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 Sample Essays

Here you will find IELTS Sample Essays for a variety of common topics that appear in the writing exam.

The model answers all have tips and strategies for how you may approach the question and comments on the sample answer.

You can also view sample essays with band scores on this page. 

Looking at IELTS essay topics with answers is a great way to help you to prepare for the test. 

These IELTS sample essays have been categorised in a way that makes it easy for you to see how certain essay question types require you to provide certain responses to ensure the question is fully answered. 

Specifically these are:

  • Agree / Disagree
  • Discuss Two Opinions
  • Problems and Solutions
  • Advantages and Disadvantages
  • Other Types

Agree / Disagree Type Questions

In these types of question you are given one opinion and you then have to state the extent to which you agree or disagree with that opinion:

  • Advertising
  • Alternative Medicine
  • Spending on the Arts
  • Human Cloning
  • Social Interaction & the Internet
  • Airline Tax
  • Free University Education
  • Scientific Research
  • Banning Smoking
  • Employing Older People
  • Vegetarianism
  • Paying Taxes  
  • Examinations or Formal Assessment 
  • Multinational Organisations and Culture
  • Internet vs Newspapers
  • Technology Development  
  • Dying of Languages
  • Animal Extinction
  • Truth in Relationships
  • Role of Schools
  • Return of Historical Artefacts

Discuss Two Opinions Type Questions

In this essay question type you are given two opinions, and you have to discuss both of these and then give your own view:

  • University Education
  • Reducing Crime
  • Animal Rights
  • Child Development
  • Diet & Health
  • Donating Money to Charity
  • Closing Zoos   
  • Becoming Independent  
  • Formal and Informal Education  
  • Influence of Scientists and Politicians
  • Sources for Stories
  • Searching for Extraterrestrial Life

Cause Type Questions

There are a variety of 'cause type' essay questions. In these you first have to give the reasons why something has happened, in other words the causes, but then discuss a different aspect of it, such as the effects, solutions or the extent to whether it is a positive or negative development:

Causes & Effects:

  • Child Obesity
  • Skin Whitening Creams
  • Family Size
  • Having Children Later in Life
  • Time Away from Family

Causes and Solutions:

  • Youth Crime
  • Global Warming
  • Paying Attention in Class
  • International Travel & Prejudice 
  • Museums & Historical Places
  • Disappearance of Traditions
  • Communication Between Generations

Causes, Pros & Cons:

  • Family Closeness
  • Living Alone
  • Rural to Urban Migration

Problems & Solutions Type Questions

In these type of questions, instead of discussing the causes of a problem, you need to discuss the problems related to a particular issue in society, and then suggest what can be to solve these problems:

  • Overpopulation
  • Competing for Jobs  
  • Professionals Immigrating

Advantage & Disadvantages Type Questions

In these type of questions you are asked to discuss the positive and negative sides of a particular topic. You will usually be asked this in the context of giving an opinion ( e.g. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages? Is it a positive or negative development? ): 

  • Traffic Problems
  • Food Additives
  • Computer Games
  • Age Discrimination at Work  
  • Children using Tablets and Computers  
  • Cell Phones, Internet, & Communication  
  • Working from Home 
  • Eating Locally grown  Produce  
  • Oil and Gas Essay  
  • Peer Pressure on Young People
  • Online Fraud
  • Decreasing House Sizes

'Hybrid' Types of Essay Question

There are sometimes questions that don't fit easily into a particular category as above. I've called these 'hybrid', as they are of mixed character, are composed of different elements from other types of essay, or are perhaps just worded differently. 

  • Protecting Old Buildings
  • Animal Testing
  • Fear of Crime
  • Communication Technology
  • Influence of Children's Friends  

Sample Essays with Band Scores

You can also view some sample essays that have been written by candidates practising for the test and have band scores and comments by an experienced ex-IELTS Examiner based on the IELTS marking criteria. 

  • IELTS Band 8 Essay Samples
  • IELTS Band 7 Essay Samples
  • IELTS Band 6 Essay Samples
  • IELTS Band 5 Essay Samples
  • IELTS Band 4 Essay Samples

Student Sample Essays

For more IELTS essay topics with answers you can also view essays that have been written by students. Some have feedback from other students or IELTS teachers:

  • Student Model Essays  (with comments by other students)
  • Student Model Essays (with comments by IELTS buddy)

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IELTS General Writing Practice | Free 30+ Mock Test

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Available IELTS General Writing Practice Test

TASK 1 (Letter)

  • A friend from another country is moving to your city for work. He / she has asked you for advice about living in your city.
  • Many animals are facing extinction in the wild. Why is this happening? What can be done to protect them?
  • You have heard that a developer plans to build a shopping centre near your home.
  • Some people think that keeping pets is good for children while others think it is dangerous and unhealthy. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
  • You recently bought a camera while travelling overseas. When you got to your destination you discovered that some important items were missing from the box.
  • Zoos are sometimes seen as necessary but poor alternatives to a natural environment. Discuss some of the arguments for and against keeping animals in zoos.

TASK 1   (Letter)

