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IELTS Writing Task 2 Questions: 108+ by Topic

A free bank of 108 exam-style Task 2 essay questions, organised by topic and question type. Practise any question, then paste your essay into the free AI Writing Checker for an instant estimated band score.

The five Task 2 question types

Almost every IELTS Writing Task 2 question is one of five types, and identifying the type is the first step of planning, because it decides your essay structure:

Opinion (agree / disagree) — state a clear position in the introduction and support it consistently.
Discussion (both views) — cover each view in its own paragraph, then give your own opinion.
Advantages & disadvantages — weigh both sides; if asked whether one outweighs the other, answer that directly.
Problem & solution — one paragraph for causes or problems, one for solutions.
Two-part question — answer both questions fully, one body paragraph each.

Education

Education is the single most frequent IELTS Writing Task 2 theme. Expect questions about school curricula, university funding, teaching methods, and how technology is changing the classroom.

Opinion
Some people believe that all university education should be free of charge and funded by the government. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
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Opinion
Schools should teach practical life skills, such as managing money and cooking, instead of some traditional academic subjects. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
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Discussion
Some people think children learn best when they are grouped by academic ability, while others believe mixed-ability classes benefit everyone. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
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Discussion
Some parents believe that a child’s education is the responsibility of schools alone, while others think families must play an equal role. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
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Advantages & Disadvantages
In many countries, students take a gap year between finishing school and starting university, often to work or travel. Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?
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Advantages & Disadvantages
An increasing number of university courses are now taught entirely online rather than on campus. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this development?
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Problem & Solution
In some countries, many students leave school without basic skills in reading, writing, and mathematics. What are the causes of this problem, and what measures could be taken to solve it?
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Problem & Solution
Many young teachers leave the profession within a few years of qualifying. Why does this happen? What can be done to encourage teachers to stay in the profession?
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Two-Part Question
Nowadays, many children spend more time studying for examinations than playing. Why is this the case? Is this a positive or negative development?
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Technology

Technology questions test whether you can weigh convenience against risk: smartphones, artificial intelligence, automation at work, and how the internet is reshaping daily life.

Opinion
Some people believe that artificial intelligence will eventually make better decisions than humans in most areas of life. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
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Opinion
Children under the age of twelve should not be allowed to own a smartphone. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
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Discussion
Some people think that machines replacing humans in the workplace is a dangerous development, while others see it as an opportunity for people to do more meaningful work. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
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Discussion
Some believe printed books will disappear entirely because digital reading is cheaper and more convenient, while others think physical books will always be preferred by many readers. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
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Advantages & Disadvantages
More and more people now manage their finances entirely through mobile banking applications, and many bank branches are closing as a result. Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?
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Advantages & Disadvantages
Many companies now allow employees to work from home using computers and the internet. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this trend for employers?
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Problem & Solution
People increasingly share personal information online without understanding how it may be used. What risks does this create? What can individuals and governments do to reduce these risks?
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Problem & Solution
Many people find it difficult to concentrate for long periods because of constant notifications from their devices. Why is this a problem? What solutions can you suggest?
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Two-Part Question
Today, people of all ages spend a large part of their day looking at screens. Why has this happened? Is it a positive or negative development?
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Environment

Environment prompts usually ask who is responsible — individuals, companies, or governments — for problems such as climate change, plastic waste, and disappearing wildlife.

Opinion
Some people say that protecting the environment is the responsibility of governments and large companies, and that the actions of individuals make little difference. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
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Opinion
The most effective way to reduce traffic pollution in cities is to make public transport free for all passengers. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
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Discussion
Some people believe economic growth must be slowed down to protect the environment, while others argue that growth is necessary to fund environmental solutions. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
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Discussion
Some think that money spent on protecting endangered animals would be better spent on the needs of human beings. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
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Advantages & Disadvantages
Several countries are encouraging drivers to switch from petrol cars to electric vehicles through taxes and subsidies. Do the advantages of this policy outweigh the disadvantages?
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Advantages & Disadvantages
Some cities have banned single-use plastic items such as bags, straws, and food containers. What are the advantages and disadvantages of such bans?
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Problem & Solution
The amount of household waste produced around the world continues to grow every year. What are the causes of this? What measures could reduce the amount of waste people produce?
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Problem & Solution
Many cities suffer from dangerously poor air quality. Why is this the case? What steps could be taken to improve the air in cities?
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Two-Part Question
In many countries, people are increasingly choosing to eat less meat for environmental reasons. Why might this be? Do you think this trend will continue?
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Health

Health questions cover public health policy, unhealthy lifestyles, fast food, mental health, and whether prevention should be prioritised over treatment.

