69 IELTS Writing Task 2 Questions
Every question below is in the exam format and sorted by question type, because the type decides how you structure the answer. Filter to the one you need to practise.
Task 2 is worth twice as much as Task 1 and you get about 40 minutes for it. The instruction is always the same: Write about the following topic. Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words.
Showing all 69 questions.
- 01Opinion
Some people think that people will become more unhealthy in the future.
Do you agree or disagree with this statement?
- 02Opinion
Financial education should be a mandatory component of the school program.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
- 03Discussion
Some people say that a teacher’s main role in school is to motivate and inspire students. However, others believe that a teacher’s primary role is to pass on knowledge.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
- 04Opinion
With the development of online media, there is no future for the radio.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
- 05Opinion
Some people think that poverty is the reason behind most crimes.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- 06Opinion
The growing number of overweight people is putting a strain on the health care system in an effort to deal with the health issues involved.
Some people think that the best way to deal with this problem is to introduce more physical education lessons in the school curriculum.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- 07Advantages & disadvantages
The development of tourism contributed to English becoming the most prominent language in the world. Some people think this will lead to English becoming the only language to be spoken globally.
What are the advantages and disadvantages to having one language in the world?
- 08Problem & solution
Many offenders commit more crimes after serving their first punishment.
Why is this happening and what measures can be taken to tackle this problem?
- 09Opinion
The typical teaching situation of a teacher and students in a classroom will not exist by the year 2050.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
- 10Opinion
Important historical objects in museums around the world should be returned to their country of origin.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
- 11Opinion
Too much emphasis is given to education for the young. More government money needs to be spent on free-time activities for young people.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with these opinions?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
- 12Two-part question
In many countries, people now wear western-style dress such as suits and jeans rather than traditional clothing.
Why is this? Is this a positive or negative development?
- 13Opinion
The media is more influential now than ever before.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement.
- 14Opinion
Some people say that Ebooks and modern technology will totally replace traditional newspapers and magazines.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- 15Opinion
Many governments around the world spend large amounts of money on art, which helps to improve the quality of people’s lives. However, some people believe that governments should spend money on other things rather than art.
Do you agree or disagree? Give your opinion.
- 16Discussion
One view is that boys and girls learn more effectively when they are taught in separate schools. Another is that classes containing both sexes offer better preparation for adult life.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
- 17Discussion
Some people believe that children should be involved in making their school’s rules.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
- 18Two-part question
More and more people today expect to get what they want instantly ( e.g. goods, services, news) without having to wait.
Why is this? Do you think this expectation to get things instantly is a positive or negative development?
- 19Opinion
The tendency for news reports in the media to focus on problems and emergencies rather than on positive developments is harmful to the individual and to society.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
- 20Advantages & disadvantages
As technology develops, more and more jobs can be done by machines rather than humans.
Does this development have more advantages or more disadvantages?
- 21Problem & solution
Many offenders commit more crimes after serving their first prison sentence.
Why is this happening and what measures can be taken to tackle this problem?
- 22Two-part question
Some people think that money is one of the most essential factors in promoting happiness.
Do you think people can be happy without much money?
What other factors contribute towards happiness?
- 24Discussion
Completing university education is thought by some to be the best way to get a good job.
On the other hand, other people think that getting experience and developing soft skills is more important.
Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
- 25Advantages & disadvantages
In recent years, more and more people are choosing to read e-books rather than paper books.
Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
- 26Two-part question
Art is considered an important part of a society as well as an expression of its culture.
Do you think it is important for children to be taught art?
Do you think children should be encouraged to focus on art rather than other subjects?
- 27Two-part question
In some parts of the world it is becoming popular to research the history of one’s own family.
Why might people want to do this?
Is it a positive or negative development?
- 29Opinion
Some people consider price as the most important thing to think about when buying a product (such as cell phone) or a service (e.g. medical treatment).
Do you agree or disagree?
- 30Discussion
Some people think that the teenagers should concentrate on all subjects at school.
Others believe that teenagers should focus on the subject they are best at or they are most interested in.
To what extent do you agree?
- 31Two-part question
More and more adults are playing computer games.
Why is this happening?
Is it a positive or negative trend?
- 32Advantages & disadvantages
Some cities have vehicle free days where private cars, trucks and motorcycles are banned in city centres. Only bus, bicycles and taxis are permitted in the city centre.
Do you think the benefits outweigh the disadvantages?
- 33Opinion
“Prevention is better than cure”. Researching and treating diseases is too costly so it would be better to invest in preventative measures.
To what extent do you agree.
- 34Advantages & disadvantages
Some schools are very strict about their school uniforms and the appearance of their pupils, while other schools have a very relaxed dress code.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of children of having a school uniform?
- 35Two-part question
A growing number of workers now prefer to run their own business rather than take a salaried post with an employer.
What are the reasons for this trend? What drawbacks can working for yourself bring?
- 36Discussion
Faced with difficulties such as a disappointing career or a lack of money, some people feel the wisest response is to come to terms with the situation.
Others maintain that it is always worth making an effort to change it.
Discuss both these views and give your opinion.
