocabulary and I’ve got more general articles that deal with common topics . In these articles, I’ve tended to look at speaking, writing, listening, and reading, but today I’m only going to talk about IELTS writing topics .

Note that this will be more or less the same for both the general and academic IELTS tests. The topics and ideas covered here will apply to both forms of IELTS, although the questions may be phrased in a more complicated way for the academic test.

IELTS Writing Topics

First of all, here is a list of common topics that appear in the IELTS writing test. This basically applies to task 2 because for task 1 you are just describing data in a map , bar chart , line graph , or table . Therefore, we will ignore that and just look at the topics for task 2:

  • Advertising
  • Communication
  • Crime and Punishment
  • Entertainment
  • Environment
  • Food and diet
  • Global issues
  • Sports and Exercise
  • Tourism and Travel

That was a big list, so let’s clarify what I mean by “topic” and how these actually affect your exam preparation and performance in the next sections.

most common essay topics in ielts

How do Topics Work for IELTS Writing?

In that huge list that I provided above, you can see 30 common IELTS writing topics. These are not the only topics that could appear in your next exam, but these are so common and so wide in scope, that I would be surprised if they didn’t.

However, it is worth remembering that these topics are not mutually exclusive. That means each topic does not have to appear by itself . For example, I have included “reading” as a topic because there are many possible questions about reading (and books) in IELTS writing. These are rarely just about books, though. They tend to crossover into other topics such as childhood, society, or education. For example, you see questions like this:

The main purpose of public libraries is to provide books, and they should not waste their limited resources and space on providing expensive hi-tech media such as computer software, videos, and DVDs. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Here, the question is about books/reading but it is also clearly an issue of money and society. It is about what sort of policy is right for people and their community.

When you are learning about topics for IELTS, you need to be aware of this issue. A question about reading is not just about reading. Sure, in the speaking test, you may be asked about what sort of books you like to read… but for IELTS writing, it’s going to be more complicated, like the question above. As such, we can see that IELTS topics tend to overlap.

IELTS Topics and Sub-Topics

Whilst I totally recommend learning IELTS language and techniques through studying topics, it is also worth remembering that these topics are not just overlapping but they can contain other sub-topics. This is where the matter becomes slightly confusing.

Above, I have listed some clearly related topics, such as business, money, advertising, and work. You can view these as separate topics, but you may also view them as potentially sub-topics of one another. Perhaps “money” is the main topic and the others are sub-topics because these are things that only exist because of the pursuit of money.

Then there are sub-topics that are clearly not main topics and definitely fall under the category of a single IELTS topic like environment:

Each of those sub-topics is something that could appear in IELTS, yet you would not necessarily call them “IELTS topics.” Still, it is worth considering them as part of the greater topic, environment. This can help you to focus your studies better and prepare for your test effectively.

Here are a few more IELTS topics listed with their sub-topics:

How to Learn IELTS Topics

ielts writing topics

So now that you can see the importance of learning language and preparing for IELTS by considering the most common topics used in the test, you might wonder how to actually study this way.

Thankfully, many IELTS books are divided according to topic. Some books, like Focus on IELTS , are structured into chapters that examine different topics one by one. You might have a chapter on education… then a chapter on society… and then a chapter about technology. These will each look at speaking, writing, reading, and listening ideas, giving you practice with each section of the test on a variety of topics. It’s a great way to learn.

If you are going to prepare without a book, then you should try to stick with the topic method. Make a note of my list of 30 common IELTS writing topics from above and then approach them in turn. This article is just about writing, so I won’t bother giving advice on listening and speaking, but I do think that reading is essential for building writing skills . ( The experts tend to agree .)

I would recommend that you find some articles about those topics. Let’s take “space” as an example. You should go on Google News and search for articles about space. Find something that is within your reading level. Then attempt to read it twice. The first time, you should just soak up the ideas and get the gist, but the second time you read it you should go slowly and make notes.

Get a Language Notebook

I think that a language notebook is really valuable because you can write down words and phrases that you find, then pay particular attention to collocations – that means groups of words that go together. If you group all of these notes according to their topic, it will be easier for you to remember. You can also note down ideas that you find surprising or interesting, and maybe practice writing a little about them.

You should also look up questions based upon those topics. For space, you might see this question:

Some scientists think that there are intelligent life forms on other planets and messages should be sent to contact them. Other scientists think it is a bad idea and would be dangerous. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Honestly, this is a question that many people just never think about. As such, it can be useful to read articles and make notes on ideas such as this. It might help you deal with the troublesome issue of generating ideas for your task 2 answer .

Why Learn about IELTS Writing Topics?

One of the most important reasons to learn about IELTS writing topics is to organise your approach to exam preparation. This often means finding the best way to pick up new vocabulary. For example, if you decide that this week you will study crime and punishment, then you can set yourself some reasonable goals:

  • Read three articles about crime and punishment.
  • Listen to a news report about a criminal offense.
  • Learn twelve new words related to crime.
  • Write two IELTS essays on the topic of crime and punishment.

This is just an example, but you can see how this would help. By learning these things together, each one helps the other become more effective. You can learn language from those articles but also pick up good ideas for use in your practice essays.

Here is some useful vocabulary about crime and punishment:

Recent IELTS Writing Topics

Personally, I recommend to my students that they study topics and don’t think too much about anticipating questions. Some teachers (usually the lazy ones) tell their students that they can guess the forthcoming questions… but this is not true, and probably leaves them much less prepared than if they had just studied a wide range of topics.

Anyway, if you want to know some recent IELTS writing questions, then you can look at the following list. These are reported questions from students who have done the exam, so there is no guarantee that these are the exact right questions. I have tried to correct some poor grammar where they were obviously misremembered:

A lot of money is spent on repairing old buildings. Instead of repairing old buildings, money should be spent on knocking down old buildings and building new ones. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
People’s shopping habits depend more on the age group they belong to than any other factors. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Some people argue that it is best to accept a bad situation, such as an unsatisfactory job or shortage of money. Others believe that it is better to try and improve such situations. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

I hope that this has helped you. You can also find a long list of IELTS writing questions on this page . If you have any questions about IELTS writing topics, you can post them in the comment section below or get in touch through Facebook.

About The Author

David S. Wills

David S. Wills

David S. Wills is the author of Scientologist! William S. Burroughs and the 'Weird Cult' and the founder/editor of Beatdom literary journal. He lives and works in rural Cambodia and loves to travel. He has worked as an IELTS tutor since 2010, has completed both TEFL and CELTA courses, and has a certificate from Cambridge for Teaching Writing. David has worked in many different countries, and for several years designed a writing course for the University of Worcester. In 2018, he wrote the popular IELTS handbook, Grammar for IELTS Writing and he has since written two other books about IELTS. His other IELTS website is called IELTS Teaching.

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18 Common Topics in IELTS Writing Task 2

On this page is a list of the 18 most common IELTS Writing Task 2 topics that have appeared in actual IELTS essay questions.

Use this list to help you prepare for the IELTS Test.

You can, for example, search for reading material on some of these topics. This will help you to develop your vocabulary; and to develop your awareness of the views that different people have on these topics.

You can also read my IELTS Model Essays for examples of how to address some of these topics.

  • why people spend their lives close to their birthplace
  • the best time to be alive
  • trying new things (e.g. good and travel)
  • owning v renting a home
  • best school leaving age
  • importance of handwriting
  • teaching parenting skills to children
  • learning foreign languages
  • importance of History / Science
  • single sex schools

Environment

  • the damage done by plastic
  • importance of recycling
  • protection of endangered species
  • most serious environmental problems
  • importance of zoos
  • driverless vehicles
  • mobile payments
  • availability of information online
  • online privacy
  • sugar in food and drink
  • lack of sleep
  • health education
  • importance of exercise on health
  • banning advertising of certain products
  • reasons for the success of advertising
  • impact of technology on media (e.g. newspapers)
  • news coverage
  • travel abroad v in home country
  • understanding other cultures
  • growing similarities between countries
  • impact of travel (e.g. on environment, local communities)
  • benefits of voluntary work
  • retirement age
  • impact of technology on work
  • importance of high salaries v job satisfaction
  • part-time work
  • impact of ageing population
  • effect of population growth
  • gender equality
  • decline of traditional customs
  • big business investment
  • government investment in sport / culture
  • cash v contactless cards
  • saving v spending
  • influence of brand names
  • local shops v large shopping malls
  • closure of small, local shops

Entertainment

  • celebrity lifestyles
  • popularity of certain genres (e.g. crime novels)
  • watching movies in cinema v on phone
  • children’s reading habits
  • online v printed books
  • importance of libraries
  • reasons for interest in fiction
  • importance of sport
  • investment in sport
  • money earned by sports personalities
  • professional v amateur sports
  • road safety
  • investment in public transport
  • investment in transport infrastructure (e.g. highways, airports)
  • traffic congestion
  • differences between transport types

Family and Children

  • how to bring up children
  • punishment of children
  • differences between generations
  • changing family roles
  • causes of crime
  • appropriate punishments for crime
  • young people and crime

Communication

  • impact of technology on communication
  • differences between letter writing and emails
  • video conferencing

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IELTS Essay Topics

most common essay topics in ielts

Most people doing IELTS Writing Task 2 get stressed out about which IELTS essay topics they will face. They worry about getting an unfamiliar topic and not having any good ideas or enough vocabulary to complete the task.

This article will help you by giving you the most common IELTS essay topics  and showing you how to use these to get higher scores.

Why is it important to know the IELTS essay topics?

If you are familiar with the most common topics you will have a huge advantage because you will be better at two of the most important things:

  • Thinking of relevant ideas

Idea Generation

Of all the things people worry about when doing Task 2 , not having enough ideas to complete the essay is normally top of the list. However, you should remember that IELTS is not a test of your knowledge, it is a test of your English. The examiners do not expect you to be an expert on the essay topic, they just want you to show that you can write clearly and persuasively in English.

You should also realise that IELTS is a global exam and when the writers of the exam are making the questions, their main concern is writing questions that can be understood by nearly everyone in the world. For example, common IELTS essay topics are education, crime and health. Everyone in the world has an opinion on these everyday topics and you need to understand that the examiners are not looking for the ‘best’ ideas, they are just looking for relevant ideas.

Let’s look at an example question on the topic of international aid:

Rich countries should help poorer countries when they suffer natural disasters. Do you agree?

You don’t have to think of the ‘best’ ideas, you just have to think of two ideas that are relevant to this question. Reasons why rich countries should help are:

  • It is the morally correct thing to do.
  • They have legal obligations under international law.
  • Not helping will result in many deaths and suffering.
  • They have more than enough money to do this.
  • It is in their interests to do so for the peace and security of the world.
  • Some of their own people might be involved in the disaster.
  • Every rich country has a fund for disaster relief within their budget.
  • They might suffer a disaster one day too and need help from the international community.

You obviously do not need to think of this many ideas and some of the ideas are better than others, but the point I am trying to make is that there are lots of ‘relevant’ ideas you could think of.

Despite this, you will obviously be more confident and be able to think of ideas more quickly if you are familiar with the common topics. Below I will show you how you can use the common IELTS essay topics to learn about the general topics and improve your English at the same time.

25% of your marks come from vocabulary and this is directly linked to IELTS essay topics. One of the main ways the examiner will judge your vocabulary is something called ‘topic-specific vocabulary’. The idea is that someone with a wide-ranging vocabulary should be able to talk about any of the common essay topics easily using words that are specific to that topic.

For example, if the question was the same as above, you would be expected to use words like ‘international aid’, ‘wealthy’, ‘developed’, ‘developing’, ‘earthquake’, ‘hurricane’, ‘relief fund’, ‘obligation’, ‘moral’ etc. These are words that you use specifically to talk about the essay topic. You don’t have to use these words, but they would help.

Therefore, the more familiar you are with the topic, the more ‘topic-specific’ vocabulary you will know and the higher your score will be. Knowing the most common IELTS essay topics allows you to focus on the most important vocabulary . Below I will show you the most common topics and some of the more important words you should know.

Are IELTS essay topics predictable?

Yes and no. You will obviously not be able to predict the exact topic that will come up. There are just too many to do this and it would be a very easy test if you knew what the exact topic was going to be.

However, there are between 10 common topics that come up more than others. You should focus on these first, especially if you don’t have much time before the test.

The most common IELTS essay topics are:

  • Environment
  • International Development
  • Globalisation
  • Public Transport
  • Criminal Justice
  • Youth Crime
  • Government Spending
  • Traditional Culture

I think that technology, health, education and the environment are the most important topics and will feature regularly in the future.

For more information on the most common topics, please visit my most common topics page .

How can I use the most common topics?

There are two main ways you can use the most common IELTS essay topics to your advantage. The first is to familiarise yourself with them while practising and improving your English and the second is to focus on topic-specific vocabulary.

Common Topic Familiarisation

If you are going to do well in the IELTS test you need to be using and exposing yourself to English every day. You should be reading, listening, writing and speaking in English as much as possible. You should make sure that if you are listening to or reading something in English you do it within the common topics. For example, you could listen to a podcast on technology one day and then read a newspaper report about education or health the next day. Most of the questions are on current topics, therefore staying up to date with what is happening in the world will really help you think of ideas.

For example, three of the biggest news stories of 2015 were the refugee crisis, terrorism and internet privacy issues. These topics have, unsurprisingly, already appeared on the IELTS writing paper this year.

Please check out my 25 online language learning tools for lots of ways you can study within the common topics at home for free.

If you really want to get advanced, you could also try making up your own questions based on the news of the day and then give these questions to a study partner. This is something that I do with my classes. They go to a popular news site like the BBC and write a Task 2 question based on one of the stories they were reading about and then they give it to a classmate who does the essay for homework.

Vocabulary – Notebook

There are two things you can do here: start a vocabulary notebook and focus on key topic-specific vocabulary.

As mentioned above, you should be listening to and reading English as much as possible before your test. This will not only improve your listening and reading skills but will, more importantly, expand your vocabulary.

When you are reading or listening you will always notice words that you don’t know. Most students simply look these up immediately in the dictionary and then forget about them. I think this is a total waste of time because the words do not stay in your head and you never use them again. A much better thing to do is to start a vocabulary notebook. This is the single most effective way to improve your vocabulary. Follow the steps below:

  • Buy a notebook that you will only use for vocabulary.
  • When you see or hear a new word try to guess the meaning from the context of the sentence or paragraph. This step is very important because it is an essential skill to develop and will help you remember the words.
  • Check the meaning after you have guessed it in the dictionary.
  • Note the new word and the definition in your vocabulary notebook.
  • Pronunciation
  • Review the list of words and test yourself on these words after one week, two weeks, one month and two months. Soon you will have expanded your vocabulary dramatically.

You can also do this by using apps like Memrise  to record and review vocabulary.

Vocabulary- Topic Specific Words

As mentioned above, one of the ways in which the examiner judges your vocabulary is how many topic-specific words you use. Learning these words before the exam for the most common essay topics should help you get a higher vocabulary score.

However, one of the worst things you could do is simply learn a list of words and insert them into your essay. This is not how good vocabulary works and the examiners are trained to spot this. Your focus should always be on accuracy i.e. using words correctly. Because of this I advise my students to use the 100% rule.

You should never use any word or phrase in IELTS essays if you are not 100% sure about it. By 100% I mean that you are sure about its:

  • Collocations

If you are not 100% sure about the things above, then do not use it. If you do, you will probably get it wrong and this will lower your band score.

Vocabulary for Three Most Common Topics

Below are some keywords and phrases for the three most common IELTS Task 2 essay topics:

most common essay topics in ielts

Word Circles

For all of the words above I have made word circles like the one below:

most common essay topics in ielts

These will help you remember them and they are based on the 100% rule I mentioned above.

Click these links below to access all of them:

most common essay topics in ielts

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IELTS Essay Topics

Different essay topics.

Learn how to write essays on the top 15 topics that occur in the IELTS writing test.

This webpage covers a wide array of subjects, from discussions on culture and tradition to debates about technology and globalization, to help you familiarize yourself with potential essay prompts.

Each section explores a specific theme, providing insights, examples, and potential essay questions to aid your understanding and preparation. Whether you’re studying for the Academic or General Training module, these topics are relevant for both versions of the IELTS exam.

Navigating through my webpage, you’ll find valuable information to enhance your understanding of each topic, equipping you with the knowledge and vocabulary necessary to tackle essay questions effectively. Whether you’re a student aiming for a high band score or a professional seeking to improve your English proficiency, my resource is designed to support your IELTS preparation journey.

Click on each of the headings below to see The following:

  • 𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐕𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐛𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐲:
  • 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞:
  • 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐫𝐠𝐮𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐞𝐛𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬:
  • 𝐄𝐱𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐂𝐮𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬:
  • 𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐥 𝐄𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐲:

Culture & Tradition

Crime and Punishment

Economics and Consumerism

Environment

Family and Relationships

Globalisation

Government and Society

Science & Innovation

Social Issues

Transportation

Work and Careers

You may also like to see the six different types of questions that are asked in the IELTS writing test.

most common essay topics in ielts

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About Mike I’m Mike Wattie from Australia. I have been teaching IELTS for over 20 years in Asia and Australia.