  • You are currently taking a course at a college but you will need to have a week off during this course.
  • Many countries spend a lot of money on art. Some people think investment in art is necessary, but others say the money is better spent on improving health and education. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion
  • You are renting a flat from an agency. Your contract was for one year but you need to leave the flat two months early.
  • All students ought to study art and music in school. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • You paid a refundable deposit when you rented an apartment. You left the apartment in good condition but the Landlord won’t return your deposit.
  • Creative artists should always be given freedom to express their own ideas (in words, pictures, music or film) in whichever way they wish. There should be no government restrictions on what they do. To what extent do you agree or disagree.
  • There is a public park near where you live. You have heard that the local council wants to sell this park.
  • 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?
  • You arranged to visit a friend in Canada but an important event at home now means that you must change the dates of the visit.
  • These days the internet is easily accessible to children. Is this a positive or a negative development?
  • You are a student at a language school in New Zealand studying Business English. Part of the course is a summer work placement programme. Unfortunately, you have just learnt from the school that this programme has now been cancelled.
  • Nowadays people use social media to keep in touch with others and be aware of the news. Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?
  • Last Wednesday you flew from London to Vancouver. When you arrived home, you discovered that you had left your hand luggage on the plane.
  • All criminals should have access to education and rehabilitation programs while in prison. To what extent do you agree or disagree.
  • You have seen an advertisement for a community college that needs teachers for night classes.
  • 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?
  • A restaurant has placed an advertisement for waiters and waitresses in your local newspaper.
  • In many countries, an increase in crime has been blamed on violent images on television and in computer and video games. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • You are studying for a qualification, and you would like some time off work to complete it.
  • Differences between countries become less evident each year. Nowadays, all over the world people share the same fashions, advertising, brands, eating habits and TV channels. Do the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?
  • You play a team sport with some friends. Last week a member of the team had an accident and wasn’t able to play with you at the weekend. You decide to write to him in hospital, telling him about the match.
  • 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.
  • You are going to another country to study. You would like to do a part-time job while you are studying, so you want to ask a friend who lives there for some help.
  • In the developed world, average life expectancy is increasing. What problems will this cause for individuals and society? Suggest some measures that could be taken to reduce the impact of ageing populations.
  • You are studying a short course in another country. Your accommodation was arranged by the course provider. There is a major problem with the accommodation.
  • Only formal examinations, written or practical, can give a clear picture of students’ true knowledge and ability at university level. Continuous assessment like course work and projects are poor measures of student ability. To what extent do you agree or disagree.
  • A friend of yours has recently written to you asking for advice about a problem at work. You have had a similar problem at your workplace in the past.
  • In many countries, schools have severe problems with student behaviour. What do you think are the causes of this? What solutions can you suggest?
  • Some construction work is being done on the street where you live for the last couple of days. The noise from the work is loud and it disturbs you.
  • Many people say that the only way to guarantee a good job is to complete a course of university education. Others claim that it is better to start work after school and gain experience in the world of work. Discuss both views and give your own opinion
  • The system used for rubbish/garbage collection in your local area is not working properly. This is causing problems for you and your neighbours.
  • Many people prefer to watch foreign films rather than locally produced films. Why could this be? Should governments give more financial support to local film industries?
  • There have been several complaints about the reception area where visitors to your company arrive. Your manager has asked you to suggest how the reception area could be improved.
  • In most developed countries shopping is not only about buying the goods you need, it is also perceived as entertainment. Is it a positive or negative development?
  • Some people think that it is important to use leisure time for activities that improve the mind, such as reading and doing word puzzles. Other people feel that it is important to rest the mind during leisure time. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
  • You are not happy about a service you received a couple of days ago from a company and you have decided to complain about it.
  • With deforestation, urban development and illegal hunting, many animal species are becoming endangered and some are even facing extinction.
  • You have a friend who has always liked the car you currently drive. Now you have decided to sell the car. You think your friend might be interested in buying it.
  • Do you think it is important to protect animals? What can be done to deal with this problem?
  • You have just read an article in an international travel magazine which contained some information about your town that is incorrect.
  • Many people think it is very important to protect the environment but they make no effort to do it themselves. Why do you think this is the case? What actions should individuals take to protect the environment?
  • Explain some of the ways in which humans are damaging the environment. What can governments do to address these problems? What can individual people do?
  • You have seen an advertisement in an Australian magazine for someone to live with a family for six months and look after their six-year-old child.
  • Children are influenced by their friend’s opinions. In what ways are children affected by their friends? How can parents make sure this influence is positive?
  • You normally go shopping in the area where you live. However, you think some of the facilities for shoppers could be improved there.
  • Parents often buy their children many toys. What are the advantages and disadvantages of children having a large number of toys?
  • You paid a refundable deposit when you rented an apartment a year ago. You left the apartment last month in good condition but the landlord won’t return your deposit.
  • Young people spend less of their free time with their family nowadays. What are the reasons for this? Are there more negative or positive sides.
  • You recently did a short cookery course. The cookery school has asked for your feedback on this course.
  • All people should be vegetarian. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
  • You recently went to a concert and thought one of the singers was very good. You want to tell how you feel.
  • Some people claim that genetically modified (GM) food can be dangerous while others feel that it may bring enormous benefits to the world. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

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IELTS General Training Writing Practice Test (PDF with Answers)

Business person writing in IELTS general writing task 1 practice test with answers pdf

Taking a practice test is one of the best things you can do to prepare yourself for the IELTS General Training test. When it comes to writing, though, practice is especially important! In this post, we’ll share an IELTS General Training Writing practice test PDF with answers that you can use to develop your skills before test day. So take a look at the IELTS General Writing Task 1 Practice Test (with Answers) PDF, then come back when you’ve finished your essay for info about scoring!

Ready to start practicing? In this PDF, you can read the sample questions, write your own essays, and then them to the model essays and scoring advice in the document. Here’s the IELTS General Training Writing practice test PDF for download:

Click to download IELTS General Training Writing Practice Test

How should I score this practice Writing section?

Once you’ve finished your section, it’s time to score the tasks. First things first: review the band descriptors for Task 1 and Task 2 .

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

Then, take a closer look at your essays, rereading them to evaluate how well they meet the criteria in each of the four categories.

It can be very difficult to score your own essay objectively, so working with a scoring partner is useful here. That said, if you’re scoring your responses on your own, you can ask yourself the following questions to help determine your band level for each criterion:

  • Did your Task 1 word count exceed the 150 word minimum, and did your Task 2 word count exceed the 250 word minimum? If not, do not give yourself full points for “Task Response.”
  • Did you address each part of the task? Break down the prompt into different parts. Then, match each part of the prompt to part of your essay. If you did not address one or more parts of the task, do not give yourself full points for “Task Response.”
  • Does each paragraph have its own clear topic sentence and supporting details? If not, then take some points away in “Coherence and Cohesion.”
  • Do the tasks use adequate transitional language to tie paragraphs together and move from the paragraph to the conclusion? If not, do not give yourself full points for “Coherence and Cohesion.”
  • Do you use vocabulary clearly and fluently, avoiding serious errors in word choice, and varying word choice to avoid repetition? If not, your self-score in “Lexical Resource” should not be perfect.
  • Do you use grammar with confidence and skill, with no serious mistakes? And do you use a variety of sentence structures? If the answer to any of that is “no,” give yourself a less-than-perfect score in “Grammatical Range and Accuracy.”

Additional Practice Writing Tests for IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training

Sitting down to complete this IELTS General Writing Task 1 Practice Test (with Answers) PDF is a great first step. However, the key to really boosting your score on this section of the IELTS is regular practice. With that in mind, here are more resources where you can find more sample writing tasks for IELTS Writing!

In our IELTS Writing practice test post , you’ll find the full Academic Writing section in PDF form, another in video form, as well as an additional full General Training Writing section! Keep in mind that while the Task 1 question types differ between Academic and General Training tasks, Task 2 is the same in both versions. In other words, no matter which test you’re taking, all of the task 2 prompts in these links are useful practice.

Magoosh’s IELTS Academic Writing practice test is also useful for the same reason! Again, if you’re taking the General Training exam, skip the first task, replacing it with a GT prompt (such as those you’ll find on the Magoosh blog!).

Additional Practice Questions

If you prefer to go through individual questions rather than whole Writing sections, take a look at the following resources! Keep in mind that their usefulness will vary, depending on which test you’re taking. (Also, some of these questions can be found in the PDFs as well, while others are wholly unique.)

