IELTS Writing Task 2 Topics
Every Task 2 essay is one of five question types. Learn to spot which one you have been given, then practise on the 28 sample prompts below. When you have written an answer, check your band and the one thing holding it back, free.
Opinion (agree or disagree)
You are given a statement and asked how far you agree with it. Take one clear position in the introduction and defend it all the way through.
- education 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?
- technology Some people think that mobile phones should be banned in schools because they distract students. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- 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?
- health Some people believe that governments should spend more money on preventing illness than on treating it. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- work and careers Some people think that the main reason people work is to earn money, and that job satisfaction is far less important. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- crime and punishment 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?
- media and advertising Advertising encourages people to buy things they do not really need. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Discuss both views
You are given two opposing views and asked to consider both. Explain each view fairly in its own paragraph, then give your own opinion.
- crime and punishment 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.
- cities and transport Some people believe that governments should invest in railways and public transport to reduce traffic congestion, while others think that building more and wider roads is a better solution. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
- globalisation 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.
- society and family 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.
- education Some people think that students should focus on one subject in detail from an early age, while others believe a broad education across many subjects is more valuable. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
- government and money Some people think that governments should fund the arts, such as music and theatre, while others believe that public money is better spent on essential services. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Advantages and disadvantages
You weigh the benefits of a trend against its drawbacks. Cover both sides, and if asked, judge clearly which one outweighs the other.
- work and careers 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?
- culture and travel 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?
- culture and travel Tourism is growing rapidly in remote and previously hard to reach places around the world. Do the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?
- technology 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?
- government and money Some countries are moving towards becoming cashless societies, where almost all payments are made electronically. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this trend?
Problem, cause and solution
You explain why a problem happens and what could be done about it. Give real causes, then propose realistic measures that address those causes.
- crime and punishment In many countries, the level of crime committed by young people is rising. What are the causes of this problem, and what measures could be taken to address it?
- cities and transport 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?
- health 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?
- environment Many species of plants and animals are becoming extinct as a result of human activity. What are the causes of this problem, and what measures could be taken to protect wildlife?
- globalisation In many developing countries, a large number of skilled and educated people choose to move abroad to work. Why does this happen, and what can be done to encourage them to stay?
Two-part (direct) question
You are asked two direct questions in one prompt. Answer each question in full, giving each its own body paragraph.
- education Some people go to university to improve their career prospects, while others go to gain knowledge for its own sake. Why do people decide to study at university? Should the cost of university be paid by the student or by the government?
- media and advertising 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?
- work and careers In some countries, people are working longer hours than ever before. Why do some people work such long hours? What effect does this have on individuals and on society?
- environment 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?
- society and family In modern society, famous people and celebrities often have a strong influence on young people. Why are young people so influenced by celebrities? Do you think this influence is mostly positive or negative?
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Check your Task 2 essay freeCommon questions
How many types of IELTS Writing Task 2 essay are there?
There are five common question types: opinion (agree or disagree), discuss both views, advantages and disadvantages, problem and solution, and two-part or direct questions. Reading the question carefully to spot which type you have been given is the first step to answering it well.
Are these real IELTS exam questions?
These are common, widely circulated practice-style prompts written in the standard IELTS register. They are not verbatim copies of copyrighted Cambridge exam papers, so you can use them freely for practice.
How do I know what band my Task 2 essay would get?
Write a full answer to any prompt here, then paste it into Examinerly. You get an estimated Writing band and the single criterion holding your essay back, marked on your own sentences. We never inflate your band.
How long should an IELTS Task 2 essay be?
The task sets a minimum of 250 words. Most strong answers sit between 260 and 300 words across four or five paragraphs. Going far over the minimum does not raise your band on its own.