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IELTS Writing Task 2/ Essay Topics with sample answer.

Ielts academic and gt essay/ writing task 2 sample.

IELTS Writing Task 2 ( also known as IELTS Essay Writing ) is the second task of your IELTS Writing test. Here, you will be presented with an essay topic and you will be scored based on your ability to respond to the topic.

You need to write at least 250 words and justify your opinion with arguments, discussion, examples, problem outlining, proposing possible solutions and supporting your position. You will have approximately 40 minutes to finish your Essay Writing. IELTS Writing Task 2 carries more weights than Writing Task 1.

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IELTS Writing task 2 sample essay questions with answers

Achieve band 9 score by practicing these IELTS Writing task 2 essays for Academic and General Training. Check out IELTS Writing task 2 sample questions.

The IELTS Writing task 2 is an important section of both the Academic and General Training modules, designed to assess your ability to express ideas coherently in written English. This task requires participants to draft an essay in response to a point of view, argument, or problem.

Unlike task 1, which varies significantly between the Academic and General Training modules, task 2 is similar across both, emphasising the importance of structured argumentation, clear statements, and the integration of relevant, detailed examples. Let’s help you score your desired IELTS band with the right IELTS Writing sample and question types.

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IELTS Academic Writing task – Overview

Let's take a quick look at the IELTS Academic Writing test. It lasts for 60 minutes and includes two tasks. These tasks ask you to write about topics that are important for those going to college, or university, or wanting to work in certain professions.

You will be given a graph, table, or chart and asked to explain what you understand in your own words. You might need to talk about the data shown, explain how something happens step by step, or describe an object or plan.

You will be required to draft an essay about your thoughts on a specific idea, argument, or issue. You'll use examples from what you know or have experienced to make your essay strong and convincing.

IELTS Writing task 2 – Essay writing (Academic)

In IELTS Academic Writing task 2 , you are asked to draft an essay in response to a point of view, an argument, or a problem. Essays should be written in an academic, or semi-formal style. Topics are about relevant issues and focus on a particular aspect of the topic. For example, if the topic is about computers, the focus will be on a particular aspect rather than writing about computers in general.

The task instructions give you information about the question telling you how to discuss the topic in your essay. You may be asked to provide factual information, outline, and present solutions, justify an opinion, or evaluate evidence and ideas. It is important that you complete the task carefully using relevant ideas and examples to support your position. Your ideas should be organised clearly, using paragraphs for each idea. You must write a minimum of 250 words.

Note: You are assessed on your ability to follow English essay-writing conventions to organise and coherently link information using language accurately and appropriately to express your ideas and opinions.

IELTS Writing task 2 sample question (Academic)

Here is an IELTS Writing task 2 example for your reference, you can consider practicing this kind of questions to score higher:

IELTS Writing task 2 sample answer (Academic)

Here is an IELTS Writing task 2 sample answer for your reference, you can practice writing your answers similar or better than this to score higher:

IELTS General Training Writing task – Overview

Let's look at the General Training Writing test. It takes 60 minutes and has two parts, both about everyday topics.

You will get a scenario and need to write a letter. This letter might be for a friend, someone at work, or a more formal letter, depending on the situation.

You will be required to draft an essay about an opinion, argument, or issue. This essay can be a bit more personal than what you'd write for an academic test. You'll use examples from your own life or what you know to back up your views.

IELTS Writing task 2 - Essay writing (General Training)

In task 2 of the General Training Writing test, you are asked to draft an essay in response to a point of view, an argument, or a problem. Topics are of general interest such as whether it is better to homeschool children, whether the drinking age should be raised, who is responsible for the care of the elderly, or how families could be brought closer together.

Read more: Score band 9 by practicing these IELTS essays

IELTS Writing task 2 sample question (General Training)

Here is an IELTS Writing task 2 example for your reference, you can consider practicing these questions to aim higher band score:

IELTS Writing task 2 sample answer (General Training)

Here is an IELTS Writing task 2 sample answer for your reference, you can practice writing answers like these or better to score higher in your IELTS Writing test :

Hope this blog helps you understand all about Writing task 2 for Academic and General Training modules . Consider practicing with questions and answers like the ones provided above to score a higher IELTS band score.

Additionally, if you want to know more about the IELTS test or have any queries, you can get in touch with your nearest IDP IELTS test centre or visit our official IDP IELTS India website to resolve the same. You will surely get all the answers you are searching for.

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IELTS Band 9 sample essay

Band 9 Sample answers are useful as study guides for IELTS preparation for the IELTS Writing Task 2 essay – especially for a band 9 IELTS essay. Having access to previously completed work that you can have confidence in will show you what you are missing!

Take a look at these sample task 2 essay questions to help you prepare for your exam.

Use the following IELTS sample essay and its explanations to see how close you are to a band 9 in your IELTS writing essay!

Evaluation Criteria

Get your IELTS essay evaluated online (free)

Examples of Band 9 Essays

IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay Sample Question and Answer(1)

Why is this IELTS Essay a Band 9?

5 Tips for a Band 9 IELTS Essay

Sample IELTS Writing Task 2 Question and Answer(2)

Sample IELTS Writing Task 2 Question and Answer (3)

Useful Definitions of Advanced Vocabulary Used

Video: Band 9 EX-IELTS Examiner Essay Review

Sample 19 IELTS Essays and 240 Task 2 Essay Questions Ebook

Video: Useful IELTS Essay Writing Tip

Audio Resources

Additional IELTS Resources

IELTS essay task 2: evaluation criteria

IELTS writing tests are evaluated across 4 areas when your band score is calculated:

• Task achievement  – To what extent does the examinee address all parts of the task with a fully developed position, inclusive of fully extended and well supported ideas?
• Coherence and cohesion  – Does the candidate logically organise the information and ideas? Is the entire essay cohesive with a logical progression of ideas?
• Lexical resource  – To what extent does the examinee use a wide range of vocabulary with accuracy? Do they demonstrate sophistication regarding the use of lexical items?
• Grammatical range and accuracy  – Does the examinee use a range of grammatical structures accurately? Examples of these can be the use of complex sentences with sophisticated clauses instead of simple sentences with a repetitive structure:

Example : Students cannot use phones. They affect development > students are not allowed to use mobile phones in class due to possible distractions.

The British Council (the administrator of the IELTS) outlines 9 different bands of performance for each of the above dimensions here. Your scores in each of these dimensions are averaged to determine your overall band for your essay.

Let's take a look at an example essay that scored as band 9 and then we'll dig into each of these four areas to see why it received that score. It's very important to understand what the IELTS examiner is looking for.

These four criteria are used in our new online essay checker that gives you an estimated band score (free).

IELTS essay sample question (1)

Doing an enjoyable activity with a child can develop better skills and more creativity than reading. To what extent do you agree? Use reasons and specific examples to explain your answer.

IELTS sample essay answer (1)

Parents throughout the world place spend time reading with their offspring to prepare them for school where their literacy skills are further developed; however, recent research suggests that focusing on reading at an early age can be detrimental, and participating in fun activities would be far more beneficial. I am a strong advocate of this approach, and the benefits of it will be covered in this essay.

A fundamental reason for this is that there is no biological age for reading, and pushing infants to acquire this skill before they are ready could have repercussions. For example, in the UK, many boys are reluctant readers, possibly because of being forced to read, and this turned them off reading. By focusing on other activities and developing other skills such as creativity and imagination, when they are ready to read, they usually acquire this skill rapidly.

In addition, the importance of encouraging creativity and developing a child's imagination must be acknowledged. Through play, youngsters develop social and cognitive skills, for example, they are more likely to learn vocabulary through context rather than learning it from a book.

Furthermore, play allows youngsters to mature emotionally, and gain self-confidence. There is no scientific research which suggests reading at a young age is essential for a child's development, moreover, evidence suggests the reverse is true. In Finland, early years' education focuses on playing.

Reading is only encouraged if a child shows an interest in developing this skill. This self-directed approach certainly does not result in Finnish school leavers falling behind their foreign counterparts. In fact, Finland was ranked the sixth-best in the world in terms of reading.

Despite being a supporter of this non-reading approach, I strongly recommend incorporating bedtime stories into a child's daily routine. However, reading as a regular daytime activity should be swapped for something which allows the child to develop other skills.

Why is this essay a band 9?

Task achievement.

According to the IELTS Writing Band Descriptors, an essay is Band 9 for Task Achievement if it:

• Fully addresses  all parts of the task
• Presents a  fully developed  position in answer to the question with relevant, fully extended and well supported ideas.

In order to score well on Task Achievement, the most important thing is  to make sure you respond to what is being asked of you . Is the prompt asking for an opinion, a discussion of a problem, a solution to a problem, or some combination of these? If you provide an opinion and not a solution when you're being asked for a solution, you're not going to score well in this area. Read the question carefully!

The prompt for this essay asks:  “To what extent do you agree [with the previous statement]? Use reasons and specific examples to explain your answer.”  It wants an opinion – with support!

This essay addresses all parts of this task. The opinion is included in the introduction to make the writer's position clear, and then the following paragraphs support the writer's position with examples and justifications. Overall, the response is full and relevant and each of the points is detailed and connected to the thesis.

