essay topic for ielts writing

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100 IELTS Essay Topics for IELTS Writing

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

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

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

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

IELTS Discuss Both Views and Give your Own Opinion Writing Topics

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

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

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

  T o What Extent Do you Agree or Disagree Writing Topics

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

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

Best Way IELTS Essay Topics

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

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

Cause / Problem / Solution IELTS Essay Topics

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

IELTS Advantages and Disadvantages Essay Topics

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

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

Outweigh Advantages and Disadvantages Essay Topics

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

Positive or Negative Development IELTS Essay Topics

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

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

IELTS Direct Question Writing Topics

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

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

IELTS Two-Part Question Essay Topics

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

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

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IELTS Writing Task 2/ Essay Topics with sample answer.

Ielts academic and gt essay/ writing task 2 sample.

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

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

Are you planning to take your IELTS Exam soon? Take an online course and achieve your dream score on your IELTS test.

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40 IELTS writing topics for practicing Task 1 & 2

Published: Sep 30, 2023 | By: Lucas Weaver

Learn the words and phrases you need for any language topic you choose. Get vocabulary words, key phrases, grammar explanations, and flashcards created for you in minutes.

These practice IELTS writing topics were written using real IELTS writing questions that have been used on previous exams over the past few years.

Since all of the practice essay topics on this list were created from scratch, each one is 100% unique, and you won't find them on any other list.

The reason for this is to give you new writing topics you can use for IELTS writing practice instead of using the same old topics again and again.

The list is a mix of academic writing topics for IELTS writing task 2 and task 1.

Once you finish writing your essay, you can use my AI IELTS essay grader tool to see your estimated band score and get feedback you can use to improve your writing quality.

Task 2 IELTS Writing topics

Government topics:, health topics:, society topics:, technology topics:, task 1 ielts writing topics, classroom attendance topic:, aqua management topic:, solar power usage topic, fish feeding topic, further ielts exam preparation.

I've divided the IELTS Writing Task 2 topics into the following categories:

These are 4 of the most popularly used topics on the IELTS exam, so investing significant time in writing about these topics will help you get more familiar with these types of questions.

Should the government regulate social media platforms to protect citizens' privacy and prevent misinformation? Discuss your views.

To what extent do you agree that the government should subsidize renewable energy to combat climate change?

Is it the government's role to provide healthcare for all citizens, or should healthcare be a personal responsibility? Discuss both sides and give your opinion.

Some people believe that the government should invest more in public transportation to reduce traffic congestion and pollution. To what extent do you agree?

Should the government impose stricter regulations on corporations to ensure environmental sustainability, or would that stifle economic growth? Discuss your views.

Some argue that the government should prioritize public welfare over economic development. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Should the government be involved in setting educational curricula, or should this be left to education experts and teachers? Discuss both sides and give your opinion.

Do you think that governments should financially support scientific research, or should it be privately funded? To what extent do you agree?

Some people believe that governments should not impose taxes on essential goods such as food and medicine. What is your opinion?

Is it the government's responsibility to ensure that citizens have access to affordable housing, or is this the role of the free market? Discuss both sides and give your opinion.

Some people believe that mental health should be given the same attention as physical health in public health campaigns. Do you agree or disagree?

Telemedicine is becoming more popular as a way to consult with medical professionals. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this trend?

Fast food companies should be held responsible for the increase in obesity rates. To what extent do you agree with this statement?

Some argue that companies should be required to provide health and wellness programs for their employees. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.

There is a growing trend of people seeking alternative therapies like acupuncture and herbal medicine over conventional medical treatments. What are the reasons for this, and is it a positive or negative development?

Should healthcare professionals be allowed to refuse treatment based on personal or religious beliefs? Discuss both sides and give your opinion.

The rise of wearable technology like fitness trackers has made people more conscious about their health. What are the implications of this trend?

Some people argue that individuals should be allowed to choose not to vaccinate, while others believe that vaccinations should be mandatory to protect public health. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.

Sleep is often overlooked as a factor in overall health. Should employers be obligated to ensure that employees have sufficient time to rest? To what extent do you agree?

Given the aging population, some people believe that younger generations should be taught to take care of their elderly family members rather than relying on healthcare systems. What is your opinion on this?

The rise of remote work is changing the structure of society, including how people interact and where they choose to live. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this shift.

Social media has a significant impact on people's perception of societal norms and values. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Some people believe that society would benefit from a four-day workweek, arguing it would improve well-being and work-life balance. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.

The increasing use of surveillance technology in public spaces raises concerns about privacy and individual freedom. To what extent do you agree that such surveillance is necessary?

There is a debate about whether schools should focus more on emotional intelligence and mental health, rather than just academics. What are your views on this?

The decline of local newspapers and rise of digital media may have significant consequences for local communities. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.

Some people argue that universal basic income would solve problems related to unemployment and income inequality. What do you think?

The importance of community spaces like parks, libraries, and community centers is often overlooked in urban planning. To what extent do you think these spaces are essential?

The rising trend of single-parent households may have various societal impacts. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this phenomenon?

Many argue that the obsession with consumerism and material wealth leads to a decline in social values and community engagement. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming more integrated into various industries. What are the potential advantages and disadvantages of this trend?

The rise of online education due to advancements in technology is seen as a positive development by some, but others argue that it lacks the personal interaction found in traditional classrooms. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Telecommuting has become more prevalent thanks to advances in technology. Do you think this development has more positive or negative impacts on society?

Some people believe that technology is making human beings less capable of critical thinking. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

The use of facial recognition technology for security purposes is increasing. Discuss the ethical implications of this technology.

The widespread adoption of electric vehicles could significantly impact the environment. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this technological shift?

Video conferencing tools have changed the way people communicate for both personal and professional purposes. Do you think this is a positive or negative development?

Cryptocurrency, like Bitcoin, is a technology that challenges traditional financial systems. Discuss the societal impacts of this emerging technology.

Social networking sites are often criticized for contributing to the spread of misinformation. To what extent do you think technology companies should be held accountable?

Sample essay questions for IELTS Writing Task 1 are more time-intensive to create since they require graphs, visuals, or diagrams.

As a result, most of the practice essay topics for Task 1 you'll see online end up being the same examples over and over.

That's why in this list I've created brand new visuals and practice topics that have never been used anywhere else.

Use these IELTS essay topics to improve your Task 1 score and write IELTS essays that get the score you need the first time you take it.

If you're struggling with essay writing or feel your academic writing skills aren't developed enough to do well on the IELTS essays, try learning some writing skills frameworks that can help you with the writing process before you dive into these practice essay questions.

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

The chart below shows the average lecture and seminar attendance as reported by students pre and post-pandemic. Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Write at least 150 words.

The diagram below shows the process of managing water in an industrial fish tank system. Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

The graph below shows solar power storage capacity by corporation in the years 2013 and 2018. Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

The diagram below shows a system for overseeing the feeding and management of fish. Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

I hope this list of IELTS essay topics helps you in your preparation for your IELTS essays on the writing section of your IELTS exam.

The more IELTS essay topics you find to practice your writing skills the better prepared you will be for your IELTS exam.

Make sure to focus on making clear arguments, giving relevant examples, and always make sure to answer the question that's asked in your IELTS writing topic.

If you're having trouble making clear arguments and structuring your essays in a way that gets you high band scores on your IELTS writing section, that's totally okay.

Many students have found that their previous teachers haven't properly prepared them for the academic writing tasks in the IELTS writing test.

That's why I created my Master IELTS Writing course to help students who need to learn a simple framework for writing academic essays.

It will make sure you get the score you need on your writing section, even if you don't have amazing English skills.

Also, make sure to check out my IELTS essay AI grader tool . It will give you a band score and feedback on how you can improve your IELTS essays.

Lucas Weaver founded The Weaver School in 2016. He's passionate about using the latest learnings in neuroscience and education to create the best language learning experience possible for our students, so they can quickly build effective language learning habits that will last for years. Lucas is a graduate of Texas A&M University and after 7 years of living in the Netherlands, he is currently traveling through Southeast Asia while learning their languages along the way.

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IELTS Writing Task 2 Recent Questions

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

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

Table of Contents

What is the basic structure for ielts writing task 2 in the ielts exam.

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.

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

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

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

IELTS Writing Task 2 Topics on 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. 

IELTS Task 2 Questions on Globalisation

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.

IELTS task 2 Questions on Equality

Ielts task 2 questions about the environment.

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

IELTS Task 2 Questions on 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.

Task 2 Questions on Travel and Transport

Task 2 questions on health.

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.

Task 2 Questions on Law and Order

Task 2 questions on language and culture, 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?

Task 2 Questions on Sports and Pastimes

Sample ielts writing task 2 topics and answers , instructions to get your essay evaluated for free, 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.

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  .

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

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, 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.

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 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!

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

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How to write ielts writing task 2, how to generate ideas for writing task 2, for more help with your ielts tutorials, take a look at our tutorials here:.

