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A Very, Very Difficult IELTS Question [Sample Answer]

Posted by David S. Wills | Jun 18, 2021 | Model Essays | 0

Today, I’m going to share with you a really difficult IELTS writing task 2 question. I wanted to share it because I’ve seen many people struggle with it. The problem is that they incorrectly analyse the question, so I’m going to explain the problem and then give you my answer.

Analysing the Question

Here is our question for today:

In the modern world, the image (photograph or film) is becoming a more powerful way of communicating than the written word. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

On the surface, this looks easy, right? It is a matter of which is more powerful – images or film? However, it is actually much harder than that! Note the specific wording of the question:

In the modern world , the image (photograph or film) is becoming a more powerful way

These bold words show that we need to deal with the question of change over time . This is essential, but most of the people whom I have seen answer this question failed to note those key parts.

If you just talked about images being more powerful than words (or vice versa), you could not get a high score for Task Achievement.

By the way, last week I made a video that dealt with a very similar issue in another tough IELTS question:

How to Answer this Hard Question

For my answer, I want to present this basic idea:

Images may seem as though they are now more powerful, but actually they are probably not. They have always been powerful and in that past not many people could read, so it is untrue to suggest images have surpassed them.

To do this, I will take this basic structure:

Now here is my sample answer:

Sample Band 9 Answer

It has been suggested that in the twenty-first century images have become more powerful than written words. This essay will argue that it is probably true that they are more powerful, but that this is not necessarily a recent change.

To begin with, it should be quite obvious that images are more powerful than written words because they are easier to understand. For a few centuries, people in the Western world were largely reliant upon written accounts of news or adventures in books and newspapers. However, with the advent of photography, it became possible for vivid and realistic images to be widely disseminated. After this came video. Many of the great social changes that occurred in this part of the world in the last century were due to the impact of photographs and videos. For example, American public opinion against the Vietnam War was hugely impacted by depictions in the media that showed the raw human suffering that went on there, and this has been true of subsequent military actions and situations like natural disasters, where the written word seldom captures the pain and suffering of average people in the same way that a visual image could.

However, the question of whether this a recent and ongoing change is unclear. Certainly, throughout history people have relied upon visual aids because they simply could not read. Only in very recent times has literacy become the norm throughout most of the world, and so the written word held almost no value for the majority of humans. While photos and video are modern inventions, even ancient humans were able to draw pictures of animals on cave walls and understand them, so it seems that the impact of such images is not a new phenomenon.

In conclusion, it is true that images probably have a greater impact than the written word and that they are likely becoming very important, but whether this is a new situation or not is less clear.

About The Author

David S. Wills

David S. Wills is the author of Scientologist! William S. Burroughs and the 'Weird Cult' and the founder/editor of Beatdom literary journal. He lives and works in rural Cambodia and loves to travel. He has worked as an IELTS tutor since 2010, has completed both TEFL and CELTA courses, and has a certificate from Cambridge for Teaching Writing. David has worked in many different countries, and for several years designed a writing course for the University of Worcester. In 2018, he wrote the popular IELTS handbook, Grammar for IELTS Writing and he has since written two other books about IELTS. His other IELTS website is called IELTS Teaching.

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IELTS Writing Task 2 Recent Questions

In this article, we outline over 250 recent IELTS Writing Task 2 topics and sample questions.

The IELTS Writing Task 2 is an essay writing task that assesses your ability to express and develop an argument in response to a given prompt. As an essential part of the IELTS exam, a high score in writing task 2 can help you achieve your desired overall score.

To score well in the IELTS Writing Task 2, you need to be familiar with all the possible topics that may come up.

What is the basic structure for ielts writing task 2 in the ielts exam, ielts writing task 2 topics on education, ielts task 2 questions on globalisation, ielts task 2 questions on equality, ielts task 2 questions about the environment, ielts task 2 questions on technology, task 2 questions on travel and transport, task 2 questions on health, task 2 questions on law and order.

Task 2 questions on Language and Culture
Task 2 Questions on Government and Society

Task 2 Questions on Sports and Pastimes

Recent writing task 2 questions: january 2024, recent writing task 2 questions: october 2023, recent writing task 2 questions: july 2023, recent writing task 2 questions: april 2023, recent writing task 2 questions: january 2023, recent writing task 2 questions: october 2022, recent task 2 questions: july 2022.

January to March 2022 recent task 2 questions
October to December 2021 sample task 2 questions

Sample Task 2 Questions: September 2021

Sample task 2 questions: february / march 2021.

Sample Task 2 Questions: January 2021
Task 2 Sample Questions: October/November 2020

IELTS Writing Task 2 Topics: August 2020

Task 2 questions: march 2020, task 2 essay questions: january 2020, recent exam task 2 questions: october 2019, task 2 sample questions: september 2019, task 2 questions: august 2019.

Task 2 questions: June 2019

Task 2 questions: January 2019

Writing task 2 questions: december 2018, task 2 questions: november 2018.

Writing task 2 questions: October 2018
Writing task 2 questions: September 2018

Writing task 2 questions: August 2018

Latest writing task 2 questions: july 2018 (education), latest writing task 2 questions: july 2018.

March – April 2019 task 2 questions

VIDEO: Recent 2022 questions and sample answers for IELTS Writing Task 2

Frequently Asked Questions

The IELTS writing exam is split into two parts and task 2 is worth 66% of your score.

The IELTS writing task 2 is an essay writing task that assesses your ability to express and develop an argument in response to a given topic.

You are allocated 40 minutes to write it.

On the official British Council site there are documents that state your essay must contain at least 250 words, however, in the official criteria, there is no mention of 250 words.

The basic structure for IELTS writing task 2 in the IELTS exam is as follows:

Introduction : Be sure to state the question in your own words in your introduction so that you introduce the topic of your task 2. Task 2 statements are often a paraphrasing of the initial question.
Support your opinion : Once you have made your opinion clear, you have to provide facts to justify your choice
State the opposing point of you . You do not have to persuade the examiner about the opposing opinion, but it is important to state what it is.
Summarise your opinion.

Below you will find a variety of task 2 essay topics that have been seen by students on their IELTS exams. By practising with these writing task 2 topics, you prepare yourself to write an essay about a wide range of topics.

Get your IELTS essay evaluated online for free using our new essay checker service.

For a FREE ebook PDF of our top 10 sample essays, click here!

Common Essay Topics for IELTS Writing Task 2

Preparing for the IELTS Writing Task 2 requires familiarizing yourself with common essay topics that may appear on the IELTS exam.

Having knowledge of these topics can help you prepare well and increase your chances of scoring high.

Below are some of the most common essay topics for the IELTS Writing Task 2 exam.

Globalisation
Environment
Travel and transport
Law and order
Language and culture
Government and society
Sports and pastimes

In IELTS writing task 2, test takers may be presented with essay topics related to education.

Some writing task 2 education topics may focus on the benefits and drawbacks of traditional education or the role of technology in modern learning.

Here’s a sample task 2 question about education:

Some people think that a person improves intellectual skills better when doing group activities. To what extent do you agree? Use specific details and examples to explain your view.

Read more IELTS Writing Task 2 Topics on Education here

Writing task 2 often features essay topics related to globalisation, requiring test takers to express their views and opinions on the subject.

The essay question themes may include the far-reaching impacts of globalisation on economies, societies, and cultures around the world.

Here’s a sample task 2 question about globalisation:

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.

Read more IELTS Task 2 questions on Globalisation here

In IELTS writing task 2, test takers are often presented with essay topics related to equality, asking them to explore issues such as gender equality, racial equality, and economic inequality.

Here’s a sample task 2 question about equality:

Nowadays both men and women spend a lot of money on beauty care. This was not so in the past. What may be the root cause of this behaviour? Discuss the reasons and possible results.

Read more IELTS task 2 questions on Equality here

Writing task 2 often features environment-related essay topics, requiring test takers to discuss issues such as pollution, conservation, and sustainable development.

Here’s a sample task 2 question about the environment:

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.

Read more IELTS task 2 questions on the Environment here

In IELTS writing task 2, test takers are often given essay topics related to technology, requiring them to explore topics such as the benefits and drawbacks of technology, the role of technology in society, and the potential impact of emerging technologies.

Here’s a sample task 2 question about technology:

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.

Read more IELTS Task 2 questions on Technology here

In the IELTS writing exam, test takers may be required to discuss and write about travel and transport essay topics.

Here’s a sample task 2 question about travel and transport:

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

Read more Task 2 questions on Travel and Transport here.

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.

Read more Task 2 questions on Health here

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.

Read more Task 2 questions on Law and Order here.

Task 2 Questions on Language and Culture

Compared to the past, more people are now trying to learn a foreign language to increase their chances of landing a better job in their native country or having better opportunities to work abroad. To what extent do you agree with this point of view? Give specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.

Read more Task 2 questions on language and culture here.

Task 2 Questions on Government and society

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?

Read more Task 2 questions on Government and society here.

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.

Read more Task 2 questions on Sports and Pastimes here

Sample IELTS Writing Task 2 Topics and Answers

Band 6.5 essay about marriage (includes ex-ielts examiner commentary)
Band 9 essay about education (includes ex-ielts examiner commentary)

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Instructions to get your essay evaluated for free

Write an IELTS essay answering one of the questions below
Copy and paste the question into the new online IELTS essay checker .
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Recent IELTS Writing Task 2 Questions from July 2018 till date

Below are past essay questions from previous years as seen by students in their exams.

These sample questions will help you prepare and better know what to expect in your task 2 exam.

Feel free to send us your task 2 questions if you have recently taken the IELTS exam.

