September 2026Paper-based
News stories on TV and in newspapers are very often accompanied by pictures. Some people say that these pictures are more effective than words. What is your opinion about it?
IELTS Writing Task 2 Questions
Real exam recalls first — newest sittings at the top, updated weekly — then the classic curated set covering all five question types across twelve topics.
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September 2026Paper-based
As global trade increases, many goods including those we use on a daily basis are produced in another country and have to be transported long distances. Do the benefits of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?
September 2026Paper-based
These days, many university courses are offered through the internet. Some people think that online teaching has more advantages than conventional classroom teaching or lectures, while others claim that there are significant disadvantages. Do the benefits of online teaching outweigh the disadvantages?
September 2026Paper-based
People's shopping habits depend more on the age group they belong to than any other factors. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
September 2026Paper-based
In many countries, people do not recycle waste materials, such as bottles and newspapers. What are the reasons for this? What could be done to solve this problem?
2026-07-25Computer-delivered
Some people believe that students should acquire working experience during their studies, while others think it is better for students to focus on their studies. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
2026-07-25Computer-delivered
Some people believe that students should acquire working experience during their studies, while others think it is more important to focus on learning in the classroom. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
2026-07-25Computer-delivered
Some people believe that students should acquire working experience during their studies, while others argue that it is better for students to focus on their academic work. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
2026-07-25Computer-delivered
Some people believe that students should acquire working experience during their studies. Others think it will affect their study. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
2026-07-25Computer-delivered
Some people believe that students should acquire working experience during their studies, while others think that it will affect their study. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
2026-07-25Computer-delivered
Some people believe that students should acquire working experience during their study, while others think it is better to focus on their studies. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
2026-07-25Computer-delivered
Some people believe that students should acquire working experience during their studies, while others think that work can negatively affect their academic performance. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
2026-07-25Computer-delivered
Some people believe that students should acquire working experience during their studies, while others think it is better for them to focus on their education. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
2026-07-11Computer-delivered
The use of mobile phones is as antisocial as smoking. Smoking is banned in certain places, so mobile phones should be banned in the same way. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
July 2026Computer-delivered
In some countries, many parents are interested in home schooling and educate their children at home instead of sending them to school. What are the advantages and disadvantages of home schooling?
July 2026Computer-delivered
Some cities have vehicle-free days, when private cars and other vehicles are banned from the city centre and people have to use public transport, walk or cycle. Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?
July 2026Computer-delivered
In many countries, a small number of people earn extremely high salaries. Some people believe that this is good for the country, but others think that governments should not allow salaries above a certain level. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
July 2026Computer-delivered
Missions to explore space are hugely expensive. Many people argue that this money should be spent on solving problems on Earth instead, and that space missions should be reduced. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
July 2026Computer-delivered
News stories on TV and in newspapers are very often accompanied by pictures. Some people say that these pictures are more effective than words. What is your opinion about this?
July 2026Computer-delivered
Televised talent shows have become popular in many societies today. Some people think they provide a good opportunity to discover talented people, while others believe they are merely entertainment. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Classic questions · 89
The curated core set — independent creations covering the high-frequency exam patterns.
crime
- •Some people believe that when police officers in a community carry guns, it makes society more violent. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- •Crime and other negative behaviours are increasing in modern society. What are the reasons for this? What problems does this cause?
- •Some people think new technology helps to reduce crime, while others believe it could make crime easier. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
- •Some people believe that criminals who damage public property should perform community service instead of receiving other punishments like fines or prison sentences. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- •Teaching parents how to raise their children well is the best way to reduce crime committed by young people. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
culture_arts
- •Most museums and historical sites attract more visitors from other places than from their local area. What are the causes of this? What can be done to solve this problem?
- •Some people say that music is a universal language that everyone understands. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- •In some countries, fewer people are going to art exhibitions. What are the reasons for this? What problems does this cause?
- •Some people believe that governments should protect cultural heritage. Because of this, it is sometimes suggested that all new buildings should be designed in traditional styles. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- •In many countries, fewer people are going to art exhibitions. What are the reasons for this? What problems does this cause?
education
- •Some people believe that it is more important for students to learn about the history of their own country than to study world history. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- •Some people work harder than others at school and at their jobs. What makes some people put in more effort? Is it always a good thing to be a hard worker?
