These questions include IELTS Task 2 writing cause and solution questions, discussion essay questions, discuss both views and give your opinion questions, opinion essay questions, advantages and disadvantages essay questions, and agree disagree essay questions. Writing IELTS Task 2 essays in the required time can be challenging, so regular practice is suggested.
WRITING TASK 2
In some countries the average weight of people is increasing and their levels of health and fitness are decreasing.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
WRITING TASK 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
To what extent do you think laws are needed to make people recycle more of their waste?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
WRITING TASK 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Some people think that universities should provide graduates with the knowledge and skills needed in the workplace. Others think that the true function of a university should be to give access to knowledge for its own sake, regardless of whether the course is useful to an employer.
What, in your opinion, should be the main function of a university?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
WRITING TASK 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write about the following topic:
It is generally believed that some people are born with certain talents, for instance for sport or music, and others are not. However, it is sometimes claimed that any child can be taught to become a good sports person or musician.
Write at least 250 words.
WRITING TASK 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Some people believe that it is good to share as much information as possible in scientific research, business and the academic world. Others believe that some information is too important or too valuable to be shared freely.
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.
WRITING TASK 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Present a written argument or case to an educated reader with no specialist knowledge of the following topic.
It is important for children to learn the difference between right and wrong at an early age. Punishment is necessary to help them learn this distinction.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
What sort of punishment should parents and teachers be allowed to use to teach good behaviour to children?
Write at least 250 words.
WRITING TASK 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Governments should spend money on railways rather than roads.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Some people believe that there should be fixed punishments for each type of crime. Others, however, argue that the circumstances of an individual crime, and the motivation for committing it, should always be taken into account when deciding on the punishment.
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.
WRITING TASK 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Many governments think that economic progress is their most important goal. Some people, however, think that other types of progress are equally important for a country.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
WRITING TASK 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
At the present time, the population of some countries includes a relatively large number of young adults, compared with the number of older people.
Do the advantages of this situation outweigh the disadvantages?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
WRITING TASK 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Increasing the price of petrol is the best way to solve growing traffic and pollution problems. To what extent do you agree or disagree? What other measures do you think might be effective?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
WRITING TASK 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write about the following topic:
Some people think that parents should teach children how to be good members of society. Others, however, believe that school is the place to learn this.
Discuss both 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.
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Many museums charge for admission while others are free.
Do you think the advantages of charging people for admission to museums outweigh the disadvantages?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
WRITING TASK 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Every year several languages die out. Some people think that this is not important because life will be easier if there are fewer languages in the world.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
WRITING TASK 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Some people say that the only reason for learning a foreign language is in order to travel to or work in a foreign country. Others say that these are not the only reasons why someone should learn a foreign language.
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.
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
In a number of countries, some people think it is necessary to spend large sums of money on constructing new railway lines for very fast trains between cities. Others believe the money should be spent on improving existing public transport.
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.
WRITING TASK 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Countries are becoming more and more similar because people are able to buy the same products anywhere in the world.
Do you think this is a positive or negative development?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
WRITING TASK 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Some people believe that allowing children to make their own choices on everyday matters (such as food, clothes and entertainment) is likely to result in a society of individuals who only think about their own wishes. Other people believe that it is important for children to make decisions about matters that affect them.
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.
WRITING TASK 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
As most people spend a major part of their adult life at work, job satisfaction is an important element of individual wellbeing.
What factors contribute to job satisfaction?
How realistic is the expectation of job satisfaction for all workers?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Nowadays many people choose to be self-employed, rather than to work for a company or organisation.
Why might this be the case?
What could be the disadvantages of being self-employed?
Some people say that music is a good way of bringing people of different cultures and ages together.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
Some people say that the main environmental problem of our time is the loss of particular species of plants and animals. Others say that there are more important environmental problems.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
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 such situations.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
WRITING TASK 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
In some countries the average weight of people is increasing and their levels of health and fitness are decreasing.
What do you think are the causes of these problems and what measures could be taken to solve them?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
WRITING TASK 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Countries are becoming more and more similar because people are able to buy the same products anywhere in the world.
Do you think this is a positive or negative development?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience
Write at least 250 words.
