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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.

essay writing topic for ielts

  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. 

essay writing topic for ielts

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! 

The symbols e dot g dot which are used to denote an example are used to illustrate that the text is about how to add good examples in your IELTS essay, for example essay

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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40 IELTS writing topics for practicing Task 1 & 2

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.

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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.

essay writing topic for ielts

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.

essay writing topic for ielts

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.

essay writing topic for ielts

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.

essay writing topic for ielts

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 from the Weaver School

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.

essay writing topic for ielts

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30 Common IELTS Writing Topics

Posted by David S. Wills | Mar 2, 2020 | IELTS Tips , Writing | 0

30 Common IELTS Writing Topics

In the past, I have talked often about IELTS topics because I believe that this is the best way to prepare for the exam. I’ve dealt with it as a way of learning vocabulary and I’ve got more general articles that deal with common topics . In these articles, I’ve tended to look at speaking, writing, listening, and reading, but today I’m only going to talk about IELTS writing topics .

Note that this will be more or less the same for both the general and academic IELTS tests. The topics and ideas covered here will apply to both forms of IELTS, although the questions may be phrased in a more complicated way for the academic test.

IELTS Writing Topics

First of all, here is a list of common topics that appear in the IELTS writing test. This basically applies to task 2 because for task 1 you are just describing data in a map , bar chart , line graph , or table . Therefore, we will ignore that and just look at the topics for task 2:

  • Advertising
  • Communication
  • Crime and Punishment
  • Entertainment
  • Environment
  • Food and diet
  • Global issues
  • Sports and Exercise
  • Tourism and Travel

That was a big list, so let’s clarify what I mean by “topic” and how these actually affect your exam preparation and performance in the next sections.

essay writing topic for ielts

How do Topics Work for IELTS Writing?

In that huge list that I provided above, you can see 30 common IELTS writing topics. These are not the only topics that could appear in your next exam, but these are so common and so wide in scope, that I would be surprised if they didn’t.

However, it is worth remembering that these topics are not mutually exclusive. That means each topic does not have to appear by itself . For example, I have included “reading” as a topic because there are many possible questions about reading (and books) in IELTS writing. These are rarely just about books, though. They tend to crossover into other topics such as childhood, society, or education. For example, you see questions like this:

The main purpose of public libraries is to provide books, and they should not waste their limited resources and space on providing expensive hi-tech media such as computer software, videos, and DVDs. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Here, the question is about books/reading but it is also clearly an issue of money and society. It is about what sort of policy is right for people and their community.

When you are learning about topics for IELTS, you need to be aware of this issue. A question about reading is not just about reading. Sure, in the speaking test, you may be asked about what sort of books you like to read… but for IELTS writing, it’s going to be more complicated, like the question above. As such, we can see that IELTS topics tend to overlap.

IELTS Topics and Sub-Topics

Whilst I totally recommend learning IELTS language and techniques through studying topics, it is also worth remembering that these topics are not just overlapping but they can contain other sub-topics. This is where the matter becomes slightly confusing.

Above, I have listed some clearly related topics, such as business, money, advertising, and work. You can view these as separate topics, but you may also view them as potentially sub-topics of one another. Perhaps “money” is the main topic and the others are sub-topics because these are things that only exist because of the pursuit of money.

Then there are sub-topics that are clearly not main topics and definitely fall under the category of a single IELTS topic like environment:

Main Topic Environment
Sub-topics Climate change
Pollution
Conservation
Green space
Outdoors activity
Alternative technologies
Animal welfare

Each of those sub-topics is something that could appear in IELTS, yet you would not necessarily call them “IELTS topics.” Still, it is worth considering them as part of the greater topic, environment. This can help you to focus your studies better and prepare for your test effectively.

Here are a few more IELTS topics listed with their sub-topics:

IELTS Topics Crime and Punishment Education Food and Diet Media
Sub-topics Prisons
Reform
Police
Spying
Causes of crime
Gender
Teachers
Students
Books
Materials
Classroom technology
Discipline
Imported foods
Dietary education
Fast Foods
Traditional food and cooking
Censorship
News
Children’s programmes
Social media
Reporting technology

How to Learn IELTS Topics

ielts writing topics

So now that you can see the importance of learning language and preparing for IELTS by considering the most common topics used in the test, you might wonder how to actually study this way.

Thankfully, many IELTS books are divided according to topic. Some books, like Focus on IELTS , are structured into chapters that examine different topics one by one. You might have a chapter on education… then a chapter on society… and then a chapter about technology. These will each look at speaking, writing, reading, and listening ideas, giving you practice with each section of the test on a variety of topics. It’s a great way to learn.

If you are going to prepare without a book, then you should try to stick with the topic method. Make a note of my list of 30 common IELTS writing topics from above and then approach them in turn. This article is just about writing, so I won’t bother giving advice on listening and speaking, but I do think that reading is essential for building writing skills . ( The experts tend to agree .)

I would recommend that you find some articles about those topics. Let’s take “space” as an example. You should go on Google News and search for articles about space. Find something that is within your reading level. Then attempt to read it twice. The first time, you should just soak up the ideas and get the gist, but the second time you read it you should go slowly and make notes.

Get a Language Notebook

I think that a language notebook is really valuable because you can write down words and phrases that you find, then pay particular attention to collocations – that means groups of words that go together. If you group all of these notes according to their topic, it will be easier for you to remember. You can also note down ideas that you find surprising or interesting, and maybe practice writing a little about them.

You should also look up questions based upon those topics. For space, you might see this question:

Some scientists think that there are intelligent life forms on other planets and messages should be sent to contact them. Other scientists think it is a bad idea and would be dangerous. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Honestly, this is a question that many people just never think about. As such, it can be useful to read articles and make notes on ideas such as this. It might help you deal with the troublesome issue of generating ideas for your task 2 answer .

Why Learn about IELTS Writing Topics?

One of the most important reasons to learn about IELTS writing topics is to organise your approach to exam preparation. This often means finding the best way to pick up new vocabulary. For example, if you decide that this week you will study crime and punishment, then you can set yourself some reasonable goals:

  • Read three articles about crime and punishment.
  • Listen to a news report about a criminal offense.
  • Learn twelve new words related to crime.
  • Write two IELTS essays on the topic of crime and punishment.

This is just an example, but you can see how this would help. By learning these things together, each one helps the other become more effective. You can learn language from those articles but also pick up good ideas for use in your practice essays.

Here is some useful vocabulary about crime and punishment:

Recent IELTS Writing Topics

Personally, I recommend to my students that they study topics and don’t think too much about anticipating questions. Some teachers (usually the lazy ones) tell their students that they can guess the forthcoming questions… but this is not true, and probably leaves them much less prepared than if they had just studied a wide range of topics.

Anyway, if you want to know some recent IELTS writing questions, then you can look at the following list. These are reported questions from students who have done the exam, so there is no guarantee that these are the exact right questions. I have tried to correct some poor grammar where they were obviously misremembered:

A lot of money is spent on repairing old buildings. Instead of repairing old buildings, money should be spent on knocking down old buildings and building new ones. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
People’s shopping habits depend more on the age group they belong to than any other factors. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Some people argue that it is best to accept a bad situation, such as an unsatisfactory job or shortage of money. Others believe that it is better to try and improve such situations. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

I hope that this has helped you. You can also find a long list of IELTS writing questions on this page . If you have any questions about IELTS writing topics, you can post them in the comment section below or get in touch through Facebook.

About The Author

David S. Wills

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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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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IELTS Topics and Essay Questions

This is a list of 20 IELTS topics that often appear in the IELTS General and IELTS Academic exams.

Hello from the E2 Team!

Would you feel confident writing an essay about any topics given here? How about discussing them in the speaking test ? If you’re not familiar with a topic, use the internet to find out more. There is always something new to learn!

Have a look through these IELTS topics, write down some ideas and plan how you would approach that essay topic. And remember to get your essay checked by one of E2 Test Prep’s IELTS experts by submitting it for a Writing assessment !

Find sample essay topics below .

3. Communication

5. culture/society, 6. education, 7. entertainment, 8. environment, 10. food & farming, 11. global issues, 15. science/technology, 18. transport, ielts topics, mock tests and more. e2 test prep has you covered..

  • Start Now. It’s Free ✌️

Many animals are facing extinction in the wild. Why is this happening? What can be done to protect them?

Some people think that keeping pets is good for children while others think it is dangerous and unhealthy. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Zoos are sometimes seen as necessary but poor alternatives to a natural environment. Discuss some of the arguments for and against keeping animals in zoos as an IELTS topic and give your own opinion.

Many countries spend a lot of money on art. Some people think investment in art is necessary, but others say the money is better spent on improving health and education. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

All students ought to study art and music in school. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Creative artists should always be given the freedom to express their own ideas (in words, pictures, music or film) in whichever way they wish. There should be no government restrictions on what they do. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this IELTS topic?

Some people believe that handwriting is no longer useful in the modern world and should not be taught in schools. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

These days the internet is easily accessible to children. Is this a positive or a negative development?

Nowadays people use social media to keep in touch with others and be aware of the news. Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?

All criminals should have access to education and rehabilitation programs while in prison. To what extent do you agree or disagree on this IELTS topic?

Many criminals re-offend after they have been punished. Why do some people continue to commit crimes after they have been punished, and what measures can be taken to tackle this problem?

In many countries, an increase in crime has been blamed on violent images on television and in computer and video games. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Differences between countries become less evident each year. Nowadays, all over the world people share the same fashions, advertising, brands, eating habits and TV channels. Do the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?

Some people believe that governments should ban dangerous sports. Others claim that they should have the freedom to choose their favourite activities. Discuss both views and present your opinion.

In the developed world, average life expectancy is increasing. What problems will this cause for individuals and society? Suggest some measures that could be taken to reduce the impact of ageing populations.

Only formal examinations, written or practical, can give a clear picture of students’ true knowledge and ability at university level. Continuous assessment like course work and projects are poor measures of student ability. To what extent do you agree or disagree on this IELTS topic?

In many countries, schools have severe problems with student behaviour. What do you think are the causes of this? What solutions can you suggest?

Many people say that the only way to guarantee a good job is to complete a course of university education. Others claim that it is better to start work after school and gain experience in the world of work. Discuss both views and give your own opinion

Many people prefer to watch foreign films rather than locally produced films. Why could this be? Should governments give more financial support to local film industries?

In most developed countries shopping is not only about buying the goods you need, it is also perceived as entertainment. Is it a positive or negative development?

Some people think that it is important to use leisure time for activities that improve the mind, such as reading and doing word puzzles. Other people feel that it is important to rest the mind during leisure time. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

With deforestation, urban development and illegal hunting, many animal species are becoming endangered and some are even facing extinction.

Do you think it is important to protect animals? What can be done to deal with this problem?

Many people think it is very important to protect the environment but they make no effort to do it themselves. Why do you think this is the case? What actions should individuals take to protect the environment?

Explain some of the ways in which humans are damaging the environment. What can governments do to address these problems? What can individual people do?

Children are influenced by their friend’s opinions. In what ways are children affected by their friends? How can parents make sure this influence is positive?

Parents often buy their children many toys. What are the advantages and disadvantages of children having a large number of toys?

Young people spend less of their free time with their family nowadays. What are the reasons for this? Are there more negative or positive sides to this IELTS topic?

All people should be vegetarians. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Some people claim that genetically modified (GM) food can be dangerous while others feel that it may bring enormous benefits to the world. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Junk food advertising has a harmful effect on society and should be banned. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Enjoying our IELTS topics article so far? How about an IELTS writing video from our E2 IELTS youtube channel

The wealth gap between 1st world countries and 3rd world countries seems to be increasing. How can we reduce this gap? Do you think that developed countries have a duty to assist developing countries in every way?

The money given to help poor countries does not solve the problem of poverty, so rich countries should give other types of help instead. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

The exploration and development of safe alternatives to fossil fuels should be the most important global priority today. To what extent do you agree and disagree?

Despite huge improvements in healthcare, the overall standard of physical health in many developed countries is now falling. What are the reasons for this and how can the problem be tackled?

Some people claim that using tobacco has brought several social problems and smoking should be banned. To what extent do you agree or disagree?  

Childhood obesity is a serious problem in many countries. What are the causes of it and how can the problem be managed?

The tendency of news media to focus on problems and emergencies rather than good news has a negative effect on individuals and society. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

“Newspapers and books are outdated.” Why do some people believe this? What is your opinion?

Many people believe that media coverage of celebrities is having a negative effect on children. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

Many people say that we now live in ‘consumer societies’ where money and possessions are given too much importance. Others believe that consumer culture has played a vital role in improving our lives. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

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

Some people believe that money is the most important factor for achieving happiness. However, others believe that happiness has nothing to do with money. What is your opinion?

The Internet has transformed lives and economies but it is turning the world into a global village. Soon everybody will think and behave in the same way. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

Some people think that computer games are bad for children, while others believe that they are useful. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of computer games and give your own opinion.

Some people believe that the range of technology available to individuals today is increasing the gap between rich people and poor people, while others say that technology has the opposite effect. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Some people think space research is a waste of money. The government should spend that money on the improvement of people’s living conditions. What is your opinion on this IELTS topic?

In the last century, the first man walking on the moon said: “It is a giant leap for mankind”. However, some people think that space travel makes little difference to our daily lives. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Some scientists think that there are intelligent life forms on other planets and messages should be sent to contact them. Other scientists think it is a bad idea and would be dangerous. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Some sports are considered extremely dangerous, but many people still like them. Why do people take part in dangerous sports?  Give some suggestions on how to deal with these dangers.

Popular events like the football World Cup and other international sporting occasions are essential in easing international tensions and releasing patriotic emotions in a safe way. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

Because of the pressure of new subjects such as business studies, many schools have dropped sport or physical education (PE) from the curriculum. How important is sport or PE in a young person’s education?

Despite improvements in vehicle technology, there are still large numbers of road accidents. Explain some of the causes of these accidents and suggest some measures that could be taken to address the problem.

Some people think that strict punishments for driving offences are the key to reducing traffic accidents. Others, however, believe that other measures would be more effective in improving road safety. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion on this IELTS topic.

It is predicted that in the future cars will be driven by computers. What are the reasons behind this? Would it be a positive or negative development?

In many countries, tourism is a major part of the economy, but it also causes environmental damage and ruins the places it exploits. It is argued that tourists should pay an additional tax to compensate for this damage. Do you agree?

Some people think the advantages of international tourism outweigh its disadvantages. To what extent do you agree?

It is said that travel broadens the mind. What can we learn by travelling to other countries? Should we first explore our own countries?

Nowadays employment options are changing and employees cannot rely on having the same job and working conditions throughout their life. What are some possible causes? Suggest some ways to plan for the future under these circumstances.

Some say job security is more important than job satisfaction. What is your opinion on this IELTS topic?

Nowadays many jobs are more stressful and the working day is long. What are the reasons for this? What can employers do to help employees?