Coherence and cohesion

Think of this as “How well does the essay flow? Is it easy to follow and does it all tie together?” The exact characteristics for a Band 9 C&C score are that an essay:

• Uses cohesion in such a way that it attracts no attention
• Skilfully manages paragraphing

Note the specific wording “it attracts no attention.” The goal here is for things to sound natural and not forced. How do you connect your ideas (ensure cohesion) without it sounding forced? I think there are 2 possible ways:

• Explain your ideas in a logical order so that you don't need many linking words . This is probably what you do when writing in your own language.
• Use easy linking words like and, but, also, firstly, secondly, finally, for example. These are so common that they attract almost no attention.

This IELTS Sample essay does a good job of this – you'll notice that each paragraph naturally (logically) follows the one prior, providing additional support for the original opinion, and some simple linking words –  in addition, furthermore  (both paragraph 2) and  moreover  (paragraph 3) – are used throughout. These are all good discourse markers that show what is coming next adds to the argument and are slightly more sophisticated than firstly, secondly, and thirdly but don't come across as being forced.

The other aspect to scoring high in C&C is ensuring an essay is well-structured. What do I mean by that? A well-structured essay has a good introduction, body paragraphs that are easy to follow and connect with one another, and a good conclusion. Each body paragraph should also have its own topic sentence and support and then smoothly transition to the next paragraph.

Our sample IELTS essay has a “simple but good” introduction in which it shows that the examinee has knowledge of the topic and clearly states the writer's position to set up the rest of the essay. The paragraphs all have topic sentences, which are then supported by examples, and are easy to follow. The main body and conclusion relate back to the thesis in the introduction.

A note on conclusions…  there are two schools of thought when it comes to how to conclude an IELTS essay. One is to conclude with one simple sentence so that you spend more time perfecting your main body paragraphs. The other is to wrap up with two sentences, once which includes a small prediction (ie, how you think things might turn out) as a way to show the examiner that you know how to correctly use another tense (which will help boost your GR&A score – more on that in a minute). Either is fine, just don't forget your conclusion!

Taking time to plan out and organise your response  before  you start writing is an extremely important step in scoring well in Coherence and Cohesion for your IELTS essay – make sure you do so to ensure your essay is well structured and reads cohesively when you're done!

Lexical resource

Scoring well in the  Lexical Resource  dimension is all about (correctly) showing off your vocabulary. The description for a Band 9 here is:

• Uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features, rare minor errors occur only as ‘slips'

Collocations,  topic-specific  vocabulary  and  phrasal  verbs  are the name of the game here. To score well, an examinee needs to show that they have a wide-ranging vocabulary and they know how to use it.

Our sample essay does a solid job of showing off a  range of vocabulary  – you'll notice that while the essay frequently refers to children, the writer employs different vocabulary ( infants, youngsters, offspring, counterparts ) to do so.

Note : it is highly likely that you will need to refer to people/children in your IELTS Writing task 2 , so make sure that you have lots of different words to use to refer to them.

IELTS examiners do not like to see the words  “people,” “children”  over and over again! The same goes for the word “ important ” – make sure you have plenty of alternative phrases ( essential  and  vital  are both used in our sample essay).

Other examples of a  wide-ranging vocabulary  in our essay include using  rapidly  in place of  quickly ,  mature  instead of develop,  repercussions  to indicate a negative result, and  acquire  in place of learn.

Our sample essay also does a good job of using  collocations  – some examples include  “fundamental reason,” “reluctant readers” “social and cognitive skills,” “learn vocabulary through context,”  and  “strongly recommend.”

The correct use of  phrasal  verbs  also demonstrates one's grasp of English – because of the semantics involved, they are sometimes one of the most difficult things for English language learners to master. Our essay writer correctly uses a few of these including “ turned them off”  and  “falling behind .”

One note here: students preparing for the IELTS  often ask if they should use  idioms  (like “you're barking up the wrong tree”) in their essays to further demonstrate their grasp of the language. In my opinion, no, you shouldn't. Idioms are informal by nature and not appropriate for a written essay of this type. Stick with demonstrating your range of vocabulary and your ability to use phrasal  verbs  correctly!

Grammatical range and accuracy

The final scoring dimension is related to grammar and grammatical structures – do you know them and can you correctly use them?

The Band 9 description for grammatical range and accuracy :

• Uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy; rare minor errors occur only as slips

Note that there is nothing in the scoring criteria about including specific tenses or sentence constructions. Your main objective should be to reduce the number of mistakes that you make. An essay that contains no mistakes is likely to get a 9 for grammar, regardless of the types of sentence that it may or may not contain.

If there is a nice mix of long and short sentences in your IELTS essays, you'll meet the grammar requirements. Remember, as soon as you write a “long” sentence you are naturally going to use connectives (linking words), which will make the sentence ‘compound' or ‘complex'. So, don't think too much about the grammar – just aim to reduce the number of mistakes that you make, and try to include a few longer sentences.

Some examples from the sample essay that illustrate the writer's grammatical range and help it easily score as a band 9 include:

• appropriate uses of modal verbs in the passive voice:  “are further developed,” “will be covered,” “must be acknowledged,” “should be swapped.”
• “ to focus on ” is correctly followed by an -ing form
• However  is used correctly with a semicolon before it and a comma after
• “ because of ,” “rather than,” and are correctly followed by -ing verbs

5 Tips for an IELTS writing task 2 band 9 essay

1. answer what is being asked.

Make sure you read the prompt carefully and answer the essay questions you’re being asked. I can’t emphasise this enough. In order to score well on Task Achievement, you need to appropriately and fully address the task.

2. Plan your work, work your plan.

Plan out your essay before you start writing. What are your main points? What order are you going to make them in? How do they link together? Having a well organised essay is key scoring high marks for Coherence and Cohesion. Many IELTS test-takers will spend up to 10 minutes planning out their essay before they start writing. A few points to keep in mind:

• Your essay should have 4-5 paragraphs in total and at least 250 words
• Plan your supporting points so that they don’t go off-topic

3. Write, review, re-write

Write your essay, review it and then “rewrite” it. Don’t focus on getting things perfect upfront – you don’t want to waste 15 minutes trying to come up with the perfect synonym for something and then not have enough time to finish your full essay! Write your essay first (an unwritten essay won’t score well at all!) and then go back through it to see how you can improve it. Some essay questions to ask yourself at this stage:

• Are there places where you can swap out stronger words for weaker ones in order to improve your Lexical Resource score?
• Are there places where you can phrase things differently in order to illustrate your Grammatical Range?

4. Where are you falling?

To pass with a Band 9 the reality is you need two sets of skills:

• Exam skills
• Language skills

What are exam skills?

Can you plan an effective essay? Quickly? Ideally between 3-5 minutes.

Can you think of enough ideas and examples to put in the essay plan?

Firstly you need to discover which of these skills you need. To do this you get feedback, either from an online IELTS essay checker or for more detailed feedback you can use our IELTS essay correction service .

The main goal is to find out which part of the essay writing process is costing you the most amount of time, points or stress.

Personally, the easiest and fastest way to get these skills is to do an online course specialised in training students with these skills. Here is a good course for that.

5. Better language skills?

A lot of students fail the  IELTS exam or end up with a band in their IELTS writing test that does not meet their requirements. Also, a significant number of students look to Google to search for “IELTS Writing tips” or “Task two tips”. These tips might be helpful but sometimes the real problem might just be in their general language or writing skills.

Writing error-free perfect sentences is probably much more challenging than students think, especially under exam conditions i.e in 40 minutes with immense pressure to pass. These can result in often mixed outcomes with both positive or negative development occurring at one and the same time.

One of the most important ways to improve language skills is to receive feedback. This can be by asking someone to review written work and will expose the positive or negative development mentioned earlier. This is very common and not something that is a negative issue overall.

Have a look at our essay correction service that will review your essays for you and help you improve and pass the IELTS test.

Here is a checklist of what is needed for reaching Band 9, it includes what the examiner wants to see, and what to do to write at a Band 9 level.

Sample IELTS writing task 2 question (2)

Today, the quality of life in large cities is decreasing. Discuss the causes and solutions.

IELTS writing task 2: essay sample answer (2)

The global phenomenon of urbanisation from the beginning of industrialisation to the present day has brought opportunity and prosperity, albeit at a cost in the quality of life. With an increasing city population, the complexity of the challenges also increases for the globe as well as the local community. Therefore, the causes and effects of these on the current generation, as well as possible solutions are outlined below.

The causes for the decrease in the quality of life are paradoxically the prosperity endowed on such metropolitan centres. Their growth is largely due to the increase of opportunities on offer, which in turn increases their attractiveness, essentially they are trapped in a positive self-reinforcing cycle. While such developments have a positive impact on immediate economic objectives, it perpetuates behaviours that can have a negative impact in the long term.

However, this eventually leads to a decrease in the quality of life as the city can experience overcrowding, exorbitant property prices, and increased vulnerability to terrorist attacks. For example, the density of London makes it a more efficient place to attack, when compared to a smaller city such as Bradford.