I have written IELTS books and this enables me to be an effective tutor. This is because I understand the main problems that students have taking the test and also the ways to overcome them.

Maybe you would like me to teach you the necessary skills and strategies to pass your test.

most common essay topics in ielts

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Most Common IELTS Essay Topics: 100+ Essay Topics, Types of Questions, and Preparation Tips

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  • Jan 11, 2024

Most Common IELTS Essay Topics: 50+ Essay Topics, Types of Questions, and Preparation Tips

Whether you are pondering about how to study abroad or are planning to settle there, as a part of your visa and university requirements, you have to sit for certain English proficiency tests like the IELTS. International English Language Proficiency Testing System (IELTS) is one of the most renowned English proficiency tests that has to be taken by students belonging to countries where English is not an official language. This is one of the conditions for attaining overseas education.

There are two variants of the test; IELTS General Training and Academic and depending on your purpose of visit, you can choose the variant. IELTS evaluates candidates on 4 basic parameters namely, Reading, Speaking, Listening and Writing. Out of all the four sections, writing is considered to be the trickiest one wherein lengthy essay questions can baffle you. So, if you are also looking for the answer to “What kind of essays are asked in IELTS?” then don’t worry. Here is a blog on IELTS essay topics for all aspirants who are preparing for the IELTS 2023 examination. 

This Blog Includes:

Ielts essay topics on culture and tradition, ielts essay topics on environment, topics on media , ielts essay topics related to education, topics on society, ielts essay topics related to food and eating habits , topics on communication and personality , ielts essay topics related to crime and punishment , other questions, opinion essays, discussion essays, solution essays, advantage or disadvantage essays, direct question essays, how to answer task 2 essays in ielts writing section, tips for ielts writing task 2.

  • Some claim that when cultural practices are utilized as tourist attractions intended to generate revenue, they are destroyed. Some claim that this is the only way to keep certain customs alive.
  • Just like the government spends funds on music and theatre, it does the same on arts too which is considered a waste of money. Don’t you think that the government should spend more on revamping public services? Do you agree? If not, then why?
  • Many monuments, which are a part of our cultural diversity are protected and reconstructed by law. A few people think these structures should be destroyed and something new should be constructed. How important is it to put more effort into monument maintenance? Do you think that through their maintenance, history is coming in the way of progress?
  • A single-world culture is being created due to modern technology. Do you agree or disagree?
  • Some people believe raising the price of fuel is the greatest way to address global environmental issues. Do you agree or disagree?
  • Many animal species are becoming endangered as a result of habitat loss brought on by urbanisation, illicit hunting, and deforestation; some are even at risk of going extinct. Do you think it is necessary to protect animals?
  • According to you, what are the major problems due to which developed countries have become the major contributors to global warming? What are the main problems leading to global warming?
  • One of the most critical issues that the environment is facing is global warming. What are the measures the government can take to reduce such issues?
  • Overpopulation in the country is a serious issue that has given rise to numerous problems. Elaborate on one or two serious issues and give a plausible solution for them that governments can implement.
  • Some people think that the government should strictly control the supply of fresh water, as it is a limited resource, while others it should not be regulated.
  • Fossil fuels are the main source of energy around the world today. In some countries, the use of alternative sources of energy is replacing fossil fuels.

12. Media violence encourages violence in society. To what extent do you agree?

13. Most of the news that is reported is terrible news, such as stories about wars, famines, accidents, and crime. How come, in your opinion? Do you believe there should be both good and negative news?

14. Do you believe that celebrities are ill-treated by the media or it is the price they have to pay for their stardom? Regardless of fame, their privacy should be respected or not?

15. Media has unintentionally left a negative impact on children. Often, they end up watching violence which is not advised at such a tender age. Do you agree or disagree with this?

16. What are your views on the false means of advertising used by media agencies?

17. What is the impact of computer games on the children of today? Is it helping their development or making them worse? Why and why not? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

18. Successful sportsmen can earn a great deal more than people in other important professions. Some people think this is fully justified while others think it is unfair. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

19. Some people believe that advertising has a strong effect on a person’s decision-making process. Others feel that it has little or no real impact. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

20. Does advertising encourage us to buy things we don’t need or does it tell us about new products that may improve our lives. Which view do you agree with?

21. In many countries today, crime novels and TV crime dramas are becoming more and more popular .

22. Much worry is being expressed about the educational divide between affluent and poorer nations. What options do you have for handling this situation.

23. The role of education is to educate children for the modern world. Schools should remove music and the arts from the curriculum so that students can concentrate on practical courses like computer technology. How much do you agree?

24. Education is a fundamental right. Thus, it should be free of cost for everyone regardless of personal wealth. Do you agree or disagree with it?

25. While few people believe that the education provided by universities helps graduates get better jobs. Others think that there are many wider advantages of education through universities. Elucidate upon these views and give your opinion. 

26. Do you align with the thought that educational activities must be incorporated into children’s free time? What do you think about this argument?

27. Co-ed schools are considered better than boys and girls being educated separately. Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.

28. Some people believe that the traditional approach in the modern classroom is better than a teaching methodology based on experiential learning. Do you agree or disagree?

29. University students should pay the full cost for their own study because a university education benefits individuals rather than society. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

30. Is teaching people over 65 to use computers the best way to spend government money? To what extent do you agree?

31. Nowadays, not enough students choose science subjects at university in many countries. Why is this? What effects does this have on society?

32. Some feel that movies and TV shows are a good way to study history despite their lack of historical accuracy at times. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

33. The most important aim of science ought to be to improve people’s lives.

34. Government money should be used to support children in school for sports rather than to support professional sports and arts that perform for the general public.

35. Homeless individuals are a part of most societies. Some individuals believe that giving them money is the greatest way to assist them. What percentage would you agree with?

36. It is observed in many countries that women do not feel the need to get married. Locals believe that women have started earning and have become independent as they have their own source of income, thus, they do not require the financial security that marriage brings. Up to what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

36. It is always believed that globalization has both advantages as well as disadvantages. State prominent advantages as well as disadvantages in your opinion.

37. Traditional ways of living are being lost as modern civilization develops. Is it crucial to maintain our old ways of living?

38. Over the last decade, it was majorly seen that people were eager to move from rural areas toward urban areas. What do you think has caused this? What problems can this bring up?

39. Every culture around us has made its mark in history in one or the other way. Why do you think it is important to familiarise the next generation with history?

40. Some people spend more and some spend less for wedding parties, birthday parties, and other celebrations. Is it a waste of money or a social requirement? Include specific details and examples to support your choice.

41. Some people believe that in the near future, there will be no borders between countries, while others feel that national borders will always remain. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

42. The teenage years are the happiest times of most people’s lives. Others think that adult life brings more happiness in spite of greater responsibilities. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

43. People who have original ideas provide much greater value to society than the ones who copy others. Do you agree or disagree?

44. Is it good for childrens that parents provide them with everything they ask for?

45. Advancements in technology have made it possible for many people to work from home nowadays? What do you think are the effects on employees working from home?

46. Some people think that social networking sites have a huge negative impact on both individuals and society. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

47. The best way to reduce poverty in developing countries is by giving up to six years of free education so that they can at least read, write and use numbers. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

48. Some argue that patriotism is the primary cause of wars globally. Others feel that it serves to prevent less ethical politicians from running a country and starting wars.

49. Many think that religion should be taught in schools while others think it should be avoided

50. Some feel that cities should be designed to be beautiful while others feel their functionality is more important. Discuss both sides and give your own opinion

51. Preservatives and chemicals are present in many prepared meals and processed foods. What benefits can this have? Do you believe the benefits outweigh the drawbacks?

52. Many children around us are obese and overweight. What according to you has led to this common problem amongst children? What measures can be taken to resolve this? 

53. To cope with the pace of the fast-moving world, many of us have now started to replace main meals with fast food. What according to you are the advantages of this step that have to outweigh the disadvantages? 

54. Over the past few years, the media has portrayed the image of a young woman as a thin lady. What according to you are the problems caused by this conception? 

55. Due to the severe repercussions of eating fast food on a daily basis, some people think that the only way to prevent this is to ban fast food. Do you agree or disagree with the statement?

56. In many countries, fast food is becoming cheaper and more widely available. Do the disadvantages of this outweigh the advantages?

57. People often argue that eating junk food has led to an unhealthy lifestyle. This problem has become more common among young people these days. Do you agree or disagree that junk food is the cause of the issue? 

58. Governments in many countries have recently introduced special taxes on foods and beverages with high levels of sugar. Some think these taxes are a good idea while others disagree. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

59. Today’s society provides people with various ways to lose weight, such as special diets or exercise regimes. Many people believe though that poor food and today’s lifestyle should be addressed first. What is your opinion?

60. In many countries today, the eating habits and lifestyles of children are different from those of previous generations. Some people say this has had a negative effect on their health in many countries today, the eating habits and lifestyles of children are different from those of previous generations. Some people say this has had a negative effect on their health. What is your opinion?

61. Nowadays, an increasing number of people with health problems are using alternative medicines and treatments instead of visiting their normal doctor.

62. Individuals and businesses alike are choosing to communicate professionally or socially via technology rather than in person. Talk about the benefits and drawbacks of using technology for communication.

63. Some people fail in school but end up being successful in life. What do you think is important in life- performing well in school or being successful after school? 

64. With the advent of the internet, texting has become the modern way of communicating due to which face-to-face communication will become a thing of the past. To what extent do you agree? 

65. With the help of the internet, many people have now started to communicate with others online comfortably rather than confronting them face to face. According to you, what are the advantages as well as disadvantages of communicating online? 

66. Due to frequent slang or short forms used in the modern way of texting, people have started believing that this is the death of grammar and spelling. Discuss both sides of the argument.

67. New-age Celebrities from Instagram and TikTok are more famous for their glamorous lifestyle than their achievements. Does this affect the children who follow them? State your opinion.

68. Some people prefer to keep their private life separate from their work while others spend their leisure time with their colleagues. Discuss both views and give your opinion

69. Has modern technology made it easier to download copyrighted music and books?

70. Some children spend hours every day on smartphones. Why is this the case? Do you think this is a positive or negative development?

71. It is important for people to take risks, in both their professional lives and personal lives.

72. The best way to make the road transport of goods safer is to ask drivers to take a driving test each year.

73. Fewer young people play sports these days.

74. Some nations are having trouble keeping up with rising crime rates. Many individuals believe that the best solution to decrease crime is to have more police officers on the streets. How much do you concur?

75. People believe that certain criminals should be made to do community service instead of putting them behind bars. Up to what extent do you agree? 

76. To what extent do you think that technology has played a role in decreasing the crime rate? 

77. In some societies, the crime rate committed by teenagers is increasing. Thus, the people believe that they should receive punishments like adults. According to you what are the disadvantages of it?

78. Do you agree or disagree that having more police on the streets will decrease the overall crime rate of a country?

79. Studies show that most young children who commit crimes have been abused in some way by their parents.

80. Many studies show that poor people are more likely to be involved in petty and serious crimes than people who come from higher-income groups. Do you agree?

81. What is the importance of stable family structures in preventing crime in a country? State your opinion.

82. Are strict punishments for driving offences the key to reducing traffic accidents or are other ways necessary? Give your opinion.

83. Prison is the common way most countries try to solve the problem of crime. However, a more effective solution is to provide the public with a better education.

Apart from these category-wise questions, here are some other general IELTS essay topics:

84. Some people believe that one of the most beneficial inventions like mobile phones has somehow disrupted our social lives. What is your view on this statement?

85. Being a young mind, do you agree that people should take advice from elders rather than from the younger ones? Support your answer with valuable points 

86. The increasing dependency of people on their mobile phones is a positive or negative development in society? 

87. Some people think that wearing a uniform at work is essential whereas others think that it is unnecessary. Present your views on both sides of the argument.

88. Have you ever lived away from your parents? Describe your living situation and explain its advantages and disadvantages. Include specific details and examples to support your choice.

90. Some people prefer to work in the same type of job throughout their lifetime while others like to change the type of job they do. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

91. Some people think that illegal Internet downloads are having a negative effect on the music industry. Others feel that they have little or no impact on artists. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

92. People who read for pleasure in their free time have a better imagination than those who prefer to watch TV. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

93. Children often complain that history lessons are boring because they are about a past that is dead. How can schools bring history alive for pupils?

94. People are waiting until their thirties to get married and have children these days. Do you think this is a positive or negative development?

95. Some people say a car is the best way to travel through a city while others support travelling with bicycles. Discuss both sides and share your opinion.

96. Would you prefer working for a large company or a small one? Explain with specific reasons and examples.

97. Free public transport 24×7 is the best way for governments to solve the problem of traffic congestion. Do you agree or disagree?

98. Music has been and will continue to be the universal language of mankind. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

99. Online currencies have become more common in recent years. Why is this? Is this a positive or negative development?

100. Some people feel that cities should allow for spaces for graffiti while others feel it should be banned. Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.

101. Always telling the truth is the most important consideration in any relationship between people. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

102. A rise in the standard of living in a country often only seems to benefit cities rather than rural areas.

103. Around the world, rural people are moving to cities and urban areas, so populations in the countryside are decreasing.

Types of IELTS Essays

IELTS essay themes are typically divided into a number of categories. The following sorts of essays are common in the IELTS exam :

You must express your thoughts on the suggested subject in this essay genre. Naturally, having prior knowledge of common subjects that are frequently included in the IELTS exam is the ideal method to achieve high marks in such essays.

Sample Questions:

  • Most teenagers today own a smartphone. Provide your opinion to discuss the advantages and disadvantages.
  • Crime novels and TV series have become quite popular in recent years. What is your opinion about these crime dramas?
  • Developing nations often require international assistance. Many believe that this assistance should be monetary, while some think practical help and advice would be more beneficial. Discuss both these views along with your opinion.
  • Many consider automobiles to be the biggest source of pollution in urban areas, while some believe industries are responsible for it. Explain both views and provide your opinion.
  • Many people believe individuals involved with creative arts should be financially supported by the government. Some others believe they should find separate resources. Discuss each of the views and give your opinion.
  • Some believe success in life comes from hard work, dedication, and motivation. While many believe success depends on other important factors like money and appearance. Discuss both views and provide your opinion. 
  • Many think that governments should fund programs in search of life on other planets. However, others believe governments should focus on unresolved issues on the planet. Provide your opinion and discuss both views.

In the case of discussion essays, the candidates need to put forward an explanation for or against any given topic. Such essays are the most common to appear in the IELTS exam. 

Sample Questions: 

  • Many believe living in big cities comes with more advantages than residing in the countryside. Do you agree or disagree with this?
  • The shopping habits of people depend more on their age group than on any other factors. Do you agree or disagree with this? 
  • More and more children and minors are becoming overweight in developed nations. This is a major problem for most wealthy countries. Explain the causes and impacts of this issue.
  • The internet is a great invention that brings a host of advantages to the world population. However, there are several issues in terms of security and control of personal data. Do you agree or disagree with this?
  • Advertising prevents originality in people and makes them look the same and do the same. Do you agree or disagree with this?
  • Parents today often tend to organise extra classes on weekends or even after school. Do you believe this is at all useful? Or, do you think the education provided in school is sufficient?
  • Some people believe that capital punishment should be done away with. Do you agree or disagree with this?
  • Countries spend a lot of money on training individuals for sports competitions while some people believe that the money could be better spent on ordinary citizens. Do you agree or disagree?

For solution essays, you will have to provide a solution to a particular issue. At times, questions might be provided as to why a specific issue has occurred, and candidates have to provide their opinion on the answer.

  • The massive movement of people from agricultural areas to cities in search of employment can lead to serious problems in both places. What are the problems, and how can these be solved? 

In this type of essay, students have to write about a particular topic’s positive and negative sides. Such essays test your argument construction skills and how well you can use English to communicate your views as clearly and coherently as possible. 

  • International tourism has greatly benefited many places. However, there have been major concerns about its impact on the local environment and inhabitants. Do the negative impacts of international tourism outweigh the benefits?
  • Some countries have recently passed laws to restrict the daily working hours of employees. Explain whether this will have a positive or negative impact.
  • More and more people today are visiting extreme places such as Antarctica or the Sahara desert. What are the advantages or disadvantages of such travels?
  • Social media is gradually replacing in-person face-to-face contact with many people worldwide. Do the benefits of social media outweigh the disadvantages? 
  • Some countries allow old people to work at any age they want. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
  • New technologies have changed the way children spend their free time. Do you think the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?

For this type of essay, the topics will be provided as direct questions, which students have to answer based on their experiences and thoughts.

