IELTS Writing Task 2 question bank: 20 practice prompts

Opinion (agree or disagree)

What to do: Take a clear position, keep it to the end, and support it with two or three developed reasons.

1. 1.In cities where housing is scarce, land currently used for parks should be made available for new homes. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
2. 2.Countries should aim to produce most of the food their populations consume rather than relying heavily on imports. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
3. 3.Scientific research should be funded and controlled mainly by governments rather than private companies. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
4. 4.Researchers and pharmaceutical companies should be required to make the results of all medical studies freely available to the public. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Discussion (both views and your opinion)

What to do: Explain both views fairly, then say which you agree with and why. The opinion is part of the task.

1. 5.Some people think that public policy should be decided mainly by experts, while others believe ordinary citizens should have a greater role in these decisions. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
2. 6.Some people think cities should build high-density housing near public transport, while others prefer low-density neighbourhoods with more private space. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
3. 7.Some people think childcare is solely the responsibility of parents, while others believe governments and employers should provide substantial support. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
4. 8.Some people believe that potentially risky scientific research is necessary for human progress, while others argue that it should be strictly limited to protect society and the environment. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Advantages and disadvantages

What to do: Cover both sides. If the question asks whether advantages outweigh disadvantages, you must give a verdict.

1. 9.Food is increasingly being grown in indoor vertical farms located in or near large cities. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this method of food production?
2. 10.Countries often spend large amounts of public money to host international sporting events. Do the advantages of hosting these events outweigh the disadvantages?
3. 11.Facial recognition technology is increasingly used in airports, shops, and other public places. Do the advantages of its use outweigh the disadvantages?
4. 12.Some employers use software to monitor how workers spend their time on company computers. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this practice?

Problem and solution

What to do: Name specific causes or problems, then match each one to a practical solution.

1. 13.Despite being highly connected through technology, many young adults report feeling lonely. What are the causes of this problem, and what solutions could help address it?
2. 14.Noise pollution has become a serious issue in many large cities. What are its main causes and effects, and what steps can be taken to reduce it?
3. 15.Access to clean freshwater is becoming more difficult in many parts of the world. What factors are causing this problem, and what practical solutions can be implemented?
4. 16.Some industries cannot find enough workers with the practical skills they require. What are the causes of this shortage, and how can education providers and employers respond?

Two-part question

What to do: Answer both questions directly, roughly equally. Missing one half is the most common way to lose marks.

1. 17.People are writing by hand less frequently than they did in the past. Why has this change occurred, and does handwriting remain an important skill?
2. 18.A growing number of young people want to earn a living as online content creators or influencers. Why is this career attractive, and is it a realistic ambition for most people?
3. 19.Birth rates are falling in many developed countries. Why are people choosing to have fewer children, and what effects could this trend have on society?
4. 20.Buying second-hand clothing and household goods has become more common. Why are consumers increasingly choosing used products, and is this a positive development for businesses and society?

Five-minute plan

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