Therefore, due to continuous growth and prosperity, urban citizens, especially the less well off, often experience a lower standard of living. Even greater than this, are the relevant examples of natural disasters such as recent fires in Australia, which brought about unprecedented weather patterns resulting in the destruction of wild and rare animals. These effects are far from uniform, as they affect different countries in ways unseen by previous generations.

Considering the solutions, greater investment in public transport would ease traffic congestion, as would bike lanes. In theory, this would reduce air pollution, and possibly improve the well-being of the population if they did adopt a more active lifestyle and cycle to work. While these solutions are local, if adopted globally, would affect individuals and many countries alike. A collective effort is needed to use social networks and other media to highlight the negative effect of urbanisation as well as the negative sides of the wider ramifications on the population.

To conclude, while it could be argued that urbanisation advantages outweigh the disadvantages, a wealthy city attracts a large population inflow, which then causes pressure on existing infrastructure and security. Various solutions exist to mitigate such drawbacks, such as social networks being used to raise awareness of such negative impacts on many countries, nevertheless an indefinite solution has yet to be found.

Sample IELTS writing task 2 question (3)

Social media marketing can influence what consumers buy. Do you agree or disagree? To what extent do you agree?

IELTS writing task 2: essay sample answer (3)

Since the introduction of social media applications in the early 2000's the world has become a much smaller place. Social media applications such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter have become information sources for a majority of the global market.

As such, it could be argued that marketing, which happens to be a source of information accessible on these platforms can influence the consumers who use them. This notion is further aided by the rise in online retail stores that conduct the bulk of their transactions online. This makes it easier for the consumer to purchase from anywhere in the world.

As a consumer on social media, you are constantly bombarded with advertisements of various products that are specifically designed to catch your attention. This means that most of the adverts on your news feeds aren't random and will almost always feature something you have previously searched online or something currently popular or trending. Given the fact that most social media users are young consumers who are influenced by current trends and happenings, these adverts will almost always catch their eye.

The habit of sharing, retweeting and liking also ensure that these adverts get around, quite fast. As such, when an advert does reach your news feed you have already probably seen it on your friend's news feed. The truth is, adverts are a form of information and with the age of the internet, information spreads faster than a wildfire.

Therefore, it only makes sense that in the era and age of technology, globalization and the need to be trendy, social media marketing can influence what consumers buy.

Useful definitions of advanced vocabulary used

Paradoxically

Equivalent sentences

“For example, it is said, the CCTV in London has foiled many potential attacks, and therefore greatly increased the security of its citizens.” Could also be said as:

“Statistics show that CCTV used in London has scuppered many a terrorist plot, massively contributing to the security of its citizens.”

More Equivalent sentences Various solutions exist to mitigate such drawbacks, nevertheless an indefinite solution has yet to be found.

Could also be said as:

A myriad of partial fixes exist for these issues, yet a permanent solution is still out of reach.

There are many methods employed to quell this flow of people, but still a reliable solution has not been discovered.

IELTS writing task 2: vocabulary booster

The highlighted sections in the following paragraph represent key phrases or words relating to this topic. Study this paragraph to expand your vocabulary knowledge on this topic:

The modern urban environment varies considerably depending on both the city that produces it and the individual who perceives it; Each experiencing a unique blend of at least some economic success, varying degrees of localised or wider deprivation and periods of growth and decline. Environmental factors permitting, a city will provide well for its citizens as long as it can properly manage the execution of social policy.

Globalisation presents many challenges for those responsible for the policy as large inflows of people are to be expected in a place of success and therefore opportunity; The ensuing mixing of cultures has far-reaching social consequences that can affect how the city is both presented and perceived.

Considerably Con·sid·er·a·ble (kən-sĭd′ər-ə-bəl) adj. 1. Large in amount, extent, or degree: a writer of considerable influence. 2. Worthy of consideration; significant: The economy was a considerable issue in the campaign.

Perceive Per·ceive (pər-sēv′) tr.v. per·ceived, per·ceiv·ing, per·ceives 1a. To become aware of (something) directly through any of the senses, especially sight or hearing: We could perceive three figures in the fog. 1b. To cause or allow the mind to become aware of (a stimulus): The ear perceives sounds. 2. To achieve understanding of; apprehend: Einstein perceived that energy and matter are equivalent . 3. To regard or consider; deem: an old technology that is still perceived as useful; a politician who is perceived to be untrustworthy.

Deprivation Dep·ri·va·tion (dĕp′rə-vā′shən) n. 1. The/an act or an instance of depriving; Loss . 2. The state of being deprived: social deprivation; a cycle of deprivation and violence.

“The town’s generally miserable appearance led her to perceive it as a place of considerable deprivation.”

IELTS writing task 2: further reading

There are many more writing samples for you to explore.

The BBC has great pages on discursive writing and general writing , also, this video is good for learning how to give examples.

You can even read a sample Harvard essay aimed at preparing students for academic writing.

Remember! Select a text that is appropriate for your level. Choosing the wrong text can result in a loss of confidence and feeling bad never helped anyone to learn anything quickly!

Video: Band 9 ex-IELTS examiner essay review

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Video: ielts writing task 2-extremely useful sentences.

Optimize Your Writing: Try Our Online IELTS Essay Checker

Writing a good essay for the IELTS is important. You want to get a high score, right? But sometimes, it's hard to know if your essay is good. That's why we made a special tool to help you. It's called the online IELTS essay checker .

How does it work? You put your essay into the tool, it then looks at your essay and tells you what you did right and where you can do better. This helps you learn quickly.

The good news is that our tool can help you save money. Some students pay a lot for classes or books to learn how to write better. But our tool is not expensive. And it gives you fast help.

So, after you read the sample essay on this page, try our online IELTS essay checker . It will show you how to write even better essays.

To sum it up, our online IELTS essay checker is here to help you. It's easy to use and not costly. We want you to do your best in the IELTS without spending too much money. Good luck with your writing!

Additional IELTS writing task 2 resources

• The University of Manchester Academic Phrasebook provides guidelines and examples of how to introduce essay topics, discuss findings and write conclusions
• The University of Birmingham Guide to Academic Writing provides tips on paraphrasing, in addition to how to plan, structure and write an essay
• Use these useful sentences for IELTS Writing Task 2 .
• This page is good for sample essay topics and answers, also for Task Two.

IELTS writing essay task 2 Sample Band 8 The writing part of your IELTS exam is a great place to score some extra points, especially if you are looking to score within band 8. Here is a task 2 writing sample to help you do just that.

Vocabulary for IELTS Vocabulary is probably the most important part of preparing successfully for IELTS. It is used for both the speaking and writing part of the exam. Click here to view some essential vocabulary.

General essay topics The IELTS exam has a number of general essay topics that span a number of disciplines ad subject matters. To have an idea of what to expect check out our list of general essay topics.

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IELTS Writing Task 2: All You Need to know

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Understanding IELTS Writing Task 2

IELTS Writing Task 2 requires you to write an essay in response to a given general topic. This task in the IELTS exam is designed to assess your skills based on presenting a clear position, developing an argument logically, and organizing ideas coherently.

To achieve a high score, you must understand the task format and question types, analyze prompts effectively, and structure your essay appropriately. This blog post will break down everything you need to know from the format of the IELTS task 2 writing to tricks to solve it effortlessly.

IELTS Academic Writing Task 2 Test Papers

IELTS General Writing Task 2 Test Papers

Difference between ielts writing task 2 academic vs general.

To understand the differences between IELTS Academic and General Training in IELTS Writing Task 2, here is a helpful comparison table:

IELTS Writing Task 2 Format

The important pointers of the IELTS test pattern for the Writing Task 2 are given below:

• Task Requirement: Write an academic-style essay in response to a point of view, argument, or problem.
• Assessment: Assesses your ability to present a solution or opinion in a logical, structured way.
• Duration: 40 minutes

IELTS Writing Task 2 Scoring Criteria

To understand how your IELTS Writing Task 2 essay is evaluated by the examiner, it is crucial to be familiar with the assessment criteria!

Have a look at the table below to learn more about the evaluation criteria!

IELTS Writing Task 2 Question Types

There are 6 types of questions in the IELTS Writing Task 2 and you may get any one type in your IELTS test. Hence, get to know about them to identify the question prompts effortlessly!

• Opinion - You need to pick a side of the given two sides of an argument, and write in support of it along with reasons for your opinion.
• Agree/Disagree - In the IELTS agree disagree essays , you need to state whether you agree or disagree with a given statement and support it with reasons and examples.
• Discussion (Discuss Both Views) - This type requires you to discuss both sides of an issue and then give your own opinion at last.
• Problem/Solution - You have to identify problems related to the topic and suggest possible solutions.
• Advantages/Disadvantages - This question asks you to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of a particular situation or issue.
• Double Question (Direct Question) - You must answer two or more direct questions related to a single topic and support it with proper examples as well.

