What is IELTS Writing Task 2?

IELTS Writing Task 2 requires you to respond in the long form (essay) to a statement, premise or a question. It looks at your ability to understand and respond to the question. You are expected to do one, two, or all three of the following:

1. present a view
2. present contrasting views
3. present your opinion

Writing Task 2 Common Questions List

Below are a topics that you might be presented with in the actual IELTS test. The topics are those that many test takers find to be most challenging. The responses below are only for you to get an idea of how to write and not for you to memorise and reproduce in the test. Remember that Writing Task 2 is all about your opinions and what you feel. There is no right or wrong opinion as long as it is relevant to the question.

Questions usually revolve around the following areas:

• Money
• Children
• Education
• Happiness
• Culture and Tradition
  
• Life
• Art
• Crime
• Society

Questions & Sample Answers - IELTS Writing Task 2

1. Some people think that art is an essential subject for children at school while other think it is a waste of time.
   Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
2. Some people believe that scientists must take advantage of the progress of science to bring back extinct species, while the other believe that it will have unforeseen consequences.
   Discuss both these views and give your opinion.
3. More and more children are becoming involved in crime today. Society must be concerned with this.
   What do you think are the reasons behind the increase in crime and what could be done about this?
4. Today, many families find it necessary for both parents to go out to work. While some say the children in these families benefit from the additional income, others feel they lack support because of their parents' absence.
   What do you think?
5. School children are becoming far too dependent on computers. This is having an alarming effect on reading and writing skills. Teachers need to avoid using computers in the classroom at all costs and go back to teaching basic study skills. Do you agree or disagree?
6. Today, TV channels broadcast more men’s sports than women’s sport. Why do you think this is the case?
   Should TV channels give equal showtime for each?
7. Modern technology has increased material wealth, but not happiness. What do you think?
8. Some people think the main purpose of school is to turn children into good citizens and workers, rather than to benefit them as individuals. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
9. Most people have forgotten the meaning behind traditional or religious festivals; during festival periods, people nowadays only want to enjoy themselves. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
10. Some people think that having a set retirement age (e.g. 65 years) for everybody, regardless of occupation is unfair. They believe that certain workers deserve to retire and receive a pension at an earlier age.
    Do you agree or disagree?
    Which type of workers do you think should benefit from early retirement?
11. Many believe that we need to change the way the society and government treats our elders.
    What is your opinion on this? What changes do we need to bring in to care more for our elderly?
12. The advances in air travel are focused only in first class and this seems to have left others with no benefits at all. Do you agree or disagree?
13. Some people think that art is an essential subject for children at school while other think it is a waste of time.
    Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
14. Some people believe that scientists must take advantage of the progress of science to bring back extinct species, while the other believe that it will have unforeseen consequences.
    Discuss both these views and give your opinion.

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