IELTS Preparation with Liz: Free IELTS Tips and Lessons, 2024

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  • Writing Task 2
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IELTS Writing Task 2 Video Lesson: Only 5 mins left – Help!

Learn what to do with the last 5 minutes if you haven’t finished your essay.

The last 5 minutes are essential to use well. It could be the difference between a band score 5 and a band score 6 or 7.  Watch this lesson to learn how to use your last 5 minutes effectively.

hello what should you do

if you only have a few minutes left

in your IELTS writing test but

you haven’t finished writing your essay well

there is a very clear answer for that and I will explain

now the time management is yours

you decide how long to spend writing

each part of your essay and you should continue to check the clock

to make sure you don’t run out of time but

if you only have a few minutes left and you haven’t

finished then please go and write your conclusion

now the examiner is going to test you

on 4 different criteria

of the IELTS writing and that is your answers

that’s task response this one here

your organization and linkers vocabulary and grammar

each of those is quarter of your marks

25% now for task response

for your ideas the examiner is looking

for a conclusion and if

your essay has no conclusion you

will get band score 5 for

this criteria of your writing so 25% of your marks

will only be band score 5 so

your conclusion is essential the examiner

is looking for it you must give it if you want to get

band score 6 or 7 or

above so in the last few minutes

quickly start a new paragraph and write

in conclusion at the beginning and then

right 1 or 2 sentences that contain

the main points of your essay and

that is enough to have a conclusion

and get more than band score 5

for task response now if you want some more

IELTS tips I post them regularly on my facebook

so please come and find me on Facebook I’ll think you

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Just got my score today – overall band 8.0. I cannot thank you enough! You’re a gem!!! I had messed up my timing for the writing part, taking too much time for Task 1. I only had like 10-12 minutes for Task 2, and I quickly wrote the intro and one body paragraph; couldn’t manage a second paragraph. But then I remembered your tip about writing a conclusion no matter what and did just that. You’re a real lifesaver!

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Great to see how well you’ve done!! Good for you 🙂

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Hi Liz, I just want to thank you for the amazing lesson contents you put out here. I used your blog to prepare for my General IELTS writing task and I had a band 8. Even though this was in 2020 and I’m back here again because that IELTS is expired and I need to take another, I’m filled with gratitude that I have access to such quality materials with which to prepare. Thank you Liz!

Good luck in your next test 🙂

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Hi Liz, I wanna express my gratitude for posting your wonderful lessons online here! I have been using your materials to study for the past month and I gave my GT. R-9/L-8.5/S-8/W-7 with Overall-8. I am laconic in nature and I interact minimally with people around me. For the test, I took your advice and became chatty. Your approach to speaking really helped me. I am so glad I followed your advice. Especially your tips actually saved me in writing. I got flustered with my Part 2 essay and did not realise the timer running out. Your “Using last 5 minutes” short video helped me out of that jam. I quickly wrote my conclusion and tidied up my paragraph structures. I used your linkers and clauses to spice up my essay. Checked for spelling errors and wrapped it up. Even though my word count was low (235), I managed to secure Band 7. My Part 1 Letter was splendid, Thanks to you and your writing tips. As this was my first-time taking GT, my experience was amazing; If I had not found your blog probably, I would have ended up with a surprise on my test eventually retaking it. Your prep materials were an eye opener. Please keep up your good work and I’ll recommend your blog to people who are in need of prep materials. Once again, Thank you so much! Best wishes.

Fantastic!! You’ve done so well !! It isn’t easy taking on a chatty persona for the speaking test when it isn’t your natural character. I’m really glad my tips and lessons helped you. Thanks for sharing your great results and inspiring others 🙂

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Hello Liz.I gave my test recently.In writing task 2, I wrote almost 300 words for 250 word count.But what intimidating me is that …I wrote conclusion in one sentence.I am about to give an explanation for it.But it timed out.So does this bring my grade to 5?

Sounds like you are slightly unclear about your aims in Writing Task 2. Your aim should always be to go above 250 words and reaching just under 300 words is desirable. As for the conclusion, one line is usually enough.

Thanq for quick reply.I ended my conclusion sentence with my reason and connecting word ‘since’ …and time was out.Which band can i expect?

I can’t predict your score. I would need to see the whole essay word for word to do that. Just be patient and wait for your results. Good luck!!

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IS WRIST WATCH ALLOWED?

No. There will be a clock in the test room. Please contact your test centre and ask them about all procedures so that you are completely familiar with them before the test day.

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Dear Liz, you are my shining star! After I sat for my first IELTS exam last January, when I scored overall 7.0 (the minimum required for me was 7.5), I was partially proud of myself, but also scared because I thought that I had reached my apex, that I couldn’t get any better. After reading most of your tips, after extensive days watching carefully to all your videos and jotting down my notes, somehow you also taught me that I can improve, and no matter how good is your English, you can always learn more, and even more importantly: you can fit your knowledge and abilities into an organized manner, which will become clearer to the examiner, and therefore, easier to attain my so desired score. Furthermore, I would like to add that your patience and the way you sweetly and accurately you pass on the necessary information, your unique way of teaching, was the main reason I kept following your lessons incessantly. Your particular way of teaching is amazing, and hopefully you will read this and get to know how important your work was for me, I can’t find words to describe how helpful it was. Have a blessed life!

It’s lovely to hear that someone felt motivated and better prepared after completing my lessons and reading my tips – thank you for your message 🙂 You didn’t mention if you are taking the test again? If you are, I wish you lots of luck 🙂

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Many, Many thanks for helping … it´s really useful for my IELTS next week. I believe have found the “golden ark”. Sweet and competent teacher. Thanks again for a lot. Best Regards,

Fakrieger Brazil

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Hey liz do u have advanced lessons for GT writing task 1?

Not yet. Hopefully in the future.

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Agree with Rabbail It would be super useful and very appreciated !!

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I went through your band score calculation blog but I didn’t got that for how many mistakes 1 band is reduced that is from 8 to 7. So I wanted to ask you that how much band score gets reduced for 2 or 4 minor spelling mistakes in task 1 & Task 2 individually?

The scores are NOT calculated in that way at all. There is no list of how many mistakes for each score in writing. This means because the band score for grammar is based on the density (not number) or errors in conjunction with the range – both must be taking into consideration for a score. The same for vocabulary – spelling is considered in conjunction with word choice and collocations and range. There is no set number of errors for each score. For this reason examiners are well trained to mark papers and decide scoring for writing and speaking.

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Hey Liz, you are such a nice person ,you are doing well by helping others.. Please tell me how i should start the first body paragraph for task 2 .tell me any pet Line or sentence please.

Do not memorise sentences or phrases. See this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-2/

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Hi Liz, I would like to ask you about how much time should i spend on planning the structure and main ideas about my essay?

At least 5 mins. Your ideas and your organisation count for around 5o% of your marks for task 2 – so don’t skip it and don’t rush it. Some teachers tell students to aim for 10 mins planning – you decide what feels best for you. See this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-2-essay-planning-tips/

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Hi Liz, Thank for your useful link, Could you please tell me how to download your model answer in pdf file. Thank before hand.

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Thank you very much for your informative IELTS Blog…

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I have been studying to pass the test and was struggling with the writing because I am not very good with time management and snappy sentences, but thanks to your lessons and useful tips I finally managed to write a good task2 essay within 40 minutes, which I am very proud of!!

Again great thanks for your dedication and guidance! To every student: guys I strongly recommend you buy the advanced lessons (writing T2) because they are very thorough and of great value to improving your performance!

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Peharps you could share some of the writing T2 information with us.

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First off I would like to thank you for your blogs and for the free IELTS lessons online. They have been very helpful so far in my reviews.

Just to clarify, in Writing Task 1 – Academic, a conclusion is not needed and is actually a bad idea, correct? But it is integral for Writing Task 2 (Essay), am I correct?

Best Regards, Tyr

That’s right. You have an overview in task 1 and a conclusion in task 2.

Gotcha. You’re a blessing to us all. Sharing is caring. I’ll remember that. Cheers!!!

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Thank for clarification

And Thank very very much to teacher liz

I did the exam with all your advices Writing was about Accomaodaion that peolp like to stay on their holiday

Task2 Was about people throw the old tihngs and in the bast people repare it

You are realy kind And i realy apprciate your work

I hope to get good band score Inshaallah

🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

Good luck with your results!

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Hi Liz in your website you have given 100 ielts model essay questions.. Where can I get answers for that question s…please help

I don’t provide model answers for all 100 essay questions. You can find a few model essays on this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-2/

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Please do you have any essay sample for task 2? What should a conclusion contain? Thanks for your support.

See the writing task 2 main page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-2/ . All main pages are accessed through the red nav bar at the top of the website.

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Hi Liz I want to be clear with the opinion essay. The essay which has the tittle “to what extent you agree or disagree”. I was taught that there are partial and full for agree or disagree. I would like to stress more on the full part. This are the ways

Intro: At the thesis statement stating i fully agree/disagree. Bp1: Agree/disagree and explanations Bp2: Agree/disagree and explanations Bp3: Counter evaluate the Bp2. Concl: Stating my opinion.

I appreciate if you can give me a clear view on this matter. Thank you for your kind assistance.

https://ieltsliz.com/liz-notice-2015-2016/

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hi i am from Turkey and i admire to your lessons i have been watching your lessons for two month and i learned better than the university’s preparing school. And i wanna ask you a question about the conclusion . can i write (taking all things into consideration ) instead of To conclusion ?

It won’t help your score so why bother. Liz

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In the IELTS academic writing task 2,how can I describe? I mean, I want to know the writing pattern if the question is : To what extent do you agree or disagree ? Way 1 : Introduction : Body paragraph 1 : Support your opinion with argument and example. Body paragraph 2 : Support your opinion further with argument and example. Conclusion : Way 2 : Introduction : Body paragraph 1 : Discuss advantages or one side of the argument. Body paragraph 2 : Discuss disadvantages or other side of the argument. Conclusion : Please, could you tell me what is the right way?

I am sure you know the answer. This is an opinion essay, not a discussion essay. Liz

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I found your website most recently .I would like to say that your website is very very useful to me . I have done IELTS exams for 3 times and could not score required band score as each 7 in all components of exam.

I would like to suggest you to post a video lesson on how to write good conclusion in Writing task 2.

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This is Jatin, I am preparing for IELTS and I want to work more for speaking module can you suggest something on that please.

All tips are on this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-speaking-free-lessons-essential-tips/ Thanks Liz

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can we use contraction in writing module of the IELTS for both tasks?

You can’t use contractions in writing task 2. You can only use contractions in the General Training Writing Task 1 module for informal (not formal) letters. They are not used in Academic writing at all.

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I’ve just known your website, and I’m trying to download your interesting lectures for my students. Thank YOU so much for useful lesson , but I ‘d like something more; such as the videos how to do the kinds of reading, ( paragraph filling, word filling … ) . I’m looking forwards to your incoming lessons.

I’m really glad my lessons are useful for your students. I hope to make more reading videos but my main focus is on speaking, writing and vocabulary at present. All the best Liz

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  • Preparing for IELTS
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  • Free online IELTS Academic Writing practice tests - paper

IELTS practice Academic Writing test - Task 2

How to approach academic writing task 2.

In the actual IELTS Academic Writing test, you will have one hour to complete the two questions or tasks: 20 minutes for the first task and 40 minutes for the second. So, you should expect to spend a little longer on practice Task 2 than you did on practice Task 1.

While you shouldn’t put yourself under too much pressure when practicing, it’s a good idea to set a timer or alert, so you can keep a track of your progress and how close you are to the time limit.

An easy reminder…

Q: How long should I spend on IELTS Writing Task 2?

A: We suggest 40 minutes.

Q: How many words for IELTS Writing Task 2?

A: 250 words is about the right length, but don’t be afraid to go a little over.

Q: Should I be formal or conversational in style?

A: You should write in a formal style, suited to an academic environment.

Task 2 - Write about the following topic:

You should give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own experience or knowledge to support your response.

What should I do next?

Once you’ve finished, you can download the model answer for Writing Task 2 and see how your work compares.

Remember, you don’t have to agree with the opinion expressed in the model answer; this Task 2 sample is a guide to illustrate the style, content, level of detail, structure, length and so on. A good way to improve is to spend some time reflecting on how your answer compares to the model answer - and keep practicing, of course.

If you want to see an example of an actual answer sheet for the IELTS Academic Writing test (‘on paper’ version), you can download a sample copy below.

  • IELTS practice Academic Writing test - Task 1

The Magoosh logo is the word Magoosh spelled with each letter o replaced with a check mark in a circle.

IELTS Writing Task 2: The Complete Guide

Hand writing IELTS writing task 2 essay

For Task 2 of IELTS Writing , you’ll be asked to give your opinion on a social issue. Want to know how this section works? Read on for our complete guide to IELTS Writing Task 2, with tips and tricks, sample essays, and more!

(Note: This guide is a handy supplemental resource for those who use our IELTS study schedules . In fact, we specifically recommend consulting this guide on Day 4 of our one week IELTS study plan !)

Table of Contents

  • IELTS Writing Task 2 Basics

IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay Organization and Example

Task 2 ielts sample essays, improving your score in the second ielts writing task, task 2 ielts tips and tricks, ielts writing task 2 practice resources.

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IELTS Writing Task 2: Basic Information

When you give your opinion on a social issue for IELTS Writing Task 2, you’ll work under the following basic rules and standards:

  • This task will either be handwritten or completed on computer, depending on what format of the IELTS you take. Your recommended time limit for this task is 40 minutes, and the task takes up 2/3 (66%) of your score. For a full introduction to formatting, timing, and scoring, check out “ The Basic Facts of IELTS Writing Task 2 .”
  • You need to write a 250 word minimum for your response. If your word count is below the minimum, it will hurt your score. For more information on how this works, see the IELTS Writing word count penalty for IELTS Task 1 and IELTS Task 2 .
  • The good news is that keeping the right word count is one of the simplest ways to aim for a top Task 2 IELTS Writing score! For more guidance on how to do this, check out our post on how many words to write in your IELTS essays.
  • Your Task 2 IELTS Writing essay should be formal , reflecting the same tone you’d take in an introductory university academic writing class. For this skill, Magoosh has you covered! See our tutorial on formal writing in IELTS Writing Task 2 for guidance.

IELTS General Task 2 vs. Academic Writing Task 2

This is an IELTS Task 2 basics question I often get: what is the difference between IELTS General Task 2 and IELTS Academic Writing Task 2? The answer is that there is no significant difference. Writing Task 2 Academic usually looks exactly the second IELTS Task 2 on the General Training version of the IELTS.

Get a higher IELTS score? Start your online IELTS prep today with Magoosh.

There is one very small difference: the wording of IELTS General Task 2 prompts is sometimes slightly shorter and simpler . But even then, the same things are being asked. And your essay will need to meet the same scoring standards no matter which version of the test you take.

A well-organized essay is your passport to a top score. Take a few minutes to plan and outline your essay from the beginning, following a good template. If you can do that, you’ll have a strong introduction, body, and conclusion that will really impress the scorers for the Task 2 IELTS essays.

How to Organize Your IELTS Essay

Below are a few resources to help you organize Task 2 IELTS essay in an efficient, impactful way:

  • Brainstorming Essay Topics for Task 2 IELTS Writing
  • The Best IELTS Writing Task 2 Template
  • IELTS Writing Task 2 Body Paragraph Structure

Example Essay Template

The Task 2 IELTS Writing template contains a full model Task 9 essay. However, each section of the sample IELTS Task 2 essay is in a different part of that article, with instructions and explanations between the paragraphs. It may be helpful to also view that sample essay as it would look on a real exam. To see our model essay all in one piece, check out this PDF .

But wait, there’s more! Magoosh has one model essay for each of the five most common question types for Task 2 IELTS Writing prompts ! Click the links below for each sample IELTS Task 2 essay, with scorer commentary:

  • IELTS Writing Task 2 Discussion Sample Essay
  • Model Essay for a Two-Part Question in Writing Task 2 IELTS
  • Task 2 IELTS Writing: Causes and Solutions Sample Essay
  • Task 2 IELTS Writing: Agree/Disagree Sample Response
  • Model Advantage Disadvantage Response for Task 2 IELTS Writing

Now that we’ve shown you several model Band 9 essays, you may ask yourself: how can I get a top score on my own IELTS Task 2 essay? To be sure, looking closely at those model essays can help. But it also helps to take a closer look at the four categories in the official rubric for IELTS Writing Task 2 .

In brief, the four IELTS Task 2 rubric categories you’ll be scored on (and their share of the score) are:

  • Task Response (25%)
  • Coherence and Cohesion (25%)
  • Lexical Resource (25%)
  • Grammatical Range and Accuracy (25%)

These categories actually apply to both IELTS Task 2 and Task 1. For a detailed description on how to get high marks in all four categories across the whole writing section, check out:

  • The IELTS Task 2 and IELTS Task 1 Writing band descriptors
  • How to get a band 8-9 in your Task 2 IELTS Writing

Last but certainly not least, we have tips and tricks for success in each of the four rubric categories:

  • IELTS Writing Task 2: Task Response
  • Coherence and Cohesion in IELTS Task 2 Writing
  • IELTS Task 2 Writing: Lexical Resource
  • Grammatical Range and Accuracy in IELTS Writing Task 2

Beyond the advice I’ve given you so far, Magoosh offers many other free tutorials for boosting your IELTS Writing Task score, and writing powerful essays within the time limits of the test. Here’s a roundup of our best Task 2 IELTS Writing resources to guide you on the road to test day:

Tips and Tricks From the IELTS Blog

  • Magoosh’s Complete Guide to IELTS Writing
  • Useful Sentence Patterns in IELTS Writing
  • Linking Words for IELTS Task 1 and IELTS Task 2
  • Using Conjunctions on the IELTS
  • Paraphrase Exercise for IELTS Writing
  • Do You Lose Points for Bad Handwriting in IELTS Writing?
  • How to Use Commas Correctly in IELTS Writing
  • 5 Common Grammar Mistakes in IELTS Writing: IELTS Task 1 and IELTS Task 1
  • How to Effectively Check Your IELTS Writing
  • How to Write More Quickly in the IELTS Task 2 Essay
  • How to Write an Effective Conclusion in IELTS Writing Task 2

YouTube Videos

  • Top Tips to Prepare for IELTS Academic Writing Task 2 (Video)
  • IELTS Writing Task 2: Top Mistakes! (Video)
  • IELTS Vocabulary: Writing Task 2 (Video)
  • More Words to Know for IELTS Writing Task 2 (Video)
  • 6 Useful Sentence Patterns to Improve Your IELTS Writing (Video)
  • How to Get a Great IELTS Writing Band Score (Video)
  • Paraphrasing Tips to Boost Your IELTS Writing Score (Video)
  • IELTS Writing: How to Score a Band 8+ (Video)
  • How to Prepare for IELTS Academic Writing Task 2
  • How can I improve my IELTS Writing Band score?
  • 6 Useful Sentence Patterns to Improve Your IELTS Writing

In addition to Task 2 IELTS Writing tips and tricks, Magoosh also offers you some great resources for practicing IELTS questions! Earlier in the post, I already showed you the practice set for the five most common types of Task 2 IELTS essay questions . But wait, there’s more….

Task 2 Practice Material

  • The Best Writing Resources for IELTS Task 1 and IELTS Task 2
  • How to Access the Practice Questions on the Four Official IELTS Websites

Youtube Videos

  • IELTS Writing Practice Test (Video)
  • IELTS Task 2 Essay: Agree/Disagree Sample Questions (Video)
  • The Advantages/Disadvantages Essay for Task 2 IELTS (Video)
  • Agree/Disagree Questions

Prepare For IELTS Writing Task 2 with Magoosh!

If you like what you see here, there is still even more. With a subscription to Magoosh IELTS you’ll get well over 100 video lessons, more than 600 practice questions, and email tutoring help from our teachers at no extra charge. We also offer a subscription to an IELTS essay scoring service that will assign a band score to your IELTS essays. You can also try a free one week trial of either service ! 🙂

Eliot Friesen

Eliot Friesen-Meyers is the Senior Curriculum Manager for Magoosh IELTS and TOEFL. He attended Goshen College (B.A.), New York University (M.A.), and Harvard University (M.T.S.), gaining experience and skills in curriculum development, ESOL instruction, online teaching and learning, and IELTS and TOEFL test prep education. Eliot’s teaching career started with Literacy Americorps in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and later, taught ESL programs at Northeastern University, University of California-Irvine, and Harold Washington College. Eliot was also a speaker at the 2019 TESOL International Conference . With over 10 years of experience, he understands the challenges students face and loves helping them overcome those challenges. Come join Eliot on Youtube , Facebook , and Instagram . Recent blog posts Complete Guide to IELTS Writing Task 1 Complete Guide to IELTS Writing Task 2

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112 responses to “IELTS Writing Task 2: The Complete Guide”

Nanda Nepal Avatar

Thanks a lot for creating this pretty much useful guiding blog.

Eliot Friesen

You’re welcome, Nanda! I’m glad you’re finding it so useful. Good luck with your studies!

Krunal Gandhi Avatar

is paraphrasing is common in all types of essays

David Recine

Paraphrasing is definitely common in pretty much every type and topic for IELTS Writing Task 2, for the reasons outlined in this post: you need to paraphrase the question, and the conclusion will paraphrase ideas from the introduction and body of the essay. And IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 is pretty much 100% paraphrasing– your job there is to take information form a chart, table, or other graphic, and rewrite the info in your own words.

But even IELTS General Training Writing Task 1 has elements of paraphrasing, since you are given a situation that you will address by writing a letter, and you need to write about the situation in your own words.

And of course, paraphrasing is important in non IELTS essays, such as the ones you might be assigned in a university course. The skill of paraphrasing is something you’ll use in a variety of ways throughout your university career, really.

rruby Avatar

marvellous tips thanks for this

I’m so glad you found them helpful, Nanda!

