topics for essay writing in ielts

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Recent Writing Task 2 Essay Topics for IELTS 2024

18 min read

Updated On Feb 06, 2024

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In the IELTS Writing section, candidates are typically required to write essays on  latest IELTS essay topics  and questions that can span a wide range of subjects. 

The essay topics for IELTS include areas like Education, Technology, Health, Environment, Traditional vs. Modern Medicine, City vs. Countryside Living, Pollution, Obesity, Unemployment, and more. The specific essay type and topic will depend on the task prompt given in the exam.

The IELTS Writing test is one of the four components of the IELTS exam, which consists of two tasks: Task 1 (Academic & General) and Task 2.

IELTS Writing Task 1 Academic

• IELTS Writing Task 1 Academic is a task where you are given a chart, table, graph, or diagram and asked to write a report describing the information in the visual. 
• You will be given 20 minutes to complete this task, and your response should be between 150 and 250 words long.
• Line Graphs
• Combined Graphs

IELTS Writing Task 1 General

• IELTS Writing Task 1 General is a task where you are given a written text about a common, everyday topic and asked to write a letter about it. 
• Formal Letter Writing 
• Informal Letter Writing 
• Semi-Formal Letter Writing 
• IELTS Writing Task 2 is a task where you are given a topic and asked to write an essay discussing the issue. 
• You will be given 40 minutes to complete this task, and your response should be between 250 and 350 words long.
• Opinion Essay
• Discussion Essay
• Advantages or Disadvantages Essay
• Agree or Disagree Essay
• Problem and Solution Essay
• Two-Part Questions Essay
• Direct Question Essay

The IELTS Writing module carries 25% of the total marks for the IELTS test, and each task (Task 1 and Task 2) is assessed independently by certified IELTS examiners. The marking for the writing tests will be done on factors including  vocabulary ,  grammar , number of words used, and so on. 

Now that you’ve understood the basics of IELTS writing, let’s take a look at the  latest IELTS Writing Task 2 essay topics for IELTS  question types.

Want to improve your IELTS Writing Task 2 score? Check out our latest   IELTS Writing Books !

Recent IELTS Writing Task 2 Topics 

The IELTS Writing Task 2 question types are constantly evolving, so it’s important to stay up-to-date on the latest trends. In this short note, we’ll take a look at some of the most  recent Writing Task 2 essay topics for IELTS . 

Let’s get started!

1. Opinion Essay

An  opinion essay  is an essay in which you have to explain the topic based on the opinion that you have regarding that topic. They are also called  Agree/disagree essays   or argumentative essays. 

Here are some latest IELTS writing task 2 topics for an opinion essay with answers.

• Environmental Protection
• Travel and tourism
• Transportation
• TV or Radio
• Communication technology
• Living in Campus
• Illness and Disease
• Mobile phone
• Architecture and History
• Economic Development
• Food and Transport
• Television and Children

Sample Question

Essay Type –  Opinion Essay

Introduction

• Paraphrase the topic of the essay and mention the view.

Body Paragraphs

• The extent of problems faced by homeless people cannot be solved only by providing financial assistance.
• Due to the unstable situation of homeless people, they might end up misusing the cash meant for their benefit or they might end up losing it.
• Summarize the essay and state the final view on the topic

Sample Answer

The 21st century is marked by the technological, social, and economic advancement of human civilization. However, around most countries, especially third-world nations, the problem of vagrants is still a concerning issue. There are many suggestions when it comes to the upliftment of the homeless, and one of the most popular of these is financial assistance. Although monetary aid can help the destitute in several ways, it does not improve their condition substantially. In the following paragraphs, I will explore the topic in-depth and justify my views on the same.

The predicament faced by the homeless is much more complex than meets the eye. Most of the people who cannot afford the basic necessities of life are facing such hardships due to generational poverty or lack of proper education and thereby limited employment prospects. Thus, mere financial assistance in the form of cash is insufficient in ameliorating the situation of the underprivileged and unsettled.

Furthermore, due to the transient nature of vagrants, the safety of a lump sum amount is questionable in the hands of such people. There have been many instances where individuals have faced threats and mishaps due to the possession of valuables. Also, in many cases, homeless people end up spending assistance money on harmful and illegal items. Therefore, providing such people with monetary assistance can often put their lives in danger.

Nevertheless, it cannot be denied that even the slightest degree of assistance can significantly ease the difficulties of the needful. That being said, it is important to find a long-term solution rather than providing short-term support.

In conclusion, the plight of the homeless has been a complication for ages. Thus, to overcome this problem, more sophisticated measures should be taken than giving monetary aid.

2. Discussion Essay

In a discussion essay, you’ll have to discuss for and against the given topic. Following are some latest IELTS writing task 2 topics for  discussion essay   with answers.

• Aging population
• Dangerous Sports
• International Car-free days
• Education and Career
• People and community
• Economic growth

Essay Type –  Discussion Essay

• Elaborate on the topic and mention the contents of the following paragraphs.
• The benefits of online education and their impact on the future of education.
• The values of face to face learning and how it leads to better mental development.
• Summarize the essay and mention the final opinion on the topic.

Technological advancement is one of the highlights of the modern era. Today, online education has become so common that nearly all kinds of courses are available online. Preparation resources for every examination, along with video tutorials, are also provided via online platforms. It is believed by many that e-learning will replace the traditional ways of education. However, there is also a sizable chunk of the population that believes conventional methods of teaching will always be superior. In this essay, I will elaborate on the topic from both perspectives and justify why I think online education will be the preferred method of learning in the future.

There is no doubt that learning through online platforms has become a common approach for countless students. The degree of comfort and convenience enjoyed by students while studying on their personal computers is unmatched. Additionally, with the availability of numerous tools and facilities online, students can now learn in a more sophisticated and substantial manner. Also, students can access their reference material at any point in time without any hindrance when online education is concerned.

Nevertheless, it cannot be denied that classroom learning has its own advantages. The level of retention is remarkably higher when an individual learns a concept or a subject directly from a teacher in a physical environment. Since students are able to see and hear the lectures by the professor, they are able to understand and analyze the material relatively better.

Finally, the better approach to learning is greatly influenced by personal choice. That being said, with the pace at which technology is progressing, it is safe to say that online learning will be the primary mode of education in the future.

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3. Advantage or Disadvantage Essay

For this type of essay, you have to write about the positive and negative aspects of the given topic. 

Here are some recent ielts writing task 2 essay topics for  advantage/disadvantage essay   with answers.

• Living in big cities
• Youth and Community
• Traffic and Accommodation
• Remote Environment

Essay Type –  Advantages and Disadvantages Essay

• Paraphrase the topic and state the view.
• Mention the contents of the following paragraphs.
• List the advantages of rote learning and how it is more convenient than other methods.
• Mention the disadvantages of rote learning and its negative effects.
• Summarize the topic and state the final opinion.

There have been many approaches to learning as education has evolved over the years. For the past few years, rote learning has become an inherent part of education systems and learning in general. Many students follow this method religiously for exam preparations as it is a very convenient method of learning. However, like any other approach or method, rote learning also has pros and cons. In the following paragraphs, I will elaborate on the advantages and disadvantages of memorization by repetition.

Firstly, rote memorization is one of the simplest ways of committing information to memory. This is a prime reason for this technique being so popular. Since this method allows students to learn a particular topic without understanding the meaning of the concepts, it enables them to prepare for examinations in a time-efficient manner as it takes significantly less time to cover the entire syllabus using this technique.

Au contraire, this method of memorization can have problematic consequences in the future if used far too often. If an individual learns an important topic or subject with the aid of rote learning, they might be unable to apply the knowledge from that subject in real life. As memorization by repetition indirectly obstructs mental development and growth of aptitude, people might find themselves in a plight when a situation arrives where conceptual knowledge is mandatory. Additionally, this method of learning tends to become habitual and thereby hard to change.

In conclusion, I would like to say that rote learning has become a very typical part of the present education system. Nevertheless, we must understand that such an approach does not facilitate proper learning.

4. Problem and Solution Essay

In solution essays, the topic will be a problem and you’ll have to give a solution to the particular issue. Sometimes the question may also be posed as to why this particular issue happened, and you’ll have to present your opinions based on the issue. 

Following are some of the latest writing task 2 essay topics for IELTS  problem and cause/solution essay   with answers.

• Environment
• People and Society
• Energy Resources
• Birth Rate developed in countries
• Child Obesity

Essay Type –  Cause/Solution Essay

• Paraphrase the topic using synonyms.
• Mention the contents of the subsequent paragraphs.
• List the major issues caused by overpopulation.
• Suggest possible solutions to overcome the mentioned problems.
• Summarize the essay and mention the solutions in brief.

The world population has reached tremendous heights over the last few decades, and today the current estimate on the number of inhabitants globally stands at 7.8 billion. The global population is rising at an alarming rate, and concurrently, this has led to numerous hardships to the entire human civilization. The adverse effects of overpopulation have not only been seen by third-world countries, but developed nations have also faced the issues caused by excessive population growth. In the following paragraphs, I will explore some pressing complications caused by excess population and possible solutions that can be implemented.

To begin with, one of the most consequential problems caused by overpopulation is the depletion of natural resources. Fossil fuels are on the verge of being completely exhausted with the rate at which they are being used by human beings. At the same time, water bodies are becoming contaminated, and the natural flora and fauna of the earth are also being destroyed for capitalist gains. Also, the overall surge in population puts an enormous strain on the government resources, availability of food and proper sheltering, etc.

In order to tackle the problem of overpopulation, people have to be educated on various aspects and topics that are typically stigmatized in various societies. Indeed, the growth in population cannot be curbed immediately. Thus, to ease the dependence of mankind on fossil fuels, alternative sources of energy must be discovered. If global superpowers and wealthy nations work in unison against the issue of excessive population growth, only then will this predicament be ameliorated.

Finally, the issues caused by overpopulation and excessive population growth cannot be improved straight away. However, we all must work towards improving this situation in order to create a better future for coming generations.

5. Direct Question Essay

For this type of essay, the topic will be a question for which you’ll have to answer based on your thoughts and experiences. 

Here are some of the latest IELTS writing task 2 topics for  direct question essays   with answers.

• Art and Technology
• Freedom of Speech
• Gender discrimination
• Different medical tradition
• Natural Resources

Essay Type –  Direct Question Essay

• Paraphrase the topic.
• Reasons behind traveling becoming common and frequent among people.
• Benefits of traveling.
• Summarize the topic and mention your answers in brief.

Visiting a foreign nation for leisure or work has become a regular affair for a majority of people in this day and age. Today, not going for a vacation at least once in a calendar year is considered outlandish and atypical. The global tourism industry has developed to quite an extent over the last few years. In this essay, I am going to explore the reasons behind this trend of traveling and mention what travelers gain from their journeys.

People in the present era travel for a variety of reasons. Some of the chief reasons for traveling are better educational services, lucrative employment opportunities and also higher standards of living. With the advancement of technology and accessibility of information by the internet, people can make their travel plans with accuracy with the help of reliable information from travel websites and blogs. Additionally, countries across the globe have recognized the importance of tourism as a contributor to the economy of a nation and therefore have relaxed the travel laws making international travel significantly straightforward.

Traveling can lead to a plethora of benefits both physically and mentally in the life of a human being. People are often engaged in full-time job roles where they dedicate most of their time and energy. Amidst such a tedious routine, travel can help people take a break from the monotony of work and recharge their energy. Travelling also presents an individual with better opportunities in terms of education, employment, and living standards which might not be available in their native country.

In conclusion, I would like to say that the rise in travel and tourism of people is a direct consequence of the development of human civilization. As we progress further into the future, such ventures are becoming more simple and convenient.

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Other Bonus  Essay Topics for IELTS

Here are some of the latest essay topics for IELTS Writing Task 2 questions types:

Discussions (Discursive Essay – Discuss both views)  IELTS Writing Task 2 topics

• 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. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
• Some people think that people moving to a new country should accept a new culture in the foreign country. Others think that they should live as a separate minority group with different lifestyles. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
• Some people choose to eat no meat or fish. They believe that this is not only better for their own health but also benefits the world as a whole. Discuss this view and give your own opinion
• Some people say art (music, paintings, poetry etc.) can be created by any human being, while others believe that only people born with special abilities can create art. Discuss both views and give your own opinion
• The development of technology has caused environmental problems. So, some people think people should choose a simpler way of life, while others think we should use technology to solve these problems. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
• The society would benefit from a ban on all forms of advertising because it serves no useful purpose, and can even be damaging. However, others argue that there are still some advantages of adverts. Discuss both views and give your opinion?
• Some people think that the news media nowadays have influenced people’s lives in negative ways. Others disagree and say that it is also positive. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
• Team activities can teach more skills for life than those activities which are played alone. Explain the benefits of each and give your own view?