In many countries, it is mandatory for school children to wear uniforms. Do the advantages of this policy outweigh the disadvantages? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Many museums charge for admission while others are free. Do you think the advantages of charging people for admission outweigh the disadvantages?
Ambition is a positive quality for people to have in society today. How important is it for people who want to succeed in life? Is it a positive or negative characteristic?
Research has shown that the transportation of products and people are the main source of pollution. Some people believe the government should be in charge of this, while others believe it is the fault of individuals. Discuss both views and give your opinion. Give reasons for your answer and include relevant examples from your knowledge or experience.
Extreme sports such as skydiving and rock climbing are very dangerous and should be banned. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this view?
These days more people put their personal information, such as names, addresses and telephone numbers, online for everyday activities such as socialising on social networks or banking purposes. Do you think it is a positive or negative development?
The leaders or directors of organizations are often older people. But some people say that young people can also be a leader. Do you agree or disagree?
Some people believe that people living in the twenty-first century have a better standard of living as compared to previous centuries. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give reasons for your answer and include relevant examples from your knowledge or experience.
A portion of the human population believes that criminal behaviour has its roots in genes. Others think that circumstances lead people to commit crimes. Discuss your take on both views and put forward your opinions.
Some people think the government should provide free housing, while others believe it is not the government’s responsibility. Discuss both views and give your opinion
Some people believe the purpose of education is to prepare individuals to be beneficial to society. Others say the purpose of education is to achieve personal ambitions. Discuss both views and give your own opinion
With the growing population of cities, more and more people live in homes that have little or no outdoor area. Is this a positive or negative development? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your knowledge or experience.
It has been suggested that all young adults should be required to undertake a period of unpaid work helping people in the community. Would the drawbacks of such a requirement be greater than the benefits to the community and the individual young adults?
Some think dangerous extreme sports such as skydiving and rock climbing should be banned. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Nowadays, most countries improve their living standards through economic development. However, some social values are lost as a result. Do you think the advantages of the phenomenon outweigh the disadvantages?
Although countries with long average working hours are economically successful, this often has some negative social consequences. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
In many countries, the number of animals and plants is declining. Why do you think this is happening? How can this issue be solved? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your knowledge or experience.
Some people think that activities during free time should be planned while others disagree. Discuss both sides and include examples and relevant data from your own experience.
The tendency of news reports in the media to focus more on problems and emergencies than on positive developments is harmful to individuals and society as a whole. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your knowledge or experience.
Some people think the government should support artists like painters, musicians, and poets, while others believe this wastes money. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Earlier technology developments brought more benefits and changed the lives of ordinary people more than recent developments ever will. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
These days more and more people are going to other countries for a significant period either to find a job or study. There are clearly many benefits to doing this, but people who live abroad can also face some difficulties.Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of living and working in a foreign country. Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Nowadays online shopping is extremely popular. Discuss the impact of it on the environment and on people who lost their jobs because of it.
In some countries the government promotes public transport as the primary means of transportation, and discourages private vehicle ownership. Do you think the advantages of this policy outweigh the disadvantages?
Nowadays, most children prefer to spend several hours playing with electronic devices over doing more traditional leisure activities.What problem does this cause? What do you think are possible solutions?
It is believed that secondary school children should study international news as one of their school subjects. Others think that this is a waste of valuable school time. Discuss both views and give your opinions.
Some people think it’s better to choose friends who always have the same opinions as them. Other people believe it’s good to have friends who sometimes disagree with them. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Fast food is a part of life in many places. Some people think this has bad effects on lifestyle and diets. Do you agree or disagree?
Some people encourage watching sports as a way of learning about teamwork and strategy, while others believe that one can learn these skills only through playing sports. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
New technologies have changed the way children spend their free time. Do you think the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?
Some people prefer to spend their lives doing the same things and avoiding change. Others, however, think that change is always a good thing. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Although parents are responsible for raising a child, outside influence plays a key role in their development. To what extent do you agree or disagree
Movies and tv shows are a good way to study history despite their lack of historical accuracy at times. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Nowadays, instead of locally sourced produce, many supermarkets sell a variety of foods imported from countries all across the world. Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?
Rising university fees and scarce employment prospects for graduates have led some people to say that universities should not teach arts subjects, like philosophy and history, and only offer practical degree courses that maximise chances of employment. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Give a reason for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
In some parts of the world, traditional festivals and celebrations have disappeared or are disappearing. Why is this happening? What measures could be taken to ensure they do not disappear?
Some people believe that using taxpayer funds to look for life on other planets is important. Others, however, think that it is a waste of public money because there are many more important issues requiring funding on our own planet. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
In recent years, there has been growing interest in the relationship between equality and personal achievement. Some people believe that individuals can achieve more in egalitarian societies. Others believe that high levels of personal achievement are possible only if individuals are free to succeed or fail according to their individual merits. Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.
Our personalities are predetermined as a result of our genes before we are born and there is nothing that can be done to change our character traits. To what extent do you agree?
Some people believe that teaching children at home is best for a child’s development while others think it is important for children to go to school. Discuss both the advantages of each method and give your own opinion
As the number of cars increases, more money has to be spent on road systems. Some people think the government should pay for this. Others, however, think that drivers should cover the costs. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Some people suggest that a country should try to produce all the food for its population and import as little food as possible. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Museums and art galleries should concentrate on local works rather than showing the cultures or artworks from other countries. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Online currencies have become more common in recent years. Why is this? Is this a positive or negative development?
Many customs and traditional ways of behaviour are no longer relevant to the modern life and not worth keeping. Do you agree or disagree?
Some think secondary and high school students should be allowed to choose academic courses leading to university or practical courses leading to careers such as carpenters. To what extent do you agree or disagree？
Some people say that to prevent illness and disease, governments should focus more on reducing environmental pollution and housing problems. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Nowadays, distance-learning programs have gained popularity, but some people argue that online courses can never be as good as those taken at a college or university in person. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
The increase in the production of consumer goods results in damage to the natural environment. What are the causes of this? What can be done to solve this problem?
Some people think international events such as the Olympic Games are important and can bring nations together. Others, however, think that they are a waste of money as the money could be spent elsewhere on more important issues. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Some people think that dangerous sports should be banned. Others, however, believe that people should be free to choose sports activities. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
In today’s world, people spend a lot of money on appearance because they want to look younger. Why does this happen? Do you think this is a positive or negative development?
In many countries, people now wear western clothes such as suits and jeans rather than traditional clothing. Why is this the case? Is this a positive or negative development?
Many governments think that economic progress is their most important goal. Some people, however, think that other types of progress are equally important for a country. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Some people think visual images, such as photographs and videos, can most accurately inform people about a news story. Others believe they are not reliable sources of information. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
These days, older people who have retired often choose to spend money on themselves (for example on holidays) rather than save money for their children. Is this a positive or negative development?
Advanced technology has brought many beneficial changes to the world. However, some old people today struggle with the use of technologies such as mobile phones and the Internet. How can the elderly benefit from using advanced technologies? How can the elderly be encouraged to use consumer electronics more often?
Recent advances in medicine have resulted in an increase in life expectancy over the past four years. Do you think that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
The best way to make the road transport of goods safer is to ask drivers to take a driving test each year. To what extent do you agree or disagree ?
Although, it is generally illegal corporal punishment continues in many countries. Others argue that parents should have the right to punish their children in this way. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Listen to the sample answer to this question here .
The increasing demand for oil and gas has made it necessary to look for these energy sources in remote and untouched natural places. Do you think the advantages of locating oil and gas in these areas outweigh the disadvantages of damaging these places? Listen to the sample answer to this question here .
Some people think the primary purpose of schools is to turn children into good citizens and workers, rather than to benefit them as individuals. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
Some people think it is a better way to leave their home country to improve their work and living opportunities, while others think staying in their own country is a better choice. Discuss both views and give your own opinion . Listen to the sample answer to this question here .
In many cities, planners tend to arrange shops, schools, offices, and homes in specific areas and separate them from each other. Do you think the advantages of this policy outweigh the disadvantages?
It’s more important for school children to learn about their local history than world history. To what extent do you agree or disagree？
Nowadays many people prefer to buy famous brands of clothes, cars and other items. What are the reasons for this? Do you think it is a positive or negative development ?
In many workplaces, online communication is becoming more commonplace than face-to-face meetings. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? Listen to the sample answer to this question here .

January to March 2022 Recent Task 2 Questions

Some people believe that violence in the media, such as in television programs and films, directly results in violent behaviour. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
In the future, all cars, buses and trucks will be driverless. The only people travelling inside these vehicles will be passengers. Do you think that the advantages of driverless vehicles outweigh the disadvantages?
In many countries, children are becoming overweight and unhealthy. Some people think that the government has the responsibility to solve this problem. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
In some countries, there has been an increase in the number of advertisements that try to persuade children to buy snacks, toys, and other goods. Some people claim this is unfair as parents feel under pressure to buy these kinds of things for their children. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Some believe that younger family members should be legally responsible for supporting older family members when they become physically, mentally and financially unable to look after themselves. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
In the 21st century, contact between many different parts of the world has developed rapidly through air travel and telecommunications. Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?
Weddings are getting bigger and more expensive. What is the reason for this? Is it a positive or negative development?
Educating young people is naturally important. However, some think governments ought to invest more in education for adults in need. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
In some places, old age is valued, while in other cultures youth is considered more important. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
A rise in the standard of living in a country often only seems to benefit cities rather than rural areas. What problems can this cause? How might these problems be reduced?
Some people think that personal happiness is directly related to economic success. Others argue that happiness depends on different factors. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

October to December 2021 Sample Task 2 Questions

Some people think that the best way to succeed in life is to get a university education, while others disagree and say that it is no longer true nowadays. Discuss both views and give your own opinions.
In many countries, plastic shopping bags are the main source of rubbish. They cause water and land pollution, and so they should be banned. To what extent do you agree with this statement?
Information technology is changing many aspects of our lives and now dominates our home, leisure and work activities. To what extent do the benefits of information technology outweigh the disadvantages?
Some people think that schools are no longer necessary because people can acquire information on the Internet. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Some people believe that university students should pay all the costs of studies because university education only benefits students themselves, not society as a whole. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Some think increasing business and cultural contact between nations is positive. Others think it leads to the disappearance of the national identity. Discuss both views and state your own opinion.
Some people think that schools should select students according to their academic abilities, while others believe that it is better to have students with different abilities studying together. Discuss both views and state your own opinion.
Many people like to eat unhealthy food even though they know it’s bad for them. Why? What are the most effective ways to improve people’s eating habits?
Some people think there are not many things individuals can do to resolve environmental problems, while others believe that in order to tackle environmental problems individuals also need to take action. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
There is too much noise in many public places in cities. What are the causes of this problem? What can be done to solve the problem?
Crime rates will fall as advances in technology make it easier to detect and prevent crimes. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
In many situations, people who break the law should be warned instead of punished. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Some people think employers should not care about the way their employees dress, but the quality of work. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Some people think children should have the freedom to make mistakes, while other people believe that adults should prevent children from making mistakes. Discuss both sides and give your opinion
Although more and more people read news on the Internet, newspapers will remain the most important source of news for the majority of people. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Some students take one year off between finishing high school and going to university, in order to travel or to work. Do you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
Today, many people do not know their neighbours in large cities. What problems does this cause? What can be done about this?
An increasing number of developing countries are expanding their tourist industry. Why do you think it is the case? Do you think it is a positive or negative development?
Nowadays, more and more people from different cities are spending more time away from their families. What are the possible reasons and the effects on the people themselves and their families?
Some people say that nowadays children have an easy life, and some people think that the life of children was easier in the past. Discuss both points of view and also provide relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Some people say that all popular TV entertainment programmes should aim to educate viewers about important social issues. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Some people believe the purpose of education should be to help the individual to become useful to society, while others believe it should help individuals to achieve their ambitions. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
Many people believe that a person’s culture is defined by their country of origin, while others believe that it has only minor influence. Discuss both these views and give your opinion.
More and more people are finding it increasingly important to wear fashionable clothes. Is this attitude to wearing clothes a positive development or negative?
The movement of people from villages to cities for work can cause serious problems in both places. What are the serious problems associated with this? What measures can be taken to solve these problems?
In the world of the internet, people write product reviews of products and services. Do you think this is a positive or negative development?
Some people prefer to buy local products while others prefer international products. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Some believe that more action should be taken to prevent crime, while others feel that crime is being tackled effectively now. Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.
Some people say it is more important to plant trees in the open spaces in towns and cities than to build more housing. To what extant do you agree or disagree?
Some scientists think that computers will soon become more intelligent than humans.To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Some people think that dangerous extreme sports such as rock climbing and sky-diving should be banned. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this view?
Young people are often influenced by their peers. Do the advantages of peer pressure outweigh the disadvantages?
Some people believe that nowadays too much money is being spent on weddings and birthdays. Why do you think it is happening? What can be done to improve the situation?
In many countries, the legal driving age is 18 years old. Some people believe it is the right age to learn how to drive a car, whereas others say that the minimum age should be 25. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Some people think that instead of preventing climate change , we need to find a way to live with it. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Sample Task 2 Questions: January 2021