Useful IELTS Writing Task 2 Tips

IELTS Writing Task 2 is the second part of the two writing tasks and is one of the most challenging parts of the IELTS test. Most students also find it more difficult than IELTS Writing Task 1 . Therefore, access to some IELTS Writing Task 2 tips :

• Understand the Task: Test-takers should identify the key components, the question type, and any specific instructions before outlining the key points that should be covered.
• Plan Before You Write: Before diving into the essay, candidates should spend a few minutes planning the response. A clear outline needs to include an introduction, the main points for each body paragraph, and the conclusion.
• Follow a Structured Essay Format: Every essay type has a specific structure. So, sticking to the traditional essay structure with a clear introduction, well-developed body paragraphs, and a concluding summary enhances the readability of the essay.
• Provide Supportive Examples: Test-takers should support their arguments with concrete examples and evidence. This not only strengthens the expressed opinion but also showcases the ability to develop ideas.
• Use Linking Words and Phrases: Candidates should employ linking words and phrases to connect ideas within and between sentences. This improves the overall flow and coherence of the essay.
• Revise and Proofread: This is one of the most vital steps and test-takers need to allocate some time at the end to review and edit their essay. They should check for grammatical errors, clarity, and coherence and ensure that the essay effectively communicates their ideas.
• Write Regularly Under Time Constraints: Practice writing IELTS Writing Task 2 sample essays within the 40-minute. This helps improve your time management skills and ensures that you can effectively express your ideas within the given constraints.
• Seek Feedback: To understand the weak areas and improve them, test-takers need to share their practice essays with teachers, peers through the free IELTS Writing essay evaluation services or online communities like the one created by IELTSMaterial . Constructive feedback helps identify areas for improvement and provides valuable insights.

Top 8 Common Mistakes to Avoid in IELTS Writing Task 2

1. misunderstanding the question.

Many test-takers misunderstand the question, leading to off-topic essays.

2. Poor Time Management

Struggling to manage time effectively often results in incomplete essays.

3. Lack of Ideas

Difficulty in generating relevant ideas quickly is a common problem.

4. Disorganized Structure

Failing to organize thoughts into clear, logical paragraphs is a frequent mistake.

5. Grammar Errors

Frequent grammar errors can significantly lower the writing score.

6. Limited Vocabulary

Using a limited vocabulary makes it hard to express ideas effectively.

7. Weak Evidence

Providing weak examples usually weakens arguments and doesn’t provide a strong essay.

8. Incorrect Word Count

Not meeting the required word count can negatively affect the score.

Band Descriptors IELTS Writing Task 2

In the table below, have a look at the IELTS Writing Task 2 band descriptors that will guide you for a top IELTS band score .

Structure For Answering the IELTS Writing Task 2 Question Types

The IELTS Writing Task 2 section has different types of essays that may be asked, each requiring a specific structure and approach. The main 6 IELTS Writing Task 2 question types and their standard structure are summarized in the table below:

IELTS Writing Task 2 Question Types with Sample Answers

Let's look at the different IELTS writing task 2 essay types that may appear in Writing Task 2:

Opinion Essay

The IELTS opinion essay prompts simply ask for your opinion on a topic without presenting two views.

Sample prompt: "Some people think that the best way to reduce crime is to give longer prison sentences. Others, however, believe there are better alternative ways of reducing crime. What is your opinion on this?

Check out more IELTS Writing Task 2 Opinion Essay below:

• Some People Believe that Nowadays We Have Too Many Choices- IELTS Writing Task 2
• IELTS Writing Task 2 Opinion Essay Topic: Prevention is better than cure
• Universities Should Accept Equal Numbers of Male and Female Students in Every Subject – IELTS Writing Task 2
• Doing an Enjoyable Activity with a Child Can Develop Better Skills and More Creativity Than Reading – IELTS
• All Children Should be Made to Wear School Uniforms- IELTS Writing Task 2

Agree and Disagree Essay

These questions ask your opinion on a statement or proposal. You must decide whether you agree or disagree and support your view.

Sample prompt: "Unpaid community service should be a compulsory part of high school programs." To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Check out more IELTS Writing Task 2 Agree and Disagree Essay below:

• It is more important to spend public money on promoting a healthy lifestyle – IELTS Writing Task 2
• Foreign Visitors Should Pay More Than Local Visitors for Cultural and Historical Attractions – IELTS Writing Task 2
• Some people believe that air travel should be restricted Sample Essay
• When a Country Develops its Technology the Traditional Skills and Ways of Life Die Out – IELTS Writing Task 2
• Reading stories from a book is better than watching TV Sample Essay

Discussion (Discuss Both Views)

These prompts present two perspectives on an issue and ask you to discuss and examine both sides.

Sample prompt: "Some people think the manufacturers and shopping malls should sell fewer packaged products while others argue that people have the responsibility to buy products with less packaging. Discuss both views and give your opinion."

Check out more IELTS Writing Task 2 Discussion Essay topics below:

• In Some Countries, a Few People Earn Extremely High Salaries – IELTS Writing Task 2
• Some People Think that Children Should Start School Sooner- IELTS Writing Task 2
• Some People Think that it is Better to Educate Girls and Boys in Separate Schools- IELTS Writing Task 2
• Some Companies Sponsor Sport and Sports Stars as a Way to Advertise Themselves – IELTS Writing Task 2
• University Students Should Study Whatever They Like Sample Essay

Problem/Solution Essay

These questions given in the IELTS problem/solution essay describe an issue and ask you to propose solutions.

Sample prompt: "In many cities, public transport systems are inadequate and road congestion is increasing. What are the causes of these problems and what measures could be taken to solve them?"

Check out more IELTS Writing Task 2 Problem/Solution Essay below:

• Many Working People get little or no Exercise either During the Working Day- IELTS Writing Task 2
• Doctors Recommend that Older People Exercise Regularly- IELTS Writing Task 2
• Over Population Of Urban Areas Has Led To Numerous Problems – IELTS Writing Task 2
• An Increase in Production of Consumer Goods Results in Damage to the Natural Environment- IELTS Writing Task
• In the Developed World, Average Life Expectancy is Increasing- IELTS Writing Task 2

Advantages/Disadvantages Essay

These prompts ask you to analyze the advantages and disadvantages of an issue.

Sample prompt: "Studying overseas has many benefits for students. However, there are also some disadvantages. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages and give your own opinion."

Check out more IELTS Advantages/Disadvantages Essays for IELTS Writing Task 2 below:

• People now have the Freedom to Work and live Anywhere in the World- IELTS Writing Task 2
• In Some Countries People Prefer to Rent a House than Buy One – IELTS Writing Task 2
• Planners Tend to Arrange Shops, Schools, Offices and Homes in Specific Areas – IELTS Writing Task 2
• Technology is Increasingly Being Used to Monitor What People Are Saying And Doing Sample Essays
• In the Past, When Students Did a University Degree, They Tended to Study in Their Own Country – IELTS

Direct Question Essay

These prompts, which are also known as IELTS Direct Question essay , give you a statement along with a related question.

Sample prompt: "A growing number of people are living alone in many major cities. What are the reasons for this? Why do they choose to live alone?

Check out more IELTS Writing Task 2 Direct Question Essay below:

• Is freedom of speech necessary in a free society? – IELTS Writing Task 2
• Many People Like to Wear Fashionable Clothes – IELTS Writing Task 2
• Consumers Are Faced With Increasing Numbers of Advertisements From Competing Companies – IELTS
• There are Many Different Types of Music in The World Today – IELTS Writing Task 2
• More and more people want to buy famous brands with clothes- IELTS Writing Task 2

IELTS Writing Task 2 Topics with Answers

Below is the list of IELTS Writing Task 2 Topics with Answers which you can refer to for the exam.

• Topic: Family
• Topic: Press, news on internet & newspapers
• Topic: Families
• Topic - Environment
• Topic: Invention
• Topic: Aging Population
• Topic: Art & Technology
• Topic: Career
• Topic: Dangerous Sports
• Topic: Technology
• Topic: Travel & Tourism
• Topic: International Car-free Days & Sample Essay
• Topic: Traffic
• Topic: Transportation
• Topic: TV or Radio
• Topic: Communication Technology
• Topic: Living in Campus
• Topic: Crime
• Collocations - Topic: The Environment
• Useful Collocations - Topic: Government

Trending Essay Topics

• Every year several languages die out
• Some People Think That Parents Should Teach Children How to be Good Members of Society
• Happiness is considered very important in life
• In some countries the average weight of people is increasing
• Young people are encouraged to work or travel for a year between finishing high school
• Research Indicates That the Characteristics We are Born With Have Much More Influence On Our Personality

Academic IELTS Writing Task 2 Topics with Sample Essays

Below is the list of Academic IELTS Writing Task 2 Topics with Sample Essays:

• Topic 01: Media
• Topic 02: Successful Sports Professionals
• Topic 03:Smoking
• Topic 04: Children today play very violent games
• Topic 05:The birth rate in most developed countries
• Topic 06: Many families find it necessary for both parents go out to work
• Topic 07: Women and men are commonly seen as having different strength and weaknesses
• Topic 08: Increase in violent crime among youngsters
• Topic 09: Good Job
• Topic 10: Different medical traditions
• Topic 11:Need to prepare for tests and examinations
• Topic 12: Eating Fish
• Topic 13:Concerned about the number of children who are overweight
• Topic 14: Freedom of Speech
• Topic: Architecture & History
• Topic: Digital Communication
• Topic: Economic Development
• Topic: Education
• Topic: Environment
• Topic: Food & Transport
• Topic: Government
• Topic: Newspapers
• Topic: Sports
• Topic: Television & Children
• Topic: Economic Growth

The key is to practice regularly and make writing a habit until your final IELTS Writing test! With this preparation, you'll be ready to achieve your desired band in no time. We bet you’re all aware of the IELTS Writing Task 2 so now get ready to gather our expert tricks to crack your writing task 1. Pick between IELTS General Writing Task 1 and the IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 as per your preference and start now!