Opinion (Argumentative Essay – Agree or Disagree)  IELTS Writing Task 2 latest topics

Following are the list of writing task 2 essay topics for IELTS: 

• Too much money has been spent on looking after and repairing old buildings. Therefore, we should knock down old buildings and build modern ones instead. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• Some people say that subjects like arts, music, drama and creative writing are more beneficial to children and therefore they need more of these subjects to be included in the timetable. Do you agree or disagree?
• The advantage of English spreading as a global language will continue to outweigh the disadvantages. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• Many students have to study subjects which they do not like. Some people think this is a complete waste of time. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
• Sending criminals to prison is not the best method of dealing with them. Education and job training are better ways to help them. Do you agree or disagree?
• Some people think the government should pay for health care and education, but other people claim that it is the individual’s responsibility. Discuss both views and give your opinion?
• Many employees may work at home with modern technology. Some people claim that it can benefit only the workers, not the employers. Is it a positive or negative development?
• The detailed description about crime will affect the people and cause many social problems. Some people say that the media should be strictly controlled. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• It is more important for a building to serve a purpose than to look beautiful. Architects shouldn’t worry about producing buildings as a work of art. Do you agree or disagree?
• Some people claim that public museums and art galleries will not be needed because people can see historical objects and works of art by using a computer. Do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

Advantages & Disadvantages  Writing Task 2 topics

Here are some of the recent Advantages and Disadvantages Essay topics for IELTS:

• Do you agree that the advantages cars bring outweigh the disadvantages?
• People can live and work anywhere they want to choose because of improved communication technology and transport. Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?
• Food can be produced much more cheaply today because of improved fertilizers and better machinery. However, some of the methods used to do this may be dangerous to human health and may have negative effects on local communities. What are the advantages and disadvantages?
• The spread of English as a “global language” is an issue nowadays. To what extent do you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
• As global trade increases between different countries, many daily necessities are produced in other countries. Such goods are usually transported a long distance. Do the benefits of this trend outweigh its drawbacks?
• It is better for students at university to live far away from home than to live at home with their parents. What are the advantages and disadvantages, and give your own opinion?
• Many museums charge people for admission while others are free. Do you think the advantages of charging people for admission to museums outweigh the disadvantages?

Problems/Causes & Solution Essay  Writing Task 2 topics

Let’s look at the essay topics for IELTS for Problems/ Causes & Solutions Essay Type:

• The subjects and lesson contents are decided by the authorities such as the government. Some people argue that teachers should make the choice. What are the pros and cons of each method, give some solutions?
• The speeding up of life in many areas such as travel and communication has negative effects on society at all levels— individual, national and global. Evaluate the effects?
• In some countries, the rate of crimes committed by teenagers is increasing.  What are the reasons and what can be done to relieve the problem?
• The major cities in the world are growing fast, as well as their problems.  What are the problems that young people living in cities are faced with?  Give some solutions to these problems.
• In some countries, a high proportion of criminal acts are committed by teenagers. Why is it the case? What can be done to deal with this?

Two-part Questions  Writing Task 2 topics

Here are the most common essay topics for IELTS Two Part questions:

• Some people believe they should keep all the money they have earned and should not pay tax to the state. What is the purpose of taxes? Why do some people refuse to pay taxes and explain the effects on society?
• People find it very difficult to speak in public or to give a presentation before an audience. Do you think public speaking skill is really important? Give reasons.
• Many people are optimistic of the 21st century and see it as an opportunity to make positive changes to the world. To what extent do you share their optimism? What changes would you like to see in the new century?
• Many people say that we have developed into a “throw-away” culture because we are filling up our environment with so many plastic bags and rubbish that we cannot fully dispose of. To what extent do you agree with this opinion and what measures can you recommend reducing this problem?
• With the increase in the use of mobile phones and computers, fewer people are writing letters. Some people think that the traditional skill of writing letters will disappear completely. To what extent do you agree or disagree? How important do you think letter-writing is?
• In the past, buildings often reflected the culture of a society but today all modern buildings look alike and cities throughout the world are becoming more and more similar. Why is it the case? Is it a good thing or bad thing?

Also check :

• IELTS Writing tips
• IELTS Writing recent actual test
• IELTS Writing Answer sheet
• Free IELTS Writing Essay Evaluation and Correction Service
• IELTS Writing Practice Tests 2024

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is the essay structure based on the essay topic (E.g.: Education) or essay type (Eg: Opinion essay)?

The essay structure is primarily based on the essay type (e.g., opinion essay, discussion essay, etc.) rather than the essay topic (e.g., education, technology). Each essay type follows a specific format and organization, regardless of the topic discussed.

• What should I do to write an effective essay?

The topics will be based on simple day-to-day life activities like news, sports, environment, traffic etc. Reading English newspapers daily and watching English news will help a great deal in writing a good essay. You can also use practice tests

• I fear giving my opinion on controversial issues? How do I deal with this?

IELTS does not give controversial topics (Generally). But you need not fear to give an opinion. Your language matters and not your choice of opinion.

• Will you be marked for the subject? What if I try to present great ideas with weak grammar?

You are marked for organization of paragraphs, logical flow of thoughts, grammar and collocations. Great ideas with poor grammar will definitely lead to poor scores.

• How will the words be counted in the IELTS exam?

Some examples of how words are counted : 1. Aren’t – This will be counted as one word though it represents two words “Are not”. 2. day-to-day – This will be counted as one word.

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Janet had been an IELTS Trainer before she dived into the field of Content Writing. During her days of being a Trainer, Janet had written essays and sample answers which got her students an 8+ band in the IELTS Test. Her contributions to our articles have been engaging and simple to help the students understand and grasp the information with ease. Janet, born and brought up in California, had no idea about the IELTS until she moved to study in Canada. Her peers leaned to her for help as her first language was English.

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30 Common IELTS Writing Topics

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

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.

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:

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:

How to Learn IELTS 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 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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New IELTS Essay Topics for 2023

Below are new IELTS essay topics in 2023 for Writing Task 2. I’ve also included useful ideas for each topic so that you can prepare for your test more quickly.

The majority of essay questions you will get in IELTS writing task 2 will be recycled topics from previous years. This is because there are so many common topics to choose from. However, occasionally new topics are introduced which reflect our changing world and new current issues in society. I haven’t put the precise wording for the essay questions as IELTS often rephrase their essay questions using different wording.

To prepare fully for your test, you must also prepare ALL common essay questions. Please click here: 100 IELTS Essay Questions

In addition, please note that all the topics below can also appear in the speaking test as well (part 3).

2023 New IELTS Essay Topics with Useful Ideas 

These essay questions could appear in both the IELTS Academic and GT writing task 2 test. Please remember, these are topics with ideas so that you can use them and adapt them to the question in the test because questions will usually be paraphrased and tasks will vary from test to test.

• Essay Topic: Poor concentration due to social media
• Short attention spans can affect us by not focusing on detail and poor performance at school or work
• Pop up ads are intrusive and interrupt our focus
• Temptation to chat on social media cuts into people’s concentration
• Social media encourages a shorter attention spam with short punchy media, such as on TikTok and Instagram
• Note: I’ll post a page with useful language for the topic of concentration in a few weeks as this topic is very common in the speaking test. 

2. Essay Topic: Children learn how to grow vegetables or farming

• Growing vegetables and caring for livestock is part of essential life skills for a healthy future
• As a species we should never forget our basic life skills for future survival
• Homegrown vegetables have more nutrition which children should learn about
• Vegetables can be grown on balconies as well as patios
• It allows children to reconnect to nature which is important in a world where they are so focused on gadgets
• This might encourage children to also take an interest in cooking, which is another essential life skill

3. Essay Topic: Taking risks in personal and professional life

• “to keep people on their toes” – idiom – keep people alert and prepared for potential problems (an idiom suitable for WT2)
• + Risks help us grow and learn new skills
• + Life is always changing and full of risks so people should embrace this aspect of life rather than try to avoid it
• – Risk can lead to negative consequences for individuals and families
• – It is better to be safe than sorry
• (note: this topic is very similar to the topic about “people who like change vs people who do not like change in their life” – that topic has been used for years by IELTS

4. Essay Topic: Streaming Films Online vs cinema

• Streaming online is cheaper and more accessible
• Streaming online is more enjoyable at home
• Streaming online offers a wider choice of options
• Cinema has better sound systems and bigger screens
• Cinema allows you to share emotional responses with an audience
• Cinema is a special experience for groups and couples

5.  Essay Topic: Children & active or passive leisure activities

• Active activities: sport, photography, hiking, camping
• These activities help children get fresh air, build physical health, learn new skills and engage in socialising with others face to face.
• Passive activities: reading, watching TV, social media
• These activities help children gain insight, can be educational or inspirational, help children develop creativity and technological skills.

6. Essay Topic: Men’s and women’s sports shown on TV and social media

• Traditionally most sports were male based so audiences are historically more attracted to male sports
• Women’s sports are just as exciting as male sports
• Women’s sports don’t often get the same amount of sponsoring from companies which impacts their sport
• Women’s football already has large followings on social media

7. Essay Topic: Truth in people’s communication is most important

• + Truth helps people develop honest, meaningful relationships
• + Truth develops open communication instead of repressed relationships
• + Without truth, there is only deceit which is toxic to relationships and erodes trust
• + Truth leads to trust
• – Social media encourages people to present a version of truth rather than the whole truth in order to impress others and create a particular impression – this can lead to misconception and lead others in the wrong direction
• – Sometimes the truth can be hurtful and needs to be approached step by step rather than directly
• – Some people are not ready to hear the whole truth
• – Truth may be something that needs time to emerge in cases such as abuse or where someone may be at risk
• – Truth sometimes has to be edited for children

8. Essay Topic: Sense of Community

• + People used to know their neighbours well and have a sense of community
• + Community meant that people took care of each other and looked out for one another
• +/- Doctors and teachers used to live in the community and become leaders of the community but now they often live in other areas and play little part in the community as a whole
• – Social media does not encourage relationships with neighbours but rather between people at a distance
• Note: a similar essay topic is one such as “adults should be required to do obligatory community service for a period of time”. That essay leans towards the benefits of community service vs time and obligation.

9. Essay topic: Graffiti on city walls

• + Freedom of expression
• + Some graffiti can be a work of art
• + It creates a colourful environment in a drab urban setting (drab = dreary, dull, lifeless)
• + Graffiti can stimulate creativity in others
• + Graffiti can be cultural which benefits society
• – It is often unregulated art
• – Graffiti could contain indecent or violent images or words
• – It could incite racism, hatred or political unrest

10. Vaping and Children (Predicted Topic)

• Vaping was originally introduced to help smokers quit, but now vaping is becoming popular amongst people who never previously smoked.
• Vaping can be addictive and their use has grown dramatically in the last five years, particularly in high school children
• E-cigarettes are less harmful than normal cigarettes, but they do still contain harmful ingredients such as nicotine, flavourings and other chemicals
• Vaping could lead to increase in asthma
• While this is only a predicted topic, it is something you can easily introduce into essays or into your speaking test as it is a current world issue

11. Organised Tours to Remote Places (Tourism)

• + Travellers get to see places that are largely untouched by the modern world
• + Remote places are steeped in culture and interest
• + Remote places can benefit from a boost in their economy
• – The culture in such places will be altered by so many tourists
• – Such tourism can have a negative impact on the local eco system
• With tourism comes the threat of pollution

12. Museums should focus on local works of art

• + Focusing on local art exhibits means local artists are supported and encouraged
• + Part of the task of a museum is conserving local history and culture so this should be their primary goal
• + This is a way of promoting local culture and history to tourists which could benefit the economy of the country
• – Many museums have international collections of art that people travel from around the world to see
• – The history of some countries is interconnected with other countries and other cultures – history is not always confined within a boarder
• – We now live in a global world and museums should reflect that

13. Values from family and parents play a greater role in future success than skills and knowledge from schools

• + from parents we can learn discipline and the meaning of hard work which are vital for future success
• + from family we can learn the value of determination and never giving up
• – schools provide the building blocks of knowledge upon which our future hangs, such as reading, writing, comprehension, maths etc
• – without education, most people would be reduced to menial work and success would be much harder to attain
• – some careers require specific education and training without which success would be impossible

Useful Links:

Click Below:

Writing Task 2 Model Essays and Tips

Writing Task 1: Model Answers and Tips

Note: IELTS do not use topics based on religion or politics because IELTS is non-political and non-religious . IELTS tests tend to aim for topics that reflect the world we live in by focusing on social issues and everyday issues that are more familiar and less emotional for people to write or speak about. So, please pay attention to which resources you use online when you prepare for your test and make sure you aren’t wasting your time preparing for topics that definitely won’t appear.

