IELTS essay topics
The IELTS Task 2 writing exam covers a wide range of topics related to everyday social, family, and community life, rather than specialized academic fields. Your general experiences and opinions are sufficient to answer these questions; detailed knowledge of economics, climate science, public policy, etc. is not being tested. Test takers should strive to produce a 5-paragraph essay in response to these prompts.
Work, employment, and the economy
Doctors, nurses, and teachers make a great contribution to society and should be paid more than entertainment and sports celebrities. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
The number of people working from home has grown tremendously. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this trend?
Paying all workers in a company the same salary promotes harmony and respect. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
The most important consideration when choosing a job is the salary. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
For many people, work/life balance is difficult to achieve. Why is it difficult to achieve and how can people try to achieve it?
Some people think that success in life comes from hard work, dedication, and motivation. Other people think that success depends on other important factors like good luck or physical appearance. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
The working week should be shortened from 5 days to 4, and workers should have a longer weekend. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Automation and artificial intelligence are replacing many traditional jobs. Some people believe this will lead to mass unemployment, while others think new types of work will emerge. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Some people prefer to work for one company for their entire career. Others think it is better to change jobs or employers regularly. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Many workers today participate in the gig economy, doing short-term or freelance jobs instead of full‑time employment. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this trend?
Education, children, and parenting
Many teenagers are encouraged by their parents to get a part time job. What are the advantages and disadvantages of teenagers working part time?
Discipline is a problem in many schools. Some people think that discipline is the teachers’ responsibility. Other people think that it is the parents’ responsibility. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Some children are told that if they try hard enough, they can become successful at anything. What are the advantages and disadvantages of giving children this message?
In some schools, students wear a uniform every day. What are the advantages and disadvantages of wearing a uniform to school?
Some parents buy their children a large number of toys to play with. What are the advantages and disadvantages of children owning many toys?
Unpaid community service should be a compulsory part of high school programs. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Some people think that the teenage years are the happiest time of most people’s lives. Other people think that adult life brings more happiness, in spite of greater responsibilities. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Some people think that history is one of the most important school subjects. Other people think that science is more important than history. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Schools should use films, computers, and games instead of books. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Parents should give their teenage children a small amount of pocket money so that these teenagers can learn to manage money. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Some people think that the family has the greatest influence over a teenager. Other people think that a teenager’s friends have more influence. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Many parents closely monitor their children’s use of digital devices, while others allow more freedom. What are the advantages and disadvantages of strict parental control over children’s screen time?
Some people think that schools should teach parenting skills to older teenagers. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Health, lifestyle, and well‑being
Some people think that government is responsible for the rise in childhood obesity. Other people think that childhood obesity is parents’ fault. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
The best way to promote good health is to exercise daily. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Some people are vegetarians. What are some reasons for choosing to be a vegetarian? To what extent do you support these reasons?
In many places, the age at which women are having their first child is increasing. Why are many women delaying their first pregnancy? Is this a good thing or a bad thing for society?
Mental health is a growing concern for many people around the world. What are some reasons for poor mental health, and what can governments do to support citizens’ mental health?
Every person needs to have a meaningful hobby or recreational pursuit. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
In many countries, levels of stress and burnout are increasing. What are the main causes of this problem, and what can individuals and employers do to address it?
Public health campaigns often focus on diet and exercise, but not on sleep. To what extent do you agree that sleep should be a key focus of health education?
Society, law, and social problems
Many people commit further crimes as soon as they are released from prison. What do you think are the causes of this? What solutions can you suggest?
Poverty is the reason behind most crimes. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
The best way to support homeless people is to give them money. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Housing is a human right. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
In spite of advances in agriculture, many people around the world are undernourished. Why is this the case? What can be done about this problem?
Some people argue that surveillance cameras in public places are necessary to prevent crime, while others believe they are an invasion of privacy. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Technology, communication, and media
Now that many digital tools translate quickly and accurately, learning foreign languages is a waste of time. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Social media platforms make it easy for people to vent their frustrations and complaints publicly. Is there any benefit to expressing complaints on social media?
Online friendships are not as meaningful as friendships where people meet face to face. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Modern communication technology has not benefited all members of society equally. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Attention spans are becoming shorter due to the prevalence of social media. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Some people believe that newspapers and printed books will soon disappear, as all information will be available online. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Many parents are concerned about the amount of time their children spend playing video games. What are the advantages and disadvantages of gaming for young people?
