Writing Guide · Updated May 2026
IELTS Writing Task 2 Topics & Questions 2026
A complete, categorised list of IELTS Writing Task 2 question types and topics — with sample questions for every theme. Use these to practise structure, then check your essay score instantly with AI.
How Task 2 Works
250 words
Minimum word count
40 minutes
Recommended time
66%
Of your Writing score
Task 2 carries twice the weight of Task 1 in your IELTS Writing score. You are given a topic and asked to write a formal essay of at least 250 words. Examiners mark on four equally weighted criteria: Task Response, Coherence & Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range & Accuracy. For the full picture of how those criteria add up, start with our pillar on how to improve IELTS Writing, and learn the 4-paragraph structure for a Band 7 essay.
The 5 Question Types
Identifying the question type in the first 30 seconds determines your essay structure. Getting this wrong is one of the most expensive Task Response mistakes.
| Question type | Signal phrase in the prompt | Essay structure |
|---|---|---|
| Opinion (Agree / Disagree) | "To what extent do you agree or disagree?" | Introduction (your position) → Body 1 (reason 1) → Body 2 (reason 2) → Conclusion (restate position) |
| Discussion (Both Views + Opinion) | "Discuss both views and give your own opinion." | Introduction → Body 1 (View A) → Body 2 (View B) → Body 3 or Conclusion (your opinion) |
| Problem and Solution | "What are the causes? What solutions can you suggest?" | Introduction → Body 1 (causes/problems) → Body 2 (solutions) → Conclusion |
| Advantages and Disadvantages | "Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?" | Introduction (your overall view) → Body 1 (advantages) → Body 2 (disadvantages) → Conclusion (clear verdict) |
| Two-Part Question | "Why is this? What do you think should be done?" | Introduction → Body 1 (answer part 1) → Body 2 (answer part 2) → Conclusion |
Opinion (Agree / Disagree)
"To what extent do you agree or disagree?"Structure
Introduction (your position) → Body 1 (reason 1) → Body 2 (reason 2) → Conclusion (restate position)
Sample question
“Some people believe that university education should be free for all students. To what extent do you agree or disagree?”
Examiner tip: Take a clear position. Examiners penalise essays that seem to agree and disagree with no clear stance. "Partially agree" is fine — but explain precisely what you agree and disagree with.
Discussion (Both Views + Opinion)
"Discuss both views and give your own opinion."Structure
Introduction → Body 1 (View A) → Body 2 (View B) → Body 3 or Conclusion (your opinion)
Sample question
“Some people think that children should be allowed to use smartphones freely, while others believe their use should be strictly limited. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.”
Examiner tip: Many candidates write a Discussion essay when they see "Discuss both views" but forget to include their own opinion. That directly loses marks on Task Response.
Problem and Solution
"What are the causes? What solutions can you suggest?"Structure
Introduction → Body 1 (causes/problems) → Body 2 (solutions) → Conclusion
Sample question
“Many cities around the world are experiencing serious traffic congestion problems. What are the causes of this problem? What measures could be taken to solve it?”
Examiner tip: Make sure solutions are realistic and directly address the problems you identified. Generic solutions ("governments should do more") score poorly — be specific.
Advantages and Disadvantages
"Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?"Structure
Introduction (your overall view) → Body 1 (advantages) → Body 2 (disadvantages) → Conclusion (clear verdict)
Sample question
“Working from home has become increasingly common. Do the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?”
Examiner tip: If asked "do advantages outweigh disadvantages?", you must give a clear verdict. Saying "there are advantages AND disadvantages" without deciding is a Task Response failure.
Two-Part Question
"Why is this? What do you think should be done?"Structure
Introduction → Body 1 (answer part 1) → Body 2 (answer part 2) → Conclusion
Sample question
“In many countries, people are eating more fast food than ever before. Why is this happening? What problems does it cause?”
Examiner tip: Give roughly equal attention to both parts. A common mistake is to write 200 words on one part and only 50 on the other — this costs Task Response marks.