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• Academic practice
• General practice
• Task 1 Academic
• Task 1 General
• Task 2 (essay)

IELTS Writing

On this page you can find all the information about IELTS Writing , see IELTS Writing topics , try useful IELTS Writing lessons and tips and see IELTS Writing samples .

Information about IELTS Writing

IELTS Writing test is made to assess your writing skills and techniques. There are two IELTS Writing modules: Academic and General. If you plan to study abroad, then you should take IELTS Academic module. And if you wish to work abroad, then you should take IELTS General module.

IELTS Writing test lasts 1 hour and consists of 2 parts : task 1 and task 2. Writing task 1 is different for Academic and General IELTS, but Writing task 2 is the same for both modules.

In Academic Writing task 1 you're asked to describe a graph, chart or diagram. And in General Writing task 1 you have to write a letter to someone. In Writing task 2 you have to write an essay on a given topic.

IELTS Academic Writing

IELTS Academic Writing module lasts 60 minutes and has 2 tasks, which must both be completed. Although it is recommended to spend approximately 20 minutes on task 1 and about 40 minutes on task 2, you can divide your time between two sections the way you prefer.

See which skills are tested in IELTS Writing Academic.

Academic IELTS Writing Task 1

In this task you need to describe or summarize visualised data, such as graph, chart, table, diagram, process or scheme. You should write at least 150 words in this task.

IELTS Writing Task 1 sample (Academic) :

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

The graph below shows tourism statistics among Venezuelian students from 2011 to 2014. Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant.

Write at least 150 words.

• IELTS Writing task 1 samples
• IELTS Writing exercises
• IELTS task 1 vocabulary

IELTS Writing Task 2

This task is the same for Academic and General modules.

This is more challenging task. You should write an essay on a given topic, presenting your point of view and supporting it with relevant arguments. You should write at least 250 words in this task.

IELTS Writing Task 2 sample :

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Does Internet need to be controlled by the government?

Justify your answer.

Write at least 250 words.

• IELTS Writing task 2 topics
• IELTS Writing task 2 samples
• IELTS task 2 vocabulary

See IELTS Writing Marking Scheme

IELTS General Writing

IELTS General Writing module lasts 60 minutes and has 2 tasks, which must both be completed. Although it is recommended to spend approximately 20 minutes on task 1 and about 40 minutes on task 2, you can divide your time between two sections the way you prefer.

See which skills are tested in IELTS Writing General.

IELTS General Writing Task 1

In this task you are asked to write a letter concerning everyday situation that you are likely to encounter while living in an English-speaking environment. For example, a letter to an accommodation officer, your employer or a friend. The letter may be personal, semi-formal or formal.

• write personal correspondence
• provide general factual information
• express your opinions: views, needs, wants, likes and dislikes etc.

IELTS General Writing Task 1 sample :

Your friend is celebrating her Birthday soon and has invited you to a party. But you are unable to come because you are going to attend an important meeting that day.

• thank her for the invitation;
• explain why you cannot come;
• propose to meet on other day;

You do NOT need to write your own address. Begin your letter as follows:

• IELTS General Writing task 1 samples
• IELTS General task 1 vocabulary

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Most Common IELTS Task 2 Topics (In 2024)

The post will give you the 10 most common task 2 topics.

The post will give you the 10 most common IELTS Writing Task 2 topics.

IELTS Writing Topics

A question my students keep asking, repeatedly, is ‘What are the most common IELTS writing part 2 topics?’ They are worried that they won’t be familiar with the topic and will not have any relevant ideas. This is especially true for students from ‘developing’ countries because most of the questions are ‘first world’ problems and issues. Let’s turn that disadvantage into an advantage.

To answer the question, I have asked my students over the last few years to send me the topics on their exams.

A big thank you to those students who were kind enough to send me their questions.  I have built up a huge amount of questions, and I think it is about time to analyse them.

Are the same Writing Task 2 topics repeated?

The answer is yes and no. There are a huge amount of topics that come up in writing task 2. At the last count, there were around 50 different topics (based on collecting data over the last few years), and if you would like all 50, please let me know, but I’m more concerned about the topics that come up again and again. If you have time to familiarise yourself with over 50 topics, then please do, but I think most people have to be smart with their time, and it, therefore, makes more sense to prioritise the most common topics.

I try to encourage my students to be efficient in learning. However, I don’t agree with the saying ‘Work smart, not hard’ as this implies you can do very little work and still achieve your goals. My motto is to work hard and smart.

IELTS Essay Topics

10 general topics come up more often than all of the rest put together. They are:

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

So what can I do with this information?

Now you know the common topics, there are 3 things you can do:

1.  Develop a vocabulary list for each topic

Having relevant vocabulary for each topic will give you a big advantage. Many students fail to provide relevant vocabulary, and their band score suffers.

When looking at new vocabulary, try to guess the meaning from context first and then look up the meaning to ensure your idea matches the actual meaning. Also, be sure to look at the word within a sentence to be aware of how it relates to other words.

When recording vocabulary, do it in a way that will help YOU remember it. Everyone learns differently, and everyone learns vocabulary differently. Some people like to draw pictures beside the word, some like synonyms or antonyms, others prefer to write a few sentences, and others like to use the phonemic chart to write the word that way. Whatever works for you, do it.

It is also very important to review words regularly. This is the most effective way to remember the words. So many people learn lots of words and a week later, they can’t remember them. I would recommend reviewing them one day after learning them for the first time, then one week later and then finally one month later. After that, they should be firmly stuck in your head for good.

I am developing a vocabulary list for each of the topics above, which you can access here.

2. Practice reading and listening within these topics

To do well on your IELTS test, you should practice at home. Even just 60 minutes per day can make a big difference. This will not only improve all four skills but familiarise you with the common topics at the same time. Why waste time listening or reading something if it is about something that probably won’t come up on the test? Unless you are listening or reading for pleasure; in that case, be my guest.

When reading an English newspaper, look for articles on common topics and highlight good vocabulary.

If you like listening to the radio or podcasts, find ones on common topics.

Please check out my 25 online language learning tools for many ways to study at home for free.

3. Study the common topics

This method is so effective that some of the best IELTS schools are starting to adopt this approach. If you are going to study or practice anything, then do it within the context of one of the common topics. For example, if you are practising speaking with a friend on Skype, why not discuss one of the issues above? If you are practising writing essays, find a question about one of the most popular or repeated IELTS topics.

This method allows you to practice both skills and learn about these crucial topics.

They also come up quite a lot in the speaking test.

Can I focus on these topics and get a high band score?

Obviously, there is much more to achieving a high score than just focusing on repeated topics, but this will allow you to study and prepare more smartly and efficiently, giving you a huge advantage.

However, I would like to add that studying things you are passionate about is also important. If you are genuinely interested in a topic, then it is much easier to study, and you are less likely to quit. Please also make time to read, listen, talk and write about your passion. If you love football, read about your team every day on www. goal.com . Love fashion?- find some fashionista blogs. Have a passion for photography?- why not blog about it? Have a passion for astrophysics? Listen to star talk radio.

Here are the latest topics:

• Traditional Culture
• International Aid
• The Environment

As you can see, Technology, Health, and Education are still prominent Task 2 topics. It was interesting to see Traditional Culture popping up twice in such a short period, but that doesn’t mean that it will definitely feature again soon.

I still think that Technology, Health, Education and the Environment are important topics and will regularly feature in the future. Reading about these topics will help you, and you will also pick up other vocabulary just by reading about them.

The important thing is to read actively. When you see a word you don’t know, note it down and find its meaning, collocation and synonyms. Soon you will have a notebook full of new words, and you review them regularly until they become part of your vocabulary.

I recommend looking at our IELTS task 2 page for many more lessons, tips and sample task 2 answers.

Need help writing essays? Check out our ESSAY CORRECTION SERVICE .

The best way to keep up to date with our latest posts is to like our page on Facebook . There are also daily practice activities on our Facebook page.

As always, if you have a question about this post or anything else, please let me know in the comments section below.

About Christopher Pell

My name is Christopher Pell and I'm the Managing Director of IELTS Advantage.

I started IELTS Advantage as a simple blog to help 16 students in my class. Several years later, I am very humbled that my VIP Course has been able to help thousands of people around the world to score a Band 7+ in their IELTS tests.

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

by Dave | Sample Answers | 6 Comments

These are the most common IELTS writing topics that I have come across as an examiner and from student reports over the last year.