  • Shopping used to be a routine domestic task in the past. However, today, it has become more of a hobby. Is this a positive trend?

The strategies listed below can help students improve their capacity for answering essays in the Writing portion.

  • Read and comprehend the question : Reading and comprehending the question thoroughly is the first step to writing task 2 essays with ease. Candidates typically respond to questions without fully understanding what is being asked of them. Candidates should thoroughly examine the question, determine the question’s type, and make an effort to determine its keywords. Finally, they should ensure that they fully comprehend the directions before attempting to respond. Candidates should thoroughly examine the question, determine the question’s type, and make an effort to determine its keywords. Finally, they should ensure that they fully comprehend the directions before attempting to respond.
  • Plan the solution : Students must plan the format of their responses after fully comprehending the question. Candidates will be able to organise their thoughts and present a concise and well-rounded response as a result.
  • Writing a Strong Introduction : An overview of the essay’s topic should be provided in the introduction. Make sure to draft a good start that summarises the article.
  • Carefully curate the main body : The essay’s main body is where you must present all of the important information. Make your points in accordance with this and support them with justifications, examples, and other pertinent information. Once finished, you must provide a suitable summary.

The following advice can help candidates ace the IELTS Writing test:

  • Be sure to go outside the box for solutions.
  • There are two questions in the 60-minute Writing segment of the test. In order to easily respond to both questions within the allotted time, one should practise time management skills.
  • Make as many connections as you can between the given topic and reality and current events.
  • Avoid writing in a single paragraph at all costs. Where necessary, try to divide the divisions, and learn to connect each paragraph.

Thus, we hope that this blog on IELTS essay topics has now brought some clarity on what type of questions can be asked of you during the exam.

The scoring range of IELTS writing is 0-9. 

Individuals must avoid under-developing their ideas, keeping both sides of the argument incomplete, not linking the problems and solutions and lastly  being ambiguous. 

The IELTS Problem-Solution Essay can be segregated into an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. 

Visit the Leverage Live page of Leverage edu or contact our study abroad experts at 1800-57-2000 to strengthen your scores and application to secure your spot in your dream college. 

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I really appreciate this website. I have learned some inciteful writing information. I strongly feel that I can go forward with the information that I have gained and it will be of much help in improving my IELTS writing skills. Thanks!

Hi Anna, Thanks for the feedback! We are happy to help you with your IELTS journey through our exclusive IELTS preparation classes online. Get in touch with our experts to know more about it. Meanwhile, we hope this will interest you more: https://leverageedu.com/blog/ielts-writing-tips/ https://leverageedu.com/blog/ielts-writing/

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IELTS Writing Task 2 Recent Questions

In this article, we outline over 250 recent IELTS Writing Task 2 topics and sample questions.

The IELTS Writing Task 2 is an essay writing task that assesses your ability to express and develop an argument in response to a given prompt. As an essential part of the IELTS exam, a high score in writing task 2 can help you achieve your desired overall score.

To score well in the IELTS Writing Task 2, you need to be familiar with all the possible topics that may come up.

Table of Contents

What is the basic structure for ielts writing task 2 in the ielts exam, ielts writing task 2 topics on education, ielts task 2 questions on globalisation, ielts task 2 questions on equality, ielts task 2 questions about the environment, ielts task 2 questions on technology, task 2 questions on travel and transport, task 2 questions on health, task 2 questions on law and order.

  • Task 2 questions on Language and Culture
  • Task 2 Questions on Government and Society

Task 2 Questions on Sports and Pastimes

Recent writing task 2 questions: january 2024, recent writing task 2 questions: october 2023, recent writing task 2 questions: july 2023, recent writing task 2 questions: april 2023, recent writing task 2 questions: january 2023, recent writing task 2 questions: october 2022, recent task 2 questions: july 2022.

  • January to March 2022 recent task 2 questions
  • October to December 2021 sample task 2 questions

Sample Task 2 Questions: September 2021

Sample task 2 questions: february / march 2021.

  • Sample Task 2 Questions: January 2021
  • Task 2 Sample Questions: October/November 2020

IELTS Writing Task 2 Topics: August 2020 

Task 2 questions: march 2020, task 2 essay questions: january 2020, recent exam task 2 questions: october 2019, task 2 sample questions: september 2019, task 2 questions: august 2019.

  • Task 2 questions: June 2019

Task 2 questions: January 2019

Writing task 2 questions: december 2018, task 2 questions: november 2018.

  • Writing task 2 questions: October 2018
  • Writing task 2 questions: September 2018

Writing task 2 questions: August 2018

Latest writing task 2 questions: july 2018 (education), latest writing task 2 questions: july 2018.

  • March – April 2019 task 2 questions

VIDEO: Recent 2022 questions and sample answers for IELTS Writing Task 2 

  • Frequently Asked Questions

The IELTS writing exam is split into two parts and task 2 is worth 66% of your score.

The IELTS writing task 2 is an essay writing task that assesses your ability to express and develop an argument in response to a given topic.

You are allocated 40 minutes to write it.

On the official British Council site there are documents that state your essay must contain at least 250 words, however, in the official criteria, there is no mention of 250 words.

The basic structure for IELTS writing task 2 in the IELTS exam is as follows:

  • Introduction : Be sure to state the question in your own words in your introduction so that you introduce the topic of your task 2. Task 2 statements are often a paraphrasing of the initial question.
  • Support your opinion : Once you have made your opinion clear, you have to provide facts to justify your choice
  • State the opposing point of you . You do not have to persuade the examiner about the opposing opinion, but it is important to state what it is. 
  • Summarise your opinion.

Below you will find a variety of task 2 essay topics that have been seen by students on their IELTS exams. By practising with these writing task 2 topics, you prepare yourself to write an essay about a wide range of topics.

Get your IELTS essay evaluated online for free using our new essay checker service. 

For a FREE ebook PDF of our top 10 sample essays, click here!

Common Essay Topics for IELTS Writing Task 2

Preparing for the IELTS Writing Task 2 requires familiarizing yourself with common essay topics that may appear on the IELTS exam.

Having knowledge of these topics can help you prepare well and increase your chances of scoring high.

Below are some of the most common essay topics for the IELTS Writing Task 2 exam.

  • Globalisation
  • Environment
  • Travel and transport
  • Law and order
  • Language and culture
  • Government and society
  • Sports and pastimes

In IELTS writing task 2, test takers may be presented with essay topics related to education.

Some writing task 2 education topics may focus on the benefits and drawbacks of traditional education or the role of technology in modern learning.

Here’s a sample task 2 question about education:

Some people think that a person improves intellectual skills better when doing group activities.  To what extent do you agree? Use specific details and examples to explain your view. 

Read more IELTS Writing Task 2 Topics on Education here

Writing task 2 often features essay topics related to globalisation, requiring test takers to express their views and opinions on the subject.

The essay question themes may include the far-reaching impacts of globalisation on economies, societies, and cultures around the world.

Here’s a sample task 2 question about globalisation:

Many people say that globalisation and the growing number of multinational companies have a negative effect on the environment. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.

Read more IELTS Task 2 questions on Globalisation here

In IELTS writing task 2, test takers are often presented with essay topics related to equality, asking them to explore issues such as gender equality, racial equality, and economic inequality.

Here’s a sample task 2 question about equality:

Nowadays both men and women spend a lot of money on beauty care. This was not so in the past. What may be the root cause of this behaviour? Discuss the reasons and possible results.

Read more IELTS task 2 questions on Equality here

Writing task 2 often features environment-related essay topics, requiring test takers to discuss issues such as pollution, conservation, and sustainable development.

Here’s a sample task 2 question about the environment:

Environmental issues such as climate change have always been an international problem because governments are not imposing harsh punishments against offenders. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Support your answer with specific reasons and examples.

Read more IELTS task 2 questions on the Environment here

In IELTS writing task 2, test takers are often given essay topics related to technology, requiring them to explore topics such as the benefits and drawbacks of technology, the role of technology in society, and the potential impact of emerging technologies.

Here’s a sample task 2 question about technology:

What technologies did you use to help you in your studies? Describe how it has helped you. Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.

Read more IELTS Task 2 questions on Technology here

In the IELTS writing exam, test takers may be required to discuss and write about travel and transport essay topics.

Here’s a sample task 2 question about travel and transport:

In many countries, people tend to move overseas or move to a different part of their country after their retirement. Discuss why they do so and what the outcome of this situation is. Provide specific reasons and examples to support your opinion

Read more Task 2 questions on Travel and Transport here.

Some people think that keeping pets is good for children while others think it is dangerous and unhealthy. Which opinion do you agree with? Discuss both options and give examples.

Read more Task 2 questions on Health here

Some people believe that once a person becomes a criminal, he will always be a criminal. Do you agree with this statement? Provide specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.

Read more  Task 2 questions on Law and Order here.

Task 2 Questions on Language and Culture

Compared to the past, more people are now trying to learn a foreign language to increase their chances of landing a better job in their native country or having better opportunities to work abroad. To what extent do you agree with this point of view? Give specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.

Read more Task 2 questions on language and culture here.

Task 2 Questions on Government and society

Should the government support artists, such as musicians, writers, and painters? Is it economically beneficial or is it just a waste of money? Why or why not?

Read more Task 2 questions on Government and society here.

International sporting events are costly and bring problems to the hosting country. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Give specific reasons and examples to support your position.

Read more Task 2 questions on Sports and Pastimes here

Sample IELTS Writing Task 2 Topics and Answers 

  • Band 6.5 essay about marriage (includes ex-ielts examiner commentary)
  • Band 9 essay about education (includes ex-ielts examiner commentary)

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Recent IELTS Writing Task 2 Questions from July 2018 till date

Below are past essay questions from previous years as seen by students in their exams.

These sample questions will help you prepare and better know what to expect in your task 2 exam.

Feel free to send us your task 2 questions if you have recently taken the IELTS exam.

  • In many countries, it is mandatory for school children to wear uniforms. Do the advantages of this policy outweigh the disadvantages? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
  • Many museums charge for admission while others are free. Do you think the advantages of charging people for admission outweigh the disadvantages?
  • Ambition is a positive quality for people to have in society today. How important is it for people who want to succeed in life? Is it a positive or negative characteristic?
  • Research has shown that the transportation of products and people are the main source of pollution. Some people believe the government should be in charge of this, while others believe it is the fault of individuals. Discuss both views and give your opinion. Give reasons for your answer and include relevant examples from your knowledge or experience. 
  • Extreme sports such as skydiving and rock climbing are very dangerous and should be banned. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this view?
  • These days more people put their personal information, such as names, addresses and telephone numbers, online for everyday activities such as socialising on social networks or banking purposes. Do you think it is a positive or negative development?
  • The leaders or directors of organizations are often older people. But some people say that young people can also be a leader. Do you agree or disagree?
  • Some people believe that people living in the twenty-first century have a better standard of living as compared to previous centuries. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give reasons for your answer and include relevant examples from your knowledge or experience.
  • A portion of the human population believes that criminal behaviour has its roots in genes. Others think that circumstances lead people to commit crimes. Discuss your take on both views and put forward your opinions. 
  • Some people think the government should provide free housing, while others believe it is not the government’s responsibility. Discuss both views and give your opinion
  • Some people believe the purpose of education is to prepare individuals to be beneficial to society. Others say the purpose of education is to achieve personal ambitions. Discuss both views and give your own opinion
  • With the growing population of cities, more and more people live in homes that have little or no outdoor area. Is this a positive or negative development? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your knowledge or experience.
  • It has been suggested that all young adults should be required to undertake a period of unpaid work helping people in the community. Would the drawbacks of such a requirement be greater than the benefits to the community and the individual young adults?
  • Some think dangerous extreme sports such as skydiving and rock climbing should be banned. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • Nowadays, most countries improve their living standards through economic development. However, some social values are lost as a result. Do you think the advantages of the phenomenon outweigh the disadvantages?
  • Although countries with long average working hours are economically successful, this often has some negative social consequences. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • In many countries, the number of animals and plants is declining. Why do you think this is happening? How can this issue be solved? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your knowledge or experience.
  • Some people think that activities during free time should be planned while others disagree. Discuss both sides and include examples and relevant data from your own experience.
  • The tendency of news reports in the media to focus more on problems and emergencies than on positive developments is harmful to individuals and society as a whole. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your knowledge or experience.
  • Some people think the government should support artists like painters, musicians, and poets, while others believe this wastes money. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  • Earlier technology developments brought more benefits and changed the lives of ordinary people more than recent developments ever will. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • These days more and more people are going to other countries for a significant period either to find a job or study. There are clearly many benefits to doing this, but people who live abroad can also face some difficulties.Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of living and working in a foreign country. Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
  • Nowadays online shopping is extremely popular. Discuss the impact of it on the environment and on people who lost their jobs because of it.
  • In some countries the government promotes public transport as the primary means of transportation, and discourages private vehicle ownership. Do you think the advantages of this policy outweigh the disadvantages?
  • Nowadays, most children prefer to spend several hours playing with electronic devices over doing more traditional leisure activities.What problem does this cause? What do you think are possible solutions?
  • It is believed that secondary school children should study international news as one of their school subjects. Others think that this is a waste of valuable school time. Discuss both views and give your opinions.
  • Some people think it’s better to choose friends who always have the same opinions as them. Other people believe it’s good to have friends who sometimes disagree with them. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
  • Fast food is a part of life in many places. Some people think this has bad effects on lifestyle and diets. Do you agree or disagree?
  • Some people encourage watching sports as a way of learning about teamwork and strategy, while others believe that one can learn these skills only through playing sports. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
  • New technologies have changed the way children spend their free time. Do you think the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?
  • Some people prefer to spend their lives doing the same things and avoiding change. Others, however, think that change is always a good thing. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
  • Although parents are responsible for raising a child, outside influence plays a key role in their development. To what extent do you agree or disagree
  • Movies and tv shows are a good way to study history despite their lack of historical accuracy at times. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • Nowadays, instead of locally sourced produce, many supermarkets sell a variety of foods imported from countries all across the world. Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?
  • Rising university fees and scarce employment prospects for graduates have led some people to say that universities should not teach arts subjects, like philosophy and history, and only offer practical degree courses that maximise chances of employment. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Give a reason for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
  • In some parts of the world, traditional festivals and celebrations have disappeared or are disappearing. Why is this happening? What measures could be taken to ensure they do not disappear?
  • Some people believe that using taxpayer funds to look for life on other planets is important. Others, however, think that it is a waste of public money because there are many more important issues requiring funding on our own planet. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
  • In recent years, there has been growing interest in the relationship between equality and personal achievement. Some people believe that individuals can achieve more in egalitarian societies. Others believe that high levels of personal achievement are possible only if individuals are free to succeed or fail according to their individual merits. Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.
  • Our personalities are predetermined as a result of our genes before we are born and there is nothing that can be done to change our character traits. To what extent do you agree?
  • Some people believe that teaching children at home is best for a child’s development while others think it is important for children to go to school. Discuss both the advantages of each method and give your own opinion
  • As the number of cars increases, more money has to be spent on road systems. Some people think the government should pay for this. Others, however, think that drivers should cover the costs. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
  • Some people suggest that a country should try to produce all the food for its population and import as little food as possible. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • Museums and art galleries should concentrate on local works rather than showing the cultures or artworks from other countries. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • Online currencies have become more common in recent years. Why is this? Is this a positive or negative development?
  • Many customs and traditional ways of behaviour are no longer relevant to the modern life and not worth keeping. Do you agree or disagree?
  • Some think secondary and high school students should be allowed to choose academic courses leading to university or practical courses leading to careers such as carpenters. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • Some people say that to prevent illness and disease, governments should focus more on reducing environmental pollution and housing problems. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • Nowadays, distance-learning programs have gained popularity, but some people argue that online courses can never be as good as those taken at a college or university in person. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • The increase in the production of consumer goods results in damage to the natural environment. What are the causes of this? What can be done to solve this problem?
  • Some people think international events such as the Olympic Games are important and can bring nations together. Others, however, think that they are a waste of money as the money could be spent elsewhere on more important issues. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
  • Some people think that dangerous sports should be banned. Others, however, believe that people should be free to choose sports activities. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
  • In today’s world, people spend a lot of money on appearance because they want to look younger. Why does this happen? Do you think this is a positive or negative development?
  • In many countries, people now wear western clothes such as suits and jeans rather than traditional clothing. Why is this the case? Is this a positive or negative development?
  • Many governments think that economic progress is their most important goal. Some people, however, think that other types of progress are equally important for a country. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
  • Some people think visual images, such as photographs and videos, can most accurately inform people about a news story. Others believe they are not reliable sources of information. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  • These days, older people who have retired often choose to spend money on themselves (for example on holidays) rather than save money for their children. Is this a positive or negative development?
  • Advanced technology has brought many beneficial changes to the world. However, some old people today struggle with the use of technologies such as mobile phones and the Internet. How can the elderly benefit from using advanced technologies? How can the elderly be encouraged to use consumer electronics more often?
  • Recent advances in medicine have resulted in an increase in life expectancy over the past four years. Do you think that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
  • The best way to make the road transport of goods safer is to ask drivers to take a driving test each year. To what extent do you agree or disagree ?
  • Although, it is generally illegal corporal punishment continues in many countries. Others argue that parents should have the right to punish their children in this way. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Listen to the sample answer to this question here .
  • The increasing demand for oil and gas has made it necessary to look for these energy sources in remote and untouched natural places. Do you think the advantages of locating oil and gas in these areas outweigh the disadvantages of damaging these places? Listen to the sample answer to this question here .
  • Some people think the primary purpose of schools is to turn children into good citizens and workers, rather than to benefit them as individuals. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
  • Some people think it is a better way to leave their home country to improve their work and living opportunities, while others think staying in their own country is a better choice. Discuss both views and give your own opinion . Listen to the sample answer to this question here .
  • In many cities, planners tend to arrange shops, schools, offices, and homes in specific areas and separate them from each other. Do you think the advantages of this policy outweigh the disadvantages?
  • It’s more important for school children to learn about their local history than world history. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • Nowadays many people prefer to buy famous brands of clothes, cars and other items. What are the reasons for this? Do you think it is a positive or negative development ?
  • In many workplaces, online communication is becoming more commonplace than face-to-face meetings. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? Listen to the sample answer to this question here .