Looking for more general English? Try E2 English .

essay writing topic for ielts

Reetu Deuba says:

Art, communication, crime, global issues, media,space, work, transport

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Khumoyun says:

Technology science,work,sport,transport

' src=

Monica magallon says:

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Dave Akan says:

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Shohzamon says:

How I can improve my speaking till 8

' src=

E2Language Team says:

We’d be happy to help you with this! Please email us at: [email protected] and one of our support team will be in touch with you.

Best wishes, Maree from your E2 team

Thank you very much, I got lots of useful information

You’re welcome!

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Ali Nowab says:

Really amazing. Keep it up mentors. Thanks a lot all of you.

' src=

Siobhan MacDonald says:

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Anna H. Smith says:

Great! thanks for sharing this information it’s very educative. These topics will be of much help.

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Jumoke says:

Hello, thanks for sharing tips and topics. I’d like to try these essays but how do I get a e2 ielts tutor to check it out for me?

Hi Jumoke! If you sign up for an E2 Language account, you will be able to purchase a private tutorial with one of our teachers. They will be able to check your essay in this session. Tutorials are also included in our Bronze, Silver and Gold packages. You can find all our IELTS packages here: http://www.e2language.com . Please email us, [email protected] if you have any questions!

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Mohammed Omeruddin says:

First of all thanks very much, given topics is very much useful for me, it’s enhance my knowledge n I get the idea about speaking test questions.

' src=

Thanks for your comment Mohammed!

' src=

Dr Ramin says:

Hi, I couldn’t find the link to download the pdf? Is it available? Tnx

Hi there, thank you for reaching out. I don’t think there is a PDF available for this Blog any longer. We are very sorry about this!

Thank you for your words!

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How to get a high IELTS writing score

IELTS Writing Task 1 & 2 Guide: Lessons with Band 9 IELTS Writing Samples for Both the Academic & General Writing Test

In this guide you'll learn how to write high scoring essays for IELTS writing task 1 and IELTS writing task 2 . No matter which test you're taking, either academic or general training, we have you covered; This guide includes IELTS writing samples, topics, and detailed lessons for general writing task 1 & 2 and academic writing task 1 & 2.

Get free IELTS writing sample answers after completing an IELTS writing practice test.

IELTS General Writing Test IELTS Academic Writing Test

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Below is our full list of IELTS writing questions with sample essays. Note: The red links are our most popular and recommended writing questions rated by our students and you can practice them free anytime you like.


Write a letter to the airline. In your letter:

Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear Sir or Madam,


Write a letter to your direct manager. In your letter:

Write at least 150 words. 

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear Ms. Snyder,


Write a letter to your friend. In your letter:

Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear ___,


Write a letter to a property agent. In your letter:

Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

To Whom it May Concern,


Write a letter to the restaurant manager. In your letter:

Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear Sir or Madam,


Write a letter to the restaurant manager. In your letter:

Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear Sir or Madam,


Write a letter to the course provider. In your letter:

Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear Mr. Gazeley


Write a letter to the admissions tutor and explain your position. In your letter:

Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear Sir or Madam,


Write a letter to the project manager to offer your help. In your letter:

Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear Sir or Madam,


Write a letter to the Council. In your letter:

Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear Councilor,


Write a letter to the Customer Service department. In your letter:

Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear Sir or Madam,


Write a letter to the manager of the public library. In your letter:

Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

To Whom This May Concern,


Write a letter to your city's council board. In your letter:

Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear Councilor,


Write a letter to the Hiring Manager of the company. In your letter:

Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear Hiring Manager,


Write a letter to the manager of the transport company. In your letter:

Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear Sir or Madam,


Write a letter to the manager of the supermarket. In your letter:

Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

To Whom This May Concern,


Write a letter to your manager. In your letter:

Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear Mr. Brannagan


Write a letter to the property manager. In your letter

Write at least 150 words. 

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear Ms. Williams


Write a letter to the HR supervisor with whom you interviewed. In your letter:

Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear Ms. Barry,


Write a letter to your landlord. In your letter:

Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear Mr. Ronch


Write a letter to your elderly neighbor. In your letter:

Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear Mr. Kulligowski


Write a letter to your professor. In your letter:

Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear Professor Simons,


Write a letter to your new boss. In your letter:

Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear Ms. Mcllwain,


Write a letter to your boss. In your letter:

Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear Mr. Powell,


Write a letter to your friend's grandfather. In your letter:

Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear. Mr. Harris


Write a letter to your colleague. In your letter:

Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear Ms. Petitto,


Write a letter to your neighbor. In your letter:

Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear Ms. Granger,


Write a letter to your direct boss. In your letter:

Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear Mr. Phillips,


Write a letter to your child's teacher. In your letter

Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear Mr. Smith,


Write a letter to console your friend. In your letter:

Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear ___,


Write a letter thanking your friend. In your letter:

Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear ___,


Write a letter apologizing for your absence. In your letter:

Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear ___,


Write a letter to your friend. In your letter:

Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear ___,


Write a letter to your friend. In your letter:

Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear ___,


Write a letter to your friend. In your letter:

Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear ___,


Write a letter to your friend. In your letter:

Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear Mark,


Write a letter to your aunt. In your letter:

Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear Aunt Sally,


Write a letter to your friend. In your letter:

Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear ___,


Write a letter to your friend. In your letter:

Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear ___,


Write a letter to your friend. In your letter:

Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear ___,


Write a letter to your grandmother. In your letter:

Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear Grandmother,


Write a letter to the manager of your insurance company. In your letter:

Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear Sir or Madam,


Write a letter to the course tutor. In your letter:

Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear Ms. Franklin,


Write a letter to your cousin. In your letter:

Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear ___,


Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Write at least 150 words.  


Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where necessary.

Write at least 150 words.  


Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.  

Write at least 150 words.


Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.  

Write at least 150 words.


Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.  

Write at least 150 words.


Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where necessary.

Write at least 150 words


Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where necessary.

Write at least 150 words


Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where necessary.

Write at least 150 words


Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.  

Write at least 150 words.


adults in four countries from 1960 to 2015.  Units are given in percentages.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.  

Write at least 150 words.


Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features making comparisons where relevant.  

Write at least 150 words.


Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features making comparisons where relevant.  

Write at least 150 words.


CO2  emissions per person in four European countries between 1975 and 2015.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.  

Write at least 150 words.


Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.  

Write at least 150 words.

Leisure Activities by Age Group (%) in 2011, California

Leisure Activity

18-30

31-45

46-60

Over 60s

Watching TV

76%

85%

86%

89%

Spending time with Family/friends

58%

56%

43%

33%

Reading

22%

20%

16%

16%

Gardening

7%

16%

26%

26%

Listening to music

27%

15%

4%

2%

Playing Computer Games

15%

5%

2%

0%

The table shows existing and projected changes in the proportion of people over 65 in the populations of three countries from 2015 to 2030.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.  

Write at least 150 words.

Projected Changes in the Population over-65 in three countries to 2030

Country

2015

2020

2025

2030

United Kingdom

18.1%

19.0%

20.5%

21.6%

Canada

16.0%

18.0%

20.4%

22.7%

Hungary

17.6%

19.4%

20.4%

21.3%

The table shows the proportion of people in England who agreed with same-sex marriage from 1989 to 2013.

Percentage of people agreeing with same-sex marriage by religious denomination (%)

Religion

1989

1995

2001

2007

2013

Church of England

9

14

31

31

55

Roman Catholic

9

21

38

37

61

Other Christian

9

13

25

38

54

Non-Christian

5

11

19

19

30

No religion

20

32

53

64

77

The table demonstrates the change in six types of transportation used by commuters in three cities between 2000 and 2010.

Changes in Market Share for six different types of transportation between 2000 and 2010

City

Personal Vehicles

Mass Transit

Bicycle

Walk

Work at Home

Other

Melbourne

-2.9

15.7

17.2

-4.4

-3.9

10.8

Sydney

-2.9

10.6

31

-3.5

0.6

11.2

Perth

-3.3

21

11.3

4

-3.9

30.2

The table illustrates the relative risk demonstrated by four different transport types in the United Kingdom in two years.

Relative risk of different forms of transport in the UK from 2014 to 2016


2014

2016

Transport Type

Fatality

Casualty

Fatality

Casualty

Car Driver

2

25

2

26

Pedal Cyclist

26

1080

25

1011

Pedestrian

39

484

35

443

Motorcycle Rider

117

1950

111

2008

The table below gives the average time spent and distance traveled by UK commuters in one year.  Time and distance are given in minutes and miles accordingly.

Commuting Habits of different regions of the UK in a year

UK Region

Average Commuting Time (minutes)

Average Commuting Distance (miles)

London

54

14

South East

78

20

Scotland

45

19

West Midlands

39

18

North West

36

18

Northern Ireland

36

15

Yorkshire & Humberside

36

14

South West

34

16

East Anglia

33

15

North East

32

19

East Midlands

32

15

Wales

27

14

The diagram shows the process by which milk and related products are produced.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features.

The diagram shows the process by which sheep embryos are cloned.

The diagram shows the  the life cycle of flowering plants

The diagram shows the process by which plastic is recycled.

The diagram shows the process of the water treatment.

The diagram shows the process by which electricity is generated in two types of hydroelectric power station.

The diagram shows the the life cycle of a frog.

The diagrams show the life cycle of the silkworm and the stages in the production of silk cloth.

The diagram below shows the water cycle, which is the continuous movement of water on, above and below the surface of the Earth.

The pie chart below shows the native languages spoken by students at Bakersfield Senior College in two separate years.

The pie chart below illustrates the different types of smartphones used by attorneys in the U.S. in one year.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant

The pie charts below show the proportion of freshwater withdrawals made by various economy sectors in three countries in a given year.

The pie charts below show the results of a customer satisfaction survey comparing the performance of York Telecom and a competitor in April.

Customer Satisfaction

Industry Average

Very Satisfied

41%

Satisfied

24%

Neutral

10%

Dissatisfied

17%

Very dissatisfied

8%

The pie graph depicts the main reasons for the productivity loss of agricultural land worldwide.  The table shows how these causes influenced three world regions during the 2000s.

Causes of Land Degradation by Region (%)

Region:

Deforestation

Over-cultivation

Over-grazing

Total land degraded

North America

0.3

3.4

1.7

5.4

Asia

9.8

7.8

5.7

23.3

Australia & Oceania

1.6

0.3

11

12.9

The charts below show the percentage of Irish students at one university who spoke an additional language to English from 2000 to 2010.

The graphs below show the unemployment rate of citizens in the US with a further classification displaying average salary per week in 2005.

Summarise the data by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant.

Professional degree

Average Weekly Earnings in 2005 ($)

Doctoral degree

1740

Professional degree

1800

Master's degree

1560

Bachelor's degree

1246

Some college, no degree

840

High school diploma

701

Less than a high school diploma

538

The line charts show the amount of beer sold to pubs and supermarkets over six years, where a bar graph displays the amount of pubs closed over the same period.

The table shows the proportion of fifty-year-old adults who were never married over five decades in Japan.  The chart represents the Japanese marriage and divorce rate from 1970 to 2016.

Number of 50-year-old adults who never been married (%)

Year

Percentage

1970

2%

1980

4%

1990

7%

2000

12%

2010

15%

The table shows the number of people (millions) that remain undernourished around the world from 2000 to 2009.  The chart displays the global price of two food grains over the same period.

Number of Undernourished People Worldwide

Year

Millions of People

2000

857

2002

862

2004

873

2006

876

2008

924

2009

1024

The table shows total revenue created by complementary medicine over three years.  The two charts illustrate the number of hospitals offering complementary medicine over twenty five years with a further classification showing which kinds of medicine proved the most popular in 2012.

Summarise the data by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant.  

Revenue from Complementary Medicine in the U.S. (in billion US dollars)

Year

Revenue

2011

11.34

2014

13.1

2016

14.3

The bar chart below shows the preference for different types of Complementary or Alternative Medicine (CAM) therapies among US adults in 2007.  The table lists which therapies where the most popular over two years.

Therapies Showing Significant Gains between 2002 and 2007 (%)

 

2002

2007

Deep Breathing

10.6

14.8

Meditation

8.6

10.5

Massage

5

8.6

Yoga

5.1

7.1

The graphs below give information concerning smartphone ownership as a percentage of population in a country from 2000 to 2010, and by level of education for the years 2000 and 2010.

The bar charts show education data related to young adults aged 15 years in 10 different countries in 2015.  The first chart shows in which countries adolescents do the most homework in terms of hours per week. The second chart shows the nations that scored the best on an international science test.

The pie chart below represents the main reasons why agricultural land becomes less productive.  The bar chart shows how these causes affected three regions of the world in the 1990s.

The pie chart below shows the frequency of U.S. Adults’ online purchasing habits in 2015, while the bar chart shows a further classification denoting online purchasing preferences.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

The diagrams below show the coastal village of Seaville in 1980 and 2010. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant. 

The maps below show the centre of a small town called Islip as it is now, and plans for its development. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. 

The charts below give information on the ages of the populations of Yemen and Italy in 2000 and projections for 2050. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. 

The pie charts below show units of electricity production by fuel source in Australia and France in 1980 and 2000. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. 

The charts below show the percentage of water used for different purposes in six areas of the world. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. 

































































































Table Of Contents

Ielts writing test information, ielts academic writing task 1, ielts general writing task 1, ielts writing task 2.

The writing test consists of 2 writing tasks and you'll have a total of 60 minutes to complete both. You can complete the tasks in any order, just make sure you manage your time well and spend around 20 minutes on IELTS writing task 1 and 40 minutes on IELTS writing task 2.

IELTS Academic Writing Task VS IELTS General Writing Task

The IELTS offers two test versions. The Academic version is for people looking for higher education, while the general Training version is for those looking to simply migrate or perhaps a lower education. There are more criteria for both versions, so please contact IELTS customer service to learn which test is right for you.

So which test harder? The academic test, as you may have guessed, is more difficult than the general training test. The difference between the two is IELTS writing task 1's difficulty. Luckily, only Writing Task 1 is different. IELTS writing task 2 is the same for both test versions. The table below summarizes the two types of IELTS writing tests.

Type of test Task 1 Task 2
Academic Writing

In IELTS academic writing task 1, you are presented with a graph, table, chart or diagram and asked to describe, summarise or explain the information in your own words.



In IELTS writing task 2, you will need to write a traditional style essay in response to a question. You must write at least 250 words

General Writing

In IELTS General Writing Task 1, you are asked to write a letter about a given situation. This letter will be one of the following types:

- Formal (Formal letters are sent to people that we do not know or have never met.)
- Semi-formal (Semi-formal letters are sent to people that we do not know well.)
- Informal (Informal letters are sent to people that we know well such as our friends)

IELTS Academic Writing Task Overview Video

Ielts general writing task overview video.

Coming soon!

How IELTS Writing Test is Scored

In the IELTS writing test, your writing score will be scored based on four categories. These are known as Task Achievement/Task Response, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy. Refer to the following band descriptors which IELTS examiners use to score the writing section of the test: - IELTS Writing Task 1 Band Descriptors - IELTS Writing Task 2 Band Descriptors

Note that the scoring criteria for both tasks include:

  • Task Achievement/Task Response  - Did you fully answer the question and present a fully developed answer?
  • Coherence and Cohesion  - Does your argument or analysis make sense? Is it well thought-out and presented in a complete way?
  • Lexical Resource – Did you use a wide range of vocabulary in a natural, formal tone?
  • Grammatical Range and Accuracy – Is your essay virtually error-free? Did you manage to use a wide range of grammatical structures?

