IELTS Writing · Task 2
IELTS Writing Task 2 Questions & Model Answers
50 real-style Task 2 prompts across 10 common topics, each with a model answer written to the band 7-8 descriptors, a breakdown of why it scores that band against the 4 official criteria, topic vocabulary, and a common mistake to avoid.
The 5 Task 2 question types
Every Task 2 prompt falls into one of five patterns. Knowing which one you're looking at before you start planning is the single fastest way to avoid losing marks on Task Response.
Opinion essay
You're given a statement and asked whether you agree or disagree. State a clear position in your introduction and keep it consistent through to your conclusion.
Discuss both views
You're given two opposing views and asked to discuss both, then give your own opinion. Give each view a fair paragraph before stating where you stand.
Advantages and disadvantages
You're asked to weigh the benefits against the drawbacks of a trend or practice, usually finishing with your own judgement on which side is heavier.
Problem and solution
You're asked to identify the causes or problems behind an issue and propose realistic solutions, with a clear link between each problem and its fix.
Two-part direct question
You're asked two related questions on the same topic. Answer both explicitly and give each one roughly equal space, examiners mark down answers that bury or skip the second question.
Crime
Opinion essay · Band 7
Do Longer Prison Sentences Reduce Crime?
Discuss both views · Band 7.5
More Police Officers vs More Surveillance
Advantages and disadvantages · Band 7
Prison Rehabilitation Programmes: Pros and Cons
Problem and solution · Band 7.5
The Causes of Youth Crime
Two-part direct question · Band 7
Who Is Responsible for Online Fraud?
Education
Opinion essay · Band 7.5
Should Schools Abolish Homework?
Discuss both views · Band 7
Free University vs Tuition Fees
Advantages and disadvantages · Band 7
Studying Abroad: Pros and Cons
Problem and solution · Band 7.5
Why Reading and Writing Skills Are Declining
Two-part direct question · Band 7
What Age Should Kids Learn a Second Language?
Environment
Opinion essay · Band 7.5
Individuals vs Governments on Climate Change
Discuss both views · Band 7
Do Single-Use Plastic Bans Actually Help?
Advantages and disadvantages · Band 7
Renewable Energy: Pros and Cons
Problem and solution · Band 7.5
The Causes of Urban Air Pollution
Two-part direct question · Band 7
Who Should Reduce Household Waste?
Globalisation
Opinion essay · Band 7
Is Globalisation Erasing Local Cultures?
Discuss both views · Band 7.5
Does Free Trade Benefit Everyone?
Advantages and disadvantages · Band 7
Outsourcing Jobs Abroad: Pros and Cons
Problem and solution · Band 7.5
The Brain Drain Problem
Two-part direct question · Band 7
English as the Global Language: Benefits and Concerns
Government
Opinion essay · Band 7
Should Voting Be Compulsory?
Discuss both views · Band 7
Compulsory vs Voluntary National Service
Advantages and disadvantages · Band 7
CCTV Surveillance: Pros and Cons
Problem and solution · Band 7.5
Why Public Trust in Politicians Is Falling
Two-part direct question · Band 7
Local vs National Decision-Making
Health
Opinion essay · Band 7
Should Sugary Drinks Be Taxed?
Discuss both views · Band 7.5
Free Healthcare vs Private Healthcare
Advantages and disadvantages · Band 7
Telemedicine: Pros and Cons
Problem and solution · Band 7.5
The Causes of Rising Obesity Rates
Two-part direct question · Band 7
Should Schools Teach Mental Health?
Media
Opinion essay · Band 7
Does the News Prioritise Entertainment Over Facts?
Discuss both views · Band 7
Influencers vs Traditional Advertising
Advantages and disadvantages · Band 7
Streaming Services: Pros and Cons
Problem and solution · Band 7.5
Why Misinformation Spreads on Social Media
Two-part direct question · Band 7
Who Should Limit Children's Screen Time?
Society
Opinion essay · Band 7
Are Traditional Customs Losing Relevance?
Discuss both views · Band 7.5
Is an Ageing Population a Problem?
Advantages and disadvantages · Band 7
Urbanisation: Pros and Cons
Problem and solution · Band 7.5
Why Elderly People Feel Isolated
Two-part direct question · Band 7
Why Neighbours Don't Know Each Other Anymore
Technology
Opinion essay · Band 7.5
Has Social Media Made Us Less Social?
Discuss both views · Band 7
Will Automation Destroy More Jobs Than It Creates?
Advantages and disadvantages · Band 7
Online Shopping: Pros and Cons
Problem and solution · Band 7.5
The Smartphone Addiction Problem
Two-part direct question · Band 7
What Age Should Kids Get a Smartphone?
Work
Opinion essay · Band 7
Should Remote Work Become Permanent?
Discuss both views · Band 7.5
The Four-Day Working Week Debate
Advantages and disadvantages · Band 7
The Gig Economy: Pros and Cons
Problem and solution · Band 7.5
The Causes of Employee Burnout
Two-part direct question · Band 7
Should the Retirement Age Be Raised?