January to March 2022 Recent Task 2 Questions

  • Some people believe that violence in the media, such as in television programs and films, directly results in violent behaviour. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • In the future, all cars, buses and trucks will be driverless. The only people travelling inside these vehicles will be passengers. Do you think that the advantages of driverless vehicles outweigh the disadvantages?
  • In many countries, children are becoming overweight and unhealthy. Some people think that the government has the responsibility to solve this problem. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • In some countries, there has been an increase in the number of advertisements that try to persuade children to buy snacks, toys, and other goods. Some people claim this is unfair as parents feel under pressure to buy these kinds of things for their children. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • Some believe that younger family members should be legally responsible for supporting older family members when they become physically, mentally and financially unable to look after themselves. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • In the 21st century, contact between many different parts of the world has developed rapidly through air travel and telecommunications. Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?
  • Weddings are getting bigger and more expensive. What is the reason for this? Is it a positive or negative development?
  • Educating young people is naturally important. However, some think governments ought to invest more in education for adults in need. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • In some places, old age is valued, while in other cultures youth is considered more important. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
  • A rise in the standard of living in a country often only seems to benefit cities rather than rural areas. What problems can this cause? How might these problems be reduced?
  • Some people think that personal happiness is directly related to economic success. Others argue that happiness depends on different factors. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

October to December 2021 Sample Task 2 Questions

  • Some people think that the best way to succeed in life is to get a university education, while others disagree and say that it is no longer true nowadays. Discuss both views and give your own opinions.
  • In many countries, plastic shopping bags are the main source of rubbish. They cause water and land pollution, and so they should be banned. To what extent do you agree with this statement?
  • Information technology is changing many aspects of our lives and now dominates our home, leisure and work activities. To what extent do the benefits of information technology outweigh the disadvantages?
  • Some people think that schools are no longer necessary because people can acquire information on the Internet. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • Some people believe that university students should pay all the costs of studies because university education only benefits students themselves, not society as a whole. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • Some think increasing business and cultural contact between nations is positive. Others think it leads to the disappearance of the national identity. Discuss both views and state your own opinion.
  • Some people think that schools should select students according to their academic abilities, while others believe that it is better to have students with different abilities studying together. Discuss both views and state your own opinion.
  • Many people like to eat unhealthy food even though they know it’s bad for them. Why? What are the most effective ways to improve people’s eating habits?
  • Some people think there are not many things individuals can do to resolve environmental problems, while others believe that in order to tackle environmental problems individuals also need to take action. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  • There is too much noise in many public places in cities. What are the causes of this problem? What can be done to solve the problem?
  • Crime rates will fall as advances in technology make it easier to detect and prevent crimes. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • In many situations, people who break the law should be warned instead of punished. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • Some people think employers should not care about the way their employees dress, but the quality of work. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • Some people think children should have the freedom to make mistakes, while other people believe that adults should prevent children from making mistakes. Discuss both sides and give your opinion
  • Although more and more people read news on the Internet, newspapers will remain the most important source of news for the majority of people. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • Some students take one year off between finishing high school and going to university, in order to travel or to work. Do you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
  • Today, many people do not know their neighbours in large cities. What problems does this cause? What can be done about this?
  • An increasing number of developing countries are expanding their tourist industry. Why do you think it is the case? Do you think it is a positive or negative development?
  • Nowadays, more and more people from different cities are spending more time away from their families. What are the possible reasons and the effects on the people themselves and their families?
  • Some people say that nowadays children have an easy life, and some people think that the life of children was easier in the past. Discuss both points of view and also provide relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
  • Some people say that all popular TV entertainment programmes should aim to educate viewers about important social issues. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
  • Some people believe the purpose of education should be to help the individual to become useful to society, while others believe it should help individuals to achieve their ambitions. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
  • Many people believe that a person’s culture is defined by their country of origin, while others believe that it has only minor influence. Discuss both these views and give your opinion.
  • More and more people are finding it increasingly important to wear fashionable clothes. Is this attitude to wearing clothes a positive development or negative?
  • The movement of people from villages to cities for work can cause serious problems in both places. What are the serious problems associated with this? What measures can be taken to solve these problems?
  • In the world of the internet, people write product reviews of products and services. Do you think this is a positive or negative development?
  • Some people prefer to buy local products while others prefer international products. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • Some believe that more action should be taken to prevent crime, while others feel that crime is being tackled effectively now. Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.
  • Some people say it is more important to plant trees in the open spaces in towns and cities than to build more housing. To what extant do you agree or disagree?
  • Some scientists think that computers will soon become more intelligent than humans.To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
  • Some people think that dangerous extreme sports such as rock climbing and sky-diving should be banned. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this view?
  • Young people are often influenced by their peers. Do the advantages of peer pressure outweigh the disadvantages? 
  • Some people believe that nowadays too much money is being spent on weddings and birthdays. Why do you think it is happening? What can be done to improve the situation?
  • In many countries, the legal driving age is 18 years old. Some people believe it is the right age to learn how to drive a car, whereas others say that the minimum age should be 25. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
  • Some people think that instead of preventing climate change , we need to find a way to live with it. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Sample Task 2 Questions: January 2021  

  • Some people feel that the effects of advertising are positive for individuals and businesses, while others think they are negative. Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.
  • Some people say that TV advertisements are helpful for viewers, while others disagree. What is your opinion?
  • Some people think the spread of multinational companies and globalization produce positive outcomes for everyone. Do you agree or disagree with this statement?
  • In some countries, there are fewer young people who listen to or play classical music these days. Why is this? Should young people be encouraged to play or perform classical music?
  • Directors of large organizations earn much higher salaries than ordinary employees do. Some people think it is necessary, but others are of the opinion that it is unfair. Discuss both views and give your own opinions.
  • Prison is the common way in most countries try to solve the problem of crime. However, a more effective solution is to provide people with a better education. Do you agree or disagree?
  • Some think that climate change reforms will negatively affect business. Others feel they are an opportunity for businesses. Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.
  • Some people argue that holding sporting events is beneficial to a country’s development. However, other people hold the opposite opinion. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  • The first man to walk on the moon claimed it was a step forward for mankind. However, it has made little difference in most people’s lives. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • Some people think that good teamwork makes a company successful, others think that good leadership is the reason behind the success of a company. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.

Take a look at some of our IELTS vocabulary to help you write about the above topics.

Task 2 Sample Questions: October/November 2020  

  • Nowadays more and more people want to get things done instantly. Why is it? Do you think it is a positive or negative development?
  • Some people think that it is a waste of time for high school students to study literature, such as novels and poems. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • In some countries the elderly are highly valued and respected, while in others youth is more highly valued. Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.
  • The personal information of many individuals is held by large internet companies and organisations. Do you think the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?
  • Some people believe that handwriting is no longer useful in the modern world and should not be taught in schools. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • Some believe that advances in technology are increasing the gap between rich and poor while others think the opposite is happening. Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.
  • Some people believe that smart phones are destroying social interaction today. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • Some people believe that governments should ban dangerous sports. Others claim that they should have freedom to choose their favourite activities. Discuss both views and present your opinion.
  • Nowadays employment options are changing and employees cannot rely on having the same job and working conditions throughout their life. What are some possible causes? Suggest some ways to plan for the future under these circumstances.
  • Many companies sponsor sports as a way of advertising themselves. Some people think this is good for the world of sport, while others think it is negative. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  • Governments in many countries have recently introduced special taxes on foods and beverages with high levels of sugar. Some think these taxes are a good idea while others disagree. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
  • Many people think technological devices such as smartphones, tablets and mobile phones bring more disadvantages than advantages. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • It is better for children if the whole family including aunts, uncles and grandparents are involved in a child’s upbringing, rather than just their parents. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • Most people prefer shopping in supermarkets nowadays. How does this affect the local shops? What are the positive and negative impacts of this development?
  • In many countries, fast food is becoming cheaper and more widely available. Do the disadvantages of this outweigh the advantages?
  • The government should lower the budget on the arts in order to allocate more money to education.To what extent do you agree?
  • Many people argue that eating junk food has led to an unhealthy lifestyle. This problem has become more common among young people these days. Do you agree or disagree that junk food is the cause of the issue?
  • Some people think that in order to produce a happy society, it is necessary to ensure that there is only a small difference between the earnings of the richest and poorest. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • The manufacturing and use of cars damage the environment but their popularity is increasing. Why is this happening? How could this be controlled?
  • Some people think that young people should go to university to further their education while others think they should be encouraged to work as car mechanics or builders etc.to serve society. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  • Some people believe that to give opportunities to the new generation companies should encourage high-level employees who are older than 55 to retire. Do you agree or disagree?
  • Nowadays celebrities earn more money than politicians. What are the reasons for this? Is it a positive or negative development?
  • Many people believe that countries should produce food for the whole population and import as little food as possible. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • Some people think that it is necessary to travel abroad to learn about other countries, but others think that it is not necessary to travel abroad because all the information can be seen on TV and the internet. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  • Why are some people who leave school early more successful compared with those who complete their studies. Provide reasons why they are more successful and what are the requirements for success?
  • Countries with long average working hours are economically more successful than those countries which do not work long hours. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  •  Many students around the world don’t choose science subjects at university. Give the reasons for this and describe the impact on the community?
  • It is better for young people to get advice from old people than young ones. Do you agree or disagree?
  • Some people think that music plays an important role in society. Others think it is simply a form of entertainment. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
  • Some people think that job satisfaction is more important than job security. Others think that people cannot expect to enjoy a job and that having a permanent job is more important. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
  • Some people say that technologies such as mobile phones are disrupting social interaction. Do you agree or disagree?
  • Some people think history has little or nothing to offer, while others say the study of the past helps us understand the present. Write on both views and give your opinion, citing examples from your experience
  • Some people think that zoos are cruel and all the zoos should be closed. However, others think that zoos are useful to protect rare animals. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  • Some people think that the best way to stay fit is to join a gym/health club while others think doing everyday activities such as walking and climbing stairs is sufficient. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
  • Nowadays online shopping is extremely popular. Discuss the impact of it on the environment and on people who lost their jobs because of it
  • Nowadays celebrities earn more money than politicians. What are the reasons for this? Is it a positive or negative development
  • Many people think that every individual is responsible for their happiness, but some people believe there are other external factors that influence us. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
  • It is too expensive to look after and repair old buildings. This money should be spent on building modern buildings instead. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
  • Scientific research should be the responsibility of governments rather than commercial organizations. Do you agree or disagree with this statement?
  • Some people believe that women should be treated as equal to men when applying for a job with police or the military. Others think women are less suitable for this kind of job. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
  • Some people prefer to work in the same type of job throughout their lifetime while others like to change the type of job they do. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
  • Some people think that it is fine for professional sportsmen and sportswomen to misbehave on or off the field, as long as they are playing well. Do you agree or disagree with this statement?
  • People are becoming too dependent on the Internet and phone. Is it a positive or negative development?
  • Some people suggest that it is better for children to be brought up by the whole family including uncles, aunts and grandparents, rather than just the parents. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give your opinion and examples.
  • Some people think that the government should increase tax on unhealthy food to encourage people to start eating healthy. Do you agree or disagree?
  • Nowadays, people are spending more time away from their homes because they spend longer in their workplace. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages.
  • Nowadays a few people take their family with them abroad whenever they go on a business trip. What are the advantages and disadvantages for them and for their family
  • Many parents complain about violence promoted to their children through video games, TV programs and other media. Why is it happening? What can be the solution for it?
  • Nowadays most people are not as fit and active, as they were in the past. What are the main causes of this situation? Suggest some possible solutions.
  • Nowadays, international tourism is the biggest industry in the world. Unfortunately, it creates tension rather than understanding between people from different cultures. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
  • Fossil fuels (e.g. coal, oil and gas) are the main source of energy for most countries. However, alternative sources of energy (e.g. wind and solar) have been encouraged for use by some countries. To what extent is this a positive or negative development?
  • Nowadays media should include more good news in their publications. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
  • Fossil fuels are the main source of energy around the world. However, people are being encouraged to use alternative energy sources such as wind energy, solar energy and so on. Do you think this is a positive or negative development? Why?
  • Some people believe that elderly employees are more useful to a company, while others believe that young employees are better. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  • The number of older people is increasing. Some people think that this will cause problems in their countries, while others believe this group is important to society. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  • Some think that teenagers should follow older people’s rules. Others think that it is natural for them to challenge what older people say. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
  • Television Sporting shows such as the Olympics motivate the youth who do not like to exercise much. Do you agree or disagree? Include relevant examples in your answer and provide your own opinion.
  • Nowadays many people want to buy famous brands of clothes, cars and other items. What are the reasons for this? Do you think it is a positive or negative development?
  • More people live alone today than they did in the past. Do you think this is a positive or negative development? Give your opinion and relevant examples to support your view.
  • Some people believe that price is the only consideration when buying something. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give your opinion and include relevant examples.
  • Some people believe that educational success depends on good teachers, while others believe that students’ attitudes are important. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
  • People in the current generation are not fit and active. This will cause health problems in the future. What could be the reasons for the inactivity and suggest solutions for this issue?
  • Parents, usually mothers, stay at home to look after their families. People believe that for this they should receive a salary from the government. Do you agree or disagree and why?
  • Some people think that they can go to the gym to remain fit, while others think that there are other better ways to do this. Discuss both views along with your opinion.
  • Some people say companies should require all employees to wear uniforms at work. Others think it is unnecessary. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  • Because of modern technology , some people believe that it is no longer necessary for people to learn handwriting skills, but others believe that handwriting is still an important skill. Discuss both views and give your opinion based on your experience.
  • Nowadays many people work from home. Some think it is beneficial, while others think it may distract the family routine. What is your opinion?
  •  It is necessary for parents to attend a parenting training course to bring their children up. Do you agree or disagree?
  • Nowadays people work too hard. What is the reason for this? What should employers do to prevent employees from overworking?
  • Nowadays people get married and have children after the age of 30. Is it a positive or negative development?
  • Today, some young people say that their mobile phones are the most important thing they own. Do you think that the popularity of mobile phones is a good or bad thing?
  • Nowadays, people believe that governments should invest tax-payers money in healthcare, while others believe that money should be used in other areas. Discuss both points of view and give your opinion.
  • Adults do less exercise nowadays. Some think that people can be encouraged to live healthy lives through sporting events such as the Olympics or the World Cup. Others think that there are better ways to encourage adults to exercise. Discuss both views and state your opinion.
  • Modern cultures around the world have become similar when compared to the past. What are the reasons? Is it a positive or negative development?
  • People are using a lot of online language translation apps. Are there more advantages than disadvantages to such services?
  • Demand for food is increasing worldwide. What is the cause of this? What measures can the international community take to meet this demand?
  • Many companies sponsor sports as a way of advertising themselves. Some people think that this is a good thing, while others think that it has disadvantages. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  • Some people believe that to be successful at a sport you need natural ability and others think that hard work and practice can make you successful. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
  • Nowadays, adults do little exercise. Some people believe that the best way to address this issue is by covering great sports events such as the Olympics on television. Others think that it is more beneficial to take other measures. What is your opinion?
  • These days some people spend a lot of money on tickets to go to sporting or cultural events. Do you think this is a positive or negative development?
  • Some people believe that technology has made man more social and others think that it has made him less social. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
  • Experts say older people were happier and healthier in the past because they did more exercise and spent more time with family and friends, whereas many now suffer from loneliness and health problems. What are the causes of this and what are some solutions?
  • Some people believe that to be successful at a sport you need a natural ability and others think that hard work and practice can make you successful. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
  • Some people believe that there will be a reduction in air travel in the future. Do you think that this trend is a positive or negative development?
  • Some people believe that technology has made man more sociable and others think that it has made us less sociable. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
  • At the present time, the population of some countries includes a relatively large number of young adults, compared with the number of older people. Do you think that the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?
  • Some people believe that it is important to give gifts to friends and family to show that we care about them. Others think that there are better ways to show that we care. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
  • Today much of the food people eat gets transported from farms that are thousands of miles away. Some people believe it would be better for the environment and the economy if people only consumed food produced by local farmers. Would the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?
  • With internet improvements, people can share views or opinions on certain goods or services that they have purchased. Is this a good or a bad thing? Discuss both views and give your opinion.
  • The qualities and skills that a person requires to become successful in today’s world cannot be learned at a university or any other academic institution. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • Shopping has become a new favourite pastime for the younger generation. Why is this the case? Should we encourage them to develop other hobbies too?
  • Courses and general online study have recently become very popular. However, some people still prefer to attend classes in person. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  • Some people think that prison sentences should not be used to deal with criminals. Education and skills training should be used instead. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • It is often said that it is not necessary to have a tertiary education to become a successful businessman. To what extent to you agree or disagree with this statement? Give your opinion and relevant examples.
  • Today it is common practice for many business meetings and business training to take place online. Do the advantages of this new development outweigh the disadvantages?
  • Nowadays, the internet and television have given ordinary people a chance to become famous. Is this a positive or negative development?
  • Some people from poor and rural backgrounds find it difficult to get a university education. Universities should make it easier for such groups to enrol. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • Some people think that it is the responsibility of governments to take care of the environment, while others believe that it is the responsibility of the citizens. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
  • Many people believe that family has a greater influence on a child’s life and development than other factors, such as friends, TV, music and so on. Do you agree or disagree with this statement?
  • Science can now offer people a life expectancy of close to one hundred years or even more. Some people view it in a positive light, but others believe it creates some problems. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  • These days, many people prefer ready-to-eat food outside of their homes rather than homemade food. Do you think this has more advantages or disadvantages?
  • Certain personal qualities cannot be achieved through university studies. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give your opinion and relevant examples.
  • In some countries, the quality of life in larger cities is declining. Why do you think this is happening? What measures can be taken to stop it?

