Quick answer: IELTS Writing Task 2 topics cover 5 main categories: Education & Work, Technology & Society, Environment & Health, Government & Society, and Culture & Globalization. The 5 question types are: Opinion (Agree/Disagree), Discussion (Both Views), Advantages & Disadvantages, Problem & Solution, and Two-Part Question. Mastering the structure for each type is more important than memorizing topics.
IELTS Writing Task 2 Topics 2026: 100+ Practice Questions by Category
Published: April 10, 2026
IELTS Writing Task 2 topics change every test, but they always fall into the same categories. Below are 100+ real and predicted topics organized by theme, with actual question formats so you can practice under exam conditions.
Last verified: April 2026. New topics added each quarter based on reported exam content.
Education & Work
Online vs. traditional education
"Some people believe online learning will replace classrooms. To what extent do you agree or disagree?"
University as a necessity
"Is a university degree still the best path to a successful career, or are there better alternatives now?"
Remote work impact
"More people now work from home. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages for employees?"
Lifelong learning
"Some people think learning should stop after formal education. Others believe people should keep learning throughout life. Discuss both views."
Technology & Society
Social media effects
"Social media has had a negative influence on young people. Do you agree or disagree?"
AI and jobs
"Artificial intelligence will replace most human jobs in the future. What are the positive and negative aspects?"
Screen time for children
"Parents should limit the amount of time children spend on screens each day. To what extent do you agree?"
Technology dependence
"Modern technology has made people less connected. What problems does this cause and what solutions exist?"
Environment & Health
Climate change responsibility
"Governments should be solely responsible for protecting the environment, not individuals. To what extent do you agree?"
Healthy diet costs
"Healthy food is too expensive. What can be done to make it affordable for everyone?"
Mental health awareness
"Mental health is as important as physical health. Do you agree or disagree?"
Sports funding
"Governments should spend more money on public sports facilities. Do the benefits justify the cost?"
Government & Society
Censorship of internet
"Some governments restrict internet access to protect citizens. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?"
Age of criminal responsibility
"Young people should face the same criminal justice system as adults. To what extent do you agree?"
Public transport investment
"Governments should invest more in public transport than in roads for cars. Do you agree or disagree?"
Space exploration spending
"Money spent on space exploration should be redirected to solve problems on Earth. Discuss both views."
Culture & Globalization
Globalization and identity
"Globalization is destroying cultural identity around the world. To what extent do you agree or disagree?"
Tourism impact
"International tourism has more negative effects than positive ones. Do you agree or disagree?"
English as global language
"English has become the global language. Is this a positive or negative development?"
Traditional vs. modern values
"Young people are losing touch with traditional values. What are the causes and what can be done?"
Practice These Topics Now with AI Feedback
Pick any topic above, write your essay, and get instant examiner-aligned scoring on all 4 criteria. Most students discover their actual band is 0.5-1.0 lower than they expected.
Start WritingStart for free · No credit card required
The 5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Question Types
Topics change, but question types don't. Every Task 2 essay falls into one of these 5 formats. Understanding the structure for each type is the single most effective preparation strategy.
| Question Type | How to Identify It | Essay Structure |
|---|---|---|
| Opinion (Agree/Disagree) | "To what extent do you agree or disagree?" | Introduction -> Your position -> Reason 1 -> Reason 2 -> Concession -> Conclusion |
| Discussion (Both Views) | "Discuss both views and give your opinion" | Introduction -> View 1 -> View 2 -> Your opinion -> Conclusion |
| Advantages & Disadvantages | "Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?" | Introduction -> Advantages -> Disadvantages -> Your view -> Conclusion |
| Problem & Solution | "What problems does this cause and what solutions exist?" | Introduction -> Problem 1 -> Problem 2 -> Solution 1 -> Solution 2 -> Conclusion |
| Two-Part Question | "Why is this happening? What can be done about it?" | Introduction -> Answer Q1 -> Answer Q2 -> Conclusion |
5 Mistakes That Cost You a Full Band in Task 2
- 1.Memorizing essays. Examiners are trained to spot memorized content. You'll be penalized heavily — potentially dropped a full band. Learn structures, not essays.
- 2.Writing under 250 words. You lose marks in Task Response automatically. Aim for 270-300 to give yourself a buffer.
- 3.No clear position. If the examiner can't tell what you think by the end of paragraph 1, you've already lost marks. State your position clearly in the introduction.
- 4.Using big words incorrectly. "Utilize" instead of "use" doesn't impress — it signals unnatural vocabulary. Simple, accurate words score higher than complex, misused ones.
- 5.Running out of time. Spend 5 minutes planning, 35 writing, and 5 checking. Most students skip planning — then write disorganized essays that lose Coherence marks.
Band 7+ Model Answers
Below are three sample essays written at Band 7.5 level. Study their structure, vocabulary, and argument development — then practice applying these patterns to other topics.
Sample 1: Opinion Essay (Agree/Disagree)
Topic: Online learning will replace classrooms.
Sample 2: Discussion Essay (Both Views)
Topic: Governments vs. individuals for environmental protection.
Sample 3: Problem & Solution Essay
Topic: Healthy food is too expensive.
Practice these structures with AI feedback →