Some people feel that the effects of advertising are positive for individuals and businesses, while others think they are negative. Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.
Some people say that TV advertisements are helpful for viewers, while others disagree. What is your opinion?
Some people think the spread of multinational companies and globalization produce positive outcomes for everyone. Do you agree or disagree with this statement?
In some countries, there are fewer young people who listen to or play classical music these days. Why is this? Should young people be encouraged to play or perform classical music?
Directors of large organizations earn much higher salaries than ordinary employees do. Some people think it is necessary, but others are of the opinion that it is unfair. Discuss both views and give your own opinions.
Prison is the common way in most countries try to solve the problem of crime. However, a more effective solution is to provide people with a better education. Do you agree or disagree?
Some think that climate change reforms will negatively affect business. Others feel they are an opportunity for businesses. Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.
Some people argue that holding sporting events is beneficial to a country’s development. However, other people hold the opposite opinion. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
The first man to walk on the moon claimed it was a step forward for mankind. However, it has made little difference in most people’s lives. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Some people think that good teamwork makes a company successful, others think that good leadership is the reason behind the success of a company. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.

Take a look at some of our IELTS vocabulary to help you write about the above topics.

Task 2 Sample Questions: October/November 2020

Nowadays more and more people want to get things done instantly. Why is it? Do you think it is a positive or negative development?
Some people think that it is a waste of time for high school students to study literature, such as novels and poems. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
In some countries the elderly are highly valued and respected, while in others youth is more highly valued. Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.
The personal information of many individuals is held by large internet companies and organisations. Do you think the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?
Some people believe that handwriting is no longer useful in the modern world and should not be taught in schools. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Some believe that advances in technology are increasing the gap between rich and poor while others think the opposite is happening. Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.
Some people believe that smart phones are destroying social interaction today. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Some people believe that governments should ban dangerous sports. Others claim that they should have freedom to choose their favourite activities. Discuss both views and present your opinion.
Nowadays employment options are changing and employees cannot rely on having the same job and working conditions throughout their life. What are some possible causes? Suggest some ways to plan for the future under these circumstances.
Many companies sponsor sports as a way of advertising themselves. Some people think this is good for the world of sport, while others think it is negative. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Governments in many countries have recently introduced special taxes on foods and beverages with high levels of sugar. Some think these taxes are a good idea while others disagree. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Many people think technological devices such as smartphones, tablets and mobile phones bring more disadvantages than advantages. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
It is better for children if the whole family including aunts, uncles and grandparents are involved in a child’s upbringing, rather than just their parents. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Most people prefer shopping in supermarkets nowadays. How does this affect the local shops? What are the positive and negative impacts of this development?
In many countries, fast food is becoming cheaper and more widely available. Do the disadvantages of this outweigh the advantages?
The government should lower the budget on the arts in order to allocate more money to education.To what extent do you agree?
Many people argue that eating junk food has led to an unhealthy lifestyle. This problem has become more common among young people these days. Do you agree or disagree that junk food is the cause of the issue?
Some people think that in order to produce a happy society, it is necessary to ensure that there is only a small difference between the earnings of the richest and poorest. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
The manufacturing and use of cars damage the environment but their popularity is increasing. Why is this happening? How could this be controlled?
Some people think that young people should go to university to further their education while others think they should be encouraged to work as car mechanics or builders etc.to serve society. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Some people believe that to give opportunities to the new generation companies should encourage high-level employees who are older than 55 to retire. Do you agree or disagree?
Nowadays celebrities earn more money than politicians. What are the reasons for this? Is it a positive or negative development?
Many people believe that countries should produce food for the whole population and import as little food as possible. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Some people think that it is necessary to travel abroad to learn about other countries, but others think that it is not necessary to travel abroad because all the information can be seen on TV and the internet. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Why are some people who leave school early more successful compared with those who complete their studies. Provide reasons why they are more successful and what are the requirements for success?
Countries with long average working hours are economically more successful than those countries which do not work long hours. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Many students around the world don’t choose science subjects at university. Give the reasons for this and describe the impact on the community?
It is better for young people to get advice from old people than young ones. Do you agree or disagree?
Some people think that music plays an important role in society. Others think it is simply a form of entertainment. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
Some people think that job satisfaction is more important than job security. Others think that people cannot expect to enjoy a job and that having a permanent job is more important. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Some people say that technologies such as mobile phones are disrupting social interaction. Do you agree or disagree?
Some people think history has little or nothing to offer, while others say the study of the past helps us understand the present. Write on both views and give your opinion, citing examples from your experience
Some people think that zoos are cruel and all the zoos should be closed. However, others think that zoos are useful to protect rare animals. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Some people think that the best way to stay fit is to join a gym/health club while others think doing everyday activities such as walking and climbing stairs is sufficient. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Nowadays online shopping is extremely popular. Discuss the impact of it on the environment and on people who lost their jobs because of it
Nowadays celebrities earn more money than politicians. What are the reasons for this? Is it a positive or negative development
Many people think that every individual is responsible for their happiness, but some people believe there are other external factors that influence us. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
It is too expensive to look after and repair old buildings. This money should be spent on building modern buildings instead. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
Scientific research should be the responsibility of governments rather than commercial organizations. Do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Some people believe that women should be treated as equal to men when applying for a job with police or the military. Others think women are less suitable for this kind of job. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Some people prefer to work in the same type of job throughout their lifetime while others like to change the type of job they do. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Some people think that it is fine for professional sportsmen and sportswomen to misbehave on or off the field, as long as they are playing well. Do you agree or disagree with this statement?
People are becoming too dependent on the Internet and phone. Is it a positive or negative development?
Some people suggest that it is better for children to be brought up by the whole family including uncles, aunts and grandparents, rather than just the parents. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give your opinion and examples.
Some people think that the government should increase tax on unhealthy food to encourage people to start eating healthy. Do you agree or disagree?
Nowadays, people are spending more time away from their homes because they spend longer in their workplace. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages.
Nowadays a few people take their family with them abroad whenever they go on a business trip. What are the advantages and disadvantages for them and for their family
Many parents complain about violence promoted to their children through video games, TV programs and other media. Why is it happening? What can be the solution for it?
Nowadays most people are not as fit and active, as they were in the past. What are the main causes of this situation? Suggest some possible solutions.
Nowadays, international tourism is the biggest industry in the world. Unfortunately, it creates tension rather than understanding between people from different cultures. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
Fossil fuels (e.g. coal, oil and gas) are the main source of energy for most countries. However, alternative sources of energy (e.g. wind and solar) have been encouraged for use by some countries. To what extent is this a positive or negative development?
Nowadays media should include more good news in their publications. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Fossil fuels are the main source of energy around the world. However, people are being encouraged to use alternative energy sources such as wind energy, solar energy and so on. Do you think this is a positive or negative development? Why?
Some people believe that elderly employees are more useful to a company, while others believe that young employees are better. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
The number of older people is increasing. Some people think that this will cause problems in their countries, while others believe this group is important to society. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Some think that teenagers should follow older people’s rules. Others think that it is natural for them to challenge what older people say. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Television Sporting shows such as the Olympics motivate the youth who do not like to exercise much. Do you agree or disagree? Include relevant examples in your answer and provide your own opinion.
Nowadays many people want to buy famous brands of clothes, cars and other items. What are the reasons for this? Do you think it is a positive or negative development?
More people live alone today than they did in the past. Do you think this is a positive or negative development? Give your opinion and relevant examples to support your view.
Some people believe that price is the only consideration when buying something. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give your opinion and include relevant examples.
Some people believe that educational success depends on good teachers, while others believe that students’ attitudes are important. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
People in the current generation are not fit and active. This will cause health problems in the future. What could be the reasons for the inactivity and suggest solutions for this issue?
Parents, usually mothers, stay at home to look after their families. People believe that for this they should receive a salary from the government. Do you agree or disagree and why?
Some people think that they can go to the gym to remain fit, while others think that there are other better ways to do this. Discuss both views along with your opinion.
Some people say companies should require all employees to wear uniforms at work. Others think it is unnecessary. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Because of modern technology , some people believe that it is no longer necessary for people to learn handwriting skills, but others believe that handwriting is still an important skill. Discuss both views and give your opinion based on your experience.
Nowadays many people work from home. Some think it is beneficial, while others think it may distract the family routine. What is your opinion?
It is necessary for parents to attend a parenting training course to bring their children up. Do you agree or disagree?
Nowadays people work too hard. What is the reason for this? What should employers do to prevent employees from overworking?
Nowadays people get married and have children after the age of 30. Is it a positive or negative development?
Today, some young people say that their mobile phones are the most important thing they own. Do you think that the popularity of mobile phones is a good or bad thing?
Nowadays, people believe that governments should invest tax-payers money in healthcare, while others believe that money should be used in other areas. Discuss both points of view and give your opinion.
Adults do less exercise nowadays. Some think that people can be encouraged to live healthy lives through sporting events such as the Olympics or the World Cup. Others think that there are better ways to encourage adults to exercise. Discuss both views and state your opinion.
Modern cultures around the world have become similar when compared to the past. What are the reasons? Is it a positive or negative development?
People are using a lot of online language translation apps. Are there more advantages than disadvantages to such services?
Demand for food is increasing worldwide. What is the cause of this? What measures can the international community take to meet this demand?
Many companies sponsor sports as a way of advertising themselves. Some people think that this is a good thing, while others think that it has disadvantages. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Some people believe that to be successful at a sport you need natural ability and others think that hard work and practice can make you successful. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Nowadays, adults do little exercise. Some people believe that the best way to address this issue is by covering great sports events such as the Olympics on television. Others think that it is more beneficial to take other measures. What is your opinion?
These days some people spend a lot of money on tickets to go to sporting or cultural events. Do you think this is a positive or negative development?
Some people believe that technology has made man more social and others think that it has made him less social. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Experts say older people were happier and healthier in the past because they did more exercise and spent more time with family and friends, whereas many now suffer from loneliness and health problems. What are the causes of this and what are some solutions?
Some people believe that to be successful at a sport you need a natural ability and others think that hard work and practice can make you successful. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Some people believe that there will be a reduction in air travel in the future. Do you think that this trend is a positive or negative development?
Some people believe that technology has made man more sociable and others think that it has made us less sociable. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
At the present time, the population of some countries includes a relatively large number of young adults, compared with the number of older people. Do you think that the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?
Some people believe that it is important to give gifts to friends and family to show that we care about them. Others think that there are better ways to show that we care. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Today much of the food people eat gets transported from farms that are thousands of miles away. Some people believe it would be better for the environment and the economy if people only consumed food produced by local farmers. Would the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?
With internet improvements, people can share views or opinions on certain goods or services that they have purchased. Is this a good or a bad thing? Discuss both views and give your opinion.
The qualities and skills that a person requires to become successful in today’s world cannot be learned at a university or any other academic institution. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Shopping has become a new favourite pastime for the younger generation. Why is this the case? Should we encourage them to develop other hobbies too?
Courses and general online study have recently become very popular. However, some people still prefer to attend classes in person. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Some people think that prison sentences should not be used to deal with criminals. Education and skills training should be used instead. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
It is often said that it is not necessary to have a tertiary education to become a successful businessman. To what extent to you agree or disagree with this statement? Give your opinion and relevant examples.
Today it is common practice for many business meetings and business training to take place online. Do the advantages of this new development outweigh the disadvantages?
Nowadays, the internet and television have given ordinary people a chance to become famous. Is this a positive or negative development?
Some people from poor and rural backgrounds find it difficult to get a university education. Universities should make it easier for such groups to enrol. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Some people think that it is the responsibility of governments to take care of the environment, while others believe that it is the responsibility of the citizens. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Many people believe that family has a greater influence on a child’s life and development than other factors, such as friends, TV, music and so on. Do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Science can now offer people a life expectancy of close to one hundred years or even more. Some people view it in a positive light, but others believe it creates some problems. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
These days, many people prefer ready-to-eat food outside of their homes rather than homemade food. Do you think this has more advantages or disadvantages?
Certain personal qualities cannot be achieved through university studies. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give your opinion and relevant examples.
In some countries, the quality of life in larger cities is declining. Why do you think this is happening? What measures can be taken to stop it?