  • IELTS Academic Writing Task 1: Map With Model Answer — When you need practice with map questions specifically for the IELTS, this sample prompt and answer show you what a high-scoring response look like.
  • IELTS Academic Writing Task 1: Process Diagram with Model Answer — Process diagrams on Task 1 can scare students, but they get a lot easier with practice!
  • IELTS Academic Writing Task 1: Line Graph with Model Answer (Band 9) — What does a high-scoring response on this common Academic Task 1 task type look like? Our experts show you here.
  • IELTS Academic Writing Task 1: Pie Chart with Model Answer — When the test asks you to analyze a pie graph, what should you do? This sample prompt and response will help you prepare.
  • IELTS Writing Task 2: Causes/Solutions Sample Essay — How can you get a high score on a causes/solution essay? Take a look at this sample prompt and response to find out.
  • IELTS Writing Task 2: Agree/Disagree — We also have a sample question and model response for the common agree/disagree question type!
  • IELTS Writing Task 2: Advantage/Disadvantage Learn how to discuss advantages and disadvantages with a question and sample response for this variation of Task 2
  • IELTS Writing Task 2: Two-Part Essays — With an example question and an example response, learn how to answer two-part IELTS Writing Task 2 questions.
  • The Discussion IELTS Writing Task 2 Question Type — Learn how to discuss both sides of an issue in IELTS Writing Task 2 with a question and example response.

More Resources for IELTS Writing

Finally, make sure you’re prepared for the official IELTS exam by familiarizing yourself with the IELTS, from task types to the question types you can expect to see on the exam! Once you’ve finished the IELTS General Training Writing practice test PDF with answers, take a look at the following to polish your writing even more.

  • What do you need to know about IELTS Writing? Make sure you have the basics covered with this overview of the IELTS Writing tasks .
  • Taking the Academic test? Here’s your complete guide to IELTS Writing Task 1 (Academic) .
  • No matter which test you’re taking, make sure you’re prepared for the second task with the complete guide to IELTS Writing Task 2 !
  • What types of questions can you expect to see on IELTS Writing Task 2? Find out with our guide to Task 2 question types !
  • Looking to practice with Academic Task 1? Here are sample Academic Task 1 prompts you can use for this!
  • Taking the General Training test instead? Enjoy Task 1 tips for writing a great letter !

Magoosh’s IELTS Essay Scoring Service

Last but not least, you may want to consider getting your essays scored by Magoosh IELTS instructors. Subscription prices and plans can be found at this page for Magoosh IELTS Essay grading .

Rachel Kapelke-Dale

Rachel is a Magoosh Content Creator. She writes and updates content on our High School and GRE Blogs to ensure students are equipped with the best information during their test prep journey. As a test-prep instructor for more than five years in there different countries, Rachel has helped students around the world prepare for various standardized tests, including the SAT, ACT, TOEFL, GRE, and GMAT, and she is one of the authors of our Magoosh ACT Prep Book . Rachel has a Bachelor of Arts in Comparative Literature from Brown University, an MA in Cinematography from the Université de Paris VII, and a Ph.D. in Film Studies from University College London. For over a decade, Rachel has honed her craft as a fiction and memoir writer and public speaker. Her novel, THE BALLERINAS , is forthcoming in December 2021 from St. Martin’s Press , while her memoir, GRADUATES IN WONDERLAND , co-written with Jessica Pan, was published in 2014 by Penguin Random House. Her work has appeared in over a dozen online and print publications, including Vanity Fair Hollywood. When she isn’t strategically stringing words together at Magoosh, you can find Rachel riding horses or with her nose in a book. Join her on Twitter , Instagram , or Facebook !

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

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100 IELTS Essay Questions

Below are practice IELTS essay questions and topics for writing task 2. The 100 essay questions have been used many times over the years. The questions are organised under common topics and essay types. IELTS often use the similar topics for their essays but change the wording of the essay question.

In order to prepare well for writing task 2, you should prepare ideas for common topics and then practise applying them to the tasks given (to the essay questions). Also see model essays and tips  for writing task 2.

Below you will find:

  • Essay Questions By Topic
  • Essay Questions by Essay Type (for example Opinion, Discussion etc)

Please also note that my new Grammar E-book is now available in my store along with my Ideas for Essay Topics E-book and Advanced Writing Lessons. To visit store, click here: IELTS LIZ STORE

1) Common IELTS Essay Questions

IELTS practice essay questions divided by topic. These topics have been reported by IELTS students in their tests. Essay questions have been recreated as accurately as possible.

  • Art   (5 essay questions)
  • Business & Money   (17 essay questions)
  • Communication & Personality   (20 essay questions)
  • Crime & Punishment   (12 essay questions)
  • Education   (17 essay questions)
  • Environment   (12 essay questions)
  • Family & Children   (8 essay questions)
  • Food & Diet (13 essay questions)
  • Government (6 essay questions)
  • Health   (9 essay questions)
  • Housing, Buildings & Urban Planning (8 essay questions)
  • Language (6 essay questions)
  • Leisure (1 essay question)
  • Media & Advertising   (12 essay questions)
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  • Transport  (7 essay questions)
  • Work (17 essay questions)

2) IELTS Essay Questions by Essay Type 

There are 5 main types of essay questions in IELTS writing task 2 (opinion essays, discussion essay, advantage/disadvantage essays, solution essay and direct question essays). Click on the links below to see some sample essay questions for you to practice with at home.

  • Opinion Essay Model Answer with Useful Tips
  • Discussion Essay Model Answer with Useful Tips
  • Solution Essay Model Answer with Useful Tips
  • Direct Questions Model Essay 
  • Adv/Disadv Model Essay with Useful Tips

3) Recent Essay Topics

You can also track recent essay topics on this page: IELTS ESSAY TOPICS 2024

Note: you must also prepare all other topics on the page above because questions are recycled each year.

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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.

Image: IELTS-Writing-Task-2-Structure

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.

essay writing in ielts general

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

essay writing in ielts general

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)  

essay writing in ielts general

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

essay writing in ielts general

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

essay writing in ielts general

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:

essay writing in ielts general

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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IELTS General Training Writing

Prepare for General Training Writing test with our official support tools. Find free practice tests, webinars run by IELTS Experts and more.

The General Training Writing test is made up of two tasks, Writing Task 1 and Writing Task 2. The topics in each task are of general interest.

In Writing Task 1, you will be given a situation where you will need to write a letter to request information or explain the situation. You might be asked to write a letter to suggest how to improve facilities at a library. Examiners will look at your ability to provide general and factual information in relation to the task, express needs, wants, likes and dislikes, as well as opinions, views and complaints.

Writing Task 2 is a little different. You will be asked to write an essay in response to a point of view, argument or problem. You will be assessed on whether you can provide general factual information, outline a problem, present a solution, justify an opinion or evaluate and challenge ideas, evidence or an argument.

Learn from our IELTS Expert, Don whether you can write your answers in an IELTS test entirely in capital letters.

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IELTS General Writing Task 2: Essay Sample Answers

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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.

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. 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

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.

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

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  • IELTS Writing General Task 1

Home  » IELTS writing general task 1

Whether you’re taking the IELTS academic or general exam, writing task 1 is the first section of the IELTS writing task. Our website contains numerous online resources to help you prepare for this part of your IELTS exam , with different IELTS vocabulary , writing exercises and task 1 sample essays .