Task 2 Questions: June 2019

  • Shopping is now one of the most popular forms of leisure activity in many countries for young adults. What do you think is the reason for this? Is this a positive or negative development?
  • In many countries, people are living in a “throwaway society” where things are used for a short time and thrown away. What are the causes of this and what problems does it lead to?
  • In some countries, people follow the latest fashion and hairstyles. In your opinion, what is influencing this? Do you think this is a positive or negative development?
  • In some countries, children under 16 years old are not allowed to leave school by law and get full-time work. Is this a good or bad thing? Discuss your opinion.
  • Nowadays, people have adopted an unhealthy lifestyle. Why do think this is? How could this problem be solved?
  • Some young people are leaving the countryside to live in cities and towns, leaving only old people in the countryside. Why do think this is? Do you think this is a positive or negative development?
  • In many countries, people have more health problems because they choose to live an unhealthy lifestyle. What do you think are the reasons for this and how can it be solved? Give relevant examples from your experience.
  • Countries with a long average working time are more economically successful than those countries which do not have a long working time. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • Nowadays, people of all ages from certain parts of the world spend the most time at home rather than going outdoors. Discuss the reasons, is this a negative or positive development?
  • With the development of technology and science, some people believe that there is no great value of artists such as musicians and painters. What are the things artists can do but scientists cannot? Should art be encouraged more?
  • While recruiting a new employee, the employer should pay more attention to their personal qualities, rather than qualifications and experience. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Give your opinion and include relevant examples.
  • Money should be spent on creating new public buildings such as museums or town halls rather than renovating the existing ones. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • All the people in a company should be treated equally and provided with the same number of holidays in a year or people doing different jobs enjoy a different amount of holiday time. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • Some people say that a person’s success is a result of the way he has been brought up by his parents. Do you agree or disagree?
  • Public celebrations (such as national days, festivals etc) are held in most countries. These are often quite expensive and some people say that governments should spend money on more useful things. Do you agree or disagree?
  • Some people say that children given pocket money every week will have lesser money problems when they become adults. Do you agree or disagree?
  • The global demand for oil and gas is increasing. Some people believe that we should therefore encourage the exploitation of remote areas. Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?
  • Today, many big cities in the world are increasing in size. What are the problems associated with it? What are the solutions to these problems?
  • Some young people are leaving the countryside to live in cities or towns, it leaves only old people in the countryside. What are the problems with this issue? What can be done to solve this problem?
  • Many people believe that learning a foreign language is a very difficult task. What are the most difficult things about learning a foreign language? What is the best way to overcome them? Explain and include your personal experience or knowledge of these problems.
  • Some people think high-end technology can prevent and cut down the rate of committing a crime. Do you agree or disagree?
  • Some people feel that courses can make anyone a teacher, while others feel an excellent teacher cannot be made by pursuing a course. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
  • Some people think that a high salary is important when choosing a company to work for, while others think that a good working atmosphere is more important. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
  • Some people encourage young children to leave their parents’ house as soon as they become adults while others say children should stay at their parents’ house as long as possible. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
  • Many countries thought that children have to do homework in their free time while other say children should do more outdoor activities. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • Some people say that art subjects such as music, drama and creative writing are an essential part of education, and every school should include them in its syllabus. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give your opinion and examples from your own experience.
  • Nowadays in many countries, women have full-time jobs. Therefore, it is logical to share household tasks evenly between men and women. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
  • Some people think that public health within a country can be improved by the government making laws regarding nutritious food. Others, however, think that health is a matter of personal choice and responsibility. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
  • Some people believe that the construction of new public buildings such as museums, town halls and sporting facilities is more important than the renovation of the existing ones, while others disagree. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  • Nowadays the crime rate is increasing, especially among teenagers. What are the reasons behind it? How can we reverse this trend? What punishment methods should be used, in your opinion?
  • Nowadays online education has become popular as more institutes and companies are offering courses online. However, many people prefer traditional, classroom training or study. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of both methods.
  • Some people believe that the government should take care of old people and provide financial support after they retire. Others say individuals should save during their working years to fund their own retirement. What is your opinion? Give reasons for your answer and include examples from your own experience.
  • In some cultures, old people are valued more, while in other cultures youth is considered more valuable. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
  • Nowadays people waste a lot of food that was bought from shops and restaurants. Why do you think people waste food? What can be done to reduce the amount of food they throw away?
  • In today’s times, the internet is making it easy to study online from home. Some prefer online courses to study and they think it is better. Others prefer classroom education. Discuss both views and share your opinion.
  • Successful companies use advertising to make more sales. What can make an advertisement very effective? Do you think this is a bad thing or a good thing for society?
  • Science will soon make people live up to 100 or even 200 years. Some believe this is a good thing while others disagree. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  • Some people believe that after hundred years life will be easier for most of people, while others are unsure. What is your opinion?
  • Some people think it is important to spend a lot of money on a wedding celebration, while others disagree. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
  • Some people think that giving gifts and presents to friends and family is important to show them that we care. Others think that there are more important ways. Discuss both and give your opinion.
  • The media is increasing interest in famous people who have ordinary backgrounds. Why do you think people are interested in the lives of famous people? Do you think this is a good thing?
  • Some people prefer activities and lifestyles in hot climates while others prefer activities and lifestyles in cold climates. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
  • Online education and training is becoming increasingly popular in the business world. Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?
  • More and more parents are allowing their children to play on computers and tablets as they think that children should learn technology skills. Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?
  • People are living in a ‘throwaway society’, using things for a short time and then throwing them away. What are the causes of this? What problems does it lead to?
  • Nowadays children mostly spend time playing computer games rather than sports. What are the reasons for this? Is it a positive or negative development?
  • Scientists agree that many people eat too much junk food and it is damaging their health. Some people think that this problem can be solved by educating people, while others believe that education will not work. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  • Many people believe that TV news and media, in general, have a detrimental effect on our life. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give your own opinion, including relevant examples.
  • Many famous athletes advertise different products. What are the advantages and disadvantages of it?
  • Nowadays people try to balance their work with other things in life, but only some could actually achieve it so far. What are the reasons for that? How can we solve this problem?
  • Some people say that online study is the most effective and convenient way to learn. Others believe that online study will never be as effective as learning at school, or in person. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  • Children and teenagers are committing more and more crimes in many countries. Why is this happening? How can we stop or at least reduce youth crime?
  • Some people prefer cold weather conditions, while others don’t. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  • Some people think subjects taught in school are a waste of time, while others disagree and believe that this type of education is useful for students. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  • Some people think that the only way to relax is to rest or sleep, while others say people need to do exercise or sports to relax. Discuss both viewpoints and give your own opinion.
  • Some parents and teachers think that children’s behaviour should be strictly controlled. While some think that children should be free to behave. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
  • In many countries, day by day rubbish (garbage) is increasing. Why is it happening? What can be done?
  • Some people see shopping as a leisure activity mostly for young adults, while others disagree. Do you think this has a positive or negative effect on economic development? Give your opinion and include relevant examples.
  • Shopping has become a favourite pastime among young people. What do you think it is like that? Do you think they must be encouraged to do other things rather than shopping?
  • Some people think that the main factors influencing a child’s development these days are things such as television, friends, and music. Others believe that the family still remains more important. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
  • Food travels thousands of miles from producers to consumers. Some people think that it would be better for the environment and economy if people only ate the local food produced by farmers. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • Some people argue that the fittest, strongest individuals and teams can achieve the greatest success in sports. But other people think that success is as much related to mental attitude. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
  • Some people become famous when they were at a young age. Do you think this is positive or negative?
  • Some people believe it is important to give gifts and presents to friends and family to show that we care about them. Others think that there are better ways to show affection to them. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  • Many people believe that spending a lot of money on weddings is fine, while others completely disagree. Discuss both views and give your own opinion and examples .
  • Many people believe the government should spend money on faster public transport. Others think that money should be spent on different aspects of public transportation, such as cost reduction and environmental conservation. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  • Some people believe that manufacturers should be responsible for reducing the large amounts of packaging they use. Others say consumers should avoid buying heavily packaged items. Discuss both views and state your opinion. Give reasons for your answer and include examples from your experience.
  • Some people think that family has the most important influence on children’s development, while others believe that factors such as TV, friends, music and books have a more significant impact. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Task 2 questions (October 2018)

  • Today, most people get married and give birth in their thirties rather than when they are younger. Is this a positive or negative development?
  • Shops should give preference in selling local food rather than imported food. Do you agree or disagree?
  • A growing population is a big problem in developing countries. Should the government provide new homes in the cities or the countryside?
  • Some people think that the media (newspapers) have the right to publish details of people’s private lives, while others think it should be controlled. Discuss both views.
  • Some people think that activities during the free time should be planned while others disagree. Discuss both sides and include examples and relevant data from your own experience.
  • In some countries, an increasing number of people are suffering from health problems as a result of eating too much fast food. It is therefore necessary for governments to impose a higher tax on this kind of food? To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion? You should use your own ideas, knowledge and experience and support your arguments with examples and relevant evidence.
  • Today more people are overweight than ever before. What in your opinion are the primary causes of this? What measures can be taken to overcome this epidemic?
  • In most parts of the world, people are living longer. What are the possible causes of this situation? Is this a negative or positive development?
  • Today, the internet and TV have created that chance for ordinary people to become famous. Is it a positive or negative development?
  • Nowadays food has become easier to prepare. Has this change improved the way people live? Give reasons for your answer using your own ideas and experience.
  • Nowadays many people believe that children should be taught history in schools, however, others argue that children should learn subjects that are more helpful for modern everyday life. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  • Some parents believe that a child should not waste time by reading entertainment books instead, they should spend time reading educational books only. What is your opinion about this?
  • Some people think that young children need to attend nursery before primary school. While others believe young children can spend all day at home. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
  • Some people believe school children should be given multiple short vacations while others believe they should get one long vacation. Give advantages of both and your point of view.
  • Some people think that the advantages of advertising sports products through famous sports players outweigh the disadvantages. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • In our society, there is far more attention on men’s sport than women’s sport. What are the reasons for this? Do you think that this is positive or negative development?
  • It has been said that reading for pleasure is better in developing imagination and language skills than watching TV. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • Advertisements are influencing us in a negative way. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • School teachers are more responsible for the social and intellectual development of students than parents. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • Some people spend a lot of money on their wedding ceremonies. However, others feel like it is unnecessary to spend a lot. Discuss both view points and give your own opinion.
  • Since travelling abroad became relatively inexpensive, more countries opened their doors for foreign tourists. Is it a positive or negative trend? Give your opinion and include relevant examples.
  • Many countries consider eighteen-year-olds to be adults, while other countries don’t. What do you think about it? Give your opinion and some relevant examples based on your own experience.

Writing task 2 questions (September 2018)

  • Some people think that the only way to judge someone’s success in business is by the amount of money they make. Is this a true indicator of the success of a business and in what other ways could success in a business be measured?
  • The restoration of old buildings in major cities around the world costs enormous amounts of money. This money would be better spent on providing new housing and road development. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
  • Employers should give their workers at least one month’s holiday a year as it makes them to do better at their job. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • Some people believe the Olympic Games don’t belong to the 21st century anymore. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • Some parents believe that reading books for entertainment is a waste of time for children and they think that their children should only read serious educational books. What is your opinion?
  • Some people think that advertising on TV is useless and others disagree. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
  • Some people think money is the best gift to give it to youngsters, while others disagree. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
  • For school children, their teachers have more influence on their intelligence and social development than their parents. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • In the modern world, it is possible to shop, work and communicate with people via the internet and live without any face-to-face contact with others. Is it a positive or negative development in your opinion? To what extent do you support this development?
  • Many university students live with their families, while others live away from home because their universities are in different places. What are the advantages and disadvantages of both situations?
  • In the modern world, it is no longer necessary to use animals for food, clothing or medicine. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Give reasons for your answer and include examples from your own experience.
  • Some businesses observe that new employees who just graduated from a college or university seem to lack the interpersonal skills needed for communication with their colleagues. What could be the reason for this? What solutions can help address this problem?
  • Some people believe that we should start giving formal education to students at a much earlier age, while others think we should wait until the age of 7. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? Discuss and give reasons for your answer.
  • Nowadays in many countries, young people leave rural areas to study or work in cities. What are the reasons for this? Do the benefits of this outweigh the disadvantages?
  • Some parents believe that reading entertainment books is a waste of time. In their opinion, children should only read serious, educational books. Do you agree or disagree? Give reasons for your answer and include relevant examples from your own experience.
  • Nowadays there is a growing trend of private car ownership. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages or environmental problems associated with this?
  • Some people believe that companies should pay for the damage they cause to the environment, while others say that the government should be responsible for such expenses. Do you agree or disagree? Give reasons for your answer and include examples from your experience.
  • Nowadays there are many medical surveys of treatments to reduce health problems. Who should conduct them, governments, individuals or private companies, in your opinion? Give reasons for your answer and include relevant examples from your experience.
  • The international community must act immediately to ensure that all countries reduce their consumption of fossil fuels such as gas, oil and coal. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give your own opinion.
  • Many people believe that it is a good idea to have a dress code at workplaces. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give your opinion and examples from your own experience.
  • Some think that private companies should pay for pollution clean up, while others say it should be a government’s responsibility. Discuss, and state your own opinion.
  • Many people think that more having more money will make them happier. How important is money to happiness?
  • Many people believe that the use of new technology improves the lives of employees. Others think it is a disadvantage for them. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  • Some people say that sport is very important for a nation’s development, while others believe that sport is no more than a leisure time activity. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  • Some people think that children should start school sooner while others believe they should not start it before the age of seven. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  • Some people argue that competitive sports are good for bringing together different people and cultures. Others argue that these sports can cause problems and increase conflicts between nations. Discuss both points of view and give your own opinion.
  • In some countries, it is illegal for employers to reject job applications on the basis of age criteria. Is it a positive or negative development? Give reasons for your answer and include examples from your own experience.
  • Many young people regularly change their jobs over the years. What are the reasons for this? Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
  • Some people think that new technologies benefit the life of workers whereas some deny the statement. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
  • Scientists agree that many people are eating too much junk food and it is damaging to their health. Some people think that these problems can be solved by educating people to eat less junk food. Other people believe that education will not work. Discuss both opinions and give your own opinion.
  • Some people think that companies and private individuals should pay to clean up the pollution that they produce, not the government. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • As more and more students enter universities, academic qualifications are becoming devalued. To get ahead in many professions, more than one degree is now required and in future, it is likely that people will take a number of degree courses before even starting work. This is an undesirable situation. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • Many people are involved in sports when they are young but stop once they are adults. Why do many adults stop doing physical exercise? What can be done about this problem?
  • Some people think that it is a good idea for all employees to wear a uniform at work. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • Some people think that new technology always improves the lives of workers. Other people believe that it results in disadvantages for workers. Discuss both opinions and give your own opinion.
  • Some people think that international competitive sports such as football bring conflict between people of different age groups and nationalities. Others think the sport is helping reach understanding between people and nations. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
  • Some people think that only staff who worked in the company for a long time should be promoted to higher positions. What is your opinion on this? Give reasons and relevant examples for your answer.
  • Some people think it’s a good idea to wear a uniform at work. Do you agree or disagree? Give reasons for your answer with relevant examples from knowledge or experience.
  • Some people think it is more important to spend time in developing a successful career while others think it is more important to spend time with friends and family. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
  • There is less social contact between young and old. What are the reasons? What measures can be taken?
  • Do you agree with the following statement: home schooling protects students from a number of challenges faced by non-home-schooled children?
  • Does distant learning make it easier for students to balance their everyday lives?
  • Learning in one’s native tongue yields better school scores than learning in a medium language. Do you agree or disagree? Argue your point of view.
  • Should there be a variety of learning methodologies implemented within the school learning curriculum?
  • Some believe that modern technology has made people less socially active, while others disagree. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  • The best way to reduce crime among young people is to teach parents good parenting skills. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give your own opinion and examples.
  • Some psychologists think that the best way to overcome the stress of everyday life is to spend a portion of the day doing absolutely nothing. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • There is a trend of increasing amounts of consumer goods, which leads to environmental problems. What are the reasons for this trend? Give your own opinion and solutions.
  • The difference in age between parents and their children has increased compared to the past. Do you think advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?
  •  Scientists have been warning for many years already that in order to protect the environment people should use less energy. However, most people do not change their ways of living. What is causing this behaviour? How can people be encouraged to change?
  • Some people think that children should go to kindergarten before attending primary school, while others believe that is better for children to stay all day with their families. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  • Some people believe that trade and cultural relationships between the countries is a positive development, while others disagree. Discuss both the views and include your own opinion.
  • Recently there are more gas stations being built as opposed to diesel ones in rural areas. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this trend?
  • Many parents (mostly women) decide to stay home and take care of the family members instead of going out for work. Some people suggest that they should be paid by the government for doing that. Do you agree or disagree? Give reasons for your answer and include examples from your own experience.
  • Different cultures are mixing today and the world is becoming a global village. Is it a positive or a negative development? Give your own opinion and examples.
  • Nowadays people’s life is changing rapidly and, as a result, family relationships are affected. Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages? Give your opinion and examples from your own experience.
  • Measures have been put in place to improve road safety by reducing the speed limits. Some people believe there are better alternatives. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  • Some people think that the range of technology available to people is increasing the gap between the rich and the poor. Others think it has the opposite effect. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
  • Some of the methods used in advertising are unethical and unacceptable in today’s society. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
  • People nowadays are not as fit and active as they were in the past. What are the reasons for this? What measures can be taken for this?