Kaif Ahsan Avatar

Very organized and exhaustive article. The writer gave us a meticulous insight into task 2. Found it very useful. Thank you!!

Thank you for your feedback, Kaif! I’m glad you found the guide so helpful!

Ugochukwu Kalu Avatar

Although I have always thought of possible ways to bring about positive changes to me home town, it has become even more convincing to me because I have so many ideas already concurred to carry this out

sajedah Avatar

Thank you a lot!

You’re welcome! Happy studying!

Mari Avatar

Dear Eliot, if the question is: “Do you think the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?” do I need to answer in the introduction or I can answer after discussing advantages and disadvantages? Thank you in advance

Hi Mari! Great question! As a general rule, you should always present your basic idea at the beginning of the essay. Some IELTS essay questions only ask you to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of something (not your opinion). Therefore, in your introduction, you simply need to summarize the advantages and disadvantages that you will discuss in detail in the body paragraphs. However, when a Task 2 IELTS question asks for your opinion, it’s very important to state your viewpoint in your introduction as well.

Perfect! Thank you very much! And thank you for the article, is very useful!

You’re welcome, Mari! I’m glad you find the article helpful. Happy studying!

Sazzad Avatar

Sorry I can’t find the 5th one of your question types.

Hi Sazzad! Thanks for your question. You can find the 5th Task 2 question type on the table with the title “Thematic Questions.” Thematic Questions are a Task 2 question type that involve answering a set of questions that relate to a theme.

Joel Avatar

Thanks a lot. This was very useful.

I’m glad you found the post useful, Joel! Good luck with your IELTS studies.

Shanawaz aalam Avatar

Thanks for this great article. I would like to ask something. What one should do if someone doesn’t have enough information/points as per word requirements on that particular topic, how one should complete the task?

Thanks for your question, Shanawaz! It’s a good one because many IELTS-takers struggle with this same problem. Here’s a tip that has worked for many of my students: add more details and examples to your body paragraphs. If you go back and look at the sample essay in this blog post (about giving kids freedom to choose their careers), you’ll see that each body paragraph has main point, but there are many details (in this case, reasons) included to explain the main points further. Depending on the topic, you can use examples from your life and experience, people you know, or simply from what you have learned somehow. Just make sure that every detail in each paragraph relates to the main idea of the paragraph directly.

I hope this helps! Happy studying.–Eliot

Sukhmani Oberoi Avatar

Hi Eliot, thanks for such an informative blog post. As you have mentioned that one can mention about personal experiences in the task 2. However, I have seen that people have recommended not to use personal experiences while citing the instances. They suggest to use examples on general basis. Is it true?

I can take this one for you, Eliot! 🙂

Actually Sukhmani, you can use personal experiences in IELTS Task 2, as long as a personal example is the best suitable example to explain your point. (Eliot mentions this in the comments under this article, and I concur. 🙂 )

kamaljeet singh Avatar

It’s a phenomenal thing we learn a lot with the help of this Thx a lot sir

I’m glad you found it helpful, Kamaljeet! Good luck with your IELTS preparation.

Angelina Avatar

Eliot, thank you very much for your post, it was really useful! I would like to ask you a question. When writing body paragraphs, one paragraph represents its own idea. Do we need to do give several arguments (clearly dividing them by “first”, “second” and “finally”, for example) and then supporting ideas to each argument for the idea in the paragraph? Or can we simply state the idea and then explain it with examples? I’m wondering how strict the structure should be.

Hi Angelina! Thank you for your question. It’s a good one!

The answer is that you have some flexibility. You do not need to follow the same pattern in each essay. If you have a list of something (for example, two or three supporting reasons in one paragraph), it is a very good idea to clearly state the organization of your ideas with a list. The pattern you used in your example is a good one (first, second, third), but you can also say things like, “The first reason I like this idea is…” and then discuss this reason for a sentence or two. Then you can transition, “Another reason to support this idea is…” and then do the same as before–provide an example or explain your reason in more detail in a sentence or two.

Now, back to your question. Can you provide a few examples instead of presenting reasons or arguments in your paragraphs? Yes! If you want to explain your main idea with examples instead of reasons, you can use the same strategy as above. Introduce your examples so the reader has a clear idea how you are organizing your ideas. You can do it this way:

One example is….[and write a sentence or two to describe your example]. Another example is….[and write a sentence or two to describe your example].

However, I would add one important note here: If you write a body paragraph that uses only examples to support the main idea, you should always make sure to say, very clearly, how your examples relate to the main idea of your paragraph. After you provide an example, you can write things like this:

This example shows that… This situation means.. I believe this example shows…

I hope this helps with your question! Good luck with your IELTS studies!

Kalash Acharya Avatar

Ooops …wish I found it little earlier because tomorrow is my test. However, I do have a query that could help for next test takers. In the answer sheet of booklet of some Cambridge book, I have found sample answer by the examiner which include introduction in the first paragraph followed by explaining the both argument and then giving ones opinion. I found is little bit contradictory as I referred here. How far is it considerable in giving ones opinion just prior to concluding paragraph and on what type of questions? Anyway, really a great job…!!!

Hi Kalash! Thank you for your comment. I think I understand your question and I will do my best to answer it. However, if I have missed your point, please let me know and I will follow-up!

Yes, it is fine to offer your opinion in the final paragraph, especially in Task 2 questions where the question says something like “discuss both sides and give your opinion.” Actually, there are many ways to organize a clear response to questions like these. The suggestions in this blog post (or any other place you find information about Task 2 essays!) are there to help you think of ways to present your ideas clearly.

In this case, you could discuss Side 1 in the first body paragraph, Side 2 in the second body paragraph, and then you could write a full third paragraph providing your opinion. However, you could also present Side 1 and offer your opinion about it in one body paragraph, and then present Side 2 and offer your opinion about it in a second body paragraph.

One thing you MUST do in both cases is present your opinion in your thesis statement (the last sentence of the introduction). No matter how you decide to organize your body paragraphs, this element is essential.

I hope this helps!

Good luck on your test tomorrow!!

–Eliot

john Avatar

I have a question. I took the exam a couple of days ago. i was able to finish both task 1 and task 2. However, I used 2 papers for my task 2, which I forgot to put a page number on top. Will that affect my grade? Im kinda freaking out hehe

Magoosh Expert

I doubt anything significant will happen to you or your score. We can’t say for sure (it will depend on the rater) but this type of thing happens frequently. Good luck! 🙂

Gurpreet Avatar

Sir, Is there any difference between essay structure asking Do you agree or disagree and to what extent do you agree or disagree??

Hi Gurpreet,

Great question! No, there is no difference between these questions and you can approach them the same way. In other words, you may argue for just one side, or you can make a balanced argument that focuses on the strengths and/or weaknesses of both sides. If you make a balanced argument, keep in mind that you should NOT argue that both sides are equally good or equally bad. You must take a position and choose the side you think is best. Make this argument clear in your thesis statement in the introduction.

Happy studying!

Rajneesh Kapur. Avatar

Yes, there is a difference. If the word extent is written, it is necessary to write either totally or completely agree/ disagree or partly agree.

Hi Rajneesh,

Eliot’s point here is that there isn’t a major difference between the two essays instructions. In the GRE, for example, you must take one side and make a strong argument for it. In the IELTS, your primary job is to show that you are able to express yourself clearly in written English. As long as you show that you understood the prompt and respond to it, these nuances are not as important as showing your ability to write clearly in English!

Anu Avatar

Hi Eliot, thanks for this very helpful article.

My question is, can I make statements like, “In my country, we have the practice of…” Will there be an identity-revealing issue or is this an acceptable approach?

Hi Anu! I don’t think this statement would cause you a problem. You are free to use examples from your life and experience on Task 2, so long as the examples you choose fit the question prompt.

However, it’s possible I don’t fully understand your concern about revealing identity. If so, please say more about what you have in mind.

Nana Avatar

I sent this link to my students that I’m currently tutoring. Saves me a lot of time! The explanations are clear and thorough. Thank you so much.

Yeshaswini Avatar

Hi Eliot , your blog really helped me a lot. I have a question. When we are asked to discuss both sides and give our opinion, can I write my opinion in the conclusion paragraph instead of writing separate paragraph before conclusion. Thanks in advance

Hi Yeshaswini,

It is not ideal to end an essay with new information (in this case, your opinion) which is why we recommend the opinion coming before the conclusion. But if you are in a situation where you truly feel this is better, you can definitely pull it off.

manavpreet Avatar

it is very helpfullthank you so much

Vera Benitz Avatar

In your “Writing IELTS Part 2 Question Types” “Discuss both sides and give your opinion”, you say that there should be 3 paragraphs, but at the free iELTS preparation course, they say, that “your opinion” goes into the conclusion. What is right? Thanks Vera

If you look at the example essay we provided here, you’ll see that there is a short introduction paragraph and a short conclusion paragraph that both express the author’s opinion. The two body paragraphs allow you to write about both sides of the issue and show your thought process. We should note here that there is no secret ‘formula’ on the IELTS–there are guidelines to help you craft your essay. It sounds like our advice matches pretty closely with what you heard from the free IELTS preparation course, but the most important thing is to show that you can write well in English 🙂

Samitha Avatar

Thanks for the tips! I do have a few questions. When the topic question is about, “to what extent do you agree or disagree?”, do you have to pick a side? If you feel like the topic has both pros and cons, can you write the pro’s in para 1 and cons in para 2?

Also, when you are writing different examples to support a claim you make, can the different examples be in the same paragraph?

Thanks for your help!

Hi Samitha,

There is no one correct answer here–the purpose of Task 2 is to show that you can write well in English. The content doesn’t matter that much (you don’t need to convince anyone of anything) but you do need to show that you understand the prompt and can construct a response to it. Yes–you can use one paragraph to show how you agree (pros) and another paragraph to show how you might not agree (cons). In the brainstorm example we gave in this blog post, the person mostly agreed with the prompt, but also provided some reasons against the prompt. As long as you write a strong and logical essay, you’ll be fine 🙂

Each body paragraph should be a different major idea or claim. If you have time, you can write several examples in one paragraph as long as they all relate to the same claim. If you follow the structure above, you can have several examples for the ‘pro’ paragraph and several for the ‘con’ paragraph–just keep an eye on the time to make sure you can write the entire essay in time 🙂

NOUMAN Avatar

hi, you have written wonderful article . I have a question for you if you could reply me i would be thankful.My question is that may i learn some essay by heart like 40 or 50 essay ?so it could help to get idea on time and might be possible i get exact same one of them in writing task 2

Thanks for reaching out! It’s not a good idea to think of trying to memorize essays in order to succeed on the writing test. They could ask you about anything at all in Task 2, and there’s no list of questions that you can draw from. Instead of spending your time trying to memorize essays, you should use your time to improve your general writing ability, understand the strategy associated with how to write an essay, and practice as much as possible. This is what is really going to help you improve! The templates that we provide you with here are useful because they will help you to organize your essay. Good luck!

Ranvir Avatar

I am very much confused about example that is asked to give in task II. How example can be mentioned? Another question is supposed there is statement related to agree or disagree, can we partial for it? If yes/no then how?

The purpose of task 2 is to show that you can express your ideas clearly in written English. In the second task, you should try to find examples that support your point. You can think of things logically or from your personal life that you can use to make your argument.

It’s ok to partially agree with the prompt and partially disagree, as long as you clearly state both sides. In the example essay, the author agrees in the first paragraph but disagrees in the second paragraph. In the conclusion, the author discusses both sides and makes his point clearly.

The best way to get used to this is just to write as much as possible! The more you practice, the easier it will be to think of examples and write your opinions down 🙂

Suvam sigdel Avatar

Thanks for your enormous support. Really helped!

I’m so glad this was helpful! Happy studying 🙂

Lakhana Avatar

Hi sir, i would like you to give me a feedback on this introduction of mine which is answer to your example in the video. “Home town is the place that many people, including me love so much. In order to develop it, i would come up with some suggestions in altering it. I believe that these points will benefit to enhance my home land.” Thanks in advance sir!

Hi Lakhana,

I’m glad that you found this video and blog post useful! Unfortunately, we are a small team with a lot of projects, and we are not able to provide personalized feedback on writing. I’m sorry about that! There are many different forums and other places where you can find people willing to edit your essays. Best of luck!

janine Avatar

I have written the IELTS academic test twice and even though I receive good marks for speaking, listening and reading, I have received 6.5 for writing both times. The first time I couldn’t finish my conclusion, which would make sense that I only got 6.5. But the second time I completed it all with the right amount of words and paragraphs. I’m not sure how to go abouts studying for this as I don’t know where my faults are – I wish they could return your test results to help you prepare better.

Any advise would be lovely.

It is definitely frustrating not to get any feedback on your writing for the IELTS! However, there are still plenty of ways that you can improve on this score! First, I recommend that you look over any practice essays that you wrote, especially timed ones that you wrote right before the exam. It’s likely that any mistakes you made on the actual exam are pretty similar to the mistakes you made on these practice essays. Take some time to analyze these essays according to the Band Descriptors released by IELTS ( https://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/sites/default/files/IELTS_task_1_Writing_band_descriptors.pdf and https://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/sites/default/files/IELTS_task_2_Writing_band_descriptors.pdf ). You can also post some of your essays on message boards such as the one on the IELTS Australia page ( https://ielts.com.au/forums/ ). If possible, have a friend or tutor with a high English level look over your essays and provide some feedback. You should also definitely continue to write as many practice essays as possible and analyze each one. This should give you a good sense of what you need to improve and how you can do it. The more you practice and analyze your essays, the more you will improve! Good luck 🙂

Sasa Avatar

I’d like to share my IELTS experience, I recently took IELTS and I scored less than what I am expecting. I finished both writing tasks on time. After reading your blog, I noticed that each question type should have a specific number of body paragraphs? All I know is, you should have 4 paragraphs in your writing. (introduction, argument 1(pros/cons), argument 2 (pros/cons) and lastly conclusion. I followed these during my actual exam. Answering question about “Many people today claimed that they have a better quality of life than those who live few centuries ago, how do you agree or disagree in this statement?” First, I made a short introduction and I stated that in the next few paragraphs I will discuss my answer. On my second paragraph, I stretched all the advantages to people living these days in terms of modernisation and globalisation and the negative effect it brings as well. On my third paragraph, I wrote about the claims of older people that life before were simpler and and stress free however there are disadvantages too. Finally, on my concluding part, I wrote about my side, that living nowadays offers a better quality of life due to improvised technology and new discoveries. Do you think I made a complicated writing? I am planning to take my IELTS for second time, although I am still feeling a bit frustrated. I also wish we could take our writing results with comments and corrections from the examiner who checked my paper so that I can diligently improve the parts that I missed.

Thanks for sharing your experience! I know it’s frustrating not to get any feedback or other information about your exam–it can make it hard to improve! It’s really hard to tell what happened without reading your essay, but there are a few things you can consider. In some cases, simple is better for the writing section of the IELTS. You need to show that you can write well in English, but if you try to do too much you might end up with handwriting that is hard to read, sentences that are long or convoluted, or arguments that don’t quite make sense. I’ve seen students who try to use advanced vocabulary and grammar even though they are not entirely comfortable with them; the result is difficult to read and make sense of for a native speaker. I’m not sure exactly what happened here. Based on your description, you set up your essay in a good way, but you may want to analyze some of your practice essays (and ask others to analyze them, perhaps some teachers in your school) in order to get some feedback about what you wrote. I recommend that you keep practicing the essays and keep analyzing your results so that you can continue to improve! Good luck!

alozie Avatar

please is it wrong to use biro(pen) to write the easy .You mentioned the use of pencil.

According to this information from the British Council , you can use either a pen or a pencil. You should confirm the test-day requirements with your testing center. Keep in mind that a pen might be difficult because you won’t be able to erase your work, and the page can get messy if you make mistakes and have to correct them. Remember that handwriting and read-ability affect your score, so make sure that you are completely comfortable using a pen if you decide to bring one!

Chintan Patel Avatar

Greatly simplified article. I want to ask something. Should I write more than one points in a body paragraph? For example, in one body paragraph, point 1, its supporting reason/ example, point 2, its supporting reason/ example. Same in paragraph 2.

Hi Chintan! Thanks for your question. Yes, you may include more than one point in a paragraph in the way you described. However, it’s important to make sure that both points relate to or support the same main idea in the paragraph. If you move to a new idea, you’ll need to begin a new paragraph.

Buvana Avatar

Please find the introduction for the essay question you have given in the video. Please do examine this and give the corrections or improvements.

Given an opportunity, I would bring certain changes to my hometown, thereby adding glory to the glorious city.

Thanks for stepping up to the challenge in the IELTS Writing Task 2 video in this post, Buvana. 🙂

So, let me give yo my critique. 🙂

First, you want to make sure that you really are paraphrasing the original question. So let’s revisit that question from the video:

If you could change your home town to make it a better place, what changes would you make?

How would these changes improve your home town?

You’ve done a good job at paraphrasing the “If you could change your home town” portion of the original sentence. “Given the opportunity” is a good paraphrase of “If I could.” “Bring certain changes to my hometown” is a good paraphrase of “change my home town,” too. But you could paraphrase this even more thoroughly and elegantly by eliminating the root word change, and saying something like “I would make some things in my home town different.” Finally, we get to “adding glory to the glorious city.” Here, your paraphrase “make it a better place” is a little awkward. The use of both “glory” and “glorious” is a bit repetitive. How can you express the idea of making your home town a better place with less repetitive language?

Now that we’ve looked at the structure of your paraphrasing, let’s look at overall introduction content. Remember, your introduction should actually be two sentences. You want an initial sentence that paraphrases the question, and you have written that. But then you what a thesis statement that previews and summarizes the specific answers you have to the question. So you should add a second, follow-up sentence that briefly explains how and why you would change your hometown in order to improve it.

Feel free to revise the first sentence and add a second sentence as I mentioned above. If you put your new, revised introduction in the comments section, my colleagues and I will give you further feedback on it. 🙂

mudita Avatar

I have tried with an introduction.

“Hometown is the place where you are born and have many good memories with that place. this essay discusses the problems and solutions to them on how to make our hometown a better place to live in. in my opinion, the joint efforts of everyone can make it a better place.”

Another commenter rises to our video challenge! 🙂

This is a pretty good introduction. But remember, the question is asking you what you’d do to improve your hometown, and how your proposed course of action would improve things. So be sure to include a “what” and “how” in your introduction. The “what” statement could begin something like this: “through our joint efforts, we would all (DESCRIBE WHAT YOU’D DO). Then for the “how,” say something like “this plan would improve my hometown because….” And of course, as you revise, make sure to double check for spelling and grammar errors. 😀

Tabassum Avatar

Here is my introduction: There are some crucial things that I would like to alter of my home town to ameliorate the living and environment condition. I would suggest to reduce or eliminate the enormous traffic jam from the street and I believe if the excessive traffic jam is reduced, our precious time to reach destination would be saved as well as environment pollution would be lessen.

Hi Tabassum,

In terms of content, this is an excellent introduction. It references the original question; it’s clear what has been asked and what kind of answer you are giving. It also puts forth your main idea and supporting details: you’ll reduce traffic congestion so that people can save time and pollution can be reduced.

In terms of wording, however, there are a few problems you should fix. The vocabulary you’re using seems overly wordy, and a little too advanced. Words like “ameliorate” aren’t really used in regular, more conversational writing, and “our precious time to reach destination would be saved” is overly wordy and a little hard to follow. It would probably be better to say something more straightforward there, such as “commuters could save time.” The IELTS essay really should have a more plain, conversational tone.

In addition, many of the bigger words you’re using are in the wrong form or grammar. For example, “environment condition” should actually be “environmental condition,” and “would be lessen” should be “would lessen.”

It strikes me that you’re overextending your vocabulary a little, using advanced, highly formal academic words that you understand, but have trouble using yourself in writing. You can actually get a better score if you make your writing simpler, working with the words you’re most comfortable with.

Sonal Avatar

Many thanks for such excellent guidance.

I would like to ask about the preferable word limit in IELTS writing Task GT essay? Is it fine if word limit exceeds 300 words or should it be kept below 300?

Also, I am not sure about which examples can be quoted… should it be related to real life experiences or mentioning of any anonymous survey can suffice the purpose.

Good questions. When you write, “Task GT,” I believe you are talking about General Training Task 1, for which you write a letter. Please let me know if you had something else in mind. For Task 1 (Academic and General Training), you should not write a lot more than the requirement. Writing too much will use valuable time you can spend editing your composition. It also steals time you could use to work on your Task 2 response, which counts more towards your overall writing score. I suggest shooting for 180 – 200 words for Task 1. You should be able to cover the required information very easily if you hit that mark.

Regarding examples, I believe you are asking about Task 2 here. You can include examples from your life, the lives of people you know, things that occurred in your city/country, etc. You may also use data even if you don’t remember the precise details. For example, you could write, “A recent study revealed that roughly 60% of the residents in my city…” It’s fine to use anything that supports your point well. However, here is the important point about examples: they must be appropriate to the topic. Some IELTS topics have a more personal angle, such as discussing the qualities of a good friend or a good teacher. Other topics are much less personal, such as discussing the environment or social changes over time. Use examples that fit the essay topic and support your main points well.

I hope this helps. Happy studying!

Komal Avatar

Modifying our own native place to make it the most liveable place is always accepted by people. Though difficult, few changes can lead to boost the place to be more liveable for instance, good infrastructure, establishment of better educational institutions, emphasising in house production which can prompt to escalate the overall growth of the home town.

Your paraphrasing of the original question is a bit weak. “Native place” for example, is not really a phrase that’s used in English, and it doesn’t mean “home town.” Also, “a more livable place” would probably work better than “the most livable place,” since we’re talking about improving the town, not perfecting it. There are a number of other problems here: “few changes” mean “almost no changes,” so “a few changes” (some changes) might be better. And “emphasizing in house production” also sounds strange. Less awkward wording could be “focusing on home construction.”