The most commons topics are: age & generations, art, business, cities, communication, crime, education, environment, family, health, government, media & newspapers, psychology, society, sport, technology & science, transport, and work., below are some ielts writing task 2 samples (all written by me) on the most common topics, comment your own essays below and i will give you some feedback, if you want to get over your ielts fears and achieve your dreams (of going abroad or getting a better job), i now offer online lessons complete with feedback, videos, workbooks and more, consider supporing my efforts to write these essays but signing up for my online video courses here or my exclusive ielts ebooks here on patreon., age & generations, some people say that music is a good way of bringing people of different cultures and ages together., to what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion, ielts writing task 2 sample answer: music bringing people together (ielts cambridge 14), 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 the advantage of this situation outweigh the disadvantages, ielts writing task 2 sample answer: populations, young people (ielts cambridge 14), some think that governments should support retired people financially while others believe they should take care of themselves., discuss both views and give your own opinion., read my sample answer for this question here., in some places, young people find it difficult to communicate with older people., why is this, what are the solutions, agriculture, in spite of the advances made in agriculture, many people around the world still go hungry. why is this the case what can be done about this problem, give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own experience or knowledge. write at least 250 words., ielts writing task 2 sample answer: agriculture (ielts cambridge 13), some feel that countries should produce most of the food that is eaten in their country and import as little as possible., to what extent do you agree or disagree, museums and art galleries should focus on works that show the history and culture of their own country rather than works of other parts of the world., ielts writing task 2 sample answer: museums, many museums charge for admission while others are free., do you think the advantages of charging people for admission to museums outweigh the disadvantages, ielts writing task 2 sample answer: museum entrance fees, many people believe that film is a less important art than other forms such as literature and painting., read my full sample answer for this question here., some think that quality art can be made by anyone while others think that it requires special talent and ability., discuss both views and give your opinion., the government should lower the budget on the arts in order to allocate more money to education., to what extent do you agree, some people believe that the government should spend more money putting in more works of art like paintings and statues in cities to make them better places to live in., some educators believe that every child should be taught how to play a musical instrument., recent research has shown that business meetings and training are increasingly taking place online., what are the advantages and disadvantages of this, ielts writing task 2 sample answer: business, as well as making money, businesses also have a responsibilty towards society., ielts writing task 2 sample answer essay: businesses social responsibility, the global demand for oil and gas is increasing. some believe that we should therefore encourage the exploitation of remote areas., do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages, the shortage of housing in big cities can cause severe consequences. only government action can solve this problem., read my sample here., when designing a building, the most important factor is the intended use of the building rather than its outward appearance., ielts writing task 2 sample answer: buildings, living in large cities today poses many problems for people., what are these problems should governments encourage more people to live in smaller towns, ielts writing task 2 sample answer: cities, traffic and housing problems in major cities could be solved by moving companies, factories and their employees to the countryside., do you agree or disagree, ielts writing task 2 sample answer: overpopulation, too much money is wasted on repairing old buildings that should be used to knock them down and build new ones., ielts writing task 2 sample answer essay: old buildings, the roads in major cities today are often difficult to travel on., what are the causes of this, what are some possible solutions, ielts writing task 2 sample answer general training: roads in major cities, some feel that cities shold be designed to be beautiful while others feel their functionality is more important., discuss both sides and give your own opinion., available as an ebook my patreon., there are severe social consequences to housing shortages in cities and only the government can solve these problems., some cities create housing for growing populations by building taller buildings while other cities have opted to build on wider areas of land., which solution is better, communication, the use of social media is replacing face-to-face interaction among many people in society., do you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, ielts writing task 2 sample answer essay: face to face interaction, many people believe that social networking sites (such as facebook) have a huge negative impact on both individuals and society., ielts writing task 2 sample answer: social networking sites, many people think that mobile phones should be banned in public places such as libraries, shops and public transport., many people think technological devices such as smart phones, tablets and mobile phones bring more disadvantages than advantages., in many workplaces, online communication is now more common than face-to-face meetings., do the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages, read my sample answer here., some countries are struggling with increases in crime rates. some believe that having more police on the streets is best way to reduce and combat crime., ielts writing task 2 sample answer (crime and the police), the crime rate nowadays is decreasing compared to the past due to advances in technology., ielts writing task 2 sample answer essay: crime & technology, the most common solution for criminal behaviour is prison but many believe education is a better method., ielts writing task 2 sample answer: education and crime, watching tv shows and movies about crime is becoming more and more popular., what effect does that have on society, some people believe that children that commit crimes should be punished. others think the parents should be punished instead., many researchers believe that we can now study the behaviour of children to see if they will grow up to be criminals, while others disagree., to what extent do you think crime is determined by genetics, is it possible to stop children from growing up to be criminals, some people believe that there should be a fixed punishment for each type of crime. others, however, argue that the circumstances of an individual crime, and the motivation for committing it, should always be taken into account when deciding on the punishment., get my sample answer for this essay by signing up for my patreon here., some believe that tourism does more to create tension between between countries rather than helping individuals better understand other cultures., ielts writing task 2 sample answer essay: tourism and culture, some believe that it is beneficial to show foreign films while others feel this can have a negative impact on local culture., in many countries, traditional foods are being replaced by fast food. this has a negative impact on families, individuals and society., the best curriculum is not one based on a static body of knowledge but one which teaches student to cope with change., read my essay here., some people say that school children should be mainly taught about the literature (e.g fiction and poetry) of their own country because it is more important than that of other countries., ielts writing task 2 sample answer: literature, plagiarism in academics has become a pressing problem in many countries today., what are the causes of this problem, ielts writing task 2 sample answer essay, many people feel that students should learn from online materials while others feel that it is better to use printed materials., ielts writing task 2 sample answer: online materials, some people think that children should begin their formal education at a very early age. some think they should begin at least 7 years old. discuss both views give opinions., ielts writing task 2 sample answer essay: children starting school, students should be primarily taught academic subjects so that they can pass exams, and practical skills such as cooking should not be taught., ielts writing task 2 sample answer: academic/practical knowledge, some people believe that education is the key to tackling hunger worldwide while others feel that the answer is in food aid., ielts writing task 2 sample answer: hunger, compared to the past, more people are now studying abroad because it is more convenient and cheaper than before., do you think this is beneficial to the foreign student’s home country, will this trend change much in the future, ielts writing task 2 sample answer by dave: studying abroad, some today argue that schools are no longer necessary because children can learn so much from the internet and be educated at home., some educational systems make students study specialised subjects from the age of fifteen while others require students to study a wide range., full-time university students spend a lot of time studying. some say they should do other activities too., nations should spend more money on skills and vocational training for practical work, rather than on university education., environment, some people claim that too much focus and resources have been spent to protect wild animals and birds., sample essay, some people say that the main environmental problem of our time is the loss of particular species of plants and animals. others say that there are more important environmental problems., discuss both these views and give your own opinion., ielts writing task 2 sample answer: environmental problems plants and animals (ielts cambridge 14), climate change is a phenomenon that affects countries all over the world. many people strongly believe that it is the responsibility of individuals, rather than corporations and governments, to deal with this problem., ielts writing task 2 sample answer: climate change, plastic shopping bags are used widely and cause many environmental problems. some people say they should be banned., ielts writing task 2 sample answer: plastic bags, developing the economy will always damage the environment., ielts writing task 2 sample answer essay: the economy & the environment, many believe that individuals can do little to improve the environment. only governments and large companies can make a real difference., the most difficult ielts writing topic: january 2020, most agree that we should be training children to recycle waste to preserve the earth’s natural resources., however, some believe that it is parents who should teach their children to recycle waste while others feels schools are more responsible., ielts writing task 2 sample answer: recycling, the increase in the production of consumer goods results in damage to the natural environment., what can be done to solve this problem, read my sample answer for this essay here., some people say that supermarkets and manufacturers have a responsibility to reduce the amount of packaging on products they sell. others believe that it is the consumer’s responsibility to avoid buying products which have a lot of packaging., discuss both views and give your opinions., some think the current generation should take steps to protect the environment for the next generation., in many countries, plastic containers have become more common than ever and are used by many food and drink companies., family & children, more and more people today are moving away from where their friends and family live., read my answer here., many parents encourage young people to leave home when they become older, while others think they should stay at home with the family. discuss both views and give your own opinion., ielts writing task 2 sample answer (family and the home), nowadays children watch much more television than they did in the past and spend less time being active or creative., what is the reason for this, what measures should be taken to encourage children to be more active, ielts writing task 2 sample answer: television, some people believe that allowing children to make their own choices on everyday matters (such as food, clothes and entertainment) is likely to result in a society of individuals who only think about their own wishes., other people believe that it is important for children to make decisions about matters that affect them., ielts examiner sample answer from cambridge 12: children & choice, many parents today do not spend much time