It is important that you focus your preparation on the right information so that you’re able to write a well-structured letter for your task 1 exam.

Important information about IELTS General Writing Task 1

  • General writing task 1 takes the form of a letter. Here candidates are asked to respond to a complaint, request information or explain a certain situation.
  • You should spend no more than 20 mins on this test and you should write at least 150 words.
  • Task 1 forms 33% of your total writing mark
  • Grammar - 25%
  • Vocabulary - 25%
  • Task achievement - 25%
  • Coherence and cohesion - 25%
  • It is very important that candidates are able to express their ideas, provide general factual information and express opinions in this section of the exam.
  • To get the best possible band score for your GT writing task 1, it is important that you familiarise yourself with the possible types of letter for this task.

Two main different types of letters : 

  • Formal letter - This could be to complain about a product/service or provide an apology or apply for a job,
  • Informal letter - This type of question can require you to ask for advice, thank a colleague/friend or invite a friend to vacation with you. Remember that you should write at least 150 words.

Practising the various types of letters is important so that can understand what the right vocabulary, style and tone is for each kind of letter.

Preparation tips for IELTS General Writing Task 1 

  • Practice spending no more than 20 minutes on this task. If you practice enough beforehand, you’ll be able to stay within these limits during your exam.
  • Make sure that you always read the question thoroughly and understand what you need to do. 
  • The general task 1 normally comes with 3 bullets, requesting information, for example: “You moved to a new country and you want to write a letter to your former colleague.

In your letter, you should:

  • tell him/her where did you go and what you are doing there (job)
  • describe your feeling
  • invite your friend to come.”

Be sure that you have mentioned all three of these bullet points. The best is to write a paragraph about each of these to make sure that you have covered all the information.

  • Leave yourself some time at the end to check your paper so that you don’t lose any unnecessary points.
  • It is important to learn new IELTS vocabulary before your exam. Keep a notebook of new words, phrases and idioms that can help you improve your vocabulary score. Make that you know how to use these new words accurately, in the right context.
  • NEVER use shortened versions of a word like you would in a text.

Here we have some sample general task 1 essays and useful English phrases to use in your exam.

The following tutorials will help the IELTS candidate prepare for their general exam. This part of the exam differs from the academic section and you will be asked to write a letter instead of interpreting a graph.

  • How to write informal letters
  • Best general task 1 structure
  • Sample general Task 1 letter
  • How to expand your IELTS vocabulary
  • IELTS General Writing Task 1: Letter samples, phrases and tips
  • An ex-examiner reviews a Task 1 informal letter
  • IELTS Sample Letters – Band 9
  • How to Plan and Write IELTS Task 1 Informal Letters In 20 Minutes
  • Why students fail IELTS General Task 1

We also have useful tutorials to help you prepare for the IELTS Academic :

  • Academic task 1 sample essays
  • How to get band 9 in IELTS academic task 1
  • How to describe a pie chart for IELTS

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IELTS General Writing Test

Find all the basic information you need to know about the IELTS General Writing test in one place.

Here's what I cover on this page:


1) Why choose General Training?

The General test is for people wanting to work in or emigrate to the UK, Ireland, Australia, Canada or New Zealand. It is widely accepted for:

It is different to the IELTS Academic test which is required by universities and professional registration bodies.

2) Important facts

– Write a minimum of 150 words

                : 20 minute


– Write a minimum of 250 words

                : 40 minute 




 – 60 minutes

Task 2 contributes twice as many marks to your overall score as Task 1.

3) Test format

T ask 1  – You are required to write a letter requesting information or explaining the situation in relation to a specific circumstance.

The letter must be in one of the following styles as appropriate to the situation:

 – to someone you don’t know.  – to a friend or close family member.

There are 7 common Task 1 letter topics:

  • Letter of Complaint
  • Letter of Explanation
  • Letters of Application & Resignation
  • Letters to Make an Arrangement
  • An Invitation

Click the links for step-by-step lessons with sample questions and model answers.

Task 2  – You will be required to write an essay on a topic of general interest. Your essay will be a response to a specific point of view, problem or argument that will be stated in the question.

You may use a more personal style than would be required in the Academic Writing Task 2 essay.

There are 5 types of Task 2 essay:


4) Skills assessed

As with all elements of the IELTS exam, the IELTS General Writing test is marked according to four marking criteria.

 – appropriate response to the task     – the ability to present a well-structured essay   – the ability to use a range of appropriate vocabulary and to use it correctly     – the ability to use grammar correctly and to use a range of grammar forms

Each carries 25% of the marks.

The two parts of the IELTS General Writing test are designed to assess your ability in different skill areas. The assessment criteria for any specific question will depend on the type of task you are asked to complete, but here is a general overview.

Don’t worry if you feel slightly overwhelmed after reading it. The lessons below contain all the help and step-by-step guidance you need to write high scoring essays and letters. 

Task 1  – Your letter will assess your ability to engage in personal correspondence and be assessed in relation to one or more of these skills:

  • Elicit and provide general factual information
  • Express needs, wants, likes and dislikes
  • Express opinions (e.g. views, complaints)

Task 2  – Your essay will be assessed in relation to one or more of the following:


5) Sample questions & answers

In addition to the sample questions and model answers in the lessons listed above, you will find many more in the IELTS General Writing lessons in the menus below.

Want to watch and listen to this lesson?

Click on this video.


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Ielts general writing lessons, ielts general writing task 1 – letter.

Letter Format  – The format, the 7 topics, letter structure, formal & informal, assessment & marking criteria, sample questions. Essential information  you need to know.

Letter Writing Tips   – Learn top tips on how to meet the assessment and marking criteria and achieve a high score.

Letter Writing Structure  – Find out how to use this   easy to   learn letter structure to write a high-scoring letter. Includes a model answer.

How To Plan a Letter  – Learn a simple 5 step process & 6 part letter structure. Also, help to understand the question & generate ideas.

Formal or Informal  – How to decide what type of letter to write. Sample questions & 2 model letters.

Letter Writing Vocabulary  – Learn useful phrases to help you achieve a high score. Also, know how to start & end your letter.

How To Write an Informal Letter  – Step-by-step instructions, simple 4 step plan & 6 part letter structure, model letter.

How To Write a Formal Letter  – Step-by-step instructions, simple 4 step plan & 6 part letter structure, model letter.

Letter Topics  – Learn the 7 most common letter topics   & other popular subjects. Includes 20 sample questions.

IELTS General Writing Task 2 – Essay

IELTS Writing Task 2  – T he format, the 5 question types, the 5 step essay writing strategy & sample questions. All the key information you need to know.

The 5 Types of Task 2 Essay   – How to recognise the 5 different types of Task 2 essays. 15 sample questions to study and a simple planning structure for each essay type.

Understanding Task 2 Questions  – How to quickly and easily analyse and understand IELTS Writing Task 2 questions.

