IELTS Writing Task 2 Topics by Essay Type

1. Argumentative / Opinion / Agree or Disagree Essay

 Public transport should be made free for everyone. To what extent do you agree or
disagree?
 The internet has brought more harm than good. Do you agree or disagree?
 People nowadays spend too much time on leisure activities. Do you agree or disagree?
 Governments should prioritise public health over sports and recreation. To what extent
do you agree or disagree?
 Advertising encourages people to buy products they do not need. To what extent do you
agree or disagree?
 Teenagers should be required to do unpaid work in their free time to help the
community. Do you agree or disagree?
 Schools should be responsible for teaching children moral values. Do you agree or
disagree?
 Zoos are cruel and should be banned. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
 Learning a foreign language should be compulsory for all students. Do you agree or
disagree?
 University education should be free for all students, regardless of background. To what
extent do you agree or disagree?
 Watching television and playing video games negatively affect children’s development.
Do you agree or disagree?
 The best way to reduce traffic congestion is for people to live closer to their workplace.
Do you agree or disagree?
 New technologies have made people more social. Do you agree or disagree?
 Celebrities are not good role models for young people. To what extent do you agree or
disagree?
 Exams are not an effective method of assessing students. Do you agree or disagree?

2. Discussion Essay
 Some people believe education should be free for everyone, while others think students
should pay for their university studies. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
 Some people think parents should teach children how to be good members of society.
Others believe this role should be taught at school. Discuss both views and give your
opinion.
 Some people believe young people should follow traditions, while others argue that they
should have the freedom to express themselves. Discuss both views and give your
opinion.
 Some believe that only positive news should be published, while others think the public
needs to know the truth, even if it is negative. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
 Some people think job satisfaction is more important than job security. Others believe
having a permanent job is better. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
 Some people think international tourism creates tension between countries. Others
believe it promotes understanding between cultures. Discuss both views and give your
opinion.
 Some people believe success is a result of hard work. Others think it depends more on
luck. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
 Some argue that learning through experience is more effective than learning from
books. Others believe theoretical knowledge is essential. Discuss both views and give
your opinion.
 Some people believe that children should be strictly controlled by their parents. Others
think they should be free to make their own decisions. Discuss both views and give your
opinion.
 Some people think the government should fund the arts. Others believe this money
should be spent on public services. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
 Some argue that new technology improves the quality of life. Others say it causes more
stress. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
 Some people prefer to live in the countryside. Others prefer urban life. Discuss both
views and give your opinion.
 Some people believe history has little to teach us. Others think understanding the past is
essential. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
 Some believe school exams should be replaced with continuous assessment. Others
disagree. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
 Some people think that all crimes should receive the same punishment. Others believe
the circumstances of the crime should be considered. Discuss both views and give your
opinion.

3. Advantages and Disadvantages Essay

 More people are choosing to work remotely. What are the advantages and
disadvantages of this trend?
 Online shopping is becoming increasingly popular. What are the advantages and
disadvantages of this trend?
 The use of credit cards has become widespread. What are the advantages and
disadvantages of using credit cards?
 Travelling abroad is becoming more affordable. Do the advantages of this development
outweigh the disadvantages?
 Social media has transformed the way people communicate. Do the advantages
outweigh the disadvantages?
 An increasing number of students are studying abroad. What are the advantages and
disadvantages of studying in another country?
 Working in a foreign country is becoming more common. Discuss the advantages and
disadvantages of this trend.
 Robots are being used more in manufacturing and service industries. What are the
advantages and disadvantages of this development?
 Technology is being used increasingly in education. Do the advantages of this trend
outweigh the disadvantages?
 A growing number of young people are living alone. What are the advantages and
disadvantages of this trend?
 Online learning is replacing traditional classroom education. Do the advantages
outweigh the disadvantages?
 Cars have become the most popular mode of transport in many cities. What are the
advantages and disadvantages of this?
 More people are choosing to work from home rather than commute. What are the
benefits and drawbacks of this decision?
 Tourism has both positive and negative impacts on local communities. Discuss both
sides.
 Children are spending more time on mobile devices. What are the advantages and
disadvantages of this trend?

4. Problem–Solution / Cause–Solution / Cause–Effect Essay

 Many cities are struggling with traffic congestion. What are the causes of this problem
and what solutions can be implemented?
 Childhood obesity is becoming a serious problem in many countries. What are the
causes and effects of this issue?
 Air pollution is increasing in urban areas. What problems does this cause and what can
be done to reduce it?
 Many people today suffer from stress-related illnesses. What are the main causes of
stress and how can they be addressed?
 Students are under increasing pressure to achieve high academic performance. What
are the reasons and how can this be solved?
 The use of plastic bags is harming the environment. What problems does this cause and
what can individuals and governments do?
 Unemployment among young people is a growing issue. What are the causes and what
measures can be taken?
 A large number of people lead sedentary lifestyles. What are the causes of this and what
are its effects on health?
 Crime rates are rising in many cities. What are the causes and how can governments
deal with this problem?
 Sleep disorders are becoming more common. What are the reasons behind this and
what can be done to solve the issue?
 Water shortages are becoming an increasing concern in many parts of the world. What
are the causes and effects?
 Rapid urbanisation is causing a number of problems. What issues does this create and
how can they be addressed?
 Traditional customs and values are being lost. What are the causes of this and what can
be done to preserve them?
 Many elderly people feel isolated and lonely. What are the causes of this and what can
be done to support them?
 The rise in low-cost air travel has increased environmental problems. What issues does
this cause and how can they be tackled?
5. Two-Part Question Essay (Direct Questions)
 Many people find it difficult to achieve a work–life balance. What are the reasons for this
and how can it be overcome?
 Reading habits are declining among people of all ages. Why is this the case and what can
be done to encourage reading?
 In many countries, fewer young people are voting. Why is this happening and what can
be done to reverse the trend?
 An increasing number of parents are choosing to homeschool their children. Why is this
the case and do you think it is a positive development?
 Life expectancy is increasing in many societies. What problems does this cause and what
can be done about them?
 Many people rely on the internet for news and information. Why is this happening and
is it a positive or negative development?
 Working from home is becoming increasingly common. What are the reasons for this
and is it a positive or negative trend?
 Some people frequently change jobs throughout their careers. Why do they do this and
do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
 Online shopping is growing rapidly around the world. Why is this happening and what
effect does it have on local businesses?
 Solo travel has become more popular in recent years. Why is this the case and is it a
positive trend?
 Children are spending more time on screens than ever before. Why is this happening
and what impact does it have on their development?
 Living alone is becoming more common in many parts of the world. Why is this
happening and is it a positive or negative development?
 More and more people are moving to large cities. Why is this trend occurring and what
challenges does it create?
 A growing number of people are choosing plant-based diets. Why is this the case and do
you think this is a good development?
 Birth rates are declining in many countries. What are the causes of this and what
problems might it cause for society?