Advertising aimed at children should be banned because they are too young to distinguish between facts and persuasion. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
IELTS Writing Task 2
IELTS Writing Task 2 topics, by question type.
Pick a question, plan your answer, then write it. The questions on this page are for IELTS Academic. Each question type also has its own page, with General Training questions and a simple essay plan.
Up to 10 essays free, no card. Need more?
Also practice General Training letters and Academic Task 1 charts.
01 / Opinion
Opinion questions.
These ask how far you agree. Pick one, decide your view, and keep it to the end.
More opinion questionsElderly people who need daily care should live in specialist homes rather than with their adult children. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Countries that allow bullfighting, hunting for sport, or similar practices should face international sanctions. Do you agree or disagree?
Art is just as important as academic subjects and should receive equal funding in schools. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Companies should provide sports and social facilities for local communities. To what extent do you agree?
International aid charities spend too much on salaries and marketing; donors should give only to small local organisations. To what extent do you agree?
02 / Discussion
Discussion questions.
These give two views. Explain both fairly before you say where you stand.
More discussion questionsBillboards and digital screens in public spaces should be banned to reduce visual pollution and distraction. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Products and treatments that promise to make people look younger are more popular than ever. Some people think that using them is a harmless personal choice, while others believe that it reflects an unhealthy fear of growing old. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Some people believe that keeping pets is beneficial for both humans and animals, while others think it is a form of captivity. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Some people think that art is an essential subject for children at school while others think it is a waste of time. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
In many countries, it is common for families to own and run their own business. Some people think this is the best way to run a business, while others consider this a potential source of problems. What is your opinion?
Some argue that wealthy individuals have a moral obligation to donate a significant portion of their income to charity, while others think it should be a personal choice. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
03 / Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages and disadvantages questions.
These ask for the good and the bad sides, and sometimes which side is stronger.
More advantages and disadvantages questionsCompanies often pay for their products to appear in films, television series and video games, a practice known as product placement. Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?
In some countries, the retirement age has been raised to 67 or beyond. What are the advantages and disadvantages of increasing the retirement age?
In some countries, wild animals such as wolves and beavers are being brought back to areas where they died out long ago. Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?
Digital technology has made it possible for anyone to create and share art online. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this development?
A four-day working week with no reduction in pay should become the legal standard. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages.
Charities often run large public campaigns, such as television appeals with famous people, to persuade the public to donate money. What are the advantages and disadvantages of such campaigns?
04 / Problem and solution
Problem and solution questions.
These ask what is wrong, or why it happens, and how to fix it.
More problem and solution questionsMany cities are becoming saturated with billboards and commercial signage, affecting their visual appearance. What are the causes of this, and how can it be addressed?
In many towns and cities, pavements, public buildings and transport are not designed with the needs of older people in mind. What problems does this cause? What solutions can you suggest?
Many wild animal species are becoming endangered due to human activities. What are the main causes of this, and what measures can be taken to protect them?
Art is considered an essential part of all cultures throughout the world. However, these days fewer and fewer people appreciate art and turn their focus to science, technology and business. Why do you think that is? What could be done to encourage more people to take interest in the arts?
Large businesses have big budgets for marketing and promotion and as a result, people gravitate towards buying their products. What problems does this cause? What could be done to encourage people to buy local products?
Despite billions of dollars in international aid, many countries remain in poverty. What are the reasons for this, and what alternative approaches might be more effective?
05 / Double question
Double questions.
These ask two direct questions. Your essay needs a full answer to each one.
More double questionsAdvertisements for clothes and beauty products often show models whose photos have been digitally edited so that they look perfect. Why do advertisers use such images? What effects can these images have on the people who see them?
What are the main challenges that elderly people face in modern society? What can governments and communities do to support them?
Videos of pets and wild animals are among the most widely shared posts on social media. Why do so many people enjoy watching them? Is this popularity good or bad for the animals themselves?
What influence does art have on children's development? Should art education be compulsory in schools?
Many supermarkets, coffee shops and airlines now run loyalty schemes that reward regular customers with points, discounts or free products. Why do businesses offer these schemes? Do customers really benefit from them?
What are the most effective ways to help people in need? Is it better to give money or to provide other forms of support?
Sample answers
Sample answers, one for each type.
Contacting staff on holidays
Some employers want to be able to contact their staff at all times, even on holidays.
Noise pollution in cities
Noise pollution is a growing problem in many urban areas.
People resisting new technology
Why are some people resistant to adopting new technologies?
Restaurant calorie labels
Restaurants should be legally required to publish calorie information for every dish on the menu.
White lies or honesty
It is sometimes acceptable to tell a lie if it prevents someone from being hurt.
FAQ
Questions about Task 2 topics.
How many types of Task 2 question are there?
Five: opinion, discussion, advantages and disadvantages, problem and solution, and double question. Most questions fit one of them, so knowing the type helps you plan your answer.
How do I know which type a question is?
Look at what the question asks you to do. If it asks whether you agree or disagree, it is an opinion question. If it asks you to discuss both views, it is a discussion question. If it asks about the good and bad sides, it is an advantages and disadvantages question. If it asks for problems or causes and their solutions, it is a problem and solution question. If it asks two direct questions, it is a double question.
Are these real IELTS exam questions?
No. We wrote them in the style and level of the real test, so you can practice without copying an exam question.
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