Those are just a few examples of odd wording that could hurt your IELTS writing score. With that said, the basic structure of your introduction is good. You start by paraphrasing the question and giving your opinion, and then you go on to give specific examples. Keep that excellent structure as you revise your wording.

Pranav Singh Avatar

The sample essay is pretty good, but to address the child possessive pronoun should be fixed (his or her), in the essay it keeps on changing.

This is actually a very common convention in English writing, since there is no gender nonspecific pronoun. Some people will write “his or her” every time, but that is cumbersome and difficult to read. It’s also becoming more widely accepted to use “they” as a singular pronoun , but we don’t recommend that you do so in academic writing. Instead, it’s common to switch between gender pronouns in different examples. In this sample essay, you’ll notice that the author uses “she/her” for an entire paragraph, and then switches to “he/him”–that is completely acceptable in English writing! Remember that we aren’t talking about a specific person or child here, so there’s no issue with switching the pronoun. In fact, it shows even more clearly that the example is general and applies to an entire group!

Sara Avatar

Is there any online writing evaluation? I need someone to score my writing to check my level

We don’t provide essay grading services here at Magoosh. Sorry about that! We are a small team with thousands of students, and in order to keep our prices affordable we decided not to provide essay grading.You can share your IELTS Speaking and Writing for online feedback at various IELTS Internet message boards, including the official IELTS Australia forums . It is also useful to get feedback from a tutor, or a friend, classmate or teacher who has good English. You can use our resources in this guide to help you grade your essay accurately 🙂

Brij Avatar

In body 1 & 2, if I write only main points with explanation using complex sentence and don’t give an example, so what happened? I got good score or not?

On the IELTS, you are graded on the quality of your writing. You can certainly score well without specific examples, as long as you answer the question presented by the task and develop your ideas in each paragraph. Examples help you to do this, but you can also do this logically.

Giuseppe di Siena Avatar

Every place could became a better place thanks to some improvements. If I could I rebuild the city where I live adding more parks and green area, but I also would establish some more stringent parking and traffic rules to discipline residentds.

Your ideas and basic structure are very good here. Remember, though, a good introduction also gives a few reasons for the claims you’re making. I advise adding a sentence or two explaining why you feel that more parks, more green areas, and more stringent parking/traffic rules would make your town a better place to live in. Also remember that if you use the phrase “If I could,” you should follow it with “I would.” As in “If I could rebuild the city… I would add more parks….”

Sanjiv Maharjan Avatar

“To what extent do you agree or disagree” Do we have to discuss on both points?

No, if you get a question that says “to what extent do you agree or disagree?” you need to assess the strength of your stance as well as what that stance is. You might be strongly on one side or maybe weakly. I hope this helps!

Sagar Thapliyal Avatar

Here is my intro please feddback this.

Changes always are good makes life better and comfortable. While I agree it is unwise to leave a place imperfect, however we have many things that should be changed in my hometown.

We currently don’t offer speech or writing feedback. We are a small team with a lot of students, and unfortunately can’t offer this sort of personalized support. I recommend that you check out the official IELTS Australia forums. . A lot of students give and receive feedback there!

kavya Avatar

Changes do matter in the present upgraded world. If am allowed to take some measures in the place where i live or in the place where i have stayed before, could be a thought to have discussion.

Abhilasha Negi Avatar

Hi – I am responding to the task 2 introduction as per the video. It was related to the changes I would like to bring about in my hometown.

Introduction only –

With the growth of commercialization, I certainly believe it’s time to stop and think about the improvements and modifications we can bring about in our local communities, societies, cities and towns to build an eco-friendly atmosphere. I belong to a small town of Nanital, in the state of Uttrakhand, India. One of the major changes that we need to focus on is for the famous ‘Nani’ Lake to resolve the issue of depleting lake water.

Thanks, Looking forward to hearing back from your soon.

Hi Abhilasha,

Let’s take a closer look at this introduction. I like the good range of vocabulary you have here. The grammar is perfect too! With all that said, there are also a few improvements you could make.

Remember that the question is about “hometown” and not local society in a broader sense. Your reference to “local communities, societies, cities and towns” is a little too broad. You want to keep the focus on the idea of a hometown. And you can actually use the exact term “hometown” from the prompt. While paraphrasing the prompt is important, the most important specific terms from the original question should be repeated as-is.

So I would make the opening sentence simpler, just referencing hometowns. I also recommend adding some information to the second sentence. What specific change would you make in relation to the lake? You obviously don’t want to go into too much extra detial, but getting more specific, summing up the change in perhaps 5-10 words, would help make your introduction meaningful and impactful.

SOUMIA ABDELLI Avatar

Hello, i wanna thank you for this amazing article, that I found very handy indeed. i have one question in mind and I hope you will provide with me with sufficient feedback. Is it okay!! to write in task 2 such phrases as: this essay will discuss, this essay agrees ….. best regards

The phrase “this essay will discuss” should be fine as an introduction/overview, though it’s not really necessary. If you clearly state your thesis statement, then this sentence may just be repetitive.

The phrase “this essay agrees,” on the other hand, just sounds strange! An essay can’t agree or disagree with anything–you, the writer, are agreeing or disagreeing. I would recommend that instead of using a sentence like that, you just clearly state your thesis.

swati Avatar

helloo!! dear i have a query if you could answer it please. i took my ielts GT recently and was asked to discuss both sides and give your opinion. i gave intro and then discussed both views and gave my opinion in conclusion. b8ut here you have suggested to write a seperate parah for opinion before conclusion. m little worried that will i loose bands for not doing it this way ?

if so, then how this will effect my score? i require 7 bands in it.

That’s a great question, Swati. If you didn’t express any opinion at all until the very end of the essay, that could definitely affect your score. The instructions say you should state the extent to which you agree or disagree with a position or positions. So that should be the main focus of your essay, and some expression of agreement or disagreement should be happening throughout the essay.

However, if you expressed parts of your opinion in the body paragraphs, and then summarized your opinion in full int he final paragraph, you still might be able to get a good score. Ideally, your opinion should be mentioned in some way in every paragraph. But if your introduction was very brief and you expressed at least parts of your opinion in each body paragraph, you might still get a good score.

Dudley Kamal Avatar

My home town is a small city with bustling streets.There are lot of improvements has to be made to uplift the city and bring to the standard of rest of the cities.

Prakhar Kapoor Avatar

Hi Elliot,’

Here is the introduction to the above-mentioned question. Kindly give it a read and let me know your feedback.

Making alterations to their hometown in order to make it a wonderful place is like a dream for a majority of people nowadays. Given an opportunity, I would like to make advancements in my town. This will include the use of metros which will solve the traffic issues to a great extent. In the below paragraphs, I intend to delve into some other improvements that I want to do and the impact these will have on my city.

I have my exam in the next two days. Kindly let me know your valuable feedback

Hi Prakhar! Let’s take a closer look at your introduction!

I like the way you start with broader statement that introduces the topic (your first sentence). You also did a good job of including one specific point that will be in your essay (“use of metros”). And you gave a specific way in which that change would improve your town (“solve the traffic issues”). This is excellent as well.

With that in mind, let’s also talk about things you could do to make this introduction even stronger. 🙂

Be careful of your word choices. “Alterations,” for instance, is a kind of awkward word choice here. “Alterations” usually refers to changes made to clothing or other product designs. This word does not fit well when you are talking about changes to an entire city. Similarly “advancements” usually refers specifically to modernization and the use of new inventions and technology, which doesn’t clearly match your intended meaning. And “metros” can mean meany different things (a “metro” can refer to a city area that includes suburbs, or can refer to a local bus, a local train, or a number of other local services). So it would be better to use a more specific example than that.

It also might be good to briefly describe specific traffic issues that need to be solved. And you should be more specific about the “other improvements.” If you’re going to write about other improvements besides traffic in your essay, you should also briefly mention those other improvements in your introduction.

I hop all of this helps, but let me know if you have any questions about the feedback I’ve given you here. 🙂

Soroya Janmohamed Avatar

I often envisage of making my City modern with less pollution and eco friendly. This can be achieved by reducing the cars on the roads and creating alternative modes of transport like building underground tubes, railways and using electric cars.

Nice introduction. Remember, thought– paraphrase the prompt fully and clearly in your introduction. An added phrase such as “if there is one way I would improve my home community….” could be a helpful extra paraphrase. Be sure to also explain in your intro why alternative modes of transport would be helpful, something like “these changes would reduce pollution and be more eco-friendly because….” Also, here, the word should be “envision,” not “envisage.” Again though, great ideas and setup for an intro to this essay. 🙂

asmaa Avatar

Everyone would like his country to be the most perfect place in the world, and so do I. This essay will explain my point of view of how would using renewable energy and internet influence my home town to develop.

Hi Asmaa! Nice intro 🙂 Are you looking for feedback? This is good, though I might suggest that you make an even clearer connection between your opening sentence and your thesis. I do like how clear your thesis is!

Moumita Dhar Avatar

Here is an introduction to the prompt in the video.

I have been staying away from my hometown for quite a few years, and when I look back, I really want to bring in some changes to my native to make it a better place to live. Given an opportunity, I would introduce multiple institutes to learn martial arts and/or self defense. The dynamics of safety will be highly impacted by this change in a positive way, offering a higher sense of security among parents, kids, women in general, and older people as well.

I would request you to take a look and let me know of your valuable feedback and suggestions, if any.

Hi Moumita,

Thanks for responding to this prompt! I’m afraid that we don’t provide feedback for IELTS speaking tasks–we are a small team with a lot of students, so it would be difficult to provide this service for everyone! There may be other readers who can give you feedback 🙂

Hajra Rafique Avatar

Introduction: The topic of the essay is the possible amendments that might be made to beautify my home town and to develop its living conditions.The modifications will add up to the betterment of my town in numerous ways. Replacement of old, out of ordered transformers with new ones would the first step to be taken.Secondly,I will try to provide enough amount of water supply to every house in town.Trash dumping system and improvisation of poor conditions of roads would be third in my target list.Like any well-established area my home town would also turn into a place with all fundamental facilities.

The structure of your introduction is good. You open up with a good overview,a nd then you outline each idea that will appear int he body of your esay. Nice work!

To make this introduction even stronger, carefully double-check your word choices. To give just two examples, “amendment’ usually means a written change to a document rather than an infrastructure change to a town, and “improvisation” refers to an unrehearsed stage performance, not an improvement.

Ranjan Surianarayanan Avatar

My introduction

I’ve frequently imagined how beautiful,healthy, happy and peaceful my community would appear if I was able to make some radical changes to benefit every member of the community and the community itself.This essay will elaborate on three major changes that if made would in my opinion significantly improve the quality and standard of living in the community. The three major changes are, Road repairs, Removal of stagnant water and garbage collection and disposal.

Body #1: Road repairs(Explanation, reasons, benefits) Body #2: Removal of stagnant water(Explanation, reasons, benefits) Body #3: Garbage collection and disposal(Explanation, reasons, benefits)

Really look forward to a feedback.

Thanks Ranjan

Great structure and a really good introduction, Ranjan. There is one change I’d suggest, though. At times, your writing is a bit too wordy. Having four adjectives to describe your community int he first sentence is a little more complex than ideal. Similarly, “on three major changes that if made would in my opinion significantly improve…” is also quite wordy. Consider eliminating at lease one or two inessential words. “In my opinion” could be omitted, and/or you could get rid of adjectives such as “significantly.”

Hey David !

I really appreciate the feedback. I agree that I had used a lot of objectives in the first sentence and that the introduction is pretty wordy.

I guess concise choice of words and phrases are the way to go eh ?

readingisfun1 Avatar

I think that your article helped me a bit although I’m still a somewhat stumped. Thanks anyway!

Shafiqa Iqbal Avatar

The essay enquires about the possible modifications you’d consider making in order to improve your hometown. There are numerous changes that I would consider implementing, but the most important ones will be as following: constructing playgrounds in each neighbourhood, defining proper traffic lanes and an improved transport facility. I believe these are the most essential and rudimentary necessities for everyone and such changes improvements can make lives easier.

Anshuman Bhardwaj Avatar

is it mandatory to write ielts task 2 in three paragraphs?

Hi Anshuman,

No, there is no required organization to the IELTS Task 2 essay. Some people might write 3, 4 or even 5 paragraphs. It is important to organize your essay well, however, and ensure that your use of paragraphs makes sense for the content of the essay.

Fredy Avatar

Very useful guide. Many thanks

Anil Agarwal Avatar

Hello, i wanna thank you for this amazing article, that I found very handy indeed. i have one question in mind and I hope you will provide with me with sufficient feedback. Is it okay!! to write in task 2 such phrases as: this essay will discuss, this essay agrees ….. best regards

Hi Anil, You’re so welcome, we’re so glad you found it helpful!

In regards to your question, since for Task 2 you’re asked to give your opinion on a social issue, it’s better to say “I will discuss” or “I agree…” That will help make your writing more clear. I’d advise you to look as several Task 2 example essays to get a good idea of how they’re written and the types of phrases they use. We have several linked towards the bottom of this article, and that should really help to make it clear in your mind!

Happy studying! 😀

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  • IELTS Writing Task 2

IELTS Writing Task 2 Lessons & Tips

These  IELTS writing task 2  lessons, strategies and tips will show you how to write an IELTS essay. They go through all the various types of essay that you may get and instructions on how to best answer them.

For the Task 2, general or academic modules, you have to write an essay that must be a minimum of 250 words. You have 40 minutes. 

These lessons are free and teach you all the key things you need to know about the IELTS writing task 2, such as writing an introduction, analysing essay questions, writing for a band 7, developing coherency and understanding opinion essays.

IELTS Writing Task 2 Lessons:

How to write an ielts essay:  .

IELTS Essay This starter lessons tells you in simple steps how to structure and write a basic IELTS essay. 

Getting Ready to Write:

Identifying the Topic Learn how to identify the topic of an essay question in order to help you answer it correctly. 

Identifying the Task This IELTS practice will help you identify the task of an essay question. The most important thing to make sure you answer the question. 

Brainstorming and Planning In this IELTS lesson, learn how brainstorm ideas for your essay and how to extend those ideas and create a plan.

IELTS Task Response In this lesson we look at the dangers of not properly answering an IELTS writing task 2 essay question.

Ideas for IELTS Candidates often worry about not having any ideas for IELTS essay topics. This gives you some advise on how to generate ideas. 

Parts of an Essay:

IELTS Essay Introduction This lesson explains how you should approach writing an introduction for an IELTS Task 2 essay. 

Writing a Thesis Statement The thesis statement is an important part of your essay, so this lesson explains how to write thesis statements for different essay types. 

Paragraph Writing Writing clear and well-organized paragraphs is essential for your essay, so here you will learn about the basic elements that make up a good paragraph . 

IELTS Essay Conclusion Learn how to write a quick conclusion for an IELTS essay.

Coherency and Cohesion:

Writing Coherence One way to improve coherency in your writing is to use transition words. This lesson teaches you how. 

Pronouns Your writing must be coherent, and this IELTS practice lesson shows you how pronouns can help you to do this

Substitution Learn how to use substitution in IELTS to improve your cohesion and quality of writing.

Getting a High Band:

How to get an IELTS Writing band 7 There is no quick way to achieve this, but this lesson provides some general guidance on what is required to get an IELTS band 7 in the writing module. 

Band 7 Transitional Phrases for Essays Learn about useful phrases that can be used to improve the sophistication of your writing in argumentative essays.

How to Score IELTS Band 8 This lesson tell you more about how the scoring works for band 8 writing and how long it can take you to get a band 8.

Essay Types:

Problem Solution Essays Learn how to write a problem solution essay for the IELTS test - a quick method that will produce a well-organized answer.

IELTS Opinion Essays Get an overview of the various types of essay that ask for your opinion in the test.

Advantage Disadvantage Essay This lesson shows you how to write an IELTS advantage disadvantage essay that requires you to give an opinion. 

A Complex Essay Question This lesson shows you how to answer a more complex IELTS essay question that does not have a straightforward 'task' given to guide you.

Style and Tone:

Personal Pronouns in Essays Can you use personal pronouns such as 'I', 'our' and 'we' in IELTS essays? Find out more in this lesson.

More IELTS Writing Task 2 Resources

Ielts essay questions.

ielts liz sample essay writing task 2

Here you can check out recent IELTS test essay questions from 2018 and earlier that candidates have posted, and also common essay questions and topics that have come up in the IELTS writing task 2:

Latest IELTS Writing Topics

Common Essay Questions and Topics

IELTS Writing Task 2 eBook

ielts liz sample essay writing task 2

Best Selling Writing eBook

Do you need more help to write a great essay for IELTS?

If so, check out our best-selling Step-by-step Guide to Writing a Task 2 Essay  

IELTS Writing Task 2 Forums

You can also get more great tips from the questions people have asked in the IELTS Forums about the IELTS writing task 2.

There are two relevant forums:

  • IELTS Writing Task 2 Forum (topics & questions about the essay)
  • IELTS Writing Band 7 Forum (dedicated to those needing a 7)

These are some of the most popular questions that have been asked about the IELTS essay in the Writing Forums:

  • How do I answer agree / disagree type IELTS essay questions?
  • What if I know nothing about the IELTS essay topic?
  • How do I manage my time in the IELTS Writing Test?
  • How do I format the essay on the test day?
  • Can you explain these confusing essay questions?
  • Why is it difficult to get an IELTS writing band 7?
  • What are some strategies to get an IELTS band 8?

And remember you can ask your own questions so please visit the forum if you have any questions about the IELTS Writing Task 2. 

  • IELTS Writing Tips

These are some of the top tips for IELTS writing:

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Band 9 Guide: IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay Types and Structures + Sample Essays

In the IELTS Writing Task 2, you are required to craft a compelling essay on a given topic. The approach and structure will largely depend on the question type presented. This guide offers a detailed look into the various question types, their structures, and strategies to tackle them effectively.

Here are the essay types that we will cover:

  • Opinion Questions (Agree or Disagree)
  • Advantages and Disadvantages Questions
  • Discussion (Discuss Both Views) Questions
  • Problem and Solution Questions
  • Two-Part Questions
  • Mixed Type (Advantages and Disadvantages + Opinion)
  • Double Question
  • Causes (Reasons) and Effects

At the end, we will provide you with some supplementary tips that you can use to improve your writing band score in the IELTS exam.

1. Opinion Questions (Agree or Disagree)

This question type asks you to express your viewpoints on a given topic or statement.

Question Example:

Is digital technology in schools beneficial for students learning?

Essay Structure:

  • Introduction : Paraphrase the Question and state your opinion, outlining the main ideas.
  • Main Body Paragraph 1 : Begin with a topic sentence, explain this topic sentence, and provide an example.
  • Main Body Paragraph 2 : Follow the same format as the previous paragraph.
  • Conclusion : Recap the main points and reiterate your opinion.

Sample Essay:

Introduction: Digital technology has become an integral part of modern education, transforming the way students learn and interact with the world. In this essay, I will outline why I believe that incorporating digital technology in schools is highly beneficial for students learning.

Main Body Paragraph 1: First and foremost, digital technology enhances engagement and active participation in the learning process. Interactive learning platforms, virtual simulations, and multimedia resources make lessons more captivating and encourage students to explore concepts in depth. For instance, online platforms like Khan Academy offer interactive math lessons that adapt to individual learning paces, ensuring a personalized and effective learning experience. This level of engagement fosters a deeper understanding of subjects.

Main Body Paragraph 2: Furthermore, digital technology equips students with practical skills relevant to the digital age. In today’s interconnected world, proficiency in using digital tools and navigating online resources is essential for success. Integrating technology into education not only prepares students for the future job market but also empowers them to be critical thinkers and problem solvers. For instance, coding workshops in schools enable students to develop computational thinking, a skill applicable in a wide range of disciplines.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the integration of digital technology into schools brings numerous advantages to students’ learning experiences. It enhances engagement, promotes practical skills, and cultivates a mindset of adaptability and innovation. While some may argue that excessive screen time can be detrimental, judicious use of technology can mitigate these concerns. By embracing digital technology, schools can provide a holistic and dynamic education that prepares students for the challenges of the modern world.

Advanced Tips:

  • Be clear in your stance and acknowledge counterarguments if necessary.
  • Employ persuasive tools like strong adjectives, rhetorical questions, and emphatic structures to bolster your arguments.

2. Advantages and Disadvantages Questions

You need to evaluate both the benefits and drawbacks of a particular topic or situation.

What are the pros and cons of remote work for professionals?

  • Introduction : Paraphrase the Question and outline the main points.
  • Main Body Paragraph 1 : Discuss two advantages, expand on each, and provide an example.
  • Main Body Paragraph 2 : Detail two disadvantages, delve deeper into each, and give an example.
  • Conclusion : Summarize the main pros and cons discussed.

Introduction: The advent of technology has revolutionized the way professionals work, giving rise to the concept of remote work. In this essay, I will discuss both the advantages and disadvantages of remote work for professionals.

Main Body Paragraph 1: Remote work offers several compelling advantages for professionals. Firstly, it provides a flexible work environment that allows individuals to balance their personal and professional lives effectively. This flexibility can lead to increased job satisfaction and improved overall well-being. Moreover, remote work eliminates the need for daily commutes, saving valuable time and reducing stress. According to a study conducted by Global Workplace Analytics, remote workers report higher levels of productivity due to reduced distractions commonly found in traditional office settings.

Main Body Paragraph 2: However, remote work also presents certain challenges. One notable disadvantage is the potential for isolation and reduced collaboration. In a traditional office environment, spontaneous interactions and face-to-face discussions foster creativity and teamwork. Remote work can lead to feelings of loneliness and hinder effective communication, which is crucial for innovative solutions to complex problems. Additionally, remote work requires a high level of self-discipline, as the absence of direct supervision may lead to procrastination and decreased accountability.