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Check my essay freeQuestions by Topic
IELTS topics repeat across exam cycles. Knowing the most common themes lets you build topic IELTS vocabulary and practise structures before test day. Avoiding the 250-word length penalty is the easy first step.
Education
Very frequent- 1
Some people think that universities should focus on providing academic skills rather than preparing students for employment. Do you agree or disagree?
- 2
Many students choose to study abroad rather than in their home country. What are the advantages and disadvantages of studying overseas?
- 3
Some believe that children should start learning a foreign language as soon as they begin school. Others think this should happen later. Discuss both views.
- 4
Should university education be funded by students themselves or by the government? Discuss and give your opinion.
- 5
Private schools produce better academic results than state schools. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Technology
Very frequent- 1
Many people believe that social media has had a negative effect on society. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- 2
Artificial intelligence is increasingly being used in the workplace. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
- 3
Some people think that children today spend too much time on screens. What problems does this cause and what solutions can be suggested?
- 4
Technology has made it possible for people to work from anywhere in the world. What are the effects of this development?
- 5
Some argue that robots will eventually replace humans in most jobs. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Environment
Frequent- 1
Climate change is the greatest threat facing the world today. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- 2
Governments should make all citizens pay a special tax to fund renewable energy. To what extent do you agree?
- 3
Some people believe individuals can do little to reduce pollution, and that governments and businesses must take responsibility. Discuss both views.
- 4
International travel has increased significantly in recent years. What are the problems this creates and how can they be addressed?
- 5
Many endangered species are now protected by law. Some argue the money should be spent on human problems instead. Discuss.
Health & Lifestyle
Frequent- 1
In many countries, obesity is a growing problem. What are the causes of this trend? What can be done to address it?
- 2
Some people think that governments should make it compulsory for citizens to do regular physical exercise. Do you agree or disagree?
- 3
Junk food advertising should be banned, especially when targeted at children. To what extent do you agree?
- 4
Mental health problems are on the rise globally. What are the main causes? What solutions can governments and individuals adopt?
- 5
Some argue that the best way to improve public health is to raise taxes on unhealthy food and drink. To what extent do you agree?
Work & Employment
Frequent- 1
Many young people choose to travel or work abroad before starting a career. Is this a positive or negative development?
- 2
Some companies offer flexible working hours to employees. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this practice?
- 3
Women still earn less than men in most industries. What are the causes and what measures can be taken to close the gender pay gap?
- 4
In many countries, people are having to work longer before they can retire. What are the causes and consequences of this trend?
- 5
Some people think job satisfaction is more important than salary. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Society & Culture
Moderate- 1
Many traditions and customs are being lost as the world becomes more globalised. Is this a positive or negative development?
- 2
In many countries, an increasing proportion of the population is over 65. What problems does this create and how might they be addressed?
- 3
Some people think that immigration benefits a country. Others believe it has a negative impact. Discuss both views.
- 4
Young people in many countries are less interested in politics than older generations. Why is this? What can be done to encourage greater participation?
- 5
Modern societies have become increasingly individualistic. What are the causes and effects of this trend?
Crime & Punishment
Moderate- 1
Some people believe that the best way to reduce crime is to give longer prison sentences. Others disagree. Discuss both views.
- 2
Crime rates in cities have risen dramatically. What are the main causes and what measures could be taken to tackle crime effectively?
- 3
Should criminals who commit serious crimes be given rehabilitation rather than prison sentences? Discuss both views.
- 4
Surveillance cameras in public places help reduce crime but also threaten privacy. Do the benefits outweigh the drawbacks?
- 5
Punishing young offenders in the same way as adults is unfair and counterproductive. Do you agree or disagree?
Scoring Strategy — What Gets You from Band 6 to Band 7
Task Response
Answer every part of the question directly. The examiner checks whether your position is clear from the introduction. Vague or hedging introductions cost marks even when the body is strong.
Coherence & Cohesion
Use one clear idea per paragraph with a topic sentence. Overusing linking words ("Furthermore… Moreover… Additionally…") actually lowers your CC score — vary your cohesive devices.