Frequently Asked Questions

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Practice IELTS Writing Task 2 based on Essay types

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IELTS Writing Task 2 Tips, Topics and Sample Answers

You can ace IELTS Writing Task 2 on IELTS test day by being prepared and confident! To help you with both, in this article, we give you:

• An easy three-step strategy that will boost your confidence by helping you plan and write a good IELTS Writing Task 2 essay;
• IELTS Writing Task 2 sample topics for all IELTS Writing Task 2 question types;
• An IELTS Writing Task 2 sample answer; and
• A video that brings all this help together in an IELTS Writing Task 2 lesson.

To use all this help best, you need to practise with real IELTS Writing Task 2 sample questions. Sign up for our IELTS course on E2 Test Prep for a free trial to practice for your exam.

IELTS Writing Task 2 Overview

Writing task 2 tips & strategy, i. writing task 2 agree or disagree questions, ii. writing task 2 advantages and disadvantages, iii. writing task 2 discuss both views, iv. writing task 2 discuss both views and give your opinion, v. writing task 2 problem / solution question, vi. writing task 2 double question, identify the subject – focus your answer.

For both the IELTS General and IELTS Academic exams, Writing Task 2 is an essay. You are given 40 minutes to write an essay of over 250 words about a Writing Task 2 topic. This is what the Writing Task 2 essay topic will look like on your test paper.

Before we look at each part of the three-step strategy in more detail, a summary of this confidence building formula is:

Step 1 – Learn and identify all the question types. There are several different IELTS Writing Task 2 question types. If you learn all these to quickly identify the type of question you were given, you will save time on test day and can move to steps 2 and 3 below more quickly. In addition, if you are familiar with all the Writing Task 2 question types, there will be no surprises on test day, reducing the likelihood that you will panic during the test. We will set out all the different IELTS Writing Task 2 question types along with IELTS Writing Task 2 sample topics below.

Step 2 – Analyse the question to identify the subject of the Writing Task 2 topic. Identifying the subject of the question will help you focus your thoughts, making it easier to formulate your ideas more clearly and stay on point.

Step 3 – Plan and fit the content of your answer to a simple structure that has a clear beginning, middle and ending that align with the question type you are given. We will give you a Writing Task 2 sample answer by starting with an introductory paragraph, followed by two body paragraphs and a concluding paragraph.

IELTS Writing Task 2 Question Types

Step 1 of our strategy is to identify which IELTS Writing Task 2 question type you are given on your test. The question type will influence how you will structure your answer. The different IELTS Writing Task 2 question types you can expect to see on IELTS test day are:

The  agree/disagree  essay or opinion essay question gives you a topic and asks you to what extent do you agree or disagree with an idea related to that topic. An IELTS Task 2 agree or disagree sample topic is:

In the age of digital communication and social media, face-to-face interactions are becoming less common. Some people think that this is decreasing people’s ability to communicate well in person. Do you agree or disagree with this view?

Knowing right from the start that you are dealing with an agree/disagree topic gives you a big clue as to how you will structure your essay answer. This question type requires that you give your opinion supporting one side or the other – not both. It means that you must take a side. The body of your essay will focus on writing supporting ideas and examples.

The   advantages/disadvantages  essay question gives you a topic and then asks you to discuss its advantages and disadvantages. A sample advantages and disadvantages essay topic looks like this:

The rise of online shopping has transformed the way many people purchase goods. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this. 

Here you will need to present both sides of the argument, one side per paragraph (discussed in more detail below) with supporting ideas and examples for each.

The  discuss both views question type gives you two positions or opinions related to a topic and asks you to discuss both. A Writing Task 2 discuss both views sample topic is:

Some people think it is the government’s responsibility to tackle environmental issues. Others believe it is up to each individual to be environmentally responsible. Discuss both sides.

We will explain in more detail below that for this topic type, you should write one body paragraph on each opinion, giving explanations and examples in support of each view.

The  discuss both views and give your opinion  question is very similar to the question type above. However, instead of asking you to discuss two views, it also asks you to state which one you agree with. A Writing Task 2 discuss both views and give your opinion sample topic is:

Some people believe that artificial intelligence (AI) has the power to improve our lives. However, others are worried that it could have a negative impact. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

To write a good essay, you need to discuss both opinions (one in each body paragraph) giving arguments and examples to support each view. You also need to say which view you agree with most.

The   problem/solution  essay question presents you with an issue that you need to discuss and then provide possible solutions for. A Writing Task 2 problem / solution sample topic is:

The overuse of plastic packaging has led to numerous problems. Identify one or two serious ones and suggest ways that governments can tackle these problems.

In a good Writing Task 2 problem / solution answer for this sample topic, you will write about the problems caused by the overuse of plastic packaging in the first body paragraph and suggest some government-led solutions in the second body paragraph.

In the double question  essay, you are asked  two  questions, and you need to make sure you answer both. For example:

Nowadays, more and more people are shifting to a plant-based diet. Why is this the case? What are some drawbacks of plant-based diets?

Here you have two questions to answer. 1. Why are people shifting to a plant-based diet? 2. What are the drawbacks of this diet? You should spend one paragraph answering each question, it is essential that you don’t forget to answer both!

Step 2 of our three-step strategy is to identify and focus on the subject of the question. Although this seems obvious, pausing for a second and forcing yourself to identify the subject of the question helps avoid misreading the question and has planning benefits. The mental process of ‘identifying and focusing’ will help you plan your ideas and, importantly, keep your essay on point. Staying on point is key because the clearer your answer, the easier for an IELTS examiner to grade it and give you a better mark. 

For example, let’s looks at the ‘Discuss Both Views’ topic presented above:

For step 2, we need to ask ourselves: what is the core idea, or subject, of this question? On first read, ‘the government’s responsibility’ seems important. Then we see ‘environmental issues’, followed by ‘individual … environmentally responsible’. Which of these is the core subject? In this topic, the core subject is ‘responsibility for environmental issues’. This is the centrepiece of the topic and will be the anchor for your answer. 

Given that we know that it is a both views question type, we can also see the question has given us the two sides of the argument, being: i. government responsibility for environmental issues; and ii. individual responsibility for environmental issues. These clues are important because they are the two sides of the argument impacting on how we fit our written arguments within a good IELTS Writing Task 2 essay structure. You will need to practice identifying and focusing several times by looking at the IELTS Writing Task 2 sample topics given above, as well as in the IELTS Writing Task 2 practice questions you will find when you sign up to E2 Test Prep . The better you get at this, the more confident tackling any essay topic you will become.

Writing Task 2 Essay Structure and Sample Answer

Step three of the strategy is to plan the structure of your essay depending on the question type and the core subject of the question. Once you know this, you can fit the content of your answer to this structure. Don’t try to be fancy; a simple structure is best. Your essay should include four paragraphs:

• An introduction
• Body paragraph 1
• Body paragraph 2
• A conclusion

Let’s go back to the IELTS Writing Task 2 sample topic we looked at above. Here it is again:

At this point, we know that:

• it is a Writing Task 2 discuss both views question type
• the subject of the sample essay topic is ‘responsibility for environmental issues’ 
• an introduction that clearly identifies and states the subject (responsibility for environmental issues) of your essay as well as introduces the two points of view (government responsibility and individual responsibility) to be discussed in your essay
• body paragraph 1 which gives reasons why governments should be responsible
• body paragraph 2 which gives reasons why individuals should be responsible
• a conclusion that summarises and concludes the essay.

Note: for discuss both views , even if the question doesn’t say ‘discuss both views and give your opinion’, you should still give your opinion The IELTS Task Two Writing Descriptors for Task Response state that in order to get the highest marks, you need to present a ‘clear and fully developed position’. 

Pulling it all together, here is a brief Writing Task 2 sample answer:

Who should take responsibility for environmental issues? Should governments take the lead and act to solve environmental problems? Or should individuals take responsibility for their choices and actions to avoid harming the environment as much as possible? By looking at both sides of this issue, this essay will aim to show that it is, in fact, individuals that can make the biggest impact on the environment and therefore should take the most responsibility.

Some people argue that governments are in the best position to deal with environmental issues. Governments have the power to make laws that prohibit businesses and individuals from taking actions that harm the environment. For example, they set legal limits for the amount of carbon emissions a company is allowed to produce. Governments also have access to funding, experts and resources that are needed to launch environmental initiatives, such as using greener fuel, and to promote environmentally friendly lifestyles among the general public.

