Key points
- Task 2 is an essay of at least 250 words in about 40 minutes, and it counts for twice as much as Task 1.
- Questions keep coming back to about ten themes, from education and technology to crime and the environment.
- Work out the essay type first: opinion, discussion, advantages and disadvantages, problem and solution, or a two-part question.
- Spend five minutes planning a clear position, two main ideas and an example for each.
IELTS Writing Task 2 questions can be about almost anything, but they are far more predictable than they look. The same themes appear again and again: education, technology, work, the environment, health and the way society is changing.
This page gives you 100 practice questions grouped by theme, each marked with its essay type, so you can practise the topics that matter most. You will also learn how to recognise the five types of question and a simple five-minute plan that works for all of them.
How IELTS Writing Task 2 works
- Length: at least 250 words. Shorter essays lose marks.
- Time: about 40 minutes of the 60-minute Writing test. Task 2 is worth twice as much as Task 1, so give it the time it needs.
- Task: write a formal essay that answers a question about a general topic. You don't need specialist knowledge, just clear ideas and good examples.
- Format: IELTS is now taken on computer in most countries, so you type your essay. Some test centres also offer “Writing on Paper”, where you handwrite your answers (not for IELTS for UKVI). Either way, you get paper to plan on.
- Marking: four equally weighted criteria: Task Response, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource (vocabulary) and Grammatical Range and Accuracy.
Task 2 is the same in the Academic and General Training tests. General Training topics are sometimes a little more everyday, but the themes overlap a lot.
The 5 types of Task 2 question
The last line of the question tells you what kind of essay to write. Missing it is the most common reason for a low Task Response score.
| Type | How the question usually ends | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Opinion | To what extent do you agree or disagree? / Is this a positive or negative development? | Give a clear position in the introduction and keep it the same to the end. |
| Discussion | Discuss both these views and give your own opinion. | One paragraph for each view, and say which you agree with (in the introduction and conclusion). |
| Advantages and disadvantages | What are the advantages and disadvantages? / Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages? | Cover both sides; if the question asks whether one outweighs the other, say which and why. |
| Problem and solution | What problems does this cause? What can be done to solve them? | Explain one or two causes or problems, then a realistic solution for each. |
| Two-part question | Two direct questions, e.g. Why is this happening? Is it a positive development? | Answer both questions fully, usually one body paragraph for each. |
Opinion questions are the most common type. Our opinion essay guide shows how to plan and write one, with a full model essay.
100 IELTS Writing Task 2 practice questions by theme
These questions are written in the style of the real test and cover the themes that come up most often. The label after each one shows its essay type.
Education (10 questions)
- 1.Some people think university education should be free for everyone. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Opinion
- 2.Some believe children should start school at the age of four, while others think seven is better. Discuss both views and give your opinion. Discussion
- 3.More and more students are taking university courses online. Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages? Adv/Disadv
- 4.Many students leave school without the practical skills they need for adult life. Why is this, and what can be done about it? Problem/Solution
- 5.Some people think schools should teach financial skills such as budgeting and saving. To what extent do you agree? Opinion
- 6.Some argue that homework is a waste of children's time, while others think it is essential. Discuss both views and give your opinion. Discussion
- 7.In many countries, fewer students choose to study science subjects. Why is this happening, and how can it be changed? Problem/Solution
- 8.Some people think boys and girls learn better in separate schools. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Opinion
- 9.More young people now take a gap year before university. What are the advantages and disadvantages? Adv/Disadv
- 10.Some schools are replacing textbooks with tablets and online videos. Why is this happening, and is it a positive development? Two-part
Technology (10 questions)
- 11.Children today spend many hours a day on screens. What problems does this cause, and what can parents do about it? Problem/Solution
- 12.Some people believe that artificial intelligence will create more jobs than it destroys. To what extent do you agree? Opinion
- 13.Social media has changed the way people make and keep friends. Has this been a positive or a negative change? Opinion
- 14.Some think governments should control what is posted online, while others believe the internet should be free. Discuss both views and give your opinion. Discussion
- 15.More people now pay for everything with their phones instead of cash. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages? Adv/Disadv
- 16.Some people think that robots will one day care for elderly people. Is this a good idea? Opinion
- 17.Many people share personal information online without thinking. Why is this, and what are the risks? Two-part
- 18.Some believe that technology has made people less creative. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Opinion