Task 2 Questions: June 2019

Shopping is now one of the most popular forms of leisure activity in many countries for young adults. What do you think is the reason for this? Is this a positive or negative development?
In many countries, people are living in a “throwaway society” where things are used for a short time and thrown away. What are the causes of this and what problems does it lead to?
In some countries, people follow the latest fashion and hairstyles. In your opinion, what is influencing this? Do you think this is a positive or negative development?
In some countries, children under 16 years old are not allowed to leave school by law and get full-time work. Is this a good or bad thing? Discuss your opinion.
Nowadays, people have adopted an unhealthy lifestyle. Why do think this is? How could this problem be solved?
Some young people are leaving the countryside to live in cities and towns, leaving only old people in the countryside. Why do think this is? Do you think this is a positive or negative development?
In many countries, people have more health problems because they choose to live an unhealthy lifestyle. What do you think are the reasons for this and how can it be solved? Give relevant examples from your experience.
Countries with a long average working time are more economically successful than those countries which do not have a long working time. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Nowadays, people of all ages from certain parts of the world spend the most time at home rather than going outdoors. Discuss the reasons, is this a negative or positive development?
With the development of technology and science, some people believe that there is no great value of artists such as musicians and painters. What are the things artists can do but scientists cannot? Should art be encouraged more?
While recruiting a new employee, the employer should pay more attention to their personal qualities, rather than qualifications and experience. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Give your opinion and include relevant examples.
Money should be spent on creating new public buildings such as museums or town halls rather than renovating the existing ones. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
All the people in a company should be treated equally and provided with the same number of holidays in a year or people doing different jobs enjoy a different amount of holiday time. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Some people say that a person’s success is a result of the way he has been brought up by his parents. Do you agree or disagree?
Public celebrations (such as national days, festivals etc) are held in most countries. These are often quite expensive and some people say that governments should spend money on more useful things. Do you agree or disagree?
Some people say that children given pocket money every week will have lesser money problems when they become adults. Do you agree or disagree?
The global demand for oil and gas is increasing. Some people believe that we should therefore encourage the exploitation of remote areas. Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?
Today, many big cities in the world are increasing in size. What are the problems associated with it? What are the solutions to these problems?
Some young people are leaving the countryside to live in cities or towns, it leaves only old people in the countryside. What are the problems with this issue? What can be done to solve this problem?
Many people believe that learning a foreign language is a very difficult task. What are the most difficult things about learning a foreign language? What is the best way to overcome them? Explain and include your personal experience or knowledge of these problems.
Some people think high-end technology can prevent and cut down the rate of committing a crime. Do you agree or disagree?
Some people feel that courses can make anyone a teacher, while others feel an excellent teacher cannot be made by pursuing a course. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Some people think that a high salary is important when choosing a company to work for, while others think that a good working atmosphere is more important. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Some people encourage young children to leave their parents’ house as soon as they become adults while others say children should stay at their parents’ house as long as possible. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Many countries thought that children have to do homework in their free time while other say children should do more outdoor activities. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Some people say that art subjects such as music, drama and creative writing are an essential part of education, and every school should include them in its syllabus. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give your opinion and examples from your own experience.
Nowadays in many countries, women have full-time jobs. Therefore, it is logical to share household tasks evenly between men and women. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Some people think that public health within a country can be improved by the government making laws regarding nutritious food. Others, however, think that health is a matter of personal choice and responsibility. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Some people believe that the construction of new public buildings such as museums, town halls and sporting facilities is more important than the renovation of the existing ones, while others disagree. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Nowadays the crime rate is increasing, especially among teenagers. What are the reasons behind it? How can we reverse this trend? What punishment methods should be used, in your opinion?
Nowadays online education has become popular as more institutes and companies are offering courses online. However, many people prefer traditional, classroom training or study. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of both methods.
Some people believe that the government should take care of old people and provide financial support after they retire. Others say individuals should save during their working years to fund their own retirement. What is your opinion? Give reasons for your answer and include examples from your own experience.
In some cultures, old people are valued more, while in other cultures youth is considered more valuable. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Nowadays people waste a lot of food that was bought from shops and restaurants. Why do you think people waste food? What can be done to reduce the amount of food they throw away?
In today’s times, the internet is making it easy to study online from home. Some prefer online courses to study and they think it is better. Others prefer classroom education. Discuss both views and share your opinion.
Successful companies use advertising to make more sales. What can make an advertisement very effective? Do you think this is a bad thing or a good thing for society?
Science will soon make people live up to 100 or even 200 years. Some believe this is a good thing while others disagree. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Some people believe that after hundred years life will be easier for most of people, while others are unsure. What is your opinion?
Some people think it is important to spend a lot of money on a wedding celebration, while others disagree. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Some people think that giving gifts and presents to friends and family is important to show them that we care. Others think that there are more important ways. Discuss both and give your opinion.
The media is increasing interest in famous people who have ordinary backgrounds. Why do you think people are interested in the lives of famous people? Do you think this is a good thing?
Some people prefer activities and lifestyles in hot climates while others prefer activities and lifestyles in cold climates. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Online education and training is becoming increasingly popular in the business world. Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?
More and more parents are allowing their children to play on computers and tablets as they think that children should learn technology skills. Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?
People are living in a ‘throwaway society’, using things for a short time and then throwing them away. What are the causes of this? What problems does it lead to?
Nowadays children mostly spend time playing computer games rather than sports. What are the reasons for this? Is it a positive or negative development?
Scientists agree that many people eat too much junk food and it is damaging their health. Some people think that this problem can be solved by educating people, while others believe that education will not work. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Many people believe that TV news and media, in general, have a detrimental effect on our life. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give your own opinion, including relevant examples.
Many famous athletes advertise different products. What are the advantages and disadvantages of it?
Nowadays people try to balance their work with other things in life, but only some could actually achieve it so far. What are the reasons for that? How can we solve this problem?
Some people say that online study is the most effective and convenient way to learn. Others believe that online study will never be as effective as learning at school, or in person. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Children and teenagers are committing more and more crimes in many countries. Why is this happening? How can we stop or at least reduce youth crime?
Some people prefer cold weather conditions, while others don’t. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Some people think subjects taught in school are a waste of time, while others disagree and believe that this type of education is useful for students. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Some people think that the only way to relax is to rest or sleep, while others say people need to do exercise or sports to relax. Discuss both viewpoints and give your own opinion.
Some parents and teachers think that children’s behaviour should be strictly controlled. While some think that children should be free to behave. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
In many countries, day by day rubbish (garbage) is increasing. Why is it happening? What can be done?
Some people see shopping as a leisure activity mostly for young adults, while others disagree. Do you think this has a positive or negative effect on economic development? Give your opinion and include relevant examples.
Shopping has become a favourite pastime among young people. What do you think it is like that? Do you think they must be encouraged to do other things rather than shopping?
Some people think that the main factors influencing a child’s development these days are things such as television, friends, and music. Others believe that the family still remains more important. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Food travels thousands of miles from producers to consumers. Some people think that it would be better for the environment and economy if people only ate the local food produced by farmers. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Some people argue that the fittest, strongest individuals and teams can achieve the greatest success in sports. But other people think that success is as much related to mental attitude. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Some people become famous when they were at a young age. Do you think this is positive or negative?
Some people believe it is important to give gifts and presents to friends and family to show that we care about them. Others think that there are better ways to show affection to them. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Many people believe that spending a lot of money on weddings is fine, while others completely disagree. Discuss both views and give your own opinion and examples .
Many people believe the government should spend money on faster public transport. Others think that money should be spent on different aspects of public transportation, such as cost reduction and environmental conservation. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Some people believe that manufacturers should be responsible for reducing the large amounts of packaging they use. Others say consumers should avoid buying heavily packaged items. Discuss both views and state your opinion. Give reasons for your answer and include examples from your experience.
Some people think that family has the most important influence on children’s development, while others believe that factors such as TV, friends, music and books have a more significant impact. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Task 2 questions (October 2018)