How To Plan a Task 2 Essay  – Discover why essay planning is essential & learn a simple 4 step strategy, the 4 part essay structure & 4 methods of generating ideas.

How To Write a Task 2 Introduction  – Find out why a good introduction is essential. Learn how to write one using a simple 3 part strategy & discover 4 common mistakes to avoid.

How To Write Task 2 Main Body Paragraphs  – Learn the simple 3 part structure for writing great main body paragraphs and also, 3 common mistakes to avoid. 

How To Write Task 2 Conclusions  – Learn the easy way to write the perfect conclusion for a Task 2 essay. Also discover 4 common mistakes to avoid.

Task 2 Marking Criteria  – Find out how to meet the marking criteria in Task 2. See examples of good and poor answers & learn some common mistakes to avoid.

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50+ Recent IELTS Writing Topics with Answers: Essays & Letters

Kasturika Samanta

14 min read

Updated On Aug 22, 2024

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This article lists recent IELTS Writing topics for Academic and General Training exams, covering Task 1 visual data and essays on themes like health, education, environment, and more. It also offers sample questions to aid in effective exam preparation.

IELTS Writing Topics

Table of Contents

Ielts writing topics for academic writing task 1, ielts writing topics for general writing task 1, common ielts writing topics for writing task 2.

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IELTS Writing topics are one of the most essential study resources for IELTS exam preparation. There are two reasons for this: firstly, topics are often repeated in the IELTS exam and secondly, practising these IELTS Writing questions will help test-takers familiarise themselves with the format and requirements of the exam.

While the first task for the IELTS Writing exam has different versions of IELTS Academic and IELTS General , the second task is essay-writing for both. Even with differences in format or difficulty levels, both these tasks revolve around common IELTS writing topics like health, environment, education, travel, family and children, etc.

In this blog, we have compiled a list of the most popular and recent IELTS Writing topics based on the different tasks in this section and recurrent themes. Also, get hold of the IELTS writing questions and answers PDF that will help you practice at your own pace.

In the IELTS Writing Task 1 of the Academic exam, candidates have to summarize important visual information presented in graphs, charts, tables, maps, or diagrams in at least 150 words within 20 minutes.

Below are some IELTS Writing Task 1 topics with answers for each type of graphs and diagrams in IELTS Academic.

Line Graphs

Check out the list of IELTS Writing Task 1 - Line graph with IELTS writing questions and answers. Make sure to use appropriate IELTS Writing Task 1 Line Graph Vocabulary to write effective answers.

  • IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 - Shops that Closed
  • IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Topic: Different sources of air pollutants - Line Graph
  • IELTS Writing Task 1 - The Graph Below Shows Different Sources of Air Pollutants in the UK Sample Answers
  • IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Topic : Price changes for fresh fruits and vegetables - Line Graph
  • The Percentage Of The Population In Four Asian Countries - IELTS Writing Task 1
  • The Changes In Ownership Of Electrical Appliances And Amount Of Time Spent Doing Housework In Households - IELTS Writing Task 1
  • IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Topic 38: Paris Metro station passengers - Line Graph
  • Projected Population Growth of China and India- Line Graph
  • IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Topic : Percentage of Car Ownership in Great Britain - Line Graph
  • Waste Recycling Rates in the US From 1960 to 2011- Line Graph
  • Weekday Volume of Passenger Activity on the Toronto Metro system- Line Graph
  • US Consumers' Average Annual Expenditures on Cell Phone- Line Graph
  • Consumption of Fish and Different kinds of Meat in a European Country- Line Graph
  • Demographic Trends in Scotland- Line Graph

Here is a list of IELTS Writing topics with answers on the IELTS bar chart .

  • People Who Ate Five Portions of Fruits and Vegetables Per Day in the UK - IELTS Writing Task 1
  • IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Topic : People affected by four types of noise pollution - Bar graph
  • How Families in One Country Spent their Weekly Income - IELTS Writing Task 1
  • Division of Household Tasks by Gender in Great Britain- Bar Graph
  • Annual Pay for Doctors and Other Workers - IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Bar Chart
  • Estimated World Illiteracy Rates by Region and by Gender - IELTS Writing Task 1
  • Southland’s Main Exports in 2000 and Future Projections For 2025 - IELTS Writing Task 1
  • Carbon Emissions in Different Countries - IELTS Writing Task 1
  • IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Topic 22: Railway system in six cities in Europe – Bar Chart
  • IELTS Writing Task 1 Test On 28th July With Band 8.0-9.0 Sample
  • IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Topic: Percentage of people living alone in 5 different age groups in the US - Bar Chart
  • Amount of Leisure Time Enjoyed by Men and Women of Different Employment Statuses – Bar Chart
  • USA Marriage and Divorce Rates Between 1970 and 2000 and the Marital Status of Adult Americans- Bar Graph
  • Top Ten Rice-Producing Countries in the World in 2015- Bar Graph
  • Rural Households that Had Internet Access Between 1999 and 2004- Bar Graph
  • Information About Underground Railway Systems in Six Cities - IELTS Writing Task 1

Explore the list of IELTS writing topics related to pie charts and solve them with the help of pie chart vocabulary for IELTS preparation.

  • IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Topic : Survey conducted by a university library - Pie chart
  • Methods of Transportation for People Traveling to a University - Pie Chart
  • IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Topic 13: Percentage of housing owned and rented in the UK – Pie Chart
  • IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Topic : The percentage of water used by different sectors - Pie chart
  • Online shopping sales for retail sectors in Canada - IELTS Writing Task 1 Pie chart
  • Percentage of Water Used for Different Purposes in Six Areas of the World- Pie Chart
  • IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Topic 18: Average Consumption of food in the world – Pie Chart
  • Main Reasons Why Students Chose to Study at a Particular UK University - IELTS Writing Task 1 Academic Pie Chart
  • Composition Of Household Rubbish In The United Kingdom - IELTS Writing Task 1

Here is a list of IELTS Writing topics with answers on the IELTS table chart .

  • Fishing Industry in a European Country - IELTS Writing Task 1 Academic
  • IELTS Academic Writing Task 1: Social and economic indicators for four countries - Table
  • The Situation of Marriage and Age from 1960 to 2000 in Australia - IELTS Writing Task 1
  • Past And Projected Population Figures In Various Countries - IELTS Writing Task 1
  • IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Topic 35: Number of travelers using three major German airports - Table
  • IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Topic 05: Size of US households over a number of years
  • Changes in Modes of Travel in England Between 1985 and 2000- IELTS Writing Task 1 (Table)
  • IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Topic 12: Internet use in six categories by age group – Table
  • Cinema Viewing Figures for Films by Country, in Millions- Table
  • Number of Medals Won by the Top Ten Countries in the London 2012 Olympic Games- Table
  • Sales at a Small Restaurant in a Downtown Business District- Table

Here is a list of IELTS Writing topics 2024 with answers on the IELTS Map Diagram .