Conclusion: In conclusion, remote work offers professionals a range of benefits such as flexibility and time savings. However, it is not without its drawbacks, including potential isolation and reduced collaboration. To maximize the advantages of remote work while mitigating its disadvantages, professionals must cultivate effective communication skills, establish a dedicated workspace, and maintain a disciplined work routine. Ultimately, the success of remote work hinges on the ability to strike a balance between the convenience it offers and the challenges it poses.

  • Use transitional phrases to ensure smooth transitions between points.
  • Avoid mere antonyms when presenting pros and cons.

3. Discussion (Discuss Both Views) Questions

These questions require you to explore multiple perspectives on a topic.

Should governments prioritize economic growth over environmental conservation?

  • Introduction : Paraphrase the Question and provide a thesis statement.
  • Main Body Paragraph 1 : Detail one viewpoint, give reasons for/against it and provide an example.
  • Main Body Paragraph 2 : State the opposing viewpoint, discuss it, and again offer an example.
  • Conclusion : Sum up the discussion and state your preferred perspective.

Introduction: The delicate balance between economic growth and environmental conservation has become a critical concern in contemporary societies. In this essay, I will delve into both perspectives on whether governments should prioritize economic growth or environmental conservation.

Main Body Paragraph 1: From an economic standpoint, prioritizing growth can lead to numerous benefits. Economic expansion creates job opportunities, boosts national income, and improves living standards for citizens. For instance, countries like China and India have experienced significant economic growth that has lifted millions out of poverty. This growth can fund essential services such as healthcare and education, contributing to overall societal development.

Main Body Paragraph 2: On the other hand, environmental conservation holds paramount importance for the future well-being of our planet. Ecological degradation and resource depletion have dire consequences for ecosystems and humanity alike. Focusing on environmental conservation ensures the preservation of biodiversity, clean air, and freshwater sources. For instance, countries like Sweden have successfully implemented green policies, resulting in cleaner air and sustainable use of natural resources.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the debate over whether governments should prioritize economic growth or environmental conservation is complex and multifaceted. While economic growth brings prosperity and improved living standards, neglecting environmental concerns could lead to irreversible damage to our planet. Striking a balance between these two perspectives is crucial. Governments can implement policies that promote sustainable economic growth while also ensuring responsible resource management and environmental protection. Only through careful consideration and informed decision-making can societies navigate the intricate interplay between economic progress and environmental stewardship.

  • Ensure you give equal weight to both viewpoints.
  • Your conclusion should reflect a balanced understanding of the topic.

Read Also : Cohesive Devices for Band 9 in IELTS Writing: The ultimate guide

4. Problem and Solution Questions

This question type asks you to identify problems related to a situation and suggest solutions.

What challenges does urbanization present and how can cities adapt?

  • Introduction : Paraphrase the Question and outline the main ideas.
  • Main Body Paragraph 1 : Identify the problems, discuss them, and offer examples.
  • Main Body Paragraph 2 : Suggest possible solutions, discuss their feasibility, and provide examples.
  • Conclusion : Recap the highlighted problems and proposed solutions.

Introduction: The rapid pace of urbanization has transformed the world’s landscape, bringing with it a host of challenges that demand urgent attention. In this essay, I will explore the problems posed by urbanization and propose viable solutions to address these challenges.

Main Body Paragraph 1: Urbanization has given rise to a range of pressing issues. One significant challenge is the strain on urban infrastructure, including transportation and housing. As rural populations migrate to cities, the demand for housing outpaces supply, leading to slums and inadequate living conditions. Additionally, traffic congestion and limited public transport options undermine efficient mobility. Pollution is another critical concern as increased industrial activity and vehicular emissions degrade air quality, endangering residents’ health.

Main Body Paragraph 2: To counter these challenges, cities can adopt proactive measures. Firstly, urban planning should prioritize affordable housing initiatives and sustainable infrastructure development. By building smart cities that utilize technology to manage resources efficiently, governments can alleviate congestion and enhance the quality of life. Moreover, investing in efficient public transportation systems, such as metro networks and buses, can reduce traffic congestion and pollution. For instance, the Bus Rapid Transit system in Curitiba, Brazil, has improved transportation efficiency and reduced congestion.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the challenges posed by urbanization require multifaceted solutions that span urban planning, infrastructure development, and sustainable policies. By addressing housing shortages, improving transportation, and promoting environmentally conscious practices, cities can harness the potential of urbanization while mitigating its negative consequences. This approach will not only enhance the quality of life for urban residents but also contribute to the overall well-being of society in the face of an increasingly urbanized world.

  • Be specific in identifying problems and avoid vagueness.
  • Solutions should be practical and actionable.

5. Two-Part Questions

You are presented with a statement followed by two distinct queries that must be addressed.

How has digital technology impacted workplaces and what future advancements can be anticipated?

  • Introduction : Paraphrase the statement and outline both questions.
  • Main Body Paragraph 1 : Address the first question with explanations and examples.
  • Main Body Paragraph 2 : Respond to the second question, again with explanations and examples.
  • Conclusion : Summarize the responses to both questions.

Introduction: The integration of digital technology into workplaces has reshaped the dynamics of modern work environments, bringing forth both immediate changes and future possibilities. In this essay, I will delve into the ways digital technology has already transformed workplaces and discuss potential advancements that can be anticipated.

Main Body Paragraph 1: The impact of digital technology on workplaces has been profound. Firstly, it has streamlined communication and collaboration, allowing teams to collaborate across geographical boundaries in real-time. Tools like video conferencing and cloud-based document sharing have revolutionized how projects are managed. Moreover, automation powered by artificial intelligence (AI) has improved efficiency by handling routine tasks, freeing up employees to focus on more complex, creative endeavors. This has been particularly evident in industries like manufacturing, where robots have taken over repetitive and dangerous tasks.

Main Body Paragraph 2: Looking ahead, digital technology is poised to bring even more transformative changes. The rise of remote work is likely to continue, with augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies offering immersive virtual workspaces that replicate physical office environments. Furthermore, AI-driven analytics will enable data-driven decision-making, enhancing business strategies and customer interactions. The concept of a “smart office” will likely emerge, with interconnected devices and IoT (Internet of Things) technology optimizing resource utilization and energy efficiency.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the impact of digital technology on workplaces has been substantial, revolutionizing communication, automating tasks, and increasing efficiency. As we move forward, advancements such as AR, VR, AI, and IoT hold the promise of further reshaping work environments. To stay competitive, companies must embrace these innovations while also addressing potential challenges like data security and workforce adaptation. By doing so, they can position themselves to thrive in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.

  • Maintain a clear division between your answers to both questions.
  • Use predictive techniques when addressing future-related queries.

6. Mixed Type (Advantages and Disadvantages + Opinion)

Here, you should discuss the pros and cons of a topic, followed by expressing a personal opinion.

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of online shopping and give your own opinion.

  • Introduction : Introduce the topic.
  • Advantages : 1-2 paragraphs detailing the benefits.
  • Disadvantages : 1-2 paragraphs detailing the drawbacks.
  • Opinion : State your viewpoint and provide supporting reasons.
  • Conclusion : Summarize the main points.

Introduction: The proliferation of online shopping has transformed the way consumers engage in commerce, offering convenience and accessibility like never before. This essay will explore the benefits and drawbacks of online shopping, followed by my personal opinion on its overall impact.

Advantages: Online shopping presents several advantages. Firstly, it offers unparalleled convenience, allowing customers to browse and purchase products from the comfort of their homes. This eliminates the need to travel to physical stores, saving time and energy. Moreover, the variety of options available online ensures a wider selection of products, often at competitive prices. Online platforms also offer detailed product information, reviews, and comparison tools, empowering consumers to make informed decisions.

Disadvantages: However, online shopping is not without its disadvantages. One major concern is the inability to physically inspect products before purchase. This can lead to dissatisfaction if the received item doesn’t match expectations. Additionally, online transactions may pose risks to personal data security and privacy. Cases of identity theft and online scams are not uncommon, raising concerns about the safety of online purchases. Furthermore, the lack of face-to-face interaction eliminates the personal touch of traditional shopping experiences.

Opinion: In my opinion, the advantages of online shopping outweigh its drawbacks. The convenience, vast selection, and competitive prices make it a viable option for today’s busy consumers. The potential risks associated with online transactions can be mitigated by adopting secure payment methods and practicing caution when sharing personal information. As technology continues to advance, addressing security concerns will likely become more effective.

Conclusion: In conclusion, online shopping offers undeniable benefits in terms of convenience, variety, and accessibility. While challenges such as product inspection and security issues persist, they can be managed with prudent shopping practices. Embracing online shopping while remaining vigilant about its potential pitfalls can lead to a rewarding and efficient shopping experience.

  • Balance your essay by giving equal importance to advantages, disadvantages, and your opinion.
  • Use rhetorical questions to highlight the significance of your viewpoint.

Read Also : Common grammar mistakes to avoid in the IELTS writing section

7. Double Question

Two distinct questions are presented that must be answered within the essay.

Why do people attend colleges or universities? What are the benefits of higher education?

  • Answer to Question 1 : Provide reasons and examples.
  • Answer to Question 2 : Offer explanations and illustrations.
  • Conclusion : Recap the main points made.

Introduction: The decision to pursue higher education is driven by a multitude of factors, each intertwined with the potential benefits that education beyond high school can offer. This essay will delve into the reasons individuals choose to attend colleges or universities and the advantages that higher education brings.

Answer to Question 1: People seek higher education for various reasons. Firstly, acquiring specialized knowledge and skills is a primary motivation. Colleges and universities offer structured curricula that equip students with expertise in their chosen fields. Furthermore, higher education provides opportunities for personal growth and self-discovery. The university environment encourages critical thinking, independent research, and exposure to diverse perspectives, fostering well-rounded individuals who are prepared for the challenges of the modern world.

Answer to Question 2: The benefits of higher education are manifold. Firstly, it significantly enhances career prospects. Graduates with degrees are often more competitive in the job market, commanding higher salaries and better employment opportunities. Additionally, higher education fosters networking and social connections that can open doors to professional opportunities. Moreover, education beyond high school cultivates critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are invaluable assets in various aspects of life. For instance, an educated citizenry contributes to informed decision-making in society and drives innovation.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the decision to attend colleges or universities is driven by a desire for specialized knowledge, personal growth, and expanded opportunities. The benefits of higher education are far-reaching, including improved career prospects, enhanced critical thinking abilities, and societal contributions. As higher education continues to evolve and adapt to changing demands, its role in shaping individuals and society remains indispensable.

  • Use connectors like “Firstly” and “Secondly” to distinguish between the two answers.
  • Provide real-life examples to make your answers more credible.

8. Evaluation

You should assess the significance, relevance, or implications of a topic or statement.

How significant is the role of technology in education today?

  • Significance/Relevance : Describe why the topic is essential.
  • Counterarguments : Discuss opposing viewpoints or potential drawbacks.
  • Conclusion : Summarize your evaluation.

Introduction: Technology’s pervasive presence in modern education has sparked debates about its significance and impact on learning. This essay will evaluate the role of technology in education today, examining its importance and potential drawbacks.

Significance/Relevance: The role of technology in education is undeniably significant. It has transformed traditional classrooms into dynamic learning environments, offering interactive tools and resources that engage students. Technology facilitates personalized learning experiences, catering to diverse learning styles and paces. For instance, adaptive learning platforms tailor content to individual students’ progress, optimizing comprehension and retention. Moreover, technology has transcended geographical barriers, enabling distance learning and online courses that make education accessible to a global audience.

Counterarguments: However, there are counterarguments to the unqualified significance of technology in education. Overreliance on technology may lead to reduced face-to-face interactions and diminished social skills. Additionally, some educators argue that technology can be a distraction, diverting students’ attention from essential learning objectives. Moreover, the digital divide, where not all students have equal access to technology, can exacerbate educational inequalities.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the role of technology in education is undoubtedly significant, enhancing engagement, personalization, and accessibility. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge potential drawbacks such as social skill erosion and disparities in access. Technology’s effectiveness in education depends on its thoughtful integration and its alignment with pedagogical goals. Striking a balance between harnessing technology’s benefits and mitigating its downsides is essential to maximize its positive impact on modern education.

  • Maintain objectivity; avoid extreme positions unless strongly backed by evidence.
  • Use qualifiers like “largely”, “often”, or “generally” to avoid making absolute statements.

9. Causes (Reasons) and Effects

This type demands an understanding of the root causes of a situation and its resultant effects.

What are the reasons for increasing obesity rates in children, and what are its consequences?

  • Causes/Reasons : Elaborate on the underlying factors.
  • Effects/Consequences : Detail the outcomes or repercussions.
  • Conclusion : Recap the main causes and effects.

Introduction: The rising prevalence of childhood obesity has emerged as a critical public health concern in many societies. This essay will delve into the underlying causes of increasing obesity rates in children and explore the far-reaching consequences of this alarming trend.

Causes/Reasons: Several factors contribute to the growing obesity rates among children. Firstly, changes in dietary habits have led to increased consumption of processed foods high in sugars and unhealthy fats. Busy lifestyles and convenience-driven choices have shifted diets towards calorie-dense but nutritionally poor options. Sedentary behaviors, fueled by excessive screen time and a decline in physical activity, also play a pivotal role. Reduced outdoor play and an increasing reliance on electronic devices have led to a decline in daily physical activity levels. Furthermore, socioeconomic disparities can impact access to healthy food options and safe play spaces, exacerbating the issue.

Effects/Consequences: The consequences of childhood obesity are multifaceted and far-reaching. In the short term, overweight children often face social and psychological challenges, including low self-esteem and bullying. Moreover, childhood obesity sets the stage for lifelong health problems. Obese children are at a higher risk of developing chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and musculoskeletal issues. The economic burden on healthcare systems is substantial, as treating obesity-related illnesses places a strain on resources.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the rising prevalence of childhood obesity can be attributed to a complex interplay of factors, including dietary changes, sedentary lifestyles, and socioeconomic disparities. The consequences of childhood obesity extend beyond physical health, impacting mental well-being and straining healthcare systems. Addressing this issue requires a comprehensive approach involving education, policy changes, and community initiatives that promote healthy diets and active lifestyles from an early age.

  • Use cause-effect connectors like “due to”, “because of”, “as a result”, and “hence”.
  • Illustrate causes and effects with recent studies or statistical data where possible.

Read Also : How to use Complex Sentences in IELTS writing?

Supplementary Skills and Tips

Advanced Writing Techniques :

  • Use cohesive devices like ‘however’, ‘moreover’, and ‘therefore’ to ensure fluidity.
  • Vary sentence lengths for rhythm and engagement.
  • Incorporate credible statistics where appropriate.

Pitfalls to Avoid :

  • Stay away from broad generalizations and sweeping statements.
  • Use varied vocabulary to prevent monotony.
  • Always revise your essay before submission.

Enhancing Vocabulary :

  • Improve your vocabulary to make your essay more engaging. For instance, instead of “good”, use words like “beneficial” or “advantageous”.

The Importance of Practice and Feedback :

  • Regular practice, coupled with feedback, is key. Take online IELTS mock tests with detailed feedback from certified examiners to improve your writing skills.

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IELTS Writing Task 2 Recent Questions

In this article, we outline over 250 recent IELTS Writing Task 2 topics and sample questions.

The IELTS Writing Task 2 is an essay writing task that assesses your ability to express and develop an argument in response to a given prompt. As an essential part of the IELTS exam, a high score in writing task 2 can help you achieve your desired overall score.

To score well in the IELTS Writing Task 2, you need to be familiar with all the possible topics that may come up.

Table of Contents

What is the basic structure for ielts writing task 2 in the ielts exam, ielts writing task 2 topics on education, ielts task 2 questions on globalisation, ielts task 2 questions on equality, ielts task 2 questions about the environment, ielts task 2 questions on technology, task 2 questions on travel and transport, task 2 questions on health, task 2 questions on law and order.

  • Task 2 questions on Language and Culture
  • Task 2 Questions on Government and Society

Task 2 Questions on Sports and Pastimes

Recent writing task 2 questions: january 2024, recent writing task 2 questions: october 2023, recent writing task 2 questions: july 2023, recent writing task 2 questions: april 2023, recent writing task 2 questions: january 2023, recent writing task 2 questions: october 2022, recent task 2 questions: july 2022.

  • January to March 2022 recent task 2 questions
  • October to December 2021 sample task 2 questions

Sample Task 2 Questions: September 2021

Sample task 2 questions: february / march 2021.

  • Sample Task 2 Questions: January 2021
  • Task 2 Sample Questions: October/November 2020

IELTS Writing Task 2 Topics: August 2020 

Task 2 questions: march 2020, task 2 essay questions: january 2020, recent exam task 2 questions: october 2019, task 2 sample questions: september 2019, task 2 questions: august 2019.

  • Task 2 questions: June 2019

Task 2 questions: January 2019

Writing task 2 questions: december 2018, task 2 questions: november 2018.

  • Writing task 2 questions: October 2018
  • Writing task 2 questions: September 2018

Writing task 2 questions: August 2018

Latest writing task 2 questions: july 2018 (education), latest writing task 2 questions: july 2018.

  • March – April 2019 task 2 questions

VIDEO: Recent 2022 questions and sample answers for IELTS Writing Task 2 

  • Frequently Asked Questions

The IELTS writing exam is split into two parts and task 2 is worth 66% of your score.

The IELTS writing task 2 is an essay writing task that assesses your ability to express and develop an argument in response to a given topic.

You are allocated 40 minutes to write it.

On the official British Council site there are documents that state your essay must contain at least 250 words, however, in the official criteria, there is no mention of 250 words.

The basic structure for IELTS writing task 2 in the IELTS exam is as follows:

  • Introduction : Be sure to state the question in your own words in your introduction so that you introduce the topic of your task 2. Task 2 statements are often a paraphrasing of the initial question.
  • Support your opinion : Once you have made your opinion clear, you have to provide facts to justify your choice
  • State the opposing point of you . You do not have to persuade the examiner about the opposing opinion, but it is important to state what it is. 
  • Summarise your opinion.

Below you will find a variety of task 2 essay topics that have been seen by students on their IELTS exams. By practising with these writing task 2 topics, you prepare yourself to write an essay about a wide range of topics.

Get your IELTS essay evaluated online for free using our new essay checker service. 

For a FREE ebook PDF of our top 10 sample essays, click here!

Common Essay Topics for IELTS Writing Task 2

Preparing for the IELTS Writing Task 2 requires familiarizing yourself with common essay topics that may appear on the IELTS exam.

Having knowledge of these topics can help you prepare well and increase your chances of scoring high.

Below are some of the most common essay topics for the IELTS Writing Task 2 exam.

  • Globalisation
  • Environment
  • Travel and transport
  • Law and order
  • Language and culture
  • Government and society
  • Sports and pastimes

In IELTS writing task 2, test takers may be presented with essay topics related to education.

Some writing task 2 education topics may focus on the benefits and drawbacks of traditional education or the role of technology in modern learning.

Here’s a sample task 2 question about education:

Some people think that a person improves intellectual skills better when doing group activities.  To what extent do you agree? Use specific details and examples to explain your view. 

Read more IELTS Writing Task 2 Topics on Education here

Writing task 2 often features essay topics related to globalisation, requiring test takers to express their views and opinions on the subject.

The essay question themes may include the far-reaching impacts of globalisation on economies, societies, and cultures around the world.

Here’s a sample task 2 question about globalisation:

Many people say that globalisation and the growing number of multinational companies have a negative effect on the environment. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.

Read more IELTS Task 2 questions on Globalisation here

In IELTS writing task 2, test takers are often presented with essay topics related to equality, asking them to explore issues such as gender equality, racial equality, and economic inequality.

Here’s a sample task 2 question about equality:

Nowadays both men and women spend a lot of money on beauty care. This was not so in the past. What may be the root cause of this behaviour? Discuss the reasons and possible results.

Read more IELTS task 2 questions on Equality here

Writing task 2 often features environment-related essay topics, requiring test takers to discuss issues such as pollution, conservation, and sustainable development.

Here’s a sample task 2 question about the environment:

Environmental issues such as climate change have always been an international problem because governments are not imposing harsh punishments against offenders. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Support your answer with specific reasons and examples.

Read more IELTS task 2 questions on the Environment here

In IELTS writing task 2, test takers are often given essay topics related to technology, requiring them to explore topics such as the benefits and drawbacks of technology, the role of technology in society, and the potential impact of emerging technologies.

Here’s a sample task 2 question about technology:

What technologies did you use to help you in your studies? Describe how it has helped you. Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.

Read more IELTS Task 2 questions on Technology here

In the IELTS writing exam, test takers may be required to discuss and write about travel and transport essay topics.

Here’s a sample task 2 question about travel and transport:

In many countries, people tend to move overseas or move to a different part of their country after their retirement. Discuss why they do so and what the outcome of this situation is. Provide specific reasons and examples to support your opinion

Read more Task 2 questions on Travel and Transport here.

Some people think that keeping pets is good for children while others think it is dangerous and unhealthy. Which opinion do you agree with? Discuss both options and give examples.

Read more Task 2 questions on Health here

Some people believe that once a person becomes a criminal, he will always be a criminal. Do you agree with this statement? Provide specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.

Read more  Task 2 questions on Law and Order here.

Task 2 Questions on Language and Culture

Compared to the past, more people are now trying to learn a foreign language to increase their chances of landing a better job in their native country or having better opportunities to work abroad. To what extent do you agree with this point of view? Give specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.

Read more Task 2 questions on language and culture here.

Task 2 Questions on Government and society

Should the government support artists, such as musicians, writers, and painters? Is it economically beneficial or is it just a waste of money? Why or why not?

Read more Task 2 questions on Government and society here.

International sporting events are costly and bring problems to the hosting country. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Give specific reasons and examples to support your position.

