Writing Test
Task 2 Questions
WRITING
In IELTS Writing Task 2, you'll have approximately 40 minutes to write an essay of minimum 250 words. The questions generally ask for your opinion on one or two points of view. Below you'll find examples of questions on some 50 topics that could appear in the IELTS test. For more information on answering IELTS Writing Task 2 questions, and practice exercises and activities go here. For model answers to the questions below go here.
Practice IELTS Writing Task 2 Questions by Topic:
1. Outdoor Activities
Some people think that outdoor activities are more beneficial for children’s development than playing computer games.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
2. Restaurants
Some people prefer to eat at restaurants, whereas others prefer to eat home-made food.
Which do you prefer?
3. Family
It is generally agreed that family relationships are not as close as they were in the past.
Explain why you think this has happened and suggest how family relationships could be made closer.
4. Appearance
Some people believe that you should judge others on their appearance, while others think that appearance is not important.
What is your opinion?
5. Driving & Traffic
Some people believe that governments should invest more in trains, while others argue that it is more important to improve the roads.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
6. Money
Some people believe that money is the most important factor in achieving happiness.
Do you agree or disagree?
7. Sport
Schools should focus on academic subjects and stop teaching physical education.
To what extent do you agree?
8. Personality
Some people argue that we are born with a fixed personality while others argue that we develop our personality because of our experiences.
What do you think is the most important factor?
9. Extreme Experiences
Some people enjoy holidays which include many exciting activities, while others prefer a relaxing holiday by the beach.
Which do you think is better?
10. Hopes & Dreams
Some people work very hard to make their dreams come true, while others are happy with what they already have.
Do you think people should chase their dreams?
11. Childhood
Children these days spend too much time studying and don’t spend enough time having fun.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
12. Environmental Problems
Some countries are making serious efforts to reduce global warming.
Do you believe that all countries should do the same?
13. Business
As well as making money, businesses also have social responsibilities.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
14. Mobiles
Some people think that mobile phones should be banned in public places like libraries, shops and on public transport.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
15. Good Manners
People are often less polite these days than they were in the past.
What are the reasons for this?
How can this problem be fixed?
16. Hometown
What are the advantages and disadvantages of raising children in a small town?
17. Studying
In some countries university education is provided free of charge to students while in others students are required to pay large fees.
In your opinion, is it better to charge students for higher education?
18. Home
In some countries people prefer to rent accommodation while in others people prefer to buy their home.
In your opinion, is it better to rent or own your home?
19. Celebrations
Some people think we should make children take part in traditional festivals and celebrations.
Do you agree?
20. Work
Unemployment is often a serious problem in societies.
What are the causes of unemployment?
What solutions are there to this problem?
21. Leisure Time
Some people argue that it is better to earn less money but have more free time.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
22. Helping Others
It is impossible to help all the people in the world that need help, so we should only be concerned with helping those in our own communities and countries.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
23. Clothes
In the past people had to follow strict rules about the clothes they could wear at work. These days, in many places these rules have become more relaxed
Is this a positive or negative development?
24. The Weather
Some people think that we should not try to prevent climate change, but instead we should find a way to adapt to it.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
25. Technology
Some people argue that technology has made our lives more difficult and that it is better to live with less technology.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
26. Happiness
What factors are most important in achieving happiness?
27. Neighbours
Generally, people do not have such close relationships with their neighbours as they did in the past.
What are the causes of this?
What can be done to improve the relationships between neighbours?
28. The News
Some people think that newspapers are the best way to learn news. However, others believe that it is better to get the news from other media.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
29. Pets
Some people believe that keeping pets is good for children while others believe it is dangerous and unhealthy.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
30. Describing People
What are the most important qualities of a good leader?
Can these qualities be taught or are they innate?
31. Mistakes
Some people believe it is more important to avoid mistakes while others think that you can learn from them.
What is your opinion?
32. Buying & Selling
These days, in most countries it is possible to buy products made in other countries.
To what extent do the benefits of this development outweigh the problems?
33. Hotels
Some people think that staying in hotels is not a good way to get to know about a country or its people.
What is your opinion?
34. Behaviour & Attitudes
Some people believe that it is very important to spend time helping others in the community.