- •Some people think that the main purpose of schools is to make young people into good citizens and effective workers, rather than to help them develop personally. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- •Some people believe that going to university is the best way to succeed in life. However, others argue that this is not true anymore in modern society. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
- •Some people think that good teaching is more important than a student's natural ability for achieving academic success. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- •Many university students find that their chosen subjects are not a good fit for their skills or interests. What are the causes of this? What can be done to solve this problem?
- •Some people believe that all teenagers should be required to study full-time until they are 18 years old. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- •Some people believe that students in secondary and high school should be able to choose between academic subjects that lead to university and vocational courses for jobs like carpentry. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- •Some people say that the best way to understand a culture is to learn its language. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- •Many people think that because the internet is so widely available, libraries are no longer necessary for students. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- •Learning the language of a country is the best way to understand its culture. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
environment
- •Cycling is seen as a healthy and environmentally friendly way to travel, but it is no longer the main way people get around. Why has this happened? What can be done to encourage more people to cycle?
- •The increased production of goods has a negative impact on the environment. What are the causes of this? What can be done to solve this problem?
- •The world's natural resources, such as oil, forests, and fresh water, are being used up more and more quickly. What problems does this cause? What can be done to solve them?
- •Some people believe that the only way to solve environmental problems is for people to live less convenient lives now, so that future generations can benefit. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- •Some people believe that environmental problems are too big for individuals to solve. Others, however, argue that these problems will continue unless ordinary people take action. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
- •Many animal species are in danger of extinction. Some people believe that conservation efforts should only focus on species that are useful to humans. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- •Some people think the Olympic Games are an exciting event that brings countries together. Others believe the Olympic Games waste money that could be spent on other things. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
- •More and more people are choosing to travel to natural places that have not been changed by humans. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
family_young_people
- •The influence of a child's family is important, but factors outside the family have a greater effect on their development. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- •People are spending more time away from home, and this means they have less interaction with their families. What are the reasons for this? What problems does this cause?
- •Parents often put a lot of pressure on their children, expecting them to do very well. What are the reasons for this? Is this a good or bad thing for children? Do you think this is a positive or negative development?
- •Some people believe that watching TV every day is bad for children. However, others argue that it can help children develop as they grow up. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
- •Young people in many countries now have more freedom and independence than previous generations. Do you think this is a positive or negative development?
globalisation
- •Some people believe that countries should produce enough food for their own population and not rely on imports from other countries. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- •Developing countries need help from international organisations. Some people think that financial aid is the most effective way to help, while others believe that practical support and advice from experts are more useful. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
- •In many developing countries, the tourism industry is growing very quickly. What are the reasons for this trend? Is this a positive development?
- •International travel is becoming easier and more affordable. Do you think this is a positive or negative development?
- •More and more developing countries are increasing their tourism industries. What are the reasons for this? What problems does this cause?
health
- •In many countries, local food is gradually being replaced by international fast food. Some people believe that this development has negative effects on both families and communities. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- •Some people think that parents should encourage their children to do sports and other physical activities more than focusing on academic study. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- •More and more young people are becoming overweight and unhealthy. Some people think that governments are mainly responsible for solving this problem. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- •Some people believe that governments should ban dangerous sports, while others think that individuals should be free to choose any sports they want. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
- •People should look after their own health and well-being mainly for the benefit of their community, rather than for their own personal advantage. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- •Many people are becoming seriously overweight. Some suggest that making unhealthy food more expensive would help solve this problem. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- •Some people think that team sports like football offer many benefits. Others believe that individual sports like swimming and running are more beneficial. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
social_issues
- •Some people think that making all drivers re-take their driving test every year is the best way to make roads safer. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- •Driverless cars will bring many benefits to individuals and communities. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- •Some people believe that men and women have different natural abilities, and because of this, certain jobs are more suitable for men while others are more suitable for women. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- •In some countries, older people who stop working choose to spend their money on themselves, for example on travel, instead of saving it for their children. Do you think this is a positive or negative development?
