task 2 discussion essay topics

IELTS Writing Task 2 Discussion Topics/Questions 2024

The list of Task 2 Discussion topics that were added by IELTS student in 2024 . These Discussion questions could be repeated from previous months. Keep in mind that the provided Discussion questions are not predictions. The collection of Discussion questions is updated every hour. Choose one of the topics and start practicing answering this type of question to prepare for the IELTS exam and to get a good grade.

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IELTS Discussion Essays [Discuss Both Views/Sides]

Posted by David S. Wills | Jun 14, 2021 | IELTS Tips , Writing | 3

In this lesson, I’m going to explain what an IELTS discussion essay is and how you can write a good one. I will talk about structure and content, as well as looking briefly at discussion essay thesis statements, which many people find tricky. I’ve also written a sample essay, which you can find at the bottom of this page.

What is a Discussion Essay?

As the name suggests, a discussion essay is an essay that discusses things! More specifically, it is a type of IELTS writing task 2 essay that requires you to look at two different points of view . You can easily recognise these essays by the following phrase:

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Sometimes it is phrased a little differently. It might say:

Discuss both sides and give your opinion

Discuss both points view and give your opinion

The important thing is that these all mean the same. When you see any of these, you know that you need to write a discussion essay. Importantly, this instruction tells you that you need to do two things:

Discuss both views (there will have been 2 views mentioned in the previous sentence(s))
Give your opinion (i.e. state which view you agree with)

If you failed to do either of these things, you would not have satisfied the basic criteria for Task Achievement .

Example Discussion Essay Questions

Here is a list of 5 discussion essay questions either from the IELTS exam, reportedly from the IELTS exam, or from reputable publications that have copied the IELTS question style. (Not that you absolutely should avoid fake IELTS questions when practising.)

Some people say that parents should encourage their children to take part in organised group activities in their free time. Others say that is important for children to learn how to occupy themselves on their own. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Some people prefer to spend their lives doing the same things and avoiding change. Others, however, think that change is always a good thing. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Some people feel that manufacturers and supermarkets have the responsibility to reduce the amount of packaging of goods. Others argue that customers should avoid buying goods with a lot of packaging. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Some people believe that higher education should be funded by the government. Others, however, argue that it is the responsibility of individuals to fund their higher education. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Some people believe that it is important for children to attend extra classes outside school, while others believe that they should be allowed to play after school. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

You can see in these questions that there is a similar pattern. In each case, the question phrase (“Discuss both views and give your own opinion”) is the same and in the previous sentence or sentences, there are two opposing views. This, then, makes “discuss both views” questions a sort of opinion essay .

How to Answer IELTS Discussion Questions

First of all, it is important when answering any IELTS task 2 question that you read the question carefully so that you understand it, then provide an answer that directly responds to the question, following its instructions carefully.

As discussed above, you are required to do two things: 1) Discuss both views, and 2) Give your own opinion. You absolutely must do both of those. It doesn’t really matter what your opinion is or whether you give equal weighting to both sides of the argument. Instead, you must cover both sides and also give some sort of opinion. (It is important, though, according to the marking rubric , that you are consistent in your opinion.)

Your answer of course should be structured carefully so as to present your ideas in a thoroughly logical way that is easy for your reader to interpret. I almost always use a four-paragraph structure in my essays, but some people prefer to use five paragraphs in this sort of essay. The difference would look like this:

You might be wondering why I have given my opinion in the body of the five-paragraph essay but not in the four-paragraph essay. Well, actually I would give my opinion in the body of both. However, my opinion would be more subtly woven into the text of the four-paragraph essay. I personally find this to be a better method, but it is equally possible that you could write an amazing five-paragraph essay. That issue is discussed further in this video:

Discussion Essay Thesis Statement

In academic writing, a thesis statement (sometimes called an essay outline ) is the part of the essay where you insert your opinion. It typically comes at the end of the introduction and guides the reader by explaining your opinion on the issues that have been introduced.

But do you really need to provide one in such a short essay? Well, a 2018 study into successful IELTS essays concluded that thesis statements were “obligatory” – i.e. you absolutely do need one. In fact, that study found that thesis statements appeared in 100% of successful IELTS discussion essays! Therefore, we can conclude they are very important.

Because a discussion essay will tell you to “Discuss both views and give your opinion,” you must introduce the two views and then give your opinion in the introduction. Here is an example:

Introductory paragraph:

In some parts of the world, children are forced to go to cram schools and other facilities of extracurricular learning, but many people believe that this is unfair and that they should be allowed to enjoy their free time instead. This essay will look at both perspectives and then conclude that it is indeed unfair.

My first sentence clearly introduces two different ideas:

Children should do extra classes
Children should not do extra classes

Note how I have successfully used synonyms to avoid repeating anything from the question. I have also framed the issue in a new way so that I am not just paraphrasing. (You can learn why paraphrasing is not always helpful here .)

My second sentence is the thesis statement. In this sentence, I outline what the essay will do (“look at both perspectives”) and then give my opinion (“it is unfair”). This is a simple but effective thesis statement.

Thesis Statement Advice

Your IELTS discussion essay thesis statement should do two things:

Tell the reader what the essay will do
Present your opinion

Because this is a formal essay, it is best not to be too personal. Instead of saying “I will…” or “I think…” it is better to say “This essay will…” Here are some simple templates that you can follow most of the time:

This essay will look at both sides and then argue that…
This essay will discuss both views but ultimately side with…

Just make sure to avoid being overly vague. You are required to give your opinion consistently throughout the essay, so don’t say “This essay will look at both sides and then give my opinion .” It is not really the best approach because the examiner wants to see that you can be consistent in presenting an opinion. That is clearly stated in the marking rubric. For band 7, it says:

presents a clear position throughout the response

It could be concluded, then, that your opinion is not clear from the start and so you have not done enough to warrant a band 7 for Task Achievement.

Body Paragraphs

As I mentioned above, there are really two main approaches you could take to the body paragraphs:

Discuss one view per paragraph and incorporate your opinion into each.
Discuss one view per paragraph and then have another for your opinion.

I suppose there is also a third option:

Compare and contrast the two viewpoints in each paragraph.

This last one may be a little harder to do successfully without jeopardising your score for Task Achievement or Coherence and Cohesion , but advanced candidates may find it useful.

Remember that there is no single perfect formula for an IELTS essay. That’s not how languages work and that’s not how IELTS works. Different people could come up with different ways to present a successful essay. The most common essay structures are mere guidelines for particularly useful methods of approaching an essay.