Opinion
Some people believe governments should tax sugary food and drinks in the same way they tax tobacco. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
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Opinion
Prevention programmes, such as encouraging exercise and healthy eating, deserve more government funding than the treatment of existing illnesses. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
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Discussion
Some people think individuals are entirely responsible for their own health, while others believe governments and employers share that responsibility. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
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Discussion
Some argue that healthcare should be provided free to all citizens, while others believe people who can afford it should pay for their own treatment. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
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Advantages & Disadvantages
Fitness applications and wearable devices now allow people to monitor their health data constantly. Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?
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Advantages & Disadvantages
In some countries, doctors can now consult patients remotely by video call instead of in person. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this change?
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Problem & Solution
Rates of obesity are rising in many parts of the world, including among children. What are the main causes of this problem? What solutions can you suggest?
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Problem & Solution
Growing numbers of young people report problems with stress and anxiety. Why might this be happening? What can schools and employers do to help?
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Two-Part Question
People in many countries are living longer than ever before. What are the reasons for this? What challenges does an ageing population create for society?
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Work & Careers

Work-related prompts ask about job satisfaction versus salary, changing careers, the four-day week, and how much of life should be devoted to work.

Opinion
Some people believe job satisfaction is more important than a high salary when choosing a career. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
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Opinion
Employees who work from home should be paid less than those who travel to a workplace every day. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
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Discussion
Some people think it is better to work for one company for a whole career, while others believe changing employers regularly leads to greater success. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
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Discussion
Some employers believe long working hours show commitment, while others think overworked staff are less productive. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
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Advantages & Disadvantages
Several companies have introduced a four-day working week with no reduction in pay. Do the advantages of this arrangement outweigh the disadvantages?
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Advantages & Disadvantages
More young people than ever are choosing self-employment or freelance work instead of permanent jobs. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this choice?
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Problem & Solution
In many countries, there are not enough skilled workers in essential trades such as construction, plumbing, and electrical work. Why has this happened? How could more people be encouraged into these careers?
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Problem & Solution
Many employees feel unable to separate their work from their personal lives because they can be contacted at any time. What problems does this cause? What solutions can you suggest?
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Two-Part Question
In some countries, young people are encouraged to go straight to university rather than into employment or vocational training. Why is this? Do you think it is the best path for most young people?
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Society & Culture

Society questions range from urbanisation and housing to community life, traditions, and the gap between rich and poor.

Opinion
Some people believe that traditional customs and ways of life are inevitably lost when a country modernises, and that this loss is acceptable. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
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Opinion
Wealthy individuals have a moral duty to share a large part of their wealth with the rest of society. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
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Discussion
Some people prefer living in a large city because of its opportunities, while others choose small towns for their quality of life. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
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Discussion
Some believe that a society benefits most when people prioritise their community, while others think individual freedom and ambition matter more. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
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Advantages & Disadvantages
In many cities, old buildings are demolished to make space for modern housing and offices. Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?
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Advantages & Disadvantages
An increasing number of people now live alone rather than with family or friends. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this trend?
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Problem & Solution
In many large cities, the cost of housing has risen far faster than average incomes. What problems does this cause? What measures could governments take to address it?
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Problem & Solution
People in modern societies often do not know their neighbours, and community spirit is declining. Why is this happening? What can be done to strengthen local communities?
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Two-Part Question
In many countries, people increasingly celebrate international festivals rather than their own traditional ones. Why is this happening? Is this a positive or negative development?
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Government & Public Spending

These prompts ask you to prioritise: should public money go to space exploration, the arts, defence, infrastructure, or basic services?