with their children., does this affect parents or children more, it is better for children if the whole family including aunts, uncles and so on are involved in a child’s upbringing, rather than just their parents., these days more fathers stay at home and take care of their children while mothers go out to work., what could be the reasons for this is it a positive or negative development, some people feel that equality between the genders has already been achieved while others feel there is considerable progress to be made., read my sample answer on patreon., throughout history, male leaders have led us into violence and conflict. if a society is governed by female leaders it will be more peaceful., in many schools and universities today, women have a tendency to study the humanities (such as the arts and languages) while men more often major in science related subjects. some believe this tendency should be changed., the best way to prevent people from smoking is to impose high taxes on tobacco products. in this way, people will be less likely to develop a long-term addiction to smoking., ielts examiner sample answer: government (by dave), some people think that resources should be spent on protecting wild animals, while others think those would be better used for the human population., many today feel that most urgent problems can only be solved by international cooperation., some people think governments should care more about elderly while others think they should focus on investing in education for younger people., many people believe that every individual is responsible for his/her own healthy lifestyle. others believe that governments should take care of it. discuss both these views and give your own opinion., ielts writing task 2 sample answer: health problems individuals/governments, ielts writing task 2 sample answer: smoking (real ielts exam), some think that governments should tax unhealthy foods to encourage people to eat healthier., ielts writing task 2 sample answer essay: unhealthy foods (real past ielts tests/exams), more and more people today are drinking sugar-based drinks., what are the reasons for this, ielts writing task 2 sample answer essay: sugary drinks, many think that in today’s world it is very difficult for people to maintain a healthy lifestyle. others, however, feel that it is easy for people to be healthy and fit if they want to be., ielts writing task 2 sample answer: healthy lifestyle, some people say that it is acceptable to test medicine intended for people on animals. others, however, believe that it is not right to use animals in this research., ielts writing task 2 sample answer: medical testing, many feel that going to the gym is the best way to stay fit. others think there are more effective methods., ielts writing task 2 sample answer: gym/exercise, governments should spend more money on medical research and less on researching the environment., even though doctors advise old people to get more exercise, many old people do not get enough., what are some possible solutions for this, research into medical treatments are essential to improve health and fight disease., who do you think should fund this research: individuals, private companies or governments, in many countries, fast food is becoming cheaper and more widely available., do the disadvantages of this outweigh the advantages, 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 you own opinion., some people say history is one the most important school subjects. other people think that, in today’s world, subjects like science and technology are more important than history. discuss both these views and give your own opinion., ielts examiner sample answer from cambridge 13: history (by dave), some believe that history has little to teach us about today while others think that the study of the past helps us to understand the present., it is better to learn the way people lived in the past through films and video records than written documents., historical objects should be brought back to their country of origin., some people say that now is the best time in history to be living., what is your opinion about this, what other time in history would be interesting to live in, read my essay here.  , living in a country where you have to speak a foreign language can cause serious social problems, as well as practical problems. to what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement, ielts writing task 2 sample answer: foreign languages (cambridge 13), some believe that we should invent a new language for international communication., media & newspapers, some people think that newspapers are the best way to learn news. however, others believe that they can learn news better through other media. discuss both views and give your opinion, ielts examiner sample answer from cambridge 13: newspapers and the media (by dave), some people think that the news media has become much more influential in people’s lives today and it is a negative development., ielts writing task 2 sample answer: news media influence, watching a live performance such as a play, concert, or sporting event is more enjoyable than watching the same event on television., some believe that people will purchase a product based on their needs and advertising is not needed., in the future, nobody will buy printed newspapers or books because they will be able to read everything they want online without paying., to what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement, some people say that advertising is extremely successful at persuading us to buy things. other people think that advertising is so common that we no longer pay attention to it., personal life, many people try to balance work and other parts of their life. however, this is very difficult to do. what are the problems associated with this what is the best way to achieve a better balance, ielts examiner sample answer: work-life balance (by dave), these days people spend more and more time at work and less time at home., ielts writing task 2 sample answer essay general training: working too much, some people believe that it is best to accept a bad situation, such as an unsatisfactory job or shortage of money. others argue that it is better to try and improve such situations., ielts writing task 2 sample answer: acceptance / unsatisfactory (ielts cambridge 14) by dave, some are of the opinion that people are naturally born as good leaders while others feel that leadership skills can be learned., ielts writing task 2 sample answer: leadership, ielts writing task 2 sample answer essay: leadership essay 2, many pschologists recommend that the best way to relieve stress is to do nothing at all for a period of time during the day., ielts writing task 2 sample answer: stress, some think that ambition is a good quality., is it important to be ambitious, is it a positive or negative characteristic, some feel that it is a waste of time to plan for the future and it is more important to focus on the present., in some countries, owning a home rather than renting one is very important for people., why might this be the case, do you think this is a positive or negative situation, in some cultures, children are often told that they can achieve anything if they try hard enough., what are the advantages and disadvantages of giving children this message, science & technology, some people believe that it is good to share as much information as possible in scientific research, business, and the academic world. others believe that some information is too important or too valuable to be shared freely., ielts writing task 2 sample answer: scientific research (ielts cambridge 12), nowadays more tasks at home and work are being performed by robots., is this a negative or positive development, ielts writing task 2 sample answer essay: robots at home, people today often use the internet to learn about the culture of other countries. this means that it is not that important to travel to those countries., ielts writing task 2 sample answer: the internet & travel, in the future it will become more difficult to live on earth so more money should be spent researching how to live on other planets such as mars., some believe technology has made our lives too complex and the solution is to lead a simpler life without technology., read my sample answer this question here., more and more students at university today are not choosing to study science., why is this happening, what are the effects of this, in the future, people may have to live on other planets. some think that is therefore important to spend money researching other planets such as mars., some old people today struggle with the use of modern technologies such as smartphones and computers., what is the cause of this, some scientists believe that in the future computers will be more intelligence than human beings. while some see this as a positive development others worry about the negative consequences., weddings are getting bigger and more expensive., is it a positive or negative development, some people believe that nowadays we have too many choices. to what extent do you agree or disagree, ielts examiner sample answer from cambridge 13: choice (by dave), 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, ielts examiner sample answer from cambridge 13: society (by dave), many believe that the best way to ensure a happier society is to reduce the difference in income earnings between the rich and poor., ielts writing task 2 sample answer: income inequality, people have historically attempted to achieve a perfect society. however, it is difficult to decide what a perfect society would be like., what would be the most important element of an ideal society, what can normal people do to make society more perfect, ielts writing task 2 sample answer: the ideal/perfect society, online shopping is becoming more common these days., what effect could this have on the environment and the types of jobs required, many people believe that music is just a form of entertainment, whilst others believe that music has a much larger impact on society today., some people believe that smartphones are destroying social interaction today., many people think that zoos are cruel. others think they are helpful in protecting rare animals., in many countries, people throw away a lot of food from restaurants and shops., why do you think people waste food in this way, what can be done to reduce the amount of food thrown away, some people think that it is a waste of money for countries to host big sporting events like the world cup, and that the money would be better spent on other things. however, others think that hosting large sporting events has a clear, positive impact on a country., discuss both these views and give your opinion., ielts writing task 2 sample answer: the world cup and olympics, extreme sports such as sky diving and skiing are very dangerous and should be banned., to what extent do you agree or disagree with this view, ielts writing task 2 sample answer: extreme sports, 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 a negative., some people think that governments should invest mainly in making public transportation faster while other think there are more important priorities (cost, the environment)., ielts examiner sample answer from cambridge 13: transportation (by dave), some people believe that the best way to increase the road safety is to increase the minimum legal age for driving cars., to what extent do you agree or disagree., ielts examiner sample answer from cambridge 13: traffic and road safety (by dave), more and more people in developing countries are purchasing cars for the first time., what problems does this cause, what do you think are the possible solutions, ielts writing task 2 sample answer: problems with purchasing cars, when cars and cyclists use the same roads, there are often problems., why is this the case, the manufacturing and use of cars damages the environment but their popularity is increasing., how could this be controlled, after graduation many students take a year to travel. some think that it would be more useful to work for a year., many people today are choosing to travel to other countries., is this a positive or negative development, some think that students must travel to another country in order to learn its language and customs., nowadays many people choose to be self-employed, rather than to work for a company or organisation., why might this be the case what could be the disadvantages of being self-employed, ielts writing task 2 sample answer: self-employment (ielts cambridge 14), nowadays, entertainers get paid more than politicians., ielts writing task 2 sample answer essay: entertainers & politicians, the job market today is very competitive and it is best to choose a career or field of study early in order to get a good job later in life., ielts writing task 2 sample answer: changing jobs, some people argue that job satisfaction is more important than job security, while others believe that they cannot always expect job satisfaction and a permanent job is more important., when a person spends most of his or her time working a job with little job satisfaction, their life loses meaning., get my exclusive pdf sample answer for this question on patreon., recommended for you.