  • Paradise Island Map – IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Answers
  • Floor Plan of a Public Library 20 years ago and now - IELTS Writing Task 1
  • A School in 1985 and the School Now - IELTS Writing Task 1
  • Village of Stokeford in 1930 and 2010 - IELTS Writing Task 1 Map
  • Map of the Centre of a Small Town Before and After - IELTS Writing Task 1
  • Plan A & B shows a Health Centre in 2005 and in Present Day - IELTS Writing Task 1
  • IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Example 9 : Chorleywood is a village near London whose population has increased steadily - Map
  • Two possible sites for the supermarket Sample Answers
  • IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Topic : Cross-sections of two tunnels
  • IELTS Academic Writing Task 1: Local industrial village in England called Stamdorf - Map
  • IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 : Hawaiian island chain in the centre of the Pacific Ocean - Map

Process Diagrams

Here is a list of IELTS Writing topics with answers on the IELTS Process diagram .

  • Process of Making Soft Cheese - IELTS Writing Task 1
  • Growing and Preparing Pineapples and Pineapple Products – IELTS Writing Task 1 Diagram
  • Ceramic Pots Process - IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Diagram
  • How Orange Juice is Produced - IELTS Academic Writing Task 1
  • IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Topic 09 : Consequence of deforestation
  • The Diagram Shows the Manufacturing Process of Sugar- IELTS Writing Task 1
  • IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Topic 10: How apple is canned - Diagram
  • Life Cycle of the Salmon - IELTS Writing Task 1
  • Academic IELTS Writing Task 1 Recycling process of wasted glass bottles Sample Answers
  • Production of Potato Chips - IELTS Writing Task 1
  • The Process of Milk Production - IELTS Writing Task 1
  • Process of Making Pulp and Paper - IELTS Writing Task 1 Diagram
  • Stages of Processing Cocoa Beans - IELTS Writing Task 1

Mixed/Combination Diagrams

The following is a list of IELTS Writing topics 2024 with answers on IELTS mixed or combination diagrams, practising which will aid in mastering these visual presentations for a top IELTS band score .

  • Anthropology Graduates From One University - IELTS Writing Task 1
  • Water use Worldwide and Water Consumption- Line Graph and Table
  • Transport and Car Use in Edmonton- Pie Chart + Table
  • Demand for Electricity in England- Line Graph and Pie Chart
  • IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Topic : Newly graduated students in the UK and their proportions - Multiple Graphs
  • The table and charts below give information on the police budget - IELTS Writing Task 1

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In the IELTS General Writing Task 1 , test-takers are required to write a letter in response to a given situation. The letters are of three types depending on the context, namely formal, semi-formal and informal.

Below are some common IELTS Letter Writing topics that cover all the 3 ielts writing questions types of letters.

Formal Letters

Have a look at the list of IELTS General Writing Task 1 Sample Formal Letters that will help IELTS candidates prepare for the IELTS Writing questions for the actual exam.

  • An Article in an International Travel Magazine - IELTS Writing Task 1
  • A Magazine Wants to Include Contributions from its Readers - IELTS Writing Task 1
  • Recently Booked a Part-Time Course at a College Now Need to Cancel Your Booking - IELTS Writing Task 1 General Formal Letter
  • Advertisement From a Couple Who Live in Australia - IELTS Writing Task 1 General Formal Letter
  • You Found You had Left Some Important Papers at the Hotel – IELTS General Writing Task 1
  • Advertisement for a Training Course which will be Useful – IELTS Writing Task 1
  • Write a Letter to Your Manager about a Party that You Want to Organize at the Office – IELTS General Writing Task 1
  • A Feedback for a Short Cookery Course – IELTS General Writing Task 1
  • Letter to the Local Authority about Construction of an Airport - IELTS Writing Task 1
  • You Are Soon Going to Spend Three Months Doing Work Experience in an Organisation - IELTS Writing Task 1

Semi - formal Letters

The following is a list of IELTS General Writing Task 1 Sample Semi-Formal Letters with answers.

  • A Friend Of Yours Is Thinking About Applying For The Same Course - IELTS Writing Task 1 General Semi-Formal Letter
  • Letter to Neighbour About Barking Dog - IELTS Writing Task 1
  • A Letter to Your Friend Who Lives in Another Town and Invite - IELTS Writing Task 1
  • Letter to a Singer about His/Her Performance – IELTS General Writing Task 1
  • You Have a Full-time Job and Doing a Part-time Evening Course - IELTS Writing Task 1
  • Letter to Neighbor About the Damaged Car While Parking - IELTS Writing Task 1
  • You Work for an International Company- Semi-formal letter
  • You and Your Family are Living in Rented Accommodation- Semiformal Letter

Informal Letters

Here is a list of IELTS Writing topics with answers on the IELTS General Writing Task 1 Informal Letters that will help you to learn how to write an IELTS informal letter and brush up your writing skills.

  • A Friend is Thinking of Going on a Camping Holiday - IELTS Writing Task 1
  • Advice about Learning a New Sport – IELTS Writing Task 1 (Informal Letter)
  • Help with a College Project - IELTS Writing Task 1 from Cambridge IELTS General 18
  • Write a Letter to Your Friend Planning a Weekend Trip - IELTS General Writing Task 1
  • Your Parents will be Celebrating their 50th Anniversary Next Month- Informal letter
  • You are Studying English at a Private Language School- Informal Letter
  • You Have a Friend Who has always Liked the Car you Currently Drive- Informal Letter
  • You Have Recently Started Work in a New Company- Informal letter
  • A friend Asking for Advice About a Problem at Work- Informal letter
  • A Friend has Agreed to Look After your House- Informal Letter

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IELTS Writing Task 2 is similar for both IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training with minor differences in the difficulty level. Therefore, let us have a look at the compilation of IELTS writing topics with answers for different IELTS Writing Task 2 sample essays based on the common common IELTS Writing topics 2024.

Business, Work & Talent

Work-related topics often cover issues such as work-life balance, the gig economy, and the impact of automation on employment. Also, business topics may include discussions on corporate responsibility, entrepreneurship, and the impact of globalization on local businesses.

  • Some people are born with certain talents - IELTS Writing Task 2
  • Women Should be Allowed to Join the Army, the Navy and the Air Force just like Men - IELTS Writing Task 2
  • IELTS Writing Task 2: Until What Age Do You Think People Should be Encouraged to Remain in Paid Employment?
  • IELTS Writing Task 2 - Top Level Authorities Should Take Suggestions From Employees
  • How Realistic is the Expectation of Job Satisfaction for all Workers - IELTS Writing Task 2
  • Men and Women Can Be Equally Suited to Do Any Type of Work - IELTS Writing Task 2
  • People Work Long Hours Leaving Little Time for Leisure - IELTS Writing task 2
  • Some People Say that it is Better to Work for a Larger Company than a Small One - IELTS Writing Task 2

Education topics often focus on the role of technology in education, the importance of higher education, and the debate over traditional vs. modern teaching methods.

