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IELTS Writing Task 2

IELTS Writing Task 2 questions

500 practice essay questions in the official wording, grouped by question type. Every question ends with the same instruction: “Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words.” Give yourself 40 minutes.

How to write: opinion (agree or disagree)
How to write: discussion (both views)
How to write: advantages and disadvantages
How to write: problems, causes and solutions
How to write: two-part questions

Opinion (agree or disagree)

  1. Some people think governments should spend money on space exploration. Others think this money should be used to solve problems on Earth. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  2. Some people believe that all adults should be required to do unpaid work to help their local community. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  3. You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write about the following topic: Some people believe that governments should invest more money in renewable energy, such as solar and wind power, than in fossil fuels. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  4. You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Some people believe that governments should invest more money in renewable energy, such as solar and wind power. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  5. Some people believe that museums should focus mainly on protecting a country's heritage, while others think they should provide more interactive and entertaining experiences for visitors. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  6. Some people believe that city governments should prioritise investment in public transport rather than building new roads. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  7. Some people believe that public buildings should be designed primarily for practical use, while others argue that their visual appearance is equally important. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Discussion (both views)

  1. Some people believe that schools should make physical education and sport a more important part of the school day. Others think that students should spend more time studying academic subjects. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  2. Some people believe that governments should give more support to small, family-run farms, while others think that large farms are more efficient and should be encouraged. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  3. Some people believe that archaeological artefacts should be displayed in the country where they were discovered, while others think they should be kept in museums elsewhere. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  4. Some people believe that the growing use of artificial intelligence in workplaces will improve productivity and create new opportunities, while others think it will lead to widespread job losses and greater inequality. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  5. Some people believe that governments should provide financial support to people who want to start their own businesses, while others think that entrepreneurs should rely on private sources of funding. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
  6. Some people believe that immigration brings significant economic and cultural benefits to destination countries, while others argue that it places excessive pressure on public services and weakens social cohesion. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  7. You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Some people believe that governments should devote more resources to preventing illness through public-health campaigns, while others argue that funding should be directed primarily towards treating people who are already ill. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
  8. In many societies, family members are spending less time together than in the past. Some people believe this has a negative effect on family life, while others think it is a natural and largely positive consequence of social change. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  9. Some people think the government should spend money on visual art, such as paintings and sculptures. Others think this money should be spent on more important services. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  10. Some people believe that sending criminals to prison is the best way to reduce crime. Others think that education and job training are more effective. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  11. Some people think governments should encourage people to use public transport instead of cars. Others believe people should be free to choose how they travel. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  12. Some people believe that changing jobs regularly is the best way to develop a successful career, while others think it is better to remain with one employer for a long time. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  13. Some people believe that advertising encourages people to buy things they do not need, while others think it helps consumers make informed choices. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  14. Some people believe that films and television programmes should mainly entertain viewers, while others think they should also educate them. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  15. In many countries, the proportion of older people is increasing. Some people believe this creates serious problems for governments and society, while others argue that an ageing population brings important benefits. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  16. Some people believe that understanding the psychological factors behind human behaviour is the most effective way to address social problems, while others argue that changes to laws and economic conditions are more important. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  17. Some people believe that volunteering is most effective when people choose to take part in community projects, while others think that governments should provide incentives to encourage participation. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  18. Some people believe that online learning can provide an education of comparable quality to classroom-based teaching, while others argue that it cannot replace the benefits of face-to-face instruction. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
  19. Some people think that space exploration should focus on sending humans to other planets, while others believe that robots should be used instead. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
  20. Some people believe that older people should be cared for by their families, while others think the government should provide this care. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  21. Some people believe that governments should ban products made from single-use plastic, while others think people should be free to choose whether to use them. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  22. As artificial intelligence becomes more capable, some argue that it should be allowed to make important decisions about people’s lives, while others believe such decisions must remain with humans. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  23. Some people think that the most effective way to encourage entrepreneurship is to teach business skills in schools, while others believe that practical experience is more important. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
  24. Some people argue that governments should devote more public funding to preventing illness through measures such as health education and screening, while others believe that improving hospitals and medical treatment should take priority. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  25. Some people believe that adult children have a responsibility to care for their ageing parents, while others think this responsibility should be shared with professional care services. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  26. Some people think governments should spend money protecting archaeological sites, while others believe this money should be used for more important needs. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
  27. Some people think playing video games is a good way to spend leisure time, while others believe people should choose more active hobbies. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  28. Some people think advertising should be banned from public spaces, such as streets and public transport, while others believe it provides useful information and helps fund public services. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Advantages and disadvantages

  1. In some cities, private cars are not allowed in certain central areas. Do the advantages of this policy outweigh the disadvantages?

Problems, causes and solutions

  1. Plastic waste is becoming a serious environmental problem in many countries. What are the main causes of this problem, and what measures can be taken to reduce it?
  2. Many marine species are declining as a result of human activities, and the damage to ocean ecosystems may have far-reaching consequences. What are the main causes of this decline, and what measures could be taken to address the problem?
  3. Many wild animals are becoming endangered because of human activities. What problems does this cause, and what measures can be taken to protect these animals?
  4. In many countries, people are becoming less physically active than in the past. What are the main reasons for this, and what measures can be taken to encourage people to exercise more regularly?
  5. In some countries, the number of young people who commit crimes is increasing. What are the main reasons for this, and what measures can be taken to reduce youth crime?
  6. In many parts of the world, people do not have reliable access to enough safe and nutritious food. What are the main causes of this problem, and what measures could governments and communities take to address it?

Two-part questions

  1. Artificial intelligence is becoming more common in daily life. How is it used, and do you think this is a positive or negative development?
  2. More countries are becoming involved in space exploration. Why are countries interested in exploring space, and how could this activity affect people's lives in the future?
  3. In many cities, rapid urban growth is reducing the amount of public green space available to residents. Why is this happening, and what measures could governments take to protect and increase urban green spaces?
  4. Many archaeological sites are damaged by tourism and new building projects. What problems can this cause, and what can be done to protect these sites?
  5. Many towns now have a growing number of people over the age of 65. What problems can this cause, and what can be done to support older people?
  6. In many countries, fewer young people are choosing farming as a career. What are the reasons for this, and what could be done to encourage more young people to work in agriculture?
  7. Commercial activity in the oceans, including deep-sea mining and offshore energy production, is expanding. What benefits might this expansion bring, and how can its environmental risks be managed?
  8. Many people now watch films and television programmes through online streaming services rather than at cinemas or on traditional television. Why has this change happened? Is it a positive or negative development?
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IELTS Writing Task 2 questions by type | ielts.coach