Lexical Resource
Use topic-specific vocabulary accurately rather than inserting advanced words for their own sake. Incorrect use of a sophisticated word scores lower than correct use of a simpler one.
Grammatical Range
Include a mix of sentence structures — some compound, some complex, some simple. A mix with occasional minor errors scores higher than uniformly simple sentences written perfectly.
Graded learner answers
Real Task 2 answers written on IELTSbiz, each marked on the four official criteria. Pick a question to compare answers at different bands.
- Some people think that computers and the internet are more important for a child’s education than going to school. To what extent do you agree or disagree?14 graded answers
- Some people believe that it is best to accept a bad situation , such as an unsatisfactory job or shortage of money .Others argue that it is better to try and improve . Discuss both these views and give your own opinion12 graded answers
- Prison is an effective punishment for people who commit crimes. To what extent do you agree or disagree?5 graded answers
- Some people believe that smartphones should be banned in secondary schools. To what extent do you agree or disagree?4 graded answers
- Artificial Intelligence and Employment Some people believe that the increasing use of artificial intelligence and machines will improve people's lives, while others are concerned about its consequences. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.3 graded answers
- Some people say that in the digital age, theatres and cinemas are no longer important as people can watch all the entertainment they want online. Others argue that theatres and cinemas are still important both economically and culturally. 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.3 graded answers
- A lot of places in the world rely on tourism as a main source of income. Unfortunately, tourism can also be a source of problems if it is not managed correctly. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of tourism in the modern world. Do you think that the benefits of tourism outweigh its drawbacks?3 graded answers
- Many manufactured food and drink products contain high levels of sugar, which causes many health problems. Sugary products should be made more expensive to encourage people to consume less sugar. Do you agree or disagree?3 graded answers
- Many processed food and drink products contain excessive sugar which contribute to a wide range of health issues. Sugary products should be made more expensive to encourage people to consume less sugar. Do you agree or disagree?3 graded answers
- Some people think that parents should teach their children how to be good members of society. Others, however, believe that school is the best place to learn this. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.3 graded answers
- Some people believe that reducing the number of students in each class is the best way to improve education. To what extent do you agree or disagree?3 graded answers
- When asked to choose between a life without work and working most of the time, people would always choose not to work. Do you agree or disagree with this statement?3 graded answers
- Some people say that the best way to improve public health is by increasing the number of sports facilities. Others, however, say that this would have little effect on public health and other measures are required. Discuss both views and give your opinion.2 graded answers
- Some people think that celebrities are good role models for young people, while others believe they set a harmful example. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.2 graded answers
- Discuss the causes of stress among students.2 graded answers
- Environmental protection is the responsibility of politicians, not individual people, because individuals can make little difference. To what extent do you agree or disagree?2 graded answers
- Governments should tax unhealthy food in the same way they tax tobacco. To what extent do you agree or disagree?2 graded answers
- Some people think increasing the cost of fuel is the best way to solve global environment problems. To what extend do you agree or disagree?2 graded answers
- Individuals can do nothing to improve the environment; only governments and large companies can make a difference. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Citizens are incapable of personally making significant positive changes on the aspects of their surroundings, however for a region to remarkably transform, the state and other influential businesses are the ones with the sole capability of overlooking these changes. People, contrary to their leaders, lack control and empowerment strategies necessary to aim for substantial results of the measures taken to change their area. I strongly believe that ordinary citizens cannot facilitate big alterations of their surroundings, while leaders are very much able. To begin with, the process of transforming the face of a place requires extensive work with many units coordinating to have desired outcomes. This needs a central point of harmonization and given that the government is composed of several sectors, this becomes an easy task for them. Citizens lack this ability hence the government becomes a convenient option. For example, the state will easily incorporate the architecture and construction units when there is a need to reconstruct a park because these are the segments it controls. This can get difficult for nationals thus the potential lies uniquely on the state. Additionally, significant changes require large amounts of money which individuals lack. Nonetheless, bodies running the country generate a considerable sum of income from taxes and activities running across various sectors. This makes them capable of catering for all reinforcements necessary in their location. For instance, the entire process of constructing large roads requires billions and as a result, the state mostly takes up that responsibility. This makes the state the only guaranteed prospect of making marked changes in a community. extensive work.2 graded answers