Are IELTS Writing Task 1 & IELTS Writing Task 2 Worth the Same Amount of Points? Well Just like how you will spend double the time writing IELTS writing task 2, it's also worth around double the points. Now it's not exactly double. Another way to look at it is to add the score for writing task 2 score twice. So take the band scores 7 for task one and 4 for task two and you get the following formula on how to calculate your IELTS writing score: (7 + (4 x 2))/3 = 5. Therefore, the total IELTS writing band score is around 4.5 - 6. You see we can't give an exact number because IELTS has not made their scoring formula public, but the formula presented here is fairly accurate up to a difference of about 0.5 points.

essay writing topic for ielts

In IELTS academic writing task 1, you are presented with a graph, table, chart or diagram and asked to describe, summarise or explain the information in your own words. You may be asked to describe and explain data, describe the stages of a process, how something works or describe an object or event.

Regardless of which visual information is presented to you, your job is to write a summary of the visual information. and describe the main trends, overall differences, main changes, or the main components of a system, or the main phrases of a process. You must write 150 words or more, and you should spend around 20 minutes on this part of the test. The writing structure can be as follows:

  • Introduction: Paraphrase the question
  • Overview: Describe the overall trend or write a general overview of the main groupings
  • Body paragraph 1: Write in detail about the first grouping in a logical way
  • Body paragraph 2: Write in detail about the second grouping in a logical way

So the steps to write the report for this task is very simple:

  • Analyse the chart(s) and plan how to group the information
  • Write an essay using the recommended essay structure
  • Proofread essay

Let's look at each different possible type of visual graphs, tables, charts, and diagrams you could encounter in your IELTS writing test:

  • Line graphs
  • Mixed (including two or more of 1-6 above)

Line Graphs

In this type of task, you will be given one or more line graphs. Each line graph will have 1-8 lines showing how values change over time. The time period could be the past, the present or the future, or a combination of all three. Your task is to write a summary, covering the most important points and supporting your description by including data.

essay writing topic for ielts

How to tackle IELTS Academic Writing Task - Line Graphs

In a line graph, there are usually multiple lines that show changes over time. In your writing, you need to group information based on lines having similar trends or values, so your essay structure will be as follows:

  • Body paragraph 1: Describe the first grouping of lines having similar trends or values.
  • Body paragraph 2: Describe the second grouping of lines having similar trends or values.

Let’s write an essay for the aboved sample question.

Step 1: Analyse the graph and plan how to group the information

It is evident that hamburgers consumption and fried chicken consumption show an upward trend, whereas the pizza consumption shows a downward trend. Therefore, the best way to group the data would be as follows:

First grouping

hamburgers consumption and fried chicken consumption

Second grouping

pizza consumption

Step 2: Write an essay using the recommended essay structure

Now that you’ve analyzed the task and figured out how to group the information, let’s write the essay.

Model Essay

The chart illustrates the consumption of three kinds of fast food by teenagers in Mauritius from 1985 to 2015. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.  Write at least 150 words.

Introduction

The line graph depicts the consumption of three types of fast food, (hamburgers, pizza, and fried chicken) over a 30 year period by Mauritian teenagers.  Units are given as the number of times each kind was eaten per year.

Task question

Our own words

The chart

The line graph

illustrates

depicts

three types of fast food, (hamburgers, pizza, and fried chicken) over a 30 year period by Mauritian teenagers

Three kinds of fast food by teenagers in Mauritius from 1985 to 2015.

Overall , hamburgers and fried chicken had become the most popular foods by 2015 with the biggest increase in numbers eaten, while pizza that was the most widely-eaten at the start, declined precipitously in popularity.

Body paragraph 1

With regards to hamburgers, consumption showed a steady upward trajectory from 10 times eaten per year to over 70 times.   Likewise , teenagers in Mauritius ate fried chicken only 5 times per year in 1985 before rising dramatically to a plateau in 2005, then increased slightly at the end of the period to finish as the second most popular food.

Body paragraph 2

On the contrary , although pizza was the most popular food with Mauritian adolescents in 1985, its consumption fell continuously from 60 times a year to just 10 pizzas by the last year.

Sign up for a 7 day free trial to access the entire IELTS Academic Writing Task - Line Graphs lesson.

In this type of task, you will be given one or more bar charts. The bar charts may show how values change over time (dynamic data), the differences between values at one point in time (static data), or the results of a survey or questionnaire. The information could be about the situation in the past, the present, or the future, or a combination of all three. Your task is to write a summary, covering the most important points and supporting your description by including data.

essay writing topic for ielts

How to tackle IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 - Bar Charts

Bar charts are pretty common in IELTS writing task 1 academic. There are three different scenarios you will encounter in a bar chart task:

  • A bar chart with categories on the x axis
  • A bar chart with dates or years on the axis (functions as a line graph)
  • Two bar charts presented

Each scenario requires you to write the report differently. Sign up for a 7 day free trial to access the following bar charts lessons: - IELTS Academic Writing Task - Bar Charts Part 1 lesson. - IELTS Academic Writing Task - Bar Charts Part 2 lesson. - IELTS Academic Writing Task - Bar Charts Part 3 lesson.

In this type of task, you will be given one, two. or three pie charts. The pie charts may show percentages of a total figure. If you have one pie chart, it will represent one point in time (static data) . If you have two or more pie charts, they may represent how the percentages change over time or compare different countries or groups. Your task is to write a summary, covering the most important points and supporting your description by including data.

essay writing topic for ielts

How to tackle IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 - Pie Charts

Sign up for a 7 day free trial to access the IELTS Academic Writing Task - Pie Charts lesson.

In this type of task, you are given a table containing data. can show dynamic figures which change over time or static data for one point in time. Often there is too much information, so you won't be able to include every detail. Your task is to write a summary, covering the most important points and supporting your description by including data.

essay writing topic for ielts

How to tackle IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 - Tables

Sign up for a 7 day free trial to access the following tables lessons: - IELTS Academic Writing Task - Tables Part 1 lesson. - IELTS Academic Writing Task - Tables Part 2 lesson.

Process Diagrams

For this type of question, you will be given a diagram which shows how something works. The diagram may show a machine, a system, or a natural phenomenon. Often there is no data or little data included. Your task is to summarize the information shown in the diagram.

essay writing topic for ielts

How to tackle IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 - Process Diagrams

Sign up for a 7 day free trial to access the IELTS Academic Writing Task - Process Diagrams lesson.

For this type of question, you will be given one, two or three maps. The maps may show a town, city, island, or other geographical area. Maps usually show the changes which occurred in the area during a period of time. The changes could be related to construction (e.g. developing an area for tourism) or destruction (e.g. how an area was affected by a natural disaster such as an earthquake) Your task is to write a summary of the changes which took place and cover the most important points.

essay writing topic for ielts

How to tackle IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 - Maps

Sign up for a 7 day free trial to access the IELTS Academic Writing Task - Maps lesson.

In this type of task, you will be given two sets of data. The data will be different types. For example, one set might be change over time while the second set is static. Alternatively, one set of data could show percentage whereas the second set shows numbers. You may also be given an illustration (e.g. a diagram or map) and a set of data (e.g. a bar chart, line graph, pie chart, or table) Your task is to summarise both sets of data.

essay writing topic for ielts

How to tackle IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 - Mixed Data

Sign up for a 7 day free trial to access the IELTS Academic Writing Task - Mixed Data lesson.

Vocabulary for IELTS Academic Writing Task 1

To score high on this task, you need to learn how to use appropriate words and phrases to present the data given in a pie/bar/line/mixed graph. We suggest you sign up for a 7 day free trial and complete the following lessons:

  • IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Lesson - How to write about numbers
  • IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Lesson - How to write about percentages
  • IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Lesson - How to write about changes in data

IELTS Writing Task 1 Samples

This section presents a list of IELTS writing samples for IELTS Academic Writing Task 1.

  • IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 - Line Chart Questions
  • IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 - Bar Chart Questions
  • IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 - Pie Chart Questions
  • IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 - Map Questions
  • IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 - Process Diagram Questions
  • IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 - Mixed Data Questions

In IELTS general training writing task 1, you will be presented with a situation and will need to write a personal response in the form of an informal, semi-formal or formal letter of at least 150 words. The situations you are asked to write about are common, everyday ones such as:

  • writing to a college accommodation officer about problems with accommodation,
  • writing to a new employer about time management problems they are having,
  • writing to a local newspaper about a plan to develop a local airport,
  • writing to a renting agency to sort out problems with the heating system in their house.

In regards to the situation, you will be given information in the form of three bullet points that you must include in your response. You may be required to request or give information and/or explain a situation. To do this, you may need to do some of the following:

  • ask for and/or provide general factual information,
  • express needs, wants, likes or dislikes,
  • express opinions or complaints,
  • make requests or make suggestions/recommendations.

IELTS General Writing Style

The writing style you'll use depends who you're asked to write to (i.e. the audience) and how well you're supposed to know them. You need to write in a style that is appropriate for your audience and that will help you to achieve your purpose for writing, e.g. writing to a friend (informal) or writing to a manager (semi-formal or formal). You do not need to include any addresses at the head of your letters.

How to Avoid Losing Points in IELTS General Writing Task 1

As mentioned, don't spend any more than 20 minutes on this task and make sure you write at least 150 words or you will be penalised. While you will not be penalised for writing more than 150 words, you should remember that a longer task 1 answer may mean that you have less time to spend on task 2, which contributes twice as much to the Writing band score.

You should also remember that you'll be penalised for irrelevance, if the response is off-topic or is not written as full, connected text (e.g. using bullet points in any part of the response, or note form, etc.). You will be severely penalised for plagiarism (i.e. copying from another source).

Causes and effects

Discuss both views and give your own opinion, advantages and disadvantages, problems and solutions, two-part question.

Now, let's look at sample questions and model essays for each essay type.

  • Advantages & Disadvantages
  • Problems and Solutions
  • Two-part Question

In this type of question, you will be given a problem or situation. Your task is to describe the causes of the situation and some of the effects of the situation.

Obesity among children has risen sharply over the last decade in western countries.   Such a trend is largely the result of a tendency towards convenience in society, yet its effects may be detrimental to children’s long-term mental and physical health.

The prime causes of obesity are unhealthy eating habits and an inactive lifestyle.   In recent years , there has been a surge in the consumption of convenience foods among modern families.   Busy parents with no time to cook rely on prepared meals to feed their families.  Such foods have little to no nutritional value which contributes to obesity .   In addition , children these days spend inordinate amounts of time playing video games than playing outside with friends resulting in insufficient physical activity each day.   For example , studies show that children in France exercise on average around 20 minutes per day as compared to 75 minutes 30 years ago.  

The possible effects of obesity are a range of health issues.   Regarding physical health, diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, are known to be higher in overweight children than their peers.  These put a child’s life in danger, and may further affect mental health growing up.  When children are obese , they are more likely to be bullied and ostracized by classmates because they look or behave differently.   This has been known to cause low self-esteem and depression in many, and thus shun friends in favor of time alone.

In conclusion , through poor diet choice and inactivity , obesity is a growing problem that can cause lasting damage to a child’s mental and physical development.    However , by addressing this problem while young, much can be done to aid a child in becoming a healthy functioning adult.

In this type of question, you will be given two opposing views related to an issue. Usually, the two views will be in separate sentences connected by a transition word such as "however" to indicate that the two views contrast. Your task is to write a discursive essay, contrasting both sides of the issue and presenting your own view.

According to some, good health goes hand in hand with regular exercise, yet others feel that it is more important to maintain a balanced diet .   In my opinion, I believe that exercise is more essential for the majority of people.

There are several benefits to a balanced diet for good mental and physical health .  For one thing , eating well lifts moods.  Simple foods that are varied in color and type can lift mood and lower the risk of depression.  Eating more fruits, colorful vegetables, proteins, and whole grains helps the body run efficiently.  This makes dieters feel good , and as a result more willing to be active which thus makes them healthier.   For another thing , eating well makes people less prone to getting sick by building a body less susceptible to disease . Vitamins and minerals in diet boost immunity , which protects the body against certain diseases like obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure .

On the other hand , I believe that exercise is more effective at improving health since it encourages long-term health habits from the beginning.  Exercising not only burns calories , but makes people feel good.   While starting a diet is never a pleasant experience, cardiovascular exercises like cycling, walking or swimming trigger endorphins in the brain that immediately decrease stress levels, and enhance our sense of well-bein g.   Once people start feeling good from exercise, they are more likely to continue.   Moreover , exercise doesn’t have to be for long periods to achieve instant benefits.  Doctors usually advise exercising for 20 minutes three times per week, a sufficiently short enough time to make a habit of , and fit into busy schedules.

In conclusion , while good diet is necessary, exercise offers greater convenience, flexibility, and by making people feel good, encourages good health habits in the long run.  

In this type of question, you will be asked to discuss the positive and negative aspects of a situation, solution or trend. You may also be asked to give your opinion about which side you think is more important.

More and more students are taking a year away from their studies between graduating from school and beginning university.  Students can save for and think about their future during this period, though there are several drawbacks to consider.

To begin with , by taking a year after high school, students can avoid costly mistakes of starting a degree that they are not interested in.  A year is a good time to consider options and decide what subject is best to study.   Secondly , a gap year is excellent for character development.   When graduating high school at 18, most people still don’t know what life direction they wish to take.  Studies show that students who take a gap year doing something constructive like travelling do better in at university later on than those who do not.   Finally , a year away from studies provides the chance to save money .   That way, at university, students may focus more on classes , and less on debt.

However , spending such a long time away from studying may cause some students to lose good study habits, and gain bad habits instead.  After 12 years of continuous schooling , many teenagers may be distracted by the prospect of earning money, and lose the motivation to continue their studies.   Furthermore , individuals without a constructive plan for their education-free year may be tempted to procrastinate and waste time.   Lastly , travelling overseas can be expensive, and there is a real possibility that students may end up in more debt by the start of the university year.

To sum up , although students who take a year out can save money and achieve greater life-direction, this time may also be wasted, lead to greater debt, or cause unintended life decisions that may later be regretted.  

In this type of question, you will be given a problem or situation. Your task is to describe the causes of the situation and some solutions to the problem. The question may ask for general solutions (e.g. How could this problem be solved) or ask how specific groups can solve the problem (e.g. What steps can governments and individuals take to address the problem?). You do not need to mention the effects in detail, just briefly.

Before as now, emigration from the countryside to the city continues apace worldwide as people seek a better standard of living .   However , life in the big city is often hard on new immigrants.  There are several reasons for this as well as solutions for governments to handle them.

Most difficulties emerge since rural folk are unaccustomed to city life on moving there.   For a start , the cost of living is much greater than in a town or village.  City residents must pay more for utilities, housing, transportation and food, which causes many immigrants to share overcrowded housing in a bid to save money.   Secondly, unemployment in the city is a major challenge for new arrivals.  Many immigrants are unprepared for the fierce job competition when arriving in a city.  This inevitably drives unemployment up, which may quickly lead to poverty .   Finally , healthcare costs are often high in the city, and if made sick, many immigrants often lose meagre savings to pay for their medical care .