- •In many parts of the world, there is not enough clean water. At the same time, the need for water is increasing. What are the causes of this? What can be done to solve this problem?
- •People nowadays have a better quality of life than in the past. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- •People are living longer after they retire. What problems does this cause for individuals and society? What can be done to solve them?
- •Some people believe that individuals are becoming more and more dependent on each other in modern society. However, others argue that people are becoming increasingly independent. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
- •Some people think that when a country becomes rich, making it even richer does not make its citizens any happier. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- •Some people believe that success in life depends mostly on a person's attitude. Others, however, believe that there are more important factors. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
- •Some people think that producing food using scientific methods is better. Other people believe that growing food naturally is preferable. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
technology_media
- •Some people think that advertising is good for the economy. Others believe that it has a negative effect on society because it makes people unhappy with what they have. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
- •Some people think that the main purpose of advertising is to persuade us to buy things we do not really need. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- •More and more people are now sharing their personal details, such as addresses, phone numbers, and bank information, online when they do everyday things like banking or shopping. Do you think this is a positive or negative development?
- •Some people believe that modern technology, such as digital cameras and online diaries, is the best way to record and remember important personal events. Others argue that traditional methods, like photo albums and handwritten journals, are better. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
- •Some people think that using digital devices like computers and mobile phones for communication harms the reading and writing skills of young people. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- •Some people believe that robots are essential for progress in the future. Others think that robots are dangerous and could harm society. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
- •Some people believe that to understand other countries, it is necessary to travel internationally. Others argue that with so much information available on TV and the internet, international travel is not needed. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
- •Many people use social media every day to talk to others and to find out about the news. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
- •More and more people are getting their news from the internet instead of from traditional sources like newspapers and television. Do you think this is a positive or negative development?
- •These days, more and more people are using digital technology and computers to get information. Some people think that physical books, magazines, and newspapers will soon become a thing of the past. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- •Some people think that images and videos in news reports show events accurately. Others believe that these media do not tell the whole story. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
- •Some people think that news from newspapers or TV is not relevant to their lives, and so there is no point in reading or watching it. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- •News reports should focus more on good news. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
urban_life
- •Not having enough homes in big cities causes serious problems, and only the government can solve this. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- •In many cities, planners have decided to separate different areas like shops, schools, offices, and homes into different parts of the city. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
- •Some people believe that living in cities, rather than in suburbs or the countryside, is the best way to solve problems with traffic and public transport. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- •These days, food is often transported very long distances from where it is produced to where it is eaten. Do you think this is a positive or negative development?
- •Plastic waste is building up in cities, the countryside, and oceans all over the world. What are the causes of this? What can be done to solve this problem?
- •In some countries, university students live with their families, while in other countries, students choose to study in a different city. Do the advantages of living away from home while studying outweigh the disadvantages?
- •Some people think that the government should be responsible for transporting children to school, while others believe that parents should be responsible for this. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
- •Some people believe that governments should provide free public libraries in every town and city. Others argue that this is a waste of money because so much information is now available online. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
- •People living in cities often find it difficult to get enough exercise. What are the causes of this? What can be done to solve this problem?
- •More and more young people are moving from the countryside to cities, often for study or work. What are the reasons for this? What problems does this cause?
work_career
- •Some people think that it is better to live and work in a foreign country, while others believe it is better to stay in their home country. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
- •Some people believe that museums and art galleries should focus on displaying local works rather than international art or cultural objects. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- •People who stay in the same job their whole lives are usually happier in their careers than those who change jobs often. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- •Some people believe that the only reason individuals work hard at their jobs is to earn money. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- •Some people believe that employers should only care about the quality of their employees' work, not what they wear. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- •Some people think that because the world needs more oil and gas, companies should explore for these fuels in remote, untouched areas. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
- •Some people believe that only governments, and not private companies, should be responsible for scientific research. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- •Some people think that face-to-face business meetings have more benefits than drawbacks. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
- •Many people believe that salary is the most important factor when choosing a job. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
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