IELTS Writing Samples

Should university education be free

Some people believe that university education should be free for all students, regardless of their financial background. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Stricter laws or better education to reduce crime

Some people think that stricter laws are the best way to reduce crime, while others believe that better education is more effective. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Working from home advantages and disadvantages

More and more people are choosing to work from home rather than in a traditional office. Do the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?

Causes and solutions for city traffic congestion

Traffic congestion is becoming a serious problem in many large cities. What are the main causes of this problem, and what solutions can you suggest?

Why young people read fewer books

These days, many young people spend less time reading books than previous generations did. Why do you think this is happening? Is it a positive or a negative development?

Should mobile phones be banned in schools

Some people think that mobile phones should be banned in schools because they distract students. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Living and working in a foreign country

Many people now choose to live and work in a country other than the one they were born in. Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?

Community service instead of prison

Some people believe that community service is a more effective punishment than prison for people who commit minor crimes. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Globalisation and local culture

Some people think that globalisation is destroying local cultures and traditions, while others believe it makes them richer and more diverse. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Advantages and disadvantages of studying online

An increasing number of students are studying courses entirely online rather than attending a physical institution. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this development?

Causes and solutions for unhealthy diets

In many countries people are eating less healthily than they did in the past, leading to a rise in diet related illness. What are the causes of this problem, and what can be done to solve it?

Reducing single use plastic packaging

Many products we use every day come wrapped in single use plastic packaging. Why has the use of plastic packaging become so common? What can governments and individuals do to reduce it?

Can individuals protect the environment

Many people argue that individuals can do little to protect the environment and that only governments and large companies can make a real difference. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Home care or professional childcare

Some people believe that young children are better cared for at home by a parent, while others think that professional childcare allows children to develop important social skills. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Advantages and disadvantages of social media

Social media platforms have become part of daily life for billions of people. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this development?

Advantages and disadvantages of watching television

Watching television remains one of the most popular leisure activities around the world. What are the advantages and disadvantages of watching television?

Should young children have smartphones

Some people think that children under the age of twelve should not be given their own smartphones. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Will artificial intelligence replace human jobs

Some people believe that artificial intelligence will eventually take over most jobs currently done by humans. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Online shopping replacing traditional shops

In many countries, people increasingly buy goods online instead of visiting shops in person. Why is online shopping growing so quickly? Do you think this is a positive or negative development?

Are video games good or bad for children

Some people believe that video games are harmful to children, while others argue that they can be a valuable part of childhood. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

People rely too much on technology

Some people say that we have become too dependent on technology in our everyday lives. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Do printed newspapers have a future

Fewer people are buying printed newspapers now that news is freely available online. Why is this happening? Do you think printed newspapers will disappear completely?

Distance learning or classroom learning

Some people believe that studying online from home is now as effective as attending classes in person, while others think classroom learning remains better. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Social media and loneliness

Although social media is designed to connect people, many users report feeling lonelier than ever. What are the causes of this problem, and what measures could help to solve it?

Banning mobile phone use in public places

Some people think that using mobile phones should be banned in certain public places, such as cinemas, restaurants and public transport. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Technology reducing family time

In many households, family members spend more time on their personal devices than talking to one another. What problems does this cause, and what can be done to address them?

Was life better in the past

Some people believe that life was better in the past, while others think that the quality of life is higher today. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Fatherhood is as important as motherhood

Some people say that a father's role in raising children is just as important as a mother's. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Should school uniforms be compulsory

Some people think that all schoolchildren should be required to wear a uniform, while others believe students should be free to choose their own clothes. What is your opinion?

Should homework be abolished

Some people believe that schools should stop giving homework to children because it causes stress and takes away free time. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Single-sex schools or mixed schools

Some people believe that boys and girls learn better in single-sex schools, while others argue that mixed schools prepare children better for adult life. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Choosing university subjects for jobs or passion

Some people think university students should choose subjects that lead directly to a good job, while others believe they should study whatever they are most interested in. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Should children do household chores

Some people believe that children should be required to help with household tasks such as cleaning and cooking as soon as they are able to. Do you agree or disagree?

Should elderly parents live with family or in care homes

Some people think that elderly parents should live with their adult children, while others believe professional care homes are a better option. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Why young people leave home earlier

In some countries, young people are choosing to move out of the family home at an earlier age than in the past. Why is this happening? Is it a positive or negative development?

Improving education in rural areas

In many countries, the quality of education in rural areas is much lower than in cities. What problems does this cause, and what can be done to improve the situation?

Competitive sport in schools

Some people believe that competitive sports should play a major role in school life, while others think they do more harm than good to children. What is your opinion?

Schools should teach children to manage money

Some people think that managing money is an important skill and should be taught as a compulsory subject in schools. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Fast food and rising health problems

In many countries, the popularity of fast food is growing, and rates of obesity and other diet-related illnesses are rising with it. What problems does this trend cause, and what can be done to address them?

Should governments tax sugary drinks

Some people believe that governments should place a special tax on drinks with high sugar content in order to improve public health. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Banning smoking in public places

Some people think smoking should be banned in all public places, while others believe this restricts personal freedom too much. Do you agree or disagree that smoking should be banned in public places?