To solve these challenges, and improve life for all inhabitants , city governments have several options available to them.   Firstly , ensure an adequate housing supply to prevent overcrowding .  Developing low-end, cost effective housing for migrants would reduce living expenses and provide a base for first-time inhabitants starting a new life .   Secondly , establish job schemes and professional training programs for new city residents.  This would help them to find reliable work and figure out their next step.   Finally , make affordable healthcare available to all.  Guaranteeing access to affordable healthcare provides a social safety net for new city citizens as they adjust to city life.

In conclusion , given the diverse challenges faced by city immigrants, ensuring decent accommodation and healthcare, as well as creating job programs, can help many hit the ground running and begin contributing to city life.

In this type of question, you will be given two questions and you will need to answer both questions. The two questions will be different. For example, you might need to assess the importance of an idea or action (e.g. How import is it?) and say whether you agree or disagree (e.g. Do you agree or disagree?).

Some people regard the arts as fundamental pillars of society, and even in today’s technology-dominated world, art and music are still important.  More than ever before, I believe it is necessary to teach children such subjects in school for the many benefits they bring society.

Art and music are central to life in developed civilisations . For a start, they help society to reflect on what it has become.  As society advances, artists help to interpret the changes and problems created by progress in unique ways.  Artists use their creativity to draw attention to key issues such as the increasing mountains of trash produced or the rich-poor divide . Secondly , artists make people more humble by helping them remember their humanity and their connections to the world around them.  Pictures of nature, society, tribal scenes, past and present make people think about their roots and consider where they’re heading.   Finally , music gives joy and inspiration to many people.  It helps to express emotion and lift mood when feeling down .  

While in school , there are key advantages to learning art and music.   For one , both give children the creativity to express themselves.  Children live in a world of adults; however , art and music classes allow all to be themselves which is good for their mental development .   For example , while older children are less inclined , younger children often find singing, dancing and painting to be among their favorite classes.   In turn, studying music has proven beneficial in helping children connect more with their emotions.  This produces more rounded adults able to connect with their knowledge through science and their emotions through art and music.

In conclusion, for adults and children, the arts bring not only joy, but inspiration, and helps both to remember who they are really are in a world dominated by science .

In this type of question, you will be given a question which contains an opinion. Your task is to write an essay in response to the opinion. This type of question often asks if you agree or disagree with an opinion.

It is said by many that social networking websites like Facebook are negatively influencing society.   Although I believe this the effect of social media on society is somewhat negative, there are also clear benefits to individuals from using it.

Regarding society , social networks are causing a decline in meaningful relationships.   Firstly , people spend less time having good conversation with each other face-to-face.    Most people spend more time having short conversations with dozens of people online, and less time having longer, meaningful conversations with friends face-to-face . This erodes close relationships over time and may be creating a more socially disconnected society as a result. Additionally , there is some evidence that social media sites like Facebook have created a more socially awkward and antisocial society .  The average European spends four hours per day chatting online, yet this familiarity with the screen is causing many to become more anxious talking with others in person as a result .

However , there are distinct advantages to the individual from using social media.   For one, it is very easy to find work when online.  Through group functionality on sites like Facebook, job seekers can easily find a job they desire in the right field, thus increasing job satisfaction when at work.   Finally , social networks bring like-minded people together in an unprecedented way . Whether it is friends looking to organize an event, or people looking to meet others with similar interests it is extremely easy to find people online. For example , just take the explosion in minor hobbies like board games clubs that have become popular due to the interconnected nature of social media.

In conclusion, in my opinion, although there is some evidence to show social networking may affect society badly in the long run, in the short term, its effects on individuals seem more positive.

IELTS Writing Samples and Strategies for IELTS Writing Task 2

In general, there are 4 steps to approaching the IELTS Writing Task 2:

1. Read and Understand - Although this step may seem self-explanatory, many test takers let their nerves get the best of them and do not fully understand the question at hand. This is why the first thing you will need to during Writing Task 2 is to fully understand the question and underline key words . Additionally, think of these two things:

  • What type of essay will I need to write? (For example, it can be Problem and Solution ).
  • How familiar am I with this topic? (This question is important, because it may affect the outline you choose to use.

2. Plan your Outline - Now that you’ve understood what the question is asking as well as which type of essay you will have to write, you are ready to map out your outline. Do not skip this step. This should take only 2 or 3 minutes and will act as a reference for you going forward. Also, depending on how the question asks you, the outline will be different. To learn how to analyze question and plan the outline for each essay type, check out our IELTS writing task 2 lessons

The following blog posts teach you how to tackle each question type and contain over 100 IELTS writing task 2 questions and samle essays. Feel free to use them for your IELTS preparation.

  • How to Answer Opinion Question Types in IELTS Writing Task 2
  • How to Answer Discussion Question Types in IELTS Writing Task 2
  • How to Answer Advantage & Disadvantage Question Types in IELTS Writing Task 2
  • How to Answer Problem and Solution Question Types in IELTS Writing Task 2
  • How to Answer Answer Cause and Effect Question Types in IELTS Writing Task 2
  • How to Answer Two-part Question Types in IELTS Writing Task 2

IELTS Practice Tests

  • IELTS Listening Test
  • IELTS Reading Test
  • IELTS Writing Task 1 & 2
  • IELTS Speaking Test

All information on this page was referenced from the official IELTS website: www.ielts.org

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IELTS writing topics and answers

ielts writing topics

IELTS writing topics are extensive, and consistently finding answers for them takes practice. Below I share how I produce an essay, including thinking of ideas , building paragraphs and planning.

For these ideas and sample answers, I usually use the latest latest writing task 2 topics seen by our own students when they do the exam. 

IELTS writing task 2 topics (academic) often require simple ideas that are easy to communicate, rather than complex ideas with difficult grammar. 

Get the IELTS essay topics with answers pdf here .

Extract text from PDFs, scanned docs, and images effortlessly. Create digital copies for easy access here .

Tutorial contents

  • IELTS essay topics and answers: education

IELTS essay topics and answer: globalisation

Ielts essay topics and answer: travel and transport, ielts essay topics and answer: employment, ielts essay topics and answer: employment (skills).

  • IELTS essay topics and answer: gender issues
  • IELTS topic and answer: education
  • IELTS topic: gender issues (career)

IELTS essay topics and answer: technology

  • IELTS essay topic and answer: health
  • IELTS essay topics and answer: society
  • Quick presentation on the topics and answers

Common IELTS writing task 2 topics (list)

Below is a list of the most common IELTS essay topics for task 2 questions . Click the topic to get a sample essay, vocabulary list, and a Ted Talk video (to help learn the vocabulary in context). You can also find an in-depth tutorial about IELTS vocabulary and lexical resource here.

Sport Employment Law Health Technology Politics Education Language and culture Crime Environment

IELTS essay topics, answers and ideas

Some people think that robots are important for human’s future development. Others think that robots have negative effects on society. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Ideas: Definitely important, true, big advances, productivity, intelligence, machine learning, artificial intelligence, etc

Can have negative effects – Unemployment – automation – loss of jobs – safe nets need to be in place – welfare system etc Even death of citizens – Tesla accident autonomous driving –

Conc: there are too many advantages to ignore, we cannot forego these advances however more precaution and govt. Legislation could be wise.

Some people think that new houses should be built in the same style as older houses in the local area. Others disagree and say that local authorities should allow people to build houses in the styles of their own choice. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Yes, should be in the same style, keep property values higher, uniformity, conformity, and cohesion –

EG certain villages in prosperous parts of England such as Cheshire, The Cotswolds, and Howarth have extreme rules because the areas have immense cultural heritage. To place a modern MacDonald’s style restaurant in one of these areas would be tantamount to architectural vandalism .

-Great idea! Innovates an area, and introduces new flavours, styles, and ideas into stale and old areas. Your house can reflect your personality. You can make it more environmentally friendly. You can install technical innovations. Solar panels, or even solar cells in roof tiles, are available from Elon Musk’s company.

Conc: both are viable and fair, the caveat is that the law should be clear from the beginning and be permanent – changing it would be extremely unfair.

Some people spend a lot of money attending cultural or sports events. Is it a good or a bad thing? Give your opinion and examples from your own experience.

Body paragraph 1

Definitely a good development, gives something for people to aspire to. It also most likely begets higher revenues for the performers and promoters , which should ultimately lead to even more events. This undoubtedly leads to greater monetary and cultural wealth for a society.

Take for example the English Premier League (EPL), this entertainment spectacle has brought considerable wealth into cities such as Manchester, Liverpool, and London. Higher ticket prices lead to better wages for football stars, which leads to more quality players wanting to play in the EPL, leading to a considerable increase in high net-worth individuals residing in these cities.

There has undoubtedly been a positive self-fulfilling cycle of improvement and quality, fuelled by increasing prices. Furthermore, high prices will most likely mean higher tax revenues for the government, this is definitely beneficial for society.

P2 – Same, but apply to a cultural event – ballet – opera???

IELTS essay topics and answer: education

Do you think it is better for students to work before their university studies? Why?  Use reasons and specific examples to support your choice.

MY ANSWER: YES! –  One position, easier to write, easier to read. 

PARAGRAPH 1 Practical experience, contacts, on the job skills. EG: Studies from the UK Government show graduates with work experience are twice as likely to find employment…..

PARAGRAPH 2 Better preparation, the chance to improve social skills, close the gap between academia and private sector, helps the student decide on future before committing long term, EG 1/6 students will change their higher education course while at uni….

Many people believe that it’s better to learn something in a group rather than individually. Do you agree or disagree?

Paragraph 1 Agree – learning in a group has many advantages Elements of teamwork can be adopted A group can utilize each person’s skill and expertise

Paragraph 2 Disagree – Individualism is better Self reliant, own the result, not dependent on others More mature way, more responsible No laggards

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IELTS essay topics and answer: education (child)

Some people believe that children should do organised activities in their free time while others believe that children should be free to do what they want to do in their free time. Which viewpoint do you agree with? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

MY ANSWER: YES! –  One position, easier to write, easier to read.   

PARAGRAPH 2 Better preparation, a chance to improve social skills, close the gap between academia and private sector, helps the student decide on future before committing long term, EG 1/6 students will change their higher education course while at uni…. 

Many people believe that it’s better to learn something in a group rather than individually. Do you agree or disagree? 

Paragraph 1 Agree – learning in the group has many advantages Elements of teamwork can be adopted Group can utilize each person’s skill and expertise

Paragraph 2 Disagree – Individualism is better self-reliant, owning the result, not being dependent on others, being more mature way, and being more responsible. No laggards. 

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

PARAGRAPH 1 -DEFINITELY DAMAGING THE ENVIRONMENT -Increased interaction between countries -Increase in goods and services traded -this means more production and, therefore more resources. EG China ‘workshop of the world’ – In many places air pollution masks are needed.

PARAGRAPH 2 -MULTINATIONALS / PROBS WITH GLOBALISATION -YES increase pollution – (this decision taken for simplicity) -Globalisation requires global solutions -these can have drastic consequences if accidents happen -EG BP Gulf of Mexico, oil spill , destroyed the local ecosystem…

Scientists believe that in order to protect the environment, people must use less energy in their daily lives. However, most people have not changed the way they live. Why do you think many people have not taken individual action? What could be done to encourage them to take action?

Ideas for body paragraph 1

Not taken individual action because: – Danger not immediately or directly facing them – Tragedy of the commons – Collective problem – easier to shirk responsibility

Ideas for body paragraph 2

What could be done to encourage them to take action? – Media campaigns by the government – Tax or financial incentives EG In Tokyo ……

Some believe that is the responsibility of people to take care of the environment. Others say it is the government that should take care of the environment. Discuss both views and state your opinion.

Paragraph 1 People should take care of the environment because: We are the consumers, we vote with our wallets, Throw away culture become considerably too prevalent – consumers are causing horrendous damage (Pacific Garbage Patch)

Paragraph 2 The government should take care of the environment because: They have the power to legislate Can impose fines and taxes on polluters Supposed to be guardians of the country, which means collectively they are guardians of the earth… but not true in reality

Conclusion Both should be doing more!

Some people say that protecting the environment is the government’s responsibility. Others believe that every individual should be responsible for it. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Ideas for body paragraph 1 – Yes: Government’s responsibility – Policies govt could do, then country-specific example

Ideas for body paragraph 2 – Yes individual responsibility also – Action individuals could take + examples. 

Conclusion –  MY OPINION: Such a mess, such a disastrous state, such a shame, so much so that all parties need to step up and take responsibility for the state of affairs we have landed ourselves in.

In many countries, small shops and town centers are going out of business because people tend to drive to the large out-of-town stores. This results in an increase in car use, and it also means that people without cars have limited access to out-of-town stores. Do you think the advantages of such development outweigh its disadvantages?

The advantages of out-of-town shopping centres are very limited… – Slightly cheaper prices – but huge new developments contribute to the urban sprawl of cities… This reduces investment in city centres … which are much more than just places for shopping EG Vienna regularly has art exhibitions in the city centre…

– For example: those without transport are disenfranchised – Traffic on the roads – ALSO (MAIN POINT) -Some might argue they create jobs .. but really it is probably just shifting employment from one area to the other…

Parents want to achieve balance between family and career but only a few manage to achieve it. What do you think is the reason? Discuss possible solutions and provide examples.

Paragraph 1 – The reason for the imbalance The reason is work-life balance, increased competition in the workplace, changes in society, increase in the amount of working mothers puts strain on the family, EG Studies in the US show that families with two full-time parents are more likely to separate. -therefore this shows that finding the balance is incredibly difficult.

Paragraph 2 – Possible Solutions? -Regulations from the government, increasing maternity leave, more flexible working practices, reduced working week, EG France had a 35-hour working week …

Some people believe that employees should stay in the same job for the rest of their lives. Others think they should switch jobs at least once during their career. To what extent do you agree/disagree?

Click here for the band 6.5 – 7 essay graded by an ex-IELTS examiner (from our team of essay correctors!)

IELTS essay topics, answer,s and ideas: gender issues

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

Paragraph 1 -Marketing. Beauty market for women is worth millions, consumer goods companies see similar potential for the male market. Therefore developing new ranges, e.g. Loreal for Men Expert. Therefore main reason is the potential opportunity.

Paragraph 2 -Results? -Difficult to say the results because it is still early, however general trend is in this direction, – Deodorant was considered unnecessary before the 1950s. -Market will probably grow and it will be completely normal in the future.

Some people think that men are naturally more competitive than women. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Paragraph 1 Agree – Men are more competitive Look at sporting fans, globally most are male A lot of sports historically only men participate in F1, Boxing, MMA, etc. Psychological drivers of men include: dominance, control

Paragraph 2 Agree – Men are more competitive Although it is difficult to say without sounding sexist Is it nature or nurture – difficult to say

IELTS essay topics and answer: education (student reward)

Students perform better in school when they are rewarded rather than punished.To what extent do you agree or disagree? Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

IELTS writing essay structure:

Intro: Paraphrase the question and state your side/argument.