Read more Task 2 questions on Sports and Pastimes here

Sample IELTS Writing Task 2 Topics and Answers 

  • Band 6.5 essay about marriage (includes ex-ielts examiner commentary)
  • Band 9 essay about education (includes ex-ielts examiner commentary)

Join our Facebook group where students share their recent IELTS writing task 2 questions

Instructions to get your essay evaluated for free

  • Write an IELTS essay answering one of the questions below
  • Copy and paste the question into the new online IELTS essay checker .
  • Get your estimated band score (free)

Recent IELTS Writing Task 2 Questions from July 2018 till date

Below are past essay questions from previous years as seen by students in their exams.

These sample questions will help you prepare and better know what to expect in your task 2 exam.

Feel free to send us your task 2 questions if you have recently taken the IELTS exam.

  • In many countries, it is mandatory for school children to wear uniforms. Do the advantages of this policy outweigh the disadvantages? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
  • Many museums charge for admission while others are free. Do you think the advantages of charging people for admission outweigh the disadvantages?
  • Ambition is a positive quality for people to have in society today. How important is it for people who want to succeed in life? Is it a positive or negative characteristic?
  • Research has shown that the transportation of products and people are the main source of pollution. Some people believe the government should be in charge of this, while others believe it is the fault of individuals. Discuss both views and give your opinion. Give reasons for your answer and include relevant examples from your knowledge or experience. 
  • Extreme sports such as skydiving and rock climbing are very dangerous and should be banned. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this view?
  • These days more people put their personal information, such as names, addresses and telephone numbers, online for everyday activities such as socialising on social networks or banking purposes. Do you think it is a positive or negative development?
  • The leaders or directors of organizations are often older people. But some people say that young people can also be a leader. Do you agree or disagree?
  • Some people believe that people living in the twenty-first century have a better standard of living as compared to previous centuries. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give reasons for your answer and include relevant examples from your knowledge or experience.
  • A portion of the human population believes that criminal behaviour has its roots in genes. Others think that circumstances lead people to commit crimes. Discuss your take on both views and put forward your opinions. 
  • Some people think the government should provide free housing, while others believe it is not the government’s responsibility. Discuss both views and give your opinion
  • Some people believe the purpose of education is to prepare individuals to be beneficial to society. Others say the purpose of education is to achieve personal ambitions. Discuss both views and give your own opinion
  • With the growing population of cities, more and more people live in homes that have little or no outdoor area. Is this a positive or negative development? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your knowledge or experience.
  • It has been suggested that all young adults should be required to undertake a period of unpaid work helping people in the community. Would the drawbacks of such a requirement be greater than the benefits to the community and the individual young adults?
  • Some think dangerous extreme sports such as skydiving and rock climbing should be banned. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • Nowadays, most countries improve their living standards through economic development. However, some social values are lost as a result. Do you think the advantages of the phenomenon outweigh the disadvantages?
  • Although countries with long average working hours are economically successful, this often has some negative social consequences. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • In many countries, the number of animals and plants is declining. Why do you think this is happening? How can this issue be solved? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your knowledge or experience.
  • Some people think that activities during free time should be planned while others disagree. Discuss both sides and include examples and relevant data from your own experience.
  • The tendency of news reports in the media to focus more on problems and emergencies than on positive developments is harmful to individuals and society as a whole. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your knowledge or experience.
  • Some people think the government should support artists like painters, musicians, and poets, while others believe this wastes money. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  • Earlier technology developments brought more benefits and changed the lives of ordinary people more than recent developments ever will. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • These days more and more people are going to other countries for a significant period either to find a job or study. There are clearly many benefits to doing this, but people who live abroad can also face some difficulties.Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of living and working in a foreign country. Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
  • Nowadays online shopping is extremely popular. Discuss the impact of it on the environment and on people who lost their jobs because of it.
  • In some countries the government promotes public transport as the primary means of transportation, and discourages private vehicle ownership. Do you think the advantages of this policy outweigh the disadvantages?
  • Nowadays, most children prefer to spend several hours playing with electronic devices over doing more traditional leisure activities.What problem does this cause? What do you think are possible solutions?
  • It is believed that secondary school children should study international news as one of their school subjects. Others think that this is a waste of valuable school time. Discuss both views and give your opinions.
  • Some people think it’s better to choose friends who always have the same opinions as them. Other people believe it’s good to have friends who sometimes disagree with them. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
  • Fast food is a part of life in many places. Some people think this has bad effects on lifestyle and diets. Do you agree or disagree?
  • Some people encourage watching sports as a way of learning about teamwork and strategy, while others believe that one can learn these skills only through playing sports. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
  • New technologies have changed the way children spend their free time. Do you think the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?
  • Some people prefer to spend their lives doing the same things and avoiding change. Others, however, think that change is always a good thing. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
  • Although parents are responsible for raising a child, outside influence plays a key role in their development. To what extent do you agree or disagree
  • Movies and tv shows are a good way to study history despite their lack of historical accuracy at times. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • Nowadays, instead of locally sourced produce, many supermarkets sell a variety of foods imported from countries all across the world. Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?
  • Rising university fees and scarce employment prospects for graduates have led some people to say that universities should not teach arts subjects, like philosophy and history, and only offer practical degree courses that maximise chances of employment. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Give a reason for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
  • In some parts of the world, traditional festivals and celebrations have disappeared or are disappearing. Why is this happening? What measures could be taken to ensure they do not disappear?
  • Some people believe that using taxpayer funds to look for life on other planets is important. Others, however, think that it is a waste of public money because there are many more important issues requiring funding on our own planet. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
  • In recent years, there has been growing interest in the relationship between equality and personal achievement. Some people believe that individuals can achieve more in egalitarian societies. Others believe that high levels of personal achievement are possible only if individuals are free to succeed or fail according to their individual merits. Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.
  • Our personalities are predetermined as a result of our genes before we are born and there is nothing that can be done to change our character traits. To what extent do you agree?
  • Some people believe that teaching children at home is best for a child’s development while others think it is important for children to go to school. Discuss both the advantages of each method and give your own opinion
  • As the number of cars increases, more money has to be spent on road systems. Some people think the government should pay for this. Others, however, think that drivers should cover the costs. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
  • Some people suggest that a country should try to produce all the food for its population and import as little food as possible. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • Museums and art galleries should concentrate on local works rather than showing the cultures or artworks from other countries. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • Online currencies have become more common in recent years. Why is this? Is this a positive or negative development?
  • Many customs and traditional ways of behaviour are no longer relevant to the modern life and not worth keeping. Do you agree or disagree?
  • Some think secondary and high school students should be allowed to choose academic courses leading to university or practical courses leading to careers such as carpenters. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • Some people say that to prevent illness and disease, governments should focus more on reducing environmental pollution and housing problems. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • Nowadays, distance-learning programs have gained popularity, but some people argue that online courses can never be as good as those taken at a college or university in person. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • The increase in the production of consumer goods results in damage to the natural environment. What are the causes of this? What can be done to solve this problem?
  • Some people think international events such as the Olympic Games are important and can bring nations together. Others, however, think that they are a waste of money as the money could be spent elsewhere on more important issues. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
  • Some people think that dangerous sports should be banned. Others, however, believe that people should be free to choose sports activities. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
  • In today’s world, people spend a lot of money on appearance because they want to look younger. Why does this happen? Do you think this is a positive or negative development?
  • In many countries, people now wear western clothes such as suits and jeans rather than traditional clothing. Why is this the case? Is this a positive or negative development?
  • Many governments think that economic progress is their most important goal. Some people, however, think that other types of progress are equally important for a country. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
  • Some people think visual images, such as photographs and videos, can most accurately inform people about a news story. Others believe they are not reliable sources of information. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  • These days, older people who have retired often choose to spend money on themselves (for example on holidays) rather than save money for their children. Is this a positive or negative development?
  • Advanced technology has brought many beneficial changes to the world. However, some old people today struggle with the use of technologies such as mobile phones and the Internet. How can the elderly benefit from using advanced technologies? How can the elderly be encouraged to use consumer electronics more often?
  • Recent advances in medicine have resulted in an increase in life expectancy over the past four years. Do you think that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
  • The best way to make the road transport of goods safer is to ask drivers to take a driving test each year. To what extent do you agree or disagree ?
  • Although, it is generally illegal corporal punishment continues in many countries. Others argue that parents should have the right to punish their children in this way. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Listen to the sample answer to this question here .
  • The increasing demand for oil and gas has made it necessary to look for these energy sources in remote and untouched natural places. Do you think the advantages of locating oil and gas in these areas outweigh the disadvantages of damaging these places? Listen to the sample answer to this question here .
  • Some people think the primary purpose of schools is to turn children into good citizens and workers, rather than to benefit them as individuals. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
  • Some people think it is a better way to leave their home country to improve their work and living opportunities, while others think staying in their own country is a better choice. Discuss both views and give your own opinion . Listen to the sample answer to this question here .
  • In many cities, planners tend to arrange shops, schools, offices, and homes in specific areas and separate them from each other. Do you think the advantages of this policy outweigh the disadvantages?
  • It’s more important for school children to learn about their local history than world history. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • Nowadays many people prefer to buy famous brands of clothes, cars and other items. What are the reasons for this? Do you think it is a positive or negative development ?
  • In many workplaces, online communication is becoming more commonplace than face-to-face meetings. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? Listen to the sample answer to this question here .

January to March 2022 Recent Task 2 Questions

  • Some people believe that violence in the media, such as in television programs and films, directly results in violent behaviour. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • In the future, all cars, buses and trucks will be driverless. The only people travelling inside these vehicles will be passengers. Do you think that the advantages of driverless vehicles outweigh the disadvantages?
  • In many countries, children are becoming overweight and unhealthy. Some people think that the government has the responsibility to solve this problem. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • In some countries, there has been an increase in the number of advertisements that try to persuade children to buy snacks, toys, and other goods. Some people claim this is unfair as parents feel under pressure to buy these kinds of things for their children. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • Some believe that younger family members should be legally responsible for supporting older family members when they become physically, mentally and financially unable to look after themselves. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • In the 21st century, contact between many different parts of the world has developed rapidly through air travel and telecommunications. Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?
  • Weddings are getting bigger and more expensive. What is the reason for this? Is it a positive or negative development?
  • Educating young people is naturally important. However, some think governments ought to invest more in education for adults in need. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • In some places, old age is valued, while in other cultures youth is considered more important. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
  • A rise in the standard of living in a country often only seems to benefit cities rather than rural areas. What problems can this cause? How might these problems be reduced?
  • Some people think that personal happiness is directly related to economic success. Others argue that happiness depends on different factors. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

October to December 2021 Sample Task 2 Questions

  • Some people think that the best way to succeed in life is to get a university education, while others disagree and say that it is no longer true nowadays. Discuss both views and give your own opinions.
  • In many countries, plastic shopping bags are the main source of rubbish. They cause water and land pollution, and so they should be banned. To what extent do you agree with this statement?
  • Information technology is changing many aspects of our lives and now dominates our home, leisure and work activities. To what extent do the benefits of information technology outweigh the disadvantages?
  • Some people think that schools are no longer necessary because people can acquire information on the Internet. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • Some people believe that university students should pay all the costs of studies because university education only benefits students themselves, not society as a whole. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • Some think increasing business and cultural contact between nations is positive. Others think it leads to the disappearance of the national identity. Discuss both views and state your own opinion.
  • Some people think that schools should select students according to their academic abilities, while others believe that it is better to have students with different abilities studying together. Discuss both views and state your own opinion.
  • Many people like to eat unhealthy food even though they know it’s bad for them. Why? What are the most effective ways to improve people’s eating habits?
  • Some people think there are not many things individuals can do to resolve environmental problems, while others believe that in order to tackle environmental problems individuals also need to take action. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  • There is too much noise in many public places in cities. What are the causes of this problem? What can be done to solve the problem?
  • Crime rates will fall as advances in technology make it easier to detect and prevent crimes. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • In many situations, people who break the law should be warned instead of punished. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • Some people think employers should not care about the way their employees dress, but the quality of work. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • Some people think children should have the freedom to make mistakes, while other people believe that adults should prevent children from making mistakes. Discuss both sides and give your opinion
  • Although more and more people read news on the Internet, newspapers will remain the most important source of news for the majority of people. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • Some students take one year off between finishing high school and going to university, in order to travel or to work. Do you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
  • Today, many people do not know their neighbours in large cities. What problems does this cause? What can be done about this?
  • An increasing number of developing countries are expanding their tourist industry. Why do you think it is the case? Do you think it is a positive or negative development?
  • Nowadays, more and more people from different cities are spending more time away from their families. What are the possible reasons and the effects on the people themselves and their families?
  • Some people say that nowadays children have an easy life, and some people think that the life of children was easier in the past. Discuss both points of view and also provide relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
  • Some people say that all popular TV entertainment programmes should aim to educate viewers about important social issues. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
  • Some people believe the purpose of education should be to help the individual to become useful to society, while others believe it should help individuals to achieve their ambitions. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
  • Many people believe that a person’s culture is defined by their country of origin, while others believe that it has only minor influence. Discuss both these views and give your opinion.
  • More and more people are finding it increasingly important to wear fashionable clothes. Is this attitude to wearing clothes a positive development or negative?
  • The movement of people from villages to cities for work can cause serious problems in both places. What are the serious problems associated with this? What measures can be taken to solve these problems?
  • In the world of the internet, people write product reviews of products and services. Do you think this is a positive or negative development?
  • Some people prefer to buy local products while others prefer international products. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • Some believe that more action should be taken to prevent crime, while others feel that crime is being tackled effectively now. Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.
  • Some people say it is more important to plant trees in the open spaces in towns and cities than to build more housing. To what extant do you agree or disagree?
  • Some scientists think that computers will soon become more intelligent than humans.To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
  • Some people think that dangerous extreme sports such as rock climbing and sky-diving should be banned. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this view?
  • Young people are often influenced by their peers. Do the advantages of peer pressure outweigh the disadvantages? 
  • Some people believe that nowadays too much money is being spent on weddings and birthdays. Why do you think it is happening? What can be done to improve the situation?
  • In many countries, the legal driving age is 18 years old. Some people believe it is the right age to learn how to drive a car, whereas others say that the minimum age should be 25. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
  • Some people think that instead of preventing climate change , we need to find a way to live with it. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Sample Task 2 Questions: January 2021  

  • Some people feel that the effects of advertising are positive for individuals and businesses, while others think they are negative. Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.
  • Some people say that TV advertisements are helpful for viewers, while others disagree. What is your opinion?
  • Some people think the spread of multinational companies and globalization produce positive outcomes for everyone. Do you agree or disagree with this statement?
  • In some countries, there are fewer young people who listen to or play classical music these days. Why is this? Should young people be encouraged to play or perform classical music?
  • Directors of large organizations earn much higher salaries than ordinary employees do. Some people think it is necessary, but others are of the opinion that it is unfair. Discuss both views and give your own opinions.
  • Prison is the common way in most countries try to solve the problem of crime. However, a more effective solution is to provide people with a better education. Do you agree or disagree?
  • Some think that climate change reforms will negatively affect business. Others feel they are an opportunity for businesses. Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.
  • Some people argue that holding sporting events is beneficial to a country’s development. However, other people hold the opposite opinion. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  • The first man to walk on the moon claimed it was a step forward for mankind. However, it has made little difference in most people’s lives. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • Some people think that good teamwork makes a company successful, others think that good leadership is the reason behind the success of a company. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.

Take a look at some of our IELTS vocabulary to help you write about the above topics.

Task 2 Sample Questions: October/November 2020  

  • Nowadays more and more people want to get things done instantly. Why is it? Do you think it is a positive or negative development?
  • Some people think that it is a waste of time for high school students to study literature, such as novels and poems. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • In some countries the elderly are highly valued and respected, while in others youth is more highly valued. Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.
  • The personal information of many individuals is held by large internet companies and organisations. Do you think the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?
  • Some people believe that handwriting is no longer useful in the modern world and should not be taught in schools. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • Some believe that advances in technology are increasing the gap between rich and poor while others think the opposite is happening. Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.
  • Some people believe that smart phones are destroying social interaction today. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • Some people believe that governments should ban dangerous sports. Others claim that they should have freedom to choose their favourite activities. Discuss both views and present your opinion.
  • Nowadays employment options are changing and employees cannot rely on having the same job and working conditions throughout their life. What are some possible causes? Suggest some ways to plan for the future under these circumstances.
  • Many companies sponsor sports as a way of advertising themselves. Some people think this is good for the world of sport, while others think it is negative. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  • Governments in many countries have recently introduced special taxes on foods and beverages with high levels of sugar. Some think these taxes are a good idea while others disagree. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
  • Many people think technological devices such as smartphones, tablets and mobile phones bring more disadvantages than advantages. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • It is better for children if the whole family including aunts, uncles and grandparents are involved in a child’s upbringing, rather than just their parents. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • Most people prefer shopping in supermarkets nowadays. How does this affect the local shops? What are the positive and negative impacts of this development?
  • In many countries, fast food is becoming cheaper and more widely available. Do the disadvantages of this outweigh the advantages?
  • The government should lower the budget on the arts in order to allocate more money to education.To what extent do you agree?
  • Many people argue that eating junk food has led to an unhealthy lifestyle. This problem has become more common among young people these days. Do you agree or disagree that junk food is the cause of the issue?
  • Some people think that in order to produce a happy society, it is necessary to ensure that there is only a small difference between the earnings of the richest and poorest. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • The manufacturing and use of cars damage the environment but their popularity is increasing. Why is this happening? How could this be controlled?
  • Some people think that young people should go to university to further their education while others think they should be encouraged to work as car mechanics or builders etc.to serve society. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  • Some people believe that to give opportunities to the new generation companies should encourage high-level employees who are older than 55 to retire. Do you agree or disagree?
  • Nowadays celebrities earn more money than politicians. What are the reasons for this? Is it a positive or negative development?
  • Many people believe that countries should produce food for the whole population and import as little food as possible. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • Some people think that it is necessary to travel abroad to learn about other countries, but others think that it is not necessary to travel abroad because all the information can be seen on TV and the internet. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  • Why are some people who leave school early more successful compared with those who complete their studies. Provide reasons why they are more successful and what are the requirements for success?
  • Countries with long average working hours are economically more successful than those countries which do not work long hours. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  •  Many students around the world don’t choose science subjects at university. Give the reasons for this and describe the impact on the community?
  • It is better for young people to get advice from old people than young ones. Do you agree or disagree?
  • Some people think that music plays an important role in society. Others think it is simply a form of entertainment. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
  • Some people think that job satisfaction is more important than job security. Others think that people cannot expect to enjoy a job and that having a permanent job is more important. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
  • Some people say that technologies such as mobile phones are disrupting social interaction. Do you agree or disagree?
  • Some people think history has little or nothing to offer, while others say the study of the past helps us understand the present. Write on both views and give your opinion, citing examples from your experience
  • Some people think that zoos are cruel and all the zoos should be closed. However, others think that zoos are useful to protect rare animals. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  • Some people think that the best way to stay fit is to join a gym/health club while others think doing everyday activities such as walking and climbing stairs is sufficient. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
  • Nowadays online shopping is extremely popular. Discuss the impact of it on the environment and on people who lost their jobs because of it
  • Nowadays celebrities earn more money than politicians. What are the reasons for this? Is it a positive or negative development
  • 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.
  • It is too expensive to look after and repair old buildings. This money should be spent on building modern buildings instead. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
  • Scientific research should be the responsibility of governments rather than commercial organizations. Do you agree or disagree with this statement?
  • Some people believe that women should be treated as equal to men when applying for a job with police or the military. Others think women are less suitable for this kind of job. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
  • Some people prefer to work in the same type of job throughout their lifetime while others like to change the type of job they do. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
  • Some people think that it is fine for professional sportsmen and sportswomen to misbehave on or off the field, as long as they are playing well. Do you agree or disagree with this statement?
  • People are becoming too dependent on the Internet and phone. Is it a positive or negative development?
  • Some people suggest that it is better for children to be brought up by the whole family including uncles, aunts and grandparents, rather than just the parents. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give your opinion and examples.
  • Some people think that the government should increase tax on unhealthy food to encourage people to start eating healthy. Do you agree or disagree?
  • Nowadays, people are spending more time away from their homes because they spend longer in their workplace. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages.
  • Nowadays a few people take their family with them abroad whenever they go on a business trip. What are the advantages and disadvantages for them and for their family
  • Many parents complain about violence promoted to their children through video games, TV programs and other media. Why is it happening? What can be the solution for it?
  • Nowadays most people are not as fit and active, as they were in the past. What are the main causes of this situation? Suggest some possible solutions.
  • Nowadays, international tourism is the biggest industry in the world. Unfortunately, it creates tension rather than understanding between people from different cultures. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
  • Fossil fuels (e.g. coal, oil and gas) are the main source of energy for most countries. However, alternative sources of energy (e.g. wind and solar) have been encouraged for use by some countries. To what extent is this a positive or negative development?
  • Nowadays media should include more good news in their publications. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
  • Fossil fuels are the main source of energy around the world. However, people are being encouraged to use alternative energy sources such as wind energy, solar energy and so on. Do you think this is a positive or negative development? Why?
  • Some people believe that elderly employees are more useful to a company, while others believe that young employees are better. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  • The number of older people is increasing. Some people think that this will cause problems in their countries, while others believe this group is important to society. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  • Some think that teenagers should follow older people’s rules. Others think that it is natural for them to challenge what older people say. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
  • Television Sporting shows such as the Olympics motivate the youth who do not like to exercise much. Do you agree or disagree? Include relevant examples in your answer and provide your own opinion.
  • Nowadays many people want to buy famous brands of clothes, cars and other items. What are the reasons for this? Do you think it is a positive or negative development?
  • More people live alone today than they did in the past. Do you think this is a positive or negative development? Give your opinion and relevant examples to support your view.
  • Some people believe that price is the only consideration when buying something. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give your opinion and include relevant examples.
  • Some people believe that educational success depends on good teachers, while others believe that students’ attitudes are important. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
  • People in the current generation are not fit and active. This will cause health problems in the future. What could be the reasons for the inactivity and suggest solutions for this issue?
  • Parents, usually mothers, stay at home to look after their families. People believe that for this they should receive a salary from the government. Do you agree or disagree and why?
  • Some people think that they can go to the gym to remain fit, while others think that there are other better ways to do this. Discuss both views along with your opinion.
  • Some people say companies should require all employees to wear uniforms at work. Others think it is unnecessary. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  • Because of modern technology , some people believe that it is no longer necessary for people to learn handwriting skills, but others believe that handwriting is still an important skill. Discuss both views and give your opinion based on your experience.
  • Nowadays many people work from home. Some think it is beneficial, while others think it may distract the family routine. What is your opinion?
  •  It is necessary for parents to attend a parenting training course to bring their children up. Do you agree or disagree?
  • Nowadays people work too hard. What is the reason for this? What should employers do to prevent employees from overworking?
  • Nowadays people get married and have children after the age of 30. Is it a positive or negative development?
  • Today, some young people say that their mobile phones are the most important thing they own. Do you think that the popularity of mobile phones is a good or bad thing?
  • Nowadays, people believe that governments should invest tax-payers money in healthcare, while others believe that money should be used in other areas. Discuss both points of view and give your opinion.
  • Adults do less exercise nowadays. Some think that people can be encouraged to live healthy lives through sporting events such as the Olympics or the World Cup. Others think that there are better ways to encourage adults to exercise. Discuss both views and state your opinion.
  • Modern cultures around the world have become similar when compared to the past. What are the reasons? Is it a positive or negative development?
  • People are using a lot of online language translation apps. Are there more advantages than disadvantages to such services?
  • Demand for food is increasing worldwide. What is the cause of this? What measures can the international community take to meet this demand?
  • Many companies sponsor sports as a way of advertising themselves. Some people think that this is a good thing, while others think that it has disadvantages. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  • Some people believe that to be successful at a sport you need natural ability and others think that hard work and practice can make you successful. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
  • Nowadays, adults do little exercise. Some people believe that the best way to address this issue is by covering great sports events such as the Olympics on television. Others think that it is more beneficial to take other measures. What is your opinion?
  • These days some people spend a lot of money on tickets to go to sporting or cultural events. Do you think this is a positive or negative development?
  • Some people believe that technology has made man more social and others think that it has made him less social. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
  • Experts say older people were happier and healthier in the past because they did more exercise and spent more time with family and friends, whereas many now suffer from loneliness and health problems. What are the causes of this and what are some solutions?
  • Some people believe that to be successful at a sport you need a natural ability and others think that hard work and practice can make you successful. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
  • Some people believe that there will be a reduction in air travel in the future. Do you think that this trend is a positive or negative development?
  • Some people believe that technology has made man more sociable and others think that it has made us less sociable. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
  • At the present time, the population of some countries includes a relatively large number of young adults, compared with the number of older people. Do you think that the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?
  • Some people believe that it is important to give gifts to friends and family to show that we care about them. Others think that there are better ways to show that we care. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
  • Today much of the food people eat gets transported from farms that are thousands of miles away. Some people believe it would be better for the environment and the economy if people only consumed food produced by local farmers. Would the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?
  • With internet improvements, people can share views or opinions on certain goods or services that they have purchased. Is this a good or a bad thing? Discuss both views and give your opinion.
  • The qualities and skills that a person requires to become successful in today’s world cannot be learned at a university or any other academic institution. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • Shopping has become a new favourite pastime for the younger generation. Why is this the case? Should we encourage them to develop other hobbies too?
  • Courses and general online study have recently become very popular. However, some people still prefer to attend classes in person. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  • Some people think that prison sentences should not be used to deal with criminals. Education and skills training should be used instead. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • It is often said that it is not necessary to have a tertiary education to become a successful businessman. To what extent to you agree or disagree with this statement? Give your opinion and relevant examples.
  • Today it is common practice for many business meetings and business training to take place online. Do the advantages of this new development outweigh the disadvantages?
  • Nowadays, the internet and television have given ordinary people a chance to become famous. Is this a positive or negative development?
  • Some people from poor and rural backgrounds find it difficult to get a university education. Universities should make it easier for such groups to enrol. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • Some people think that it is the responsibility of governments to take care of the environment, while others believe that it is the responsibility of the citizens. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
  • Many people believe that family has a greater influence on a child’s life and development than other factors, such as friends, TV, music and so on. Do you agree or disagree with this statement?
  • Science can now offer people a life expectancy of close to one hundred years or even more. Some people view it in a positive light, but others believe it creates some problems. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  • These days, many people prefer ready-to-eat food outside of their homes rather than homemade food. Do you think this has more advantages or disadvantages?
  • Certain personal qualities cannot be achieved through university studies. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give your opinion and relevant examples.
  • In some countries, the quality of life in larger cities is declining. Why do you think this is happening? What measures can be taken to stop it?