Does a Discussion Essay Have to be Balanced?

Because the question says “Discuss both views,” it is quite logical to think that you must provide some degree of balance, but you certainly don’t need to give equal weighting to both sides. Remember that you are also going to give your opinion, so if you come down strongly on one side of the issue, it might be odd to give equal attention to both.

If you do feel very strongly about one side, you might want to present your discussion of the other side as quite negative. However, IELTS is a thinking exam as well as an English exam and an intelligent person can always look at both sides of an issue and explain – at the very least – why someone might believe a thing that is different to his own view. This seems quite important, but there is nothing explicitly mentioned in the marking rubric.

I would suggest that if you think a two-sided issue is basically one-sided (i.e. you strongly disagree with the other view), you should still write one or two sentences about why people believe that and then devote the rest of your essay to disputing their view.

Another approach is to write BP1 as a very short paragraph that explains why people might think one thing, but then have BP2 as a very long paragraph that debunks the opposing view and then explains why the other is correct.

(You can read more about IELTS essays and balance here .)

Sample Answer

Here is my full sample answer to the above question about whether or not children should be made to do extracurricular activities:

In some parts of the world, children are forced to go to cram schools and other facilities of extracurricular learning, but many people believe that this is unfair and that they should be allowed to enjoy their free time instead. This essay will look at both perspectives and then conclude that it is indeed unfair. In countries like South Korea, most children are made to go to an array of cram schools outside of regular school hours. Their parents do this in order to give their child a better future because it helps the child to learn more and thus gives them the academic advantages needed to apply to the best universities or jobs in future. These schools often provide children with an advantage over their peers because they improve their foreign language or math skills more quickly, and thus the children who do not attend these schools might have comparatively poor grades. However, whilst this attitude may result in better academic performance, it is certainly not good for the mental health of these children. It is no coincidence that places like South Korea have the highest rates of suicide among their young populations. The fact is that children are not equipped to spend fourteen or sixteen hours per day in classrooms, memorising facts and figures. In a sense, it is a form of child abuse. Children should be allowed to go home and spend time with friends and family to build social skills. They should be allowed to occupy themselves in order to become more creative and learn how to understand their own mind instead of being trained to repeat what they are told. In conclusion, it is understandable that some parents want their children to go to extra classes, but this is damaging to children and they should be given the freedom to play and socialise outside of regular school hours.

In BP1, I have looked at the topic of cram schools (ie the side of the argument in favour of extra lessons). I explored why parents might want their kids to do this and show the supposed benefits. Note that I never embraced any of these benefits. I was careful to use language that distanced these ideas from my own opinion, which was the opposite, so I said “Their parents do this in order to…”

In BP2, I looked at the opposite side. I was careful to make sure that my first sentence linked to the previous paragraph, highlighting that the benefits are quite minor compared to the drawbacks. All of my sentences here justify my position, which is that it is cruel to force these extra lessons on children.

My conclusion ties all of this together. The first clause references BP1 and the second summarises the main argument in BP2.

You can find two more sample essays here:

A discussion essay about sports facilities
A discussion essay about sports abilities

About The Author

David S. Wills

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

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It is sometimes debatable whether asking children to get extra education after school or letting them play that is actually beneficial for them. Even though both viewpoints have benefits and drawbacks but I believe ,in the childhood age, children have to take rough and discipline education after school to be succeed in the future.

To begin with, many educational experts believe that playing is one of the essential aspects that have to be gotten by children to grow and happy. By using the playing approach, children can have a good mental and psychic health. Besides, letting children play after school can also support them to increase their emotional stimuli and get a positive social interaction. With this way, experts believe children can grow as a better adult in the future and have a freedom to get a better life in the upcoming times.

However, I completely contra with the first idea because I believe childhood is a better time to train children about academic or other skills that benefits them in the future. Based on scientific journal that I read, the ability of children in learning new things are more spectacular compared to adults. A lot of artists, scientist, and even football player who currently becoming a superstar in this era is a string of process that is began since their in the childhood. For instance, nowadays, I am working in the field of election supervision, it because since in my childhood my father love to force me learning about social and political issues by getting additional class. Thus, making children to get extra class after school is an appropriate preference if parents desire to see their son getting a good future.

To conclude, based on experts children have to get a freedom to play after schools but in my viewpoint it will be more advantages if they utilize the playing time with joining additional class after school.

VERY GOOD MR DIRWAN But actually you mixed both of the ideas , you need to take one side for this sort of essay writting, as it is mentioned in the above instruction. By the way WELL DONE . love from Pakistan to my sweet brother.

I have not checked in here for some time because I thought it was getting boring, but the last few posts are really great quality so I guess I’ll add you back to my everyday bloglist. You deserve it my friend. ??

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How To Plan & Write IELTS Discussion Essays

Students can find it difficult to identify IELTS discussion essays and often confuse them with either opinion essays or advantage and disadvantage essays.

This is one of the issues I’ll be covering in this lesson. I’m also going to show you how to plan and write discussion essays step-by-step.

Here’s what we’ll be covering:

Identifying IELTS discussion essays
3 Common mistakes
Essay structure
How to plan
How to write an introduction
How to write main body paragraphs
How to write a conclusion

Want to watch and listen to this lesson?

Click on this video.

Click the links to see lessons on each of these Task 2 essay writing topics.

Once you understand the process, practice on past questions. Take your time at first and gradually speed up until you can plan and write an essay of at least 250 words in the 40 minutes allowed in the exam.

The Question

The first part of the question for an IELTS discussion essay will be a statement containing two opposing views.

You will then be asked to discuss both sides of the argument and give your own opinion. Here is some typical wording that might be used:

Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Discuss both these views and then give your own opinion.
Discuss both sides of this argument and give your own opinion.

Here's a question from a past test paper.

Some people think that zoos are cruel and should be closed down. Others, however, believe that zoos can be useful in protecting wild animals.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

I’ll be using this question to guide you through the process of planning and writing an IELTS discussion essay.

The key to identifying this type of question is the fact that you are required to discuss BOTH views. This is different to opinion questions where you must decide between two opposing views and make an argument to support your own opinion.

Opinion essays , also known as ‘agree or disagree’ essays, a generally worded in one of these ways:

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

The other essay type that students mistake for discussion essays is advantages and disadvantages essays . With these, the statement will contain just one view and the question will typically be written as shown in this sample question.

School children are using computers in school more than ever.