Some people argue that companies should not be allowed to collect and store personal data from users of digital services. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
The use of video conferencing for work and education has increased dramatically. What are the advantages and disadvantages of relying on virtual meetings?
Some people believe that recommendation algorithms on video and music platforms limit people’s exposure to diverse ideas. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Environment, transport, and sustainability
In many cities, a high volume of traffic is a problem. What are the causes of high traffic density and what can be done to reduce it?
In order to solve traffic problems, governments should tax private car owners heavily and use the money to improve public transportation. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Some people claim that not enough of the waste from homes is recycled. They say the only way to increase recycling is to make it a legal requirement. To what extent do you think laws are needed to make people recycle more of their waste?
Some people believe that climate change needs to be addressed on a global scale. Other people think that it should be addressed at national levels. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Countries should try to produce as much of their food as possible, rather than relying on imports. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Some cities are replacing car lanes with bicycle lanes and pedestrian areas. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this policy?
Culture, heritage, travel, and globalization
When people travel to places with a different culture, they should adopt the local customs and practices. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Living in a country where you have to speak a foreign language can cause serious social problems, as well as practical problems. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Every year, several languages die out. Some people think this is not important because life will be easier when there are fewer languages in the world. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Living in a big city provides more benefits than living in a rural place. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
It was predicted that people living in the 21st century would have more free time than ever, because of advancements in technology. To what extent is this prediction true?
Some museums charge for admission while others are free. Do the advantages of charging for admission outweigh the disadvantages?
Some old buildings are more worth preserving than other ones. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
International sporting events can be beneficial for the host country, but there can also be drawbacks. Do the benefits of these events outweigh the drawbacks?
Developing nations often require international assistance. Some people think that this assistance should be monetary. Other people think that practical help and advice would be more beneficial. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
In some countries, traditional festivals are losing popularity, especially among young people. What are the reasons for this, and what can be done to preserve these traditions?
Some people think that tourists should pay higher entrance fees than local residents to visit cultural and historical sites. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Inequality, governance, and public policy
Some people think that only the government can make significant changes in society. Other people think that individuals can have a lot of influence. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
The government should give money to creative people like artists and musicians, because they usually don’t make very high salaries. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Everybody should donate a fixed amount of their income to support charity. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Education is not a luxury, but a basic human right, and therefore, it should be free for everyone irrespective of personal wealth. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Some people believe that raising taxes on the wealthy is the best way to reduce economic inequality. Others argue that such policies discourage investment and innovation. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Governments often spend large amounts of money on hosting international events and building iconic structures. Do the benefits of such spending outweigh the costs?
Some people argue that governments should prioritize spending on public services rather than on the arts and cultural projects. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
In some countries, voting in elections is compulsory, while in others it is voluntary. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of compulsory voting.
Ethics, relationships, and human values
Most people agree that money cannot buy happiness. Why is happiness difficult to define? How can people achieve happiness?
Always telling the truth is the most important consideration in any relationship between people. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
A parent should not be friends with their child, but rather should focus on respect and discipline. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Some people believe that forgiveness is essential for maintaining healthy relationships, while others think certain actions are unforgivable. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
In modern society, many people delay marriage or choose not to marry at all. What are the reasons for this trend, and is it a positive or negative development?
Some people argue that competition makes individuals more successful, while others believe that cooperation is more important. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Many people regularly share personal information and photos online. What are the advantages and disadvantages of being so open on the internet?
Some people think that moral values should be taught primarily at home, while others believe schools should play a major role. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Media, celebrities, and popular culture
Some people think that fast food companies should not be allowed to advertise. Other people think that all companies should have the right to advertise. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Some athletes use illegal, performance-enhancing drugs in sports. What are the reasons for this? What measures should be taken to combat this?
Do the benefits of being a celebrity outweigh the disadvantages of being a celebrity?
Details about the private lives of celebrities should not be shared by the media. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Violence in the media promotes violence in society. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Rights, duties, and civic responsibility
Some people think that individuals in all jobs should have the right to strike. Other people think that there are exceptions. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
It is important for everyone, including young people, to save money for their future. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Some people argue that freedom of speech should be limited when it offends others, while others believe it must be protected in all circumstances. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Work, talent, and personal development
Some people think that talent is an inborn trait. Other people think it can be learned. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Nowadays, a university education is essential in order to get a rewarding job and earn a high salary. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Some people think that leadership skills are natural, while others believe they can be developed through training and experience. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Some people believe that professional success depends mainly on networking and social skills rather than knowledge and qualifications. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Some people argue that failure is essential for later success in life. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