- Maintaining long-term friendships is becoming increasingly challenging for many adults. What are the primary reasons for this difficulty? Why is it important for individuals to make an effort to sustain these relationships?2 graded answers
- More and more people in the city live in homes with small spaces or no outdoor areas. Do you think it is a negative or positive development?2 graded answers
- Some people believe that more trees should be planted instead of building housing societies. To what extent do you agree or disagree?2 graded answers
- Some people believe that organic food should be affordable for everyone, while others argue that its higher price is justified by its health and environmental benefits. To what extent do you agree or disagree?2 graded answers
- Some people fail in school, but end up being successful in life. Why do you think that is the case? What is the most important thing to succeed in life?2 graded answers
- In many countries people are working longer hours and have less free time than in the past. What are the causes of this? What can be done to improve the situation?2 graded answers
- It was predicted that in the 21st century people will have more leisure time than never before because of the improvements of technology. To what extent do you agree or disagree?2 graded answers
- Write about the following topic: Some people argue that primary schools focus too much on formal learning. To what extent do you agree with this opinion? How important do you think it is for children to play as well as learn in the primary school classroom? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.2 graded answers
- Some people feel that the private lives of celebrities should not be openly shared by the media. To what extent do you agree or disagree?2 graded answers
- Some people believe that professionals, such as doctors and engineers, should be required to work in the country where they did their training. Others believe they should be free to work in other counties. Discuss both views and give your opinion.2 graded answers
- Some students work while studying. This often results in lacking time for education and constantly feeling under pressure. What do you think are the causes of this? What solutions can you suggest?2 graded answers
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common IELTS Writing Task 2 topics?
The most frequently tested IELTS Writing Task 2 topics are Education, Technology, Environment, Health and Lifestyle, Work and Employment, Society and Culture, and Crime and Punishment. Of these, Education and Technology appear most often — roughly once every 2–3 exam cycles.
What are the 5 types of IELTS Writing Task 2 questions?
The five IELTS Writing Task 2 question types are: (1) Opinion / Agree or Disagree — state and defend your position; (2) Discussion — present both sides and give your view; (3) Problem and Solution — identify causes and propose solutions; (4) Advantages and Disadvantages — evaluate pros and cons; (5) Two-part question — answer two separate but related questions. Opinion and Discussion questions are the most common.
How long should an IELTS Writing Task 2 essay be?
IELTS Writing Task 2 requires a minimum of 250 words. Examiners recommend writing 260–300 words for a well-structured essay. Writing fewer than 250 words results in a penalty on your Task Response score. Writing significantly more than 300 words rarely improves your score and wastes time you need for Task 1.
What is the difference between an Agree/Disagree and a Discussion essay?
An Agree/Disagree question asks for your personal opinion on a statement — you should take a clear position (fully agree, partially agree, or disagree) and defend it throughout. A Discussion question presents two opposing views and asks you to discuss both before giving your own opinion. Confusing these two types is one of the most common Task Response errors.
Turn these topics into a higher Writing band
- Grade your essay with the AI writing checkerInstant band estimate on all four criteria, with a Band 8 rewrite
- The 4-paragraph structure for a Band 7 essayA repeatable PEEL template adapted to each question type
- How long should your IELTS essay be?The 250-word rule, the penalty, and the sweet spot
- How to improve IELTS WritingThe pillar guide that lifts every Writing criterion
- IELTS vocabulary for Lexical ResourceTopic word banks and collocations examiners actually reward
- What band score do you actually need?University, visa, and professional thresholds for your goal
- How to write a Band 9 Task 2 answerThe method that turns any topic on this page into a top-band essay — formats, criteria, and a worked example
- Task 2 sample answers: Band 9 vs 6.5Full model answers with the same question at Band 6.5, compared criterion by criterion
- Linking words and cohesive devices for Band 7+Use connectors by function without the mechanical overuse examiners penalise
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