Task 2 Questions: June 2019

  • Shopping is now one of the most popular forms of leisure activity in many countries for young adults. What do you think is the reason for this? Is this a positive or negative development?
  • In many countries, people are living in a “throwaway society” where things are used for a short time and thrown away. What are the causes of this and what problems does it lead to?
  • In some countries, people follow the latest fashion and hairstyles. In your opinion, what is influencing this? Do you think this is a positive or negative development?
  • In some countries, children under 16 years old are not allowed to leave school by law and get full-time work. Is this a good or bad thing? Discuss your opinion.
  • Nowadays, people have adopted an unhealthy lifestyle. Why do think this is? How could this problem be solved?
  • Some young people are leaving the countryside to live in cities and towns, leaving only old people in the countryside. Why do think this is? Do you think this is a positive or negative development?
  • In many countries, people have more health problems because they choose to live an unhealthy lifestyle. What do you think are the reasons for this and how can it be solved? Give relevant examples from your experience.
  • Countries with a long average working time are more economically successful than those countries which do not have a long working time. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • Nowadays, people of all ages from certain parts of the world spend the most time at home rather than going outdoors. Discuss the reasons, is this a negative or positive development?
  • With the development of technology and science, some people believe that there is no great value of artists such as musicians and painters. What are the things artists can do but scientists cannot? Should art be encouraged more?
  • While recruiting a new employee, the employer should pay more attention to their personal qualities, rather than qualifications and experience. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Give your opinion and include relevant examples.
  • Money should be spent on creating new public buildings such as museums or town halls rather than renovating the existing ones. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • All the people in a company should be treated equally and provided with the same number of holidays in a year or people doing different jobs enjoy a different amount of holiday time. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • Some people say that a person’s success is a result of the way he has been brought up by his parents. Do you agree or disagree?
  • Public celebrations (such as national days, festivals etc) are held in most countries. These are often quite expensive and some people say that governments should spend money on more useful things. Do you agree or disagree?
  • Some people say that children given pocket money every week will have lesser money problems when they become adults. Do you agree or disagree?
  • The global demand for oil and gas is increasing. Some people believe that we should therefore encourage the exploitation of remote areas. Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?
  • Today, many big cities in the world are increasing in size. What are the problems associated with it? What are the solutions to these problems?
  • Some young people are leaving the countryside to live in cities or towns, it leaves only old people in the countryside. What are the problems with this issue? What can be done to solve this problem?
  • Many people believe that learning a foreign language is a very difficult task. What are the most difficult things about learning a foreign language? What is the best way to overcome them? Explain and include your personal experience or knowledge of these problems.
  • Some people think high-end technology can prevent and cut down the rate of committing a crime. Do you agree or disagree?
  • Some people feel that courses can make anyone a teacher, while others feel an excellent teacher cannot be made by pursuing a course. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
  • Some people think that a high salary is important when choosing a company to work for, while others think that a good working atmosphere is more important. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
  • Some people encourage young children to leave their parents’ house as soon as they become adults while others say children should stay at their parents’ house as long as possible. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
  • Many countries thought that children have to do homework in their free time while other say children should do more outdoor activities. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • Some people say that art subjects such as music, drama and creative writing are an essential part of education, and every school should include them in its syllabus. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give your opinion and examples from your own experience.
  • Nowadays in many countries, women have full-time jobs. Therefore, it is logical to share household tasks evenly between men and women. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
  • Some people think that public health within a country can be improved by the government making laws regarding nutritious food. Others, however, think that health is a matter of personal choice and responsibility. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
  • Some people believe that the construction of new public buildings such as museums, town halls and sporting facilities is more important than the renovation of the existing ones, while others disagree. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  • Nowadays the crime rate is increasing, especially among teenagers. What are the reasons behind it? How can we reverse this trend? What punishment methods should be used, in your opinion?
  • Nowadays online education has become popular as more institutes and companies are offering courses online. However, many people prefer traditional, classroom training or study. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of both methods.
  • Some people believe that the government should take care of old people and provide financial support after they retire. Others say individuals should save during their working years to fund their own retirement. What is your opinion? Give reasons for your answer and include examples from your own experience.
  • In some cultures, old people are valued more, while in other cultures youth is considered more valuable. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
  • Nowadays people waste a lot of food that was bought from shops and restaurants. Why do you think people waste food? What can be done to reduce the amount of food they throw away?
  • In today’s times, the internet is making it easy to study online from home. Some prefer online courses to study and they think it is better. Others prefer classroom education. Discuss both views and share your opinion.
  • Successful companies use advertising to make more sales. What can make an advertisement very effective? Do you think this is a bad thing or a good thing for society?
  • Science will soon make people live up to 100 or even 200 years. Some believe this is a good thing while others disagree. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  • Some people believe that after hundred years life will be easier for most of people, while others are unsure. What is your opinion?
  • Some people think it is important to spend a lot of money on a wedding celebration, while others disagree. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
  • Some people think that giving gifts and presents to friends and family is important to show them that we care. Others think that there are more important ways. Discuss both and give your opinion.
  • The media is increasing interest in famous people who have ordinary backgrounds. Why do you think people are interested in the lives of famous people? Do you think this is a good thing?
  • Some people prefer activities and lifestyles in hot climates while others prefer activities and lifestyles in cold climates. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
  • Online education and training is becoming increasingly popular in the business world. Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?
  • More and more parents are allowing their children to play on computers and tablets as they think that children should learn technology skills. Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?
  • People are living in a ‘throwaway society’, using things for a short time and then throwing them away. What are the causes of this? What problems does it lead to?
  • Nowadays children mostly spend time playing computer games rather than sports. What are the reasons for this? Is it a positive or negative development?
  • Scientists agree that many people eat too much junk food and it is damaging their health. Some people think that this problem can be solved by educating people, while others believe that education will not work. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  • Many people believe that TV news and media, in general, have a detrimental effect on our life. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give your own opinion, including relevant examples.
  • Many famous athletes advertise different products. What are the advantages and disadvantages of it?
  • Nowadays people try to balance their work with other things in life, but only some could actually achieve it so far. What are the reasons for that? How can we solve this problem?
  • Some people say that online study is the most effective and convenient way to learn. Others believe that online study will never be as effective as learning at school, or in person. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  • Children and teenagers are committing more and more crimes in many countries. Why is this happening? How can we stop or at least reduce youth crime?
  • Some people prefer cold weather conditions, while others don’t. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  • Some people think subjects taught in school are a waste of time, while others disagree and believe that this type of education is useful for students. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  • Some people think that the only way to relax is to rest or sleep, while others say people need to do exercise or sports to relax. Discuss both viewpoints and give your own opinion.
  • Some parents and teachers think that children’s behaviour should be strictly controlled. While some think that children should be free to behave. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
  • In many countries, day by day rubbish (garbage) is increasing. Why is it happening? What can be done?
  • Some people see shopping as a leisure activity mostly for young adults, while others disagree. Do you think this has a positive or negative effect on economic development? Give your opinion and include relevant examples.
  • Shopping has become a favourite pastime among young people. What do you think it is like that? Do you think they must be encouraged to do other things rather than shopping?
  • Some people think that the main factors influencing a child’s development these days are things such as television, friends, and music. Others believe that the family still remains more important. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
  • Food travels thousands of miles from producers to consumers. Some people think that it would be better for the environment and economy if people only ate the local food produced by farmers. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • Some people argue that the fittest, strongest individuals and teams can achieve the greatest success in sports. But other people think that success is as much related to mental attitude. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
  • Some people become famous when they were at a young age. Do you think this is positive or negative?
  • Some people believe it is important to give gifts and presents to friends and family to show that we care about them. Others think that there are better ways to show affection to them. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  • Many people believe that spending a lot of money on weddings is fine, while others completely disagree. Discuss both views and give your own opinion and examples .
  • Many people believe the government should spend money on faster public transport. Others think that money should be spent on different aspects of public transportation, such as cost reduction and environmental conservation. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  • Some people believe that manufacturers should be responsible for reducing the large amounts of packaging they use. Others say consumers should avoid buying heavily packaged items. Discuss both views and state your opinion. Give reasons for your answer and include examples from your experience.
  • Some people think that family has the most important influence on children’s development, while others believe that factors such as TV, friends, music and books have a more significant impact. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Task 2 questions (October 2018)

  • Today, most people get married and give birth in their thirties rather than when they are younger. Is this a positive or negative development?
  • Shops should give preference in selling local food rather than imported food. Do you agree or disagree?
  • A growing population is a big problem in developing countries. Should the government provide new homes in the cities or the countryside?
  • Some people think that the media (newspapers) have the right to publish details of people’s private lives, while others think it should be controlled. Discuss both views.
  • Some people think that activities during the free time should be planned while others disagree. Discuss both sides and include examples and relevant data from your own experience.
  • In some countries, an increasing number of people are suffering from health problems as a result of eating too much fast food. It is therefore necessary for governments to impose a higher tax on this kind of food? To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion? You should use your own ideas, knowledge and experience and support your arguments with examples and relevant evidence.
  • Today more people are overweight than ever before. What in your opinion are the primary causes of this? What measures can be taken to overcome this epidemic?
  • In most parts of the world, people are living longer. What are the possible causes of this situation? Is this a negative or positive development?
  • Today, the internet and TV have created that chance for ordinary people to become famous. Is it a positive or negative development?
  • Nowadays food has become easier to prepare. Has this change improved the way people live? Give reasons for your answer using your own ideas and experience.
  • Nowadays many people believe that children should be taught history in schools, however, others argue that children should learn subjects that are more helpful for modern everyday life. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  • Some parents believe that a child should not waste time by reading entertainment books instead, they should spend time reading educational books only. What is your opinion about this?
  • Some people think that young children need to attend nursery before primary school. While others believe young children can spend all day at home. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
  • Some people believe school children should be given multiple short vacations while others believe they should get one long vacation. Give advantages of both and your point of view.
  • Some people think that the advantages of advertising sports products through famous sports players outweigh the disadvantages. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • In our society, there is far more attention on men’s sport than women’s sport. What are the reasons for this? Do you think that this is positive or negative development?
  • It has been said that reading for pleasure is better in developing imagination and language skills than watching TV. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • Advertisements are influencing us in a negative way. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • School teachers are more responsible for the social and intellectual development of students than parents. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • Some people spend a lot of money on their wedding ceremonies. However, others feel like it is unnecessary to spend a lot. Discuss both view points and give your own opinion.
  • Since travelling abroad became relatively inexpensive, more countries opened their doors for foreign tourists. Is it a positive or negative trend? Give your opinion and include relevant examples.
  • Many countries consider eighteen-year-olds to be adults, while other countries don’t. What do you think about it? Give your opinion and some relevant examples based on your own experience.

Writing task 2 questions (September 2018)

  • Some people think that the only way to judge someone’s success in business is by the amount of money they make. Is this a true indicator of the success of a business and in what other ways could success in a business be measured?
  • The restoration of old buildings in major cities around the world costs enormous amounts of money. This money would be better spent on providing new housing and road development. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
  • Employers should give their workers at least one month’s holiday a year as it makes them to do better at their job. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • Some people believe the Olympic Games don’t belong to the 21st century anymore. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • Some parents believe that reading books for entertainment is a waste of time for children and they think that their children should only read serious educational books. What is your opinion?
  • Some people think that advertising on TV is useless and others disagree. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
  • Some people think money is the best gift to give it to youngsters, while others disagree. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
  • For school children, their teachers have more influence on their intelligence and social development than their parents. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • In the modern world, it is possible to shop, work and communicate with people via the internet and live without any face-to-face contact with others. Is it a positive or negative development in your opinion? To what extent do you support this development?
  • Many university students live with their families, while others live away from home because their universities are in different places. What are the advantages and disadvantages of both situations?
  • In the modern world, it is no longer necessary to use animals for food, clothing or medicine. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Give reasons for your answer and include examples from your own experience.
  • Some businesses observe that new employees who just graduated from a college or university seem to lack the interpersonal skills needed for communication with their colleagues. What could be the reason for this? What solutions can help address this problem?
  • Some people believe that we should start giving formal education to students at a much earlier age, while others think we should wait until the age of 7. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? Discuss and give reasons for your answer.
  • Nowadays in many countries, young people leave rural areas to study or work in cities. What are the reasons for this? Do the benefits of this outweigh the disadvantages?
  • Some parents believe that reading entertainment books is a waste of time. In their opinion, children should only read serious, educational books. Do you agree or disagree? Give reasons for your answer and include relevant examples from your own experience.
  • Nowadays there is a growing trend of private car ownership. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages or environmental problems associated with this?
  • Some people believe that companies should pay for the damage they cause to the environment, while others say that the government should be responsible for such expenses. Do you agree or disagree? Give reasons for your answer and include examples from your experience.
  • Nowadays there are many medical surveys of treatments to reduce health problems. Who should conduct them, governments, individuals or private companies, in your opinion? Give reasons for your answer and include relevant examples from your experience.
  • The international community must act immediately to ensure that all countries reduce their consumption of fossil fuels such as gas, oil and coal. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give your own opinion.
  • Many people believe that it is a good idea to have a dress code at workplaces. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give your opinion and examples from your own experience.
  • Some think that private companies should pay for pollution clean up, while others say it should be a government’s responsibility. Discuss, and state your own opinion.
  • Many people think that more having more money will make them happier. How important is money to happiness?
  • Many people believe that the use of new technology improves the lives of employees. Others think it is a disadvantage for them. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  • Some people say that sport is very important for a nation’s development, while others believe that sport is no more than a leisure time activity. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  • Some people think that children should start school sooner while others believe they should not start it before the age of seven. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  • Some people argue that competitive sports are good for bringing together different people and cultures. Others argue that these sports can cause problems and increase conflicts between nations. Discuss both points of view and give your own opinion.
  • In some countries, it is illegal for employers to reject job applications on the basis of age criteria. Is it a positive or negative development? Give reasons for your answer and include examples from your own experience.
  • Many young people regularly change their jobs over the years. What are the reasons for this? Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
  • Some people think that new technologies benefit the life of workers whereas some deny the statement. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
  • Scientists agree that many people are eating too much junk food and it is damaging to their health. Some people think that these problems can be solved by educating people to eat less junk food. Other people believe that education will not work. Discuss both opinions and give your own opinion.
  • Some people think that companies and private individuals should pay to clean up the pollution that they produce, not the government. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • As more and more students enter universities, academic qualifications are becoming devalued. To get ahead in many professions, more than one degree is now required and in future, it is likely that people will take a number of degree courses before even starting work. This is an undesirable situation. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • Many people are involved in sports when they are young but stop once they are adults. Why do many adults stop doing physical exercise? What can be done about this problem?
  • Some people think that it is a good idea for all employees to wear a uniform at work. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • Some people think that new technology always improves the lives of workers. Other people believe that it results in disadvantages for workers. Discuss both opinions and give your own opinion.
  • Some people think that international competitive sports such as football bring conflict between people of different age groups and nationalities. Others think the sport is helping reach understanding between people and nations. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
  • Some people think that only staff who worked in the company for a long time should be promoted to higher positions. What is your opinion on this? Give reasons and relevant examples for your answer.
  • Some people think it’s a good idea to wear a uniform at work. Do you agree or disagree? Give reasons for your answer with relevant examples from knowledge or experience.
  • Some people think it is more important to spend time in developing a successful career while others think it is more important to spend time with friends and family. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
  • There is less social contact between young and old. What are the reasons? What measures can be taken?
  • Do you agree with the following statement: home schooling protects students from a number of challenges faced by non-home-schooled children?
  • Does distant learning make it easier for students to balance their everyday lives?
  • Learning in one’s native tongue yields better school scores than learning in a medium language. Do you agree or disagree? Argue your point of view.
  • Should there be a variety of learning methodologies implemented within the school learning curriculum?
  • Some believe that modern technology has made people less socially active, while others disagree. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  • The best way to reduce crime among young people is to teach parents good parenting skills. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give your own opinion and examples.
  • Some psychologists think that the best way to overcome the stress of everyday life is to spend a portion of the day doing absolutely nothing. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • There is a trend of increasing amounts of consumer goods, which leads to environmental problems. What are the reasons for this trend? Give your own opinion and solutions.
  • The difference in age between parents and their children has increased compared to the past. Do you think advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?
  •  Scientists have been warning for many years already that in order to protect the environment people should use less energy. However, most people do not change their ways of living. What is causing this behaviour? How can people be encouraged to change?
  • Some people think that children should go to kindergarten before attending primary school, while others believe that is better for children to stay all day with their families. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  • Some people believe that trade and cultural relationships between the countries is a positive development, while others disagree. Discuss both the views and include your own opinion.
  • Recently there are more gas stations being built as opposed to diesel ones in rural areas. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this trend?
  • Many parents (mostly women) decide to stay home and take care of the family members instead of going out for work. Some people suggest that they should be paid by the government for doing that. Do you agree or disagree? Give reasons for your answer and include examples from your own experience.
  • Different cultures are mixing today and the world is becoming a global village. Is it a positive or a negative development? Give your own opinion and examples.
  • Nowadays people’s life is changing rapidly and, as a result, family relationships are affected. Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages? Give your opinion and examples from your own experience.
  • Measures have been put in place to improve road safety by reducing the speed limits. Some people believe there are better alternatives. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
  • Some people think that the range of technology available to people is increasing the gap between the rich and the poor. Others think it has the opposite effect. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
  • Some of the methods used in advertising are unethical and unacceptable in today’s society. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
  • People nowadays are not as fit and active as they were in the past. What are the reasons for this? What measures can be taken for this?