Recent IELTS Writing Topics and Questions 2024

by Dave | Sample Answers | 342 Comments

Read here all the newest IELTS questions and topics from 2024 and previous years with sample answers/essays. Be sure to check out my ...

Latest IELTS Writing Task 1 2024 (Graphs, Charts, Maps, Processes)

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These are the most recent/latest IELTS Writing Task 1 Task topics and questions starting in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and continuing into 2024. ...

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This is an IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer from IELTS Cambridge 14 about environmental problems effecting plants and animals and it is an interesting question. ...

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thanks for such a great samples. I have a suggestion: If it is appliable, Please make it clear in which category any new essay (you write) fell.

Thank you! I will update my essays by category on that post!

you are the best teacher i have ever seen.

Thanks so much!!!

I want to know about new tips and techniques related to ielts prepration

There’s no such thing as IELTS pronunciation – just pronunciation. I suggest you start by looking at the common problems among speakers in your country. Where are you from, Shakshi?

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

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IELTS Essay Topics for 2021

Below is a list of predicted IELTS essay topics for Writing Task 2 based on topics that have appeared recently, current world events and common topics that frequently appear in IELTS essays. Both GT and Academic IELTS candidates should prepare all topics from this list.

On this page, you will find:

• Tips for Preparing Essays
• Essay Topics 2021 List

Message from Liz

Ielts essay topics – preparing ideas.

• Be aware of the range of possible topics and prepare them all. Be aware of current world issues – IELTS likes to stay up-to-date.
• Prepare strong main ideas for all topics. Main ideas should be ones you can easily explain and develop. 
• Prepare supporting points. These make up the supporting sentences in your body paragraphs. The examiner will mark these carefully.
• Practice planning paragraphing and links. See these pages:   paragraphing and  Linking Words for Essays
• Source ideas in model essays online by google topics. You can find some model essays and free tips on this site. Click here: Free Model Essays etc
• IDEAS E-BOOK. I wrote an e-book covering 150 essay topics with ideas and vocabulary. Get that if you need the help. Visit my store: Liz’s Ideas E-book
• Target 7 and above. If you need more help reaching your goal for IELTS writing, I have Advanced Writing Task 2 Lessons in my online store: Liz’s Store .

Below is a list of predicted IELTS writing task 2 topics for 2021. The predictions are based on recurring essay topics, recent topics and world events which are all important in IELTS essay questions. The topics are not written as full IELTS essay questions, they are written as topics without the instructions. GT and Academic candidates should prepare all topics – even if you don’t get them in Writing Task 2, you might get them in Speaking Part 3. I’ve highlighted interesting essay topics for 2021 that are based on recent world issues that you might struggle with if you don’t prepare for them. Also note, topics change with each test, on one test day there can be a number of essay questions used, and essay topics are often recycled.

• importance of the arts for society
• supporting the arts – government funding 
• theatre and live events
• freedom of speech and freedom of expression
• children learning art 
• museums and galleries – importance
• local business vs international businesses
• supporting local businesses – buying local produce
• business skills – important skills / learning skills
• family run businesses
• buying goods or saving money
• the power of advertising in business
• shopping online
• businesses supporting local communities
• how online communication has changed our lives
• are people becoming more isolated because of only meeting online
• face to face or online communication
• pros and cons of meeting people online
• has the internet brought people closer or not
• how to stop criminals re-offending
• fixed punishment for one crime or not
• children – should parents be punished for their children’s crime
• prison or rehabilitation
• foreign cultures – learning through language, learning by travel, adapting to another culture
• music – importance of music, international music
• fashion – following trends and spending money
• films – should historical films be accurate, learning about culture from films, foreign films, subtitles
• how online media has changed local cultures
• global warming
• solving pollution – internationally or domestically
• major problems and solutions
• importance of nature for our well being
• responsibility for problems – government or individual
• urban nature 
• protecting wild species / endangered species – funding, reasons,
• why people don’t change their life styles to help environmental problems
• air / noise pollution in cities
• putting children into groups based on age or ability
• importance of children reading books (types of books)
• science or art / sciences or music
• how children learn 
• schools providing meals for children
• making lessons more interesting
• importance of science / history / technology in schools
• disadvantages for children from poorer backgrounds
• how to improve education in rural areas
• what age to learn a foreign language
• exams or on-going assessment / project work
• university education – costs, funding, courses
• home schooling / studying from home
• online education
• extra curricular activities
• single parent families
• importance of family for old people
• roles of grandparents
• supporting vulnerable members of the family: elderly, sick
• peer pressure for children
• children growing up in city or countryside
• children with both parents working
• childhood obesity – reasons, solutions
• healthy diet
• vegetarianism
• junk food – problems, solutions
• funding – prevention or cure 
• taking care of sick people – government or family
• funding – health care or other society problems
• good health – exercise or diet
• free health care for everyone
• cosmetic surgery – reasons, value
• mental health – stress, positive mindset, meditation
• lack of housing – building in cities or rural areas
• using space in cities for housing or parks
• funding affordable housing or other problems in society
• living in flats – pros and cons
• importance of hobbies / free time
• leisure time – importance, activities,
• spending time with family and friends
• leadership – innate or learned
• talent – innate or learned
• ambition – pros and cons
• important character traits
• famous world leaders – skills and traits
• family, society or government – taking care of the elderly
• the generation gap
• city living – positive or negative
• people moving to cities – reasons, problems, solution
• spending money on weddings – pros and cons
• respecting older people
• traditions – food, clothing, festivals
• protecting old buildings
• isolation among people in society
• supporting vulnerable people in society – government or community
• roles models in society for children
• ideal society
• online media stars
• reality TV stars
• importance of charities and charity work
• importance of green spaces and urban environment
• exploration – funding, importance
• communicating with other planets
• space travel for common people
• international sporting event – importance
• business sponsoring sporting events – pros and cons
• exercising and health
• children and sport – importance, who is responsible
• indoor sports
• smart phones – pros and cons, functions, limitations
• the internet – pros and cons
• online security (also for children)
• the future of the internet
• e-books – pros and cons, libraries
• children spending too much time online
• plane travel vs train travel
• cars in city centres – pros and cons
• using bicycles rather than cars
• walking – pros and cons
• pros and cons of tourism for rural communities
• tourism and economy
• working mothers
• doing volunteer work / charity work
• work / life balance
• working long hours – pros and cons
• experience or education or skills
• four day working week
• importance of promotion, salary, job satisfaction
• working online – pros and cons
• earning large salaries – films stars, sports people doctors etc
• richer countries should help poorer countries 
• types of international aid
• increasing number of old people
• gap between rich and poor countries
• violence on TV
• tackling world issues domestically or internationally
• news online – reliability of news, sources of news, fake news
• people becoming similar 
• loss of culture (protecting traditions)
• loss of local language (protecting language)
• one language

Sharing your IELTS Writing Task 2 Experience

• Did you get an essay topic you hadn’t prepared for?
• What preparation tips do you have for others?
• How did you manage your time in your writing test?
• What score did you get in your writing test?
• Sharing is caring 🙂 

2021 is our chance to start fresh, to move forward and to build a strong future. Forget your difficult experiences and be proactive about your future. Each positive step forward takes you towards your goal and towards success.  Be focused and strategic in your preparation for IELTS. You can find lots and lots of free lessons, tips, topics, model answers on this website – go to the HOME page to access it all. I wish you all lots of luck !! All the best, Liz 🙂

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I just want to say a big thank you for all you do. It is so kind of you to share your knowledge with us at not cost. I am inspired. God bless you and grant your heart’s desire.

I wrote the test on 30th October. My result just came out on Friday and I scored an average of 8. I appreciate your help in achieving that.

During my speaking test I was asked to talk about a café I had been to. I was to describe it and say what I went there to do.

During my writing Task 2, the question was something like: Some people believe that parents should be able to punish their children when they behave badly. However, others say there should be laws that govern how erring children are corrected. Discuss the two points of view and give your opinion.

Like you say, ‘sharing is caring’. Thanks for leaving me a better person.

Warm regards Nene

Great to see you’ve done so well. Good for you 🙂 Thanks for sharing

Thanks a lot

When children starting school the effect of teachers are more than parents in social and intellectual behaviour of students. To what extent do you agree? This was my topic 2 weeks ago and surprisingly, I got 6, I expected 7. I was in disagreement and give 5 reasons for it in 2 paragraphs.

Should I address social and intellectual in two separate paragraphs or I could explain them together in two paragraphs?

There are a number of points ton consider: 1. if you disagree then your essay must show why you think parents have more effect and why teachers have less effect – you must cover both within your opinion 2. you need to tackle both social and intellectual – you can tackle them together or separately – it depends on your point of view. For example, you might think teacher have a more intellectual effect and parents still have the most social effect 3. you should organise your ideas logically. Usually this means one single central theme per paragraph. If you had five main ideas – how can you have only two body paragraphs? When you brainstorm ideas – make a list of all the ideas you can think of and then choose the best to use. You don’t need to use all of them. Choose just two or three and organise them into separate body paragraphs

The three points above are just an example of things to consider for this essay and exemplify why you might have got a lower score than expected.

Just to share the question I got for my IELTS exam today. The words below are based on my memory.

The number of tall buildings in cities is increasing.

What are the reasons?

Is this a positive or negative development?

Share examples from your experience.

Hi Liz! Thank you so much for your site and great lessons. I bought your advanced writing classes and they were so helpful. I am a mom, working a full time job, and looking to apply for postgraduate study overseas. I barely had time to practice, but I do believe your website, tips and classes made an impact in my score. I got an 8.5 overall and 7.5 in the Writing section. Thank you for sharing your knowledge! Also, I wrote down the Writing Task 2 – Essay Question to share it with you and your students (I took the IELTS Academic on August 2021, quite recently).