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I had posted a comment regarding GT Writing Task2, few minutes back. Earlier it was mentioned that it is awaiting moderation. But now, I don’t see it at all. Has it been unapproved? If yes, can you please explain why?

To explain why your comment was waiting in moderation: 1) your first comment arrived at 6.30am UK time. I would be asleep. 2) your second comment arrived at 8am. I still hadn’t started work. As I work part time, I work alone and I’m sick, I don’t work every day. On top of that there are over 26,000 comments waiting in moderation, it is not humanly possible for a sick person or even a healthy person to read and answer them all. I do by best to help people for free, but I am not superwoman – I’m just a teacher who tries her best with the time I have.

You asked about personal experiences for an IELTS essay. This isn’t about you, your family or friends because those examples are generally informal and IELTS essays are formal in tone and content. It’s about your experience of the world and your opinions. This means you don’t refer to “a person I know does not own a car”, you write “although most people are car owners, a number of people still do not own cars”. That is how you phrase your knowledge and experience.

Regarding addressing parts of the essay question and ideas, part of your preparation is to prepare ideas for topics. This is the reason I created an e-book called Ideas for IELTS Essay Topics. The more topics you prepare for, the better. There is a list of over 100 essay topics on the main writing task 2 page of this website and I also published a list of potential topics for 2024 which you should also use for your preparation. Look through the lists and find the ones you know nothing about, then educate yourself. Obviously my e-books helps a lot with that process because it contains ideas and vocabulary for over 150 common essay topics. But the rest of the work, you must do yourself.

One of the marking criterion for writing task 2 is Task Response, which counts for 25% of your marks for writing task 2. This is your ability to address everything in the essay question, have a highly focused essay, have relevant ideas that are well developed and understand the issues given. So, if you haven’t prepared enough and you fail to address part of the essay question, or if part of your essay is irrelevant because you misunderstood it, then your score in Task Response will be lower. The band score descriptors published by IELTS for your benefit show that for a band score 5 in TR, “the main parts of the prompts are not addressed”. So, to fail in addressing the issues or including irrelevant information will hold you at around band 5 or band 6 depending at how poorly you do at this. For that reason, you need to prepare ideas for topics and also ensure that you are following current world issues, such as global warming, early education, international aid etc etc. All this information is explained on various pages of my website. This website is extensive and contains well over 200 pages of advice, tips, topics, examples, information and model answers. It is your task to use all the free information I have already provided to learn.

Thank you for providing such a comprehensive reply. Kudos to you !

You’re welcome

Hello Liz, Greetings from India. Hope you are doing well now. Thank you for uploading such wonderful material. I was hoping if you could help with the “include any relevant examples from your own knowledge and experience” part in GT Writing Part2. What phrases are suitable for mentioning personal experience in a formal essay? Moreover, if a topic is such that I don’t have any relevant experiences or ideas, then is it okay to skip over this part of the essay?

could you please rate my Essay and give me tips how to improve? I have sat the IELTS twice but always fail to achieve Bandscore 8.0. I always end up with Bandscore 7,5 in writing, but need a 8. My next test is in a few weeks and I am getting anxious now. I am having issues with developing paragraphs well as I should not write much more than 300 words, but I do not know how to fully develop an argument in just 250 words (or a bit more). Thank you in Advance, Cheers, Tara

There is a lot of pressure on young people today to succeed academically. As a result, some people believe that non-academic subjects, such as physical education and cookery, should be removed from the school syllabus so that children can concentrate on academic work. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Some people argue, that non-vital subjects such as sports or cooking lessons should be banned from the curriculum in order to facilitate students to focus on exam relevant courses. Personally, I support the idea of maintaining extracurricular activities in school as it benefits childrens health and supports them in developing life skills.

First and foremost, students who undergo physical training during school hours and learn how to cook meals from scratch are best equipped for life. To be more precise, even though such classes seem to be irrelevant at first sight, they prove to be essential to teach pupils how to keep themselves fit, how to nourish and nurture their bodies and overall how to lead a healthy lifestyle. Students who regularly attend sports classes do not only gain muscles, accelerate their endurance and develop their stamina. They also improve on skills to succeed in academic life and in everyday’s life, such as motivation, resilience, persistence, agility, strength and motivation

Furthermore, they develop core skills such as self-awareness and confidence, which may in turn not only help strengthen their mental health but also to gain invaluable skills, such as for presenting in front of an audience.

However, there might be some students who do not lead a healthy lifestyle at all and are in favour of getting low-nutritional meal options at the next available food stall, in order to gain more time to focus on their studies. Alternatively, they would rather buy take-away meals or frozen food in the supermarket, that they can simply reheat or prepare at home in a short period of time.

To conclude, I strongly support the idea of keeping subjects such as physical training and cookery courses in the curriculum, in order to allow students to develop an understanding of how to lead a healthy lifestyle, which in turn raises their chance to succeed academically as well.

It looks like you haven’t read the band score descriptors. If your body paragraphs are not equally developed, you won’t get a high score in Coherence and Cohesion. It’s a very simple thing to learn and to do, but so many people don’t pay attention to it and it costs them a good band score. You’ve also got two body paragraphs where you don’t even mention the school curriculum or subjects. If your sentences are not fully written and fully connected to the topic given, you will get a lower score. Just because you’ve connected the points in your head, doesn’t mean it works in IELTS essays. For example, your second body paragraph is about awareness and confidence – who are you referring to? which subject are you referring to? how does this connect to the school curriculum and the balance of subjects? Not one single mention is given to explain anything in that body paragraph. You do a similar thing in the third body paragraph. In your introduction, you also completely change the essay topic by writing about extra-curricular activities. This topic is not about such activities, it’s about subjects such as cookery and physical education which form part of the curriculum – they are each a valid subject. Each time you paraphrase be very careful because if you paraphrase incorrectly or use the wrong words, you might completely go off topic. And that’s what you’ve done here. Finally, you’ve completely ignored the fact that the essay topic is about comparing these subjects with academic subjects (such as science, maths, literature etc) – you’ve failed to tackle that in your essay. I see many issues with the way you are writing and forming your essay. Even though your level of English is strong, Task Response and Coherence & Cohesion together form 50% of your marks and you are struggling with them both. You need to know what to aim at otherwise your score will be unpredictable. I suggest you get my advanced lessons and also my Grammar E-book which also contains information about linking, referring and much more: https://elizabethferguson.podia.com/ . An IELTS essay is not just an essay. It an IELTS essay with specific requirements for higher band scores and you need to know what it’s all about.

Thanks,your informations are very useful )))

Hello Dear Liz. I wrote my test yesterday on the 30th. Waiting task 1 I wrote more than 150 words and the task 2 I wrote more than 250 words. Would that affect my score?

What a strange question to ask. Your task is to write more than 150 words in task 1 and to write more than 250 words in task 2. Did you get confused about the task? The word count task has remained the same for many years.

Hi Liz, this essay topic is a bit confusing. How do you advise to handle this? Many people think that more money will make them happier. How important is money for happiness?

You need to decide if money can make people happier or if there is anything else that can. If you think there are other things that can make people happy, you write one paragraph about how money affects people and then one or two other body paragraphs about the other factors of happiness.

Liz! My scores are in S8 L8.5 R9.0 W7. 5. We did it!!!

Excellent!! Very well done to you 🙂

The cultures of many countries around the world becomes more similar than they used to be. What are the reasons for this trend? Is it positive or negative? Hey Liz! How do I answer a double question essay

You would give a direct answer in your thesis statement in the introduction to both questions. Then, each body paragraph would tackle one question with a clear main point and explanation. Always remember to keep the organisation of your essay very logical for a high score.

Hello Liz, Thank you so much for providing us with a treasure store for IELTS preparation materials. I tried to pay for some e-books from the website, but it didn’t work. I have booked my exam on November 19, so I thought it would be beneficial to buy those books.

Could you please guide me?

All the payments at the moment for my advanced lessons and e-books go through paypal. Some countries can’t use paypal unfortunately, but you can always ask a friend to make the payments for you. If you use paypal, but you struggle to make a payment, check your paypal settings – you might need to ensure that they are set to allow for international payments. To purchase something, go to my store, click on the item you wish to purchase (CLICK HERE) and then click (BUY NOW). Contact me if you continue to have problems: [email protected] and this is a link to my online store: https://elizabethferguson.podia.com/

DEAR LIZ Where can we get information of updated writing topics of september and october 2023

The writing topics and questions are changed with each test – there is not one set of topics for certain months.

I just went for the exam last week. Academic sample October 2023 Writing task 1- table on male and female of 6 different sectors for 3 different period. Writing task 2 – more people are moving into mega-cities: with 20 billion population, is this a negative or positive development?

For task 1 – I panicked and could not summarized as well I would normally do. For task 2 – completed but locked out no time to check.

I got my score for my compute based and got 6.5 for writing, i need to re sit for writing alone. Feeling demotivated,

Sorry to hear of your struggle. Tables can be challenging because there is so much information in them. You need to spend a lot of time just looking at tables and writing overviews. Once you have mastered the overview, you then need to look at lots of tables and simply decide what information to group together in which body paragraphs. It’s all about learning to select information. For writing task 2, planning should only take 5 mins and the introduction should be written very quickly because all introductions are similar – paraphrase and then state your position/main points. Only the body paragraphs take time to write, but you can only succeed in the body paragraphs if you have done enough planning before you start writing. All your sentences (information for each sentence) should have been planned before you start writing. Think carefully about how you prepare. You need to develop skills and strategies for both task 1 and task 2. I’m sure you can nail this. Just see it as another challenge that you will succeed in. Never let your emotions deter you. Your brain is a powerful tool and I have faith in you!! Good luck next time!!

Thank you Liz, will try again and re-sit soon with this strategies in mind.

hi mam, i am Nitharshini from srilanka. i am going to write exam coming December. so can you tell what are the topics expecting? please tell some tips and technic for eassy writing

The essay topics vary with each test. They are not seasonal. So, just stick with all the topics above and my 100 essay questions which cover a large range of topics that appear most years and can easily appear this year and next year: https://ieltsliz.com/100-ielts-essay-questions/

People’s shopping habits depend more on the age group that they belong to then other factors. To what extent do you agree or disagree? I was asked this on my test yesterday. Good luck for your exam!

It’s an interesting essay question. Thanks for sharing. Hope your test went well 🙂

Hi, Liz! Voraciously consuming your page in preparation for my 2nd attempt. Thank you for the easy-to-follow IELTS content. Indeed, very helpful! Would like to share the question I got last week on Task 2:

Nowadays public transport prices are rapidly increasing. Why do you think it is happening? How can this problem be solved?

For the first question, it does require an opinion, right? I mistook the question as only asking for causes and solutions and failed to express/give my opinion. In retrospect, I regretted not analyzing the question very carefully before answering. Hoping to get my desired band next time.

Your task asks you for causes and solutions. You could easily say “I think the main reason that X is happening is because …” or you could write “The main reason X is happening is because …”. Both are fine. In this case it doesn’t matter. You’ve chosen your ideas and presented them. The problem with IELTS essays only comes when you are asked to choose and to present a clear position, but you fail to give any position at all. Failure to choose when you are asked to choose is the problem. So, don’t worry with cause solution essays – present them as you wish.