Why people exercise less than before

In many countries, people today do far less physical exercise than previous generations did. Why is this happening, and what can be done to encourage people to be more active?

Causes of stress in modern life

Stress is now a major problem in many countries, affecting people of all ages. What do you think are the main causes of stress in modern life, and what measures could reduce it?

Are zoos cruel or vital for conservation

Some people believe that zoos are cruel and should be closed, while others argue that they play an essential role in protecting endangered species. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Spending money on endangered species

Some people say that spending large amounts of money on protecting endangered animal species is wasteful when human problems remain unsolved. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Should recycling be made compulsory

Some people think that recycling should be a legal requirement for all households, with fines for those who do not recycle. Do you agree or disagree?

Overcrowding in cities

Many major cities around the world are becoming severely overcrowded as their populations grow. What problems does overcrowding cause, and how could these problems be reduced?

City life compared with the countryside

An increasing number of people are choosing to live in large cities rather than in the countryside. What are the advantages and disadvantages of living in a large city compared with living in a rural area?

Does tourism help or harm destinations

Every year, millions of tourists visit popular destinations around the world. Do the advantages of tourism for these places outweigh the disadvantages?

Should public transport be free

Some people argue that governments should make all public transport free of charge in order to reduce traffic and pollution. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Can money buy happiness

Some people believe that having a lot of money is the key to a happy life. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Are sports stars paid too much

Top athletes and footballers often earn far more than doctors, teachers and other professionals who help society. Some people say these enormous salaries are unjustified. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Job satisfaction or a high salary

Some people think that when choosing a career, a high salary is the most important factor. Others believe that job satisfaction matters more than the money earned. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

The culture of working long hours

In many countries, employees are expected to work increasingly long hours, and some regularly stay at work late into the evening. Why is this happening, and what can be done to address the problem?

Should the retirement age be raised

Because people are living longer, some governments plan to raise the official retirement age. Do you agree or disagree with this policy?

Getting more women into senior positions

Although many women now work, they still hold far fewer senior positions in companies than men do. Some people say governments should require companies to appoint more women to top jobs. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Changing careers several times in life

Unlike previous generations, many people today expect to change careers several times during their working lives. Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?

Is learning a foreign language still worth it

Some people say that learning a foreign language is no longer worthwhile because translation technology is improving so quickly. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Should rich countries help poorer ones

Some people believe that wealthy nations have a duty to help poorer countries with aid and investment, while others argue that each country should solve its own problems. What is your opinion?

Does advertising control what we buy

Some people say that advertising has so much influence that consumers no longer make real choices about what they buy. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

A cashless society

In some countries, cash is disappearing as people pay for almost everything with cards and phones. What are the advantages and disadvantages of a society that no longer uses cash?

Is space exploration worth the cost

Space exploration costs billions of dollars every year. Some people believe this money would be better spent on solving problems here on Earth. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Letter of complaint about a faulty product

You recently bought a piece of electronic equipment, but it stopped working after a few days. Write a letter to the shop manager.

Letter to a landlord about problems with a flat

There are several problems with the flat you are renting that your landlord has not yet fixed. Write a letter to your landlord.

Letter inviting a friend to a celebration

You are celebrating an important occasion and would like a friend who lives in another city to attend. Write a letter to your friend.

Letter of application for a part time job

You have seen an advertisement for a part time job at a local company. Write a letter of application to the company.

Letter asking a teacher for a reference

You are applying for a course or job and would like a former teacher to write you a reference. Write a letter to your former teacher.

Letter advising a friend visiting your city

A friend is planning to visit your city for the first time and has asked you for some advice. Write a letter to your friend.

Letter complaining about a cancelled flight

A flight you had booked was cancelled at short notice, causing you serious inconvenience. Write a letter to the airline.

Letter to a neighbour about their dog

Your neighbour's dog often barks at night and has been leaving a mess in the shared garden. Write a letter to your neighbour.

Letter to a neighbour about late-night noise

Your neighbour often plays loud music late at night, and it is disturbing you. Write a letter to your neighbour.

Letter of resignation

You have decided to leave your current job. Write a letter to your manager.

Letter requesting time off work

You need to take several days off work for personal reasons. Write a letter to your manager.

Letter about lost property on a train

You left a bag on a train and would like to get it back. Write a letter to the railway company.

Letter to the council about a local park

A park in your area has become run down and is no longer pleasant to visit. Write a letter to your local council.

Letter asking a friend to look after your house

You are going away for two weeks and would like a friend to look after your house while you are gone. Write a letter to your friend.

Letter thanking a friend for their help

A friend recently helped you during a difficult time. Write a letter to your friend.

Letter asking to delay a job start date

You have accepted a new job, but you are unable to start on the agreed date. Write a letter to your new employer.

Letter recommending a restaurant to a colleague

A colleague is planning a family celebration and has asked you to recommend a restaurant. Write a letter to your colleague.

Letter apologising for missing an event

You were unable to attend an important event organised by a friend. Write a letter to your friend.

Letter to a language school

You are planning to study English abroad and need more information before choosing a school. Write a letter to a language school.