Today, most people get married and give birth in their thirties rather than when they are younger. Is this a positive or negative development?
Shops should give preference in selling local food rather than imported food. Do you agree or disagree?
A growing population is a big problem in developing countries. Should the government provide new homes in the cities or the countryside?
Some people think that the media (newspapers) have the right to publish details of people’s private lives, while others think it should be controlled. Discuss both views.
Some people think that activities during the free time should be planned while others disagree. Discuss both sides and include examples and relevant data from your own experience.
In some countries, an increasing number of people are suffering from health problems as a result of eating too much fast food. It is therefore necessary for governments to impose a higher tax on this kind of food? To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion? You should use your own ideas, knowledge and experience and support your arguments with examples and relevant evidence.
Today more people are overweight than ever before. What in your opinion are the primary causes of this? What measures can be taken to overcome this epidemic?
In most parts of the world, people are living longer. What are the possible causes of this situation? Is this a negative or positive development?
Today, the internet and TV have created that chance for ordinary people to become famous. Is it a positive or negative development?
Nowadays food has become easier to prepare. Has this change improved the way people live? Give reasons for your answer using your own ideas and experience.
Nowadays many people believe that children should be taught history in schools, however, others argue that children should learn subjects that are more helpful for modern everyday life. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Some parents believe that a child should not waste time by reading entertainment books instead, they should spend time reading educational books only. What is your opinion about this?
Some people think that young children need to attend nursery before primary school. While others believe young children can spend all day at home. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Some people believe school children should be given multiple short vacations while others believe they should get one long vacation. Give advantages of both and your point of view.
Some people think that the advantages of advertising sports products through famous sports players outweigh the disadvantages. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
In our society, there is far more attention on men’s sport than women’s sport. What are the reasons for this? Do you think that this is positive or negative development?
It has been said that reading for pleasure is better in developing imagination and language skills than watching TV. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Advertisements are influencing us in a negative way. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
School teachers are more responsible for the social and intellectual development of students than parents. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Some people spend a lot of money on their wedding ceremonies. However, others feel like it is unnecessary to spend a lot. Discuss both view points and give your own opinion.
Since travelling abroad became relatively inexpensive, more countries opened their doors for foreign tourists. Is it a positive or negative trend? Give your opinion and include relevant examples.
Many countries consider eighteen-year-olds to be adults, while other countries don’t. What do you think about it? Give your opinion and some relevant examples based on your own experience.

Writing task 2 questions (September 2018)

Some people think that the only way to judge someone’s success in business is by the amount of money they make. Is this a true indicator of the success of a business and in what other ways could success in a business be measured?
The restoration of old buildings in major cities around the world costs enormous amounts of money. This money would be better spent on providing new housing and road development. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
Employers should give their workers at least one month’s holiday a year as it makes them to do better at their job. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Some people believe the Olympic Games don’t belong to the 21st century anymore. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Some parents believe that reading books for entertainment is a waste of time for children and they think that their children should only read serious educational books. What is your opinion?
Some people think that advertising on TV is useless and others disagree. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
Some people think money is the best gift to give it to youngsters, while others disagree. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
For school children, their teachers have more influence on their intelligence and social development than their parents. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
In the modern world, it is possible to shop, work and communicate with people via the internet and live without any face-to-face contact with others. Is it a positive or negative development in your opinion? To what extent do you support this development?
Many university students live with their families, while others live away from home because their universities are in different places. What are the advantages and disadvantages of both situations?
In the modern world, it is no longer necessary to use animals for food, clothing or medicine. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Give reasons for your answer and include examples from your own experience.
Some businesses observe that new employees who just graduated from a college or university seem to lack the interpersonal skills needed for communication with their colleagues. What could be the reason for this? What solutions can help address this problem?
Some people believe that we should start giving formal education to students at a much earlier age, while others think we should wait until the age of 7. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? Discuss and give reasons for your answer.
Nowadays in many countries, young people leave rural areas to study or work in cities. What are the reasons for this? Do the benefits of this outweigh the disadvantages?
Some parents believe that reading entertainment books is a waste of time. In their opinion, children should only read serious, educational books. Do you agree or disagree? Give reasons for your answer and include relevant examples from your own experience.
Nowadays there is a growing trend of private car ownership. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages or environmental problems associated with this?
Some people believe that companies should pay for the damage they cause to the environment, while others say that the government should be responsible for such expenses. Do you agree or disagree? Give reasons for your answer and include examples from your experience.
Nowadays there are many medical surveys of treatments to reduce health problems. Who should conduct them, governments, individuals or private companies, in your opinion? Give reasons for your answer and include relevant examples from your experience.
The international community must act immediately to ensure that all countries reduce their consumption of fossil fuels such as gas, oil and coal. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give your own opinion.
Many people believe that it is a good idea to have a dress code at workplaces. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give your opinion and examples from your own experience.
Some think that private companies should pay for pollution clean up, while others say it should be a government’s responsibility. Discuss, and state your own opinion.
Many people think that more having more money will make them happier. How important is money to happiness?
Many people believe that the use of new technology improves the lives of employees. Others think it is a disadvantage for them. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Some people say that sport is very important for a nation’s development, while others believe that sport is no more than a leisure time activity. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Some people think that children should start school sooner while others believe they should not start it before the age of seven. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Some people argue that competitive sports are good for bringing together different people and cultures. Others argue that these sports can cause problems and increase conflicts between nations. Discuss both points of view and give your own opinion.
In some countries, it is illegal for employers to reject job applications on the basis of age criteria. Is it a positive or negative development? Give reasons for your answer and include examples from your own experience.
Many young people regularly change their jobs over the years. What are the reasons for this? Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
Some people think that new technologies benefit the life of workers whereas some deny the statement. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
Scientists agree that many people are eating too much junk food and it is damaging to their health. Some people think that these problems can be solved by educating people to eat less junk food. Other people believe that education will not work. Discuss both opinions and give your own opinion.
Some people think that companies and private individuals should pay to clean up the pollution that they produce, not the government. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
As more and more students enter universities, academic qualifications are becoming devalued. To get ahead in many professions, more than one degree is now required and in future, it is likely that people will take a number of degree courses before even starting work. This is an undesirable situation. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Many people are involved in sports when they are young but stop once they are adults. Why do many adults stop doing physical exercise? What can be done about this problem?
Some people think that it is a good idea for all employees to wear a uniform at work. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Some people think that new technology always improves the lives of workers. Other people believe that it results in disadvantages for workers. Discuss both opinions and give your own opinion.
Some people think that international competitive sports such as football bring conflict between people of different age groups and nationalities. Others think the sport is helping reach understanding between people and nations. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Some people think that only staff who worked in the company for a long time should be promoted to higher positions. What is your opinion on this? Give reasons and relevant examples for your answer.
Some people think it’s a good idea to wear a uniform at work. Do you agree or disagree? Give reasons for your answer with relevant examples from knowledge or experience.
Some people think it is more important to spend time in developing a successful career while others think it is more important to spend time with friends and family. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
There is less social contact between young and old. What are the reasons? What measures can be taken?
Do you agree with the following statement: home schooling protects students from a number of challenges faced by non-home-schooled children?
Does distant learning make it easier for students to balance their everyday lives?
Learning in one’s native tongue yields better school scores than learning in a medium language. Do you agree or disagree? Argue your point of view.
Should there be a variety of learning methodologies implemented within the school learning curriculum?
Some believe that modern technology has made people less socially active, while others disagree. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
The best way to reduce crime among young people is to teach parents good parenting skills. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give your own opinion and examples.
Some psychologists think that the best way to overcome the stress of everyday life is to spend a portion of the day doing absolutely nothing. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
There is a trend of increasing amounts of consumer goods, which leads to environmental problems. What are the reasons for this trend? Give your own opinion and solutions.
The difference in age between parents and their children has increased compared to the past. Do you think advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?
Scientists have been warning for many years already that in order to protect the environment people should use less energy. However, most people do not change their ways of living. What is causing this behaviour? How can people be encouraged to change?
Some people think that children should go to kindergarten before attending primary school, while others believe that is better for children to stay all day with their families. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Some people believe that trade and cultural relationships between the countries is a positive development, while others disagree. Discuss both the views and include your own opinion.
Recently there are more gas stations being built as opposed to diesel ones in rural areas. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this trend?
Many parents (mostly women) decide to stay home and take care of the family members instead of going out for work. Some people suggest that they should be paid by the government for doing that. Do you agree or disagree? Give reasons for your answer and include examples from your own experience.
Different cultures are mixing today and the world is becoming a global village. Is it a positive or a negative development? Give your own opinion and examples.
Nowadays people’s life is changing rapidly and, as a result, family relationships are affected. Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages? Give your opinion and examples from your own experience.
Measures have been put in place to improve road safety by reducing the speed limits. Some people believe there are better alternatives. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Some people think that the range of technology available to people is increasing the gap between the rich and the poor. Others think it has the opposite effect. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Some of the methods used in advertising are unethical and unacceptable in today’s society. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
People nowadays are not as fit and active as they were in the past. What are the reasons for this? What measures can be taken for this?

Click here for IELTS task 2 topics and answers.

For above band 7 you will need IELTS vocabulary, this page shares some useful strategies and sources to improve your lexical resource.

To improve your opinion-forming skills, check out the BBC , and get a rough overview of the current affairs in each topic. For example, at the moment, regarding the environment the main topic is climate change -could you write 250 words about global warming? Likewise, for the topic of technology, what do you know about artificial intelligence ? You don’t have to be an expert but you do need to have an opinion, and that can only come from getting informed about the topics.

In summary, it is advisable to be well-versed in current affairs, have a global view of events, and have a bit of knowledge about each topic.

IELTS writing tips The writing part of the IELTS can prove to be a little overwhelming; especially, if you don’t know how to approach it. Below is a list of writing tips to help you feel less overwhelmed.