Topic: In both studying and working, there are people that work harder than others. What makes people work hard? Is it a good thing to be a hard working person?

A great score – very well done 🙂 I’m glad you found my website useful 🙂

Cleared my exam and got my desired scores on the first attempt thanks to this site, Thank you so much Liz, all the best!

Great to hear!! Well done 🙂

Could you check and give me a score Task 2 The expansion of multinational companies and increase in globalization produces positive effects to everyone. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement. In this contemporary world, Change is the law of nature but trying to abolish the natural arena is discomforting and disturbing. The overruling of multinational companies and firms and the sudden rise of globalization have led to many problems in human lives. So I partially disagree with the above notation.

To begin with, the building of new projects and the tech companies have greatly affected the vegetation grounds and most parts of the cities such as residential colonies are taken also away to form new offices. Deforestation has led to major pollution in the cities as well. Another factor that has been affected due to this is the weather conditions of the country. The rainfall patterns which were fixed in the older days are not disturbed due to global warming. Besides that, even the summers are unbearable due to the rise of temperature up to 40 degrees Celsius and all these are the results of modernization.

Some people may disagree with me due to the fact that this new tech world has given them the opportunity to get good jobs and a lifestyle but at the same time, life is not all about getting rich.

To conclude, many factors have impacted the current situation of the world such as erosion of vegetation lands, pollution due to global warming, deforestation and all this is due to the expansion of cities and factories so people need to slow down their speed to save our future kids.

Hi! I got the band score I needed. Thank you so much for this site. I’ve learned a lot from you, guys!

Anyway, let me share the question I encountered last October 2020. “Some people believe that History subject should not be taught anymore because it is already old and outdated. Others think that it should still be kept. To what extent do you agree/disagree?”

I apologize as these were not the exact words, but they delivered the same thought.

Good luck to everyone who’s about to take the exam. 🙂

Recently i gave my IELTS exam and i got 5.5 band in writing. It wasn’t the score i expected but my writing task 2 topic was very tricky. It was to mention drawbacks of the same thing shown by films, ads, brands and tv channels over the years on people’s mind. But they aren’t the same they have changed and their content has changed drastically. This question was really contradictory and tricky. Reply mam if possible. Regards

Can you remember the essay question more clearly? It’s quite vague. I would need to see a more accurate recording of the question to comment.

Hi Madam, Can you please help me with the tricks to differentiate the Opinion and Non-opinion Essays, which don’t have the ‘Do you agree or Disagree’ keywords? My doubt is with the question of having the keywords like: 1. Question X, Discuss both the views and give your opinion? 2.Question X, Discuss both the views? 3.Question X, Do you think the advantage outweigh the disadvantages? 4.Question X, Does this development bring more advantages or disadvantages? Example: Many things that used to be done in the home by hands are now being done by machines. Does this development bring more advantages or disadvantages?

I’ve already written a page about this. Here is a link to the main Writing Task 2 section of the website and you’ll find this mentioned in a link: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-2/

hi liz, i really need your help regarding this question task 2.”Countries around the world will be facing significant challenges relating not only to the environment but population and education as well. What problems will your country face in the next ten years? How can these problems be overcome? im having problem paraphrasing this question for my background statement. i hope you can help me. thank you!

regards, jnet

Where did you get this question from? Was it from official sources? It doesn’t look like an official IELTS essay. The background statement does not include paraphrase the question for this essay question. You only paraphrase the first sentence:

Many countries worldwide might struggle in tackling issues such as environmental problems, education and population growth.

As you can see, when you paraphrase, you do NOT need to change all words. Just express the same ideas your own way and some words will be the same.

Hello everyone ,

I am going to give the exam of IELTS on 21 st Jan , so i am little bit confuse in choosing the topic for the writing task 2 , so can anyone help out with that , which topics can be used and what can i read it

You don’t choose the topic. You are given an essay question which you must answer. This means you need to prepare ideas for many topics. This can’t be done in one day. Instead, read over the topics are you not familiar with and do quick brainstorms.

Thank you Liz for your guidance. I got desrired results by following your lessons. I got overall band with 9 in both listening & reading. I had my GT IELTS exam on 9th Jan 2021.

My writing task 2 topic – Some people think that hard work helps in achieving Financial success while others think it is not the only thing which contributes to financial success. I was asked to discuss both of them & give my opinion.

Great scores – well done 🙂

Thank you Ma’am Liz! I’m glad that I found your website as I searched about IELTS. Its really a big help to me during this pandemic as I studied your lessons. Thank you so much for your generosity, I’ve got my desired band score. May you continue to be a blessing to everyone. I hope that your health will improve better. Take care always and God bless!

So glad to hear you’ve got the scores you needed – well done 🙂

Dear mam, I am a general training aspirant. I am practicing writing task 2. I am uncertain of how good i am while writing essay. I request you to please review my essay and tell me how much band will i score writing this way.

Ques. Today, high sales of popular consumer goods reflect the power of advertising and not the real needs of the society in which they are sold. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Ans. Effective marketing plays a major role in increasing the demand of the product. On account of this , vast scale selling of famous products is the result of efficient marketing and not requirement of the public. This essay will attempt to objectively examine all significant components in detail. (47 words)

Objectivity being of the essence, the following words will weigh one side of the issue against the other. In my opinion, right form of marketing makes us trust specific brands. On the other hand , i feel that everything that glitters is not gold. The following two paragraphs will delve effectively into both aspects. (54 words)

First, advertisements make us know about the products in demand sitting at home that tends to increase sales. Second well advertised brands are often topic of discussions among our acquaintances and that creates virtual impression of specific goods on our minds. To substantiate the above. highly marketed brands like Patanjali have become extremely popular amongst middle and upper class. They have made a huge network in a very short span of time. (72 words)

However, many popular brands that are advertised well are of no good use and creates hoax among public. Furthermore, many trusted companies are making business without much marketing only because they are fulfilling the needfulness of people by selling genuine products. To corroborate what has just been stated , brands like Mother dairy and Amul still hold their positions well even after introduction of many popular well marketed dairy firms. ( 70 words)

In light of above, it is true that proper advertising plays a distinct role in producing sales. Still i believe that fulfillment of public needs is equally important for successful vending. Bringing this essay to a close, there are at least two ways to examine any situation. In this instance, i disagree to the statement given. (56 words)

(total- 296 words)

Happy new year Liz. Hope you are much stronger now? I pray you have a quick recovery. I had my exam last year September. In my speaking, especially in part one, my examiner always cut me short, she never gave me time to add a conditional in my responses. Although I got a 6.5 band score, could it have equally affected my score in addition to my other mistakes.

It is 100% normal for your answers to be cut short. The examiner will interrupt when they want to ask another question. There are only 4-5 mins for 12 questions to be asked and answered in part 1. Take this into consideration when you answer. Give a direct answer and then add a little more until the examiner interrupts. Be ready for this and don’t let it affect your confidence. You must show willingness to speak at length – show as much fluency as you can. You haven’t asked me a question in your comment. But if you are asking if this is the reason for a lower score, the answer is “no”. Being interrupted is a natural part of IELTS speaking test.

Hi Liz, I follow your lessons since 2017. You have helped me crack Ielts 3 times already. Last time my score was overall 8.5 band with 9 in both listening and speaking. Hoping a good one this time too! Happy new year 🎉

Brilliant to hear – very well done 🙂 Wishing you a great 2021 !!

Thanks a lot ma’am Your effort for helping and guiding us is much more than excellent. Each and every module is explained in a very easy as well as much from point to point Today 9th January 2021 I have my IELTS Academic Exam I am from India Pray for me I have learned much from your offerings Thank you LIZ ☺️☺️ Love from INDIA

Hi Liz, hope and pray you’re doing well and in good health. Have a blessed New Year and more blessings to come throughout the year 2021. Thank you so much of your untiring effort to guide and teach us for our IELTS test preparation. I might take IELTS-GT test next month. To be honest, I am not very good with speaking in English yet I found your website very helpful. Your teaching was really inspiring, easy to understand tremendously and guiding us accordingly. My goal is to reach 6 band at least. Help me God. Take care and keep safe. God bless you relentlessly.

I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you 🙂

Your book IELTS writing topics is really brilliant!!

I am having my exam next week, hopefully, I will get my desired score

Good luck!! 🙂

Happy new year Liz.. and thank you so much for these materials. 😊

Wishing you all the best for 2021 🙂

Thanks for all your loyal support Liz! I wish you a very happy New Year and speedy recovery.

Thanks. I hope 2021 turns out to be a year of positive change 🙂

Have a mind-blowing new year liz

Happy New Year Liz

Same to you 🙂

thanks Liz. . . .