- 19.Video calls have replaced many business trips. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this? Adv/Disadv
- 20.Some argue that mobile phones should be banned in schools. To what extent do you agree? Opinion
Work and careers (10 questions)
- 21.More people now work from home for part or all of the week. Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages? Adv/Disadv
- 22.Some think it is better to stay in one job for life, while others prefer to change jobs often. Discuss both views and give your opinion. Discussion
- 23.Many young people struggle to find their first job after university. Why is this, and what can be done? Problem/Solution
- 24.Some people believe that job satisfaction is more important than a high salary. To what extent do you agree? Opinion
- 25.In some countries, people are working longer hours than ever before. What problems does this cause, and how can they be solved? Problem/Solution
- 26.Some companies now offer a four-day working week. Why might they do this, and is it a positive development? Two-part
- 27.Some think that people should retire at 60 to make room for younger workers. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Opinion
- 28.More people are choosing to work for themselves rather than for a company. What are the advantages and disadvantages? Adv/Disadv
- 29.Some argue that unpaid internships are unfair to young people. To what extent do you agree? Opinion
- 30.Some believe that skills learned at work are more useful than those learned at university. Discuss both views and give your opinion. Discussion
Environment (10 questions)
- 31.Some people think that individuals can do little to fight climate change and that only governments can solve it. To what extent do you agree? Opinion
- 32.Plastic waste is a growing problem in many countries. What are the causes, and what solutions can you suggest? Problem/Solution
- 33.Some believe that flying should be made more expensive to protect the environment. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Opinion
- 34.Some people think that protecting the environment is more important than economic growth, while others disagree. Discuss both views and give your opinion. Discussion
- 35.Many wild animals are in danger of extinction. Why is this happening, and what can be done? Problem/Solution
- 36.Electric cars are becoming more common. Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages? Adv/Disadv
- 37.Some argue that zoos should be closed because keeping animals is cruel. To what extent do you agree? Opinion
- 38.In many cities, the air is becoming more polluted. What are the main causes, and how can the problem be reduced? Problem/Solution
- 39.Some think that people should be paid to recycle, while others believe recycling should simply be the law. Discuss both views and give your opinion. Discussion
- 40.Fast fashion makes clothes cheap but creates a lot of waste. Is this a positive or a negative development? Opinion
Health and lifestyle (10 questions)
- 41.Obesity rates are rising in many countries. What are the causes, and what can governments do about it? Problem/Solution
- 42.Some people think that unhealthy food should be taxed more heavily. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Opinion
- 43.Some believe health is mainly a personal responsibility, while others think it is the government's job. Discuss both views and give your opinion. Discussion
- 44.People are living longer than ever before. Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages? Adv/Disadv
- 45.Many people now look for medical advice online instead of seeing a doctor. Why is this, and is it a positive or a negative trend? Two-part
- 46.Some think sport should be compulsory for every school child, every day. To what extent do you agree? Opinion
- 47.Stress at work and at school is increasing. Why is this, and what can be done to reduce it? Problem/Solution
- 48.Some people believe that healthcare should be free for everyone. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Opinion
- 49.Fitness apps and smartwatches are very popular. What are the advantages and disadvantages of tracking your health this way? Adv/Disadv
- 50.Some argue that famous sports stars earn far too much money. To what extent do you agree? Opinion
Society and family (10 questions)
- 51.In many countries, more elderly people live alone rather than with their families. Why is this, and is it a positive development? Two-part
- 52.Some people think parents should teach children how to behave, while others think it is the school's role. Discuss both views and give your opinion. Discussion
- 53.Young people today are under more pressure than previous generations. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Opinion
- 54.More couples are choosing to have fewer children or none at all. What are the advantages and disadvantages for society? Adv/Disadv
- 55.Some believe that children should be allowed to make their own decisions from an early age. To what extent do you agree? Opinion
- 56.Many people do not know their neighbours. Why is this, and what can be done to build stronger communities? Problem/Solution
- 57.Some argue that it is better for children to grow up in the countryside than in a city. Discuss both views and give your opinion. Discussion
- 58.Some people think that wealthy people should be required to give a share of their money to the poor. To what extent do you agree? Opinion
- 59.The gap between rich and poor is growing in many countries. What problems does this cause, and how can it be reduced? Problem/Solution
- 60.More people now volunteer their time to help others. Why do people do this, and how does it benefit society? Two-part
Cities, housing and transport (10 questions)
- 61.Traffic congestion is a serious problem in many cities. What are the causes, and what solutions can you suggest? Problem/Solution