Thank you, Liz! I reviewed your tips carefully and focused on writing task 2 essays for a week before trying out again. From 6.5 on my 1st attempt to 7.5 on my next. The next topic I got was about children’s freedom nowadays, whether it is a positive or negative development. Thank you very much! I will keep recommending your page to my friends who will take IELTS.

I pray that just as we’ve claimed victory over IELTS, you will emerge victorious in your fight against your disease. May God heal you and bless you!

Great to hear your news!! It’s wonderful to see someone push their writing score up like that. Very well done 🙂 And thanks for your support in my fight to win my health back – much appreciated.

Hello Liz , Thank you so much for sharing the new topic for IELTS. Hope , it Will help us. Get well Soon.

Glad it’s useful. Thanks 🙂

Hey liz, my task 2 qn was: constructing bigger roads may help to prevent traffic problems. what is your opinion?

May i know what type of qn is this..i approached this as agree/ disagree type. In my answer i made it clear that even though i consider constructing bigger roads help to tackle the issue , people should be encouraged to use public transport. Is this the correct strategy.

unfortunately, my writing score decreased from 7 to 6.5 this time. I don’t know the reason but i was sure that i wrote it better than my 1st attempt by following most of your suggestions.

It is an Opinion Essay. An opinion essay is the same as an agree disagree essay. Don’t get confused by the way teachers name essays. An opinion essay is one where IELTS present you with an opinion such as “some people think that constructing bigger roads may help to prevent traffic problems”. Your task is to decide if you agree, disagree or partially agree with the opinion given. You might have your own specific opinion. If you partially agree as you did, you would have one paragraph explaining the benefits of constructing bigger roads. Then you would have another paragraph explaining that bigger roads is only one solution and more public transport is needed as well. Both ideas would need a separate paragraph and full explanation. IELTS essays are not just about what ideas you have, they are also about how you present them, how you connect them and how you explain them. Another possible issue with your essay is your choice of ideas. If bigger roads will reduce traffic congestion, encouraging people to use public transport probably isn’t of vital importance because you no longer have congestion. This doesn’t mean you can’t use this idea, but it does mean you need to address this. Having ideas isn’t enough for a high score. You need to think your ideas through and address them in a way that makes sense. So, you might want to address the point that even widening roads won’t be effective enough and needs to be in conjunction with improving public transport, and encouraging people to use it. The higher the band score, the more you have properly thought through your ideas. I’ll post a model answer for this essay shortly so you can compare it to your own. And don’t forget that your overall writing score also includes task 1 which is one of the main reasons people struggle to push their score above band 7. Many people think that because task 1 is only 33% of their marks, they won’t focus on it. But 33% can actually have a huge effect on your overall score.

Huge thanks Liz for your reply and effort to put a model answer for the qn.

I got a letter qn asking to address the manager of the company to tell him about the how the employees felt about the foreign language course given by the company to them. Also asked to request for more such classes and suggest the available time to join them. In a rush i concluded it with the designation yours sincerely (bcz my salutation was Dear Mr, Robert Peterson). I thought that i addressed the manager by name then it could be considered as an informal letter. Should i have written yours faithfully instead? I worry it might affected my band score bcz i have framed my essay structure as that you have stated above.

You used the correct sign off. We use “Yours sincerely” when we know the name of the person we are writing to, for example “Dear Mr Smith”. We use “Yours faithfully” when we don’t know they name and in which case we might start “Dear Sir”. An informal letter is usually to a friend. We might start “Dear John” or “Hi John” and sign off “All the best” or “Take care” – something friendly and informal. Just because you knew the manager’s name “Mr Robert” does not mean it is informal. He is your manager, not your friend. It is a work related letter, not a letter related to a social party. So, relax, you did it right. Here’s a link for others to my essential tips for letter writing for IELTS General Training Writing Task 1: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-letter-writing-essential-tips/ Good luck with your results!

Extremely I’m grateful to you.I hope i’ld be able to get my desired band score in the next attempt.

Really praying for your health and happiness. Be blessed ❤️

I’m really pleased for you. Well done 🙂

Thank you so much

Madam,You are the best mentor i have ever seen Despite being ill ,you are keen on helping students .I appreciate your dedication and mentor .Get well soon.Love from India 🇮🇳.

You’re welcome 🙂

Dear Liz Today I had IELTS general training test, so I would like to share topic of writing task 2 for your useful website, if possible please post a sample answer for the below topic

Fast food is a part of life in many place. Some people think this has bad effects in lifestyle and diet. Do you agree or disagree?

Hi Liz, Thank you for the topics and the outline. You really make writing task 2 seem easy.

Thanks for sharing 🙂 Hope your test went well 🙂

Just now wrote this; please liz guide me on this. As I am going have my GT Ielts on coming weekend, InshAllah. Many modern societies have normalized the concept of fast food. Mostly, people eat fast food as their routine diet. In this essay I will write my view point regarding negative impact of fast food in lifestyle and diet.

I strongly believe that fast food is a reason of bad eating habit. As it is instantly ordered or cooked food with unmeasurable quantity of unhealthy ingredients, people usually don’t need to hustle or think before eating. This results in nonserious behavior towards the healthy eating style.

Secondly, fast food also influences the unwell way of living. For instant, if an irregular food is being eaten on a frequent basis will consequently result in illness and suffering. Therefore, people tend to end up in hospitals and so their lifestyle gets disturbed and miserable.

On the contrast, many people argue that fast food is good and easy to eat. They think like eating fast food is a part of modern era and brings them a social status. As far as I am concerned, I think they are unaware that this easiness and modernization will ultimately cause them illness and laziness. Because, they have become so much habitual of eating such type of edibles that they cannot think or realize further.

In conclusion, fast food makes a person unhealthy and ruins their lifestyle. In a way that people start to possess wrong eating choices and start to have health conditions after eating swiftly made food. In my opinion awareness of balanced diet should be encouraged across the globe.

Please review all my free lessons and tips for writing task 2 on this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-2/ . If you need training in each type of essay, get my advanced lessons which you can find in my online store: https://elizabethferguson.podia.com/ . Make sure you aim for between 270-290 words more or less. Try not to write such short essays and please review your paragraphing and linking words.

Are these the ways that Essays are sent in IELTS exams ,the bullet points under the main topic are we to use them to develop points that is paraphrasing them?

These are essay topics, not questions. If you go to the links I provided to the 100 essay questions, you’ll see examples of questions for most topics. Essay questions are great to practice with at home: https://ieltsliz.com/100-ielts-essay-questions/ . But you can’t possibly practice so many essay questions in full. Instead, you practice with as many questions as you can and the rest you tackle as just topics by preparing useful ideas you can use. Above, I have provided some of the new topics that have appeared in the test this year and provided you with ideas you can use in your essays. You will adapt those ideas depending on how the essay question is rephrased and depending on the task given. As I explained on the page, IELTS like to change the task and change the wording which is why your preparation needs to be flexible. If you wish to see model essays for different types of tasks for writing task 2, see this page for model essays and more tips: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-2/

Hi liz , can we write “a survey conducted by the department the UK depicted that 45 % of people fo not respect their elders ” in task 2 of writing module

The examiner has no interest in data or numbers in writing task 2 essays and no interest in studies or research. None of that will boost your score. Instead, explain your points and illustrate them using a range of good language: “the majority of younger people nowadays seem to lack respect for their elders compared to previous generations”. “the majority” is better English than “75%”. Alternatively, “almost half of all young people” is better English than “45%”. Writing task 1 is about data in the academic test, but task 2 is not. Also expand your sentence by adding comparatives to previous generations to show the examiner more language skills.

thank you so much dear

Grateful to you 🙏 appreciate your efforts 😊 bless you dear ❣️

Hello, Thank you for your lesson. I would like to learn the vocabulary that you published (very useful material, for me) concerning crimes, punishments, etc .. but the page is protected. If it’s possible, please, to give me the permission to copy that page? For free or with a paiement? Thank you very much for your answer! Best regards, Andreia ,

Sorry, my website doesn’t allow coping. The act of making notes is part of language learning. The more you use the language both in writing and speaking, the quicker you will learn it.

Thank you very much mam . Your lessons have inspired and encouraged me to take the IELTS test . But I have a problem, I can’t really figure out how to create a link in task 2 general writing.

I don’t understand what you mean by create a link. Do you mean using linking words? You can find linking words for task 2 on this page: https://ieltsliz.com/linking-words-for-writing/

Such a wonderful topics, thank you so much dear Liz

I got my IELTS GT score today, and I wanted to thank you. I am so grateful for your website. While I had practiced Listening and Reading tests before, I ended up havinvg barely 1 day to prepare for the Writing (including familiarising myself with the format for GT) and Speaking owing to my sudden work demands. Your platform was instrumental in supporting me, especially with the Writing. During Speaking, I became a tad nervous, and I thought that had messed up, but that was just the post-exam fear.

My IELTS GT result: Overall 8.5 (L8.5, R8.5, W8.0 and S8.5). I had taken IELTS Academic back in 2019 but my Writing and Speaking bands back then were lower (Overall 8 with L9, D9, W7 and S7.5).

I currently reside in Australia, and I wanted to add the topics I had in my writing in case they may help someone else. – Task 1 was a formal letter to a teacher asking for reference. Prompts included why I’m writing to this particular teacher, the details of the job and why I think I’m fit for the role. -Task 2 was a two-question essay. It suggested that nowadays different generations in a family spend less time doing activities together. What is/are the reason(s)? Is this a positive or negative development?

Your tips on introduction paragraph writing and paragraph structuring helped me immensely. I established technology as the reason and took my stance on this gap causing a negative impact. In paragraph 1, I talked about how technology causes this from the older generations perspective. In paragraph 2, I used smart phones and social media as the technology advancements to suggest how gaps arise from the younger generations’ side. In paragraph 3, I establish how it negatively affects the development families and the community as a whole. Finished it up with the conclusion starting with “to conclude” just like you’ve recommended. If I hadn’t watched your content, I would’ve tried to be unnecessarily fancy, and lost points.

Again, I am truly grateful for your website, and all the work you’ve put into it.

Great results!! And I’m so pleased to see how you’ve improved. I’m glad you kept your essay focused – this is what IELTS writing task 2 is all about – focused and relevant sentences, each one serving a purpose. Thanks for sharing your writing tasks, it’s always useful to keep up-to-date. Wishing you all the best in your future 🙂

Hi Akash , I’m about to take my IELTS GT test please it would be of great help to me if you could help me with some questions and guidance

Thank you Liz,ur teachings are more easier and understandable 🙏

I’m glad it’s all useful 🙂

it seems that these topics do not have the task

Tasks can be altered in the same way that essay questions can be recorded. Don’t expect questions and task to appear the same in the test. This is the reason you need to prepare ideas for topics which you then adapt to the question and task.

Thank you mam for helping us ,from my bottom of heart your lessons give me more confidence to prepare my ielts exam…

welcome back Liz. Hope you are feeling much better now. Happy to see you back again. waiting for more videos . ❤️❤️😍

Thanks. I’m still struggling but I’m going to try and post up posts more regularly if possible. Fingers crossed 🙂 It’ll take me longer to make videos though.

helpful website

Thank you very much Liz. for those topics. I hope you are fine and strong again.

Thank you Liz,this email is so helpful.

Thank you very much.

Hi Liz , could you make video on music , history and comedy movie topics for IELTS speaking test ( part 2) ? How to tackle these topics ? Thanks Shazia

Sure, I’ll add them to my list of videos to make but as I’m still sick, it’ll be a while before I can make videos again. I do intend to get back to video making whenever I can.

Hi liz, Am very happy to be one of your student.May God bless you and your family for the good heart.Thanks Thanks

Much appreciated Liz. Your ideas are really helpful in opening up one’s mind

just thank thankful to you

Madam you are hope and inspiration of many of us.

Thank u madam

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IELTS Writing

On this page you can find all the information about IELTS Writing , see IELTS Writing topics , try useful IELTS Writing lessons and tips and see IELTS Writing samples .

Information about IELTS Writing

IELTS Writing test is made to assess your writing skills and techniques. There are two IELTS Writing modules: Academic and General. If you plan to study abroad, then you should take IELTS Academic module. And if you wish to work abroad, then you should take IELTS General module.

IELTS Writing test lasts 1 hour and consists of 2 parts : task 1 and task 2. Writing task 1 is different for Academic and General IELTS, but Writing task 2 is the same for both modules.