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this and give your own opinion.

The consequence of incorrectly identifying the question type is that you will use the wrong structure for your essay. This is a major reason why people make the mistakes we’ll now look at.

3 Common Mistakes

These three errors are common in IELTS discussion essays.

Not stating your opinion.
Not giving arguments for both views.
Not developing both sides of the argument equally.

The most common mistake that students make is not giving their opinion. The question will clearly state that you must choose one side of the argument to agree with. If you fail to do this, you will get a low score for task achievement.

It doesn’t matter which side of the argument you take or even, that you actually agree with it.

However, you must give equal attention to both sides. A common error is to provide a stronger argument for the view you favour. This leads to an unbalanced essay and a low score for task achievement.

Essay Structure

Now let’s look at a simple structure you can use to write IELTS discussion essays. It’s not the only possible structure but it’s the one I recommend because it’s easy to learn and will enable you to quickly plan and write a high-level essay.

1) Introduction

Paraphrase the question
State two supporting reasons
Give your opinion

2) Main body paragraph 1

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

3 ) Main body paragraph 2

Topic sentence – outline the view you do agree with

4) Conclusion

Summarise the key points and state your opinion

This structure will give us a well-balanced essay with 4 paragraphs.

We now need some ideas to add into the structure and we’ll have everything we need for our essay.

How To Plan IELTS Discussion Essays

# 1 analyse the question.

This is an essential step in the planning process and will ensure that you answer the question fully. It’s quick and easy to do. You just need to identify 3 different types of words:

1. Topic words

2. Other keywords

3. Instruction words

We’ve already considered the instruction words (the actual question) so we’ll focus on the first two.

Topics words are the ones that identify the general subject of the question.

Some people think that zoos are cruel and should be closed down. Others, however, believe that zoos can be useful in protecting wild animals.

So, this question is about ‘ zoos ’.

Many people do this first step of the process and then write about the topic in general. This is a serious mistake and leads to low marks for task achievement.

What we need to do now that we know the general topic, is to understand exactly what aspect of zoos we're being asked to write about.

The other keywords in the question tell you the specific topic you must write about. They define the opinions stated in the statement.

Some people think tha t zoos are cruel and should be closed down . Others, however, believe that zoos c an be useful in protecting wild animals .

By highlighting these words, it’s easy to see that you are being asked to write about the opposing views that zoos are cruel and should be closed down and that zoos can be useful in protecting wild animals. Your essay must only include ideas relevant to these ideas.

# 2 Decide on your opinion

As already mentioned, it doesn’t matter if you genuinely agree with the view you take in your essay or not. IELTS discussion essays are about your ability to write a well-structured essay in the English language and you will not be assessed on any opinion you might hold.

So, choose one view and make sure that your opinion is clear throughout the essay.

For this model essay, I’m going to agree with the statement that zoos are cruel and should be closed down.

# 3 Generate ideas

The next task is to generate some ideas to write about.

There are several different ways to think up ideas. I cover them fully on the IELTS Essay Planning page.

We’re going to use the ‘friends technique’. This is my preferred method as it allows you to take a step back from the stress of the exam situation and think more calmly.

Here’s how it works. Imagine you are chatting with a friend and they ask you the question in a casual conversation. What answers would you give them off the top of your head? Plan your essay around these ideas.

Doing this will help you to come up with simple answers in everyday language rather than straining your brain to think of amazing ideas using high level-language, which isn’t necessary.

You might want to try this yourself before reading on for my ideas.

Here are my ideas:

Cruel – closed down:

Cramped cages – animals distressed
Unnatural environments
Most animals not endangered
Animals become a public spectacle for entertainment

Useful – protect wild animals:

Research work to learn more about wild animals
Breeding programmes for endangered species
Some species saved from extinction
Seeing wild animals close up inspires people to want to help protect them

I’ve got more ideas here than I need so I’m going to pick two to develop in the essay – one for each of the main body paragraphs.

Idea 1 – Cramped cages & unnatural environments, animals distressed.

Idea 2 – Breeding programmes for endangered species, some species saved from extinction.

We’re almost ready to start writing our IELTS discussion essay but first, we have one other small task to do.

# 4 Vocabulary

In an IELTS essay, it’s important to be able to say the same things in different ways, either by paraphrasing and/or using synonyms. During the planning stage, quickly jot down a few synonyms of key words you could use to save you having to stop and think of the right language while you’re writing.

For example:

zoos – animals in captivity, collections of wild animals, menagerie, wildlife park

cruel – to cause suffering, inhumane

protect – safeguard, preserve

animals – creatures, species

With that done, we can focus on the first paragraph of the essay – the introduction.

How To Write an Introduction

Good introductions to IELTS discussion essays have a simple 3 part structure:

1) Paraphrase the question

2) State two supporting reasons (outline statement)

3) Give your opinion (thesis statement)

Have 2-3 sentences
Be 40-60 words long
Take 5 minutes to write

Start your introduction by paraphrasing the question.

Question: Some people think that zoos are cruel and should be closed down. Others, however, believe that zoos can be useful in protecting wild animals.

There are various phrases you can use to do this. Here are three examples. They all say the same thing using different language.

Some people argue that… while others say that…
It is considered by some…. while there are others who think….
It is often argued that... whilst others disagree and think...

Choose one and add the details in the question statement in a paraphrased form. I recommend putting the view you don’t agree with first.

Paraphrased question:

Some people argue that zoos help to preserve wild creatures, while others say that they are inhumane and should be abolished.

Note my use of synonyms. You don’t have to replace every key word but do so where possible whilst ensuring that your language sounds natural. There aren’t any suitable synonyms of ‘zoo’ that I can think of, so I've repeated this word from the statement.

2) Thesis and outline statements

Now we need to add an outline statement where you outline the two main points that you’ll cover in the rest of the essay (ideas 1 and 2 above) and a thesis statement where you state your opinion.

Outline & thesis statements:

While the development of breeding programmes contributes to the preservation of endangered species, I believe that the poor conditions that many animals held in captivity are kept in make the existence of zoos unacceptable.

So, let’s bring the three elements of our introduction together.

Introduction

This introduction achieves three important functions:

It shows the examiner that you understand the question.
It acts as a guide to the examiner as to what your essay is about.
It also helps to keep you focused and on track as you write.

The two ideas in your introduction will become your two main body paragraphs.

Main body paragraph 1 – Breeding programmes for endangered species, some species saved from extinction.

Main body paragraph 2 – Cramped cages & unnatural environments, animals distressed.

