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IELTS Writing Task 2

IELTS Writing Task 2 questions (page 4)

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 children should spend more time playing chess and board games instead of video games. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  2. Some people think that all new buildings in a city should look similar to older buildings. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  3. Some people believe that public libraries are no longer needed because people can read books and find information online. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  4. Some people think public libraries are no longer important because people can read books online. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Discussion (both views)

  1. Some people believe that governments should spend more money on protecting wildlife, while others think this money should be used to improve people’s lives. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  2. Some people believe that owning a car makes daily life easier, while others think that cars cause more problems than they solve. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  3. Some people think that online courses should replace face-to-face teaching in schools and universities, while others believe that classroom learning remains essential. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  4. Some people believe that a high salary should be the main priority when choosing a career, while others think that finding meaningful and enjoyable work is more important. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  5. Some people believe that schools should use films and television programmes as teaching materials, while others think that lessons should rely mainly on books and direct instruction. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  6. Write about the following topic: Some people believe that consumers make purchasing decisions mainly by carefully comparing the practical benefits of different products. Others argue that emotions and unconscious influences play a greater role. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
  7. Some people think bees and other insects are important for the environment. Others think they cause problems for people. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  8. Some people think the government should provide money for retired people, while others believe people should save money for their own retirement. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  9. Some people think cities should build more parks and open spaces, while others think land should be used for homes and shops. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  10. Some people think that anyone who sees a crime should report it to the police. Others think people should not have to do this. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  11. Some people enjoy reading books in printed form, while others prefer reading e-books. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  12. Some people think that buying fashionable clothes is a good way to express yourself. Others think people should spend less money on clothes. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  13. Some people believe that people should save money for their retirement, while others think they should enjoy their money while they are still working. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  14. Some people think chess and other board games help children learn important skills, while others think children learn more from outdoor activities. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  15. Some people think that schools should spend more money on books for their libraries, while others think they should spend it on computers. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  16. Some people think that people who commit crimes should pay money to their victims. Others think they should receive a different punishment. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  17. Some people think clothing companies should make clothes that last a long time, while others think they should offer new styles often. Discuss both views and give your own opinion. You should write at least 250 words.
  18. Some people think that exploring space is more important than exploring the deep oceans. Discuss both views and give your own opinion. You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Advantages and disadvantages

  1. You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write about the following topic: Reusable rockets and spacecraft are making access to space cheaper and more frequent. Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?
  2. Some schools are starting to use artificial intelligence programs to help students learn. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this development.
  3. Some schools are thinking about using chess and other board games in lessons. Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?
  4. You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Some scientists want to collect useful materials from the Moon and asteroids. What are the advantages and disadvantages of doing this?

Problems, causes and solutions

  1. In many countries, people find it difficult to maintain a healthy diet because unhealthy food is cheap and widely available. What problems can this cause, and what measures can individuals and governments take to encourage healthier eating? You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Two-part questions

  1. In many cities, people are worried about increasing levels of crime. What are the main reasons for this, and what can governments do to make communities safer?
  2. In many societies, people are having fewer children while life expectancy is rising. What effects might these demographic changes have on relationships between generations, and what measures could help maintain social cohesion?
  3. As climate change and geopolitical instability make food supplies less predictable, some argue that governments should prioritise resilience over keeping food prices as low as possible. Why might these priorities conflict, and how should governments balance them?
  4. In many communities, older people have fewer chances to take part in social activities. Why might this be, and what can local communities do to improve the situation?
  5. Many people continue working after the usual retirement age. Why does this happen? Is this a positive or negative development?
  6. In some places, victims of crime do not receive enough support after the crime. Why might this happen, and what can be done to help them?
  7. Many people buy new clothes because they want to follow fashion. Do you think this is a positive or negative development?
  8. Space exploration helps people learn more about the universe. What can we learn by exploring space, and how can this knowledge help people on Earth? You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
  9. Some people play chess and other board games in their free time. Why are these games popular? Do you think they are a good way to spend free time?
  10. You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. In many places, the number of bees and other insects is falling. What problems can this cause, and what can people do to help?
  11. In many countries, people spend a lot of money on fashionable clothes. Why do people do this? Is this a positive or negative development?
  12. In some countries, many people feel lonely after they retire. What problems can this cause, and what can communities do to help?
  13. Chess and other board games are popular in many countries. Why do people enjoy playing these games? Do you think they are still useful in modern life?
  14. In some cities, old buildings are being replaced by modern buildings. Do you think this is a positive or negative development?
  15. In many places, the number of bees and other insects is falling. What problems can this cause, and what can people do to help them?
  16. Some people choose to retire before the usual retirement age. Why do they do this, and what problems can early retirement cause?
  17. In some places, people buy more clothes than they need. What problems can this cause, and what can be done to reduce this problem?
  18. Online crime, such as stealing people’s money or personal information, is becoming more common. Why is this happening, and what can governments and individuals do to reduce it?
  19. In some cities, schools and hospitals are much easier to reach in some areas than in others. Why does this happen? What can city planners do to improve this situation?
  20. You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Bees and other insects help people and the natural world in many ways. How do they help? What can people do to protect them?
  21. You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write about the following topic. Many people are interested in the idea of humans living on another planet. Why do people find this idea interesting? What difficulties might people face if they tried to live on another planet?
  22. Some people believe that people who commit crimes should pay money to their victims. Why might this be useful? What other punishments could be given to people who commit crimes?
  23. Libraries now offer computers and activities as well as books. What can libraries do to encourage more people to read? Do you think libraries are important for children?
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IELTS Writing Task 2 questions by type (page 4) | ielts.coach