In Academic Writing task 1 you're asked to describe a graph, chart or diagram. And in General Writing task 1 you have to write a letter to someone. In Writing task 2 you have to write an essay on a given topic.

IELTS Academic Writing

IELTS Academic Writing module lasts 60 minutes and has 2 tasks, which must both be completed. Although it is recommended to spend approximately 20 minutes on task 1 and about 40 minutes on task 2, you can divide your time between two sections the way you prefer.

See which skills are tested in IELTS Writing Academic.

Academic IELTS Writing Task 1

In this task you need to describe or summarize visualised data, such as graph, chart, table, diagram, process or scheme. You should write at least 150 words in this task.

IELTS Writing Task 1 sample (Academic) :

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

The graph below shows tourism statistics among Venezuelian students from 2011 to 2014. Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant.

Write at least 150 words.

• IELTS Writing task 1 samples
• IELTS Writing exercises
• IELTS task 1 vocabulary

IELTS Writing Task 2

This task is the same for Academic and General modules.

This is more challenging task. You should write an essay on a given topic, presenting your point of view and supporting it with relevant arguments. You should write at least 250 words in this task.

IELTS Writing Task 2 sample :

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Does Internet need to be controlled by the government?

Justify your answer.

Write at least 250 words.

• IELTS Writing task 2 topics
• IELTS Writing task 2 samples
• IELTS task 2 vocabulary

See IELTS Writing Marking Scheme

IELTS General Writing

IELTS General Writing module lasts 60 minutes and has 2 tasks, which must both be completed. Although it is recommended to spend approximately 20 minutes on task 1 and about 40 minutes on task 2, you can divide your time between two sections the way you prefer.

See which skills are tested in IELTS Writing General.

IELTS General Writing Task 1

In this task you are asked to write a letter concerning everyday situation that you are likely to encounter while living in an English-speaking environment. For example, a letter to an accommodation officer, your employer or a friend. The letter may be personal, semi-formal or formal.

• write personal correspondence
• provide general factual information
• express your opinions: views, needs, wants, likes and dislikes etc.

IELTS General Writing Task 1 sample :

Your friend is celebrating her Birthday soon and has invited you to a party. But you are unable to come because you are going to attend an important meeting that day.

• thank her for the invitation;
• explain why you cannot come;
• propose to meet on other day;

You do NOT need to write your own address. Begin your letter as follows:

• IELTS General Writing task 1 samples
• IELTS General task 1 vocabulary

8+ IELTS Essay Topics for IELTS with Answers, Writing Task 2 Samples

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The IELTS writing section is one of the essential components of the IELTS exam as it evaluates your ability to express yourself effectively in written English.

Consisting of two tasks, Writing Task 1 and Writing Task 2 , this section aims to measure your skills in presenting information and opinions, as well as your capacity to organise and articulate ideas coherently.

As a result, it's important to know the most common essay topics for IELTS that are likely to come up.

In this guide, we will discuss the latest IELTS essay topics for 2024 and give you some tips on how to approach them.

Table of Contents

Ielts writing task 2 for academic, 1. opinion essays, 2. discussion essays, 3. solution essays, 4. advantage or disadvantage essays, 5. direct question essays, 1. education, 2. technology, 3. environment, what are the topics for ielts writing, what is the most important essay for ielts, what are the common essay topics for ielts task 2, can i write 400 words in an ielts essay, is 7.0 a good ielts writing score, what happens if i don't write 250 words in ielts, what are the 3 essay types in ielts writing.

These topics are often repeated in IELTS exams , so make sure you are prepared for them!

Read also: IELTS tips and tricks to score high

IELTS Writing Task 2 for Academic assesses your ability to present and support an argument or opinion on a specific topic related to academic subjects or general issues. 

It consists of 2 tasks:

• IELTS Writing Task 1: It assesses your ability to interpret and describe visual information accurately. In this task, you are presented with a graph, chart, table, diagram, or process, and are required to write a short report summarising the information presented.
• IELTS Writing Task 2 : It assesses your ability to present and support an argument or opinion on a specific topic related to academic subjects or general issues. It requires you to express ideas coherently, use relevant examples, and maintain a well-structured essay format.

Types of IELTS essays

IELTS essays are divided into 5 main categories. These are:

Opinion essays require you to express your viewpoint on a given topic. You need to clearly state whether you agree or disagree with a statement and support your opinion with relevant arguments and examples.

“You say if you agree or disagree, back it up with good reasons.”

Sample IELTS essay writing topics:

• In your opinion, should the government invest more in space exploration or environmental conservation?
• Do you believe that social media has a positive impact on mental health?
• Some people argue that zoos are essential for animal conservation. What is your opinion on this matter?
• Is it better to raise children in a single-parent family or a two-parent family? Give reasons for your opinion.
• In your opinion, should school uniforms be mandatory for all students?
• Do you think that violent video games contribute to aggressive behavior in children?
• Some people believe that professional athletes are overpaid. Do you agree or disagree with this view?

Discussion essays demand a balanced analysis of a topic by exploring both sides of an argument. You need to present the main points for each perspective and provide a thoughtful discussion.

“You need to show both sides of a topic and talk about them fairly.”

• Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using renewable energy sources over fossil fuels.
• What are the benefits and drawbacks of online education compared to traditional classroom learning?"
• Examine the impact of globalisation on local cultures and traditions.
• Discuss the pros and cons of the growing popularity of online shopping.
• Compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of living in a city versus living in a rural area.
• Examine the impact of technology on interpersonal communication in today's society.
• Discuss the positive and negative effects of immigration on a country's economy.

Solution essays require you to identify a problem and propose effective solutions to address it. You need to analyse the causes of the issue and present practical remedies.

“You talk about a problem and give practical ideas to fix it.”

• What are the main causes of traffic congestion in urban areas, and what measures can be taken to alleviate it?
• Discuss the steps that can be taken to reduce the use of plastic and promote eco-friendly alternatives.
• Explain how governments can encourage citizens to adopt healthier eating habits and combat obesity.
• What can be done to address the issue of unemployment among young people?
• "Discuss the measures that can be implemented to reduce air pollution in major cities.
• How can governments promote renewable energy adoption and decrease reliance on fossil fuels?
• Explain the steps that individuals can take to reduce their carbon footprint and combat climate change.

Advantage or disadvantage essays involve analyzing the positive and negative aspects of a particular subject or situation.

“You look at the good and bad parts of something.”

• Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using artificial intelligence in various industries.
• What are the pros and cons of globalisation on the economies of developing countries?
• Examine the benefits and drawbacks of studying abroad for higher education.
• Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using social media for personal communication.
• What are the positive and negative effects of tourism on local communities and the environment?
• Explain the advantages and disadvantages of using nuclear power as a source of energy.
• Discuss the benefits and drawbacks of the increasing reliance on online banking and digital transactions.

Also read: 12 best books for IELTS exam preparation

Direct question essays consist of several direct questions related to a specific topic. You need to answer these questions comprehensively.

“You answer specific questions about a topic.”

• Should governments invest more in public transportation or road infrastructure? Why?
• Do you believe that the use of animals for scientific research is justified? Why or why not?
• What are the key factors that contribute to job satisfaction? How can job satisfaction be improved?
• Should children be given access to smartphones at a young age? What are the potential consequences?
• Do you think that the death penalty should be abolished worldwide? Why or why not?
• What are the challenges of an ageing population, and how can societies address them?
• Should fast-food advertising be restricted to combat the rise in obesity rates among children? Why?

Also read: List of IELTS vocabulary words

8 Common IELTS Essay Topics

Here are the common IELTS essay topics

• Environment

IELTS essays can cover a wide range of topics, but some topics often appear in the exam. Let's explore The 8 most common IELTS essay topics:

Education is one of the most popular and influential topics for IELTS essays.

Education can take many forms, from formal education in a classroom to informal education through life experiences.

For example, in an essay about education, you could discuss the importance of formal education, the benefits and drawbacks of different types of schooling or teaching methods, or even the impact of technology on education.

Education is a complex and interesting subject. When writing an education-related essay, make sure you research different education systems around the world and provide examples to support your assertions.

Additionally, consider how education can affect different aspects of life, such as economic development or social mobility.

Depending on the question prompt and your personal opinion, you can craft compelling essays that make strong statements about education in general or focus more narrowly on particular aspects, such as technology's role in modern classroom settings.

Additionally, it helps to have a few concrete examples for supporting evidence so that your argument is convincing and well-rounded. Education is a broad topic, but with careful thought, any student can write an essay that impresses the IELTS examiners.

🎥 Watch our IELTS Lessons Playlist on YouTube . Our expert instructor covers all modules: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.

Technology is one of the ten common IELTS essay topics and is becoming increasingly relevant in modern society.

Technology-related essays ask you to discuss the potential impact of technological solutions on an issue or analyze how technology has been used for progress in a particular field.

Technology can be used as both a positive and negative force, so it's important to consider both sides when tackling these types of IELTS essays. Be sure to explore various opinions and provide reliable evidence to support your points.

Technology should also be discussed regarding its implications for the future, particularly within the context of global development goals. In any case, keep in mind that technology should always be analyzed with a critical eye and thoughtful insight into its impacts on society.

When writing IELTS essays on technology, always use clear and thoughtful language that considers the future implications of this dynamic force.

By understanding the various facets of technology and approaching essay topics with an open mind, you'll be well-prepared to tackle any tech-related IELTS essay you encounter.

The environment is a popular topic for IELTS essays, and it's no surprise why.

Environment-related issues are growing in importance due to the impacts of climate change, pollution, and resource depletion.

As such, there are various IELTS essay topics that may focus on these issues. Examples include:

• Discussing ways to protect our environment from pollution
• Identifying strategies for reducing waste
• Examining the effects of global warming
• Studying methods of sustainable development
• Exploring how to conserve natural resources
• Investigating approaches to preserving biodiversity
• Analyzing the impact of climate change
• Evaluating renewable energy sources
• Proposing solutions to environmental problems
• Comparing environmental protection strategies in different countries.

It is important to keep up with current events and research related to environmental protection to provide relevant examples when writing your essays.

With the right preparation, you can ensure that your IELTS essay stands out from the crowd!

Work is an important topic in both Work & Study essays, which are commonly seen on IELTS exams.

Work can refer to any job or career someone has chosen to pursue, whether they are paid or unpaid. Work essays typically end with a discussion of future trends related to the topic. It would be best if you explored both sides of this issue before concluding.

Work-related topics that often appear in IELTS essays include globalization and its effect on labour markets, automation and technological advances in the workplace, new forms of employment such as freelancing or gig economy jobs, part-time or flexible working, and the ethical implications of unpaid labour.

Brainstorming different perspectives on these topics is important to develop a well-rounded essay.

Work is an interesting and often contentious topic that many students are passionate about, so it's important to ensure your arguments are clear and persuasive. Work essays require much thought and research to earn a high score on IELTS exams.

Achieve your highest IELTS score! Signup for your free IELTS masterclass with Edvoy. Learn from the best of the best teacher with over 17 years of experience. Sign up now!

Culture is a popular IELTS essay topic due to its broad scope and complexity.

Culture can include anything from national traditions, customs, lifestyles, artwork, holidays, and cuisine. Culture also reflects a country's history and values, making it an important topic of discussion in the IELTS exam.

Essays on culture may ask you to discuss how culture affects society or how particular cultural aspects have changed over time. In addition, you may be asked about your own cultural experiences or views on certain cultures worldwide.

To prepare for this type of essay, you should research different cultures and be familiar with key elements such as language, religious beliefs, values, and rituals.

Being able to draw examples from various countries will help demonstrate your understanding of the complex nature of culture.

Crime is a popular topic among IELTS essay questions.

Crime involves any behaviour that goes against social norms and laws, such as robbery, theft, murder, assault or even drug trafficking.

Therefore, it is important to consider both sides of an argument when writing about crime; for example, looking at both the benefits and drawbacks of harsher punishments or greater law enforcement.

Crime essay topics may include discussing the causes and effects of crime, how to tackle it, or its impact on society.

Examples of crime essay questions could involve researching the increase in juvenile delinquency, discussing effective strategies to reduce cybercrime, or providing solutions for tackling alcohol-related offences.