IELTS writing samples If you aren’t quite sure how to approach your writing section of the IELTS and want some ideas from those who have succeeded click here.

IELTS essay topics with answers IELTS essays are a great opportunity for you to show off your English abilities in written form. We have put together a great archive of IELTS essay topics with the answers!

Essay writing topics Practice is truly the mother of preparation, so why not make sure you are ready to tackle the IELTS essay by going through our list of essay topics you might encounter during the exam.

Try our new online IELTS Essay Checker for instant essay correction

Preparing for the IELTS exam? We have a helpful tool for you! Check out our online IELTS Essay Checker . This tool uses smart technology to look at your essays. It can tell you where you made mistakes and how to fix them.

This way, you can learn faster. Plus, it’s quick! Instead of waiting for a teacher to check your essay, this tool gives you feedback right away. Another great thing is that it’s cheaper than many other study methods. Many students spend a lot of money on IELTS classes and books.

Our online IELTS Essay Checker is a good way to save some money. So, as you practice with the IELTS Task 2 questions on this page, remember to use the AI Essay Checker. It will help you get better at writing and save you both time and money.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How to write ielts writing task 2.

Read the question and understand what the examiner is asking
Take a few minutes to think about what you’re going to write
Write your introduction
Developing the essay ideas, your approach, and your explanations
Conclude your essay with a summary that completes the circle
Read the essay and make sure you didn’t make any mistakes

Read this post for more

How to generate ideas for writing task 2?

Write a possible answer to the question
Mind gone blank? Put the topic of the question into Google or Youtube
Summarise different opinions on the topics
Attempt more questions and you will find you now have more ideas

Read this post for more tips

For more help with your IELTS tutorials, take a look at our tutorials here:

IELTS Task 2
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IELTS academic task 1
Sample answers for IELTS Globalisation Essays
Score higher in IELTS Writing Task 1 and Task 2
Problem Solution Essays in IELTS Writing Task 2
Sample Answers: discuss the advantages and disadvantages
Extremely Useful Sentences for Task 2
IELTS Essay Paragraph Structure

Sample task 2 IELTS essays and 240 task questions ebook

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Your Guide to IELTS Band 7

Authentic IELTS Essay Questions

One of the best ways to prepare for the IELTS Writing Task 2 is to practise writing essays. But it is very important that you do this in an effective way.

One problem I often see is students writing essays in response to poor quality questions that they’ve found on the Internet. Such questions might be confusing, or on obscure or extreme topics. They might even be almost impossible to answer! These kinds of questions will make your writing practice much less effective.

To overcome these problems, and make your writing practice better, make sure you use authentic IELTS essay questions.

What Are Authentic IELTS Essay Questions?

Authentic IELTS essay questions are questions that you can find in practice materials and coursebooks from some of the top educational publishers, such as Cambridge, Macmillan, Collins, Longman and Pearson. These questions will have been carefully written and checked by trained test writers, so you can be sure they are reliable essay questions.

The best source of IELTS essay questions is the “Authentic Practice Tests” series published every year by Cambridge University Press. Not only have these questions been checked by a team of test writers, they have also been tested on actual students to ensure they are reliable.

Why You Should Use Authentic IELTS Questions

It’s very easy today to find IELTS questions on the Internet. But be very careful with these questions. They often have a number of problems. This is why you should only use authentic essay questions.

Authentic essay questions have been carefully written

You need to be 100% clear what you need to write about in your essay, or you could easily write an essay that is off-topic or completely irrelevant. So authentic IELTS essay questions are written very carefully.

But questions found on the Internet may be written very carelessly. Look at this question I found on 2 different websites:

Many people argue that eating junk food has led to an unhealthy lifestyle. This problem has become more common among young people these days. Do you agree or disagree that junk food is the cause of the issue.

First of all, junk food doesn’t “lead to” or “cause” an unhealthy lifestyle, so it is impossible to discuss if junk food “causes” an unhealthy lifestyle. Secondly, what is “the issue” mentioned at the end of the question? Is it the causes of “an unhealthy lifestyle” or is it “young people leading an unhealthy lifestyle”, as this was mentioned in the second sentence of the question?

This confusing question means that I’m not sure what my task is. And if I’m not sure what my task is, how can I write an essay that responds to the task? It’s impossible!

Another problem I see is websites taking an authentic question, and then changing a word or a phrase . Look at this question:

Nowadays parents put too much pressure on their children to succeed. What is the reason for doing this? Is this a positive or negative development?

I think the original (authentic) wording was “a lot of pressure”, but it’s been changed to “too much pressure”. But changing this phrase changes the whole question: the phrase “too much pressure” implies the pressure is a problem…so how can you argue that “too much pressure” is a positive thing? It’s very difficult to do.

So using questions created or changed by website owners can make essay writing much harder or even impossible.

Authentic essay questions are on topics about which you can reasonably be expected to have an opinion.

In the IELTS test, you are asked to write your thoughts on a topic in 40 minutes. This means you need to be able to think of ideas quickly. So authentic IELTS essay questions tend to be on topics that are commonly discussed , or where you should be able to quickly form an opinion.

It would also be unfair to give you an obscure topic, or a topic that required some kind of specialised knowledge. But many of the essay questions written for websites have this problem. Look at this example I found on another popular website:

Marketing and promotion is the key to a successful business. To what extent do you agree?

This question requires some knowledge of how to run a successful business, so it would be unfair to anyone with no business knowledge. I’ve also seen similar fake essay questions which require the writer to have some medical knowledge.

Many students say they have difficulty generating ideas for IELTS essays , and I think this is often because they are trying to writer essays about obscure or specialised topics. Again, authentic IELTS essay questions are on common, everyday topics, so you will find it much easier to generate ideas for these essays.

Authentic ‘discuss both views’ essay questions have 2 sensible views

One of the most common question types in the IELTS Writing Task 2 is the ‘discuss both views’ essay, where you are asked to discuss two views on an issue and come up with your own opinion.

Authentic IELTS essay questions will present you with 2 sensible views on the issue. These 2 views are usually very different to each other, but it’s possible to see good points in both views. This makes it easy to discuss the topic in a balanced way.

For example, look at this authentic IELTS essay question from the Cambridge IELTS Authentic Practice Papers:

Some people say that now we can see films on our phones or tablets there is no need to go to the cinema. Others say that to be fully enjoyed, films need to be seen in a cinema.

(Cambridge IELTS 13 General Training)

As you can see in this question, the 2 views are different, but it is possible to argue in favour of parts of both views: e.g. that some movies (e.g. those with special effects) are best seen in a cinema, while for other films, the convenience of watching them at home is preferable.

However, many questions found on websites present two views that are complete opposites or very extreme. They might also include views that are not very sensible! This makes it very difficult to discuss the topic in a balanced way.

To summarise, using “fake” IELTS essay questions can give you a number of problems:

confusing questions
questions that are almost impossible to answer
questions on obscure topics
questions on topics that require specialised knowledge
discussion questions on views that are too extreme, or crazy

These problems simply make the task of writing an essay much harder!

Should I Use “Reported IELTS Questions”?

Many websites include a list of IELTS essay questions that have been reported by recent IELTS candidates, and many students mistakenly see these as authentic questions.

However, you should be very cautious with reported IELTS questions .

Firstly, candidates are very unlikely to remember the exact wording of the exam essay question, so they might get one word or phrase slightly wrong. But do you remember what I wrote above? Changing just one word or phrase can change the whole meaning of the question. So if the wording is just slightly wrong, this can change the whole question.

Secondly, many candidates will report simplified versions of the actual exam because they can’t remember every word. I recently saw this “reported” question on a website (By the way, I’ve corrected the grammar mistakes in the question!) :

Some people believe that a country can be both economically successful and also have a clean environment. Some people disagree. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

I suspect that part of the second view is missing. Normally, an authentic exam question would say “Some people disagree and argue that….”

So be very cautious of reported questions. They may contain wording errors and they may have been simplified.

Where Can I Find Authentic IELTS Questions?

At the start of this post, I mentioned the authentic practice tests published by Cambridge English. This is by far the best source of authentic IELTS essay questions (and they also include several complete tests for reading, listening and speaking, as well as writing, both for Academic and General Training).

I have also created a selection of questions from the Cambridge practice tests on this website. Each question also includes some comments and tips for how to answer the question, and some questions have a model essay answer. Here is the link to that page:

https://ieltscharlie.com/ielts-writing-sample-questions/

So use authentic IELTS essay questions when you do your writing practice. This will ensure that you don’t waste your valuable preparation time writing answers to poor quality essay questions.

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Tough IELTS Writing Topics and Essay Questions

Preparing for the IELTS writing test can be challenging, but with the right strategies and support, you can master even the toughest questions

What are some of the most common and toughest IELTS writing topics, and how can students prepare to excel in these areas?

Some of the most common tough IELTS writing topics include education, technology, environment, society, health, and politics. To excel in these areas, students should familiarize themselves with the topics, practice writing essays on them, and analyze sample essays for structure and ideas. They should also develop effective brainstorming and organizing techniques to stay focused and on topic during the exam.

How should students structure their IELTS essays to effectively communicate their ideas and opinions?

Students should structure their IELTS essays with an introduction that introduces the topic and states their position, followed by body paragraphs that support their position with evidence and examples. The essay should conclude by summarizing the main points and restating their position. Clear and concise language, varied sentence structures, and proper use of transition words should be employed to keep the reader engaged and ensure a well-structured essay.

What are some common mistakes to avoid in the IELTS writing test, and how can students prevent them?

Some common mistakes to avoid in the IELTS writing test include not fully answering the question or going off-topic, failing to meet the word count requirements, using informal language or slang, and neglecting to proofread for errors. Students can prevent these mistakes by carefully reading and understanding the question, planning their essay before writing, and proofreading their work for accuracy and coherence. Additionally, practicing regularly and seeking feedback can help students identify and rectify any recurring errors.

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Tough IELTS Writing Topics and Essay Questions

Over time, it has been observed that many students face difficulty with specific IELTS writing topics. This article will share tips and strategies for mastering the toughest IELTS writing topics, enabling students to excel in the exam.

The IELTS writing test consists of two tasks. The first task requires you to write a 150-word report describing a graph, chart, or diagram. The second task is an essay of at least 250 words in response to a prompt. The topics for these essays can vary widely, but some of the most common IELTS writing topics include:

Environment

To prepare for the writing test, it is important to familiarize yourself with these topics and practice writing essays on them. One way to do this is to read sample essays and analyze how they are structured and how the ideas are presented.