- 37Discussion
Some people think that zoos are cruel and should be closed down. Others, however, believe that zoos can be useful in protecting wild animals.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
- 38Opinion
Some people argue that it is more important to have an enjoyable job than to earn a lot of money.
Others disagree and think that a good salary leads to a better life.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- 39Opinion
Some people believe that teenagers should be required to do unpaid community work in their free time.
This can benefit teenagers and the community as well.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- 40Discussion
Nowadays, people who move from one country to another for work.
Some people think children of these families suffer because of this, while others think it is helpful to them.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
- 41Two-part question
In certain societies, buying a property is regarded as far more desirable than paying rent.
What lies behind this attitude?
Do you consider it a positive or a negative development?
- 42Discussion
Governments give a lot of support to artists.
Some people think this is a waste of money that could be spent better elsewhere.
Discuss both views and give your opinion?
- 43Advantages & disadvantages
It is now possible for scientists and tourists to travel to remote natural environments, such as the South Pole.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of this development?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
- 44Discussion
Some people say that advertising encourages us to buy things that we really do not need.
Others say that advertisements tell us about new products that may improve our lives.
Which viewpoint do you agree with?
- 45Discussion
Many people think that every individual is responsible for their happiness, but some people believe there are other external factors that influence us.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
- 46Discussion
In some countries, a few people earn extremely high salaries. Some people think that is good thing while others believe that the government should control salaries and limit the amount people can earn.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
- 47Problem & solution
Art is considered an essential part of all cultures throughout the world. However, these days fewer and fewer people appreciate art and turn their focus to science, technology and business.
Why do you think that is?
What could be done to encourage more people to take interest in the arts?
- 48Discussion
Some people prefer to raise children in the cities while others believe that children should be raised in the countryside.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
- 49Opinion
The qualities and skills that a person requires to become successful in today’s world cannot be learned at a university or other academic institutions.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- 50Opinion
Some people believe that that the government is wasting money on arts and that this money could be better spent.
To what extent do you agree?
- 51Opinion
Settling in a place where everyday life must be conducted in another language creates significant difficulties, both social and practical.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
- 52Discussion
In many countries in the world, some people earn extremely high salaries.
Some people think that this good for a country. Others think that the government should not allow salaries above a certain level.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
- 53Opinion
Most high level positions in companies are filled by men even though the workforce in many developed countries is more than 50 per cent female.
Companies should be required to allocate a certain percentage of these positions to women.
To what extent do you agree?
- 54Opinion
Littering in cities is an increasing problem which needs to be dealt with. Some people think that steeper fines is the best way to deal with the problem.
To what extent do you agree?
- 55Discussion
Some people think that the government should fund music, dance and arts lessons for children.
Others think that they should be funded by private businesses or by children’s families.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
- 56Opinion
Raising the cost of fuel is the most effective means of tackling worsening congestion and declining air quality.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
What alternative approaches might prove effective?
- 57Opinion
Directors and managers of organizations are often older people.
Some people say that it is better for younger people to be leaders.
To what extend do you agree or disagree?
- 58Opinion
Some people think that the government should spend more money on public service rather than wasting money on the arts.
To what extent do you agree.
- 59Two-part question
Some people think that the only way to judge someone’s success in business is by the amount of money they make.
Is money a true indicator of the success of a business?
In what other ways could success in a business be measured?
- 60Opinion
Some people think that the use of mobiles (cell) phones should be banned in public places such a in libraries and shop and on public transport.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
- 61Opinion
Some people think that schools are merely turning children into good citizens and workers, rather than benefiting them as individuals.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- 62Opinion
Some people think that planting trees in open spaces in cities and towns is more important than building houses.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- 63Problem & solution
Nowadays, more and more younger people need to compete with older people for the same jobs.
What problems does this cause? What would you suggest as a solution?
- 64Opinion
Parents and teachers make many rules for children to encourage good behaviour and protect them from danger.
However children would benefit from fewer rules and greater freedom.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with the above statement?
- 65Discussion
Some people think that studying history is a waste of time while others think that it is essential to learn.
Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
- 66Opinion
In some countries, fast food restaurants and companies give money to schools provided that the schools promote their products to school children.
What do you think is the positive and negative of this in the development of children?
- 67Opinion
Some people think newspapers are less important nowadays.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- 68Other
Many people think that job satisfaction is important in work.
Do you think young people these days should be sure of getting job satisfaction before taking a new job or should they put salary first?
- 69Opinion
Every one of us should become a vegetarian because eating meat can cause serious health problems.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
What each question type asks for
- Opinion33
- Agree or disagree with a statement, and hold one position throughout.
- How to answer this type →
- Advantages & disadvantages6
- Weigh both, and say which is greater if the question asks.
- How to answer this type →
- Problem & solution4
- Identify causes or problems, then propose realistic measures.
- How to answer this type →
- Two-part question9
- Answer both questions asked, giving each its own paragraph.
- How to answer this type →
- Other1
- Direct questions and mixed formats.
Doing Task 1 as well? There is a guide to every Task 1 question type, and you can work out your overall band once you have scores for all four skills.
Written one? Find out what it scores
Practising without feedback mostly reinforces the habits already costing you marks. Paste an answer in and get a band for Task Response, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource and Grammatical Range, with the corrections that would raise it.