  • IELTS Writing Task 2: Nowadays it is More Difficult for Children to Concentrate to Pay Attention in School
  • Placing Advertisements in Schools is a Great Resource for Public Schools - IELTS Writing Task 2
  • IELTS Writing Task 2: Giving Homework Daily to School Children Works Well
  • Very Few School Children Learn About the Value of Money: IELTS Writing Task 2
  • Traditional Examination Are Not Often True to Students Ability - IELTS Writing Task 2
  • Secondary School Children Should Study International News - IELTS Writing Task 2

Environment

Environmental issues are increasingly prominent in IELTS Writing, with topics covering pollution, climate change, and the conservation of natural resources.

  • IELTS Writing Task 2 - Some people say domestic animals, like cats, should not be reared in cities
  • We No Longer Need to have Animals Kept in Zoos - IELTS Writing Task 2
  • The Importance of Biodiversity is Being More Widely Recognised - IELTS Writing Task 2
  • People Should Use Public Transport to Support Pollution Control Initiatives - IELTS Writing Task 2
  • International Community Must Act Immediately to Reduce Consumption of Fossil Fuels - IELTS Writing Task 2

Family and Children

IELTS Writing questions related to family and children often explore the changing dynamics of family life, parenting styles, and the impact of technology on children.

  • IELTS Writing Task 2 - Young Single People No Longer Stay With Their Parents Until They Are Married
  • Is it Better to Rear Children in Joint Family or in Nuclear Family - IELTS Writing Task 2
  • IELTS Writing Task 2: Majority of Children are Raised by their Grandparents Due to the Fact that their Parents are Busy
  • IELTS Writing Task 2: In Some Countries Children Have Very Strict Rules of Behaviour
  • Some People Spend Their Lives Living Close to Where They Were Born - IELTS Writing Task 2
  • Should Parents Read or Tell Stories to Their Children - IELTS Writing Task 2
  • Women Make Better Parents than Men - IELTS Writing Task 2
  • The Older Generations Tend to Have very Traditional Ideas - IELTS Writing Task 2

Food, Lifestyle and Entertainment

Food and entertainment related IELTS writing topics often discuss issues related to diet, the global food industry, and cultural food practices.

  • Explain Why the Movies are As Popular As a Means of Entertainment - IELTS Writing Task 2
  • IELTS Writing Task 2: Popular Hobbies and Interests Change Over Time
  • IELTS Writing Task 2 - Which Do You Prefer Planning or Not Planning For Leisure Time?
  • IELTS Writing Task 2: People Always Throw the Old Things Away When they Buy New Things
  • Food Can Be Produced Much More Cheaply Today | IELTS Writing Task 2
  • IELTS Writing Task 2: The Era of the Silver Screen is Coming to an End
  • Why is Music Important for Many People - IELTS Writing Task 2
  • IELTS Writing Task 2: Why is the Circus Still a Popular Form of Entertainment
  • Crime Novels and TV Crime Dramas are Becoming Popular - IELTS Writing Task 2

Health-related topics are a staple in the IELTS Writing section, focusing on public health issues, diet, and the impact of modern lifestyles on health.

  • Discuss the cause and effects of widespread drug abuse by young people - IELTS Writing Task 2
  • Obesity is a Major Disease Prevalent among Children - IELTS Writing Task 2
  • Exercise is the Key to Health while Others Feel that Having a Balanced Diet is More Important - IELTS Writing Task 2
  • Advantages and Disadvantages of Government Providing Free Healthcare - IELTS Writing Task 2
  • Tobacco and Alcohol are Drugs that Cause Addiction and Health Problems - IELTS Writing Task 2
  • Many People Complain that They Have Difficulties Getting Enough Sleep - IELTS Writing Task 2
  • and More People are Hiring a Personal Fitness Trainer - IELTS Writing Task 2

Language and Culture

Topics related to language and literature often explore the importance of preserving cultural heritage, language learning, and the impact of globalization on languages.

  • Many Old Cities Around the World are Going Through a Major Process of Modernization - IELTS Writing Task 2
  • Reading for Pleasure Develops Imagination and Better Language Skills - IELTS Writing Task 2
  • IELTS Writing Task 2 - Traditional Festivals and Celebrations Have Disappeared
  • Globalization will Inevitably Lead to the Total Loss of Cultural Identity - IELTS Writing Task 2

Societal issues such as violence, social inequality, and media influence are common in IELTS Writing topics.

  • Individual Greed and Selfishness Have Been the Basis of Modern Society - IELTS Writing Task 2
  • IELTS Writing Task 2 - Individuals Should Not Be Allowed To Carry Guns
  • Nowadays We are Living in a Throwaway Society - IELTS Writing Task 2
  • Different People Have Different Approaches to Life - IELTS Writing Task 2
  • Violence and Conflict were more Evident under Male Leadership than under Female Leadership - IELTS Writing Task 2
  • What Changes Do You Think this New Century Will Bring - IELTS Writing Task 2
  • People Remember Special Gifts or Presents they Receive - IELTS Writing Task 2

Sports topics in IELTS Writing often cover the role of sports in education, the impact of professional sports on society, and issues related to sportsmanship.

  • Many People Think Olympic Games and World Cup are an Enormous Waste of Money- IELTS Writing Task 2
  • Cricket has Become More Popular than the National Sports - IELTS Writing Task 2
  • Sports Today is Turning into a Business - IELTS Writing Task 2

Technology & Science

Technology is a rapidly evolving field, and its impact on society, work, and communication is a common topic in IELTS Writing. Media-related topics also come under this section and often focus on the influence of mass media, the ethics of journalism, and the role of the internet in modern communication.

  • Internet and Computers Will Ever Replace the Book or the Written Word - IELTS Writing Task 2
  • IELTS Writing Task 2: More and More People are Choosing to Read Ebooks Rather than Paper Books
  • Some People Think That Mobile Phones Should Be Banned in Public Places - IELTS Writing Task 2
  • Persuade More People to Embrace Electric Cars – IELTS Writing
  • The most important aim of science should be to improve people's lives - IELTS Writing Task 2
  • People May No Longer Be Able to Pay for Things Using Cash - IELTS Writing Task 2
  • Mobile Phones and the Internet could have Many Benefits for Old People - IELTS Writing Task 2

Tourism and Travel

Tourism and travel topics may include discussions on the impact of tourism on local cultures, the environment, and the global economy.

  • Foreign Visitors Should Pay More Than Local Visitors for Cultural and Historical Attractions - IELTS Writing Task 2
  • IELTS Writing Task 2: What Do You Think are the Benefits of Going Away on Holidays?
  • In the Future More People Will Go On Holiday in Their Own Country - IELTS Writing Task 2

Download the IELTS writing topics PDF that contain all the IELTS writing topics with answers to fasttrack your IELTS preparation!

Being familiar with these IELTS Writing topics and practicing your writing skills within these themes can help you prepare more effectively for the IELTS Writing test. Moreover, understanding the issues and arguments related to each topic will enable you to write well-rounded essays that meet the IELTS criteria. So, if you need further guidance through a free demo session or sign up for free IELTS webinars .