Click here for IELTS task 2 topics and answers.

For above band 7 you will need IELTS vocabulary, this page shares some useful strategies and sources to improve your lexical resource.

To improve your opinion-forming skills, check out the BBC , and get a rough overview of the current affairs in each topic. For example, at the moment, regarding the environment the main topic is climate change -could you write 250 words about global warming? Likewise, for the topic of technology, what do you know about artificial intelligence ? You don’t have to be an expert but you do need to have an opinion, and that can only come from getting informed about the topics.

In summary, it is advisable to be well-versed in current affairs, have a global view of events, and have a bit of knowledge about each topic.

IELTS writing tips The writing part of the IELTS can prove to be a little overwhelming; especially, if you don’t know how to approach it. Below is a list  of writing tips to help you feel less overwhelmed.

IELTS writing samples If you aren’t quite sure how to approach your writing section of the IELTS and want some ideas from those who have succeeded click here.

IELTS essay topics with answers IELTS essays are a great opportunity for you to show off your English abilities in written form. We have put together a great archive of IELTS essay topics with the answers!

Essay writing topics Practice is truly the mother of preparation, so why not make sure you are ready to tackle the IELTS essay by going through our list of essay topics you might encounter during the exam.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How to write ielts writing task 2.

  • Read the question and understand what the examiner is asking
  • Take a few minutes to think about what you’re going to write
  • Write your introduction
  • Developing the essay ideas, your approach, and your explanations
  • Conclude your essay with a summary that completes the circle
  • Read the essay and make sure you didn’t make any mistakes

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How to generate ideas for writing task 2?

  • Write a possible answer to the question
  • Mind gone blank? Put the topic of the question into Google or Youtube
  • Summarise different opinions on the topics
  • Attempt more questions and you will find you now have more ideas

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For more help with your IELTS tutorials, take a look at our tutorials here:

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most common essay topics in ielts

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most common essay topics in ielts

Common topics for IELTS writing Task 2

A a list of common writing Task 2 topics and some strategies to become familiar with them.

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Although you never know what your question for writing Task 2 on the IELTS exam is going to be, there are often certain topics that come up repeatedly when practicing sample questions. Here is a list of common writing Task 2 topics and some strategies to become familiar with them.

Education is a topic that most IELTS candidates can relate to, and it's a common theme for the IELTS Writing Task 2. Questions can range from topics such as the classroom to the curriculum.

Many feel that the common educational system of teachers and students in a classroom will be replaced by the year 2050.

Do you agree with this view? Give your opinion.

Education should be free to all people and should be paid for and managed by the government.

Do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Much of our world today is heavily influenced by technology, and this topic impacts so many aspects of our lives. Various Task 2 questions have technology as the main idea.

Nowadays, children watch a lot of TV and play video games. However, some think that these activities are not beneficial for a child’s mental health.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Modern technology now allows rapid and uncontrolled access to information in many countries. This is a danger to our societies.

Health is another common topic on the IELTS Writing Task 2 as healthcare is becoming more complex, with people in many countries becoming more concerned with their health and having varying opinions on how to care for themselves.

Doctors recommend that older people exercise regularly. However, many of them do not get enough exercise.

What are the reasons?

What can be done to encourage them to exercise more?

Healthcare costs are increasing, and many governments are finding it difficult to balance their healthcare budget. Should citizens be responsible for their health with private health insurance, or should the government provide free healthcare for all?

Discuss your viewpoint on this issue.

Environment

The environment is a worldwide issue that affects everyone. For this reason, it is a common topic on Writing Task 2.

Some feel that it is impossible for a country to be economically progressive and environmentally friendly at the same time. Others disagree with this view.

Discuss both points of view and give your opinion.

Water pollution has become an increasing problem over the past few decades.

What causes water pollution?

How can we prevent this problem?

Government Spending

Government spending affects everyone within a country, so many citizens have strong opinions on how government funds are allocated. For writing Task 2, questions could discuss government spending on a wide range of topics.

Governments should lower arts budgets to allocate more money to education.

Do you agree with this view?

Some believe governments should spend more money on improving roads and highways, while some think money should be spent improving public transportation, such as buses, trains, and subways.

People and the way they behave in different situations are the focus of many questions. This is why sociology is a common topic in the writing section of the IELTS exam.

Many parents put a lot of pressure on their children to succeed.

To what extent do you agree?

Most societies are based on rules and laws. If individuals were free to do whatever they wanted, society could not function.

Now that you know some common topics, here are some strategies to feel comfortable writing about any of them:

Read the news

All of these topics are commonly found in the news, in various types of stories and articles. Reading the news is a good way to get a sense of each topic and the vocabulary that is commonly associated with each of these topics.

Develop a common vocabulary for each topic

Reading the news will allow you to see what words are common across these topics. Writing this vocabulary down and noting how to use it will help develop your writing skills. When you practice writing Task 2 essays, try to use this vocabulary in the correct form and in different questions.

Practice writing about these topics

Although this is not an inclusive list of topics, it's a good place to start. Look at common questions about these topics and practice writing them. This will allow you to get more comfortable with writing a Task 2 essay as well as using more advanced, topic-specific vocabulary.

Know these topics in different essay types

When you look at Task 2 questions, think about all essay types because you never know what essay you will have to write on the IELTS test. For example, if you read a topic about sports, think about your opinion, how you would discuss both views, the advantages and disadvantages of differing views, any problems or solutions associated with the topic, etc.

Following this advice will help you understand how you would answer any type of essay question and aid in your success with Writing Task 2.

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IELTS Writing: IELTS Writing is the first segment of the IELTS examination where you have to complete two different writing tasks within 60 minutes. The writing task format of IELTS topics varies as per the type of examination you are taking and the set you have received. However, you need to remember that, it is important to complete the first writing task within 20 minutes and you should spend more time on task 2. It is recommended because task two carries more points than task one as it demands your opinion and personal view coherently.

In this article, we are going to  discuss the IELTS Writing with its Format, Important Topics, and Tips to Prepare in detail.

IELTS-Writing-Format-Important-Topics-Tips-to-Prepare

Table of Content

IELTS Writing Section – Overview

Pattern of the ielts writing module, format for academic ielts writing task 1, format for academic ielts writing task 2.

  • Tips To Prepare – Academic IELTS Writing Task 1 and 2

Academic IELTS Writing Task 1 – Tips to Prepare

Academic ielts writing task 2 – tips to prepare, format and tips for general training ielts writing task 1, format for general training ielts writing task 1.

Before we start to talk about the IELTS writing in detail, we need to know about the structure and overview of the whole segment for both types of the IELTS examination. For the Academic Writing test, you will get a picture in the form of a graph, chart, table, map, or process diagram. Your writing paper can be a bit hard when you get a mixed table in task one. On the other hand, in the Gerneral Writing test, you need to write a formal or an informal letter, based on the given situation. Writing tasks two are the same for both Academic and General Writing tests, where you need to streamline your point of view or opinion in a well-structured manner. Here is the general overview of the IELTS Writing tasks as mentioned below.

The writing module of the IELTS examination consists of three different tasks. Apart from these three, there is no other writing types present in the IELTS. These tasks generally vary based on the type of IELTS examination you are taking. For task one, you need to write 150 – 160 words only and for task two you should write 250 – 260 words where you have to discuss your view as per the given statement. Let us discuss this in detail.   

There is a certain format of the Academic IELTS Writing Task 1. By following that you can easily secure the higher band score in writing task one in the Academic IELTS Writing. Here is the decoded format for the Academic IELTS Writing Task 1 as mentioned below. 

You need to remember some other general facts about Academic IELTS Writing Task 1 as mentioned below.

Also Read: Latest IELTS Writing Task 1 Topics 2024- (Graphs, Charts, Maps, Processes)

For Academic IELTS Writing Task 2, you need to follow some processes to draft your writing. Your response needs to be logical, structured, and coherent. For Academic IELTS Writing Task 2, you need to remember that you have to write the whole idea in one direction. If you mix up the things in your writing, it will decrease your score then and there. You need to remember that if you mix up the things in your article, there is no way to fix them. So be careful. Here is the structure for the Academic IELTS Writing Task 2 as mentioned below. 

You need to remember some other general facts about Academic IELTS Writing Task 2 as mentioned below.

Also Read: Common IELTS Writing Task 2 Topics 2024

Tips to Prepare – Academic IELTS Writing Task 1 and 2

To achieve a higher band score in IELTS Writing is not an easy task. You need to remember certain things while you are taking Academic IELTS. Here are some major tips to secure high band scores in Academic IELTS Writing Task 1 and 2 as mentioned below.

As we have mentioned earlier Academic IELTS Writing Task 1 is a Report Writing task Based On Some Given Structures. So it is important to be attentive and careful with your observations. Here are some major tips for Academic IELTS Writing Task 1 as mentioned below. 

Let us take an example from IELTS Cambridge Book 17. (Image Needed: Please Take The Ref. Image)

Police Budget The table and charts detailed below give information about the police budget in 2017 and 2018 in on area of Britain. The table illustrates where the money came from and the charts show how it was distributed.
Master Tips For Academic IELTS Writing Task 1: Use different grammatical constructions to describe diffent trends. Example: “Which Rose”, “With An Increase”, etc.

As we have mentioned earlier Academic IELTS Writing Task 2 is a opinion based writing. So it is important to generate the ideas and aspects based on the given topics. There are almost 10 types  of Academic IELTS Writing Task 2 but 4 are the major. Here are some major tips for each of those types as mentioned below. 

As the IELTS Writing Task 2 is same for both IELTS General Training and Academic so you can follow the same for both.

There is a certain format of the General Training IELTS Writing Task 1. By following that you can easily secure the higher band score in writing task one in the General Training IELTS Writing. Here is the decoded format and related tips for the General Training IELTS Writing Task 1 as mentioned below.

Expert Tips For IELTS Writing:

  • Always be careful with the “Oxford Comma”.
  • Do not break some particular words specifically the auxiliary verbs. Use “Don’t” not “Do Not”. It will decrease your score.
  • Try to write meaningful complex sentences and compound sentences.
  • Use more connecting words as much as you can but sentences have to be meaningful.
  • Do not use the simple sentences too much. It will decrease the quality and score as well.
  • Try to write in a single tense throughout.
  • Avoid using passive voice.

Here is the general format for the General Training IELTS Writing Task 1 as mentioned below.

Dear Kanika, (OPENING SALUTATION) It’s been a while since I’ve heard from you. ________________ (BODY PARAGRAPH 1) ____________________________ (BODY PARAGRAPH 2) Hope to hear from you soon. (COMPLIMENTARY CLOSURE) Best Wishes Deeksha (CLOSING SALUTATION)

There are some points you need to remember during the writing of the General Training IELTS Task 1 as mentioned below.

  • Sender’s address: You need to mention the sender address that is usually written in the top left corner of the page.
  • Date: It is written below the sender’s address.
  • Recipient’s address: You need to write is it in the top right corner of the page.
  • Salutation: It is usually followed by the recipient’s name.
  • Body: The body of the letter is where you write the main content of your letter.
  • Closing: It is the closing statement which is usually followed by your signature.

The writing task format of IELTS topics varies as per the type of examination you are taking and the set you have received. However, you need to remember that, it is important to complete the first writing task within 20 minutes and you should spend more time on task 2. For the Academic Writing test, you will get a picture in the form of a graph, chart, table, map, or process diagram. Your writing paper can be a bit hard when you get a mixed table in task one. On the other hand, in the Gerneral Writing test, you need to write a formal or an informal letter, based on the given situation. Writing tasks two are the same for both Academic and General Writing tests, where you need to streamline your point of view or opinion in a well-structured manner.

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IELTS Writing- FAQs

How can i improve my ielts writing ideas.

Do some brainstorming before you start to write. Organize your ideas well into groups. Then explain those ideas using good examples.

What is the most important thing in IELTS writing?

A few key ideas here are topic sentences, supporting ideas, and staying on topic. The IELTS speaking exam might be like chatting with your friend, but not Task 2 of the writing. You have to stay on topic and answer the question fully and directly. Not doing this will really limit your score.

Is getting 7 in IELTS writing easy?

One of the key differences between Band 6 and 7 is that a 7 needs to have frequent sentences with no errors, and this is a really difficult transition for students to make. Many students I have taught understand the structure of IELTS essays and the content needed, plus they have a good range of vocab.

Why is IELTS writing difficult?

Many candidates find the IELTS writing test difficult because they write too slowly. If you find yourself running out of time or struggling to put the pen down, it’s time to write faster! The fastest way to accomplish this is to start taking timed tests under real examination conditions.

Is 7.5 a good IELTS score?

Yes, 7.5 is a good IELTS score. Scoring 7.5 means you are a good user of the language and can handle complex usage of the language.

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IELTS Speaking Part 1 Topics & Questions

IELTS speaking part 1 topics and questions. Prepare for your test by developing ideas for topics and practicing answering questions. There is a download link at the bottom of the page for the list of topics. These topics will be used most years and will mostly likely be used at some point in 2024.

What is IELTS speaking part 1?

A face to face interview with the examiner (4-5 minutes) 12 Questions based on 3 Topics Questions about yourself, your life and your country

Speaking Part 1 Common Topics List

Below is a list of topics and questions that the examiner can ask you in part 1 of the IELTS speaking test. You should prepare ideas for these topics but not memorise whole answers. Your answers should be natural when you speak in the test. Prepare your daily life, your recent memories, your childhood memories, your opinions, popular things in your country etc. Remember – part 1 is all about you and your country.

  • Daily routine
  • Dictionaries
  • Family & Friends
  • Leisure time
  • Neighbours & Neighbourhood
  • Shopping Sport

Questions & Topics for IELTS Speaking Part 1

These four topics are the most common in IELTS speaking part 1. You should prepare ideas and practice answering these questions. You are VERY LIKELY to get one of these four for your first topic.