How To Write Main Body Paragraphs

Main body paragraphs in IELTS discussion essays should contain 3 things:

It is easier to begin by discussing the opinion you don’t agree with and then present the reasons for the opposing view that you support. So, we’ll start with idea 1.

Main Body Paragraph 1

The topic sentence summarises the main idea of the paragraph. That’s all it needs to do so it doesn’t have to be complicated.

It plays an important role in ensuring that your ideas flow logically from one to another. It does this by acting as a signpost for what is to come next, that is, what the paragraph will be about.

If you maintain a clear development of ideas throughout your essay, you will get high marks for task achievement and cohesion and coherence.

We’ll now take the idea for our first main body paragraph and create our topic sentence.

Topic sentence:

On the one hand, there are many projects in existence in zoological parks around the world where species facing extinction have been successfully bred in captivity and their numbers increased substantially.

Next, we must write an explanation sentence that expands on the idea. This explains to the examiner what we mean or why this is the case.

Explanation sentence:

This is important for ensuring the survival of animals under threat from poaching and the destruction of their natural environments.

Finally, we add an example to support our main point. If you can’t think of a real example, it’s fine to make one up, as long as it’s believable. The examiner isn’t going to check your facts.

Example sentence:

A good example of this is the golden lion tamarin from Brazil which nearly died out because of logging and mining activities which are destroying its habitat. Today, a third of wild golden lion tamarins were raised in captivity.

That’s the 3 parts of our first main body paragraph complete. Here’s the finished paragraph.

We now follow the same process for our second main body paragraph.

Main Body Paragraph 2

Main idea 2 – Cramped cages & unnatural environments, animals distressed.

First, we write the topic sentence to summarise the main idea. I started main body paragraph 1 with the phrase ‘On the one hand...’, so main body paragraph 2 will naturally begin, ‘On the other hand... .

These are great cohesive devices to use when making a direct contrast between two opposing views and they link the ideas together well. They can be used in most IELTS discussion essays and will help to earn you a good score for cohesion and coherence.

Topic sentence:

On the other hand, a significant percentage of zoos house their animals in cramped cages with very little space to move around or behave naturally.

Now for the explanation sentence where we expand on this idea.

Explanation sentence:

This can lead to them becoming distressed and depressed as well as suffering physically through lack of exercise.

Finally, an example to support this point.

A friend of mine recently visited a wildlife park while on holiday abroad and was very upset to see the lions pacing up and down in a narrow, bare pen and eagles in enclosures so small that they were unable to fly.

That’s the 3 parts of our second main body paragraph complete. Here’s the finished paragraph.

Now we need a conclusion and our IELTS discussion essay is done.

How To Write a Conclusion

Conclusions to IELTS discussion essays should do two things:

Summarise the main points
State your opinion

This can generally be done in a single sentence.

If you're below the minimum 250 words after you’ve written your conclusion, you can add a prediction or recommendation statement.

Our essay currently has 231 words so we’re on target and don’t need this extra sentence but you can learn more about how to write a prediction or recommendation statement for IELTS discussion essays on the Task 2 Conclusions page.

The conclusion is the easiest sentence in the essay to write but one of the most important.

A good conclusion will:

Neatly end the essay
Link all your ideas together
Sum up your argument or opinion
Answer the question

If you achieve this, you’ll improve your score for both task achievement and cohesion and coherence which together make up 50% of the overall marks. Without a conclusion, you’ll score below band 6 for task achievement.

You can start almost any final paragraph of an IELTS discussion essay with the words:

In conclusion

To conclude

Now all you need to do is briefly summarise the main ideas into one sentence.

Here’s a top tip . Go back and read the introduction to the essay because this is also a summary of the essay. It outlines what you are going to write about.

To create a great conclusion, you simply have to paraphrase the introduction. Let’s give it a go.

Introduction:

Here is the same information formed into a conclusion:

That’s it. We’ve completed our essay. Here it is with the 4 paragraphs put together.

Finished IELTS discussion essay.

Go through this lesson as many times as you need to in order to fully understand it and put in lots of practice writing IELTS discussion essays from past exam questions. Practice is the only way to improve your skills.

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More help with ielts discussion essays & other task 2 essays.

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.

The 5 Types of Task 2 Essay – How to recognise the 5 different types of Task 2 essays. 15 sample questions to study and a simple planning structure for each essay type.

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 in Task 2. See examples of good and poor answers & learn some common mistakes to avoid.

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

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.

IELTS Writing
Discussion Essays
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Discussion Essay Questions in IELTS Writing Task 2

Learn how to answer Discussion essay questions in IELTS writing Task 2 with an overview, recommended approach and practice question. by Tim Martyn

school children using their smartphones in class

Example question

Recommended approach, practice question.

Discussion essay questions are a common question type in IELTS writing Task 2. You’ll be presented with two opposing views on a topic and be asked to discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Here are some key points about Discussion essay questions:

You should spend no more than 40 minutes on the task.
You should write at least 250 words – you’ll be penalised if your answer is too short.
Task 2 is worth two thirds of your total writing mark; Task 1 is worth one third.
You must write in full sentences, not bullet points or note form.

Here’s an example Discussion essay question.

Write about the following topic: Some people believe that mobile phones are distracting and should be banned in school classrooms. Others, however, think that they are valuable learning tools that should be allowed. 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.

Here’s my recommended approach for answering Discussion essay questions. We’ll use the example question to go through the steps you need to take.

IMPORTANT: The overall approach is the same for all Task 2 question types (i.e. discussion, opinion, advantages–disadvantages and two-part essay questions). This is important because, on test day, you could get a question that doesn’t fall neatly into any of these categories. However, if you learn and practise applying the overall approach, you should be able to respond flexibly to any question you’re presented with. Also, while I generally recommend writing 4-paragraph essays, there are other structures you can use to write an effective essay.

Step 1 > Analyse the question

The first step is to analyse the question. This is crucial – if you don’t take the time to analyse the question properly, you may misunderstand what it’s asking you or fail to respond to key parts of the question. Here’s our question prompt again.

You can see that we’ve been given two opposing views:

mobile phones are distracting and should be banned in school classrooms;
they are valuable learning tools that should be allowed.

Notice that each view is quite specific. The first view isn’t simply that mobile phones are bad and should be banned – it’s saying that they’re distracting and should be banned. Likewise, the second view isn’t simply that mobile phones are good and should be allowed in classrooms – it’s that they’re valuable learning tools and should be allowed. You need to make sure you pay attention to these details in the question. Otherwise, it’s likely that you won’t fully answer the question. The second part of the question prompt tells us exactly what we have to do. Here, it’s asking us to:

discuss both views;
give our own opinion.

