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
Cashless Shops
Some countries are considering a law that would require every shop to accept card or mobile payments and to stop accepting cash altogether. Supporters believe this would make …
EconomyCruise Ships in Small Historic Ports
Large cruise ships increasingly dock at small historic towns, where thousands of passengers may spend only a few hours ashore. What are the advantages and disadvantages? Do the …
TourismSwimming Lessons in Primary Schools
Many countries require all primary school pupils to learn to swim before they finish school. Some parents believe this is an essential life skill, while others think the …
EducationCo-Living Homes for Young Professionals
In many large cities, developers now build co-living buildings in which young professionals rent a private bedroom and share kitchens, lounges and laundry facilities with other residents. What …
HousingLab-Grown Meat in Supermarkets
Scientists can now grow meat from animal cells in laboratories, without raising or slaughtering animals. Some governments have approved its sale, and supermarkets are beginning to stock it …
FoodEsports as an Olympic Sport
Competitive video gaming, known as esports, attracts huge audiences and prize money. Some sports bodies have proposed including esports in future Olympic programmes. To what extent do you …
SportFacial Recognition in Public Places
Police in some cities use facial recognition software on public-space cameras to identify suspects and find missing people. Critics warn that such systems threaten privacy and may wrongly …
CrimeInfluencers Promoting Unhealthy Products
Social media influencers are often paid to promote energy drinks, fast food and diet products to young followers. Many of these posts are not clearly labelled as advertisements. …
MediaPlastic Packaging from Online Orders
Online shopping has led to a large increase in the amount of plastic packaging, such as bubble wrap, plastic mailers and filler material, delivered to homes every week. …
EnvironmentFunding Gene Therapy for Rare Diseases
Gene therapies can cure some rare inherited conditions, but a single treatment can cost millions of pounds, and governments must decide how to pay for them. Why do …
ScienceRaising the State Pension Age
Many countries are raising the age at which people can receive a state pension, because people are living longer and there are fewer workers for each retired person. …
GovernmentUniversity Education Funding Debate
Some people believe that university education should be free for all students, while others think students should pay fees. Discuss both views and give your own opinion. Give …
EducationEnvironmental Responsibility: Government vs. Individual
The most effective way to address global environmental problems is through international cooperation and large-scale government initiatives, rather than relying on the actions of individual citizens. To what …
EnvironmentPublic Transportation vs Private Cars
In many cities, people prefer to use private cars rather than public transportation. What are the reasons for this preference? What can be done to encourage people to …
TransportWorking from Home
Many companies now allow their employees to work from home. This trend has become more common since the COVID-19 pandemic. Do you think this is a positive or …
WorkHealthy Lifestyle Choices
Many people today struggle to maintain a healthy lifestyle due to busy work schedules and modern life pressures. What are the main reasons why people find it difficult …
HealthTraditional vs Modern Shopping
Online shopping has become increasingly popular, leading to the closure of many traditional brick-and-mortar stores. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this trend? How do you think …
SocietyTechnology and Children
Children today spend increasing amounts of time using electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, and computers. Some people believe this technology use is beneficial for children's development, while …
TechnologyAdult Children Paying Rent at Home
Many young adults continue to live with their parents into their late twenties because housing is expensive. Parents should charge adult children who have a regular salary a …
FamilyDonating Unsold Supermarket Food
Supermarkets throw away large amounts of perfectly good food every day. The law should require them to donate unsold food to local charities instead. To what extent do …
FoodKeeping Public Libraries Open During Budget Cuts
Local councils facing budget cuts often close public libraries first. Councils should keep libraries open even if this means reducing spending on other local services. To what extent …
CultureCycle Lanes or More Road Space for Cars
Some people think town councils should spend their transport budgets on building more cycle lanes, while others believe the money should be used to widen roads for cars. …
TransportAnswering Work Emails After Hours
Some employers expect staff to answer work emails and phone calls in the evenings and at weekends. Others believe that employees should be free from work contact once …
WorkRoutine Medical Check-Ups for Healthy Adults
Some people believe that healthy adults should not be given routine medical check-ups, since the money could be better spent on treating patients who are already ill. Others …
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