WRITING TASK 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
At the present time, the population of some countries includes a relatively large number of young adults, compared with the number of older people.
Do the advantages of this situation outweigh the disadvantages?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
WRITING TASK 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write about the following topic:
Research indicates that the characteristics we are born with have much more influence on our personality and development than any experiences we may have in our life.
Which do you consider to be the major influence?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
WRITING TASK 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Many governments think that economic progress is their most important goal. Some people, however, think that other types of progress are equally important for a country.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
WRITING TASK 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Some people think that a sense of competition in children should be encouraged. Others believe that children who are taught to co-operate rather than compete become more useful adults. 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.
WRITING TASK 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Creative artists should always be given the 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 with this opinion?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
WRITING TASK 2
Write about the following topic:
Some experts believe that it is better for children to begin learning a foreign language at primary school rather than secondary school.
Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
WRITING TASK 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
In some countries young people are encouraged to work or travel for a year between finishing high school and starting university studies.
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages for young people who decide to
do this. Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
WRITING TASK 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
In many countries schools have severe problems with student behaviour.
What do you think are the causes of this?
What solutions can you suggest?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
WRITING TASK 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
It is important for children to learn the difference between right and wrong at an early age. Punishment is necessary to help them learn this distinction.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
What sort of punishment should parents and teachers be allowed to use to teach good behaviour to children?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
WRITING TASK 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Increasing the price of petrol is the best way to solve growing traffic and pollution problems. To what extent do you agree or disagree? What other measures do you think might be effective?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
WRITING TASK 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
As most people spend a major part of their adult life at work, job satisfaction is an important element of individual wellbeing.
What factors contribute to job satisfaction?
How realistic is the expectation of job satisfaction for all workers?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
WRITING TASK 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Research indicates that the characteristics we are born with have much more influence on our personality and development than any experiences we may have in our life.
Which do you consider to be the major influence?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
WRITING TASK 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Some people think that a sense of competition in children should be encouraged. Others believe that children who are taught to co-operate rather than compete become more useful adults.
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.
WRITING TASK 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Creative artists should always be given the 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.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
WRITING TASK 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write about the following topic:
Universities should accept equal numbers of male and female students in every subject
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
WRITING TASK 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Happiness is considered very important in life.
Why is it difficult to define?
What factors are important in achieving happiness?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Problem Solving Questions for IELTS Task 2 Writing
In some countries there is not enough recycling of waste materials (eg. paper, glass and cans.) What are the reasons for this and some potential solutions?
Natural resources such as oil, wood, and fresh water are being consumed at an alarming rate. What problems does this consumption cause? How can we solve these problems?
In some countries, a high proportion of criminal acts are committed by teenagers. Why is this? What can be done to deal with it?
Nowadays, older people who need employment have to compete with younger people. What problems does this cause? What are some potential solutions?
Many museums and historical sites are visited mainly by tourists, not local people. Why is this the case and what can be done to attract more local residents?
Many young people leave school with a negative attitude towards education. What are the reasons for this? How can we encourage young people to study harder?
Problem Solving Questions “What are the causes? Solutions?”.
More and more people are migrating to cities in search of a better life, but city life can be extremely difficult for some. Explain the difficulties of living in a city. How can governments make urban life better for everyone?
Nowadays, some businesses face problems with new employees who have just finished their education and may lack interpersonal skills such as the ability to work in a team. What do you think is the main cause of the problem? How can it be resolved?
Nowadays many young people are attracted to dangerous sports. What makes these activities so attractive? What measures should be taken to regulate such sports and minimise their risks?
The increase in the production of consumer goods results in damage to the natural environment. What are the causes of this? What can be done to solve this problem?
Consumption of the world’s resources (such as oil, fresh water, etc.) is increasing at a dangerously fast rate. What are the causes of this increased consumption? What can people do to reduce it?