- 62.Some people think public transport should be free for everyone. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Opinion
- 63.More people are moving from the countryside to big cities. Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages? Adv/Disadv
- 64.Some believe that cars should be banned from city centres. To what extent do you agree? Opinion
- 65.House prices in many cities are too high for young people. Why is this, and what can be done? Problem/Solution
- 66.Some think governments should spend money on new roads, while others think railways are a better investment. Discuss both views and give your opinion. Discussion
- 67.Many old buildings are being replaced by modern ones. Is this a positive or a negative development? Opinion
- 68.Some argue that more people should live in tall apartment blocks instead of houses. To what extent do you agree? Opinion
- 69.Cycling to work has become popular in some cities. What are the advantages and disadvantages, and how can it be encouraged? Two-part
- 70.Some people believe that cities should have more parks and green spaces, even if it costs a lot. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Opinion
Crime and law (10 questions)
- 71.Some people think prison is the best way to reduce crime, while others think education and job training work better. Discuss both views and give your opinion. Discussion
- 72.Youth crime is increasing in many places. What are the causes, and what can be done to reduce it? Problem/Solution
- 73.Some believe that the police should carry guns at all times. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Opinion
- 74.More and more crimes now take place online. Why is this, and how can people protect themselves? Two-part
- 75.Some argue that people who commit minor crimes should do community work instead of going to prison. To what extent do you agree? Opinion
- 76.Security cameras are now common in public places. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages? Adv/Disadv
- 77.Some people think that the news shows too much crime, which makes people afraid. To what extent do you agree? Opinion
- 78.Some believe that parents should be punished when their children break the law. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Opinion
- 79.Many young offenders commit crimes again after leaving prison. Why does this happen, and what can be done? Problem/Solution
- 80.Some people think stricter laws are the best way to make roads safer, while others prefer driver education. Discuss both views and give your opinion. Discussion
Media and advertising (10 questions)
- 81.Advertising aimed at children should be banned. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Opinion
- 82.Many people now get their news from social media rather than newspapers. Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages? Adv/Disadv
- 83.Some think celebrities have a responsibility to be good role models, while others say their private lives are their own. Discuss both views and give your opinion. Discussion
- 84.False news spreads quickly online. Why is this, and how can the problem be tackled? Problem/Solution
- 85.Some people believe that advertising encourages us to buy things we do not need. To what extent do you agree? Opinion
- 86.Many people watch films and series at home rather than going to the cinema. Is this a positive or a negative development? Opinion
- 87.Some argue that the government should fund public television, while others think it is a waste of money. Discuss both views and give your opinion. Discussion
- 88.Online influencers are now more popular than traditional celebrities with young people. Why is this, and is it a good thing? Two-part
- 89.Some people think that reading books is more valuable than watching television. To what extent do you agree? Opinion
- 90.Some people believe that violent video games make young people more aggressive. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Opinion
Travel, culture and globalisation (10 questions)
- 91.International tourism brings money to many countries but also causes problems. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages? Adv/Disadv
- 92.Some people think that learning a foreign language is a waste of time now that translation apps exist. To what extent do you agree? Opinion
- 93.Globalisation means many countries now share the same shops, food and films. Is this a positive or a negative development? Opinion
- 94.Some believe that governments should spend money on preserving old traditions, while others think the money should go to modern needs. Discuss both views and give your opinion. Discussion
- 95.More students now study abroad than ever before. What are the advantages and disadvantages for the students and their home countries? Adv/Disadv
- 96.Some people say that a country's museums should be free for everyone. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Opinion
- 97.Many traditional languages are disappearing. Why is this happening, and does it matter? Two-part
- 98.Some think that space exploration is a waste of money that should be spent on problems on Earth. To what extent do you agree? Opinion
- 99.Many skilled workers leave their home countries to work abroad. What problems does this cause, and what can be done? Problem/Solution
- 100.Some believe that international sports events, such as the Olympics, bring countries together. Others think they cost too much. Discuss both views and give your opinion. Discussion
How to plan any Task 2 question in 5 minutes
A short plan stops you from running out of ideas halfway through. Use these four steps for every question:
- 1Read the question carefully (1 minute)
Pick out the topic, the specific angle and the instruction at the end. Decide which of the five essay types it is.