On the other hand, avoiding environmental issues and damage before any harm occurs is something that all individual citizens and individuals in businesses have within their power to achieve. We, as individuals, can reduce our power consumption and waste production. We can choose to install solar energy for our homes and businesses, or buy electric or hybrid cars and trucks. Also, we can also avoid spraying pesticides on our gardens or fields, and disposing of dangerous chemicals into public drains and sewerage systems. Through all of these small acts, collectively, we can have a wide-reaching impact. What is more, individuals can take this action today, without having to wait for long-winded government projects to eventually get the funding and backing to actually get off the ground. 

In summary, it can be argued that governments have a large responsibility for environmental issues because they hold the power and resources needed to deal with them at a leadership level. However, it is clear that individuals can have the greatest impact on the environment, so the duty must fall on them to be more environmentally responsible.

Summary and Next Steps

Firstly, if you feel you need more help with IELTS Writing Task 2, you should watch this E2 IELTS Youtube video and subscribe to our channel.

Secondly, you need to go to our  IELTS info page  and sign up for a FREE trial to access the best quality IELTS practice questions and activities. 

Preparing online for your IELTS with E2 Test Prep gives you effective methods, practice essays and expert feedback to feel confident and prepared for writing and every other exam task.

Looking for more general English? Try E2 English .

Author Bio:  E2 is the world’s leading test preparation provider. Our expert teachers are fully accredited English teachers with TESOL, British Council or IELTS certification, and years of IELTS examiner or IELTS teaching experience.

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Rohit Kanwalu says:

very helpful information keep sharing

Nice information please keep sharing

Advice taken! Thank you :)

Shomoy says:

I have already become a thirsty watcher & learner. i think it could be very helpful for me.

Hi, how we can write a opinion essay such as balanced approach type? for example , to what extent do you agree?

olivia says:

CHECK THIS OUT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AFlx4ZS7YSk

Varun Sangani says:

How do I access my writing add on package

Go ahead and message us via this STUDENT HELP LINK: https://help.e2language.com/support/tickets/new

This way we can directly correspond with you & answer any further questions you may have.

The E2 Team

Prasad says:

Very interesting! I got many ideas …..

Anna H. Smith says:

Thank you so much for the useful material you produce and generously sharing with us. It has improved my understanding of IELTS writng and the topics will help practice ,thanks for this article.

Rajib Barua says:

Very informative article. I appreciate your efforts. Thank you so much.

E2Language Team says:

Thank you, you’re welcome!

Sneha Rateria says:

Thank you for sharing article on Writing Task 2. It will be definitely helpful for many people. Keep posting more like this.

Htar Inzale says:

Helpful and informative video, thank u so much, indeed.

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IELTS Exam Preparation: Free IELTS Tips, 2024

Ielts writing task 2 (ielts sample essays).

IELTS Writing Task 2 requires you to write at least 250 words. You will be presented with a topic and will be tested on your ability to respond by giving and justifying an opinion, discussing the topic, summarizing details, outlining problems, identifying possible solutions and supporting what you write with reasons, arguments and relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. The assessment of Task 2 carries more weight in marking than Task 1. Writing scripts are marked by trained and certificated IELTS examiners, who all hold relevant teaching qualifications and are recruited as examiners by the test centres and approved by British Council or IDP: IELTS Australia.

Exam Preparation

Ielts preparation, ielts sample charts (ielts writing task 1).

The Writing Task 1 of the IELTS Academic test requires you to write a summary of at least 150 words in response to a particular graph (bar, line or pie graph), table, chart, or process (how something works, how something is done). This task tests your ability to select and report the main features, to describe and compare data, identify significance and trends in factual information, or describe a process.

IELTS Sample Letters (IELTS Writing Task 1)

The purpose of this section is to help you with the Writing Task 1 of the IELTS General test. In Task 1, candidates are asked to respond to a given problem with a letter requesting information or explaining a situation. It is suggested that about 20 minutes is spent on Task 1, which requires candidates to write at least 150 words. Depending on the task suggested, candidates are assessed on their ability to:

- engage in personal correspondence - elicit and provide general factual information - express needs, wants, likes and dislikes - express opinions (views, complaints etc.)

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• IELTS General Writing Task 2: Essay Sample Answers

The 2nd task in IELTS General Writing is to write an essay. Here are the examples of successful responses for a high score. Pay attention to the structure of the answer and how paragraphs composition; main ideas and the examples they are supported with.

IELTS General Writing Task 2 looks like this (part in bold changes).

WRITING TASK 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write about the following topic: 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 these views and give your own opinion. Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words.

In this task you should:      Explain the first point of view      Explain the second point of view      Add your opinion

Sample answer:

What's the happiest time in people's lives: youth or old age; school, career or retirement? All of these have been suggested, but teenage years and adulthood both have many supporters.

Those who believe teenagers are the happiest people cite their lack of responsibilities as a significant factor. They are supported financially and emotionally by their parents, and although they may be included in family decisions, they're not ultimately responsible. However, adolescents are on the threshold of adult life: they're old enough to get a part-time job, so they can enjoy their first taste of financial independence, and their future study and career lie ahead.

Away from these serious concerns, young people have an active social life with their friends, often simply by hanging out with them. And of course, there’s the excitement of first love and first heartbreak. With all this to experience, teenagers see their parents' lives as boring and stressful.

However, the reverse is also true. Adults see anxious, self-dramatising adolescents, and appreciate the joys of maturity. These may include a contented family life, long-lasting friendships and a career. Long-term relationships may not have the fireworks of adolescence, but are stronger for it, because of the wealth of shared experience. At work, many of us are challenged and stimulated by the increasing, professional skills we acquire, which ensures that our jobs remain interesting.

The greatest benefit, though, is that maturity gives you greater confidence in your own judgement, in all areas of life. You’re not afraid to express your opinion when others disagree and, unlike a teenager, you know when to let things go.

Both these periods can be happy times, but I look back at my own teenage years, with no desire to go back. Adult life may be less dramatic, but fireworks don’t keep you warm

In cities and towns all over the world the high volume of traffic is a problem.

What are the causes of this and what actions can be taken to solve this problem?

It is undoubtedly the case that urban areas around the world increasingly suffer from congestion. In this essay, I examine the reasons for this trend and suggest some practical policies the authorities could implement to reduce the level of traffic in our cities.

The first step is to understand why traffic has increased in towns and cities. Broadly speaking, there are three main reasons for this. One is that cars have become more affordable for the average consumer and they are no longer a luxury item, but something that most families expect to own. A second reason is that public transport has become increasingly unreliable in recent years, not least because many bus and train services have been reduced because of the difficulty in funding them. The third reason is that society has in general become more mobile and this means more people are prepared to commute to work by car than they were before.

There is almost certainly no one solution to this problem given the complexity of its causes. However, one option has to be to improve the reliability of public transport to encourage people to take the bus or the train rather than get in the car. It would also be possible to discourage people from driving to work by introducing special tariffs for using the roads, especially during peak periods. A successful example of this is the congestion charge scheme in London which has certainly reduced the level of trafficin inner-city areas.

In conclusion, there are a variety of different factors that have led to rising levels of traffic in urban areas. While it may not be possible to find a complete solution, any action should probably involve encouraging greater use of public transport and making it more expensive for the motorist to drive in urban areas.

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write about the following topic: Some people believe that children should be allowed to stay at home and play until they are six or seven years old. Others believe that it is important for young children to go to school as soon as possible. What do you think are the advantages of attending school from a young age? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words.

Here we write about the benefits. Remember: 1 advantage = 1 paragraph.

In many places today, children start primary school at around the age of six or seven. However, because it is more likely now that both parents work, there is little opportunity for children to stay in their own home up to that age. Instead, they will probably go to a nursery school when they are much younger. While some people think this may be damaging to a child’s development, or to a child’s relationship with his or her parents, in fact there are many advantages to having school experience at a young age. Firstly, a child will learn to interact with a lot of different people and some children learn to communicate very early because of this. They are generally more confident and independent than children who stay at home with their parents and who are not used to strangers or new situations. Such children find their first day at school at the age of six very frightening and this may have a negative effect on how they learn. Another advantage of going to school at an early age is that children develop faster socially. They make friends and learn how to get on with other children of a similar age. This is often not possible at home because they are the only child, or because their brothers or sisters are older or younger. So overall, I believe that, attending school from a young age is good for most children. They still spend plenty of time at home with their parents, so they can benefit from both environments.

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IELTS Writing Samples

One of the most misunderstood aspects of IELTS preparation is how to use IELTS writing samples.

IELTS Writing Sample Answers: How should I use them?

IELTS Writing sample answers are great because they provide a good model for comparing your writing. However, reading lots of them will not make you a better writer.

Think about it this way, how many millions of people watch world-class footballers like Messi and Ronaldo every week? Does it improve their football skills? Maybe if they go and practice what they learned, but not a bit if they do nothing.

To really improve, you have to actively use the Writing Task 2 sample answer below, not passively read them and then expect to magically improve. Follow the plan of action below.

Plan of Action

• Read the questions, but DO NOT read the sample answers. Even taking a brief look at the question will influence your answer.
• Attempt the answer under exam conditions.
• Compare what you have with the sample answer.
• Think about the ideas, structure, organisation, vocabulary, and grammar. It is important that you really think deeply about how the author used each of the elements above.
• Don’t worry if your answer is very different. There are many different ways to answer a Task 2 question.
• Go back and improve your original answer with some of the IELTS Task 2 sample answer elements.

