Sample Task 2 IELTS Writing Questions

On this page you will find examples of IELTS writing questions given in the IELTS exam for Task 2.

The essay questions have been divided into common IELTS writing topics so you can easily see and understand the kind of areas of knowledge you will need to know about in order to help you do well in the test.

Some of the IELTS writing questions could of course be in more than one topic area.

Animals

Blood sports have become a hot topic for debate in recent years. As society develops it is increasingly seen as an uncivilized activity and cruel to the helpless animals that are killed. All blood sports should be banned.

Discuss the main arguments for this statement and give your own opinion.

Culture

As only a small percentage of people have an interest in the Arts, government funding for this is a waste of money. Spending this money on health and education would be far more beneficial to society.

To what extent do you agree?

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It is inevitable that as technology advances, traditional cultures will be lost. It seems that we cannot have these two things together.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

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There are many types of music in the world today. Why do we need music? Is the traditional music of a country more important and should it be preserved or is international music that is heard everywhere nowadays more useful to a society?

Education

Education is not a luxury, but a basic human right and as such should be free for everyone irrespective of personal wealth.

Do you agree or disagree?

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Some people think that children's free time must include educational activities otherwise they will waste their time.

What is your opinion?

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Formal examinations are the only effective way to assess a student's performance. Continual assessment such as course work and projects are not is not a satisfactory way to do this.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Environment

Developed countries have created many environmental problems in the World, particularly in their contribution to global warming.

What can be done to reduce the dangers of global warming?

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In order to solve traffic problems, governments should tax private car owners heavily and use the money to improve public transportation.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of such a solution?

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Global warming is one of the most serious issues that the world is facing today.

What are the causes of global warming and what measures can governments and individuals take to tackle the issue?

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Logging of the rain forests is a serious problem and it may lead to the extinction of animal life and human life.

Discuss.

Health

The percentage of overweight children in western society has increased by almost 20% in the last ten years.

Discuss the causes and effects of this disturbing trend and offer a solution.

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Eating a balanced diet is the most important factor for a healthy life.

To what extent do you agree?

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Many of the medical problems that people are experiencing in today's world are due to the fact that we have a very sedentary lifestyle.

To what extent to you agree?

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Stress is now a major problem in many countries around the world.

What are some of the factors in modern society that cause this stress, and how can we reduce it?

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Smoking not only harms the smoker, but also those who are nearby. Therefore, smoking should be banned in public places.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

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Media

Are famous people treated unfairly by the media? Should they be given more privacy, or is the price of their fame an invasion into their private lives?

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These days, we are seeing an increasing amount of violence on television, and this is having a negative impact on children's behaviour.

Do you agree or disagree?

Society

Nowadays, families are not as close as in the past and a lot of people have become used to this.

Explain the reasons for this and discuss any possible effects it may have on society.

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Smokers have rights too, so they should be allowed to smoke in public places.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

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Levels of youth crime are increasing rapidly in most cities around the world.

What are the reasons for this, and suggest some solutions.

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There is an increasing trend around the world to have a small family rather than a large family.

What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of having a small family rather than a large family?

Technology

People use computers when they work or go banking, but some argue that it will make people isolated and decrease their social skills.

To what extent do you agree with this viewpoint?

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Some people think that computers are more of a hindrance than a help in today's society. Others believe that they are such indispensable tools that they would not be able to live or work without them.

Discuss both opinions and give your opinion.

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Nowadays many people have access to computers on a wide basis and a large number of children play computer games.

What are the negative and positive impacts of playing computer games and what can be done to minimize the bad effects?

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Do you think that modern technology, such as the internet and computers will ever replace the book or the written word as the main source of information?

Science

Genetic engineering is an important issue in modern society. Some people think that it will improve people's lives in many ways. Other feel that it may be a threat to life on earth.

Discuss both opinions and give your opinion?