Work What is your job? Where do you work? Why did you choose that job? Is it a popular job in your country? Do you like your job? Do you get on well with your colleagues? What was your first day like? What responsibilities do you have at work? If you had the chance, would you change your job? Do you plan to continue with your job in the future?
Study What do you study? Where do you study that? Why did you choose that subject? Is it a popular subject in your country? Do you like that subject? Do you get on with your colleagues? What was your first day like? What are the main aspects of your subject? If you had the chance, would you change subject? Do you plan to get a job in the same field as your subject?

Note: if you don’t work or study, please say so. When the examiner asks “Do you work or do you study?”, this isn’t a trick question. Just be open and honest. For example, “I don’t work or study at the moment.” or “I’m a housewife.” If you don’t work or study, the examiner will ask about your home or hometown instead.

Note: Your hometown refers to the village, town or city where you spent most of your childhood. It might not be the same place you were born. If you grew up in many different places, choose the place you are most connected to.

Hometown Where is your hometown? Do you like your hometown? Do you often visit your hometown? What is your hometown like? What is the oldest place in your hometown? What is there for a foreigner to do or see in your hometown? How could your hometown be improved? Has your hometown changed much since you were a child? Is there good public transportation in your hometown? Do you think your hometown is a good place to bring up children?
Home Where is your home? Do you live in a house or a flat? Who do you live with? Are there many rooms in your home? What is your favourite room? How are the walls decorated? What would you change about your home? Do you plan to live there in the future? What facilities are there near your home? What is your neighbourhood like? Do most people live in houses in your country?

Common Questions in Speaking Part 1

Art Are you good at art? Did you learn art at school when you were a child? What kind of art do you like? Is art popular in your country? Have you ever been to an art gallery? Do you think children can benefit from going to art galleries?
Bicycles Do you have a bike? How often do you use it? How old were you when you learned to ride a bike? Do many people in your country using bicycles? Do you think using bicycles should be encouraged?
Birthdays Do you usually celebrate your birthdays? How did you celebrate your last birthday? Which birthdays are the most important ones in your country? Do you think children should celebrate their birthdays with a party?
Childhood Did you enjoy your childhood? What is your first memory of your childhood? Did you have a lot of friends when you were a child? What did you enjoy doing as a child? Do you think it is better for children to grow up in the city or in the countryside?
Clothes Are clothes important to you? What kind of clothes do you usually wear? Do you ever wear the traditional clothes of your country? Where do you usually buy your clothes? Have you ever worn a uniform? Do most people in your country follow fashion?
Computers Do you often use a computer? How do you usually get online? Do you prefer desktops or laptops? What do you use your computer for? Do you think it is important to learn how to use a computer?
Daily Routine When do you usually get up in the morning? Do you usually have the same routine every day? What is your daily routine? Do you ever change your routine? Is your routine the same today as it was when you were a child? Do you think it is important to have a daily routine?
Dictionaries Do you often use a dictionary? What do you use dictionaries for? What kinds of dictionaries do you think are most useful? Do you think dictionaries are useful for learning a language? What kind of information you find in a dictionary? Useful video lesson: Dictionary vocabulary
Dreams Do you often have dreams when you sleep? Do you usually remember your dreams? Do you think dreams are important to remember? Do you ever have daydream? What kind of daydreams do you usually have?
Drinks What is your favourite drink? Is it common for people to drink tea and coffee in your country? Did you prefer different drinks as a child? Do you think it is important to drink lots of water? What is a traditional drink in your country for celebrating?
Evenings What do you often do in the evenings? Do you do the same thing every evening? Do you prefer to spend your evenings with family or friends? Do you ever work or study in the evenings? What is a popular activity for young people in your country in the evenings? Do you do the same thing in the evenings as you did when you were a child?
Family & Friends Do you spend much time with your family? Who are you closest to in your family? Do you prefer spending time with your family or friends? Who is your best friend? Are you still friends with people from your childhood? Is family important in your country?
Flowers Do you like flowers? What’s your favourite flower? When was the last time you gave someone flowers? Do any flowers have a special meaning in your country? Why do you think women like flowers more than men? See similar topics for part 2 and 3: Parks, Gardens, Trees & Flowers
Food What’s your favourite food? Have you always liked the same food? Is there any food you dislike? What is a common meal in your country? Do you have a healthy diet? What do you think of fast food?
Going Out Do you often go out in the evenings? What do you like to do when you go out? Do you prefer going out on your own or with friends? How often do you go out in a week? Where do most young people like to go out in your country?
Happiness Are you a happy person? What usually makes you happy or unhappy? Does the weather ever affect how you feel? What makes you smile? Do you think people in your country are generally happy people?
Hobbies Do you have a hobby? What equipment do you need for it? Do you think hobbies should be shared with other people? Did you have a hobby as a child? What hobbies are popular in your country? Why do you think people have hobbies?
Internet How often do you go online? What do you use the internet for? How do you get online? Do you have your own computer? What’s your favourite website? Do you think children should be allowed unsupervised access to the internet?
Languages How many foreign languages do you speak? When did you start learning your first foreign language? How many foreign languages do children in your country learn at school? Do you think it is important to learn a foreign language?
Leisure Time What is your favourite leisure activity? What did you enjoy doing in your free time as a child? Do you prefer to spend your free time with other people or alone? What is a common leisure activity in your country? Do most people in your country get two days off a week? Do you think leisure time is important?
Music Do you like music? What’s your favourite type of music? Can you sing? Did you learn music at school? If you could learn a musical instrument, what would it be? Do you think music is important?
Neighbours & Neighbourhood Do you like your neighbours? Are neighbours usually close to each other in your country? What is your neighbourhood like? Do you think your neighbourhood is a good place for children? How could your neighbourhood be improved? Do you think it is important to have a good relationship with your neighbours?
Newspapers How do you usually get your news? Do you often read the newspapers? What kind of news do you usually follow? How do most people get the news in your country? Do you think international news is important?
Noise Do you live in a noisy area? What kinds of sounds you you hear on a daily basis? Where do you go to spend time in peace and quiet? Are there any sounds which you think are pleasant? Do you have any noisy friends?
Patience Are you a patient person? Do you ever get impatient? When was the last time you lost your patience? Which person in your family is the most patient?
Pets Do you have a pet? Do you like animals? What’s your favourite animal? What is a popular pet to have in your country? Did you have a pet as a child? Why do people have pets?
Reading Do you often read? What is your favourite kind of book to read? Do you often read newspapers? Do you have any e-books? What books did you read as a child? Do you think it is important to encourage children to read?
Shopping Do you like shopping? What’s your favourite shop? Do you prefer shopping alone or with others? What kinds of shops are there where you live? Have you ever bought anything online? Do you think men and women have different opinions about shopping?
Sport Do you like sport? What’s your favourite sport? Do you often watch sport on TV? Did you play sport as a child? What is the most popular sport in your country? How do most people in your country keep fit?
TV Do you often watch TV? What sorts of things do you watch on TV? What is your favourite TV program? Do you ever watch foreign programs or films? What did you watch on TV when you were a child? Do you think children should watch TV?
Transport How did you get here today? What is your favourite mode of transport? Do you ever use public transport? Do you like the transport system in your country? What is the difference between taking a bus and taking a train?
Weather What’s the weather like today? What’s your favourite weather? Do you like the weather in your country? Is the weather the same in all parts of your country? Does the weather ever affect the way you feel? Does the weather in your country ever affect transportation?

Download a free pfd copy of most of the topics and questions on this page:  IELTS Speaking Part 1 Topics & Questions

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Band 4+: Modern technology is now very common in most workplaces. How do you think this has changed the way we work? Do you think there are disadvantages to relying too much on technology?

Every organization adapting the modernization gadgets to ease the work. In my opinion, all work these days are digitally stored and less time consuming. Even though excessive consumption leads to negative impact on people.

There are plethoras of work depend on the technology. Firstly, before, data entries, records, budgets and other files were in written form but now all are entered in the computer, ultimately occupied less space. Secondly, errors were found earlier and takes a lot of time to finish the work. Currently, technology helps to reduces the problems and done their work with a single command. For instance, a single error pop-up on the screen which can be correct within a second.

People are depending more on the gadgets which have a negative impact on them. Individuals are becoming more lazy, adapting sedentary lifestyle as they doing work from home. Because they are not doing physical exercise, they invite the disease for their health. Moreover , people use gadgets for the basic needs either to use calculator or to remind the important events. Thus, technology reduces the brain storming and diminishing the memory power.

In conclusion, technology plays a vital role in this era. But to use in their limits, makes the life better. In contrast, over usage create a lot of problems to them.

Check Your Own Essay On This Topic?

Generate a band-9 sample with your idea, overall band score, task response, coherence & cohesion, lexical resource, grammatical range & accuracy, essays on the same topic:, modern technology is now very common in most workplaces. how do you think this has changed the way we work do you think there are disadvantages to relying too much on technology.

Currently, up-to-date technology is gaining more popularity in numerous workplaces, attributing to a change in the work that we used to do. Therefore, there are some downsides to relying excessively on technology. On the one hand, state-of-the-art devices and machines have a positive impact on jobs. Firstly, advanced technology has increased work productivity and time […]

The integration of modern technology in workplaces has fundamentally transformed the way we work, bringing both significant advantages and notable disadvantages. Firstly, technology has increased productivity and efficiency. Tools such as project management software, automated workflows, and advanced communication platforms have streamlined processes, reducing the time required to complete tasks and allowing for real-time collaboration […]

The widespread adoption of technology in the workplace has significantly altered the way we work. On one hand, technology has brought numerous benefits such as improved communication, enhanced productivity, and increased efficiency. For instance, video conferencing tools like Zoom and Skype have made remote meetings more accessible and convenient, allowing for global collaboration and reducing […]

Nowadays, it can be noticed that new technology is used by employers in companies. I believe that leads to success for a business to work from anywhere and effectively within short time, but they will get many problems when use it too much. First of all, using modern technology can be able to increase the […]

Other Topics:

In some cultures, children are often told that they can achieve anything if they try hard enough. what are the advantages and disadvantages of giving children this message. give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience..

In some cultures, it is often said that children can get what they want if they work hard sufficiently. Giving children this message has both advantages and disadvantages. One of the benefits is that youths become self-assured and motivated if they are told that they can achieve everything. Modelling children into a strong mindset is […]

Many people work long hours, leaving very little time with leisure activities. Does this situation have more disadvantages or disadvantages?

Nowadays, most of the people tend to work for many hours everyday, regardless of spending more time with family or entertainment. It is evident that its drawbacks outweigh the benefits. Overall, Undoubtedly, having a good job is a bonus, in this case, sometimes it leads to overwork, particularly if people have a passion for their […]

Some people think that it is worth researching different minerals in space. Others, however, disagree. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

In an attempt to make up for human being’s limited comprehension on the nothingness of the universe, some has proposed experimenting on space-originated minerals, this however, met with opposition from many others. In my opinion, outer space mineral can be double-edged, as it brings about both scientific innovation and potential hazard. On the one hand, […]

Some people think that wearing uniform is important. Others believe it is better to focus on studies. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

The proponent of wearing uniform claim that it is vital while others believe that there’s nothing better than focusing on studies. Although putting on uniforms is a sign of responsibility in schools, students ought to make a big effort to study rather than paying attention to the clothes. Admittedly, there are people who believe uniform […]

With the development of social media, more and more youngsters are being allowed unsupervised access to the internet in order to meet and chat with friends which can lead to potentially dangerous situations. What solutions can you suggest to deal with this problem?

The proliferation of social media has ushered in an era of unprecedented connectivity, with an increasing number of youngsters being granted unmonitored access to the internet to interact with friends online. However, this newfound freedom can precipitate perilous situations, thereby necessitating the implementation of proactive measures to mitigate potential risks. One viable solution is to […]

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IELTS test format explained

Test takers who understand the format of IELTS are at an advantage. Make sure you’re familiar with how IELTS testing works.

There are two IELTS tests available, IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training . Both tests are graded in exactly the same way. 

You’ll take the first three parts of the test on the same day, in the following order: Listening, Reading and Writing (there are no breaks between these tests). Your Speaking test will be held either on the same day or seven days before or after that, depending on local arrangements.

The IELTS Listening test is designed to assess a wide range of listening skills, including how well you:

  • understand main ideas and specific factual information
  • recognise the opinions, attitudes and purpose of a speaker
  • follow the development of an argument.

Take a free listening practice test.

You will need to read quickly and efficiently, and manage your time. You will be asked to read three different passages and respond to related questions in your IELTS Reading test. The content of the Reading test is different for IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training tests.

The IELTS Reading test is designed to assess a wide range of reading skills, including how well you:

  • read for the general sense of a passage
  • read for the main ideas
  • read for detail
  • understand inferences and implied meaning
  • recognise a writer’s opinions, attitudes and purpose

Academic Reading

 general training reading.

Take a free reading practice test.

The IELTS Writing test is designed to assess a wide range of writing skills, including how well you:

  • write a response appropriately
  • organise ideas
  • use a range of vocabulary and grammar accurately.

Academic Writing

General training writing.

Take a free writing practice test.

You will talk to a certified examiner in the IELTS Speaking test. The test is interactive and as close to a real-life situation as a test can get. A variety of accents may be used, and the test will be recorded.

The content of the IELTS Speaking test is the same for both the IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training tests.

The IELTS Speaking test is designed to assess a wide range of skills.

The examiner will want to see how well you can:

  • communicate opinions and information on everyday topics and common experiences; to do this you will need to answer a range of questions
  • speak at length on a given topic using appropriate language
  • organise your ideas coherently
  • express and justify your opinions
  • analyse, discuss and speculate about issues.

Make sure that you relax and talk fluently. You will need to speak naturally.

Take a free speaking practice test.

Video call Speaking test

Many IELTS test centres will start delivering the IELTS Speaking test via video calls. This means more flexibility and more availability of IELTS Speaking tests.

You will take the video call Speaking test at an official IELTS test centre with the same high standard of identity verification. The test will be exactly the same as the in-person Speaking test in terms of content, scoring, timing, level of difficulty, question format and security arrangements.  Delivered by an IELTS Speaking Examiner, the video call Speaking test will maintain the face-to-face feature of the in-person Speaking test.

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IELTS Speaking Tips 2024: Best IELTS Cue Cards for 7+ Band Score

  • Updated On April 30, 2024
  • Published In IELTS Preparation 💻

The IELTS speaking test is a three-part test that lasts 11-14 minutes. The IELTS cue cards are an integral section of the speaking test and account for the majority of your score.

Table of Contents

In this 1-on-1 session, the examiner pays close attention to your pronunciation, fluency, grammar and vocabulary. The test is designed to understand how well you can communicate in English. The best way to score well in this section is to relax, speak clearly and make the most of your time.

The International Language Testing System or IELTS is a widely accepted English proficiency test. Most universities across the English-speaking world ask for IELTS scores for college or university admissions. It’s also mandatory for employment purposes, permanent residencies and visas.

A good score in the IELTS Speaking test is vital for your overall band score. Thousands of our students have scored above 7 with our IELTS Speaking tips. And this is your chance.

Whether you’re a fluent speaker of English or not, the Speaking section is a walk in the park compared to the other IELTS Speaking sections if you prepare well.

In this article, we’ll explore the IELTS Speaking section, the IELTS Speaking cue cards, and our tried and tested IELTS Speaking tips straight from the experts’ desk.

While you’re at it, here’s an exercise: This article has a lot of idioms. Let’s see how many you can find! Test yourself.

Let’s get started.

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Back to Basics: Understanding the IELTS Speaking Test Syllabus

The IELTS speaking test is fairly simple. The pattern remains the same for both IELTS Academic and General modules.

There are 3 divisions: Introduction & Interview, Individual Long term ( IELTS speaking cue cards ), and a Two-Way Discussion. The second part is the crux of the matter and will be explored extensively in this blog.

IELTS speaking tips

Here’s what to expect in each of the sections.

Want to learn more about the IELTS exam syllabus? Read: Know All About the IELTS Exam Pattern and Syllabus 2023

What are IELTS Speaking Cue Cards?

The word ‘cue’ is often mistaken for the alphabet ‘Q’, but that’s not the case.

IELTS Speaking tips

In this context, a cue is a prompt or a topic. Once you get the cue card, you may begin responding to the question/statement/points addressed in the topic.

You may take a minute to jot down some information about the topic when you receive a cue card. This period is called referred to as your ‘think time’. You can refer to these points as you begin. 

Once you start, you must speak for at least 2 minutes about the topic. The examiner will stop you when it’s time. 

It may sound intimidating to speak non-stop for 2 minutes. But don’t worry. Our IELTS speaking tips will help you ace this section without losing your sleep over it. 

