IELTS Writing Task 2: Essay Topics and Examples

Although you never know what your question for Writing Task 2 on the IELTS test is going to be, there are often certain topics that come up repeatedly when practising sample questions. Here is a list of common Writing Task 2 topics and some strategies to become familiar with them. 

Education is a topic that most IELTS candidates can relate to, and it's a common theme for IELTS Writing Task 2. Questions can range from topics such as the classroom to the curriculum. 

Examples: 

• Many feel that the common educational system of teachers and students in a classroom will be replaced by the year 2050. 

Do you agree with this view? Give your opinion. 

• Education should be free to all people and should be paid for and managed by the government. 

Do you agree or disagree with this statement? 

The environment is a worldwide issue that affects everyone. For this reason, it is a common topic in Writing Task 2. 

 Examples:

• Some feel that it is impossible for a country to be economically progressive and environmentally friendly at the same time. Others disagree with this view. 

Discuss both points of view and give your opinion.   

• Water pollution has become an increasing problem over the past few decades. 

What causes water pollution? How can we prevent this problem? 

Much of our world today is heavily influenced by technology, and this topic impacts so many aspects of our lives. Various Writing Task 2 questions have technology as the main theme. 

Examples: 

• Nowadays, children watch a lot of TV and play video games. However, some think that these activities are not beneficial for a child’s mental health. 

To what extent do you agree or disagree? 

• Modern technology now allows rapid and uncontrolled access to information in many countries. This is a danger to our societies. 

To what extent do you agree or disagree? 

Health is another common topic in IELTS Writing Task 2, as healthcare is becoming more complex, with people in many countries becoming more concerned with their health and having varying opinions on how to care for themselves. 

Examples:  

• Doctors recommend that older people exercise regularly. However, many of them do not get enough exercise. 

What are the reasons? What can be done to encourage them to exercise more? 

• Healthcare costs are increasing, and many governments are finding it difficult to balance their healthcare budget. Should citizens be responsible for their health with private health insurance, or should the government provide free healthcare for all? 

Discuss your viewpoint on this issue. 

People and the way they behave in different situations are the focus of many questions. This is why sociology is a common topic in the Writing section of the IELTS test. 

Examples:  

• Many parents put a lot of pressure on their children to succeed. 

To what extent do you agree? 

• Most societies are based on rules and laws. If individuals were free to do whatever they wanted, society could not function. 

To what extent do you agree or disagree? 

Now that you know some of the more common topics, here are some strategies to help you write about them: 

Read the news 

All of these topics are commonly found in the news, in various types of stories and articles. Reading the news is a good way to get a sense of each topic and the vocabulary that is commonly associated with it. 

Develop a common vocabulary for each topic 

Reading the news will allow you to see what the common words are across these topics. Writing this vocabulary down and noting how to use it will help develop your writing skills. When you practise Writing Task 2 essays, try to use this vocabulary in the correct form and for different questions. 

Practise writing about these topics 

Although this is not an exhaustive list of topics, it's a good place to start. Look at the common questions on these topics and practise writing them. This will allow you to get more comfortable with writing a Task 2 essay as well as using more advanced, topic-specific vocabulary. 

Looking for IELTS Writing sample answers? With IELTS Prepare, you have access to a range of preparation materials at your fingertips: from practice tests, free practice questions, sample answers, videos and articles, to expert assessments, online courses, webinars and more. 

Also, check out the below sample task for more practice. 

• Sample task 

• Sample answer sheet