Idea / Paragraph 1: they perform better in schools -definitely better Types of reward – certificate, recognition, positive reinforcement, Studies show children are sensitive and easily influenced when younger, therefore positive environment probably better…

Idea / Paragraph 2: they perform better when punished – works but too harsh for Childhood Possibly does work, but it’s old fashioned, potentially dangerous – could discourage a student for life

Conclusion: Positive better and more modern.

In today’s very competitive world, a worker has to possess multiple skills to succeed. Among the skills that a worker should possess, which skill do you think is more important, social skills or good qualifications? Explain the reasons and provide specific examples to support your answer.

Paragraph idea 1: Social skills are more important – no man is an island – idiomatic expression correctly used i.e in context We need people around us – Lacking social skills could seriously disrupt, demotivate, and damage a team. – a big list of great vocab for Lexical Resource score there.

Paragraph idea 2: Good qualifications, certificates very useful, extremely useful in certain fields such as medicine, but in general, less technical areas, social skills triumph – less common vocabulary “triumph”

Conclusion:

Consider both, but give more weight to sociability.

IELTS essay topics and answer: employment (business)

Do you think businesses should hire employees who will spend their entire lives working for the company? Explain why you agree or disagree. Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.

Paragraph idea 1: Very bad idea to have lifetime permanence- almost zero incentive to improve, Not fair to employees because the company may pledge allegiance to the company but then the company relocates to Asia. Horrible.

Paragraph idea 2: The employee may become a burden for the company. Employees may become a cost that damages the company, lots of companies suffer because of contractual arrangements made in boom times. British Airways is a perfect example of expensive pension contracts made , only for the entire industry to change and render the contracts a massive headache.

Freedom should be given to employees to “ cherry-pick ” their career destiny.

ielts essay topics: cherry pick definition

IELTS essay topics and answer: gender issues (career)

Some people think women should be given equal chances to work and excel in their careers. Others believe that a woman’s role should be limited to taking care of the house and children. Which opinion do you agree with and why? Include specific details and examples to support your choice.

Paragraph idea 1: Women should of course be given equal rights to perform to the best of their ability (good collocation) in the market place Generous provisions and allowances should be made into law to encourage this behaviour and allow females to also fairly take time out from the career ladder to pursue a family.

Paragraph idea 2:  another good reason why I think the first point: Making legal structures to facilitate this transition would not only help to improve the worker’s happiness and wellbeing but also improve the health of society as a whole. Japan has a rather bleak future due to the low fertility rate, perhaps this kind of future could be avoided with more generous legislation.

Conclusion: Definitely should pursue a career and definitely fulfill the traditional family role also. The government should help make both objectives possible.

Do you think that technological advancement has brought more harm than good? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.

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.

With the latest technological advancements, dating is now possible online. Would you recommend online dating for your single friends? What are the advantages and disadvantages of online dating? Site some examples to support your answer.

In the developed world, technological progress is increasing. What problems will this cause for individuals and society? Suggest some measures that could be taken to reduce the impact of radical technological advancements.

At the present time, artificial intelligence of some technologies is advancing rapidly, especially in the driving sector. Do the advantages of this situation outweigh the disadvantages?

Films and computer games which contain violence are very popular. Some people believe they have a negative effect on society and so should be banned. Other people, however, say they are just harmless and help people to relax. Discuss both these points of view and give your own opinion. Ideas for body paragraph 1

Some people believe they have a negative effect on society and so should be banned. – No strong scientific study – Present globally but clearly only the US has issues regarding gun violence. – Banning usually has the direct opposite of its intentions

…harmless and helps people to relax. – Playing with toy guns never seemed to be a problem, these are a modern interpretation of toy guns – With every new development of a generation the older generation is usually worried… EG This happened with the Beatles, with heavy metal and Us hip hop..

These days, mobile phones and the internet are very important to the ways in which people relate to one another socially. Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?

Paragraph 1 It is more advantageous to relate socially to others via the phone Possible to give more frequent contact and support Possible to find others similar to you, useful for those with obscure or specialist interests

Paragraph 2 Disadvantages Cyberbullying is becoming a reality Teenagers becoming addicted to phones, even labeled screenagers Phenomenon called Instagram reality which shows the real-life pictures without the filters…

Some people are fond of buying new gadgets, phones, or laptops. Is this a good or bad thing? Discuss your opinion.

I can write it’s an entirely bad thing, or I can write it’s an entirely good thing. 

Ideas for body paragraph 1 – Good: New tech, drive innovation, tech development, job creation etc. – Example: new investment in tech to stay competitive – Sony – manufactures a new chip plant in Korea for PlayStation 5. 

Ideas for body paragraph 2 – Bad: C onsumerism, waste, unnecessary, planned obsolescence – Example: Research showed searches for the phrase “slow iPhone” peaked a few weeks before the launch of new iPhone models. This is an extremely worrying development because people might be manipulated into buying new gadgets and finding exaggerated happiness in their new products. 

Conclusion – Pros and cons: I think in the past it was fantastic, nowadays with the environment in such a dire state consumerism needs to be upgraded somehow.

Some parents think it is good to have mobile phones for their children, others disagree with it. Discuss both sides and give your opinion. Ideas for body paragraph 1

– Agree: Good idea because can stay in contact with parents, is safer, and can be used for better enriching a child’s life. – Example: algebra app, language learning app, … recent studies showed students learned 26% faster when using the IELTS Podcast Android app.

– Phones are bad: Undoubtedly bad detrimental. Teenagers are quickly and swiftly becoming screenagers, missing out on physical interactions and games. – Social media has a negative impact on confidence and contributes to cyberbullying… and other trends such as Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD). For example ….

Topic and answer: health

Many doctors say that people in today’s world do not do enough physical exercise. What do you think are the causes of this? What solutions are there to this problem?

Cause of not doing enough physical exercise – Joke: no natural predators nowadays, nature would have solved this problem,… in the past wild animals would have eliminated those out of shape…. JOKE – Sedentary lifestyle in the office – Lack of time for sport in a lot of modern lifestyles (40 hours/week + commuting etc)

What solutions are there to this problem? – Media campaigns by the government – Tax or financial incentives EG In Tokyo ……

Topic and answer: society

Weddings are more expensive in many countries nowadays when compared to the past. What is the reason behind this? Is this a positive or a negative development?

Paragraph 1 The reason behind this is probably social media Vapid attempts at self-promotion and “keeping up with the joneses”. Now it can be really publicised Ideas here need to be organised a little before starting the essay.

Paragraph 2 Definitely a negative development Although it’s a memorable day and should be cherished – the fact is, large amounts of cash are being spent, Most families have a considerable financial mountain ahead – babies, mortgage, etc

Nowadays consumer goods have become the most important part of people’s lives. Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?

Ideas for body paragraph 1 – Advantage:  Understandable – a car – can be the most important if you need it for work, family, etc Advantages are mobility, freedom, independence…  

Ideas for body paragraph 2 – Disadvantage:  When you fawn over a new product, it has been said the product owns you rather than you owning the product. For example: with an expensive phone, you are constantly worried about the screen smashing, or leaving it on a table, or in a taxi — the worry associated can be stressful. 

Conclusion –  Although it is understandable they are vital components of modern life, it must not be forgotten , that our lives are so much more than consumer durables.

Some people believe that if people are allowed to work after the age of 60, it will cause some problems. Do you agree or disagree? Ideas for body paragraph 1

– Yes:  lots of problems, – Sight, attention, technology gap, especially machinery… blue-collar work… – In some countries, senior citizens are required by law to retake their driving exam….

– Disagree: The elderly can be better qualified at the job, have more life experience, more insight, and more wisdom… – Pension burden if not allowed to work after 60. For example: most Western countries have a serious demographic deficit of an aging workforce . A country simply cannot prosper if all its wealth goes towards a pension.

Conclusion – For some sectors, it should be illegal, or at least the worker should be medically tested, but for other jobs, especially white-collar work, it should be okay.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the main topics of writing task 2.

Think about question types rather than topics – advantages/disadvantages, discuss both sides (and sometimes give your view), opinion essay or agree/disagree, causes/problem/solution/result essays, and two-part essays. Practice all those with common topics to be confident in IELTS.

What are the most common topics in IELTS writing Task 2?

There are many examples to look at and it’s great to do practice tests. In general, common topics are related to work, education, social issues (citizenship, the elderly, government support, healthcare, transportation), technology, globalization, and the environment. Start with those!

How do you get 8 in writing Task 2?

Make sure your essay answer is well organized into paragraphs with a clear introduction and conclusion, topic sentences, and supporting arguments. You must use formal language, fully address the task and make hardly any grammar or word choice errors.

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IELTS Sample Essays

Here you will find IELTS Sample Essays for a variety of common topics that appear in the writing exam.

The model answers all have tips and strategies for how you may approach the question and comments on the sample answer.

You can also view sample essays with band scores on this page. 

Looking at IELTS essay topics with answers is a great way to help you to prepare for the test. 

These IELTS sample essays have been categorised in a way that makes it easy for you to see how certain essay question types require you to provide certain responses to ensure the question is fully answered. 

Specifically these are:

  • Agree / Disagree
  • Discuss Two Opinions
  • Problems and Solutions
  • Advantages and Disadvantages
  • Other Types

Agree / Disagree Type Questions

In these types of question you are given one opinion and you then have to state the extent to which you agree or disagree with that opinion:

  • Advertising
  • Alternative Medicine
  • Spending on the Arts
  • Human Cloning
  • Social Interaction & the Internet
  • Airline Tax
  • Free University Education
  • Scientific Research
  • Banning Smoking
  • Employing Older People
  • Vegetarianism
  • Paying Taxes  
  • Examinations or Formal Assessment 
  • Multinational Organisations and Culture
  • Internet vs Newspapers
  • Technology Development  
  • Dying of Languages
  • Animal Extinction
  • Truth in Relationships
  • Role of Schools
  • Return of Historical Artefacts

Discuss Two Opinions Type Questions

In this essay question type you are given two opinions, and you have to discuss both of these and then give your own view:

  • University Education
  • Reducing Crime
  • Animal Rights
  • Child Development
  • Diet & Health
  • Donating Money to Charity
  • Closing Zoos   
  • Becoming Independent  
  • Formal and Informal Education  
  • Influence of Scientists and Politicians
  • Sources for Stories
  • Searching for Extraterrestrial Life

Cause Type Questions

There are a variety of 'cause type' essay questions. In these you first have to give the reasons why something has happened, in other words the causes, but then discuss a different aspect of it, such as the effects, solutions or the extent to whether it is a positive or negative development:

Causes & Effects:

  • Child Obesity
  • Skin Whitening Creams
  • Family Size
  • Having Children Later in Life
  • Time Away from Family

Causes and Solutions:

  • Youth Crime
  • Global Warming
  • Paying Attention in Class
  • International Travel & Prejudice 
  • Museums & Historical Places
  • Disappearance of Traditions
  • Communication Between Generations

Causes, Pros & Cons:

  • Family Closeness
  • Living Alone
  • Rural to Urban Migration

Problems & Solutions Type Questions

In these type of questions, instead of discussing the causes of a problem, you need to discuss the problems related to a particular issue in society, and then suggest what can be to solve these problems:

  • Overpopulation
  • Competing for Jobs  
  • Professionals Immigrating

Advantage & Disadvantages Type Questions

In these type of questions you are asked to discuss the positive and negative sides of a particular topic. You will usually be asked this in the context of giving an opinion ( e.g. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages? Is it a positive or negative development? ): 

  • Traffic Problems
  • Food Additives
  • Computer Games
  • Age Discrimination at Work  
  • Children using Tablets and Computers  
  • Cell Phones, Internet, & Communication  
  • Working from Home 
  • Eating Locally grown  Produce  
  • Oil and Gas Essay  
  • Peer Pressure on Young People
  • Online Fraud
  • Decreasing House Sizes

'Hybrid' Types of Essay Question

There are sometimes questions that don't fit easily into a particular category as above. I've called these 'hybrid', as they are of mixed character, are composed of different elements from other types of essay, or are perhaps just worded differently. 

  • Protecting Old Buildings
  • Animal Testing
  • Fear of Crime
  • Communication Technology
  • Influence of Children's Friends  

Sample Essays with Band Scores

You can also view some sample essays that have been written by candidates practising for the test and have band scores and comments by an experienced ex-IELTS Examiner based on the IELTS marking criteria. 

  • IELTS Band 8 Essay Samples
  • IELTS Band 7 Essay Samples
  • IELTS Band 6 Essay Samples
  • IELTS Band 5 Essay Samples
  • IELTS Band 4 Essay Samples

Student Sample Essays

For more IELTS essay topics with answers you can also view essays that have been written by students. Some have feedback from other students or IELTS teachers:

  • Student Model Essays  (with comments by other students)
  • Student Model Essays (with comments by IELTS buddy)

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

by Dave | Sample Answers | 6 Comments

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

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.

essay writing topic for ielts

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 ...

essay writing topic for ielts

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

by Dave | Sample Answers | 147 Comments

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. ...

essay writing topic for ielts

Find my Newest IELTS Post Here – Updated Daily!

by Dave | IELTS FAQ | 18 Comments

IELTS Cambridge 14 Plant and Animal Life

by Dave | Cambridge 14 | 4 Comments

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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Helena

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.

Dave

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

helena

you are the best teacher i have ever seen.

Thanks so much!!!

Shakshi

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 Writing Samples: 100 Practice Questions

Below you’ll find more than 100 IELTS Writing sample questions updated for 2019. Each of these essay questions has been taken from a real IELTS past paper and will give you an idea of what to expect on your exam day.

These sample questions can be separated into five main Task 2 question types:

  • Opinion 
  • Advantages and Disadvantages
  • Problem/Cause and Solution
  • Two-part questions

They are also divided amongst 13 of the most common IELTS essay topics that have appeared regularly over the last few years. IELTS is always changing, but these common topics can help you prepare more effectively if you improve your ability to use the vocabulary related to them.

These sample IELTS questions are all for Writing Task 2. For Task 1 questions, follow this link.

Feel free to print out these IELTS Writing samples and use them when you prepare for IELTS at home!

Or better yet, why not answer one of them in the comments below and gain feedback from your peers?

If you need feedback on your essays from an IELTS teacher, you can read about my essay correction service here .

Criminal Justice

Some people believe that there should be fixed punishments 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.

Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Some people believe that capital punishment should never be used. Others, however, argue that it should be allowed for the most serious crimes.

Some people believe the purpose of prison is to punish, while others would argue that rehabilitation is its primary role.

Some people feel unsafe when they are in public and at home.

What are the possible causes of this and what are some possible solutions?

Some people say that excessive noise should be a criminal offence, while others say they should be free to make noise without limitation.

Some people say that the best way to improve public health is by increasing the number of sports facilities. Others, however, say that this would have little effect on public health and that other measures are required.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

In some countries levels of health and fitness are decreasing and average weights are increasing.

What do you think are the causes of these problems and what are some possible solutions?