But, If you’re still nervous, sign up for our IELTS courses and get 20 hours worth of live classes, 100+ mock tests, speaking and writing evaluations and all the study materials you’ll ever need. The classes are entirely flexible, and you can participate in student discussions on telegram. Seats are limited for every batch, book a free demo and make the right decision.

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IELTS Speaking Tips 2024: Best IELTS Cue Cards for 7+ Band Score

Attend Leap’s free masterclass to get tips, tricks and advance strategies to crack IELTS exam in first attempt

IELTS Speaking Tips 2024: Best IELTS Cue Cards for 7+ Band Score

IELTS Speaking Cue Cards: Key Parameters for Scoring

Pronunciation: The examiner assesses sound linking, intonation, clarity and individual phonic sounds. The goal here is to check if your speech can be easily understood. You must pronounce words clearly, and pay attention to stressing the right letters and silent sounds.

Lexical resource: This criterion assesses your vocabulary range and accounts for 25% of your score. Using different words in the proper context will help you boost your score. You must also make use of collocations and avoid repeating the exact words over and over.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy: Grammar is the most important criterion when it comes to English. The best way to ace this is to perfect the types of sentences and be careful with tenses and other grammatical structures. Here, your ability to form correct sentences is assessed. 

Fluency & Coherence: Examiners look for your ability to form thoughts into sentences and speak in a flow without any hesitation or awkward pauses. The speed at which you also speak matters. Pro tip: use plenty of connectors, pronouns and conjunctions where it’s relevant.

To know more about IELTS Scoring, also read: IELTS Band Score 2023: IELTS Scoring System & IELTS Band Score Chart

4 Best IELTS Speaking Tips From Leap’s Experts! 

Rely on personal anecdotes.

Speak your story. Find a personal connection with the topic, and go on! Personal stories help you speak from the heart, meaning you’re bound to speak more fluently. 

However, you must ensure that you stay consistent with the topic. 

Focus on one or two main points

Do you ever hear a topic, and the ideas start flooding your mind? Well, that means you’re off to a good start! 

Here’s what you must do: shortlist your thoughts to one or two points. These points must be critical to the topic, and you must be able to speak about them confidently. Note down these points during the ‘think time’.

Avoid taking long pauses

If you pause for a couple of seconds to think and answer, it’s absolutely okay. But try to make a comeback quickly. Try your best to not break for too long.

Control the pace of your talk

Be strategic about the pace while talking. Try not to speak too fast. When you are in a hurry, there are chances that you may ‘trip’ on your own words and begin to stammer, breaking the fluency.

And remember, if you speak too quickly, you will have to speak longer to meet the time limit. So, take your time, take quick pauses, and trust your natural flow.

Bonus IELTS Speaking Tips to Score 7+ Band score

Do not memorise responses. Examiners are not impressed by an answer that sounds mechanical.

Take a few seconds to understand what the topic is about.

Note down all the new words you learn, and try to use them in everyday conversations.

In the paper, divide the topics into introduction, transition words, description and perspective. 

Do not use unknown words.

Avoid repetition of phrases.

Don’t worry too much about your accent, and avoid faking accents.

Avoid filler words.

Answer questions elaborately rather than answering in a single word. 

If you’re aiming for a 7+ band score in IELTS, join the IELTS preparation journey with Leap Scholar, the world’s leading end-to-end study-abroad platform. IELTS app by LeapScholar cover all aspects of the exam. You may use the unique Speaking Rooms in the app to improve your speaking by practising with peers across India. Download the app right away!

IELTS Speaking Tips: Sample Question and Answer

Here’s a model question and answer to help you understand how to respond to your cue card. Take inspiration from this, and prepare your answers for the topics below.

IELTS Speaking Cue Card s

Describe an interesting person you have met recently.

IELTS Speaking Tips: How to Answer

  • Who is this person?
  • How did you meet them?
  • What do they do?
  • What makes them interesting?

IELTS Speaking tips

IELTS Speaking Tips: Sample Answer

There’s no denying that the world is full of intriguing people. Everyone has something captivating about themselves. Something that makes them stand out and look interesting. One such person I met recently is an old man called Ove.

Ove is my 59-year-old neighbour. To the world, he’s a rusty old man who’s just rude. He’s the loudest man in the neighbourhood. Everyone is always walking on eggshells around him. They’re scared that he might yell at them for something they didn’t realise they did! Sometimes, it’s really funny. But mostly, it’s just sad.

You see, Ove lost his wife recently. And people deal with grief differently. I think Ove is just sad and lonely. Sometimes it comes out as angry yelling, but he means no harm.

I’m certain all he needs is a friend, but I think it’s hard for him to admit.

After hearing quite a bit of yelling from Ove every day, I know this much about him: He absolutely hates electric cars, believes computers are stealing people’s jobs, and has been driving the same Saab car all his life.

I find these things both hilarious and interesting about the old man. But, recently, I saw him stop to protect a strange black cat (that he claims he hates) and I found myself thinking that, perhaps, there’s a soft-hearted human inside his cranky exterior. And that, to me, is interesting above all.

Mastering IELTS Speaking Cue Cards: Sample Topics

The topics on the IELTS Speaking cue cards can be about anything. Some of the most popular topics revolving around descriptions of the following topics. 

  • An event in the past
  • A person or an object
  • A habit or an experience
  • Hypothetical situations 
  • Cultural events
  • Your favourite things

Here’s another tip: Practice these cue cards daily, and soon you’ll get the hang of answering spontaneous questions. 

IELTS Speaking Cue Cards: A list

Also read: Introduction Questions for IELTS Speaking 2023: Latest Sample Q&A

Preparing for IELTS cue cards is a great way to boost your IELTS Speaking scores. With the above strategies and tips, you can aim to score 7 and higher.

Practice every day to improve your fluency. Watch Youtube videos, English TV shows, and movies to build your vocabulary and familiarise yourself with pronunciation. These parameters will boost your scores across all sections of IELTS. Break a leg!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i get a 9 band score in ielts speaking test .

Yes, getting band 9 is possible if you follow all our IELTS speaking tips and start preparing early. Try to align your thoughts first and understand what the topic demands from you.

Can I ask the examiner questions in the IELTS Speaking test? 

You may certainly ask the examiner to repeat the question for easier understanding.

Are IELTS Speaking cue cards repeated?

IELTS cue card might be repeated. Cue cards usually get replaced after every 4 months.

What to carry for the IELTS Speaking test?

You must carry your passport or identification details that you used during registration.

Is 7 band in IELTS Speaking a good score?

In IELTS terms, a band score of 7 means you’re a good user of English.

Why is IELTS Speaking test recorded?

Examiners record IELTS speaking to ensure they don’t miss anything and you’re graded correctly.

Is it mandatory to speak full 2 minutes in IELTS Speaking cue cards?

It is important to meet the 2-minute time limit. It is okay to stop a few seconds early, but try to get as close as possible to the deadline. If not, you may lose points under fluency.

Know more about IELTS

Get free speaking practice samples.

  • Describe a Skill That you can teach other people
  • Describe a Place you Visited Where the Air was Polluted
  • Describe a Famous Person that you are Interested in
  • Describe a Course That You Want to Learn
  • Describe a Person who Solved a Problem in Smart Way
  • Describe a Prize That You Received
  • Describe a Volunteering Experience You Have Had
  • Describe a Piece of Good News
  • Describe Something you Taught to Your Friend
  • Talk About an Interesting Old Person you Met Recently
  • Describe a Dinner you Really Enjoyed
  • Describe a Story or Novel That Was Interesting to You
  • Describe a Time When you Shared Something with Others
  • Describe a Toy you Liked in Childhood
  • Describe an Interesting Neighbour
  • Describe a Competition You Would Like to Take Part In
  • Describe an interesting activity that you remember enjoying most in your Primary School
  • Describe Your Childhood Friend
  • Describe an Object You Find Particularly Beautiful
  • Describe a Place Where you are Able to Relax
  • Describe a person you know who likes to talk a lot
  • Describe a place where you would like to go to relax
  • Describe a period when you were busy
  • Describe a long-term goal you would like to achieve
  • Describe a situation when you helped someone
  • Describe a job you would not like to do in the future
  • Describe a time when you used a map
  • Describe a skill that you learned in your childhood
  • Describe an unusual holiday you had
  • Describe an exciting activity that you experienced with someone else
  • Describe a person who is good at making people feel welcome in his/her home
  • Describe A Time You Successfully Did Something Difficult
  • Describe Something in Your Country That You Are Interested In
  • Describe a Beautiful City
  • Describe something you do regularly that helps you work and study better
  • Describe a photo that you took and are proud of
  • Describe a party that you enjoyed
  • Describe a useful object in your home that you can’t live without
  • Describe a good advertisement that you think is useful
  • Describe an occasion when someone or something made noise
  • Describe a sportsperson that you admire
  • Describe something that you picked up that was thrown by someone else
  • Describe a time that something changed your life in good ways
  • Describe a successful person who you once studied or worked with

Get Free Reading Practice Samples

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  • Every year several languages die out
  • Positive or Negative Development Essay with Sample Answers
  • Honesty is the best policy essay
  • Online shopping essay
  • Environment essay topics
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  • Free activities in the burnham area listening answers

IELTS Important Information

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IELTS Test Centre and Dates in India

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Rajgeetha is an expert in SAT, GRE, GMAT and IELTS prep content. She is an academic strategist with experience in study abroad test prep and ed-tech industry spanning pedagogy design, customised training design, team building, training & development.

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  1. 20 Common Essay Topics for IELTS Writing Task 2

    Below is a list of the 20 most common IELTS essay topics that appear in writing task 2 with subtopics. Although the essay questions change, the subject of the essays often remains the same. Each topic is divided into subtopics which you should prepare.

  2. The Most Common IELTS Writing Topics (with Sample Answers!)

    These are the most common IELTS writing topics that I have come across as an examiner and from student reports over the last year. The most commons topics are: Age & Generations, Art, Business, Cities, Communication, Crime, Education, Environment, Family, Health, Government, Media & Newspapers, Psychology, Society, Sport, Technology & Science, Transport, and Work.

  3. 10 Most Common IELTS Writing Task 2 Topics

    Now you know the common topics, there are 3 things you can do: 1. Develop a vocabulary list for each topic. Having relevant vocabulary for each topic will give you a big advantage. Many students fail to provide relevant vocabulary, and their band score suffers. When looking at new vocabulary, try to guess the meaning from context first and then ...

  4. 8+ IELTS Essay Topics for IELTS with Answers, Writing Task 2 ...

    3. Environment. The environment is a popular topic for IELTS essays, and it's no surprise why. Environment-related issues are growing in importance due to the impacts of climate change, pollution, and resource depletion. As such, there are various IELTS essay topics that may focus on these issues.

  5. 100 IELTS Essay Topics for IELTS Writing

    100 IELTS Essay Topics for IELTS Writing. 26 February 2019. Let me start by saying that by far the best resource for authentic IELTS essay topics are the Cambridge 1 - 13 books. These are real past IELTS exam papers and, therefore, provide students with the highest quality questions for all parts of the test. However, what do you do if you ...

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    This basically applies to task 2 because for task 1 you are just describing data in a map, bar chart, line graph, or table. Therefore, we will ignore that and just look at the topics for task 2: Advertising. Animals. Art. Business. Children. Communication. Crime and Punishment.

  7. Recent Writing Task 2 Essay Topics for IELTS 2024

    The essay topics for IELTS include areas like Education, Technology, Health, Environment, Traditional vs. Modern Medicine, City vs. Countryside Living, Pollution, Obesity, Unemployment, and more. The specific essay type and topic will depend on the task prompt given in the exam.

  8. IELTS writing topics and answers

    Common IELTS writing task 2 topics (list) Below is a list of the most common IELTS essay topics for task 2 questions.Click the topic to get a sample essay, vocabulary list, and a Ted Talk video (to help learn the vocabulary in context).

  9. 18 Common Topics in IELTS Writing Task 2

    18 Common Topics in IELTS Writing Task 2. On this page is a list of the 18 most common IELTS Writing Task 2 topics that have appeared in actual IELTS essay questions. Use this list to help you prepare for the IELTS Test. You can, for example, search for reading material on some of these topics. This will help you to develop your vocabulary; and ...

  10. IELTS Essay Topics

    Vocabulary. 25% of your marks come from vocabulary and this is directly linked to IELTS essay topics. One of the main ways the examiner will judge your vocabulary is something called 'topic-specific vocabulary'. The idea is that someone with a wide-ranging vocabulary should be able to talk about any of the common essay topics easily using ...

  11. IELTS Essay Topics

    Different Essay Topics. Learn how to write essays on the top 15 topics that occur in the IELTS writing test. This webpage covers a wide array of subjects, from discussions on culture and tradition to debates about technology and globalization, to help you familiarize yourself with potential essay prompts. Each section explores a specific theme ...

  12. Most Common IELTS Essay Topics: 100+ Essay Topics, Types of Questions

    There are two variants of the test; IELTS General Training and Academic and depending on your purpose of visit, you can choose the variant. IELTS evaluates candidates on 4 basic parameters namely, Reading, Speaking, Listening and Writing. Out of all the four sections, writing is considered to be the trickiest one wherein lengthy essay questions can baffle you.

  13. More than 250+ IELTS Writing Task 2 Questions

    In this article, we outline over 250 recent IELTS Writing Task 2 topics and sample questions. The IELTS Writing Task 2 is an essay writing task that assesses your ability to express and develop an argument in response to a given prompt. As an essential part of the IELTS exam, a high score in writing task 2 can help you achieve your desired ...

  14. Common topics for IELTS writing Task 2

    Education is a topic that most IELTS candidates can relate to, and it's a common theme for the IELTS Writing Task 2. Questions can range from topics such as the classroom to the curriculum. Examples: Many feel that the common educational system of teachers and students in a classroom will be replaced by the year 2050.

  15. IELTS Topics + Essay Questions

    And remember to get your essay checked by one of E2 Test Prep's IELTS experts by submitting it for a Writing assessment! Find sample essay topics below. 1. Animals. 2. Art. 3. Communication.

  16. Recent Most Popular 100+ IELTS Essay Topics of 2024

    Common IELTS Essay Questions. Most IELTS essay topics center around current affairs and global events. The following listicles contain some IELTS essay writing topics. Additionally, practicing the sample essay questions is one of the best strategies to get ready to answer essays in the IELTS Writing section.

  17. IELTS Writing Task 2: Most popular 50+ Essay Topics of 2024

    Also, one of the most effective ways to prepare for answering essays in the Writing section of IELTS is to work on the sample essay questions. The topic categories and essay writing samples to help students looking for the latest IELTS essay topics are stated below: Environment. Environmental Crisis: One of the most common topics in IELTS is ...

  18. Most Repeated Essay topics for IELTS

    It's crucial for students to know the most common IELTS essay topics as given below: Technology - Analyse how technology has advanced an area or examine the possible effects of technical solutions on a problem. Technology - Analyse how technology has advanced an area or examine the possible effects of technical solutions on a problem.

  19. IELTS Writing: Format, Important Topics, Tips to Prepare

    The essay type of the IELTS is the common section in writing. The section asks for your opinion on a certain topic which can be descriptive and argumentative. Candidates are advised to maintain a word strength of 250 - 260 for this particular segment. ... Also Read: Common IELTS Writing Task 2 Topics 2024. Tips to Prepare - Academic IELTS ...

  20. IELTS Speaking Part 1 Topics & Questions

    Below is a list of topics and questions that the examiner can ask you in part 1 of the IELTS speaking test. You should prepare ideas for these topics but not memorise whole answers. Your answers should be natural when you speak in the test. Prepare your daily life, your recent memories, your childhood memories, your opinions, popular things in ...

  21. 10 Effective Techniques for Preparing for IELTS

    10 effective techniques for test preparation. 1. Create a daily routine. For the most effective IELTS test preparation, the first step is to establish a schedule you can follow every day. You must stick to this schedule, even if it's just half an hour. Committing to a routine and learning gradually are the best ways to get good results.

  22. Band 4: Modern technology is now very common in most workplaces. How do

    The essay addresses the topic, but the discussion is limited and lacks depth. The writer presents some relevant ideas, but they are not fully developed or supported. The writer could improve by providing more specific examples and explanations to support their points.

  23. IELTS test format explained

    The IELTS Speaking test is designed to assess a wide range of skills. The examiner will want to see how well you can: communicate opinions and information on everyday topics and common experiences; to do this you will need to answer a range of questions; speak at length on a given topic using appropriate language; organise your ideas coherently

  24. Best IELTS Speaking Tips 2024: IELTS Speaking Topics for 7+

    A Guide on Most Common English Words Used in Daily Life; Top IELTS Tips and Tricks For Best IELTS Scores 2024; 60+ IELTS Essay Topics 2024: IELTS Writing Task 2 Samples & Tips; IELTS Academic or General: Which is the Easiest Test? IELTS Band Score Chart 2024: IELTS Scoring Pattern & Band Score Chart