It is also important to provide evidence from reliable sources to support your opinion and make a compelling argument. The more informed you are about current issues concerning crime, the better prepared you will be when tackling this question type.

Ensure that your conclusion summarizes your views on crime and provides reasoned arguments that support them.

Related article: IELTS preparation books

Health is a common topic in IELTS essays, as health and well-being are integral parts of our lives.

You might be asked about health services, health care systems, health promotion, or health education. You may also be asked to discuss the causes and effects of public health issues such as obesity.

To answer these questions successfully, you need to understand health policies and current global health trends.

You should also include sound arguments explaining why certain approaches should be used to address health problems. Citing examples from your own experience or research can help strengthen your essay and make it more convincing.

Moreover, if you can provide health-related statistics, this can also help to illustrate the seriousness of health issues.

Health is an important topic in IELTS essays, and by properly researching and understanding health policies and global health trends, you can write effective essays on the subject.

You might also like: Score high on IELTS Speaking Exam

Family is another common IELTS essay topic.

Addressing issues such as nuclear versus extended families, parenting styles, gender roles in the home, or traditional versus modern family dynamics are all valid approaches when writing about this topic.

In any case, make sure you use relevant examples to illustrate your point and develop a logical and well-structured argument.

Family can be explored from different angles, ranging from exploring changes in family structure and values to discussing the roles of parents and children within the family dynamic.

It is also possible to write about how families interact with society or how they have adapted over generations to produce a unique culture.

Another important issue to consider when writing about family is how it has been affected by technological and social advancements. Exploring topics such as technology's impact on family life or how a changing society has led to different expectations of parents can provide interesting insights into the topic of family.

With such a wide range of possibilities, family can make for an interesting and thought-provoking essay topic on the IELTS exam.

The IELTS essays cover a wide range of topics and have been designed to test students' writing abilities.

These above-mentioned topics are the eight most common for IELTS essays, but many other potential topics could come up in your exam.

With practice and commitment, any student can become skilled in writing compelling content for the IELTS exam.

Frequently asked questions

IELTS writing topics cover a wide range of subjects, including education, health, technology, environment, society, work, and more. 

Both Task 1 and Task 2 essays hold importance in IELTS writing. However, Task 2 is often considered more crucial as it contributes more to your overall writing score and requires you to present and support your viewpoint on a relevant topic.

Common IELTS Task 2 essay topics include subjects like climate change, technology's impact, education systems, health, social issues, and cultural diversity.

While there's no strict word limit, it's advisable to aim for around 250 to 300 words for Task 2 essays. Writing excessively, such as 400 words, might lead to less focused and coherent content. It's essential to prioritize clarity and quality over word count.

A writing score of 7.0 in IELTS is generally considered good and reflects a strong level of language proficiency. 

Not meeting the recommended word count of around 250 words in Task 2 essays could potentially lead to a lower score. 

The three main essay types in IELTS writing Task 2 are opinion essays, discussion essays, and solution essays.

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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.

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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
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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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50 Recent IELTS Essay Questions

Hey! It is so important that when you sit down to practice IELTS writing, you only use questions that are “genuine”. This means using either questions that come from the IELTS Cambridge 1 – 15   series or those that have been created by an exam writer like those in my 100 IELTS essay question blog post.  However, many students like to practice recent IELTS essay questions i.e. topics that have been reported by recent test-takers.

I understand why students want to do this – knowing what the recent IELTS essays questions are and checking that you can answer them is reassuring. However, unfortunately, test-takers rarely (if ever) manage to accurately remember the wording of the question that they had in their test.

Can they remember the general topic? Sure.

Can they remember the exact wording? Definitely not!

Sadly, changing even one word in a test can change the focus of a question and, therefore, make it impossible to answer! So, every month, I collect 50 recent IELTS essay questions from students in  My IELTS Classroom  , and edit them so that they are as close to perfect as possible.

Plus, I divide the questions into Academic and General Training (so you can be sure you are tackling the right type of questions) and have highlighted the main topic of each question for you.

This page is updated monthly and is now showing questions from 2021. If you want to see exam questions that reportedly appeared earlier in 2021, then you can look at our 2021 archive .

As always, these questions are provided so that you can check that you have ideas for the nw topics. If you are preparing with a teacher or want high-quality feedback on your  writing  then you should always use a question from the original IELTS Cambridge Series .

Academic IELTS Essay Questions (February 2021 – September 2021)

1. Some people think that criminal behaviour has genetic causes . Others believe that it is circumstances that lead people to commit a crime. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

2. Some people think that new houses should be built in the same style as older houses in an area. Others believe that local councils should allow people to choose different designs for their houses. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

3. Some people say that the best way to teach children to behave well is to punish them. Others argue that rewarding and praising children is a better way to teach them the difference between right and wrong. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

4.  Some people believe that women should be able to join their country’s army and police forces . Others think that only men should be allowed to work in these areas. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

5.  In some countries, there are not enough medical or educational facilities in rural areas. Therefore, some people believe newly graduated teachers and doctors should be sent to work in rural areas for some time. Others think that people should be free to choose where they work after graduation. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

6. A lot of research has shown that overeating can have a number of negative effects on the body. Some people therefore believe that the advertising of certain foods should be banned in the same way that some countries have banned advertising cigarettes. Do you agree or disagree?

7 Some people think that parents should teach their children about the importance of recycling . Others believe recycling should be taught in schools. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

8. The media has the right to publish information about the personal life of celebrities . To what extent do you agree or disagree?

9. Some people say that instead of preventing climate change, we need to find a way to live with it. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this view?

10. Young people today mostly learn by reading books or watching movies and TV shows , rather than personal experience. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

11. Big companies should provide sports and social facilities for the local communities where they operate. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

12. Some people argue that thanks to the widespread accessibility of the internet, libraries are no longer necessary. Do you agree or disagree?

13. If asked to choose between a life without work and a life that involves working most of the time, people will always choose not to work. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

14. Eighteen is the appropriate age for children to finish school. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

15. Schools should stop using books to teach and use films, TV and computers in the classroom instead. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Writing a good IELTS essay doesn’t have to be difficult. Follow our step-by-step guide to every type of essay to find out what the examiner expects and exactly what you can do to satisfy the band descriptors in our Task Two course. The first three lessons are free!

16. Nowadays foreign visitors show more interest in the museums of a country than its local residents do. Why is this? What can be done to attract more local residents to visit museums in their country?

17 Many companies sponsor sports teams and events to advertise their products or service . What advantages and disadvantages does this bring for the teams and individuals that these companies sponsor?

18. Most information today is available online whereas in the past it was stored in books or on paper. Do you think the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?

19. The difference between countries is becoming less and less evident as people all over the world wear the same fashions, watch the same TV channels, use the same brands, and have similar eating habits. Do you think that the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?

20. Nowadays many people get the news online instead of reading it in newspapers or watching it on TV. Is this a positive or negative development?

21. In many countries today the proportion of older people in the population is higher than the proportion of younger people . Do you think this is a positive or a negative development?

Discover the secret to writing a Band 7.0+ essay

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22. More and more tasks in the home and at work are being performed by robots . Why do you think this is the case? Is this a negative or positive development?

23. Nowadays tourists and scientists are allowed to travel to remote natural environments . Do you think the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?

24. Due to population growth many people these days live in apartments with limited space and no outdoor areas. Do the advantages of this trend outweigh its disadvantages?

25. Every country in the world has its own road rules , but many drivers don’t obey them. What do you think are the reasons for this? What can be done to solve this problem?

BONUS In many countries, shopping is now one of the most popular types of leisure activity . Why do you so many young people like shopping? Is this a positive or a negative development?

What are the current Aacdemic writing trends?

My observation of the most recent IELTS essay questions from 2021 is that there have been A LOT of Discuss Both Sides and To What Extent questions. In fact, this is more or less all that I have seen in the first month of the new year, so be sure that you are ready to answer these.

GT IELTS Essay Questions (February 2021 – September 2021

1. Some people believe that individuals who earn a lot of money are the most successful in life . Others say that the individuals who contribute to the society (such as scientists or teachers) are more successful. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

2. It is universally accepted that eating too much  sugar has a negative effects on people’s health . Therefore, some believe that the government should control the amount of sugar people consume. Others think that it is the responsibility of an individual to monitor their sugar intake. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

3. Some people say that the development of technology means that people no longer need to learn the skill of handwriting . Others believe that it is still necessary for people to learn how to write by hand. Discuss both these views and give your opinion.

4. Some people believe that individuals over 65 should not be allowed to continue working . Others think that people should be allowed to work for as long as they choose. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

5. Some people think that it is a good idea for parents to help their children with their homework. Others believe that children should do their homework on their own. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

6. Some people think that the government should spend money on cultural activities such as music or art. Others think this is a waste of taxpayers’ money. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

7. Some people think that children should be taught how to become good parents at school . Do you agree or disagree?

8. Many mothers stay at home to take care of their family and don’t go out to work . Some people believe these mothers should be paid by the government. Do you agree or disagree?

9. In many countries, it is common for people to consume fast food. However, some people believe that fast food has too much influence on our lifestyle and diet. Do you agree or disagree with this statement?

10. Some people say that playing sports helps to prepare children for their future jobs . Do you agree or disagree?

11. Some people say that the Olympic Games no longer play a role in the 21st century . Do you agree or disagree?

12.   People’s behaviour (for example, their table manners and they way they dress) varies from country to country. When traveling to a different country, people should copy the behaviour and habits of the inhabitants of the country they  visit. Do you agree or disagree?

13.  The best way to increase road safety is to make car drivers retake their driving test every year. Do you agree or disagree?

14.  Some people believe that family is more important than friends . What do you think?

15.  The Internet is the best place to find information . Do you agree or disagree?

16.  In many countries traditional customs are being lost.  Why do you think this is? What can parents and schools do to keep traditional customs alive? 

17.  People who are learning a foreign language can face a number of difficulties. What are some of these problems? In your opinion, what are the best ways to overcome these difficulties?

18. Young people today are often less polite and show less respect than previous generations . Why do you think this is? What can be done to solve this problem? 

19. Developments in technology mean that more and more machines are being used in the workplace instead of human employees. Does this development have more advantages or more disadvantages?

20. In some countries, young people choose to move from their parents’ home to their own house at an early age. In other countries, young people stay with parents for a longer time. Do you think young people who leave their parent’s home at a younger age have more advantages or disadvantages than those who stay?

21. In many parts of the world, more and more large supermarkets are opening and smaller local shops are closing down. Does this development have more advantages or more disadvantages for local people?

22. In some countries it is illegal to stop people applying for a job because of their age . Is this a positive or a negative development?

 23.  In many countries, people are earning more money today than in the past, so they are able to buy more things. Is this a positive or a negative development?

24. Nowadays, people prefer to shop at large shopping centres rather than in local shops or markets. Why is this? Is this a positive or negative development?

25. Nowadays in many countries traditional customs are becoming less popular than in the past . Do you agree or disagree? What can parents and teachers do about this?

BONUS –  Playing team sports at school can teach students a number of lessons that are useful outside of sport. What values can students learn from playing team sports? How can they apply these values in the future? 

What are the current GT writing trends?

So far this year, I have noticed two main trends for the recent IELTS essay questions for General Training students. First, there continue to be more 2-part questions than in the Academic test, and the topics seem to be more and more diverse.

Also, the test writers seem to making small changes to the wording of questions, which don’t actually change what you are expected to do, but may confuse some students. For example, in the past, you were always asked “Is this a positive or negative trend?” but recently the same question has been phrased as:

• Is this a good thing or a bad thing?
• Do you think this is right or wrong?
• Do you think this this a good or bad use of public money?

If you enter the exam room and feel confused by the question, my advice is always to simply answer the question that you have been given.

Yes, there are question types that repeat, but if you are given a direct essay question or a type of question that is unfamiliar, simply focusing on answering the question/s you have been given clearly is always the best approach!

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. 

OK – those are the 50 most recent IELTS essay questions. I will try to do this every month so that you can be sure you have ideas for every possible IELTS question in your exam. Well, maybe not to every question, but at least by practicing with these, you will have sharpened your idea-generation skills . Plus, you can help me by adding any questions that you can remember from a recent IELTS exam in the comments below 🚀

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IELTS Essay Topics

Most people doing IELTS Writing Task 2 get stressed out about which IELTS essay topics they will face. They worry about getting an unfamiliar topic and not having any good ideas or enough vocabulary to complete the task.