Click here for IELTS task 2 topics and answers.

For above band 7 you will need IELTS vocabulary, this page shares some useful strategies and sources to improve your lexical resource.

To improve your opinion-forming skills, check out the BBC , and get a rough overview of the current affairs in each topic. For example, at the moment, regarding the environment the main topic is climate change -could you write 250 words about global warming? Likewise, for the topic of technology, what do you know about artificial intelligence ? You don’t have to be an expert but you do need to have an opinion, and that can only come from getting informed about the topics.

In summary, it is advisable to be well-versed in current affairs, have a global view of events, and have a bit of knowledge about each topic.

IELTS writing tips The writing part of the IELTS can prove to be a little overwhelming; especially, if you don’t know how to approach it. Below is a list  of writing tips to help you feel less overwhelmed.

IELTS writing samples If you aren’t quite sure how to approach your writing section of the IELTS and want some ideas from those who have succeeded click here.

IELTS essay topics with answers IELTS essays are a great opportunity for you to show off your English abilities in written form. We have put together a great archive of IELTS essay topics with the answers!

Essay writing topics Practice is truly the mother of preparation, so why not make sure you are ready to tackle the IELTS essay by going through our list of essay topics you might encounter during the exam.

Try our new online IELTS Essay Checker for instant essay correction

Preparing for the IELTS exam? We have a helpful tool for you! Check out our online IELTS Essay Checker . This tool uses smart technology to look at your essays. It can tell you where you made mistakes and how to fix them.

This way, you can learn faster. Plus, it’s quick! Instead of waiting for a teacher to check your essay, this tool gives you feedback right away. Another great thing is that it’s cheaper than many other study methods. Many students spend a lot of money on IELTS classes and books.

Our online IELTS Essay Checker is a good way to save some money. So, as you practice with the IELTS Task 2 questions on this page, remember to use the AI Essay Checker. It will help you get better at writing and save you both time and money. 

Try it out now for free here

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How to write ielts writing task 2.

  • Read the question and understand what the examiner is asking
  • Take a few minutes to think about what you’re going to write
  • Write your introduction
  • Developing the essay ideas, your approach, and your explanations
  • Conclude your essay with a summary that completes the circle
  • Read the essay and make sure you didn’t make any mistakes

Read this post for more

How to generate ideas for writing task 2?

  • Write a possible answer to the question
  • Mind gone blank? Put the topic of the question into Google or Youtube
  • Summarise different opinions on the topics
  • Attempt more questions and you will find you now have more ideas

Read this post for more tips

For more help with your IELTS tutorials, take a look at our tutorials here:

  • IELTS Task 2
  • IELTS general task 1
  • IELTS academic task 1
  • Sample answers for IELTS Globalisation Essays
  • Score higher in IELTS Writing Task 1 and Task 2
  • Problem Solution Essays in IELTS Writing Task 2
  • Sample Answers: discuss the advantages and disadvantages
  • Extremely Useful Sentences for Task 2
  • IELTS Essay Paragraph Structure

Sample task 2 IELTS essays and 240 task questions ebook

ielts liz sample essay writing task 2

Let's explore essential strategies and sample essays to succeed in this part of the test...

IELTS Writing Task 2: Strategies and Sample 

Ielts writing module.

IELTS Writing Task 2 assesses your ability to provide well-structured and coherent responses to essay questions.

Understanding Task Types

Familiarize yourself with different types of Task 2 questions, including opinion essays, problem-solution essays, and advantages-disadvantages essays.

Structuring Your Essay

Follow a standard essay structure with an introduction, body paragraphs , and a conclusion . Ensure each paragraph has a clear topic sentence and supports your thesis.

Developing Your Ideas

Use examples, statistics, and personal experiences to support your arguments . Clearly present both sides of an argument in opinion essays before expressing your viewpoint.

Vocabulary and Cohesion

Utilize a rich vocabulary and linking words to connect ideas and make your essay flow smoothly.

Sample Task 2: Opinion Essay

"In today's world, technology has transformed the way we live and work. While some argue that technology has brought numerous benefits, I believe it has its drawbacks as well."

Sample Task 2: Problem-Solution Essay

"The issue of air pollution is a growing concern in urban areas. This essay discusses the causes of this problem and suggests potential solutions."

By applying effective strategies and practicing essay writing, you can excel in IELTS Writing.

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IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay Structures

The four most common IELTS writing Task 2 questions are: Opinion, Advantages and Disadvantages, Problem and Solution Discussion

IELTS Task 2 Essay Structures

Knowing how to structure your IELTS Writing Task 2 essay is an essential skill that can make the difference between getting and not getting the band score you deserve. With that in mind, we have outlined the most common IELTS Writing Task 2 structures below.

ielts liz sample essay writing task 2

Nearly all of my Task 2 essays follow this basic structure: The sentences you put in each paragraph will depend on what type of question you get.

The five most common IELTS Writing Task 2 questions are:

  • Opinion (Agree or Disagree)
  • Advantages and Disadvantages
  • Problem and Solution
  • Discussion (Discuss both views)
  • Two-part Question

Below I will outline examples and a structure approved by experienced IELTS teachers and examiners for each type of question. This will help you write a clear, coherent answer and hopefully boost your IELTS band score. I also include an example answer for each type of question so you can see the structure in a real essay.

Please note that these are general structures and may vary slightly depending on the question.

Please also note that no ‘one’ Task 2 essay structure will get you a high score. There are many types of structures that can get you a high score. These are just some I think are effective and easy to learn. 

Please visit the lessons below for more detailed guidance on each type of question. I have provided a link at the end of each section.

ielts liz sample essay writing task 2

Opinion Questions (Agree or Disagree) 

Typical Question Words –

What is your opinion?

Do you agree or disagree?

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Direct question.

Example Question –

Some people believe that unpaid community service should be compulsory in high school programmes (for example, working for a charity, improving the neighbourhood or teaching sports to younger children).

Essay Structure 

Introduction 

1- Paraphrase Question

2- Give your opinion and outline the main ideas.

Main Body Paragraph 1 

1- Topic Sentence

2- Explain Topic Sentence

Main Body Paragraph 2

Conclusion 

1- Summary of main points and opinion

Student Sample Answer

It is argued that volunteering should be made part of the school curriculum. This essay agrees with that suggestion completely because it help pupils develop soft skills and helps them gain much-needed work experience.

Education should not be limited to strictly academic pursuits, and those in education should also develop life skills, such as teamwork, empathy and self-discipline, and one of the best ways to hone these aptitudes is through community service. Serving those less fortunate than ourselves teaches us many lessons, including how to work with people from other backgrounds and the value of hard work, thus enabling us to hone these skills before becoming an adult. For example, many young people from wealthier countries take a gap year and help those less fortunate than themselves to increase their gratitude for what they have and improve their work ethic.

Many colleges and companies are also increasingly looking for this type of experience. Most school leavers have the same grades, and charitable work can help set you apart from other students when making college applications. For example, Cambridge and Oxford receive thousands of applications from straight-A students yearly and can only accept a small percentage of applicants. What you have done outside the classroom often differentiates you from everyone else and gets you that coveted spot.

In conclusion, teenagers should be made to partake in unpaid work as part of their schooling because it will help them learn things they wouldn’t ordinarily learn from their teachers, and it will also boost their chances of getting into third-level education.

For more detail on how to answer agree or disagree questions, please visit our opinion essay lesson . 

Need help writing essays like this? Check out our ESSAY CORRECTION SERVICE .

Advantages and Disadvantages Questions

Typical Question Words 

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages.

What are the advantages and disadvantages?

Example Question

Technology is being used more and more in education.

Essay Structure

2- Outline Main Points

Main Body Paragraph 1

1- State Two Advantages

2- Expand/Explain First Advantage

3- Expand/Explain Second Advantage

1- State Two Disadvantages

2- Expand/Explain First Disadvantage

3- Expand/Explain Second Disadvantage

ielts liz sample essay writing task 2

1- Summary of Main Points

Student Sample Answer 

It is argued that technology plays an ever-increasing role in schools and universities. Increased access to information and student freedom are the main advantages, whereas dependency on technology and decreasing levels of face-to-face contact are the main disadvantages.

Access to more information and student autonomy are the principal advantages of increasing the use of electronic devices in education. With the internet, students can access all the information available about any topic, regardless of what books and other resources are available in the school. Furthermore, students can focus on whatever topic or subject they want and study it in depth. A prime example of this is the number of online university courses available to students, covering a myriad of subjects that, up until recently, were unavailable to most learners. This has resulted in more people studying third-level degrees than ever before at a pace and schedule that suits them.

The main disadvantages associated with the increasing use of technology in education are the dependency on this technology and the decrease in face-to-face interaction between students. With many students now using the internet as their primary source of information, they often struggle to use other academic resources to find what they’re looking for. As well as this, students spend more time looking at computer screens by themselves than interacting with each other, which is thought to lead to lower levels of emotional intelligence. For instance, the recent explosion in smartphone use has been at the expense of genuine human interaction. This results in soft skills, such as verbal communication and empathy, being affected.

In conclusion, the benefits technology brings to education, such as unrestricted access to information and student autonomy, must be weighed against the drawbacks, such as dependency on this technology and the negative effects on human interaction.

For more detail on how to answer advantage and disadvantage questions, please visit our  advantage and disadvantage lesson . 

Discuss Both Views Question (Discussion Essay)  

ielts liz sample essay writing task 2

Discuss both points of view and give your opinion.

Example Question 

Technology is being used more and more in education. Some people say that this is a positive trend, while others argue that it is leading to negative consequences.

Discuss both sides of this argument and then give your own opinion.

1- Paraphrase Question and/or state both viewpoints.

2- Thesis Statement

3- Outline Sentence

1- State first viewpoint

2- Discuss first viewpoint

3- Reason why you agree or disagree with viewpoint

4- Example to support your view

1- State second viewpoint

2- Discuss second viewpoint

Sentence 1- Summary

Sentence 2- State which one is better or more important

There is an ever-increasing use of technology, such as tablets and laptops, in the classroom. It is often argued that this is a positive development, whilst others disagree and think it will lead to adverse ramifications. This essay agrees that an increase in technology is beneficial to students and teachers.

The Internet has provided students with access to more information than ever before. This has allowed learners to research and learn about any subject at the touch of a button. It is therefore agreed that technology is a very worthwhile tool for education. Wikipedia is a prime example, where students can type in any keyword and gain access to in-depth knowledge quickly and easily.

However, many disagree and feel that technology deprives people of real human interaction. Human interaction teaches people valuable skills such as discourse, debate and empathy. Without these soft skills, many people find it difficult to become successful in work and their personal lives. Despite this, human interaction is still possible through the internet, and this essay disagrees that technology should be dismissed for this reason. For instance, Skype and Facebook allow people to interact in ways that were never before possible.

While the benefits of technology, particularly the internet, allow students to tap into limitless sources of information, some still feel that people should be wary of this new phenomenon and not allow it to curb face-to-face interaction. However, as long as we carefully consider the importance of human interaction in education, the educational benefits are clearly positive.

For more detail on how to answer discussion questions please visit our  discussion essay lesson . 

Problem and Solution Questions

ielts liz sample essay writing task 2

Problem and solution.

Cause and solution.

Students are becoming more and more reliant on technology.

What are some of the problems associated with reliance on computers, and what are some of the possible solutions?

2- Outline Sentence

1- State Problems

2- Explain First Problem

3- Explain Second Problem

4- Example of Second Problem

1- State Solutions

2- Explain First Solution

3- Explain Second Solution

4- Example of Second Solution

Learners are becoming increasingly dependent on technology, such as the Internet and mobile devices. This essay believes the main problems associated with dependence on computers are the lack of original thought and copying original work from others and suggests critical thinking classes and writing analysis software as the most viable solutions.

The principal problems with over-reliance on technology are people being unable to think for themselves and plagiarism. With access to so much information, students often rely on other people’s opinions instead of forming their own. As well as this, they often use search engines to answer a question and copy the text from a website rather than thinking about the question. This practice is prohibited in schools and universities and stunts students’ intellectual development because they will never truly think for themselves, which is what university is supposed to be for. For example, many teachers complain that students copy web pages straight from Wikipedia word for word rather than giving a reasoned answer to their questions.

Solutions to these worrying problems are special classes to focus on critical thinking and teachers using anti-plagiarism software to detect copying. If teachers create situations where students have to infer meaning and express opinions based on a small amount of information, this will ensure that students have an opportunity to develop these skills. Also, if students know that their assignments are being checked for plagiarism, this will be enough to deter them from doing so. For instance, many universities already use this kind of software to scan coursework for plagiarism, and it could be extended to include all homework by learners in both secondary and tertiary education.

In conclusion, the main problems with the overuse of technology in education are the lack of original thought and plagiarism. These can be solved through special classes that teach students analytical skills and plagiarism detection software.

For more detail on how to answer problem and solution questions please visit our  problem and solution lesson . 

Two-Part Questions

ielts liz sample essay writing task 2

There will normally be a statement, and they will then ask you to answer separate questions.

As most people spend a major part of their adult life at work, job satisfaction is an important element of individual wellbeing.

What factor contributes to job satisfaction?

How realistic is the expectation of job satisfaction for all workers?

2- Outline Sentence (mention both questions)

1- Answer first question directly

2- Explain why

3- Further explain

1- Answer second question directly

As most adults spend most of their time at work, being content with your career is a crucial part of a person’s health and happiness. This essay will first suggest fair pay as a key element leading to job satisfaction, and it will then state that it is not very likely that everyone can be happy with their job.

The most important thing that satisfies someone at work is being compensated fairly. If those more senior than you respect you as a person and the job you are doing, then you feel like you are valued. A fair salary and benefits are important marks of respect, and if you feel you are being underpaid, you will either resent your bosses or look for another job. These two factors came top of a recent job satisfaction survey conducted by Monster.com, which found that 72% of people were pleased with their current role if their superiors regularly told them they were appreciated.

With regard to the question of happiness for all workers, I think this is and always will be highly unlikely. The vast majority of people fail to reach their goals and end up working in a post they don’t really care about in return for a salary. This money is just enough to pay their living expenses which often means they are trapped in a cycle of disenchantment. For example, The Times recently reported that 89% of office workers would leave their jobs if they did not need the money.

In conclusion, being satisfied with your trade or profession is an important part of one’s well-being, and respect from one’s colleagues and fair pay can improve your level of happiness; however, job satisfaction for all workers is an unrealistic prospect.

Can I get a band 8 or 9 following these structures? 

Nobody can give you a Task 2 IELTS structure that guarantees high scores. Your score is dependent on how good your grammar and vocabulary are and how well you answer the question. A good structure will help you answer the question to some extent and boost your score for coherence and cohesion, but you must use relevant ideas and use these ideas well to answer the question.

You can see how my student scored a Band 8.5 in IELTS Writing here:

ielts liz sample essay writing task 2

Next Steps 

We hope you found those IELTS Writing Task 2 structures useful. Looking for some more sample questions? Here are over 100 sample questions from past exam papers.

If you would personalised feedback and guidance until you get the score you need, you can join the Waiting List for my VIP Course here.

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I started IELTS Advantage as a simple blog to help 16 students in my class. Several years later, I am very humbled that my VIP Course has been able to help thousands of people around the world to score a Band 7+ in their IELTS tests.

If you need my help with your IELTS preparation, you can send me an email using the contact us page.

ielts liz sample essay writing task 2

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IELTS Writing Task 2

Writing skills.

1. Position, Structure, Ideas 2. Sentence-level writing 3. How to build a paragraph 4. Three paragraph types 5. Developing your ideas 6. Improving a paragraph 7. Two-idea paragraph 8. Sentence ‘jobs’ 9. Concise, Clear, Coherent 10. Be more coherent 11. Detailed examples 12. ‘Two adjectives’ technique 13. A one-adjective paragraph 14. Three essay outlines 15. The essay skeleton 16. Firstly, Secondly, Finally 17. Comparing 3 paragraphs 18. Better linking 19. Sentences have jobs 20. Using model sentences 21. Sentence pairs 22. Sentence pairs analysis 23. Advanced cohesion 24. Paragraph analysis 25. Improving a paragraph 26. ‘Best time’ essay skeleton 27. Overall coherence 28. A more coherent outline 29. One idea or two ideas 30. The best essay structure 31. Essay plan: nursing fees 32. Make paragraphs different 33. 13-sentence outline 34. Climate essay skeleton 35. Paragraph logic 36. Paragraph cohesion 37. Write a ‘Finally’ sentence 38. Tourism essay skeleton 39. Showing A outweighs B 40. ‘Partly agree’ structure 41. Giving two examples 42. How to write introductions 43. Concede + answer 44. Concede + answer 2 45. Agree / disagree methods 46. ‘Opinion + refute’ skeleton 47. Two types of example 48. Two adjectives essay plan 49. Three-idea paragraph 50. One-idea paragraph 51. Discussion introduction 52. Discussion conclusion 53. Easy conclusion method 54. Balanced introduction 55. Balanced opinion skeleton 56. Paragraph analysis 57. Proper examples 58. Idea development problem 59. Improving coherence 60. Can you see the problem? 61. My favourite paragraph 62. Advantage, disadvantage

Writing advice

1. What’s your writing style? 2. Stick to the method 3. Pre-test planning 4. Spend longer planning 5. Terrible templates 1 6. Terrible templates 2 7. Minimalist templates 8. Trying to be impressive 9. When to give your opinion 10. Plan for 13 sentences 11. Write 13 sentences 12. Idea generation 13. How to write faster 14. Easy introduction 15. Be concise! 16. A new rule 17. How to brainstorm 18. Partly agree with ‘best’? 19. Balanced vs concede 20. How to use the 40 minutes 21. Focus on real content 22. Structure is not the secret 23. Ignore the word ‘academic’ 24. The BIG mistake 25. More ideas for one side? 26. Advice for different scores 27. Understanding the task

Topic paragraphs

1. Benefits of immigration 2. Parents and children 3. Benefits of robots 4. Fossil Fuels 5. Benefits of learning music 6. The importance of nurses 7. Disadvantages of tourism 8. The importance of roads 9. Fitting in abroad 10. Accept cultural differences 11. Advertising new products 12. Old people’s health 13. Outdoor public spaces

New video lessons

1. Conclusion errors

Model Essays

Agree or disagree.

1. Teach skills instead of facts 2. Music connects people 3. First impressions 4. Parenting courses 5. Sugary products 6. Learning an instrument 7. Foreign language problems 8. Free nursing courses 9. Words vs pictures 10. Computers vs teachers 11. Ex-prisoners 12. Roads vs railways 13. Supporting old people 14. Cultural differences 15. Too many choices 16. Climate change 17. Celebrities

Discuss both views

1. Artificial Intelligence 2. Genetic Engineering 3. Children’s choices 4. Hot and cold climates 5. Minority languages 6. Independence 7. Professionals work abroad? 8. Old people’s health

Advantages and disadvantages

1. Video surveillance 2. Global tourism

Problem and solution

1. City life 2. Ageing populations 3. Hunger 4. Traffic congestion

Positive or negative?

1. Living alone 2. Studying online 3. Countries becoming similar

Two-part questions

1. Working hard 2. Measure countries’ success 3. Home history 4. Owning or renting 5. Self-employment 6. Best time to be alive 7. Music and arts 8. Advertising new products

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IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Essays

Janet

Updated On Oct 03, 2023

ielts liz sample essay writing task 2

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IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Essays

Limited-Time Offer : Access a FREE 10-Day IELTS Study Plan!

The Essay Writing section of the IELTS Writing Module can be a difficult task for many IELTS aspirants. Thus, it is vital that you polish your essay writing skills before attempting the IELTS by practising various model essay topics.

A well-organized essay will help in scoring a desirable band in the writing test. A lot of the candidates who take the writing test will need at least 5-10 minutes to prepare for the essay once they get the topic. If you consider certain points while writing the essay, it’ll get a bit easier to get a high IELTS band score . Few points are listed below:

  • Answer the question asked: Before answering, carefully read the question that is asked and try to answer the question to the point, do not divert from the topic. Whatever the topic is, try to explain as much as possible. Do not speak out of the topic, if you do so you may end up losing the marks.
  • Plan your work: After you get the topic for writing, plan your work based on the format. Think about what has to be written in the introduction, two paragraphs, and a conclusion. Once you plan the work, you will get an idea automatically on how to write the essay and score high marks accordingly.
  • Write, Review and Re-write: Before actually taking the IELTS Writing test, it is important to take a practice test. While taking the practice test, take a particular topic and start writing the essay. Once you are done writing the essay, go through it and review your mistakes. When you take the second practice test, try to improve or overcome the mistakes that happened before.
  • Skills you need to have: To score a good band in the IELTS examination, there should be some relevant skills, there are two kinds of skills; exam skills as well as language skills. You need to find out which skills you are good at and should improve the skills in which you are not that good. In order to find this out, you need to take a lot of IELTS practice tests .

IELTS sample essays are given in different types of questions. And each type wants you to give a response in different ways. The IELTS model essay types are given below.

Agree and Disagree Type Questions

In this category, one opinion of the particular thing is given and you’ll be asked to discuss whether you agree or disagree with that particular opinion.

  • IELTS Opinion Essay topics

Discuss Type Questions

In this type of question, there will be two opinions given, you are asked to understand both the opinions and give your point of view based on that.