If you don’t cover all of these elements – e.g. you forget to give your own opinion, or you only discuss one side of the issue – you’ll have failed to fully respond to the question and you won’t be able to score higher than Band 5 for Task Response.

Step 2 > Think of ideas

Once you fully understand the question and what you’re required to do, the next step is to spend a few minutes thinking of ideas for your essay. Don’t try to brainstorm as many ideas as you can – all you need is a few good ideas. If you’re having trouble coming up with ideas, try asking yourself these questions:

What are the most obvious ideas?
If you asked 100 people for their ideas, what do you think most of them would say?

For Discussion essay questions, you’re given two opposing views in the question, so all you really need to think of is some reasons why people may hold those views and decide which view you agree with.

Step 3 > Make a plan

Once you’ve thought of some ideas, it’s time to make a plan. I’d recommend that you spend about 5 minutes on your plan. It doesn’t need to be very detailed, but it’s important to think about what examples you’ll use and how you’ll explain your points. If you think of these things in advance, you’ll be able to connect your ideas more effectively when you’re writing your essay. Don’t try to write in full sentences – you can use symbols and abbreviations. The important thing is just to get your ideas down on paper. The plan for this essay might look something like this.

Step 4 > Write the introduction

Now that you’ve thought of ideas for your essay and made a plan, it’s time to write the introduction. IELTS doesn’t specify what you need to include in your introduction, but for Discussion essay questions, I recommend that you include:

a broad statement about the topic;
a paraphrase of the opposing views presented in the question that includes your own opinion.

Let’s look at each of these parts one by one.

1. A broad statement about the topic

An easy and effective way to start your introduction is to write a broad statement about the topic. What’s the topic? In our example, the topic is mobile phones in schools and the idea that their use is contentious, but not that they’re distracting or valuable learning tools – we’ll introduce that idea in the second part of the introduction. For Discussion essay questions, the easiest way to write a broad statement is to introduce the idea that there’s debate / a difference of opinion. In our example, we could write something like this: There are differing opinions as to whether schools should allow mobile phones to be used in class.

2. A paraphrase of the opposing views presented in the question that includes your own opinion

In the second part of the introduction, you should paraphrase the two views expressed in the question and make sure your own opinion is clear. Keep in mind that you mustn’t copy the exact wording used in the question. Instead, you need to use synonyms and other forms of paraphrasing. You won’t be able find synonyms for everything. In fact, some words shouldn’t be replaced because doing so would change the meaning.

Here are the key words from the question prompt with some possible synonyms.

Notice that I haven’t attempted to find a synonym for mobile phones . You might be tempted to use the US term (i.e. cell phone s), but that’s not necessary. You’ll also notice that, instead of trying to find synonyms for distracting and learning tools , I’ve made other changes to show the examiner that I can express the opposing views in my own words. The easiest way to include your own opinion is to use a phrase such as I tend to agree with those who . This makes your position clear to the reader. Our paraphrase could be something like this: While some argue that mobile phones should be prohibited because they are a distraction, I tend to agree with those who see them as useful learning tools that should be embraced.

If we put the two parts of the introduction together, this is what we have.

There are differing opinions as to whether schools should allow mobile phones to be used in class. While some argue that mobile phones should be prohibited because they are a distraction, I tend to agree with those who see them as useful learning tools that should be embraced.

Step 5 > Write the body paragraphs

The next step is to write the body paragraphs. Your first body paragraph should be about the view you don’t agree with. To make it clear that it’s the view of others, you can use phrases such as Some people , They say that and According to those who . Your second paragraph should be about the view you do agree with. A word such as While or However can help you introduce the contrasting view. Make sure it’s clear that you share this view. Don’t be afraid to use phrases such as I believe that and I am of the view that . Here are some possible body paragraphs for our example.

Some people hold the view that mobile phones have no place in school classrooms because they distract students from the lesson. They point to the many apps available on students’ phones, including games and social media apps. They argue that the temptation to use such apps during class time is difficult for the majority of students to resist. For example, if students are working on a group project, the less engaged members of the group may take out their phones to quickly check social media, watch a video on YouTube or do something else on their phones that is not related to what they are supposed to be doing. According to those who are opposed to the use of mobile phones in class, such distraction has a negative impact on learning outcomes. While I accept that there is a risk of distraction, like others, I believe that mobile phones should be permitted in class because of the many educational benefits they offer. Firstly, there is a wide variety of apps that teachers can use to make their lessons more engaging. One example of such an app is Kahoot, which allows teachers to create highly engaging, interactive quizzes that students can complete in teams. Such apps are beneficial because learning is more effective when students are engaged. Secondly, access to mobile phones in class can encourage students to become independent learners. Without their phones, students have to rely on information provided by the teacher, but if they are given access to their phones, they can do their own research and find answers for themselves.

Step 6 > Write the conclusion

The next step is to write the conclusion. All you need to do here is summarise the two opposing views and, again, make it clear what your own opinion is. Don’t just copy the words you used in other parts of the essay – use synonyms and paraphrasing as much as you can. Start your conclusion with In conclusion or To conclude . Here’s a possible conclusion for our example.

In conclusion, while students do need guidelines on how to use their mobile phones responsibly in class, I am of the view that they should be permitted because of the positive impact they can have on students’ learning.

Step 7 > Check your work

The final step is to check your work. At this stage, you won’t have time to make any major changes, but it’s still an important step. Things to check for:

whether you’ve used an adequate range of grammar and vocabulary;
your word count.

Now it’s your turn to practise. Try the Discussion essay question below using the approach outlined above.

Write about the following topic: Some people believe that homework is an important part of children’s education. Others say that children should not be given homework. 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.

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Click below for a sample answer.

Despite homework being a common component of children’s education, not everyone agrees on its value. While some people believe that children should not be required to do homework, I generally side with those who see it as a crucial aspect of learning.

Some people argue that homework is unnecessary and should not be given to children. Children already spend a significant portion of their day in school, they say, and adding more academic work after school hours can prevent them from engaging in extracurricular activities, pursuing hobbies and enjoying essential downtime. They also argue that the effectiveness of many common homework tasks is questionable as they can often involve rote memorisation and completion for the sake of completion. Finally, a common argument against homework is the fact that it can put an unnecessary burden on parents because they have to ensure that their children are actually completing it.