100 Task 2 Sample Questions

If you don’t want IELTS Writing sample answers and want to look at lots of practice questions, here is a list of over 100 of them:

You can find some more sample questions on the official IELTS website and the British Council site .

Answers with Examiner’s Reports

To give you an insight into how the examiner marks your test, here are some Task 2 answers with the examiner’s comments at the end.

Student’s Band 9 Answer

Childcare Discussion Essay and Examiner’s Report

Student’s Band 6 Answer and Examiner’s Report

Agree or Disagree Samples

In these questions, you are given a statement and asked if you agree or disagree with it. They are also sometimes called ‘Opinion’ questions.

Task Two Agree or Disagree Sample Essays

Every Year Several Languages Die Out- Task 2 Sample Answer

Student’s Essay on Voluntary Service

An Essay Most Students Got Wrong

Languages Agree or Disagree Essay

Compulsory Voluntary Work in High School

To what extent do you agree or disagree?- Technology

Agree or Disagree- Arts at Primary School Level

Agree or Disagree- Online Lectures

Positive or Negative Development- Shopping

Environmental Essay with Short Introduction and Conclusion

Railway vs Road Essay

Every Year Several Languages Die Out

Discussion Samples

In these questions, you are given two opposing points of view and asked to discuss both of them and give your opinion.

Balanced Approach

Some people say that the best way to improve public health is by increasing the number of sports facilities.

Discussion and Opinion (University Education) 

Discussion Essay- Student Rewards

Childcare Discussion Essay Good and Bad Example

Discuss Both Views- Mixed Schools

Discuss Both Views Sample Answer- Changing Jobs

Teenage Years – IELTS Task 2 Essay

Aim of Education – IELTS Task 2 Sample Answer

Yumiko’s Band 9 Essay

Advantages and Disadvantages Samples

In these questions, you are normally given one issue and asked to discuss the positive and negative sides of that issue.

Advantages and Disadvantages Essay- Multinational Companies 

Surveillance Essay

Problem/Causes and Solutions Samples

Sometimes you are asked about the problems that a certain issue causes, and sometimes you are asked about the causes of a certain problem. An important distinction, as you will see below.

Causes and Solutions- Health and Fitness 

Good and Bad Example- Old and Young People in the Job Market 

A Problem Solution Essay

IELTS Task 2 Band 9 Sample Essay- Student Behaviour

Double Questions

An increasingly common question gives one issue and then asks two separate questions about it.

Double Questions Sample Answer- Technology

Physical Appearance

Self-Driving Cars

Free Study Plan

Video Lesson: How THIS student scored a Band 8.5 in IELTS Writing

In this video, my student will reveal how she scored a Band 8.5 in IELTS Writing, sharing the EXACT answer she wrote on her exam day.

We’ll break down her essay step-by-step, talking about the ways she used vocabulary to score high, came up with strong ideas and much more:

Need more help with IELTS Writing Task 2?

No problem – scroll down or visit our Writing Task 2 page for more resources to help you get ready for your exam.

I recently posted a video lesson which covers the key things I’ve learned from marking 10,000+ IELTS essays over the years. Watch a Writing Task 2 lesson or visit our youtube channel  for more video lessons like this one.

The articles below contain some of our most comprehensive guides to Writing Task 2:

• Writing Task 2: 8 Steps to Success

This article is unique to anything we’ve published before. Read it now to access our 61-page Task 2 strategy.

• How to Plan an Essay

Making a good plan actually saves you time when you write your essay. If you don’t plan, you are more likely to get lost halfway through your essay, and the result is normally a very confusing piece of writing that is difficult to read. This guide will show you how to write a clear essay every time.

• How to Think of Relevant Ideas

Thinking of good ideas is one of the most challenging parts of the test for some people. This guide provides 5 different methods to help you quickly think of relevant ideas that are directly linked to the question.

• How to Write a Complex Sentence

Complex sentences help you boost your score for grammar. Complex sentences are very simple to write and not complex in this article; we show you how.

• How to Paraphrase

Paraphrasing is one of the essential IELTS skills, not just in Writing Task 2 but in all parts of the IELTS test. You should paraphrase the question in every essay, and I recommend doing this in the very first sentence to help boost your vocabulary score.

• How to Write a Supporting Paragraph

Supporting paragraphs are the main body paragraphs and are the meat in the sandwich. This is where you provide the detail the examiner is looking for in the form of explanations and examples.

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IELTS Writing Task 2: Sample Essay

“In many countries nowadays, consumers can go to a supermarket and buy food produced all over the world. Do you think this is a positive or negative development?” (Cambridge IELTS Academic Book 19)

• eg fruit + veg: avocado, broccoli
• eg floods / droughts in own country -> poor harvests
• CO2 emissions

Watch me plan and write this essay. You can read the full essay below.

In recent decades, it has become increasingly easy to buy food grown overseas in local supermarkets. Overall, I think that this has been a positive change.

Being able to buy food produced in other countries means that people can enjoy a more varied diet, and this can have significant health benefits. For example, fruits and vegetables like avocadoes and broccoli, which are known to help people become more resistant to disease and cancer, can only be grown in warm climates, so consumers in cooler ones would not be able to eat them without food imports.

Secondly, the trend towards consuming food grown overseas means that countries will be less reliant on domestic food production to feed their population, thus providing them with greater food security. If a country suffers from a poor harvest, perhaps caused by floods or drought, then it may not be able to produce sufficient food on its own to supply the domestic market. Imports of food from overseas can help counteract this risk.

However, this development is not all positive. Shipping all this food via long-distance routes has a negative environmental impact due to the CO2 emitted by shipping. Nevertheless, new technologies, such as cleaner fuels, can help limit these harmful emissions.

In conclusion, although there are some negative environmental effects to this development, I do feel that overall, the positives far outweigh any downsides since the benefits of improved diet and domestic food security are quite significant.

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Discover the 7 STEPS to BAND 7 in IELTS Writing Task 2

IELTS Writing Task 2: Causes/Solutions Sample Essay

The “cause and solution” style of IELTS Writing Task 2 question presents a common social problem; your job is to identify the causes of the problem and propose ways the problem could be solved. For more information on this type of Writing Task 2 question, including tips and tricks, you can go to Magoosh’s guide to the different kinds of IELTS Writing Task 2 questions . And here in this post, we’ll go through a full causes and solutions model question and sample response.

The response itself is written at the band 9 level. After you read the essay, there is more explanation as to why this essay gets top marks. And to write a similarly high scored essay, check out our IELTS Writing Task 2 template .

Causes/Solutions Model Essay

This essay is a response to the sample prompt immediately below.

Sample Task

Many large cities around the world lack affordable housing. What problems does a lack of affordable housing cause? How can these problems be overcome? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

Sample Essay (Band 9)

In almost every part of the world, expensive housing is closely associated with urban life. This is the underlying cause of many different problems, and civic planners are struggling to find solutions. I believe that the biggest, most important problem caused by high housing prices is homelessness. In my opinion, this problem can be addressed through rent control and welfare payments to low-income people.

Expensive urban housing leads to homelessness both directly and indirectly. The housing costs themselves cause some people to lose their homes, but such costs also drive up general prices, which can indirectly cause homelessness. For example, if a grocery store itself pays high rent, it must charge everyone more for food. This in turn forces landlords to charge more for rent in order to feed themselves. Once that happens, their tenants may have trouble paying the higher rent while also paying for more expensive food.

To reduce homelessness and make it easier for people to afford housing, I propose a twofold solution: limits on rent prices and increased welfare payments to the poor. Legally limiting rent fees will make housing much more affordable, while welfare payments can help people deal with the high costs of other goods. To give an example, if the government provides low-income people extra money for food, those people, in turn, have more room in their budget to pay rent. By employing both approaches, rent costs are directly reduced, and costs that compete with rent also go down.

In short, while expensive housing and homelessness are serious problems in cities, regulations and public assistance can help. The right kind of regulations will not only reduce the price of housing but also reduce general cost of living. This kind of government action is a win-win for everyone, whether they are homeless or not.

Word count: 300

Explanation of the Score

This essay meets all of the requirements for Band 9 in Task Achievement, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy; these are the categories seen in the official IELTS Writing Task 2 band descriptors . To understand this essay’s strengths, carefully read the level 9 descriptors in that document. And to further understand why an essay might receive a band 9, see the detailed score report at the bottom of Magoosh’s sample band 9 discussion essay for IELTS Writing Task 2 .

Additional Model Essays for Task 2

Would you like to see sample essays for all of the most common Writing Task 2 question types on the IELTS? At the links below, Magoosh has you covered!