This article will help you by giving you the most common IELTS essay topics  and showing you how to use these to get higher scores.

Why is it important to know the IELTS essay topics?

If you are familiar with the most common topics you will have a huge advantage because you will be better at two of the most important things:

• Thinking of relevant ideas

Idea Generation

Of all the things people worry about when doing Task 2 , not having enough ideas to complete the essay is normally top of the list. However, you should remember that IELTS is not a test of your knowledge, it is a test of your English. The examiners do not expect you to be an expert on the essay topic, they just want you to show that you can write clearly and persuasively in English.

You should also realise that IELTS is a global exam and when the writers of the exam are making the questions, their main concern is writing questions that can be understood by nearly everyone in the world. For example, common IELTS essay topics are education, crime and health. Everyone in the world has an opinion on these everyday topics and you need to understand that the examiners are not looking for the ‘best’ ideas, they are just looking for relevant ideas.

Let’s look at an example question on the topic of international aid:

Rich countries should help poorer countries when they suffer natural disasters. Do you agree?

You don’t have to think of the ‘best’ ideas, you just have to think of two ideas that are relevant to this question. Reasons why rich countries should help are:

• It is the morally correct thing to do.
• They have legal obligations under international law.
• Not helping will result in many deaths and suffering.
• They have more than enough money to do this.
• It is in their interests to do so for the peace and security of the world.
• Some of their own people might be involved in the disaster.
• Every rich country has a fund for disaster relief within their budget.
• They might suffer a disaster one day too and need help from the international community.

You obviously do not need to think of this many ideas and some of the ideas are better than others, but the point I am trying to make is that there are lots of ‘relevant’ ideas you could think of.

Despite this, you will obviously be more confident and be able to think of ideas more quickly if you are familiar with the common topics. Below I will show you how you can use the common IELTS essay topics to learn about the general topics and improve your English at the same time.

25% of your marks come from vocabulary and this is directly linked to IELTS essay topics. One of the main ways the examiner will judge your vocabulary is something called ‘topic-specific vocabulary’. The idea is that someone with a wide-ranging vocabulary should be able to talk about any of the common essay topics easily using words that are specific to that topic.

For example, if the question was the same as above, you would be expected to use words like ‘international aid’, ‘wealthy’, ‘developed’, ‘developing’, ‘earthquake’, ‘hurricane’, ‘relief fund’, ‘obligation’, ‘moral’ etc. These are words that you use specifically to talk about the essay topic. You don’t have to use these words, but they would help.

Therefore, the more familiar you are with the topic, the more ‘topic-specific’ vocabulary you will know and the higher your score will be. Knowing the most common IELTS essay topics allows you to focus on the most important vocabulary . Below I will show you the most common topics and some of the more important words you should know.

Are IELTS essay topics predictable?

Yes and no. You will obviously not be able to predict the exact topic that will come up. There are just too many to do this and it would be a very easy test if you knew what the exact topic was going to be.

However, there are between 10 common topics that come up more than others. You should focus on these first, especially if you don’t have much time before the test.

The most common IELTS essay topics are:

• Environment
• International Development
• Globalisation
• Public Transport
• Criminal Justice
• Youth Crime
• Government Spending
• Traditional Culture

I think that technology, health, education and the environment are the most important topics and will feature regularly in the future.

For more information on the most common topics, please visit my most common topics page .

How can I use the most common topics?

There are two main ways you can use the most common IELTS essay topics to your advantage. The first is to familiarise yourself with them while practising and improving your English and the second is to focus on topic-specific vocabulary.

Common Topic Familiarisation

If you are going to do well in the IELTS test you need to be using and exposing yourself to English every day. You should be reading, listening, writing and speaking in English as much as possible. You should make sure that if you are listening to or reading something in English you do it within the common topics. For example, you could listen to a podcast on technology one day and then read a newspaper report about education or health the next day. Most of the questions are on current topics, therefore staying up to date with what is happening in the world will really help you think of ideas.

For example, three of the biggest news stories of 2015 were the refugee crisis, terrorism and internet privacy issues. These topics have, unsurprisingly, already appeared on the IELTS writing paper this year.

Please check out my 25 online language learning tools for lots of ways you can study within the common topics at home for free.

If you really want to get advanced, you could also try making up your own questions based on the news of the day and then give these questions to a study partner. This is something that I do with my classes. They go to a popular news site like the BBC and write a Task 2 question based on one of the stories they were reading about and then they give it to a classmate who does the essay for homework.

Vocabulary – Notebook

There are two things you can do here: start a vocabulary notebook and focus on key topic-specific vocabulary.

As mentioned above, you should be listening to and reading English as much as possible before your test. This will not only improve your listening and reading skills but will, more importantly, expand your vocabulary.

When you are reading or listening you will always notice words that you don’t know. Most students simply look these up immediately in the dictionary and then forget about them. I think this is a total waste of time because the words do not stay in your head and you never use them again. A much better thing to do is to start a vocabulary notebook. This is the single most effective way to improve your vocabulary. Follow the steps below:

• Buy a notebook that you will only use for vocabulary.
• When you see or hear a new word try to guess the meaning from the context of the sentence or paragraph. This step is very important because it is an essential skill to develop and will help you remember the words.
• Check the meaning after you have guessed it in the dictionary.
• Note the new word and the definition in your vocabulary notebook.
• Pronunciation
• Review the list of words and test yourself on these words after one week, two weeks, one month and two months. Soon you will have expanded your vocabulary dramatically.

You can also do this by using apps like Memrise  to record and review vocabulary.

Vocabulary- Topic Specific Words

As mentioned above, one of the ways in which the examiner judges your vocabulary is how many topic-specific words you use. Learning these words before the exam for the most common essay topics should help you get a higher vocabulary score.

However, one of the worst things you could do is simply learn a list of words and insert them into your essay. This is not how good vocabulary works and the examiners are trained to spot this. Your focus should always be on accuracy i.e. using words correctly. Because of this I advise my students to use the 100% rule.

You should never use any word or phrase in IELTS essays if you are not 100% sure about it. By 100% I mean that you are sure about its:

• Collocations

If you are not 100% sure about the things above, then do not use it. If you do, you will probably get it wrong and this will lower your band score.

Vocabulary for Three Most Common Topics

Below are some keywords and phrases for the three most common IELTS Task 2 essay topics:

Word Circles

For all of the words above I have made word circles like the one below:

These will help you remember them and they are based on the 100% rule I mentioned above.

Click these links below to access all of them:

About Christopher Pell

My name is Christopher Pell and I'm the Managing Director of IELTS Advantage.

I started IELTS Advantage as a simple blog to help 16 students in my class. Several years later, I am very humbled that my VIP Course has been able to help thousands of people around the world to score a Band 7+ in their IELTS tests.

If you need my help with your IELTS preparation, you can send me an email using the contact us page.

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IELTS Writing Practice Test

Updated on Feb 15, 2024, 08:19

Ready to uncover your writing skills with IELTS? It's an exciting journey!

The IELTS Writing test is a 60-minute adventure that tests your writing, critical thinking, and logical reasoning skills! 

On this page, you will find top-notch resources to prepare for IELTS writing, including tips, strategies, and the best IELTS Writing practice tests! 

On this page

1. Task 1- Academic

Take a look at the chart below and perform the task as outlined: This graph shows the proportion of four materials recycled from 1982 to 2010 in a particular country.

2. Task 1- General Training

Question: You moved to a new country and want to write a letter to your former colleague.

3. Tips and strategies

Here are some tips and strategies for IELTS Task 1 writing for both the Academic and General Training modules:

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IELTS Writing Practice Test: Task 1 (Academic)

Take a look at the chart below and perform the task as outlined:

This graph shows the proportion of four materials recycled from 1982 to 2010 in a particular country.

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

How to answer?  

• Try to complete Task 1 in 20 minutes – saving 40 minutes for Task 2.
• Write at least 150 words summarising some visual information such as the above graph.
• You should write in a formal style suited to an academic environment.

Sample Answer  

Here is a Band 8 IELTS Writing sample:

The line graph provides insights into the recycling percentages of four materials – paper & cardboard, glass containers, aluminium cans, and plastics – in an unspecified country from 1982 to 2010. Here's the lowdown:

In the grand scheme of things, the overall recycling rate increased over this time compared to 1982. Specifically, aluminium cans and plastics steadily climbed, while paper & cardboard, and glass containers experienced ups and downs until 1994.

The percentage of recycled aluminium cans went from a mere 5% in 1983 to a solid 45% in 2010. Plastic recycling also made notable progress, jumping from less than 5% to 9% by 2010.

In contrast, the recycling rate for glass containers initially took a 10% dip within eight years. However, from 1990 onward, it steadily recovered, reaching an impressive 60% in 2010. Paper & cardboard recycling initially had its share of fluctuations but hit its peak at 80% in 1994, eventually settling at 70% in 2010.  

Despite the fluctuations along the way, the general trend for paper, cardboard, and glass container recycling increased. Paper and cardboard were the most recycled materials during this period, with plastic lagging as the least recycled item.

IELTS Academic Writing Sample Test 1

IELTS Academic Writing Sample Test 2

IELTS Academic Writing Sample Test 3

IELTS Academic Writing Sample Test 4

IELTS Academic Writing Sample Test 5

IELTS Writing Practice Test: Task 1 (General Training)

Question:  

You moved to a new country and want to write a letter to your former colleague.

• Tell them where did you go and what you are doing there (job)
• Describe your feelings
• Invite your friend to come
• Write at least 150 words.
• Include all three bullet points.
• Divide your letter into paragraphs.
• Read model letters, but don’t memorise them.
• Understand the scoring criteria.

It's been a while since we caught up, so I'm writing to update you on my life.

After completing my education in 2018, I decided to pursue a new course in Canada. In 2019, I obtained my VISA and moved to Victoria, British Columbia, to study business marketing at ROYAL ROADS University.

Studying in Canada has always been a dream of mine since high school, so I'm thrilled to be here and proud of myself for pursuing this goal. I'm genuinely happy with the decision.

I would like to extend an invitation for you to come visit me for some time. I live in a spacious two-bedroom house, and you're welcome to stay with me. I'm confident you'll enjoy your time here.

Victoria has fantastic weather, especially in spring and summer, with daytime temperatures ranging from 15 to 30 degrees. If you decide to plan a visit, I recommend coming during this season. It's a great time for outdoor activities like walking, camping, and fishing.  

I'm looking forward to hearing from you.

Best wishes,

IELTS Writing- General Training Sample Test 1

IELTS Writing- General Training Sample Test 2

IELTS Writing- General Training Sample Test 3

IELTS Writing- General Training Sample Test 4

IELTS Writing- General Training Sample Test 5

IELTS Writing Practice Test: Tips and Strategies

Academic Writing Task 1  

• Understand the Question: Carefully read the task and understand what kind of visual data (e.g., graphs, charts, tables, or diagrams) you are given. Note the key trends and information presented.
• Introduction: Begin with a concise introductory sentence paraphrasing the information in the graph or chart. Mention the type of data, the source, and the time frame.
• Key Features: Identify and present the data's main trends, significant differences, and key points. Use a variety of descriptive vocabulary to express this information.
• Data Comparison: If multiple charts or graphs are provided, compare and contrast them effectively. Identify relationships, similarities, and differences between the data sets.
• Use Data Labels: Reference specific data points in the graph or chart. This makes your analysis more concrete and demonstrates your ability to interpret the information accurately.
• Use a Range of Vocabulary: Employ a wide range of vocabulary and sentence structures to describe data. Avoid repetition and use synonyms effectively.
• Time Management: Allocate about 20 minutes to this task as you need sufficient time for Task 2. Don't spend too long on this part.
• Word Count: Remember to stick to the word limit. If you write less than 150 words in Task 1, you will lose marks.
• Don’t write in bullets: Don't use bullets in your answers; always write them in paragraph format. Structure your ideas into different small paragraphs. This will show the examiner how well you can organise your thoughts.