  • IELTS Discussion Essay Topics

Cause Type Questions

In this type of question, you need to give the reason or cause why something has happened and you are also asked to discuss the different aspects of it such as the effect, solutions, and positive and negative points. Given below are links to sample IELTS essays:

  • IELTS Writing Actual Test In July 2016 & Band 8.0 Sample Cause/Solution Essay
  • IELTS Writing Task 2 Cause/Solution Essay Of Band 8.5 – Topic: Tourism
  • IELTS Writing Task 2 Cause/Solution Essay Of Band 8.0 – Topic: Health
  • IELTS Writing Task 2 Cause/Solution Essay Of Band 8.0 – Juvenile Delinquency
  • IELTS Writing Task 2 Cause/Solution Essay Of Band 8.0 – Topic: People & Society
  • IELTS Writing Actual Test – Band 8.5 Cause & Effect Essay
  • IELTS Writing Actual Test – Band 9.0 Sample Cause/Solution Essay
  • IELTS Writing Actual Test – Band 8.0+ Sample Cause/Solution Essay
  • IELTS Writing Actual Test – Band 9.0 Cause/Solution Essay
  • IELTS Writing Actual Test – Band 8.0 Cause/Solution Essays
  • Academic IELTS Writing Task 2 – Cause And Solution

Problem and Solution Type Questions

In this type of question, you have to discuss the problems related to society and plan accordingly to create a solution for these particular issues. Given below are links of sample IELTS essays:

  • IELTS Writing Task 2 Problem/Solution Essay Of Band 8.0 – Topic: Energy Resources
  • IELTS Writing Task 2 Problem/Solution Essay Of Band 8.5 – Health And Fitness
  • IELTS Speaking Part 2 Sample: Describe A Time When You Solved A Problem Via The Internet
  • IELTS Writing Actual Test – Band 8.0 Problem/Solution Essay

Advantage and Disadvantage Type Questions

In this type of question, you have to give opinions relating to the positive and negative sides of a particular topic. Given below are links of sample IELTS essays:

  • Academic IELTS Writing Task 2 Topic & Band 8.5 Advantage/Disadvantage Essay
  • IELTS Writing Task 2 Advantage/Disadvantage Essay Of Band 8.0– Topic: Youth & Community
  • Advantage/Disadvantage Essay – Topic: Students
  • IELTS Writing Actual Test & Band 8.0 Advantage/Disadvantage Essay – Topic: Travel
  • IELTS Writing Actual Test & Band 9.0 Advantage/Disadvantage Essay – Topic: Gap Year
  • IELTS Writing Actual Test – Band 8.5 Advantage/Disadvantage Essay
  • IELTS Advantage/Disadvantage Essay Of Band 8.5 – Topic: Traffic & Accommodation
  • IELTS Writing Actual Test – Band 8.0 Advantage & Disadvantage Samples
  • IELTS Writing Actual Test- Band 8.0 Sample Advantage/Disadvantage Essays

Other Type Questions

There are other types of questions that do not fit in any of the categories above. So these kinds of questions are called other types of questions. Given below are links of sample IELTS essays:

  • Academic IELTS Writing Task 2 Topic – Band 9.0 Sample Essay
  • Academic IELTS Writing Task 2 Topic (In April 2015) & Band 9.0 Sample Essay
  • Sample Essay For Academic IELTS Writing Task 1 Topic 08 – Table
  • Sample Essay For Academic IELTS Writing Task 1 Topic 07 – Table
  • IELTS Writing Task 2 Topic: Traffic & Sample Essay
  • IELTS Writing Task 2 Topic: International Car-Free Days & Sample Essay
  • Academic IELTS Writing Task 2 Topic: Living In Big Cities & Sample Essay

Academic Writing

The Academic Writing test will take 60 minutes to complete the test. You are asked to write 2 tasks, task 1 of at least 150 words, and task 2 of at least 250 words. In task 1 you’ll be given a table, chart, process diagram, or graph and you’ll have to describe it in around 150 words for which you can take 20 minutes. In task 2, a topic will be given and you should write a 250-word essay.

Given below are links to some of the IELTS writing material for academic:

  • Academic IELTS Writing Task 2 Topic (In September 2015) & Band 9.0 Essay
  • Academic IELTS Writing Task 2 Topic ( In January 2016) & Band 9 Model Essay.
  • Academic IELTS Writing Task 2 Topic (In July 2015) & Band 9.0 Argumentative Essay
  • Academic IELTS Writing Task 2 Topic: Architecture & History – Sample Essay
  • Academic IELTS Writing Task 2 Topic: Environment & Sample Essay
  • Academic IELTS Writing Task 2 Topic: Economic Growth With Model Essay

General Training Writing

In the General Training test , you will have only 60 minutes to complete the test. There are 2 tasks, where you’ll have to write a 150 words essay for Task 1 and 250 words essay for task 2.

In task 1 you’ll have to write a letter, for example, a request letter. In task 2, it’ll be the same as Academic Writing where you’ll have to write a 250-word response according to the question given.

Bonus Essay Topics

  • Many people believe that social networking sites have a huge negative impact on both individuals and society. To what extent do you agree?
  • In spite of the advances made in agriculture, many people around the world still go hungry. Why is this the case? What can be done about this problem?
  • In many places new homes are needed, but the only space available for building them is in the countryside. Some people believe it is more important to protect the countryside and not build new homes there. What is your opinion about this?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is writing task 2 same for Academic and general module of IELTS?

What is the marking criteria for essay writing?

I’m confused about opinion essays. Eg.1: Even in agree/disagree essays they ask for your opinion like “To what extent you agree”. Eg.2: Even in advantage/disadvantage essays they ask for your opinion like “Do you think the advantages outweigh disadvantages”. Eg.3: There are essays which specifically ask for your opinion.

Can I write an essay which is more than 250 words? Will it improve my scores?

I have memorised some standard phrases to begin and end my essay? Will it improve my scores?

Practice IELTS Writing Task 2 based on Essay types

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ielts liz sample essay writing task 2

IELTS Writing Task 2 essay sample 3174 – Band 7.0

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

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.

Task 2 essay , Work and Employment , Writing samples , Writing topics

The writing sample displayed here is the work of IELTS candidates and has been assessed by our team for guidance and practice purposes. These scores are not official IELTS scores.

Candidate’s Response:

Throughout the history, working has been an inseparable part of humans’ life. A great deal of our time, specially in adulthood, is spent in our occupations. This fact shows the importance of our careers and its impacts on the quality of our lives. Happiness in life is strongly dependent on how satisfied we are with the job we have.

To begin with, an ideal job is the one which you are passionate about. If one loves their work, they don’t get bored and always tries to improve. Being in the job, which was a long dream, provides people with the valuable feeling of accomplishment, which is the essence of a good life. My younger sister, for example, is a teacher in a primary school, and she doesn’t have too much free time, but she is always happy and lively because she adores her job and loves working with children.

Another factor which is critical in job satisfaction, is indeed the amount of income. The money an individual receives as the salary should worth their time and energy dedicated to the job. A person who is underpaid will never feel the appreciation they deserve and it will cause unhappiness. Even if it is the job that a person loves and is good at, they can’t receive the proper respect if they are not paid accordingly.

Hoping that everyone obtain the proper job satisfaction, on the other hand, is an unrealistic thought. The way people feel about their job and the status they can reach is mostly dependant on the personality of the person. If someone doesn’t try hard enough, they can’t get what they want, therefore, they will not be happy. Morever, if someone has reached many successes but nothing is ever enough for him or her, they will suffer from constant dissatisfaction.

In conclusion, there are many factors which can contribute to job satisfaction, such as the level of income and your interest in the job, but it is not rational to expect everyone can have this positive mentality as people’s characters are different from each other.

Presented By: Shahab Hosseinzadeh

Presented By: Shahab Hosseinzadeh

May 5, 2024

Assessor’s Comment

Thank you indeed for writing this essay.

Task Response (TR): The essay fully addresses the task by discussing the factors contributing to job satisfaction and evaluating the realism of expecting job satisfaction for all workers. It maintains a clear position throughout the essay, supporting the writer's arguments with relevant examples.

Coherence and Cohesion (CC): The essay is well-structured with clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. There is effective use of cohesive devices to link ideas and paragraphs logically.

Lexical Resource (LR): The essay demonstrates a good range of vocabulary related to the topic of job satisfaction. The vocabulary choices effectively convey the writer's ideas, with some variety and sophistication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): The grammar usage is generally accurate, with a variety of sentence structures used effectively. There are occasional errors in grammar, such as subject-verb agreement and article usage, but they do not significantly impede communication.

Please click on the link below to read the lesson:

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ielts liz sample essay writing task 2

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IELTS Writing Task 2 essay sample 3129 – Band 6.0

IELTS Writing Task 2 essay sample 3129 – Band 6.0

Society and Community , Task 2 essay , Technology , Writing samples , Writing topics

Many people use their phones for sending text more than talking.

What are the reasons for this? Are there more advantages than disadvantages?

IELTS Writing Task 2 essay sample 3282 – Band 5.5

IELTS Writing Task 2 essay sample 3282 – Band 5.5

In many countries, paying for things using mobile phone (cellphone) apps is becoming increasingly common.

Does this development have more advantages or more disadvantages?

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IELTS General Writing Task 2: Essay Sample Answers

  • IELTS General Writing Task 2: Essay Sample Answers

The 2nd task in IELTS General Writing is to write an essay. Here are the examples of successful responses for a high score. Pay attention to the structure of the answer and how paragraphs composition; main ideas and the examples they are supported with.

IELTS General Writing Task 2 looks like this (part in bold changes).

WRITING TASK 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write about the following topic: Some people think that the teenage years are the happiest times of most people's lives. Others think that adult life brings more happiness, in spite of greater responsibilities. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion. Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words.

In this task you should:      Explain the first point of view      Explain the second point of view      Add your opinion

Sample answer:

What's the happiest time in people's lives: youth or old age; school, career or retirement? All of these have been suggested, but teenage years and adulthood both have many supporters.

Those who believe teenagers are the happiest people cite their lack of responsibilities as a significant factor. They are supported financially and emotionally by their parents, and although they may be included in family decisions, they're not ultimately responsible. However, adolescents are on the threshold of adult life: they're old enough to get a part-time job, so they can enjoy their first taste of financial independence, and their future study and career lie ahead.

Away from these serious concerns, young people have an active social life with their friends, often simply by hanging out with them. And of course, there’s the excitement of first love and first heartbreak. With all this to experience, teenagers see their parents' lives as boring and stressful.

However, the reverse is also true. Adults see anxious, self-dramatising adolescents, and appreciate the joys of maturity. These may include a contented family life, long-lasting friendships and a career. Long-term relationships may not have the fireworks of adolescence, but are stronger for it, because of the wealth of shared experience. At work, many of us are challenged and stimulated by the increasing, professional skills we acquire, which ensures that our jobs remain interesting.

The greatest benefit, though, is that maturity gives you greater confidence in your own judgement, in all areas of life. You’re not afraid to express your opinion when others disagree and, unlike a teenager, you know when to let things go.

Both these periods can be happy times, but I look back at my own teenage years, with no desire to go back. Adult life may be less dramatic, but fireworks don’t keep you warm

In cities and towns all over the world the high volume of traffic is a problem.

What are the causes of this and what actions can be taken to solve this problem?

It is undoubtedly the case that urban areas around the world increasingly suffer from congestion. In this essay, I examine the reasons for this trend and suggest some practical policies the authorities could implement to reduce the level of traffic in our cities.

The first step is to understand why traffic has increased in towns and cities. Broadly speaking, there are three main reasons for this. One is that cars have become more affordable for the average consumer and they are no longer a luxury item, but something that most families expect to own. A second reason is that public transport has become increasingly unreliable in recent years, not least because many bus and train services have been reduced because of the difficulty in funding them. The third reason is that society has in general become more mobile and this means more people are prepared to commute to work by car than they were before.

There is almost certainly no one solution to this problem given the complexity of its causes. However, one option has to be to improve the reliability of public transport to encourage people to take the bus or the train rather than get in the car. It would also be possible to discourage people from driving to work by introducing special tariffs for using the roads, especially during peak periods. A successful example of this is the congestion charge scheme in London which has certainly reduced the level of trafficin inner-city areas.

In conclusion, there are a variety of different factors that have led to rising levels of traffic in urban areas. While it may not be possible to find a complete solution, any action should probably involve encouraging greater use of public transport and making it more expensive for the motorist to drive in urban areas.

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write about the following topic: Some people believe that children should be allowed to stay at home and play until they are six or seven years old. Others believe that it is important for young children to go to school as soon as possible. What do you think are the advantages of attending school from a young age? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words.

Here we write about the benefits. Remember: 1 advantage = 1 paragraph.

In many places today, children start primary school at around the age of six or seven. However, because it is more likely now that both parents work, there is little opportunity for children to stay in their own home up to that age. Instead, they will probably go to a nursery school when they are much younger. While some people think this may be damaging to a child’s development, or to a child’s relationship with his or her parents, in fact there are many advantages to having school experience at a young age. Firstly, a child will learn to interact with a lot of different people and some children learn to communicate very early because of this. They are generally more confident and independent than children who stay at home with their parents and who are not used to strangers or new situations. Such children find their first day at school at the age of six very frightening and this may have a negative effect on how they learn. Another advantage of going to school at an early age is that children develop faster socially. They make friends and learn how to get on with other children of a similar age. This is often not possible at home because they are the only child, or because their brothers or sisters are older or younger. So overall, I believe that, attending school from a young age is good for most children. They still spend plenty of time at home with their parents, so they can benefit from both environments.
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Ielts essay # 1511 - newspapers are the best way to learn about current events, ielts writing task 2/ ielts essay:, some people think that newspapers are the best way to learn about current events. however, others believe that they can learn news better through other media., discuss both these views and give your opinion..

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IELTS Writing Task 2: how to answer the question

By Fiona on May 6, 2024

This IELTS Task 2 lesson shows you how to tackle a 2-part questions that you've never thought about before.

Why is there a declining interest among young people to do farming. Should young people be encouraged to do farming work?

In this lesson, we will cover: ideas, question types, hedging ('tend to'), giving reasons ('due to'), synonyms, how to refer to research and reference words.

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IELTS Writing Task 2. Causes & Solutions

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  6. ielts writing task 2| 7Dec2023 ielts exam writing task 2 essay| causes and solutions IELTS essay

COMMENTS

  1. IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer Band 9

    The IELTS writing task 2 sample answer below has examiner comments and is band score 9. The topic of social media is common and this IELTS essay question was reported in the IELTS test. Check the model essay and then read the comments. Many people believe that social networking sites (such as Facebook) have had a huge negative impact on both ...

  2. IELTS Model Essay -Two Questions Essay Type

    The IELTS Writing Task 2 Two Questions Essay: ... Hi Liz, I received my IELTS result today and I scored 7.5 overall band score. I can't thank you enough for your valuable help and guidance. ... This writing test sample answer makes a whole lots of sense to me. Well appreciated 👍👍👍. Reply. Liz says April 4, 2024 at .

  3. IELTS Writing Task 2/ Essay Topics with sample answer.

    IELTS Writing Task 2 (also known as IELTS Essay Writing) is the second task of your IELTS Writing test.Here, you will be presented with an essay topic and you will be scored based on your ability to respond to the topic. You need to write at least 250 words and justify your opinion with arguments, discussion, examples, problem outlining, proposing possible solutions and supporting your position.

  4. 100 Band 7, 8 + 9 IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay Samples

    Look no further! In this blog post, we have compiled a list of 100 Band 7, 8, and 9 IELTS Writing Task 2 essay samples to help you improve your writing skills and boost your chances of achieving a high score on the exam. These sample essays cover a wide range of topics, from education and technology to health and environment, and are a valuable ...

  5. IELTS Writing Task 2 Video Lesson: Only 5 mins left

    IELTS Writing Task 2 Video Lesson: Only 5 mins left - Help! Learn what to do with the last 5 minutes if you haven't finished your essay. The last 5 minutes are essential to use well. It could be the difference between a band score 5 and a band score 6 or 7. Watch this lesson to learn how to use your last 5 minutes effectively.

  6. IELTS Practice Academic Writing Test

    In the actual IELTS Academic Writing test, you will have one hour to complete the two questions or tasks: 20 minutes for the first task and 40 minutes for the second. So, you should expect to spend a little longer on practice Task 2 than you did on practice Task 1. While you shouldn't put yourself under too much pressure when practicing, it ...

  7. IELTS Writing Task 2: The Complete Guide

    This task will either be handwritten or completed on computer, depending on what format of the IELTS you take. Your recommended time limit for this task is 40 minutes, and the task takes up 2/3 (66%) of your score. For a full introduction to formatting, timing, and scoring, check out " The Basic Facts of IELTS Writing Task 2 .".

  8. IELTS Writing Task 2: ️ Everything You Need to Know

    IELTS Writing Task 2 is the second part of the writing test, where you are presented with a point of view, argument or problem and asked to write an essay in response. Your essay should be in a formal style, at least 250 words in length and you should aim to complete it in under 40 minutes. IELTS Writing Task 2: Everything You Need to Know

  9. The Complete Guide to IELTS Writing Task 2

    For Task 2 you will be given an essay question and you have around 40 minutes to write at least 250 words. This format is the same for the general or the academic IELTS exam. The basic task 2 essay structure is four paragraphs - an introduction, two main (or body) paragraphs) and a conclusion. You are expected to give your opinion and support ...

  10. IELTS Writing Task 2: Lessons, Tips and Strategies

    These IELTS writing task 2 lessons, strategies and tips will show you how to write an IELTS essay. They go through all the various types of essay that you may get and instructions on how to best answer them. For the Task 2, general or academic modules, you have to write an essay that must be a minimum of 250 words. You have 40 minutes.

  11. IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay Types and Structures + Samples

    Essay Structure: Introduction: Paraphrase the Question and state your opinion, outlining the main ideas. Main Body Paragraph 1: Begin with a topic sentence, explain this topic sentence, and provide an example. Main Body Paragraph 2: Follow the same format as the previous paragraph. Conclusion: Recap the main points and reiterate your opinion.

  12. More than 250+ IELTS Writing Task 2 Questions

    In this article, we outline over 250 recent IELTS Writing Task 2 topics and sample questions. The IELTS Writing Task 2 is an essay writing task that assesses your ability to express and develop an argument in response to a given prompt. As an essential part of the IELTS exam, a high score in writing task 2 can help you achieve your desired ...

  13. IELTS Writing Task 2: Winning Strategies and Sample Essays

    Unlock success in IELTS Writing Task 2 with winning strategies and sample essays. Learn how to craft compelling responses and achieve your desired score. Let's explore ... Sample Task 2: Problem-Solution Essay "The issue of air pollution is a growing concern in urban areas. This essay discusses the causes of this problem and suggests potential ...

  14. IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay Structures + Band 9 Essays

    The five most common IELTS Writing Task 2 questions are: Opinion (Agree or Disagree) Advantages and Disadvantages. Problem and Solution. Discussion (Discuss both views) Two-part Question. Below I will outline examples and a structure approved by experienced IELTS teachers and examiners for each type of question.

  15. IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer: Government and Housing

    1. My first sentence is another topic sentence but I am now focusing on the other side: why the government should not provide housing. Focus on one main idea so that you can fully support it; I focus on why charity does not work in many cases. 2. My next sentence explains my main idea.

  16. IELTS Writing Task 2

    26. 'Best time' essay skeleton 27. Overall coherence 28. A more coherent outline 29. One idea or two ideas 30. The best essay structure 31. Essay plan: nursing fees 32. Make paragraphs different 33. 13-sentence outline 34. Climate essay skeleton 35. Paragraph logic 36. Paragraph cohesion 37. Write a 'Finally' sentence 38. Tourism essay ...

  17. IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Essays

    IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Essays Academic Writing. The Academic Writing test will take 60 minutes to complete the test. You are asked to write 2 tasks, task 1 of at least 150 words, and task 2 of at least 250 words. In task 1 you'll be given a table, chart, process diagram, or graph and you'll have to describe it in around 150 words for ...

  18. IELTS Writing Task 2 essay sample 3174

    IELTS Writing Task 2 essay sample 3174 - Band 7.0. You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write about the following topic: As most people spend a major part of their adult life at work, job satisfaction is an important element of individual well-being.

  19. IELTS General Writing Task 2: Essay Sample Answers

    IELTS General Writing Task 2: Essay Sample Answers. General. The 2nd task in IELTS General Writing is to write an essay. Here are the examples of successful responses for a high score. Pay attention to the structure of the answer and how paragraphs composition; main ideas and the examples they are supported with.

  20. IELTS Writing Task 2/ Essay Topics with sample answer

    Model Answer 1: In the digital era, the demands of online coaching services and video courses have risen substantially. Many today believe that e-learning is a superior mode to in-person learning. I completely disagree with this opinion because the physical classroom setting enhances students' understanding of course topics and also develops ...

  21. IELTS Writing Task 2/ Essay Topics with sample answer

    To reiterate, although many prefer print newspapers because of their extensive reporting, this essay finds that digital news mediums are better at learning news on current affairs because of their ability to provide live coverage of breaking news events. Sample Answer 2: The debate over the most effective medium for staying informed about ...

  22. IELTS Writing Task 2: how to answer the question

    IELTS Writing Task 2: how to answer the question. By Fiona on May 6, 2024. This IELTS Task 2 lesson shows you how to tackle a 2-part questions that you've never thought about before. Why is there a declining interest among young people to do farming. Should young people be encouraged to do farming work?

  23. IELTS Writing Task 2

    0 min read. IELTS Writing Task 2. Causes & Solutions. No ratings yet. Band 8 Sample Answer. Band 8 Sample Answer. Vocabulary Focus. IELTS Writing. Academic Writing IELTS.