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Recent-Style IELTS Writing Task 2 Questions

These essay questions use the themes candidates keep meeting in the exam: technology, work, health, environment and city life. They are original practice questions written in exam style, newest first.

65 practice questions

Academic · Task 2 intermediate

Online vs Traditional Education

Some people believe that online education is as effective as traditional classroom learning, while others argue that face-to-face instruction is irreplaceable. Discuss both views and give your own …

Education
Academic · Task 2 advanced

Social Media Impact on Society

Social media platforms have fundamentally changed how people communicate and share information. However, concerns have been raised about their impact on mental health, privacy, and social relationships. To …

Society
Academic · Task 2 advanced

Artificial Intelligence in the Workplace

Artificial intelligence and automation are increasingly replacing human workers in various industries. While this brings efficiency and cost savings, it also leads to unemployment and social challenges. What …

Technology
Academic · Task 2 advanced

Space Exploration Investment

Governments spend billions of dollars on space exploration while many people on Earth lack basic necessities like clean water, healthcare, and education. Some argue that space exploration is …

Technology
Academic · Task 2 intermediate

Taxing Sugary Soft Drinks

Many governments have introduced taxes on sugary soft drinks in an effort to reduce obesity. Critics argue that such taxes place an unfair burden on low-income families. To …

Health
Academic · Task 2 advanced

Learning a Foreign Language at Primary School

Some educators believe that children should begin learning a foreign language at primary school, while others argue that this time would be better spent on core subjects such …

Education
Academic · Task 2 beginner

Charging Drivers to Enter City Centres

Many cities now charge drivers a fee to enter the city centre during busy hours. Do the advantages of this policy outweigh the disadvantages? Give reasons for your …

Transport
Academic · Task 2 advanced

Protecting Coastal Cities from Rising Seas

Coastal cities around the world are losing beaches and wetlands as sea levels rise and urban development spreads along the shoreline. What are the causes of this problem, …

Environment
Academic · Task 2 advanced

Funding Drought-Resistant Gene-Edited Crops

Scientists are now able to edit the genes of crops so that they can survive long periods of drought. Some people oppose this research on ethical and environmental …

Science
Academic · Task 2 beginner

Mandatory Service Charges in Restaurants

Restaurants should include a fixed service charge in the bill instead of leaving tipping to the customer's discretion. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Give reasons …

Food
Academic · Task 2 beginner

Cutting Physical Education in Schools

Many schools have reduced the time given to physical education in order to make room for academic subjects. Others argue that regular sport is essential for children's development. …

Sport
Academic · Task 2 beginner

Self-Checkout Machines in Supermarkets

Many supermarkets now provide self-checkout machines so that customers can scan and pay for their own shopping instead of queuing for a cashier. Do the advantages of this …

Technology
Academic · Task 2 beginner

Reducing Bicycle Theft in Cities

Bicycle theft has increased sharply in many cities over the past decade. What are the main causes of this problem, and what measures could reduce it? Give reasons …

Crime
Academic · Task 2 advanced

Lowering the Voting Age to Sixteen

Several countries are considering lowering the voting age to sixteen, and some politicians believe this would encourage young people to take an interest in public life. Do you …

Government
Academic · Task 2 advanced

Limiting Foreign Buyers of Homes

Governments should restrict foreign investors from buying residential property in order to make housing more affordable for local residents. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Give …

Housing
Academic · Task 2 intermediate

Charging Admission to Museums

Some people think that museums and heritage sites should be free of charge so that everyone can enjoy them, while others believe that admission fees are necessary to …

Culture
Academic · Task 2 intermediate

Free Online News Funded by Advertising

Many news organisations now publish their stories free of charge online and rely on advertising rather than subscription fees. Do the advantages of this model outweigh the disadvantages? …

Media
Academic · Task 2 intermediate

Declining Birth Rates and Later Marriage

In many countries, young adults are marrying and having children later than previous generations, and birth rates have fallen as a result. What are the causes of this …

Family
Academic · Task 2 advanced

Over-Reliance on a Single Export

Many developing countries depend heavily on exporting a single raw material, such as oil or coffee, to earn foreign currency. Why do so many countries rely on one …

Economy
Academic · Task 2 intermediate

Limiting Visitor Numbers at Popular Destinations

Mass tourism damages the natural environment and the local way of life in popular destinations, so governments should limit the number of visitors allowed to enter them. To …

Tourism
Academic · Task 2 advanced

A Universal Basic Income for Everyone

Some argue that a universal basic income, paid to every citizen regardless of employment, would relieve financial pressure and encourage people to pursue creative work. Others believe it …

Work
Academic · Task 2 intermediate

Hosting the Olympic Games

Cities that host major international sporting events such as the Olympic Games often spend large sums on new stadiums and transport links. Do the advantages of hosting such …

Sport
Academic · Task 2 intermediate

Loneliness in Growing Cities

Loneliness is becoming more common in large cities, where many people live alone and rarely know their neighbours. Why do you think loneliness is increasing in urban areas? …

Society
Academic · Task 2 beginner

Shared E-Scooters on Pavements

Rental e-scooters have appeared on many city streets, and some cities now allow them to be left on pavements after each ride. Supporters say they are a cheap …

Transport

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