Opinion
Some people believe that governments should spend money on space exploration only after problems on Earth, such as poverty and disease, have been solved. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
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Opinion
Public money should never be used to fund art galleries, theatres, and museums, because these mainly benefit a small section of society. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
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Discussion
Some people think governments should invest primarily in public transport, while others believe building more roads is a better use of money. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
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Discussion
Some argue that governments should provide financial support to unemployed citizens, while others believe this discourages people from finding work. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
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Advantages & Disadvantages
Some governments offer significant financial incentives to attract large foreign companies to their countries. Do the advantages of this policy outweigh the disadvantages?
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Advantages & Disadvantages
In some countries, voting in national elections is compulsory and citizens are fined if they do not participate. What are the advantages and disadvantages of compulsory voting?
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Problem & Solution
In many countries, a growing share of the population lives in the capital city, while rural regions decline. What problems does this create? How could governments encourage more balanced development?
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Problem & Solution
Public trust in politicians has fallen in many countries. Why might this be the case? What could be done to restore confidence in political leaders?
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Two-Part Question
Many governments are raising the official retirement age. Why are they doing this? Is this a positive or negative development?
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Crime & Punishment

Crime questions test balanced argument: punishment versus rehabilitation, youth crime, prison sentences, and the role of police and communities.

Opinion
Some people believe that longer prison sentences are the most effective way to reduce crime. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
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Opinion
People who commit less serious crimes should be given community service instead of prison sentences. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
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Discussion
Some people think the main purpose of prison is to punish offenders, while others believe it should focus on preparing them to re-enter society. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
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Discussion
Some believe that criminals are made by their circumstances, such as poverty and lack of education, while others think committing a crime is always a personal choice. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
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Advantages & Disadvantages
Surveillance cameras are now installed in most public places in many cities. Do the advantages of widespread public surveillance outweigh the disadvantages?
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Advantages & Disadvantages
In some countries, ordinary citizens can view crime statistics for every neighbourhood online. What are the advantages and disadvantages of making this information public?
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Problem & Solution
Rates of crime committed by teenagers are rising in some cities. What are the causes of youth crime? What measures would be most effective in reducing it?
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Problem & Solution
Online fraud and identity theft affect millions of people every year. Why is this type of crime so difficult to prevent? What can be done to protect people from it?
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Two-Part Question
In many countries, a large proportion of prisoners re-offend after being released. Why does this happen? What is the best way to break this cycle?
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Media & Advertising

Media prompts examine the influence of news, social media, celebrities, and advertising on public opinion and consumer behaviour.

Opinion
Advertising aimed at children should be banned in all forms of media. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
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Opinion
Some people believe social media companies should be legally responsible for false information published on their platforms. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
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Discussion
Some people think the news media should report only facts, while others believe journalists should also share their own analysis and opinions. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
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Discussion
Some believe celebrities have a duty to be positive role models for young people, while others argue their private lives are their own business. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
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Advantages & Disadvantages
Many people now get their news exclusively from social media rather than from newspapers or television. Do the advantages of this change outweigh the disadvantages?
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Advantages & Disadvantages
Companies increasingly use social media influencers rather than traditional advertisements to promote their products. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this form of marketing?
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Problem & Solution
False information spreads online faster than corrections can follow. What problems does this cause for society? What measures could reduce the spread of misinformation?
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Problem & Solution
Many young people compare themselves negatively with the images they see on social media. Why does this happen? What can be done to reduce the harm?
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Two-Part Question
Advertising is now present in almost every public space and on every website. Why has advertising become so widespread? Is this a positive or negative development?
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Family & Children

Family questions focus on parenting styles, discipline, working parents, family size, and the role of grandparents in modern households.

Opinion
Some people believe that parents should be held legally responsible when their young children break the law. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
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Opinion
Children whose parents set strict rules grow up better prepared for adult life than children given a lot of freedom. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
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Discussion
Some people think one parent should stay at home while children are young, while others believe both parents working sets a better example. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
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Discussion
Some believe grandparents are the best carers for young children, while others think professional childcare is better for a child’s development. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
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Advantages & Disadvantages
In many countries, adult children now live with their parents well into their late twenties or thirties. Do the advantages of this arrangement outweigh the disadvantages?
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Advantages & Disadvantages
Families today are generally smaller than they were in the past. What are the advantages and disadvantages of growing up with few or no siblings?
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Problem & Solution
Many parents spend less time with their children than they would like because of work commitments. What problems can this cause for families? What solutions can you suggest?
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Problem & Solution
In some countries, birth rates have fallen so low that the population is shrinking. Why are people choosing to have fewer children? What could governments do in response?
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Two-Part Question
In many places, children now spend more time interacting with screens than with family members. Why has this happened? What effects does it have on family relationships?
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Travel & Globalisation

These prompts cover tourism’s impact on local communities, living abroad, international trade, and whether the world is becoming too similar.