However, I agree with those who see homework as an important part of children’s education. First of all, homework plays a vital role in reinforcing classroom learning. It provides students with an opportunity to practise and apply what they have learnt in the classroom, solidifying their understanding of concepts. For example, if students have learnt about a scientific concept in class, their homework could be to conduct a simple scientific experiment based on that concept at home. Homework also allows parents to be more engaged in their child’s education as they can review assignments and support their child’s learning journey. Finally, homework teaches children discipline, which can prepare them for the demands of higher education and the workforce.

a question mark drawn on a blackboard with chalk

Disclaimers

IELTS Writing Task 2: Discussion Sample Essay

Today we’re going to look at a discussion essay IELTS sample that’s considered Band 9. This Band 9 scored essay matched the pattern for the “discussion” type of Writing Task 2 question. Discussion essays are sometimes also called “discuss both sides” essays. In this kind of essay, you will be presented with two statements of opinion that oppose each other. You will then be asked to “discuss both sides” of the debate, and to give your own opinion. For more information on this and other question types, including tips, tricks, and general advice for the discussion essay question type, see Magoosh’s full guide to IELTS Writing Task 2 question types .

Discussion Essay IELTS Sample: Band 9

The essay below is a band 9 model IELTS essay, patterned after Magoosh’s IELTS Writing Task 2 Template .

IELTS Writing Discussion Essay Practice Question

Some people seek a lot of advice from family and friends when choosing their career. Others feel it is better to choose a career more independently. Discuss both views and give your opinion. Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Get a higher IELTS score? Start your online IELTS prep today with Magoosh.

Write at least 250 words.

Discussion Essay IELTS Sample Band 9 Response

Choosing a career can be a challenging process. It can be difficult to say whether this decision should be made alone, or made with input from loved ones. In my opinion, it is best to find one’s career independently, with no more than a small amount of advice from family or friends. Below, I will explain why I feel that we must ultimately face career decisions on our own.

Getting career guidance input from loved ones can be confusing rather than useful. Family and friends likely have different careers, and thus give different, conflicting advice. Suppose, for instance, that your father is a teacher, your mother is an accountant, and your best friend is a nurse. They have all made very different career decisions, and only have knowledge on their respective careers. Different people will likely only steer you to their careers, without giving good advice on your own best path.

In contrast, focusing on one’s own preferences and skills provides a clearer path to the right career. After all, individuals have the best knowledge of their own abilities and interests. As an example, if someone has gone to university to study biology, they will know more about biology careers than a family member or friend who does not have that same kind of training. Ultimately, your career must be built on your own training and experience, not the training and experience of others.

For the reasons I’ve outlined above, I really do believe that career decisions are a matter of personal knowledge. Other people, even trusted family and friends, simply cannot understand your career the way you can. To select your field of work wisely, you must face this important decision alone.

Scorer Commentary (Discussion IELTS Essay Sample, Band 9)

The score report below is based on the official IELTS Writing Task 2 rubric . This report also looks very similar to the Magoosh IELTS essay scoring service .

Overall Band Score: 9

What was done well in the essay:

At 283 words, this essay exceeded the 250 word minimum. (This is very important for getting full points!)
Each part of the task was fully addressed. Both sides of the issue were discussed in the first and second body paragraphs. Moreover, reasons and relevant examples were included.
Each paragraph had its own clear topic sentence and supporting details, with explanations of the details, and summarization of the most important ideas.
Transitional language was used to clearly tie in all paragraphs to clear main ideas from the introduction and conclusion.
Vocabulary and grammar were used clearly and fluently. There were no serious errors in grammar or word use; word choice and sentence structure varied and avoided significant repetition.

More Model Essays for IELTS Writing Task 2

Would you like the see model essays for the other common IELTS Writing Task 2 question types as well? Magoosh has you covered! Just click the links below.

Advantage/Disadvantage Essay
Two-Part Question Essay
Causes/Solutions 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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5 responses to “IELTS Writing Task 2: Discussion Sample Essay”

Contractions must be avoided because they are a sign of informal writing style. Whereas essay’s should be written in formal way.

You are correct that contractions shouldn’t be used in the formal Task 2 essay. However, note that they can be used at times, such as in IELTS Speaking or in Task 1 if you are asked to write an informal letter.

Happy studying!

Greetings, and thank you for this model essay. I wanted to ask a question relating to the discussion essay’s addressing of the task. Since the two views are 1) Some people think it is beneficial to ask for advice from friends/loved ones, and 2) others think that it is better to do so alone, why isn’t the 2nd paragraph addressing the benefits but instead talks about how it can be confusing? Isn’t a discussion essay’s structure supposed to be something like this:

2nd paragraph: Reasons people believe asking for help to decide for a career is good 3rd paragraph: Reasons people believe doing it on your own is good Conclusion: Giving your own opinion

Thank you for your time!

Good question! The short answer is that both approaches work! The directions are simply to “discuss both views,” but you don’t have to provide support for both sides. You can also discuss the problems or issues with one side, as this essay has done. Does that make sense? I’d suggest reviewing more sample essays to get a better sense of this.

Hope this helps, and best of luck to you!

IELTS Writing Task 2 Recent Questions

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

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

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

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

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

Task 2 Questions on Sports and Pastimes

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

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

Sample Task 2 Questions: September 2021

Sample task 2 questions: february / march 2021.

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

IELTS Writing Task 2 Topics: August 2020

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

Task 2 questions: June 2019

Task 2 questions: January 2019

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

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

Writing task 2 questions: August 2018

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

March – April 2019 task 2 questions

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

You are allocated 40 minutes to write it.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Common Essay Topics for IELTS Writing Task 2

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here’s a sample task 2 question about education:

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

Read more IELTS Writing Task 2 Topics on Education here

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

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

Here’s a sample task 2 question about globalisation:

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

Read more IELTS Task 2 questions on Globalisation here

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

Here’s a sample task 2 question about equality:

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

Read more IELTS task 2 questions on Equality here

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

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

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

Read more IELTS task 2 questions on the Environment here

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

Here’s a sample task 2 question about technology:

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

Read more IELTS Task 2 questions on Technology here

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

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

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

Read more Task 2 questions on Travel and Transport here.

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

Read more Task 2 questions on Health here

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

Read more Task 2 questions on Law and Order here.

Task 2 Questions on Language and Culture

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

Read more Task 2 questions on language and culture here.