Toughest IELTS Writing Task Questions Examples

Education : In some countries, the government fully funds all university courses while in others, students have to pay for their own education. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each approach and give your opinion. Read example essay and feedback.
Technology : Some people believe that the internet and mobile phones have made communication easier and brought people closer together, while others think they have a negative impact on our social skills and relationships. Discuss both views and give your own opinion. Read example essay and feedback. ‍
Environment : Climate change is a global problem. Some people think that individuals are not responsible for solving this issue, but governments and large corporations are. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Read example essay and feedback. ‍
Society : Many people believe that the gap between rich and poor is widening. What problems can this create for society and what measures can be taken to tackle this issue? Read example essay and feedback. ‍
Health : Some people think that the best way to improve public health is to increase the number of sports facilities. Others, however, believe that this is not effective and that other measures should be taken. Discuss both views and give your opinion. Read example essay and feedback. ‍
Politics : In some countries, the voting age is 16 while in others, it is 18 or higher. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of a lower voting age and give your opinion. Read example essay and feedback.

Techniques for Brainstorming and Organizing Your Ideas

Before you start writing your essay, it is important to spend some time brainstorming and organizing your ideas. This will help you to stay focused and on topic, and will ensure that your essay is well-structured and easy to read.

One effective brainstorming technique is to create a mind map. Start with the main topic in the center of the page and then branch out with related ideas. This will help you to see how different ideas are connected and will make it easier to organize them into paragraphs.

Once you have your ideas organized, it is important to create an outline for your essay. This will help you to stay on track and ensure that your essay is well-structured. Your outline should include an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

How to Structure your IELTS Essay

The structure of your IELTS essay is important because it will help you to communicate your ideas effectively. Your essay should include:

An introduction that introduces the topic and clearly states your position
Body paragraphs that support your position with evidence and examples
A conclusion that summarizes your main points and restates your position

It is important to use clear and concise language throughout your essay, and to vary your sentence structure to keep the reader engaged. You should also use transition words to connect your ideas and make your essay flow smoothly.

Examples of Successful IELTS Writing Essays

One of the best ways to prepare for the IELTS writing test is to read sample essays from students who have achieved a high score. This will give you an idea of what a successful essay looks like and how it is structured.

Here is an example of a successful IELTS writing essay on the topic of technology:

"Technology has had a profound impact on our lives, and has revolutionized the way we live, work, and communicate. While there are certainly many benefits to technology, there are also some drawbacks that we need to be aware of.

One of the main benefits of technology is that it has made our lives more convenient. We can now communicate with people all over the world with just a few clicks of a button, and we have access to a wealth of information that was previously unavailable to us.

However, there are also some drawbacks to technology. One of the main concerns is that it can be addictive, and can lead to a lack of face-to-face communication. It is important to find a balance between using technology to enhance our lives, and not allowing it to take over completely.

In conclusion, while technology has had many benefits, it is important to be aware of the potential drawbacks and to use it in a responsible way. By doing so, we can ensure that technology continues to improve our lives without causing harm."

Strategies for Mastering IELTS Writing Topics

To master the IELTS writing test, it is important to practice regularly and develop your skills over time. Here are some strategies to help you do this:

Practice writing essays on a wide range of topics, including those that you find challenging.
Analyze sample essays to see how they are structured and how the ideas are presented.
Use a variety of vocabulary and sentence structures to keep your writing interesting and engaging.
Get feedback on your writing from a tutor or a native speaker of English.
Use online resources, such as IELTS preparation courses and practice tests, to help you prepare for the exam.

IELTS Writing Services and Support

If you need extra support in preparing for the IELTS writing test, there are a range of services available to help you. These include:

Tutoring services that provide one-on-one support and feedback on your writing
Online courses and practice tests that can help you to develop your skills
Writing workshops that provide group support and guidance

Pronounce provides a quick turnaround on IELTS Writing Task 2 essay review that includes tips on improving your writing and a complete rewritten essay to achieve a higher score.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in IELTS Writing

Finally, it is important to be aware of some common mistakes that students make in the IELTS writing test. These include:

Not answering the question fully or going off-topic
Failing to write enough words or exceeding the word count
Using informal language or slang
Failing to proofread your work for errors

By being aware of these mistakes and taking steps to avoid them, you can improve your chances of achieving a high score in the IELTS writing test.

Preparing for the IELTS writing test can be challenging, but with the right strategies and support, you can master even the toughest IELTS writing topics. By practicing regularly, developing your skills, and using feedback and support, you can improve your chances of achieving a high score on the exam.

So, start preparing today and remember to stay focused, organized, and confident in your writing abilities. Good luck!

Olga Ayvazyan

Non-Native English Speaker & Tech Professional, First-Generation Immigrant

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Five IELTS 2020 essay questions explained

Hey! In today’s episode Nick and I look at five recently reported essay questions from the 2020 Academic and General Training IELTS tests. Obviously, we cannot be 100% sure that the wording of these questions is totally accurate, but they are based on the information provided to me by my students (who I trust with my life). Even though it is very unlikely that you will have exactly the same questions in your test, hopefully by the end of today’s lesson you will have a much better understanding of how to analyse questions and decide how to approach them. After all, IELTS 2020 essay questions can be on almost ANY topic!

Below, you can find a summary of the episode. This includes all of the links to useful materials and the times of each part of the discussion (so you can go directly to the part you want to listen to) . You can also find every episode of the podcast here 🚀

Subscribe to My IELTS Classroom podcast on Apple podcasts here Subscribe to My IELTS Classroom on Google podcasts here

Podcast Summary : Five recent IELTS 2020 essay questions explained

00:00 – 01:54 i ntroduction (will nick survive eating his backpack cheese) , 01:55 – 06:31 why you should be very careful about using reported ielts questions .

I know that students are always very keen to practice using topics that have recently appeared in the real IELTS test. But this leads to a range of problems that at best mean that you are wasting your time and at worst can actively damage your IELTS preparation.

The problem is that it is almost impossible for students to accurately remember essay questions in the stress of the exam room. Yes, they may be able to remember the general topic (i.e. it was about paying for university) but it is extremely unlikely that they will be able to remember every word.

Why is this a problem? Well, it means that some reported questions make absolutely no sense. My “favourite” examples of this are reported Discuss Both Sides questions that ONLY HAVE ONE SIDE!!!

University education should be free. Discuss both sides and give your own opinion

Or reported questions that ask you to discuss both sides but do NOT ask for your opinion, which NEVER appear in IELTS!

Some people think university education should be free. Others feel that students should pay. Discuss both sides.

These are simple examples, but I can tell you that with almost 15 years’ experience working as a test designer, there are errors like this in almost every reported question that I see. Sadly, the most popular free IELTS preparation site is the place where this happens most – I am not sure why IELTS Liz encourages people to share the questions they had in the exam if she is not going to correct the badly-reported ones. If you use her site, BE CAREFUL!

I have a lot of respect for Liz and love that she provides a simple free overview of the exam for thousands of students, but try to avoid the page where students report questions – it can do you more harm than good.

The other problem is that even if the topic of the essay is remembered well, nine times out of ten, these reported questions contain grammar errors. It might be something small like a missing article, or big like the use of a gerund instead of an infinitive. But if you use that question, it is highly likely that you will also make that error somewhere in your essay, so all you are doing is reinforcing a mistake when you practice.

06:32 – 08:16 The 5 reported IELTS 2020 exam questions that we will look at today (that Shelly has edited to “work”!)

We are going to spend the rest of the episode looking at these 5 essay questions that were reported by my students earlier in the year. I have a blog post with another 50 recent exam questions , but I chose these because I believe that they are the most difficult.

In the episode, we will explain what it is about each question that makes it so tricky, and how you should approach them to ensure that you address the task properly. However, I strongly recommend that you spend 5 minutes planning each question before you listen to the rest of the episode. As you do, try to guess why I chose each one as a “tricky” question. Even better, email us to let us know which one you found the easiest and most difficult.

08:53 – 17:44 Some groups of people have benefited greatly from modern communication technology, but other groups have not benefited at all. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
17:45 – 22:44 University students should pay all the costs associated with their education because having a degree benefits them individually more than society as a whole. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
22:45 – 30:41 Shops should not be allowed to sell food and drinks that are scientifically proven to be bad for people’s health. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
30:42 – 35:40 Some people believe that having interviews is the best way to find new employees for a company. Others say that there are better alternative ways to appoint employees. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
35:41 – 46:05 In many places today, rapid lifestyle changes are affecting family relationships. Do the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?

I am not going to give you our ideas here or explain why each one was difficult – to find that out you are going to have to listen to the episode! However, in general, we discuss

why tasks that look similar to old questions can trick students
how it is important to consider every word in a task
why some questions are easier to answer if you agree (or vice versa)
why some questions are almost impossible if you just don’t have any ideas
how some questions expect you to be able to define a term in order to answer them well

46:39 – END How many ideas should you come up with in the exam?

If you have a question that requires you to discuss two views, then you will need 4 main ideas in the test. If you are asked to only present your own opinion, you will need only 2. However, I always recommend that while you are practising, you try to come up with 3 ideas for each view. This will force you to practice the skill of critical thinking and increase your chances of coming up with good ideas in the exam.

Also, by considering each view equally, you may find that you change your position – remember, the best “opinion” is not the one that you hold in real life but the one you can argue for best in the test!

If you have a question that requires you to discuss two views, then you will need 4 ideas in the test. However, if you are asked to only present your own opinion, you need only 2.

Hopefully once you finish the episode, you will have a much better understanding of how to interpret questions correctly and how to make sure that you find ideas that 100% address them. If you still have problems generating ideas, then maybe go and read my how can you think of ideas for your essay post. This will help you understand the differences between the top down and bottom up approach. These can help trigger ideas for difficult questions.

If you enjoyed this lesson, you can find all of our live and video lessons on our main website www.myieltsclassroom.com , which is where you can also sign up for our IELTS essay correction service or book a 1-2-1 writing lesson with one of our IELTS experts . 🚀

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Problem Solution Essay IELTS: Topics & Sample Questions

Updated On December 12, 2023
Published In IELTS Preparation 💻

Problem and solution essay IELTS or cause and solution essay IELTS is a common type of essay question asked in IELTS Writing Task 2 Exam. Herein, a problem is presented to the candidate and you are asked to suggest relevant, specific, and possible solutions regarding the same.