Discussion Questions for IELTS Task 2 Writing
Developments in technology are causing environmental problems. Some think the solution is for people to adjust to a simpler life while others believe that technology itself can solve these problems. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Some people believe that the support of celebrities for international aid organizations draws attention to their causes while others think celebrity support makes their causes seem less important. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Some say the purpose of education is to prepare individuals to be useful to society. Others say the purpose of education is to help people achieve personal ambitions. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Many governments think that economic progress is their most important goal. Some people, however, think that other types of progress are equally important for a country. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Some people think that professionals working in creative art jobs should be financially supported by their government while others think they should find support from other sources. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
Many people are afraid to leave their homes because of their fear of crimes. Some people believe that more action needs to be taken to prevent crime. However, others feel that little can be done. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Some people regard the increasing business and cultural contact between countries as a positive development. Others, however, feel that this leads to loss of national identities. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Some people say that governments should consider healthcare as their first priority when spending tax money while others believe there are more important priorities. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Some people prefer to provide help and support directly to those in their local community. Others, however, prefer to give money to national and international charities. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
To improve the quality of education, some people think that we should encourage our students to evaluate and criticise their teachers. Others believe that this will result in a loss of respect and discipline in the classroom. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Some people say that computer games are bad for children while others believe that these games can contribute to their development. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Some people believe countries have a moral obligation to help each other while others worry that aid money never reaches the poor people that it is supposed to help. Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.
Some people think children of different ability levels should be taught together while others think intelligent children should be taught separately and given special treatment. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Some people think basic healthcare should be free for everyone. Others believe people should pay their own medical costs. Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.
Human activities have had negative effects on plant and animal species. Some people think it is too late to solve this problem while others believe that effective measures can still be taken to improve this situation. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Some people think that all university students should study whatever they like. Others believe that they should only be allowed to study subjects that will be useful in the future, such as those related to science and technology. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Some people believe that punishment is the only purpose of prisons, while others believe that prisons exist for various reasons. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
While in some countries children start school at the age of four, in other countries they start at the age of seven. Some people believe that starting school early affects the relationship between parents and their children. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of starting school early and give your own opinion.
Some people think that city governments should spend more money to promote bicycle use in cities. Others, however, believe that cities should focus on investing in public transportation systems like trains or buses. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Opinion Questions for IELTS Task 2 Writing
Rich countries help poor countries financially. Some people, however, think that rich countries should help in other ways as well. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
People under the age 18 who commit crimes should be re-educated rather than punished. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
Some people think that giving children a certain amount of money every week will help them have fewer financial problems in the future. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Some think that buildings should be constructed with practical functionality in mind, as it is more important than design. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
The news media has a strong negative influence on people’s lives. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
Although more and more people read news on the Internet, newspapers will remain the most important source of news. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Countries are becoming more and more similar because people are able to buy the same products anywhere in the world. Do you think this is a positive or negative development?
Sports programmes are very popular on television nowadays. Some people argue that these programmes are the reason for the poor health of many young people as they prefer to watch sports rather than partake in them. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this view?
New parents should attend a parenting course to learn how to bring up their children well. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
People’s shopping habits depend more on the age group they belong to than any other factor. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
When new towns are planned, it is more important to build more public parks and sports facilities than shopping centers. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Multicultural societies, where people of different groups live together, bring more benefits than drawbacks to a country. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
In the modern world, it is no longer necessary to use animals as food and in other products like clothing and medicines. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
As well as making money, many people believe that businesses also have responsibilities to society. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Because funding for postgraduate research is limited, some people think that the government should provide some financial support. However, only scientific research should be funded rather than other, less useful subjects. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Some people who have been in prison become good citizens later, and it is often argued that these are the best people to talk to teenagers about the dangers of committing a crime. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
In some countries, many more people are choosing to live alone nowadays than in the past. Do you think this is a positive or negative development?
Some people think that the only purpose of working hard is to earn money. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
Students learn more from their school teachers than from other sources such as the Internet or television. To what extent you agree or disagree with this statement?
Two Part Questions for IELTS Task 2 Writing
Many people around the world are choosing to move to live in cities. What problems do people experience in big cities? Should governments encourage people to move to smaller towns?
In some countries, the role of a mother differs in some ways from the role of a father. Why do you think these differences exist? How might parental roles develop in the future?
In some countries around the world men and women are having children later in life. What are the reasons for this development? What are the effects on society and family life?
Television advertising aimed at children nowadays. What are the effects of television advertising for children? Should television advertising for children be controlled?
The marking rubric for IELTS Task 2 is available here and here.