100 IELTS Writing Task 2 Practice Questions Organised by Topic & Type

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One of the biggest challenges IELTS candidates face is finding enough high-quality practice questions. You might stumble across a few prompts on one website, a handful on another, and never feel confident that you have covered everything the exam could throw at you.

This post solves that problem. Below you will find 100 realistic IELTS Writing Task 2 questions organised by topic area. Each prompt follows the format and difficulty level of real exam questions, and every major topic category is represented.

Use this bank to practise writing full essays under timed conditions, brainstorm ideas for unfamiliar topics, or simply check that you have prepared vocabulary and arguments for each theme.

Education

Some people believe that university education should be free for everyone, while others think students should pay their own tuition fees. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

In many countries, the quality of education varies greatly between wealthy and disadvantaged areas. What problems does this cause, and what solutions can you suggest?

Some people think schools should teach children practical skills such as cooking and financial management, while others believe the focus should remain on traditional academic subjects. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Online learning has become increasingly popular as an alternative to attending classes in person. Do you think the advantages of online learning outweigh the disadvantages?

Some people argue that competitive sports in schools put too much pressure on children. Others believe competition teaches valuable life skills. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

In some countries, children are required to stay in education until they are 18. Is this a positive or negative development?

Many universities now offer courses entirely online, with no requirement to attend a physical campus. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this trend?

Some people believe that art and music should be compulsory subjects in schools, while others think they are a waste of time. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

For vocabulary on this topic, see our guide to academic collocations for IELTS writing.

Technology & AI

Artificial intelligence is increasingly being used to make decisions that affect people's lives, such as hiring, lending, and criminal sentencing. Is this a positive or negative development?

Some people believe that social media has made people more isolated rather than more connected. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Many children now spend more time interacting with screens than playing outdoors. What problems does this cause, and what measures can be taken to address them?

Some people think governments should regulate the use of artificial intelligence, while others believe innovation should not be restricted. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

The rise of automation means that many jobs will disappear in the near future. What problems will this cause for society, and what solutions can you suggest?

Some people argue that technology has made life more stressful rather than easier. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Many people now rely on apps and websites for health advice instead of consulting doctors. Do you think the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?

Some people believe that robots will eventually replace teachers in the classroom. Do you think this is a realistic possibility, and is it desirable?

For vocabulary on this topic, see our top 10 IELTS Task 2 topics guide.

Health & Wellbeing

In many countries, the rate of obesity is increasing. What do you think are the main causes of this, and what solutions can you suggest?

Some people believe that governments should ban the advertising of unhealthy food and drink. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Mental health problems among young people are becoming more common. What are the reasons for this, and how can the situation be improved?

Some people think that individuals are responsible for their own health, while others believe it is the duty of the government to ensure citizens stay healthy. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Many people today lead sedentary lifestyles and do not get enough exercise. What are the causes of this, and what measures could encourage people to be more active?

Some countries have introduced a tax on sugary drinks in order to improve public health. Do you think the advantages of such a tax outweigh the disadvantages?

More and more people are choosing alternative medicine over conventional treatments. Why is this happening, and is it a positive or negative trend?

Some people argue that healthcare should be free for everyone, while others believe people should pay for their own medical treatment. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

For vocabulary on this topic, see our guide to improving vocabulary quality in IELTS writing.

Environment & Climate

Some people think that the most effective way to tackle climate change is for governments to impose strict environmental laws. Others believe individuals must take responsibility. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Many cities around the world are experiencing severe air pollution. What are the main causes of this problem, and what steps can be taken to solve it?

Some people believe that economic growth is more important than protecting the environment. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Plastic waste has become one of the biggest environmental challenges of our time. What problems does this cause, and what solutions can you suggest?

Some people think that international cooperation is the only way to solve environmental problems. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

In many countries, large areas of forest are being cleared for farming or development. Is this a positive or negative development?

Some people argue that individuals can do nothing meaningful about climate change and that only governments and large companies can make a difference. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Many people now buy products that are labelled as environmentally friendly, but some believe this makes little real difference. Do you think the advantages of eco-friendly products outweigh the disadvantages?

For vocabulary on this topic, see our top 10 IELTS Task 2 topics guide.

Crime & Justice

Some people believe that the best way to reduce crime is to give longer prison sentences. Others think there are more effective methods. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

In many countries, the rate of youth crime is increasing. What are the causes of this, and what solutions can you suggest?

Some people think that criminals who commit serious offences should never be released from prison. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Many people believe that poverty is the main cause of crime. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Some people argue that community service is a more effective punishment than imprisonment for non-violent crimes. Do you think the advantages of community service outweigh the disadvantages?

In some countries, the death penalty is still used as a form of punishment. Do you think this is ever justified?

Some people believe that surveillance cameras in public places are an invasion of privacy, while others think they are necessary for public safety. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

The rehabilitation of offenders is more important than punishment. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

For tips on structuring this type of essay, see our guide to discussion vs opinion essays.

Work & Employment

In some countries, people are working longer hours than ever before. What problems does this cause, and what solutions can you suggest?

Some people believe that employees should be allowed to work from home permanently, while others think working in an office is better for productivity. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Many young people today change jobs frequently rather than staying with one employer for their entire career. Is this a positive or negative development?

Some people think that job satisfaction is more important than a high salary. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Automation and artificial intelligence are replacing many jobs. What problems will this cause for workers, and how can governments help people adapt?

In many countries, there is a growing gap between the salaries of senior executives and ordinary workers. What problems does this cause, and what measures could be taken?