- 2Decide your answer (1 minute)
Choose your position or your main points before you write anything. A clear answer you can explain beats a clever one you can't.
- 3Plan two body paragraphs (2 minutes)
For each paragraph, note one main idea, a reason that explains it and a specific example. Two well-developed ideas are better than four thin ones.
- 4Write, then check (35 + 5 minutes)
Write a short introduction that paraphrases the question and gives your answer, two body paragraphs and a one- or two-sentence conclusion. Save the last few minutes to check grammar, spelling and your word count.
Worked example: from question to plan
Question
More people now work from home for part or all of the week. Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?
5-minute plan
- Type: advantages and disadvantages, with “outweigh”, so I must say which side is stronger.
- My answer: the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, as long as people still meet colleagues sometimes.
- Paragraph 1 (advantages): no commute → more time and less stress; e.g. two hours a day saved in a big city.
- Paragraph 2 (disadvantages): isolation, harder teamwork for new staff; but can be solved with one or two office days a week.
Band 7+ introduction
In recent years, a growing number of employees have started working from home for at least part of the week. Although this can leave people feeling isolated, I believe the benefits clearly outweigh the drawbacks, particularly when remote work is combined with regular time in the office.
Notice how the introduction paraphrases the question instead of copying it, and gives a clear answer straight away. The body paragraphs then simply explain and support that answer.
Tips for band 7 and above
- Keep one clear position. Say what you think in the introduction and make sure every paragraph supports it.
- One main idea per paragraph. Start each body paragraph with a topic sentence, then explain it and give an example.
- Use specific examples. “In many cities, commuting can take two hours a day” is stronger than “it is good for people”.
- Paraphrase, don't copy. Words copied from the question don't show your vocabulary.
- Link ideas naturally. Use a range of linking words, but don't start every sentence with one. Check them with the linking words checker.
- Mix simple and complex sentences. Accuracy matters as much as range, so use structures you are sure of.
- Aim for 260–300 words. Writing much more uses time you need for checking and rarely raises your score.
How to practise with these questions
- Choose one theme a week and write two essays from it: one opinion essay and one of another type.
- Practise in the format you will take: type your essays if you are taking IELTS on computer, as most people now do. Typing without spell check is a skill in itself, so build up your speed early.
- Time yourself: 5 minutes to plan, 30 to write and 5 to check. Our free IELTS word counter shows your count as you type.
- Stuck for ideas? The essay ideas generator suggests arguments and examples for any question. Use them as a starting point, then write in your own words.
- Get a band estimate and the three fixes that matter most from the free IELTS writing checker.
- Rewrite your weakest paragraph after feedback. Improving one essay teaches you more than writing three new ones.
Get your Task 2 essays marked in minutes
Write in the real exam format and get an AI band score with feedback on all four criteria.
- Academic and General Training Writing tests
- A band for each criterion, with corrections
- Track your Writing band as you improve
