IELTS Writing Task 2 practice questions
Pick a question, plan with the outline and vocabulary, then write your answer on the same page and get an estimated band score with corrections.
Cities
- In many cities, older buildings are being knocked down and replaced with modern high-rise towers. Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?Advantages and disadvantages
- In many large cities, the cost of buying or renting a home has risen so much that young people cannot afford to live there. What are the causes of this problem and what measures could be taken to solve it?Problem and solution
Crime
- Some people think that young people who commit minor crimes should do unpaid work in the community instead of being sent to prison. To what extent do you agree or disagree?Opinion (agree or disagree)
- The number of people who become victims of online fraud, such as fake shopping websites and dishonest emails, is rising. What are the causes of this problem and what measures could be taken to solve it?Problem and solution
Culture
- Some people say that traditional festivals have lost their true meaning because they have become too focused on shopping and spending money. To what extent do you agree or disagree?Opinion (agree or disagree)
- Many young people today know more about international celebrities than about the history of their own country. Why is this? What can be done to increase young people's interest in their national history?Two-part question
Education
- Some people argue that schools should spend less time on traditional academic subjects and more time teaching practical life skills, such as cooking and managing money. To what extent do you agree or disagree?Opinion (agree or disagree)
- Some people believe that university education should be free for every student, while others argue that students should pay for their own tuition. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.Discuss both views
- More and more students are choosing to take courses online instead of attending classes in person. Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?Advantages and disadvantages
Environment
- The amount of plastic waste produced around the world is increasing every year. What are the causes of this problem and what measures could be taken to solve it?Problem and solution
- Many people now buy new clothes very often and throw them away after wearing them only a few times. Why do people do this? What effects does this have on the environment?Two-part question
Family
Globalisation
- Some people think that the spread of English as a global language is helpful for international communication, while others worry that it threatens local languages and cultures. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.Discuss both views
- Large international companies are increasingly opening factories and offices in developing countries. Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?Advantages and disadvantages
Government
- In some countries, adult citizens are legally required to vote in national elections. Some people think every country should introduce this rule. To what extent do you agree or disagree?Opinion (agree or disagree)
- Many governments spend very large amounts of money to host international sporting events, such as the Olympic Games or the football World Cup. Why do governments do this? Do you think it is a good use of public money?Two-part question
Health
- Some people believe that governments should place a high tax on sugary drinks and unhealthy snacks in order to improve public health. To what extent do you agree or disagree?Opinion (agree or disagree)
- In many countries, more and more young adults report high levels of stress and anxiety. What are the causes of this problem and what measures could be taken to solve it?Problem and solution
Media
- Some people think that news programmes and websites should report more positive stories, while others believe their main job is to inform people about problems and dangers. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.Discuss both views
- False and misleading information often spreads very quickly on social media. What are the causes of this problem and what measures could be taken to solve it?Problem and solution
Society
- In many countries, people are choosing to have children later in life than in the past. Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?Advantages and disadvantages
- In many modern cities, people hardly know their neighbours and there is little sense of community. What are the causes of this problem and what measures could be taken to solve it?Problem and solution
Technology
- Artificial intelligence tools can now write essays and solve problems for students in seconds. Some people believe this will make young people less able to think for themselves. To what extent do you agree or disagree?Opinion (agree or disagree)
- In many countries, people now pay for most goods and services with cards and smartphones, and cash is used less and less. Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?Advantages and disadvantages
- Children today spend many hours a day looking at screens, such as phones, tablets and computers. Why is this the case? Is this a positive or negative development?Two-part question
Transport
- Some people say that the best way to reduce traffic congestion is to build more and wider roads. Others believe that governments should invest in public transport instead. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.Discuss both views
- In some cities, more people are choosing to travel by bicycle or electric scooter rather than by car. Why is this happening? Is it a positive or negative development?Two-part question
Work
- Some people think it is best to stay with the same employer for many years, while others believe that changing jobs regularly is better for a person's career. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.Discuss both views
- Many companies now allow their employees to work from home for part of the working week. Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?Advantages and disadvantages
- In many countries, people are working longer hours than they did in the past. Why is this happening? Is this a positive or negative development?Two-part question