• Advantage/Disadvantage Essay
• Two-Part Question Essay
• Discussion Essay
• Agree/Disagree Essay

David is a Test Prep Expert for Magoosh TOEFL and IELTS. Additionally, he’s helped students with TOEIC, PET, FCE, BULATS, Eiken, SAT, ACT, GRE, and GMAT. David has a BS from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and an MA from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. His work at Magoosh has been cited in many scholarly articles , his Master’s Thesis is featured on the Reading with Pictures website, and he’s presented at the WITESOL (link to PDF) and NAFSA conferences. David has taught K-12 ESL in South Korea as well as undergraduate English and MBA-level business English at American universities. He has also trained English teachers in America, Italy, and Peru. Come join David and the Magoosh team on Youtube , Facebook , and Instagram , or connect with him via LinkedIn !

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IELTS Task 2 Essays Understand the 5 Different Types

There are 5 main types of IELTS Task 2 essays:

1)    Opinion Essays  

2)    Discussion Essays

3)    Problem Solution Essays

4)    Advantages & Disadvantages Essays

5)    Double Question Essays

Most questions fit one of these categories. However, questions can be written in many different ways, which can make it difficult to determine which type they are.

On this page, I want to give you an overview of all 5 IELTS Task 2 essay types, with samples questions to help you recognise some of the different wording often used. I’ve also included a basic structure for each that you can use to as a guide for essay planning, a vital step in the writing process.

I go into each type of question in more detail on its own page.  Click the links above or at the bottom of this page to see these. 

First, here’s the basic 4 part structure I recommend that you use for Task 2 essays:

1)  Introduction

2)  Main Body Paragraph 1 

3)  Main Body Paragraph 2 

4)  Conclusion

Want  to watch and listen to this lesson?

Click on this video.

The sort of information you include in each of the 4 sections will vary depending on the question type and that’s what I’m now going to outline for you.

These easy to learn structures will enable you to quickly plan and write any IELTS Task 2 essay.

The structures below are not the only ones you could use but they are the ones I recommend because they’re simple and give proven results.

1) Opinion Essays

These are sometimes called ‘agree or disagree’ or ‘argumentative’ essays and are one of the most common types of IELTS Task 2 question.

The first part of the question will be a statement. You will then be asked to give your own opinion about the statement. Here is some typical wording that might be used:

• What is your opinion?
• Do you agree or disagree?
• To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Here is an example of each:

• Choose one side of the argument.
• State your opinion clearly in the introduction.
• Keep the same opinion throughout the essay.
• Give reasons why you hold this view.

It doesn’t matter which side of the argument you take or even that you agree with it. Choose the one you can develop the best argument for.

Don’t change your opinion part way through the essay and don’t give reasons for the opposing idea.

Essay Structure

1) Introduction

• Paraphrase the question
• Give your opinion
• State two supporting reasons

2) Main body paragraph 1

• Topic sentence – outline 1st reason for supporting this view
• Explanation – explain this idea
• Example – give an example

3)  Main body paragraph 2

• Topic sentence – outline 2nd reason for supporting this view
• Summarise opinion and key reasons

2) Discussion Essays

In discussion essays, you have to discuss both sides of an argument. Usually, you will be asked for your own opinion as well.

The easiest way to approach this type of IELTS Task 2 question is to choose one point of view to agree with and one side to disagree with.

Here are 3 examples of discussion essay questions:

• Develop both sides of the argument.
• Talk about the view you don’t agree with first.

A big mistake many students make is to fully develop only one point of view. This leads to an unbalanced essay and a low score for task achievement. 

It is easier to begin by discussing the opinion you don’t agree with and then present the reasons for your opposing view.

2)  Main body paragraph 1 – Negative Viewpoint

• Topic sentence – outline the view you don’t agree with
• Explanation – explain why this view is held by some people

3)  Main body paragraph 2 – Positive Viewpoint

• Topic sentence – outline the view you do agree with
• Summarise the key points and state your opinion

3)  Problem Essays  

These are sometimes called ‘causes and solutions’ or ‘problems and solutions’ essays. This type of IELTS Task 2 question starts with a statement, then asks you to discuss the problems or causes and the solutions.

• Don’t list lots of causes and solutions.
• Choose just one or two and develop them fully.
• Be sure to link each problem/cause and its solution.

A common mistake is for candidates to list all the problems/causes and solutions they can think of, not necessarily linking them together.  They also fail to explain any of them in detail and don’t include any examples.

The wording of this type of essay question can vary considerably.  Here are 3 examples of problem essay questions:

• State 1 key problem/cause and related solution

2)  Main body paragraph 1 – Problem or Cause

• Topic sentence – state the problem or cause
• Explanation – give detail explaining the problem or cause

3)  Main body paragraph 2 – Solution

• Topic sentence – state the solution
• Explanation – give detail explaining the solution

4)  Advantages & Disadvantages Essays

The first part of the question will be a statement. You will be asked to write about both the advantages and disadvantages of the idea stated.

Here is some typical wording that might be used:

• What are the advantages and disadvantages of….?
• Do you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
• Discuss the advantages and disadvantages and give your opinion.

Here are 3 examples of advantages and disadvantages essay questions:

Each of these different types of questions fits into one of two slightly different essay structures. We’ll look at these in detail on the main IELTS Task 2 Advantages & Disadvantages Essays page. For now, I’ll give you the basic structure.

• Outline the view or views stated the statement

2)  Main body paragraph 1 – Advantage

• Topic sentence – state 1 advantage
• Explanation – give detail explaining the advantage
• Result – state the result

3)  Main body paragraph 2 – Disadvantage

• Topic sentence – state 1 disadvantage
• Explanation – give detail explaining the disadvantage
• Summarise the key points
• State your opinion if required

5)  Double Question Essays

This type of IELTS Task 2 question is sometimes called a ‘direct question’ or ‘two questions’ essay. It has one statement with two different questions after it. The questions may or may not be linked.

• You must answer both questions fully.
• Don’t confuse it with an opinion or a discussion essay.
• Be careful that you don’t end up with too many ideas to write about.

Here are 3 examples of double question essay questions:

• Outline sentence – state your answer to both questions

2)  Main body paragraph 1 – Answer question 1

• Topic sentence – state your answer
• Explanation – explain why you think this

3)  Main body paragraph 2 – Answer question 2

• Summarise both questions and answers

I hope you’ve found this information useful. You can learn lots more about writing the 5 different types of IELTS Task 2 essay and see sample answers on these pages:

The 5 Task 2 Essay Types:

Step-by-step instructions on how to plan & write high-level essays. Model answers & common mistakes to avoid.

   Opinion Essays

   Discussion Essays

  Problem Solution Essays

  Advantages & Disadvantages Essays

  Double Question Essays

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More help with ielts task 2.

IELTS Writing Task 2  – T he format, the 5 question types, the 5 step essay writing strategy & sample questions. All the key information you need to know.

Understanding Task 2 Questions  – How to quickly and easily analyse and understand IELTS Writing Task 2 questions.

How To Plan a Task 2 Essay  – Discover why essay planning is essential & learn a simple 4 step strategy, the 4 part essay structure & 4 methods of generating ideas.

How To Write a Task 2 Introduction  – Find out why a good introduction is essential. Learn how to write one using a simple 3 part strategy & discover 4 common mistakes to avoid.

How To Write Task 2 Main Body Paragraphs  – Learn the simple 3 part structure for writing great main body paragraphs and also, 3 common mistakes to avoid. 

How To Write Task 2 Conclusions  – Learn the easy way to write the perfect conclusion for a Task 2 essay. Also discover 4 common mistakes to avoid.

Task 2 Marking Criteria  – Find out how to meet the marking criteria for IELTS Task 2. See examples of good and poor answers & learn some common mistakes to avoid.

Other related pages:

IELTS Writing Test  – Understand the format & marking criteria, know what skills are assessed & learn the difference between the Academic & General writing tests.

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IELTS Writing Topics September & October 2024

The collection of writing topics that were reported by IELTS student in 2024 . These questions could be repeated from previous months. Keep in mind that the provided questions are not predictions.

Pick one of the topics and improve your writing skills every day. If you can't come up with ideas for a topic just click the "Answers" button and you will see the different ideas.

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IELTS Preparation with Liz: Free IELTS Tips and Lessons, 2024

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IELTS Discussion Essay Sample Questions

Below is a list of IELTS discussion essay sample questions for IELTS writing task 2. These are also known as two sided essays.

Discussion Essay Tips

• identify both sides
• find supporting points for both side
• only give your opinion if the task asks for it
• use discussion essay language
• follow a safe discussion essay model

Discussion Essay Questions

Some people think that environmental problems should be solved on a global scale while others believe it is better to deal with them nationally. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.

All parents want the best opportunities for their children. There are some people who think that schools should teach children skills but others think having a range of subjects is better for a children’s future. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.

There seems to be an increasing number of serious crimes committed each year. While some think the best way is to use the death penalty as a deterrent, many people believe that other measures will be needed. Discuss both sides.

Completing university education is thought by some to be the best way to get a good job. On the other hand, other people think that getting experience and developing soft skills is more important. Discuss both sides and give your opinion. CLICK HERE: MODEL ESSAY ANSWER

Some people think that exercise is the key to health, while others feel that having a balanced diet is more important. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.

It is thought by some that its is better to live in a city, while others  believe that life is better in the countryside. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.

Some people think that the internet has brought people closer together, while others think that people and communities are become more isolated. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.

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• Discussion Essay Model Answer
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