Task 2 Questions on Government and society

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

Read more Task 2 questions on Government and society here.

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

Read more Task 2 questions on Sports and Pastimes here

Sample IELTS Writing Task 2 Topics and Answers

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

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Write an IELTS essay answering one of the questions below
Copy and paste the question into the new online IELTS essay checker .
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Recent IELTS Writing Task 2 Questions from July 2018 till date

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

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

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

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

January to March 2022 Recent Task 2 Questions

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

October to December 2021 Sample Task 2 Questions

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

Sample Task 2 Questions: January 2021

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

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

Task 2 Sample Questions: October/November 2020

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

Task 2 Questions: June 2019

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

Task 2 questions (October 2018)

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

Writing task 2 questions (September 2018)

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

Click here for IELTS task 2 topics and answers.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How to write ielts writing task 2.

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

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How to generate ideas for writing task 2?

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

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IELTS Task 2
IELTS general task 1
IELTS academic task 1
Sample answers for IELTS Globalisation Essays
Score higher in IELTS Writing Task 1 and Task 2
Problem Solution Essays in IELTS Writing Task 2
Sample Answers: discuss the advantages and disadvantages
Extremely Useful Sentences for Task 2
IELTS Essay Paragraph Structure

Sample task 2 IELTS essays and 240 task questions ebook

60+ IELTS Essay Topics 2024: IELTS Writing Task 2

Evaluation criteria for ielts academic writing task 1 and task 2 scores, ielts writing task 1 & task 2 for academic, latest ielts essay topics for 2024, types of ielts essays, preparation tips for ielts writing task 2, how to answer task 2 essays in the ielts writing section.

The IELTS writing section is a part of the International English Language Testing System, which assesses your writing skills in English for academic and work settings. It's a one-hour test that encompasses two questions - IELTS writing task 1 and IELTS writing task 2.

IELTS writing checks your vocabulary, grammar, word count, collocations, and ability to construct complex sentences with clarity and repetition. Before you start your IELTS writing practice, you must see essay topics that vary from IELTS academic to IELTS general training.

Task 1 of IELTS Academic requires you to create a report based on a graph, diagram, or chart, whereas Task 1 of IELTS General requires you to write a letter. Further, IELTs writing task 2 of the General and Academic modules is essay writing, but topics may differ, and the method stays consistent.

Here, in this blog, we will walk you through IELTS Essay Topics 2024 and the evaluation criteria, types of essays, and preparation tips. So, let’s get started!

Before moving ahead, it is crucial to understand the marking criteria for better preparation for the IELTS writing exam . To perform your best, you must know what criteria your examiner is following. So, take a look at them below:

Task Achievement/Task Response measures how successfully you answer the question or complete the task. You here need to address the prompt directly, provide pertinent information, and maintain your focus on the task only.

Coherence determines if your writing is well-structured or not. And also, it has to make sense. So, you are required to form paragraphs logically, connect ideas in a coherent sequence, and maintain a smooth flow of information.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy evaluate your grammar skills for English. You must show proper sentence formations, make sure your sentences are grammatically correct, and show your command of the English language.

Lexical Resource is about your vocabulary usage. You must use a good collection of words and phrases to score higher in IELTS writing. Also, you have to choose acceptable words and show a strong mastery of the terminology.

After understanding the evaluation criteria for academic tasks 1 and 2, let’s focus on what we are here for. The IELTS Academic Writing part has two tasks that must be finished within an hour:

IELTS Writing Task 1

Task 1 requires you to describe a graph, visual information, table, or chart in your own words. You must create a 150-word report that accurately describes the data in the graph or graphic.

The IELTS writing task 1 marking criteria account for 33% (⅓) of the total IELTS writing evaluation score. Finish this portion in 20 minutes or less, while IELTS writing task 2 is more challenging and requires at least 40 minutes to complete.

IELTS Writing Task 2

In IELTS Writing Task 2, your essay is worth 66% (⅔) of the total score. As a result, it's critical to devote adequate time and effort to developing a well-structured and coherent response within the 40-minute timeframe. Concentrate on addressing the given problem, point of view, or argument concisely and effectively in approximately 250 words.

Introduction: Provide context and a clear thesis statement.

Body: Present supporting and opposing arguments.

Conclusion: Restate the thesis with additional supporting details.

IELTS essay writing topics tend to focus on contemporary global issues. Here's a list of IELTS essay topics. In addition, preparing with sample essay questions is an excellent way to prepare for the Writing section. Here are some sample essay topics and writing samples to help you identify the most recent IELTS essay topics.

Environment

Environmental Crisis: A common IELTS topic which several students feel no reason to prepare for because it is one of the most specific areas, resulting in a loss of marks.

Global Warming: Frequently appears in IELTS speaking and writing sections, covering climate change, greenhouse effect, global warming, and deforestation.

Sustainable Energy: This topic is highly vital for essay preparation. Sentences must relate coherently to provide transparent information and avoid off-topic penalties.

Fossil Fuels: A common IELTS essay topic emphasising renewable energy over nonrenewable resources like fossil fuels.

Personality

Importance of First Impression: IELTS examiners have short attention spans and read hundreds of essays daily. As a result, you must get off to a solid start and make a positive first impression in your IELTS essay.

Hobbies: The word 'hobbies' appears frequently in both IELTS Writing Task 2 and the Speaking section. This simple, mark-fetching topic presents a few challenges for students taking the exam.

Fashion: A global theme frequently addressed in IELTS, offering ample opportunity to hone public speaking skills .

Importance of Leisure Activities and School Values: The IELTS Essay on Education is one of the most challenging tasks, with surprising problems on the exam. These education essay themes, such as the importance of leisure activities, are opinion-based and evaluate students' ability to convey their knowledge and skills wisely.

Government and Society: As a student, you should review as many prevalent IELTS Writing Task 2 topics as possible. You should be well-versed in government and society, as it is a common theme in IELTS tests .

Ideal Society: To increase your total band score and have a good grip on writing and vocabulary, you should practice answering example questions and answers for the Ideal Society IELTS essay.

Social Media: Social media essays are a common topic for IELTS Writing Task 2. The most basic method for a social media IELTS essay band 9 and comparable themes is to stick to the right word count and be aware of alternative approaches to the issue.

Business & Global Consumerism

International Trade: Throughout the years, the IELTS exam has consistently included topics on global business. In addressing such topics, it is essential to provide comprehensive responses containing solutions, arguments, reasons, opinions, and evidence.

