A Complete Guide to IELTS Writing Topics Task 2

IELTS Writing

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.
• Here are the question types for IELTS Writing Task 1 Academic:
  • Line Graphs
  • Bar Charts
  • Pie Charts
  • Tables
  • Diagrams
  • Combined Graphs
  • Maps
  • Flowcharts

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.
• You will be given 20 minutes to complete this task, and your response should be between 150 and 250 words long.
• Here’s the question type for IELTS Writing Task 1 General
  • Formal Letter Writing
  • Informal Letter Writing
  • Semi-Formal Letter Writing

IELTS Writing Task 2

• 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.
• Here are the question types for IELTS Writing Task 2:
  • 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 Questions Writing Task 2 Essay Topics

Recent IELTS Writing Topics Task 2 Academic

The types of IELTS Questions Writing Task 2 are constantly evolving, so it’s important to stay up-to-date on the latest trends. So, we’ll take a look at some of the most recent IELTS questions writing task 2 essay topics for IELTS Writing exam.

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 topics task 2 for an IELTS opinion essay with answers.

1. Press
2. Internet
3. News Media
4. Career
5. Environmental Protection
6. Travel and tourism
7. Transportation
8. TV or Radio
9. Communication technology
10. Living in Campus
11. Government
12. Education
13. Language
14. Illness and Disease
15. Inventions
16. Mobile phone
17. Architecture and History
18. Economic Development
19. Food and Transport
20. Sports
21. Television and Children

Sample IELTS Opinion Essay Question

Here's a IELTS writing task 2 sample for IELTS opinion essay question:

Outline

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.

Conclusion

• 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 topics task 2 for discussion essay with answers.

1. Aging population
2. Dangerous Sports
3. International Car-free days
4. Education and Career
5. People and community
6. Health
7. Newspapers
8. Economic growth

Sample IELTS Discussion Essay Question

Here's a IELTS writing task 2 sample for IELTS discussion essay question:

Outline

Essay Type – Discussion Essay

Introduction

• Elaborate on the topic and mention the contents of the following paragraphs.

Body 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.

Conclusion

• Summarize the essay and mention the final opinion on the topic.

Sample Answer

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.

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 topics task 2 essays for advantage/disadvantage essay with answers.

1. Technology
2. Living in big cities
3. Youth and Community
4. Traffic and Accommodation
5. Gap Year
6. Remote Environment

Sample Advantage or Disadvantage Essay Question

Here's a IELTS writing task 2 sample for Advantage or Disadvantage essay question:

Outline

Essay Type – Advantages and Disadvantages Essay

Introduction

• Paraphrase the topic and state the view.
• Mention the contents of the following paragraphs.

Body 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.

Conclusion

• Summarize the topic and state the final opinion.

Sample Answer

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 problem and 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.

1. Families
2. Traffic
3. Environment
4. People and Society
5. Tourism
6. Energy Resources
7. Birth Rate developed in countries
8. Child Obesity

Sample Question

Here's a IELTS writing task 2 sample for Problem and Solution essay question:

Outline

Essay Type – Cause/Solution Essay

Introduction

• Paraphrase the topic using synonyms.
• Mention the contents of the subsequent paragraphs.

Body Paragraphs

• List the major issues caused by overpopulation.
• Suggest possible solutions to overcome the mentioned problems.

Conclusion

• Summarize the essay and mention the solutions in brief.

Sample Answer

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 topics task 2 for direct question essays with answers.

1. Art and Technology
2. Children
3. Freedom of Speech
4. Environment
5. Gender discrimination
6. Different medical tradition
7. Natural Resources
8. Happiness

Sample Direct Question Essay

Here's a IELTS writing task 2 sample for IELTS Direct question essay:

Outline

Essay Type – Direct Question Essay

Introduction

• Paraphrase the topic.
• Mention the contents of the following paragraphs.

Body Paragraphs

• Reasons behind traveling becoming common and frequent among people.
• Benefits of traveling.

Conclusion

• Summarize the topic and mention your answers in brief.

Sample Answer

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.

Bonus IELTS Writing Topics Task 2 Essays

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

IELTS Writing Topics Task 2: Discussions (Discursive Essays)

• 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?

IELTS Writing Topics Task 2: Opinion (Argumentative Essay – Agree or Disagree) Essay

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

• 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?

IELTS Writing Topics Task 2: Advantages & Disadvantages Essay

Here are some of the recent IELTS writing topics task 2 for Advantages and Disadvantages Essay:

• 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?

IELTS Writing Topics Task 2: Problems/Causes & Solution Essay

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?

IELTS Writing Topics Task 2: Two-part Question Essay

Here are the most recent IELTS writing topics for task 2 essays 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