Opinion
Some people believe that tourism does more harm than good to the places tourists visit. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
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Opinion
Young people should be encouraged to live and work in a foreign country for at least a year before settling down. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
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Discussion
Some people think globalisation gives everyone access to the best products and ideas, while others believe it destroys local industries and cultures. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
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Discussion
Some argue that visiting a country is the only way to truly understand it, while others believe books and documentaries can teach us just as much. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
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Advantages & Disadvantages
Many popular destinations now limit the number of tourists allowed to visit each day. Do the advantages of these limits outweigh the disadvantages?
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Advantages & Disadvantages
The same global brands, shops, and restaurants can now be found in cities all over the world. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this development?
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Problem & Solution
Air travel is a significant and growing source of carbon emissions, yet more people fly every year. Why is demand for flying so strong? How could its environmental impact be reduced?
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Problem & Solution
In some popular cities, so many homes are rented to tourists that local residents can no longer find affordable housing. What problems does this cause? What can city authorities do about it?
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Two-Part Question
More students than ever choose to complete their university studies in a foreign country. Why do they make this choice? Is this trend positive or negative for their home countries?
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Language & Communication

A favourite theme in recent exams: the dominance of English, minority languages dying out, and how technology is changing the way we communicate.

Opinion
Some people say that when a minority language disappears, little of value is lost, because communication becomes simpler. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
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Opinion
Every child in the world should learn English from their first year of school. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
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Discussion
Some people believe the best age to start learning a foreign language is in early childhood, while others think teenagers and adults learn languages more efficiently. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
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Discussion
Some think instant translation technology will soon make language learning unnecessary, while others believe learning a language will always have unique value. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
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Advantages & Disadvantages
Most international companies now require employees to communicate in English regardless of where they are based. What are the advantages and disadvantages of a single global business language?
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Advantages & Disadvantages
People increasingly communicate through short written messages rather than phone calls or face-to-face conversation. Do the advantages of this change outweigh the disadvantages?
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Problem & Solution
Hundreds of the world’s languages are at risk of disappearing within a generation. Why are these languages dying out? What could be done to preserve them?
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Problem & Solution
Many students study a foreign language for years at school yet cannot hold a simple conversation in it. Why does this happen? How could language teaching be improved?
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Two-Part Question
The way young people write — using abbreviations, emojis, and informal grammar — is increasingly different from standard written language. Why has this happened? Is it a positive or negative development?
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Turn practice into a band score

Answering questions is only half the work — you also need examiner feedback. Check any essay with the free AI Writing Checker, sit a full timed Writing mock test with Task 1 charts and model answers, or follow the structured Band 7+ Masterclass to master each essay type step by step.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the five IELTS Writing Task 2 question types?

Almost every Task 2 question is one of five types: opinion (agree or disagree), discussion (discuss both views), advantages and disadvantages, problem and solution, and two-part questions. Each type requires a slightly different essay structure, so identify the type before you plan.

Which topics appear most often in IELTS Writing Task 2?

The most frequent Task 2 themes are education, technology, the environment, health, work, family, government spending, crime, media, and globalisation. Examiners recycle these broad themes with new angles, so practising across all of them prepares you for almost any question.

How should I practise with these Task 2 questions?

Pick one question, plan for 5 minutes, write at least 250 words in 40 minutes, then paste your essay into our free AI Writing Checker. It scores all four official criteria — Task Response, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range — and shows you exactly what to improve.

Are these real past IELTS exam questions?

No — official past papers are copyrighted, so no legitimate site can republish them. These questions are written in exactly the same formats, register, and difficulty as the real exam, covering the same recurring topics, which is what makes them effective practice.