Some people argue that unpaid internships exploit young workers, while others believe they provide valuable experience. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Many people feel stressed and unhappy in their jobs. What are the main causes of workplace dissatisfaction, and what can employers do to improve the situation?

For tips on developing your arguments effectively, see our guide to developing ideas fully in IELTS essays.

Government & Society

Some people believe that governments should spend more money on public services such as healthcare and education, while others think taxes should be reduced. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

In many countries, the gap between rich and poor is widening. What problems does this cause, and what can be done about it?

Some people think that the government should provide a guaranteed basic income to all citizens, regardless of whether they work. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Many governments are struggling to fund pension systems as populations age. What problems does an ageing population cause, and what solutions can you suggest?

Some people believe that voting should be compulsory in democratic countries. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

In some countries, people have lost trust in politicians and the political system. What are the causes of this, and how can trust be restored?

Some people argue that governments spend too much money on space exploration when there are more pressing problems on Earth. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Many countries now have laws that require companies to have a certain number of women on their boards. Is this a positive or negative development?

For advice on structuring opinion essays, see our guide to opinion essay structure.

Family & Children

Some people think that parents should be strict with their children, while others believe a more relaxed approach is better. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

In many countries, both parents now work full time. What effects does this have on children, and what can be done to address any problems?

Some people believe that children should be allowed to make their own decisions from a young age. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

The number of single-parent families is increasing in many countries. What problems does this cause for children and for society?

Some people think that grandparents should play a major role in raising their grandchildren, while others believe this responsibility belongs entirely to parents. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Many children today are under enormous pressure to succeed academically. What are the causes of this pressure, and is it a positive or negative development?

For tips on writing strong introductions for these essays, see our guide to IELTS introductions.

Globalisation & Culture

Some people believe that globalisation has led to a loss of cultural identity in many countries. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

International tourism has brought economic benefits to many countries, but it has also caused environmental and cultural damage. Do the advantages of tourism outweigh the disadvantages?

Some people think that all countries will eventually become culturally similar because of the internet and global trade. Is this a positive or negative development?

Many young people today prefer foreign films, music, and fashion to those from their own country. Why is this happening, and is it a problem?

Some people argue that governments should protect local businesses from international competition. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

English is increasingly becoming the global language of business and education. Do you think the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?

For tips on writing effective conclusions, see our guide to IELTS essay conclusions.

Media & Communication

Some people believe that social media has improved communication between people, while others think it has made relationships more superficial. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Many people get their news from social media rather than from traditional journalists. What problems does this cause, and what solutions can you suggest?

Advertising influences what people buy and how they live. Do you think advertising has a positive or negative effect on society?

Some people think that children should not be allowed to use social media until they are at least 16. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

The spread of fake news has become a serious problem in many countries. What are the causes of this, and how can it be addressed?

Some people argue that newspapers will disappear completely in the near future. Do you think this is likely, and does it matter?

For advice on avoiding common mistakes, see our guide to common IELTS writing mistakes at Band 5.

Housing & Transport

In many cities, house prices have risen so much that young people cannot afford to buy their own homes. What are the causes of this, and what can be done about it?

Some people think that governments should invest more in public transport, while others believe roads should be improved for private vehicles. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Many cities are becoming overcrowded. What problems does this cause, and what measures should be taken?

Some people believe that everyone should be encouraged to live in the countryside rather than in cities. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

In some cities, traffic congestion has become a serious problem. What are the causes, and what solutions can you suggest?

Some people think that building more affordable housing is the best way to solve homelessness. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

For tips on managing your time during the essay, see our guide to completing Task 2 in 40 minutes.

Food & Lifestyle

In many countries, people are eating more fast food and processed food than ever before. Why is this happening, and what effects does it have on health?

Some people believe that governments should ban junk food in schools. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

More and more people are choosing to become vegetarian or vegan. Is this a positive or negative development?

Some people think that cooking at home is better for health and family life, while others prefer the convenience of eating out. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

In many countries, food waste is a growing problem. What are the causes of this, and what can be done to reduce it?

Some people argue that organic food is not worth the extra cost. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

For advice on using the right amount of detail, see our guide to IELTS essay word count.

How to Use This Question Bank

Getting the most from these 100 questions requires a structured approach. Here are five tips for effective practice.

1. Simulate Exam Conditions

Set a timer for 40 minutes and write your essay by hand or in a plain text editor with no spell-check. Real improvement comes from practising under pressure, not from crafting a perfect essay at your own pace.

2. Cover Every Topic at Least Once

Do not skip topics you find boring or difficult. The exam could test any of these categories, and the topic you avoid could be the one that appears on test day. Write at least one full essay per topic area.

3. Get Feedback on Every Essay

Writing without feedback reinforces mistakes. Use a tool like BandWriteCoach to get detailed scoring and personalised suggestions after each essay. Understanding where you lose marks is more valuable than writing ten essays you never review.

4. Identify Your Weak Patterns

After several practice essays, look for recurring issues. Do you always run out of ideas in the second body paragraph? Do you repeat the same grammatical mistakes? Targeted practice on your specific weaknesses produces faster improvement than random topic rotation.

5. Build a Personal Idea Bank

For each topic, note down three or four strong ideas with supporting examples. You cannot memorise essays, but you can prepare flexible ideas that work across many questions within the same topic area.

Ready to practise with expert AI feedback on every essay? Try BandWriteCoach free and find out exactly where you stand on every scoring criterion.