Hi Liz Im one of your followers and Found out that you have a good information in regards to ielts. I’m planning to take my ielts and I’m encouraged with the comments I read. I’m a nurse by profession but I need to take the band score intended in order for me to practice nurse in the uk. And I know you will be of great help.

Lots of luck! Go to the HOME page of this site to learn how to access all materials.

Thank you so much Liz for your effort! Happy New year

Happy 2021 🙂

Thank you Liz for your part. I got the desired result. I feel very happy to express my gratitude to all the people who had contributed, helped and encouraged me to get good band score. Thank you everyone. I got 7 5 overall with 8.5 in reading which I think is a great achievement in IELTS Academic. A little unhappy with my speaking score, if you can, please suggest something to improve my speaking. Regards

Great to hear your scores. Well done 🙂 For speaking, your score is based only on your language skills which is different to how the writing test is scored. See this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-band-scores/ and this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-2-band-scores-5-to-8/ . The key is to showcase your language in a natural way. For example, did you show the examiner a second conditional during the test? If not, why not? Your task is to show your range and this includes grammar which is equally as important as vocabulary. If the question isn’t a direct prompting for a second conditional, you can just add one yourself. Here’s an example: Part 1 Q: Do you often go swimming? Answer: No, I don’t. I don’t really have much time because of my work so I can only go swimming once in a while. But if I had more time, I’d definitely go swimming at least twice a week.

As you can see, the question was straight forward, but the answer showcased a direct use of the present simple with a flexible time phrase and a second conditional statement. These are the skills the examiner is looking for. The other thing to consider is developing your fluency in part 2. Take your talk beyond the prompts and take control of your talk. This is the time to think about what language to showcase and how to incorporate that. You have 1 min to plan this. So, prepare loads of ideas for topics before the test and then during part 2 you can prepare language to showcase for your talk during that prep time. Success in IELTS is about having and showing excellent use of English in a natural way. But, as with most exams, there are strategies to learn and techniques to help you present the best of yourself. I hope this helps 🙂

Thank you Liz, you are such a nice person apart from a wonderful coach, I think world needs more angels like you , STAY BLESSED ALWAYS

Happy New Year Liz, I hope your health is in great spirits.

You are the best and Fabulous teacher, Lots of prayers and Love 🙂

Wishing you all the best for 2021 !! 🙂

Thanks alot liz for these stuff

You’re welcome 🙂

I did my exam on 12-12 and because of you I got the score that I wanted! It was my first attempt and I only studied from your website 😍 Can’t thank you enough Liz.

My Ielts writing task 2 topic was : Some people think that a good teamwork makes a company successful, other think that a good leadership is the reason behind the success of a company.

I was asked to discuss both of them and share my opinion.

So glad to hear you did well. Congratulations. The topic of Business is a common one in IELTS Writing Task 2, particularly what leads to success in business. Sometimes it might relate to key aspects of business such as marketing and advertising vs good product. Sometimes its about staff or character traits. This is the reason it’s so important to prepare as many ideas as possible for as many topics. Anyway, well done with your results 🙂

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

• Updated on  
• Jan 11, 2024

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

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

This Blog Includes:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

73. Fewer young people play sports these days.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Types of IELTS Essays

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

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

Sample Questions:

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

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

Sample Questions: 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The scoring range of IELTS writing is 0-9. 

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

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

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

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

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

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IELTS 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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IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay: Topics, Samples and Tips to Score Band 9!

Are you aiming for excellence in your IELTS Writing? Do you dream of achieving that elusive band 9 score? Look no further! In this blog, we will embark on a journey of transforming your essay writing skills from good to great. Scoring a band 9 in the IELTS Writing module requires not only a strong command of language but also a deep understanding of the assessment criteria and effective writing strategies.

Whether you're a beginner looking to improve or an experienced test-taker seeking that extra edge, this guide will provide you with valuable insights, practical tips, and real examples to help you unlock the secrets of achieving a band 9 in your IELTS essays. So, let's delve into the world of high-scoring IELTS Writing essays and discover how to take your writing prowess to new heights!

IELTS Writing test syllabus, exam pattern, and duration

Duration: 60 minutes

Writing – Academic

The Academic version of the Writing component consists of two tasks, each addressing topics of broad relevance and suitability for individuals entering undergraduate or postgraduate studies, or those seeking professional registration.

Writing – General Training

The General Training version of the Writing component comprises two tasks that revolve around topics of general interest, designed to assess candidates' ability to communicate effectively in common real-life situations.

IELTS Writing task 2 essay writing – Step-by-step guide for scoring a band 9

Here's a step-by-step guide to the IELTS Writing Task 2 :

Step 1: Understand the task requirements

Carefully read and comprehend the task prompt

Identify the type of essay you are required to write, such as opinion, discussion, or problem-solution

Take note of any specific instructions, word limits, or key points to address

Step 2: Plan and organise your ideas

Spend a few minutes brainstorming and generating ideas related to the task.

Create a clear and coherent outline that includes an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

Organise your ideas logically and decide on the main points for each paragraph.

Step 3: Write an engaging introduction

Begin your essay with a captivating opening sentence that grabs the reader's attention

Provide some background information or context related to the topic

State your thesis or main argument clearly, which will guide the rest of your essay

Step 4: Develop coherent body paragraphs

Commence each body paragraph with a topic sentence that presents the primary concept

Support your ideas with relevant examples, facts, or evidence

Ensure smooth transitions between paragraphs to maintain coherence and flow

Step 5: Showcase language skills and vocabulary

Employ an extensive array of vocabulary and grammatical structures

Demonstrate your ability to express ideas accurately and precisely

Show awareness of cohesive devices, such as linking words and phrases

Step 6: Conclude effectively

Provide a concise summary of the key points addressed in the body paragraphs

Restate your thesis and provide a concise closing statement

Leave the reader with a lasting impression or a thought-provoking question

Step 7: Revise and edit

Allocate time to review your essay for any grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, or typos

Check the coherence and coherence of your ideas and arguments

Make necessary revisions to improve clarity, coherence, and overall quality

Step 8: Practice time management

Allocate the appropriate amount of time for each task (Task 1 and Task 2)

Practice writing essays within the given time limit to build speed and efficiency

Monitor your progress and adjust your writing speed accordingly

Step 9: Seek feedback and continuous improvement

Share your essays with a teacher, tutor, or native English speaker for feedback

Identify areas for improvement and focus on enhancing those skills

Regularly practice writing essays to refine your technique and boost your confidence

By following these step-by-step guidelines and consistently practicing, you can improve your IELTS Writing Task performance and work towards achieving your desired band score. Remember, practice and perseverance are key to success in the IELTS Writing module. Good luck!

IELTS Writing Task 2 sample essays to achieve a band score of 9

Here are a few IELTS essay samples for band 9 that demonstrate a high level of language proficiency and can help you understand how to score a band 9. Please note that these are samples for your reference and should not be copied/used as they are presented below:

IELTS Writing Task 2 essay topic: Advantages and disadvantages of technology in education

Introduction: In recent years, technology has revolutionised the education sector, providing both benefits and drawbacks. This essay will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of incorporating technology into education and argue that the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.

Body Paragraph 1 (Advantages): One major advantage of technology in education is enhanced learning opportunities. With the help of interactive multimedia tools, students can access a vast range of information and resources, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of complex concepts. Additionally, technology promotes student engagement and active learning, as it enables personalised and interactive teaching methods.

Body Paragraph 2 (Disadvantages) : Despite the numerous advantages, there are some disadvantages to using technology in education. Firstly, excessive reliance on technology may lead to a decrease in face-to-face interaction and hinder the development of crucial social skills. Moreover, the availability of inaccurate or biased information on the internet can pose a challenge in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of sources used for academic purposes.

Body Paragraph 3 (Benefits outweigh drawbacks) : However, the benefits of technology in education far outweigh the drawbacks. By incorporating technology, educational institutions can bridge the gap between traditional teaching methods and the digital world, preparing students for future careers that heavily rely on technological literacy. Furthermore, technology can facilitate distance learning, reaching students who are geographically isolated or have limited access to educational resources.

Conclusion: In conclusion, technology has transformed education by offering enhanced learning opportunities and promoting student engagement. While there are some disadvantages associated with technology, the benefits of incorporating it into education outweigh the drawbacks. It is crucial for educators to strike a balance between traditional teaching methods and technology to maximize the potential of both.

IELTS Writing Task 2 essay topic: Effects of global warming on the environment

Introduction : Global warming, caused primarily by human activities, has become a pressing issue with far-reaching consequences for the environment. This essay will explore the effects of global warming on the environment and argue that urgent action is required to mitigate its detrimental impacts.

Body Paragraph 1 (Rise in temperatures) : One of the most significant effects of global warming is the rise in temperatures worldwide. This leads to the melting of polar ice caps and glaciers, resulting in sea-level rise and an increased frequency of extreme weather events such as hurricanes and heat waves. Moreover, higher temperatures disrupt ecosystems, endangering various plant and animal species.