Additional Reads

  • IELTS Academic Writing Task 1: Useful Tips and Vocabulary to Describe a Graph or Chart
  • Recent Writing Task 2 Essay Topics for IELTS 2024
  • IELTS Band 9 Essay Samples: Writing Task 2 Insights for IELTS Learners
  • Visuals: Writing About Graphs, Tables and Diagrams for IELTS Writing Task 1 (Ebook)
  • How to Plan an IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay (Best Strategy)
  • IELTS Writing Task 2 Preparation Tips/Tricks

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COMMENTS

  1. 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

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

    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 resource for ...

  3. Free IELTS General Training Writing Test

    Free online IELTS General Training Writing practice test - paper. You will be allowed 1 hour to complete two tasks in the IELTS General Training Writing test. The two parts of this practice Writing test are presented on two separate web pages. Make sure you move swiftly from one page to the next so that your practice is as realistic as possible.

  4. IELTS Sample Essays

    IELTS Sample Essays. Here you will find IELTS Sample Essays for a variety of common topics that appear in the writing exam.. The model answers all have tips and strategies for how you may approach the question and comments on the sample answer.. You can also view sample essays with band scores on this page.. Looking at IELTS essay topics with answers is a great way to help you to prepare for ...

  5. IELTS General Task 1 Sample Questions and Essays

    IELTS general writing task 1 sample: You will be graduating from university and would like to invite your family to the ceremony. Write a letter of invitation to your parents. In the letter: - Explain that you have completed your studies. - Give details of the event, including time, date and dress code.

  6. IELTS Writing Task 2: Tips, Lessons & Models

    1. IELTS Writing Task 2 Test Information. Learn about your IELTS writing task 2 test. All lessons and tips on this page are for both Academic and GT writing task 2. IELTS Writing has two tasks: Task 1 (a report) and Task 2 (an essay). The total time is one hour for both tasks. You should spend only 40 mins on task 2.

  7. IELTS

    In General Training Writing Task 2, you need to write a semi-formal/neutral discursive essay of a minimum of 250 words. The instructions for Task 2 give information about an opinion, argument or problem. The instructions then tell you what you should discuss in your essay. You will need to write about a topic of general interest, such as:

  8. IELTS General Writing Practice

    General Instructions. The exam is divided into 2 sections. There will be an active timer to remind you of how much time is left. For best experience, practice your mock test on computer / laptop. Submit your test after you finish by clicking on "SUBMIT TEST".

  9. IELTS General Training Writing Test 2

    This is the second section of your IELTS General Training Writing test. You should spend about 40 minutes on it. Write about the following topic: Task 2. Some people think that having a set retirement age (e.g. 65 years) for everybody, regardless of occupation, is unfair. They believe that certain workers deserve to retire and receive a pension ...

  10. IELTS General Training Writing Practice Test (PDF with Answers)

    In this post, we'll share an IELTS General Training Writing practice test PDF with answers that you can use to develop your skills before test day. So take a look at the IELTS General Writing Task 1 Practice Test (with Answers) PDF, then come back when you've finished your essay for info about scoring!

  11. 35 Sample Band 9 IELTS Essays

    35 Sample Band 9 IELTS Essays. Take a look at these 35 sample Band 9 IELTS essays for writing task 2 of the IELTS exam. Task 2 can cover a wide range of essay topics for the IELTS writing task section of the test, so preparation is key. Use the following samples when preparing your IELTS essays to see how close you are to a band 9!

  12. IELTS General Training Writing free practice questions

    Task 1. You will be presented with a situation and asked to write a letter requesting information or explaining the situation. The letter may be personal, semi-formal or formal in style. Task 2. You will be asked to write an essay in response to a point of view, argument or problem. The essay can be slightly more personal in style compared to ...

  13. IELTS

    The IELTS General Training test can help you to achieve your goals. ... The General Training Writing question types in IELTS on computer are the same as in IELTS on paper. ... for example, requesting information or explaining a situation. In Part 2, you are asked to write an essay in response to a point of view, argument or problem. General ...

  14. IELTS General Training Writing Task 1

    In the real IELTS General Training Writing test, you will have one hour to complete both of the two set writing tasks. Task 1 should take you 20 minutes, leaving 40 minutes for task 2. Before starting the first practice task, you might like to set an alert to make sure you don't go too far over. When you take your IELTS General Training ...

  15. 100 IELTS Essay Questions

    100 IELTS Essay Questions. Below are practice IELTS essay questions and topics for writing task 2. The 100 essay questions have been used many times over the years. The questions are organised under common topics and essay types. IELTS often use the similar topics for their essays but change the wording of the essay question.

  16. Your pocket guide to IELTS General Training Writing

    Four things you must know about the IELTS General Training Writing test. 1. Understand the two tasks you need to handle. The General Training test involves two different types of tasks that are: Writing a letter (Task 1) Writing an essay (Task 2) In Task 1, you will be required to write a letter in response to a situation and depending on the ...

  17. 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.

  18. IELTS General Training Writing

    Find free practice tests, webinars run by IELTS Experts and more. The General Training Writing test is made up of two tasks, Writing Task 1 and Writing Task 2. The topics in each task are of general interest. In Writing Task 1, you will be given a situation where you will need to write a letter to request information or explain the situation.

  19. 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

  20. IELTS General Writing Task 1: Sample essays and questions

    Whether you're taking the IELTS academic or general exam, writing task 1 is the first section of the IELTS writing task. Our website contains numerous online resources to help you prepare for this part of your IELTS exam, with different IELTS vocabulary, writing exercises and task 1 sample essays.. It is important that you focus your preparation on the right information so that you're able ...

  21. IELTS General Writing

    IELTS General Writing Task 2 - Essay. IELTS Writing Task 2 - T he format, the 5 question types, the 5 step essay writing strategy & sample questions. All the key information you need to know. The 5 Types of Task 2 Essay - How to recognise the 5 different types of Task 2 essays. 15 sample questions to study and a simple planning structure ...

  22. IELTS General Writing Task 1 Samples

    Given below are some IELTS General Writing task 1 tips to improve your letter writing skills: Take 20 minutes to complete the letter-writing task. Spend 2-3 minutes preparing the format and content of the letter. Leave 2-3 minutes, in the end, to double-check the letter for spelling and grammar errors.

  23. IELTS General Training Writing Test

    Task 2. Some people believe that teaching children at home is best for a child's development while others think that it is important for children to go to school. Discuss the advantages of both methods and give your own opinion. Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Write at ...

  24. 50+ Recent IELTS Writing Topics with Answers: Essays & Letters

    Common IELTS Writing Topics for Writing Task 2. IELTS Writing Task 2 is similar for both IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training with minor differences in the difficulty level. Therefore, let us have a look at the compilation of IELTS writing topics with answers for different IELTS Writing Task 2 sample essays based on the common common IELTS Writing topics 2024.