Research indicates that the characteristics we are born with have much more influence on our personality and development than any other experiences we may have in our life.

Which do you consider to be the major influence?

Schools should do more to teach students about their health and wellbeing.

Do you agree or disagree?

More and more schools allow fast-food restaurants to sell their products to their students.

Is it a positive or negative development?

University students must pay all tuition fees, because it benefits mostly them individually, rather than the society as a whole.

Do you agree or disagree?

Some say that music, art and drama are as important as other school subjects, especially at the primary level.

Some people believe that studying history is very important and we must study the past to understand the present. Others say that it is useless and should not be studied at all.

Some teachers tend to reward students who achieve high academic results. Others, however, support and reward students that show the most improvement.

Giving lectures in halls to large numbers of people is an outdated method of teaching. With the technology available today, there is no justification for it and everything should be done online.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

In most universities students focus on specialised subjects, however, some people believe that universities should encourage students to study a wider variety of subjects.

It is generally believed that some people are born with certain talents, for instance for sport or music, and others are not. However, it is sometimes claimed that any child can be taught to become a good sports person or musician.

Some people think that universities should provide graduates with the knowledge and skills needed in the workplace. Others think that the true function of a university should be to give access to knowledge for its own sake, regardless of whether the course is useful to an employer.

What, in your opinion, should be the main function of a university?

Some parents think that childcare centres provide the best services for children of pre-school age. Other working parents think that family members such as grandparents will be better carers for their kids.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Governments should spend more money on education than on recreation and sports.

Some people believe that unpaid community service should be a compulsory part of high school programmes (for example working for a charity, improving the neighbourhood or teaching sports to younger children).

Some people think that it is better to educate girls and boys in separate schools. Others, however, believe that boys and girls benefit more from attending mixed schools.

Some people think that parents should teach children how to be good members of society. Others, however, believe that school is the place to learn this.

Universities should accept equal numbers of male and female students in every subject.

In some countries young people are encouraged to work or travel for a year between finishing high school and starting university.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of this?

Some people think that a sense of competition in children should be encouraged. Others believe that children who are taught to co-operate rather than compete become more useful adults.

Some people believe that children are given too much free time. They feel that this time should be used to do more academic work.

How do you think children should spend their free time?

In many countries schools have severe problems with student behaviour.

What do you think are the causes of this?

What solutions can you suggest?

University students should pay in full for their own education instead of the society funding their studies. The reason is that individuals tend to benefit after graduation more than society.

To what extent do you agree or disagree? Give your own opinion.

Some people believe that students should be allowed to evaluate and criticise their teachers to improve the quality of education. Others think this is disrespectful to teachers.

Discuss both views, give your opinion and include relevant examples.

Youth Crime

Nowadays many young people deliberately damage public places.

What are the causes and solutions?

Some people believe that a person’s criminal record should be removed when they reach the age of 18.

More and more young people are using drugs and alcohol and as a result, breaking the law.

What are the causes of this problem?

What are some possible solutions?

Children should never be put in prison with adults no matter how serious their crime.

Being a celebrity – such as a movie star or professional athlete – brings problems as well as benefits.

Do you think that being a celebrity has more benefits or drawbacks?

Some people feel that entertainers (e.g. film stars, pop musicians or sports stars) are paid too much money.

Which other types of job should be highly paid?

Successful sports professionals can earn much more money than people in other important jobs. Some people think this is fully justified while others think it is unfair.

Environment

There is a growing demand for fresh water nowadays and this is becoming a global problem.

Many people think that too much attention and resources are given to the protection of wild animals and birds.

Increasing the price of petrol is the best way to solve growing traffic and pollution problems.

What other measures do you think might be effective?

Nowadays we are producing more and more waste.

What are the causes of this?

What can be done to help reduce the amount of waste we produce?

Many people believe that companies and individuals should pay to clean up the environment in proportion to the amount of pollution they have produced.

Global warming is the biggest threat we face today.

Children today are too dependent on computers and electronic entertainment. It would be better to encourage them to spend more time outside playing sports and games.

Some people say that public libraries are an important public resource and should be free. Others say that they are just a waste of public money.

Some people think that excessive use of smartphones badly affects teenagers’ literacy skills.

The internet contains a lot of information that can help people, however, sometimes the information is inaccurate or wrong.

Nowadays the way many people interact with each other has changed because of technology.

In what ways has technology affected the types of relationships people make?

Has this become a positive or negative development?

Computers have made the world a better place to live in.

Some people believe that the use of mobile phones in public is as annoying as smoking and should be banned.

Most high-level positions in companies are filled by men even though the workforce in many developed countries is more than 50 percent female. Companies should be required to allocate a certain percentage of these positions to women.

Nowadays more and more people have to compete with young people for the same jobs.

What problems does this cause?

Women and men are commonly seen as having different strengths and weaknesses.

Is it right to exclude males or females from certain professions because of their gender?

As most people spend a major part of their adult life at work, job satisfaction is an important element of individual wellbeing.

What factors contribute to job satisfaction?

How realistic is the expectation of job satisfaction for all workers?

Some people think that people in senior positions alone should make decisions in a business, while others think that employees should be involved in the decision-making process too.

Nowadays many people work part- or full-time from home. Some people say that working from home has many benefits while others disagree.

For some people a high salary is the most important criterion when choosing a new job while others are satisfied if the job contributes to society.

Globalisation

In many places, traditional food has been replaced by international fast food. This has adverse effects on individuals and society.

More and more people are visiting historic sites and sometimes tourists damage these ancient sites. The number of people visiting these places should be strictly limited.

Shopping has developed from a necessary activity to a kind of entertainment.

Many small businesses are being forced to close because they are unable to compete with multinational corporations.

What problems does this cause and how can those problems be solved?

Multinational companies are becoming increasingly common in developing countries.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of this?

Government Spending

People prefer to watch foreign films rather than locally produced ones.

Why do you think this happens? Should the government support local filmmakers financially?

Some people think that governments should invest more in public services instead of wasting money on arts such as music and paintings.

Some people believe that the government should pay for and offer to house people who lost their homes or cannot afford them.

Some people think that the government should fund music, dance and art lessons for children. Others think that they should be funded by private businesses or by children’s families.

Many people think that the government should spend money to explore outer space, while others think that it’s a waste of public money.

Some people think that mothers should spend most of their time raising their family, and therefore the government should support them financially.

Development

In some countries, the numbers of children aged 15 and younger are increasing dramatically.

What are the current and future effects of an ever-increasing population?

A recent study showed that people in developed countries are not as happy as they were before development.

What are the causes of this and what are some possible solutions?

Sometimes celebrities get invited to international aid events.

Do you think that such events deviate from their main purpose by inviting famous people?

Some people believe that richer countries should give poorer countries more financial assistance.

Some people believe that no aid should be given to developing countries that have poor human rights records.

Public Transport

Some people think that a car is the best way to travel in cities while others believe a bicycle is a better way to commute.

Many cities have serious problems with traffic congestion.

What are the causes of these problems and what are some possible solutions?

Growing numbers of cities are making their centres pedestrian-only zones.

What are the advantages and disadvantages?

Some people believe that the best way to reduce traffic congestion is to increase the price of petrol.

Every year several languages die out. Some people think that it is not important because life will be easier if there are fewer languages in the world.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

It is becoming increasingly popular for people to travel to tourist destinations during public holidays.

What solutions are there to these problems?

Today, the high sales of popular consumer goods reflect the power of advertising and not the real needs of the society in which they are sold.

Some people believe that visitors to other countries should follow local customs and behaviour. Others disagree and think that the host country should welcome cultural differences.

At present, the media affects people’s lives significantly.

What impact does this have on society? Is it a negative or positive development?

Young people say that travelling to different countries benefits them and society.

Do you agree or disagree? Give your opinion.

These days, more fathers stay at home and take care of their children while mothers go out to work.

What are the main reasons for this? Do you think this is a positive or negative development?

IELTS Writing Sample Essays

Now that you know what kind of essay questions to expect, feel free to browse my collection of IELTS Writing Sample Essays here: Band 7+ IELTS Writing Sample Essays

However, it’s important that you use them wisely. Simply reading through them won’t improve your skills or your score. When using IELTS Writing sample essays, I always recommend following my ___ step strategy:

  • Start off by reading the question – NOT the answer.
  • Attempt to answer the question under exam conditions.
  • Compare your letter with the sample answer.
  • Improve your original answer by using some of the elements you noticed in the sample letter. Eg. how did the writer use structure, vocabulary and grammar?

If you do try this strategy, make sure to leave a comment letting me know what you thought of it. Or better yet, leave your response in the comments below!

What I Learned Correcting 10,000 IELTS Writing Task 2 Essays

Over the years, I have corrected more than 10,000 IELTS Task 2 essays.

To help you learn from the mistakes of my students, I made a video which revealed the 5 key things you must to do to score a Band 7+ in IELTS Writing:

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For detailed help with improving your essay-writing skills, you should sign up to our IELTS Fundamentals Course. It’s completely free of charge and will give you exclusive access to:

  • Never-seen-before IELTS videos;
  • Practice questions for each section of the test;
  • Answer sheets to help you identify your mistakes.

Learn more about it and sign up here: IELTS Fundamentals.

As always, please reach out in the comments below or via email if you need anything: [email protected]

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 " ielts academic test in italy, august 2024".

Writing Task 1 # Table Chart #

The table chart illustrates the number of people taking part in a wildlife survey in Great Britain between 2007 and 2015.

Writing Task 2 # Essay #

Many companies sponsor sports as a way to advertise themselves. Some people think that it is good for the world of sports, while others think that it has disadvantages too. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

(Shared By B.R)

 " IELTS Academic Test In Canada, August 2024"

Writing Task 1 # Bar Chart #

The bar chart illustrates the number of foreign visitors to four different European countries between 1990 and 2010.

Rich countries often give money to poorer countries, but this does not solve the problem of poverty. Therefore, developed countries should provide other types of assistance to poor countries, rather than financial assistance. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

(Shared By K.S)

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Writing Task 1 # Line Chart #

The given line chart illustrates the information about the price of bananas in five different countries between 1984 and 2014.

There have been many inventions in human history such as the wheel. Some people think that the most important thing is the Internet. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the opinion?

(Shared By J.P)

 " IELTS Academic Test In Australia, August 2024"

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Writing Task 1 # Process Chart #

The process chart illustrates the information about the process of making carbonated drinks.

Increasing university tuition fees and limited graduate job prospects have led some people to say that universities should not teach arts like philosophy and history and only offer practical courses that maximize employment chances. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

(Shared By R.M)

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IELTS Writing Task 2: Do you agree or disagree?

By Fiona on August 6, 2024

In this lesson you'll learn 3 ways to structure a 'Do you agree or disagree?' question about whether facts or skills should be taught at school and university. It includes 2 model answers.

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Nuclear Power Essay IELTS 2024: Writing Task 2 Latest Samples

  • Last Updated On July 29, 2024
  • Published In IELTS Preparation 💻

nuclear power essay ielts

The IELTS exam tests how well-versed you are in the English language. It consists of four papers: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Essay writing can be daunting if you’re not conversant in its framework and concept. This blog will assist you in writing Nuclear Power Essay IELTS and guide you on how to crack IELTS writing task 2.

Table of Content

We’ll focus more on the nuclear power essay during this blog and walk you through the process. For guidance and reference on other topics and any other help regarding the IELTS exam, you can look through our website’s collection of blogs and obtain the assistance you need, including writing task 2 topics with answers .

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Nuclear Power Essay IELTS Sample Answer

Nuclear power is a very debated topic in every convention and has always been questioned for the bad it does rather than its good. In my opinion, nuclear power needs to be used, and the user should also be controlled and hedged with renewable energy sources as they are the only viable solution. Nuclear plants currently provide 11% of the world’s electricity. With an ever-increasing demand for electricity being seen everywhere and the fossil fuels reducing each day, it is now more important than ever that major decisions should be made. In the upcoming decades, energy consumption will only increase and meet the rising demand; nuclear power plants will be required as they are the best source of traditional energy-producing sources. Although nuclear power plants are required, it is also necessary to gradually push renewable energy sources and promote them to create a sustainable future for future generations. Nuclear power plants’ waste disposal and radioactivity are the concerning factors that have been the hot topic of most debates at conventions and meetings. In addition to that, a single misuse of this tremendous power can result in the disruption of life for all mankind. Striking a balance between the two will be crucial in the coming time as global warming and the energy crisis are on a constant rise. If nothing is done in the near time, countries could get submerged underwater within the coming decades, and the entire world will have to fight for survival.

Writing Task 2

The writing section of the IELTS exam consists of two sections. Writing task 2 is an essay writing task that requires deep thinking and coherence. This task will be our focus for this blog, as the rules and guidelines of the IELTS exam can be confusing for students appearing for the first time. Writing task 2 has the subsequent guidelines:

  • The essay should have a minimum of 250 words. An essay written in less than 250 words will be penalised and negatively marked. There is no penalty for writing a longer essay, but it will cause you to stray off-topic and waste time.
  • 40 minutes is a good enough time to complete this task and will leave you with time to recheck your answer.
  • The essay’s contents should be written with perfect grammar and solely focused on the topic.
  • You can be penalised if you stray off-topic while writing your essay. All the sentences must be related and formed to provide a clear view and information.
  • The content must be well structured to fetch the best results and have proper cohesion between the sentences.
  • The tone of your answer must be academic or semi-formal and should discuss the given topic at length and focus on proper and sophisticated language.
  • Using bullet points and notes is not allowed in the IELTS exam . The real answer must be written together and broken into paragraphs to better examine your writing style and structure.

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Structure of Essay in Writing Task 2

The structure of the essay in writing task 2 is the base of your essay, and a clear idea of the structure will make it much easier for you to finish the essay on time. The structure of the essay can be broken down in the following way:

  • First Paragraph
  • Second Paragraph
  • Third Paragraph
  • Fourth Paragraph

The first paragraph of your essay should provide a small introduction to the topic and provide an opinion of yours about what side you are on about the topic. The first paragraph should be minimal and to the point. A clear and concise introduction leaves a good impression on the examiner. The second paragraph should begin with your stance on the topic. The first sentence should provide clarity on your stance. The second sentence should build on that idea and delve deeper into the specifics. The next sentences are suitable for providing an example and developing it in detail. You can make up research studies and quote them in your essay to support your point. At the end of the paragraph, end with a statement that sums up the overall idea of the paragraph and supports the idea you started with. The third paragraph is very similar in structure to the second paragraph. The main objective of this paragraph is to provide either the opposite view of the topic or discuss new ideas that touch on a different perspective of the topic but ultimately support your opinion. The structuring is the same as in the second paragraph, with minute changes. The fourth paragraph is the conclusion of your essay and, just like the introduction, should be minimal. Summing up your essay with a statement supporting your opinion and overall idea is best advised.

Nuclear Power Essay IELTS

Score well on IELTS Nuclear Essay by understanding the Writing task 2 structure above. Add Brownie points for writing answers with facts, examples and evidence. For more related content, head on to LeapScholar blogs. Avail of one-on-one guidance from India’s top IELTS educators from the Leap Scholar Premium course.