To what extent do you agree?
35. Daily Routine
Some people prefer to spend their lives doing the same things and avoiding change. Others, however, think that change is always a good thing.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
36. Getting Ill
Some people think it is more important for the government to spend public money on promoting a healthy lifestyle in order to prevent illness than to spend it on the treatment of people who are already ill.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
37. Dealing with Problems
In today's fast-paced society, people often experience high levels of stress and anxiety.
What do you think are the causes of this problem, and what solutions can you suggest to address it?
38. Parks & Gardens
Some people believe that public parks play an important role in a city, while others argue that they are a waste of taxpayer money.
Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
39. Books
Some people believe that people who read books can develop more imagination and language skills than those who prefer to watch TV.
Do you agree or disagree?
40. Diets & Eating Habits
An increasing number of children are overweight which could result in many problems when they grow older, both in terms of their health and healthcare costs.
Why do you think so many children are overweight?
What could be done to solve this problem?
41. Advice & Decisions
Some people argue that holding public referendums is the best way for governments to make important political decisions.
To what extent do you agree?
42. Cooking
Many people say that cooking and eating at home is better for the individual and the family than eating out in restaurants.
Do you agree or disagree?
43. Music
People listen to music for different reasons and at different times.
Why is music important for many people?
44. Shopping
Nowadays many people go shopping in their free time. Shopping has replaced many other activities that people used to choose as their hobby.
What are the reasons for this?
Is this a positive or negative development?
45. Photography
With the widespread availability of digital cameras and smartphones, photography has become more accessible than ever before.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of this trend?
46. School
In most countries children go to school at age 7, while in other countries children are forced to go to school earlier.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of starting school early and what is your opinion?
47. Gifts
Some people believe that traditional celebrations such as Christmas or New Year’s have become too commercial.
To what extent do you agree?
48. Parties
It has become common to spend large amounts of money on parties to celebrate events such as birthdays and weddings.
Is this a positive or negative development?
49. Art
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.
50. Celebrities
Nowadays celebrities are more famous for their glamour and wealth than for their achievements, and this sets a bad example to young people.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Read the question very carefully
Make sure you understand exactly what the question is asking. Pay attention to all keywords. If you miss an important part of the question, your Task Achievement band will be much lower.
Understand the question type
Some IELTS questions ask you to describe both the advantages and disadvantages of something, while others ask for only your opinion. Some ask you to describe a problem and solution, and others ask two separate questions. Pay attention to exactly what the question asks, so that you can answer correctly.
Plan your answer
Spend a few minutes planning your main ideas and sub-ideas (ideas to develop your main ideas). This will really help you produce a coherent and cohesive essay.
Simple essay ideas are best!
Remember that this is an English test, not a university thesis. The ideas you use to answer the question do not need to be interesting or clever. But, they must be relevant, and you must develop and extend them. Simple ideas are usually best!
Make your opinion very clear
If the question asks for your opinion, give it in the introduction and conclusion paragraphs. Make sure your opinion is clear and is the same in all parts of your essay.
Good topic sentences
Good topic sentences help you score highly for Task Achievement. Each body paragraph in your essay should begin with a topic sentence which clearly says what the main idea of the paragraph is.
Don’t list ideas
To get a high IELTS band you must extend and support your ideas, so don’t just list ideas. Always give reasons, examples and explanations to support every idea you introduce in your essay.
Do use paragraphs
Your IELTS essay should have 4 or 5 paragraphs. An introduction, 2 or 3 body paragraphs and a conclusion.
Use compound and complex sentences
Compound sentences use conjunctions like but/ and/ or/ so to connect two clauses. Complex sentences connect clauses using subordinating conjunctions such as because/ although/ since/ when/ while to connect two clauses. You can also use relative pronouns such as that/ which/ who/ whose. Using compound and complex sentences will raise your band for grammatical range.
Don’t use “advanced” words for no reason
In IELTS you will get a high band in Lexical Resource if you use a wide range of vocabulary, including lots of context specific words (related to the topic). If you use unusual words and expressions which aren’t appropriate for the context, you won’t do so well.
Don’t forget the conclusion
You should always have a conclusion paragraph. Summarise your essay’s main ideas, and if required by the writing task, give your opinion.