Management and Leadership: Leadership and management play pivotal roles in any organisation. Essays on such topics should always directly relate to the question at hand.

Foreign Languages: Foreign languages and linguistic difficulties are common subjects in IELTS writing assignment 2. Express your own thoughts on such subjects.

Essays about sports and children should stay focused on the essential issues and avoid deviating from them.

Obesity: Overweight essays are among the most prevalent topics in IELTS writing task 2. Obesity, contemporary health trends in children and adults, and other related subjects may be discussed concerning overweight.

Also read: The Triune Brain - IELTS Reading Answers

IELTS essay writing topics are typically categorised into various sections, encompassing a wide array of subjects. You can anticipate encountering essays in the IELTS exam that fall under any of the following types:

Opinion Essays

You must express your thoughts on the assigned topic in this essay category. Naturally, the best way to score high on such essays is to be familiar with common topics covered in the IELTS exam.

Sample Questions:

What are the benefits and drawbacks of social media usage among teenagers?

Discuss the impact of fast food consumption on people's health and lifestyle.

Should students be required to wear school uniforms? Share your perspective.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of online learning compared to traditional classroom education?

Do you believe video games positively or negatively influence young people's behaviour and development? Explain your viewpoint.

Discussion Essays

For discussion essays, you must provide evidence in favour of or against the topic of the essay. The majority of essays on the IELTS exam are of this type.

Do you think it's important for individuals to pursue higher education, or are vocational skills equally valuable in today's job market?

Is social media ultimately beneficial for society, or does it contribute to increased isolation and mental health issues?

Should governments prioritise funding for space exploration, or are there more pressing issues that require attention?

Do you believe technology has made interpersonal communication easier, or has it led to a decline in face-to-face interactions?

Should fast food companies be held responsible for the rise in obesity rates, or is personal responsibility the primary factor in maintaining a healthy lifestyle?

Solution Essays

You will need to address a specific problem in your solution essays. You may occasionally be asked to explain why a particular problem has arisen, and you will be required to offer your opinion on the matter.

Discuss the impact of excessive use of plastic on the environment and propose solutions to reduce plastic waste.

Analyse the causes of obesity in children and suggest strategies to promote healthy eating habits and physical activity.

Explore the challenges small businesses face in a competitive market and propose measures to support their growth and sustainability.

Examine the issue of air pollution in urban areas and recommend initiatives to improve air quality and mitigate its harmful effects on public health.

Investigate the prevalence of cyberbullying among teenagers and propose methods to prevent and address cyberbullying incidents effectively.

Advantage or Disadvantage Essays

Advantage or Disadvantage Essays require you to discuss a specific topic's positive and negative aspects. Such essays put your argument construction skills to the test, as well as your ability to communicate your ideas clearly and coherently in English.

With the rise of online shopping, brick-and-mortar stores are facing challenges. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of traditional retail stores in today's digital age.

Telecommuting is becoming increasingly common, allowing employees to work remotely. Analyse the pros and cons of remote work for both employers and employees.

The prevalence of fast food chains has increased worldwide. Evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of fast food consumption on individuals' health and well-being.

Streaming services like Netflix and Hulu have revolutionised the way people consume entertainment. Assess the impact of streaming platforms on traditional television and movie industries.

The gig economy, characterised by short-term freelance or independent contract work, is on the rise. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of gig work for workers and businesses alike.

Direct Question Essays

For this type of essay, the topics will be presented as direct questions to which students must respond based on their own experiences and thoughts. You must respond to such essays with direct questions that reflect your experiences.

Should governments provide free public transportation to reduce traffic congestion and air pollution?

Is social media beneficial or detrimental to interpersonal relationships?

Should schools abolish homework to promote students' well-being and creativity?

Is it ethical for companies to use targeted advertising based on users' online behaviour?

Should fast food advertisements be banned to combat rising obesity rates among children?

Step 1: Grasp the Question's Essence

Begin by meticulously examining and comprehending the essay prompt. It's common for candidates to overlook key nuances, resulting in misguided responses. Identify the question type, dissect keywords, and grasp the instructions before responding.

Step 2: Blueprint Your Approach

With a clear understanding of the question, outline your response's structure. This strategic planning phase enables you to arrange your thoughts systematically, ensuring a coherent and organised essay.

Step 3: Write an Engaging Introduction

Initiate your essay with a compelling introduction that encapsulates its essence. Set the tone and provide a succinct overview to guide the reader's understanding of the forthcoming discourse.

Step 4: Deliberate Main Body Construction

The crux of your essay resides in its main body, where comprehensive elaboration is paramount. Present your arguments cohesively, supported by pertinent examples, explanations, and data. Conclude this section thoughtfully to segue into the final step.

Step 5: Conclude with Precision

Conclude your essay effectively, summarising key points and reinforcing your stance. End resonantly, leaving a lasting impression on the reader and cementing the essay's relevance and significance.

To conclude, mastering the nuances of IELTS essay writing is critical for achieving high scores. Candidates can increase their chances of success by preparing diligently, understanding the evaluation criteria, and using a structured approach to essay writing when tackling task 2 essays in the IELTS Writing section .

We hope the above information about IELTS Writing Task 2 helped you understand the task better. However, you can contact Prepare IELTS Exam (PI) expert counsellors for further guidance. Our team of education experts is dedicated to providing you with the best guidance in the IELTS exam . You can get a one-on-one counselling session online via our platform. Contact us at [email protected] or call us at +91 9773398388 .

To enhance your vocabulary, read extensively across various topics, noting down unfamiliar words and their meanings. Regularly practice using these words in sentences and essays to reinforce retention and application.

While memorising templates can be helpful, focusing more on understanding essay structures and practising adaptable frameworks is crucial. This way ensures you can effectively address a variety of essay prompts with clarity and coherence.

Prioritise planning and outlining your essay to allocate time efficiently. Aim to spend approximately 20 minutes on Task 1 and 40 minutes on Task 2. Practice timed writing sessions to improve speed and ensure completion within the allotted timeframe.

While it's generally advisable to avoid excessive use of personal pronouns (I, me, my) in academic writing, their occasional usage to express personal opinions or experiences can be acceptable in Task 2 essays. However, maintain a balance to ensure formal and objective language.

Begin by clearly presenting your own viewpoint in the introduction. In the subsequent paragraphs, dedicate separate sections to discussing supporting arguments and counterarguments, providing evidence and examples for each. Conclude by restating your stance while acknowledging opposing perspectives.

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