Body Paragraph 2 (Loss of biodiversity) : Global warming poses a significant threat to biodiversity. As temperatures increase, many species struggle to adapt or migrate to more suitable habitats, leading to their decline or extinction. The loss of biodiversity has severe consequences for ecosystem stability, as each species plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance.

Body Paragraph 3 (Environmental degradation) : Another consequence of global warming is environmental degradation. Rising temperatures contribute to the acidification of oceans, damaging coral reefs and marine ecosystems. Additionally, increased carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere lead to oceanic dead zones, negatively impacting marine life. Deforestation, driven by the need for resources and land for agriculture, exacerbates global warming by reducing the Earth's capacity to absorb carbon dioxide.

In conclusion, global warming has profound effects on the environment, including rising temperatures, loss of biodiversity, and environmental degradation. Immediate and concerted efforts are necessary to address this issue, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting sustainable practices, and preserving natural habitats. Only through collective action can we mitigate the impacts of global warming and protect our planet for future generations.

These sample essays showcase the structure, vocabulary, and coherence necessary to achieve a band 9 score. Remember to practice writing within the time constraints of the IELTS test (40 minutes for the writing section).

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Common IELTS Writing Task 2 topics

On this page, environment, government spending.

Topics covered

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

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

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

Do you agree with this view? Give your opinion.

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

Do you agree or disagree with this statement?

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

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

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

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

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

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

What are the reasons?

What can be done to encourage them to exercise more?

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

Discuss your viewpoint on this issue.

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

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

Discuss both points of view and give your opinion.

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

What causes water pollution?

How can we prevent this problem?

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

Governments should lower budgets for arts in order to allocate more money to education.

Do you agree with this view?

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

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

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

To what extent do you agree?

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

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

Read the news

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

Develop common vocabulary for each topic

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

Practice writing about these topics

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

Know these topics in different essay types

When you look at Task 2 questions, think about all essay types because you never know what kind of essay you are going to have to write on the IELTS test. If you read a topic about sports, think about your opinion, how you would discuss both views, what are the advantages and disadvantages of differing views, any problems or solutions associated with the topic, etc. Following this advice will help you understand how you would answer any type of essay question and aid in your success with writing Task 2.

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IELTS General Training Writing: Practice Questions & Tips

Updated on Jun 26, 2024, 14:46

The IELTS Writing section is 60 minutes long and consists of two tasks.

Task 1 for IELTS General Writing is different from Task 1 for IELTS Academic Writing

The format of the test varies based on the type of IELTS exam you take: Paper-Based Test and Computer-Delivered Test 

On this page

1. IELTS General Writing Pattern

IELTS Writing comprises two tasks. You can use a semi-formal or conversational writing style for the IELTS General Writing test in both tasks. 

2. IELTS General Writing Test

The topics chosen in the IELTS General Training Writing test are generally of broad appeal and relevance.

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IELTS General Writing Pattern

Also, Task 2 is worth twice as much as Task 1.  

The table below shows the IELTS Writing Pattern for a better understanding:

Here is what the tasks look like:  

• Task 1: Write a letter
• Task 2:  Compose a complete essay 

Some of the key points to understand the scoring criteria for IELTS General Writing are:

• Coherence and Cohesion: Organise your ideas logically and clearly with paragraph structure. Use linking words to connect different ideas and create a smooth flow of information. 
• Task Achievement:  Completely and accurately address all parts of the task, provide relevant details, and ensure that you fulfil the task's requirements. 
• Lexical Resource: Use a wide range of vocabulary appropriately. Aim for accuracy and variety in your word choice to express your ideas effectively. 
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy : Demonstrate your correct use of different grammatical structures. Aim for precision in your use of grammar to convey your message clearly.

Learn more about the upcoming  IELTS Dates !

IELTS General Writing Test

The topics chosen in the IELTS General Training Writing test are generally of broad appeal and relevance.   

In  Task 1 , you'll encounter a scenario and must compose a letter requesting information or explaining a particular situation. Depending on the context, you can craft the letter in a personal, semi-formal, or formal style.  The topics in task 1 include writing to a friend, a business, or an official body  

Wondering what is unique in IELTS Academic Writing test? Click here   

For Example:  

• Write a letter to a friend inviting them to an event.
• Write a letter to a company complaining about a faulty product.  

In  Task 2 , you'll be tasked with writing an essay in response to a given point of view, argument, or problem. Here, you have the leeway to adopt a somewhat personal style in your writing.

• Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of living in a large city.
• Do you agree or disagree with the statement that online learning is more effective than traditional classroom learning?

You will be asked to write at least 150 words for Task 1 and at least 250 words for Task 2. A certificated IELTS examiner will mark your IELTS Writing test. Task 2 is worth twice as much as Task 1 in the IELTS Writing test.  

Here's a quick look at IELTS General Writing:

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Q. How do you get an 8 in IELTS general writing?

Ans. To achieve an 8 in IELTS General Writing, it's essential to demonstrate high proficiency in grammar, vocabulary, and coherence. Focus on clearly addressing the task, organising your ideas logically, and using a wide range of vocabulary and sentence structures. Additionally, pay attention to accurate punctuation and spelling. 

Q. What is the format of the IELTS General Writing test?

Ans. The IELTS General Writing test consists of two tasks:

• Task 1: You are required to write a letter (formal, semi-formal, or informal) based on a given situation. You should write at least 150 words.
• Task 2: You need to write an essay in response to a point of view, argument, or problem. You should write at least 250 words.

Q. How much time is allocated for the IELTS General Writing test?

Ans.  You have a total of 60 minutes to complete both tasks:

• Task 1: Recommended time is 20 minutes.
• Task 2: Recommended time is 40 minutes.

Q. Are there any penalties for spelling and grammar mistakes?

Ans. Yes, spelling and grammar mistakes can affect your scores for Lexical Resource and Grammatical Range and Accuracy. It's important to proofread your work if you have time.

Preparing thoroughly for the IELTS General Writing test involves understanding the test format, practising regularly, and getting constructive feedback to improve your writing skills.

Q. What types of letters are included in Task 1?

Ans. In Task 1, you may be asked to write one of the following types of letters:

• Formal Letter: Written to someone you don't know personally, such as a manager, official, or company.
• Semi-formal Letter: Written to someone you may know but in a professional or official context.
• Informal Letter: Written to someone you know well, like a friend or family member.

Q. How is the IELTS General Writing test scored?

Ans. The writing test is scored based on four criteria:

• Task Achievement/Response: How well you fulfil the requirements of the task.
• Coherence and Cohesion: How logically your ideas are organised and connected.
• Lexical Resource: The range and accuracy of your vocabulary.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The range and accuracy of your grammar and sentence structures.

Each of these criteria is scored on a band scale from 0 to 9, and then an average score is calculated.

Q. Can I use bullet points in my answers?

Ans. No, you should write your answers in full sentences and paragraphs. Bullet points are not appropriate for the writing tasks  

Q. How can I practice for the IELTS General Writing test?

Ans.  The ways you can prepare for the IELTS General Writing test are:

• Understand the format: Familiarize yourself with the test format and types of tasks.
• Practice writing: Write letters and essays on various topics within the given time limits.
• Get feedback: Have your writing assessed by a teacher or an IELTS tutor to understand your strengths and areas for improvement.
• Study model answers: Review high-scoring sample answers to understand what is expected.

Q. What topics are covered in Task 2?

Ans. Task 2 topics are broad and can cover a range of issues, such as:

• Social issues (e.g., ageing population, pollution)
• Education (e.g., value of higher education)
• Health (e.g., the importance of a balanced diet)
• Technology (e.g., the impact of the Internet)
• Work (e.g., job satisfaction)

Q. What are common mistakes to avoid in the IELTS General Writing test?

Ans.  Some of the common mistakes to avoid in the IELTS General Writing test are:

• Not addressing all parts of the task: Make sure you answer all parts of the question.
• Going off-topic: Stay focused on the topic given in the prompt.
• Writing too few words: Ensure you write at least 150 words for Task 1 and 250 words for Task 2.
• Poor time management: Allocate your time wisely between the two tasks.
• Ignoring structure: Use proper paragraphing and ensure your writing has a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.

Q. What should I do if I run out of time?

Ans. If you run out of time, try to conclude your essay quickly. A short conclusion is better than none. However, practice time management during your preparation to avoid this situation.

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IELTS test in Canada – June 2024 (General Training)

• Recent IELTS exams

Our kind student D.G. took IELTS in Canada very recently and remembered the writing questions below:

Writing test

Writing task 1 (a letter)

You are scheduled to give a presentation at an organisation. Write a letter to the organisation to discuss the preparations you need to have in place before your arrival. In your letter:

– Introduce yourself and explain the purpose of your presentation. – Describe any specific equipment or materials you will need. – Request any additional information or arrangements to be made prior to your arrival.

Writing task 2 (an essay)

Some people say that the academic success of students depends on the quality of their teachers. Others think it depends on the personal commitment and attitude of the students.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

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

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