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Frequently asked questions, 1. what are the pros and cons of nuclear power.

Ans: Nuclear energy is a widely used method of production of electricity. The benefits of nuclear technology and the main advantages of nuclear power are: a. No production of harmful gases that cause air pollution b. Clean source of energy c. Low cost of fuel d. Long-life once constructed e. A massive amount of energy produced f. Unlike most energy production methods, nuclear energy does not contribute to the increase in global warming

Disadvantages: a. Very high cost of construction of the facility. b. Waste produced is very toxic and requires proper and safe disposal, which is costly. c. If any accident happens, it can have a major impact on everyone and can be devastating. d. Mining of uranium 235, which is nuclear fuel, is very expensive.

2. Does Japan have a plan for dealing with its own nuclear waste problem?

Ans: As per the latest news and research, Japan does not have a proper nuclear waste dumping structure even after the Fukushima disaster in 2011. The Fukushima disaster was caused by the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan in 2011 and caused meltdowns and hydrogen explosions at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Reactor. It was the worst recorded nuclear disaster since Chernobyl. Japan is said to have enough nuclear waste to create nuclear arsenals. In April 2021, Japan declared they would be dumping 1.2 million tonnes of nuclear waste into the sea. This is the same Japan that called the 1993 ocean dumping by Russia “extremely regrettable.” The discharges are bound to begin by 2023, and various legal proceedings and protests have been going on inside Japan against this inhuman decision that would destroy marine life.

3. How many countries have nuclear power plants?

Ans : Currently, 32 countries in the world possess nuclear power plants within their boundaries.

4. Why do people oppose nuclear power?

Ans: Opposition to nuclear power has been a long-standing issue. It is backed by a variety of reasons which are as follows:Nuclear waste is hard to dispose of, and improper disposal affects the radioactivity levels and can disrupt the normal life of people as well as animals. Nuclear technology is another concern of people as the usage of nuclear power plants leads to deeper research into the nuclear field. In today’s world, anything can be weaponised, and the threat of nuclear weapons is one of the drawbacks of nuclear power. This brings the threat of nuclear war and disruption of world peace. Any attack on nuclear power plants by terrorist organisations can result in a massive explosion that can disrupt and destroy human life and increase radioactivity to alarming levels around the site of the explosion.

5. What is the best way to dispose of nuclear waste?

Ans: Nuclear waste needs to be disposed of properly to prevent radioactive issues in the environment. The best methods to dispose of nuclear waste are as follows: a. Incineration : Radioactive waste can be incinerated in large scale incinerators with low production of waste. b. Deep burial: Nuclear waste can be buried deep into the ground as the radioactivity of nuclear waste wears off over time. This method is used for waste that is highly radioactive and will take a longer time to lose its radioactivity. c. Storage: Nuclear waste with low radioactivity is stored by some countries in storage. This is because their radioactive decay takes lesser time and can be disposed of safely once the radiation wears off.

6. Is it possible to produce electricity without using fossil fuels?

Ans: At the moment, 11% of the world’s electricity is produced by nuclear power plants alone. Replacing fossil fuel-based energy with renewable needs to be done gradually and properly. Renewable energy sources such as solar, hydro, and wind will have to be promoted and pushed to create a sustainable future. Renewable energy sources provide cheap energy, do not use up natural resources and fossil fuels and are much cheaper to construct than a nuclear power station.

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IELTS Reading Topics and Examples of Question Types

Kasturika Samanta

Updated On Aug 08, 2024

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To excel in IELTS Reading, practice different IELTS Reading topics regularly. Academic passages cover academic content, while General passages focus on daily life. Familiarize yourself with question types & use official materials to improve your skills.

IELTS Reading Topics and Examples of Question Types

Table of Contents

Overview of ielts reading topics, ielts reading topics, ielts reading questions, useful resources.

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Answering 40 questions in total from three to five different passages within just 60 minutes can be challenging if one is not prepared properly for IELTS Reading . This makes practising IELTS reading topics regularly necessary. It will help you to improve your reading skills as well as achieve a top IELTS band score .

Let’s look at the most common IELTS reading topics in the list below and make sure you practice them for your benefit.

The IELTS exam covers a wide range of reading topics to assess the candidate’s ability to read and understand different types of text. The most common IELTS reading topics are related to include natural sciences, environmental issues, socio-economic and technological changes and cultural phenomena.

Since IELTS Academic is taken by candidates preparing to apply to a foreign university, the IELTS reading topics for this exam are usually related to academic setting or professional purposes and are taken from journals, books and newspapers. On the other hand, the reading topics of IELTS General are mostly simpler texts taken from advertisements, company handbooks or magazines as it is meant to evaluate the reading abilities of candidates migrating to English-speaking countries.

Let us look at the IELTS reading topics list along with IELTS reading examples for IELTS Reading in general, as well as for IELTS Academic and IELTS General separately.

General IELTS Reading Topics

You will come across passages and questions across multiple categories like environment, science, social issues, business, daily life, and hobby. The table below will list various IELTS Reading topics and subtopics.

Environment

History and Culture

Science and Technology

Social Issues

Education

Business and Economics

Technology and Society

Health and Well-being

Sports and Fitness

Literature and Language

Politics and Governance

Urbanization and Infrastructure

Cultural Diversity

Global Issues

IELTS Reading Topics for Academic Exam

The topics for IELTS Academic Reading are academic in nature due to its intended purpose of examining the reading skills of undergraduate and postgraduate students. So, it ranges from general interest topics to subject-specific ones. Candidates have to solve questions from three different passages, each of which will be based on different topics.

Environment

History and Cultural Diversity

Science and Technology

Social and Global Issues

Literature and Language/Education

Business and Economics

Health, Sports & Well-being

Fashion & Society

Food

Others

IELTS Reading Topics for General Exam

In IELTS General Reading , there are 2 shorter passages each in the first two sections and one long passage in the third section. The topics in this exam will not be academic. Rather, they are mostly related to daily life and the workplace.

Travels & Transport

Technology & Business

Education & Culture

Workplace

Environment & Global Issues

Health & Sports

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Process Oriented

Besides knowing about the IELTS Reading topics, it is also necessary to know the IELTS reading questions types. Since the question types are similar in both Academic and General Reading exams, therefore, let us learn about them and be prepared for more IELTS Reading practice tests .

  • IELTS reading multiple-choice questions
  • True/False/Not Given IELTS Reading
  • IELTS Reading Yes/No/Not Given
  • IELTS Reading Matching Headings to Paragraph
  • Matching Information IELTS Reading
  • IELTS Reading Matching Features
  • IELTS Reading Matching Sentence Endings
  • IELTS Reading Sentence Completion
  • IELTS Reading Summary Completion
  • Diagram Completion IELTS Reading
  • Short Answer Questions IELTS Reading
  • IELTS Reading Table Completion / Note Completion/Flow-Chart Completion

Download the IELTS Reading questions and answers PDF for a better practice!

We know that practising without feedback from IELTS experts can be ineffective. So, you can sign up for our free demo session and talk to an experienced IELTS expert for guidance.

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  • How to complete IELTS Reading in less than 1 hour
  • Useful IELTS Reading Website Resources & material for both Academic & General Training Module
  • 101 IELTS Reading Past Papers With Answers PDF Download
  • 15 Days’ Practice for IELTS Reading (PDF) with Answers (General And Academic)
  • IELTS Listening Reading and Writing Answer Sheet
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  • Calculating General and Academic Band Scores
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Frequently Asked Questions

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How to get 8.5 marks in IELTS reading?

How do I practice IELTS reading?

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Kasturika Samanta

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IELTS Speaking Part 2 Cue Card Topics – 2024

IELTS Speaking Part 2 Cue Cards / Topics to focus on for 2024 . These topics will be repeated so it is worth preparing for them. However, your aim is NOT to memorise model answers. The speaking test requires you to use your English in a natural way. This means you should prepare ideas and vocabulary for the topics but give your talk naturally and fluently during the test. Memorised answers are not accepted in IELTS.

Below you will find a list of topics and model answers for four of them to give you an idea of how to tackle IELTS Speaking Part 2 cue cards. I’ve highlighted interesting, high band score expressions in the model answers.

IELTS Speaking Part 2 Cue Card Topics 2024

Ielts cue card 1 .

A Character from a Film what the character was like who played the part when you saw the film why you like this character

IELTS Speaking Model Answer 1

I’d like to talk about a character from a Korean Drama.  I know it isn’t a film, but I really don’t watch films anymore and just prefer watching dramas on Netflix. The character in this particular drama was actually an autistic lawyer in a Korean Drama called Extraordinary Attorney Woo. The drama was praised worldwide and is considered one of the best Kdramas ever made. The character was a female law graduate who had autism and had just been given a job in a law firm. Her autism was evident from the get-go . She struggled with sensory overload , was obsessed with specific topics that she couldn’t help talking about and struggled with basic tasks such as entering a building using revolving doors. However, regardless of her challenges, she was brilliant at law and could think outside the box in a way that other attorneys couldn’t. In time, she became a valued and respected member of staff.

I honestly can’t tell you much about the actress who played the part because she was new to me. However, I was really struck by her acting skills. She was so convincing and I’m pretty sure she won a number of awards for her performance. She didn’t just act the part in style, she managed to incorporate all body language and mannerisms.

I first watched the drama a couple of years ago and since then, I’ve watched it again because it isn’t just poignant, it’s also amusing, emotional, insightful and entertaining. It really is a show with everything.

What can I say about why I like the character? Well, what’s not to love. Someone with the strength to take on the world when the world works so differently to how she works. Everything is challenging for her, yet her enthusiasm and determination to succeed never diminishes. I think we all need to admire people like that.

Cue Card Tips for this Topic:

  • Some points on the cue card will be longer to talk about than others.
  • Choose a character that has depth so that you have lots to talk about.
  • Prepare ideas for which actor you want to talk about and which character they played. You can choose to focus on the actor more than the character or vice versa.
  • It’s ok to say that you don’t know much about something. It’s shows confidence and a natural ability to use English. However, you still need to talk at length.
  • Be chatty and give your opinion as often as you want.
  • This is a topic about People – there are many similar topics in IELTS Speaking Part 2. Always prepare plenty of topics about people, such as children, famous people, someone foreign, someone older, someone with good advice, someone with a skill, someone interesting, someone close to you, someone who likes music or cooking or languages or fashion etc.

Speaking Part 3 Questions: Films

Click below to show:

  • Not necessarily. I think there are quite a lot of movies these days that have famous actors or actresses in that don’t do well and don’t get good reviews. But I suppose, a film that does have a well-known actor in is going to grab more attention and bring in more money, even if the film isn’t popular with critics.
  • That’s a really difficult question to answer because it depends what kind of movie it is. What I mean is, some movies need really good special effects and music to make them good like movies based on comics or animation movies, whereas other movies do well because of a strong storyline that viewers can connect with. Sometimes it’s a combination of factors like the right director with the right actors and a strong script.
  • I think some of it is down to timing. I mean quite a lot of actors who are famous now weren’t famous when they started acting. They had to wait for the right movie to come along that allowed them to shine. And I suppose some actors become successful because of their looks. 
  • I’m not sure about movies needing to be 100% truthful. Movies are a form of entertainment and they sometimes need to adapt real life events so that the movie is enjoyable or so that the script works. They might need to change some people’s characters or even invent a character. But I think when it’s a film about an event where people died or where traumatised, the film really must be respectful to people’s memories.
  • Yes, sometimes. I think films are getting more and more violent, and people are getting used to that level of violence instead of being turned off by it. I personally, am against violent movies because I don’t think they are necessary forms of entertainment.
  • It’s a good question because dramas, like the ones found on Netflix, are really popular these days. I reckon that people like stories that last longer so that you can spend more time with the characters and see the storyline slowly unfolding. Films are great for one evening of entertainment, but if you want more, then dramas are the best option.
  • If it’s a really great movie with special effects, stunts and great music, it’s best to watch it at the cinema with their wide screen and surround speakers. It’s also great to share a movie with that with an audience, it really adds to the experience. But other movies are fine for just watching in the comfort of your own home where you can take breaks, chill out and fall asleep if you want.

IELTS Cue Card 2

A new law you would like to see introduced. what it is what it would change how popular it would be why you think it’s important

Model Answer 2:

There is a law that I really wish would be introduced and that is to prevent people from owning dogs if they are not completely committed to taking care of them long-term. I know it’s a strange wish but I do feel very strongly about it.

It’s so easy for people to buy a dog. They buy them without thinking of whether they are prepared to look after them for 15 years or so. A dog becomes part of a family. It is a pack animal and gets really attached to the people it lives with and when it loses its pack, it suffers emotional distress and even end up in a dog pound, possibly put down if no one wants to adopt it. It’s cruel.

Too many people buy pets for their children in the same way that they buy a toy. But a pet is a living creature, not a plastic toy. So, introducing this type of law that makes people fully responsible for the animal for the whole of its natural life would make people think twice about buying it in the first place. It would also ensure that the people who do buy a dog have seriously considered the commitment and are prepared to take care of it properly. This would also ensure that animal cruelty numbers go down, which obviously is essential. I think we need this kind of law.

Looking at how popular it would be, well, it’s not likely to be popular. Most people want the right to buy what they and discard what they want, when they want to. But I feel that even though this law wouldn’t be popular for a long time, eventually people would come to respect the law and respect animal rights to a save and stable living environment.

I’ve probably already explained why it’s important. It would prevent animals becoming homeless and suffering terribly. It would also prevent animal cruelty. I feel really passionate about animal rights. These creatures are our responsibility. In fact, the whole planet is our responsibility to keep safe. I really believe that laws slowly need to be introduced so that we gradually become care takers of the animals and plants on this planet. This is our only home on the whole planet and we must be more conscientious .

Tips for this topic:

  • animals, children’s education, women’s safety, road safety, immigration, cost of education, health care, noise, littering, pollution, importing foreign products, cost of rent, owning a business (really there is no limit to the ideas you can have for this topic)
  • It’s fine to talk about one law and then continue talking about other aspects of the topic. For example, in this model answer I also talked about taking care of the planet. It’s fine to do this and it’s a great way to introduce more language and extend your talk.
  • This is a challenging topic for IELTS Speaking Part 2 – but just be open and talk about things you are familiar with.

IELTS Speaking Part 3 Questions: Law

Click below:

  • What rules should children be taught?
  • Do you think rules should only be taught to children in schools?
  • Do you think all laws are good?
  • Why does it take so long to put new laws in place?
  • Are police officers popular in your country?
  • Why do some people commit minor crimes like stealing?

IELTS Cue Card 3

An interesting dish you like what it is where you ate it how it is made why you liked it

Model Answer 3:

I’m going to talk about a dish that I absolutely love and eat whenever I’m in the mood. The dish doesn’t really have a name because it isn’t a fancy dish. It’s actually quite simple to make, it consists of simple ingredients and it considered everyday food . The dish is Turkish Scrambled Eggs. I’m pretty sure most countries have their version of this kind of dish, but I really like this one. For me it ticks all the boxes .

