british council essay topics

Here you can find activities to practise your writing skills. You can improve your writing by understanding model texts and how they're structured.

The self-study lessons in this section are written and organised by English level based on the Common European Framework of Reference for languages (CEFR). There are different types of model texts, with writing tips and interactive exercises that practise the writing skills you need to do well in your studies, to get ahead at work and to communicate in English in your free time.

Take our free online English test to find out which level to choose. Select your level, from A1 English level (elementary) to C1 English level (advanced), and improve your writing skills at your own speed, whenever it's convenient for you.

Choose your level to practise your writing

Learn to write in English with confidence

Our online English classes feature lots of useful writing materials and activities to help you develop your writing skills with confidence in a safe and inclusive learning environment.

Practise writing with your classmates in live group classes, get writing support from a personal tutor in one-to-one lessons or practise writing by yourself at your own pace with a self-study course.

Explore courses

Online courses

Group and one-to-one classes with expert teachers.

Learn English in your own time, at your own pace.

One-to-one sessions focused on a personal plan.

Get the score you need with private and group classes.  

Search form

• Speaking exams
• Typical speaking tasks

In speaking exams you may be asked to discuss a topic and give your opinion. Watching other students doing this sort of task will help you learn how to do it too. So, watch the video first and then read the tips below to make sure you get top marks in your next speaking exam!

Instructions

Watch the video of two students having a discussion in a speaking exam. Then read the tips below.

Social networking can be too dangerous for young people and should only be available to adults.

Examiner : So, now we’re going to have a short discussion. You’ve got one minute to take notes and prepare together for a two-minute discussion. Remember to listen, take turns and explain your opinions.

Kelvin : So, shall I start first?

Melissa : Sure.

Kelvin : Yeah, so we need to discuss whether social networking can be dangerous for young people and whether they should be only available to adults. So, do you have any ideas?

Melissa : I disagree with that statement because I think young people can keep contact with old or new friends on their social network and it can develop their good relationships and it can increase their self-esteem.

Kelvin : Yeah, I see your points, but using social networking could be dangerous to young people because many of them don’t know how to keep their personal information safe, so some of my friends even put their mobile phone numbers on their Facebook, so I think criminals may use the information to commit some crime. What do you think?

Melissa : I see your point, but I think it can give the teenagers a chance to notice who is good and who is bad and to try to learn how to protect themselves from these guys.

Kelvin : That’s a good point, but I think social networking could also be a platform for cyberbullying, which means that someone may take some photos of others, and for sure it’s not very good photos, and put it on the internet and let people laugh at them. So I think it could be very dangerous for the young people using social networking sites.

Melissa : You’re right, but I think in the real world people can bully each other as well, so I think that it’s not a big problem. And I think I disagree with that statement because I think young people can make friends on the social network and they can share things in their life to each other which can broaden their vision.

Kelvin : That’s true, yes. Social networking provides many benefits to young people, I see that. But I think young people shouldn’t be banned from using social networking sites but adults need to teach them the correct attitudes in using the social networking. That would be better, I think.

Melissa : Yeah, you’re right, so which means in conclusion we both think social networking can be used and applicable for adults and teenagers.

Kelvin : Yes.

Here are our top tips for discussions.

• Think about your opinion before the discussion starts.
• Say what you really think about the topic and explain why you think that.
• Listen to what your partner says and say if you agree or disagree.
• Make sure you know the language for agreeing and disagreeing. 
• Be polite if you disagree.
• Ask your partner what he/she thinks.
• Use every second you are given to do the task.
• Finish the discussion by summarising what you have spoken about.
• Only give your own opinion but also respond to your partner.
• Worry if you don't agree with your partner. That's fine!
• Talk about things that are not relevant to the topic.
• Let the discussion stop. Keep it going! 

There are many suggestions of language you can use in discussions to agree and disagree  in the section called Communication strategies .

Example discussion topics

You will probably be given a topic that has pros and cons, or advantages and disadvantages. Here are some example topics:    

• The internet is the best way to do your shopping.
• Young people under 15 shouldn’t use mobile phones.
• All young people should stay at school until they are 18.
• There shouldn’t be any advertising on TV during children’s programmes.
• Famous celebrities shouldn’t complain if the paparazzi take photos of them every day.
• It is the children’s responsibility to look after their parents when they get old.
• Dogs should be banned from cities.

Check your vocabulary: grouping - agreeing and disagreeing

Worksheets and downloads.

This is a very common task in a speaking exam. Tell us which questions you have been asked in your school exams. How did you answer them?

Sign up to our newsletter for LearnEnglish Teens

We will process your data to send you our newsletter and updates based on your consent. You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the "unsubscribe" link at the bottom of every email. Read our privacy policy for more information.

• Preparing for IELTS
• Practice tests
• Free online IELTS Writing practice tests
• Free online IELTS General Training Writing practice test - paper

IELTS practice General Training Writing test - Task 2

This is the second section of your IELTS General Training Writing test. You should spend about 40 minutes on it.

Write about the following topic:

Some people believe that teaching children at home is best for a child’s development while others think that it is important for children to go to school.

Discuss the advantages of both methods and give your own opinion. Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

You have now reached the end of your Writing test; download the answers and see how well you have done.