General Training Writing Task 1  

• Know the Type: Understand that Task 1 in the General Training module typically involves writing a letter. Determine whether it's a formal, semi-formal, or informal letter.
• Address the Purpose: Read the task carefully to understand the letter's purpose (e.g., making an inquiry, complaint, request, or giving information).
• Address the Recipient: Know your audience (e.g., a friend, a colleague, a supervisor) and use an appropriate tone and style. In formal letters, use titles and full names.
• Plan Your Letter: Make a brief outline before you start writing. This will help you organise your thoughts and cover all the necessary points.
• Greeting and Closing: Use an appropriate greeting and closing based on the formality of the letter. For example, "Dear Sir/Madam" in a formal letter or "Dear [Name]" in an informal one.
• Structure Your Letter: Follow a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each paragraph should have a specific purpose.
• Grammar and Vocabulary: Pay attention to grammar, spelling, and vocabulary. Use a range of language appropriate to the task.
• Word Count: Ensure your letter meets the word count requirement (150 words minimum for Task 1 in the General Training module).

Academic and General Training Task 2

Now, if you want to nail IELTS Writing Task 2, you're in the right place.

Here are some tips to make sure you ace it:  

• Stick to the Word Limit: Your essay should be around 250 words. Don't go over or fall short. They might penalise you if you do.
• Manage Your Time: Try to finish your essay in about 40 minutes. After you're done, give it a quick scan for mistakes.
• Craft a Catchy Introduction: Your intro should be short but grab the examiner's attention. Make sure it tells them what your essay's all about.
• Conclusion is Important: Your closing words matter, so choose them wisely.
• Build Your Vocabulary: You don't need to learn every word in the dictionary. If you stumble on a tricky word, look at the words and sentences around it.
• Understand the Question: The question itself often holds the key to your answer. So, really get what it's asking.
• Analyse and Plan: Spend about five minutes thinking about the question and planning your response.
• Detail in Paragraphs: Your main paragraphs should explain things thoroughly. State your main points, back them up with examples, and share some experiences.
• Answer Every Part: Read the question carefully. Sometimes, there are multiple parts to it. Make sure you answer all of them to score big.
• Use Connectors: These little words and phrases help organise your ideas from start to finish. Keep things in order.
• Paragraph Organisation: Short and snappy paragraphs work best. Each one should have a clear idea and topic.
• Expand Your Vocabulary: A rich vocabulary is important. Choose your words carefully.
• Stick to the Formal Style: Task 2 is a formal essay, so keep it that way. Use a formal tone and structure. Try the passive voice for that formal touch.
• Grammar Matters: Keep your essay grammatically correct. Watch out for both the big and small grammar errors, and apply the rules correctly.

Both in the Academic and General Training modules, practice is key to improving your writing skills. Practice with various types of data and letter prompts to be well-prepared for the exam.

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Q: What are the two types of IELTS Writing tests?

A: You'll encounter two primary types of IELTS Writing tests. If you're in the Academic module:

• Task 1 will involve summarising and describing visual data, such as charts and graphs
• Task 2 will require you to write an essay.

For those taking the General Training module:

• Task 1 is about composing a letter
• Task 2 involves writing an essay

Q: What is the word count for IELTS Writing tasks?

A: Remember to meet the minimum word count requirements to ace your tasks. Task 1 should be at least 150 words, while Task 2 needs a minimum of 250 words. Staying within these word limits is essential to avoid any score deductions.

Q: Can you use a pen or pencil for the IELTS Writing test?

A: When it comes to the IELTS Writing test, it's important to note that using a pencil is the prescribed choice. This requirement is necessary for your written responses to be scanned accurately for assessment purposes. Pencils allow for clear and scannable markings on the answer sheets, ensuring that your writing is processed efficiently and your efforts are fairly evaluated.

Q: Are there any specific writing formats for the IELTS Writing test?

A: Indeed, there are. Task 1, particularly in the Academic module, might require you to write a report based on visual data, such as charts or graphs. The General Training module, on the other hand, will have you composing a letter in Task 1. Task 2 across both modules typically involves writing an essay in response to a given question or topic.

Q: How do you manage your time effectively in the Writing test?

A: Effective time management is key to success in the IELTS Writing test. Aim to allocate around 20 minutes for Task 1 and 40 minutes for Task 2. Practising under timed conditions is essential to develop your ability to complete tasks within the allotted time frame. You learn effective time management by taking IELTS Writing Practice tests as a part of your preparation.

Q: Can you erase or cross out mistakes in the Writing test?

A: Yes, you can make corrections by neatly crossing out incorrect words or phrases and then rewriting the correct information. This practice helps maintain clarity and ensures that the examiner can understand your intended meaning.

Q: What is the best way to prepare for the IELTS Writing test?

A: Effective preparation entails regular practice with writing tasks, expanding your vocabulary, and gaining familiarity with common question types. You can also benefit from studying sample essays and receiving feedback from experienced IELTS tutors. It's crucial to review model answers and understand the assessment criteria for each task. You can refer to the IELTS Writing Practice tests for reference. 

Q: Can you use bullet points or lists in the IELTS Writing test?

A: It's advisable not to use bullet points or lists in the IELTS Writing test. Your responses should be written in paragraph form for Task 2 essays, and Task 1 reports or letters should feature clear, well-structured paragraphs. This format allows for a more organised presentation of your ideas.

Q: What is the role of the IELTS examiner in assessing your writing?

A: Examiners assess your writing based on specific criteria, including task achievement (how well you address the question prompt), coherence and cohesion (how effectively your ideas flow and connect), vocabulary (evaluating both range and accuracy), and grammar (assessing the correct usage of language). The focus is on how well you express your ideas and fulfil the task requirements; personal opinions are not considered during the assessment. Understanding these assessment criteria is essential for achieving a high score on the IELTS Writing test.

Q: Can you write in all capital letters?

A: Writing in all capital letters, while acceptable, is generally advised against, as using a combination of upper and lower-case letters enhances clarity and readability. However, it's important to emphasise that using all capital letters won't negatively affect your score if your writing remains legible and coherent. Examiners are primarily concerned with understanding your responses and assessing your language proficiency. While a mix of upper and lower-case letters is often preferred, the key is to ensure that your handwriting does not hinder the examiner's ability to comprehend your ideas and responses.

Q: Is it possible to take extra sheets for the Writing test?

A: If you run out of space during the test, there's no need to worry. You can simply request additional answer sheets to continue your writing. This flexibility ensures you have enough room to complete your responses without feeling cramped or rushed. The availability of extra sheets reflects the IELTS commitment to giving you a fair opportunity to express your thoughts clearly and comprehensively. By continuing your responses seamlessly, you can focus on providing well-structured and well-explained answers rather than worrying about the physical space on the answer sheet.

Q: Can you use a dictionary during the IELTS Writing test?

A: Regrettably, dictionaries, reference materials, or electronic devices are not permitted during the IELTS Writing test. The reasoning behind this restriction is to assess your English language skills independently, without external aids. The test aims to evaluate your ability to convey ideas and information using the language effectively, and the absence of dictionaries and reference materials emphasises the importance of your language proficiency in a real-world context. Relying solely on your language skills underscores the practical application of your English abilities.

Q: Can you bring a watch to monitor your time during the test?

A: Personal watches are not allowed in the test room for the IELTS exam. Instead, a clock will be mounted on the wall to monitor your time during the test. This uniform approach ensures that all test-takers have equal access to the timing resource, promoting fairness and consistency in the examination process. You can confidently rely on the provided clock to manage your time effectively during the test, so there's no need to worry about not having access to a watch.

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Mastering Clauses for IELTS Writing Task 2

April 28, 2024 By Edward Kader Leave a Comment

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By Ben Worthington, founder and manager of IELTSPodcast.com . Ben is an expert IELTS tutor with over 12 years of experience, helping thousands of students annually achieve Band 7 or higher in their IELTS exams.

What Is a Clause and Why Is It Important in IELTS Writing Task 2?

OK A clause refers to a segment of a sentence containing a main verb or a section of a legal agreement. Understanding different types of clauses is crucial for effective communication in the IELTS Writing Task 2.

How Can You Use Independent and Coordinate Clauses Effectively?

Independent clauses can stand alone as complete sentences, while coordinate clauses connect two ideas. Utilising these clauses effectively ensures clear communication.

What Are Subordinate and Concessive Clauses, and How Do They Enhance Writing?

Subordinate clauses add complexity to sentences, while concessive clauses introduce contrasting ideas, providing a nuanced approach to writing.

How Do Relative Clauses Improve Sentence Variety and Precision?

Relative clauses, both defining and non-defining, join ideas and provide additional information, crucial for enhancing clarity and precision in your writing.

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IELTS Daily Essay Topic: Has technology improved or hampered communication in society?

• Updated on  
• May 1, 2024

Brainstorming Ideas

Refer to the following brainstorming ideas to get a solid understanding of the answer.

Reasons for believing technology has improved communication in the society:

• Made communication faster and more efficient.
• Democratised access to information.
• Improved communication among people with disabilities.
• Fostered a new form of communication through visual content.

Q. Has technology improved or hampered communication in society? Discuss.

Ans . The advancement of technology has undeniably revolutionised various aspects of human life including communication. It is my firm belief that technology has indeed improved communication in society. 

Technology has made communication faster and more efficient. In the past, if people had to message someone living in a different city or country, it would take days and even weeks. However, with the advent of email and instant messaging apps, individuals can now communicate in real-time, irrespective of geographical boundaries. Additionally, technology has democratized access to information, thereby, improving communication. For example, Social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter have become powerful tools for disseminating information and fostering dialogues on various issues.

Moreover, technology has improved communication among people with disabilities. Technologies such as speech recognition and text-to-speech converters have made it easier for individuals with speech or hearing impairments to communicate effectively. Furthermore, technology has fostered a new form of communication through visual content. Platforms such as Instagram and Snapchat allow users to communicate with the help of images and videos, making the interactions more engaging and personal.  For instance, Instagram stories have become a popular way for people to share their daily experiences and connect with their followers on a more intimate level.

In conclusion, the impact of technology on communication is multifaceted and profound. While it does have its challenges, the benefits it offers in terms of speed, efficiency and inclusivity are undeniable. As we continue to advance technologically, it is crucial to utilise these benefits to improve communication in society. 

Paraphrased Statement: The advancement of technology has undeniably revolutionised various aspects of human life including communication.

Thesis Statement: It is my firm belief that technology has indeed improved communication in society. 

Body Paragraph 1-Topic Sentences: Firstly, technology has made communication faster and more efficient. 

Body Paragraph 1- Supporting Reasons and Explanations: In the past, if people had to message someone living in a different city or country, it would take days and even weeks. However, with the advent of email and instant messaging apps, individuals can now communicate in real-time, irrespective of geographical boundaries. Secondly, technology has democratized access to information, thereby, improving communication. For example, Social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter have become powerful tools for disseminating information and fostering dialogues on various issues.

Body Paragraph 2- Topic sentence: Thirdly, technology has improved communication among people with disabilities. 

Body paragraph 2- Supporting Reasons and Explanations: Technologies such as speech recognition and text-to-speech converters have made it easier for individuals with speech or hearing impairments can communicate effectively. Fourthly, technology has fostered a new form of communication through visual content. Platforms such as Instagram and Snapchat allow users to communicate with the help of images and videos, making the interactions more engaging and personal.  For instance, Instagram stories have become a popular way for people to share their daily experiences and connect with their followers on a more intimate level.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the impact of technology on communication is multifaceted and profound. While it does have its challenges, the benefits it offers in terms of speed, efficiency and inclusivity are undeniable. As we continue to advance technologically, it is crucial to utilise these benefits to improve communication in society. 

Vocabulary in Use

Linkers and connectors used:.

Following are the linkers and connectors used:

• Additionally
• For instance
• For example
• Furthermore
• In conclusion

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Purti is a CELTA, British Council, and IDP-certified language trainer. Having worked as a Study Abroad Test Prep Expert for the past 7 years, she has guided thousands of students towards their desirable scores in IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, GMAT and other language proficiency tests to study abroad. She is adept in molding learning strategies according to the needs of the learners and has built multiple courses at Leverage IELTS with result-oriented strategies. Proficient in test prep courses such as IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, and Duolingo, she loves to explore different classroom teaching methods, keeps continuously improving her own skills, and stays abreast with the latest teaching methodologies. She is a master trainer at Leverage Edu and aims to help thousands more through her expertise.

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