IELTS Writing Task 2
The Task 2 for the writing section, is the same for both the academic and general tests. Take a look at some questions below and practise your answers
IELTS Writing Task 2
In the General writing test, you will be asked to write a letter. Here are some practise questions for you to have a go at.
REMEMBER:
- spends around 40 minutes on this task
- Write at least 250 words
- What type of writing is it?
There is an increasing trend around the world of married couples deciding not to have children. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages for couples who decide to do this.
Some people think that parents should teach their children how to be good members of society. Others, however, believe that school is the best place to learn this. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

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In many professional sports, there is an increase in the number of athletes using banned substances to improve their performance.
What are the causes of the phenomenon and what are some of the possible solutions?
Details of politicians’ private lives should not be published in newspapers. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Some say that music, art and drama are as important as other school subjects, especially at the primary level. Do you agree or disagree?
Some people think that parents should teach their children how to be good members of society. Others, however, believe that school is the best place to learn this. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Some people say that the best way to improve public health is by increasing the number of sports facilities. Others, however, say that this would have little effect on public health and that other measures are required. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Multinational companies are becoming increasingly common in developing countries. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this?
Some people think that parents should teach their children how to be good members of society. Others, however, believe that school is the best place to learn this. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Many people say that globalisation and the growing number of multinational companies have a negative effect on the environment. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.
Environmental issues such as climate change have always been an international problem because governments are not imposing harsh punishments against offenders. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Support your answer with specific reasons and examples.
What technologies did you use to help you in your studies? Describe how it has helped you. Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.
In many countries, people tend to move overseas or move to a different part of their country after their retirement. Discuss why they do so and what the outcome of this situation is. Provide specific reasons and examples to support your opinion
Some people think that keeping pets is good for children while others think it is dangerous and unhealthy. Which opinion do you agree with? Discuss both options and give examples.
Should the government support artists, such as musicians, writers, and painters? Is it economically beneficial or is it just a waste of money? Why or why not?
Some people believe that once a person becomes a criminal, he will always be a criminal. Do you agree with this statement? Provide specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
International sporting events are costly and bring problems to the hosting country. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Give specific reasons and examples to support your position.
In some parts of the world traditional festivals and celebrations have disappeared or are disappearing.
What problems is this causing?
What measures could be taken to counter this situation?
Many people who care for the elderly do not have enough time to look after them.
What are the problems related to this?
What are some possible solutions?
For a long time art has been considered an essential part of all cultures in the world. However, nowadays people’s values have changed, and we tend to consider science, technology and business more important than arts.
What do you think are the causes of this?
What can be done to draw people’s attention to art?
A lot of people who wanted to become professional athletes gave up this idea because of the fear of failure and parents’ pressure. Do you think that parents should support their children who want to do a career in sports?
Support your point of view with relevant examples from your knowledge or experience.
The government should ban smoking in all public places, even though this would restrict some other people’s freedoms.
Do you agree or disagree?
Give reasons for your answer.
Some people say that teenagers should work part-time and earn money. This way they will learn basic lessons about work and become more disciplined. Others argue that teenagers shouldn’t sacrifice their rest and after-school activities to work.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
An increasing number of people are now using dating sites to meet their second halves. Do you think that this tendency helps people to socialize or does more harm than good?
Give your opinion. Provide relevant examples if necessary.
Nowadays more and more people have access to the Internet. But constant availability of any information worsens people’s memory and critical thinking skills.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Despite a variety of sport facilities and gyms, people are less fit nowadays than ever before.
What do you think are the main causes of this problem?
What solutions can you suggest?
Some people claim that immigrants should adopt the local culture when immigrating to a new country. While others think that they can establish a minority community instead.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Some people believe that violence on television and in computer games has a damaging effect on society. Others deny that these have any significant influence on people’s behaviour.
What is your opinion?
In contemporary society, everyone should have equal opportunities in education. Therefore, universities should accept equal numbers of male and female students in every subject.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
It is better to have one true friend than all the acquaintances in the world.
Do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Ecotourism is now defined as responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment.
What are the advantages of ecotourism?
How can we make ecotourism more popular?
Email is a fast and convenient way to communicate, and written letters aren’t needed anymore.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
The government should control the Internet to reduce cyber-crime and ensure safety of users.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?