I actually learned about this dish from watching a Youtube video. I think this is one the good things about Youtube. Sometimes random videos pop up in your video feed and introduce you to something you would otherwise not have learned about . It really does make the world a small place and a much more interesting one.

Anyway, the only time I’ve eaten it, I made it at home myself. So, in some ways, I can say I’ve never had the authentic dish. But I’m pretty sure I nailed it and made it correctly. It’ made quite simply by slow cooking some onions in a pan over a gentle heat and then adding tomatoes. Once the tomatoes have broken down, you stir in the eggs and keep stirring. You then add some cheese. You can also add herbs and spices such as chilli flakes, paprika and garlic granules. It’s very straight forward. Anyone can make it.

For me this is a comfort dish . It’s one I make when I want to feel cosy and relaxed. It isn’t my only comfort dish. I’ve got a long list of food I love to eat when the time is right. I love Korean food with it’s interesting flavours, Chinese food with its fresh stir-fried vegetables, Spanish tapas, which are incredible side dishes and of course middle eastern dishes that are just packed with flavour .

  • I introduced my own prompt about how I heard of this dish. This is a great technique to expand your answer and perfectly fine for a high band score.
  • Not all prompts will be suitable for your choice of subject. That’s fine and doesn’t matter.
  • The more detail you give, the bigger range of language you are showcasing.
  • Feel free to talk about other dishes as well.
  • Always prepare ideas for foreign foods, traditional foods and foods you have never tried but want to.
  • Always prepare language about cooking and food because that topics appeared in part 1 as well.

IELTS Speaking Part 3 Questions: Food 

  • Do you think it’s important for children to learn to cook?
  • Do you think children should learn about tradition foods in your country?
  • Why do some people prefer eating at home rather than in a restaurant?
  • Why do some people eat junk food when they know it isn’t good for them?
  • Is foreign food popular in your country?

IELTS Cue Card 4

Something you are proud of achieving what it is when it happened what you did why you felt proud

Model Answer 4:

I’m going to tell you about a time that I travelled abroad. I know it is not the typical topic that people talk about when they think of something proud. But for me, I was proud of taking this trip for personal reasons. I had just recovered from an illness that caused me much pain and suffering. When I recovered, my family suggested that I go and stay with family for a short holiday. Instead, I bought a ticket abroad and travelled on my own for the first time in my life. This may not be an achievement for most people, but it was the most courageous thing I’ve ever done , particularly as I couldn’t speak the language of the country I visited.

This happened a number of years ago. I remember it distinctly because it was such an incredible experience. Some people in my family though I was irresponsible when I booked my ticket to China. In their mind, it was a country very far away and extremely different. But for me it was an adventure. I had never been there before. It was all completely new. It turned out to be a challenging trip because there were plenty of unforeseen events that were difficult to deal with. But the trip its was rewarding. I learned so much about the Chinese culture and traditions that it opened my mind to a whole new way of life . I can definitely say it was life changing , a pivotal point in my life .

I believe very much that we must live life to the fullest . We must embrace changes and take up new challenges. I think that if we do this, we will stay young at heart and the world will be a better place. Since then, I’ve done a lot I’ve been proud of like learning a new language, building a business, having children and so much more. Some people are scared of challenges and they prefer to do things that make them comfortable. But I believe you must push yourself to achieve as much as you can.

Tip for this topic:

  • achievements can be big things like – getting a job, winning an award, giving a talk, passing a test – or they can be small, personal achievements such as the example above. Sometimes the small things are easier to talk about. You don’t get a higher band score because you talked about something more difficult.
  • This type of topic is very flexible so make sure you choose to talk about something you can easily talk at length about.
  • Try to avoid talking about your work or your studies because you must show the examiner you can talk about less familiar topics if you want a high score.
  • Don’t be scared to take your talk in any direction you want. At the end of the talk, you can talk about your values, your beliefs, your opinions – anything you want in relation to the main topic.

IELTS Speaking Part 3 Questions: Achievements

  • Do you think some people are born to be successful?
  • Why do some people like to do the same things every day, while others like to do different things?
  • Do you think schools and parents put too much pressure on children to succeed?
  • What is more important, people skills or experience?
  • Do you think people have more pressure to be successful today than in the past?

IELTS Speaking Cue Card 5

An outdoor activity what it is when you do it how you do it why you like it

Model Answer 5:

The activity that I do outside is taichi. It’s an old, traditional form of Chinese exercise dating back many centuries that people used to and still do practice for their health. It isn’t just an exercise for health though. It’s also a form of martial arts. I don’t really think it’s possible to describe it because the movement are not similar to anything else, except possible kungfu done at a slow pace. You don’t need any equipment to do it because you do need to use loose clothing and particular footwear.

Taichi is often done in the morning before people go to work. However, I personally practice it at any time of day because I believe the more often you do something, the better you will get at it. When I lived in China, I did it in the park and really enjoy the experience. The parks were beautifully laid out with large paved areas where people could do other outdoor activities such as dancing, playing cards, playing musical instruments and having picnics . I think parks in China are used with much more versatility than in European parks. The Chinese almost use parks like their own private garden. In fact, many of them don’t have their own garden so that’s why they do so many things in the parks.

I don’t think it’s ever easy to explain why you like something. I certainly feel more invigorated after I’ve done my practice. As the pace of taichi is extremely slow, it helps you centre yourself and ground yourself . This is really important in such a busy world when things move so fast.

There is an outdoor activity that I’ve never tried, but I’ve always wanted to and that’s camping. I’ve always wanted to buy a tent and some camping gear like a camp stove and sleeping bag, and then go into a forest and take a break from the world. Outdoor activities are such a great way to connect to the natural world . And of course with camping you can also h one your survival skills, which is useful.

  • As you see, the order of information in the talk doesn’t follow the prompts very well. This is fine. The prompts can be used flexibly.
  • Taichi isn’t really an activity. It’s more of a sport. But this topic can be flexible because we are using similar language.
  • Whenever you talk about an activity or sport always mention equipment or things you need (including clothing or any other requirement).
  • With activities, it is also possible to talk about who you do them with, how often and where you do them.
  • If you finish your talk early, instead of stopping, start speaking about another activity. Always have a second idea planned.

IELTS Speaking Part 3 Questions: Outdoor Activities

  • Do you think everyone should have a hobby?
  • Why is it important for children to do activities outside?
  • What type of sport is most popular in your country?
  • What do you think about people who do dangerous sports?

More IELTS Speaking Part 2 Topics for 2024

  • a piece of art you like
  • someone who sings well
  • a place you go to relax
  • a time you gave good advice
  • a time someone gave you good advice
  • a difficult choice you once made
  • a time you did something unexpected
  • a young person you enjoy spending time with
  • a wild animal / a pet
  • a good conversation you had
  • water sports
  • a future aim you have
  • your morning routine
  • a device you would like to have
  • someone who makes you laugh
  • someone you admire
  • a time you worked in a group
  • a book/magazine/newspaper you enjoy or found useful
  • a website you use a lot
  • a useful skill
  • a garden or outdoor space you enjoy
  • a party you enjoyed
  •  a time you were late
  • a time you had to wait for something
  • an item of clothing you used to wear
  • a uniform you like

You must also prepare common speaking part 2 topics which are recycled each year. Click here: COMMON IELTS SPEAKING PART 2 TOPICS

Share your Speaking Test Experience Share your topics and experiences with everyone in the comments box below.

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I must commend your kind gestures Liz. Your articles really helped me years ago, when I first took my IELTS test. I did so well in Listening and Writing, than in speaking and reading, and that gave me an overall band of 8. Unfortunately, the result is more than 2 years now and I need to write another test for a valid result. It may sound funny but I’m really scared this time around because I don’t feel very prepared.

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A lot of your knowledge from your previous test is still there inside you. As you prepare for your second test, it will starting coming back to you. Nothing has changed in the test, except that there is only a 2min checking time for answers in the computer-based listening test. Review things step by step and you’ll be fine. Band 8 was a great score before and you’ll get it again!! Good luck 🙂

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I’m so glad to recived your email my lovely teacher Liz. Thank you so much Iget a benift from your performance, techniques in 4 skill Iappreciate you for helping ang supporting us. I hope when I will do the exam do the best and have high grate InshaAlah Thanks alot

I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you. Good luck!

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The model answers are good. I have problem speaking for long time. I always finish early.

The aim is to expand your talk by going beyond the cue card bullet points. They are there to provide you with a strong foundation and structure, but it is your task to develop your talk by adding other details and descriptions.

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I took my test last week and I got a animal I am interested in. It was difficult to talk for 2 minutes. I wish I had this topic list before. Love your website

Hope your test went well.

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Liz. …pls suggest how to organize ideas while preparing cue card ?

I’m planning on making a video as soon as I can about using the bullet points on the cue card properly. I’m just waiting for my health to improve slightly and then I’ll make it. Hopefully next week. Look out for it on my Youtube channel and this website.

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This is very useful. Thank you Liz

You’re welcome 🙂

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I enjoyed the speaking task,I read here and want to read more. Thank you so much.

I’m glad it was useful 🙂

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  6. 100 Band 7, 8 + 9 IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay Samples

    In this blog post, we have compiled a list of 100 Band 7, 8, and 9 IELTS Writing Task 2 essay samples to help you improve your writing skills and boost your chances of achieving a high score on the exam. These sample essays cover a wide range of topics, from education and technology to health and environment, and are a valuable resource for ...

  7. 50 Latest Argument IELTS Topics

    Answers. ···. Problem and Solution. 1.You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Present a written argument to an educated reader with no specialist knowledge of the following topic: "Children are facing more pressures nowadays from academic, social and commercial perspectives.

  8. 20 Common Essay Topics for IELTS Writing Task 2

    Below is a list of the 20 most common IELTS essay topics that appear in writing task 2 with subtopics. Although the essay questions change, the subject of the essays often remains the same. ... You should practice developing ideas for all common essay topics used by IELTS so that you can write your essay within the given time limit.

  9. 40 IELTS writing topics for practicing Task 1 & 2

    Task 1 IELTS Writing topics. 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.

  10. 30 Common IELTS Writing Topics

    First of all, here is a list of common topics that appear in the IELTS writing test. This basically applies to task 2 because for task 1 you are just describing data in a map, bar chart, line graph, or table. Therefore, we will ignore that and just look at the topics for task 2: Advertising. Animals. Art.

  11. IELTS Essay Questions for 2022

    IELTS Essay Types in 2022. There are five types of essay questions in IELTS Writing Task 2. You will not know which type of essay you will be given. So, you must prepare for all types. When you read the 2022 Essay Topics list below, be ready for that topic to be phrased in different ways for different essay types. Be prepared to be flexible!!

  12. IELTS Writing Task 2: Tips, Lessons & Models

    IELTS Writing Task 2 Test Information. Learn about your IELTS writing task 2 test. All lessons and tips on this page are for both Academic and GT writing task 2. IELTS Writing has two tasks: Task 1 (a report) and Task 2 (an essay). The total time is one hour for both tasks. You should spend only 40 mins on task 2. The time is yourself to manage.

  13. IELTS Writing Task 2/ Essay Topics with sample answer

    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.

  14. IELTS Topics + Essay Questions

    Have a look through these IELTS topics, write down some ideas and plan how you would approach that essay topic. And remember to get your essay checked by one of E2 Test Prep's IELTS experts by submitting it for a Writing assessment! Find sample essay topics below. 1. Animals.

  15. IELTS Writing Task 1 & 2

    In IELTS academic writing task 1, you are presented with a graph, table, chart or diagram and asked to describe, summarise or explain the information in your own words. In IELTS writing task 2, you will need to write a traditional style essay in response to a question. You must write at least 250 words.

  16. Latest IELTS Writing Topics

    Latest IELTS Writing Topics. These are the latest IELTS writing topics. If you have taken the IELTS test recently, then you can post your question for other students to look at. Looking at recent IELTS essay questions can help other students prepare for the test. To post an essay question from your test, simply fill out the form at the bottom of the page and the essay question will then be listed.

  17. IELTS writing topics and answers

    IELTS topic: gender issues (career) IELTS essay topics and answer: technology. IELTS essay topic and answer: health. IELTS essay topics and answer: society. Quick presentation on the topics and answers. Common IELTS writing task 2 topics (list) Below is a list of the most common IELTS essay topics for task 2 questions.

  18. IELTS Sample Essays

    IELTS Sample Essays. Here you will find IELTS Sample Essays for a variety of common topics that appear in the writing exam.. The model answers all have tips and strategies for how you may approach the question and comments on the sample answer.. You can also view sample essays with band scores on this page.. Looking at IELTS essay topics with answers is a great way to help you to prepare for ...

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

    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.

  20. 50 Latest difficult IELTS Topics

    Write a letter to the accommodation officer at the college. In the letter:- 1. describe your situation 2. explain your problems and why it is difficult to work 3. say what kind of accommodation you would prefer. Write on this topic. Answers. ···.

  21. 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

  22. IELTS Writing Samples: 100 Practice Questions

    IELTS is always changing, but these common topics can help you prepare more effectively if you improve your ability to use the vocabulary related to them. These sample IELTS questions are all for Writing Task 2. ... Now that you know what kind of essay questions to expect, feel free to browse my collection of IELTS Writing Sample Essays here: ...

  23. 50 Latest Discussion IELTS Topics

    Write a letter of invitation to the MP's secretary, Mrs Shelton. In your letter • introduce your committee • say why you are having the meeting • invite the MP to attend Write about 150 words. You do not need to write addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear…. Write on this topic.

  24. IELTS Writing Recent Actual Test & Questions August 2024

    Writing Task 2 # Essay # Rich countries often give money to poorer countries, but this does not solve the problem of poverty. Therefore, developed countries should provide other types of assistance to poor countries, rather than financial assistance. ... 👉Click Here For More Actual IELTS Exam Writing Task 1 Topics 2023 to 2024. Recent Exams ...

  25. IELTS Writing Task 2: Do you agree or disagree?

    Thank you for your interest in my IELTS lessons and tips. Come and join the Bronze Membership to access this fabulous lesson and lots more. Get access to all 175+ IELTS lessons for a month (cancel any time). Learn more Login

  26. Nuclear Power Essay IELTS 2024: IELTS Writing Task 2 Samples

    The writing section of the IELTS exam consists of two sections. Writing task 2 is an essay writing task that requires deep thinking and coherence. This task will be our focus for this blog, as the rules and guidelines of the IELTS exam can be confusing for students appearing for the first time. Writing task 2 has the subsequent guidelines:

  27. IELTS Reading Topics and Examples of Question Types

    To master the IELTS Reading test, get acquainted with the test structure and regularly practice using authentic materials. Also, develop reading skills like skimming for main ideas and scanning for details to effectively manage your time and improve your vocabulary, particularly in academic and general topics, to help in comprehension.

  28. IELTS Speaking Part 2 Cue Card Topics

    This is a challenging topic for IELTS Speaking Part 2 - but just be open and talk about things you are familiar with. ... 100 IELTS Essay Questions; FREE SUBSCRIBE. Subscribe to get new lessons & tips by email. ... IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay Topics 2024; Introduction Paragraph for IELTS Writing Task 1; About me. Hi, my name is Elizabeth (Liz ...