Table of Contents

You can either write about 2 problems with both their solutions or discuss one major problem and one solution. As long as you extend and explain your ideas, you will be able to communicate your thoughts to the examiner. Maintain a formal tone throughout your essay. In a problem and solution essay IELTS might ask the candidate to discuss any of the following:

Cause of the problem
Effect of a problem
Methods to prevent the problem
Possible and effective solutions to the problem

Problem Solution Essay Question: Evaluation Factors

IELTS writing tests are evaluated across 4 main factors or areas when your IELTS band scores are calculated. These areas are:

Achievement of the task – The examiner notices here to what extent you have addressed all the parts of the task with explained and well-developed ideas.
Cohesion and Coherence – The logical flow and organization of your ideas and information, are examined here. The examiner notices whether the essay has a logical progression of thoughts.
Lexical Resource – The vocabulary used in the essay and its accuracy is examined here. You should use lexical items with sophistication.
Grammatical accuracy and range – Lastly, the examiner evaluates whether the candidate has used the grammatical structures accurately. Sentences with sophisticated clauses and a clear flow should be used.

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Problem Solution Essay IELTS: Topics & Sample Questions

Tips to Create an IELTS Problem Solution Essay Structure

While structuring the essay in your head, make sure to use a proper approach for these questions. The steps to structure the essays are:

Analyze the question thoroughly

Analyzing the question is a crucial part of answering any IELTS writing essay questions. You can analyze the question in the best way through three main things:

Keywords : These are the specific words that inform you about the general topic.
Micro Keywords : These keywords identify the parts of the general topic that the examiner wants you to focus on. They generally give an opinion by emphasizing a sub-category of the topic.
Action Words : Instruction words or action words make it clear for the candidates what the examiner wants them to do.

Think of Ideas

Now that the purpose of the question is clear to you, form a specific idea for the essay in your head. For each problem you think of, identify a direct solution for the same.

Follow the structure & write down the essay

Write down the essay by ensuring to follow a proper structure, including an introduction, two body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The essay should include examples and discuss possible solutions.

Also Read: Latest 50+ IELTS Essay Topics in 2022

Problem Solution IELTS Essay Pattern

A basic four-paragraph structure should be used to structure the problem solution IELTS essays. The structure is as follows:

Paragraph 1 – Introduction

In the introduction paragraph, you can first paraphrase the statement part of the question and outline the ideas to be discussed in the essay further. Paraphrasing the questions means rephrasing the sentence without changing its meaning using synonyms. The outline sentence helps the examiner to understand what they can expect from the essay and thus ensure clarity. Cohesion and clarity play an important role in the scoring of the essay.

Paragraph 2 – Problems

In the second paragraph, state the problems you thought of and then explain the first problem and the second problem in the second half of the essay thoroughly.

Paragraph 3 – Solutions

In the third paragraph, list down the solutions to the problems listed above, the first solution with its examples, and then the second solution along with relevant examples that support the solution.

Paragraph 4 – Conclusion

In the conclusion paragraph, cover all the important points discussed in the above 3 paragraphs and end your essay.

Problem Solution Essay IELTS: Key Points to Remember

Some of the main points to remember while attempting the problem solution essay questions in IELTS are:

You have only 40 minutes to complete the essay writing task, and you have to write a minimum of 250 words.
Use linking words, collocations, and phrases to ensure a flow in the essay.
If you are using any facts or statistical data, make sure it is accurate and reliable.
Make sure that the introduction is clear and engaging. It helps the examiner to get a sense of what will be discussed in the essay further.
Use refined and accurate grammar and vocabulary, which will help the examiner understand your proficiency in the language.
Provide relevant examples to explain your content. An explanation of your opinions is the best way to ensure a higher IELTS score.
Identify the keywords and secondary keywords. Relate them with the problems and the solutions, and make sure to include the keywords in the content.
Plan the problems you are going to discuss in your head and the possible solutions before writing them down.
The paragraphs should be ideally balanced by discussing the problems in one body paragraph and solutions in the second body paragraph.

Also Read: Updated List Vocabulary for IELTS 2022

Common Mistakes

Though problem solution essay IELTS is highly asked in the exam, there are some common mistakes that are made by the candidates. Some of these mistakes that a candidate can avoid while attempting these types of questions are:

Candidates often do not expand on their ideas and often list down a lot of problems and solutions. The examiners mark the essays on the basis of the explanation of the problems and solutions listed. It is usually advised to pick a problem or two along with their solutions and then explain them with relevant examples.
Another common mistake by the candidates is writing indirectly about solutions that are not directly related to the questions. You should opt for concrete ideas rather than writing a generalized answer. Identify the keywords and the micro-keywords from the question and try to include those in the topic.
Many people often list down good problems but fail to link them with the solutions. Each problem should have a directly linked solution that actually solves the problem.
Learn to identify the problem and solution and causes and solution questions as both of them might look similar but have a certain difference in how they are to be structured.
Avoid writing in absolute terms by using qualifiers which ensure that your sentences look like claims rather than proven facts.

Problem Solution Essay IELTS Sample Questions

There are many themes for the problem solution essay topics IELTS related to various problems. Some of the problem solution essay IELTS topics questions for your practice are as given below:

Theme 1 – Cities

Nowadays, it is getting difficult for people to enjoy their lives in cities. Why do you think this is? What can the government do to make life in cities more enjoyable?
In large cities, the issue of overpopulation has been a significant cause of concern which leads to a lack of jobs and traffic congestion. What is the cause of this? How can government help in solving this problem?
In many cities and urban areas around the world, crime is increasing. What is the cause of this? How can governments help to prevent the crimes?

Theme 2 – Technology & the internet

People from older generations face difficulty in using new technology. What is the cause behind this? What are some possible solutions to this problem?
A lot of children spend time on social media surfing the internet and playing video games which hurts their studies and grades and makes them experience loneliness and health problems such as obesity. What is the reason behind this? What can the parents do to prevent it?
The internet has changed the way information is consumed and shared among people. What are some serious issues a person can face associated with the internet, and what solutions can be implemented?

Theme 3 – Environment or Climate Change

Sea levels are steadily rising in recent years. What do you think is the reason behind this? How can it be fixed?
Many countries around the world are suffering from poor water and air quality, which is harmful to all of us, especially older people. What is the cause of this? How can it be solved?
Climate change and global warming is a serious threat the world is facing, which is reducing the average life expectancy. What are some causes of this? How can governments and healthcare sectors solve this problem?

IELTS Advantages & Disadvantage Essay Topics

Foreign Language IELTS Sample Essay

A sample of the Problem Solution Essay Example Question IELTS for Writing Test 2 is given below for your reference:

As social media continue to develop, more and more youngsters have unsupervised access to all the contents available over the internet in order to meet and chat with friends and even strangers, which can lead to some potentially dangerous situations. What solutions can you suggest to deal with this problem?

IELTS Problem Solution Essay

In the modern era, a large number of young people use the internet to meet and talk with friends via social media. Due to social media and the growth of the internet in the 21st century, many children are facing issues related to their health and the expression of their feelings as a result of the lack of face-to-face interaction. This issue can be solved by opting for some measures.

To begin with, there are many people all over the world who use the internet for their work or education purposes. As a result, everyone uses it until late at night, which can lead to a variety of health issues, such as vision problems from constantly staring at computers or mobile phones and spinal curvatures from excessive sitting in front of computers and laptops. Secondly, due to the nature of online meetings and conversations, there is a lack of face-to-face interaction among people due to which youngsters are unable to express their feelings due to the loss of peer interaction.

Parents can help in resolving these issues by blocking the access of children to websites that are not children-friendly. In addition to that, parents can encourage children to go out and play instead of being on the internet all day in exchange for a surprise or more quality time. Social media companies can also contribute to the solution by restricting the access of children to the platforms on the basis of their age, which can protect them from content that is not suitable for them. For example, the social media platform Facebook recently updated its privacy policies to restrict access to children under the age of ten.

To summarize, young people use the internet to interact with various types of people online without any supervision, which gives them a sense of freedom and confidence in sending unethical messages to others. To stay out of it, parents should monitor their communication and provide suitable guidance and advice to their children.

Problem Solution Essay IELTS is a type of question that includes problems for which you have to find the solutions through a logical flow of thought. 40 minutes are given to complete the 250 words essay writing task. The structure of the essay for a problem-solving question includes an introduction, discussion of problems, possible solutions with examples, and a conclusion.

The introduction has an overview of the essay. The main body paragraphs discuss the problems along with their direct solutions and examples. The conclusion paragraph summarizes your opinion on the task. You need to discuss the problems caused by the issues and the measures to reduce or eliminate the problem altogether.

You do not just need to state problems and solutions but also need to explain the thought process to reach that solution. Make sure the essay is readable and has a logical flow and cohesion.

You can practice for the Problem Solution Essay IELTS by writing on various topics or themes available on the internet ranging from the internet, cities, poverty, problems of rural areas or developing countries, lifestyle in developed countries, success, news, etc.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can i write the problem and solution both in one paragraph.

Ans. No, you can not write the problem and solution both in the same paragraph as this will affect the flow and understanding of the essay. The cause and the solution or the problems and the solution will both be discussed in two different paragraphs of the main body.

How can I identify a problem solution essay type?

Ans. In the problem solution essay questions, a topic is given, and you will have to discuss the issues or problems faced in regards to that particular topic. Often, these questions can also ask for your opinion on a particular issue.

What is the difference between a cause solution essay and a problem solution essay?

Ans. Problem solution essay and cause solution essay are highly similar. However, there is a subtle difference between the two. A problem solution essay question asks about the problem with regards to a particular topic, whereas the cause solution essay asks about the causes behind an issue. The problem is to be mentioned in both the essays. However, in the cause solution essay, you should focus more on the cause of that particular statement.

How can I write a solution paragraph?

Ans. First of all, for a solution paragraph, you need to develop ideas related to the given problem in your mind to check whether or not your ideas are directly relevant to the problem. After then, you have to decide how you will explain the solution to all the problems in a precise manner. After then, develop your solution with the help of a detailed explanation.

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IELTS Essay Questions

IELTS essay questions based on types of essays in IELTS for writing task 2.

It is essential to understand the structure you need to follow while writing an essay. Read model answers

Essay Links: Discussion essays Agree Disagree Essays Problem Solution Essays Advantage Disadvantage Essays Opinion Essays Positive or negative development essays Direct question essays

Discussion essay questions.

Employers sometimes ask people applying for jobs for personal information, such as their hobbies and interests, and whether they are married or single. Some people say that this information may be relevant and useful. Others disagree. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Some people say that parents should encourage their children to take part in organised group activities in their free time. Others say that it is important for children to learn how to occupy themselves on their own. Discuss these views and give your own opinion. Model answer By Prema Australia

Some people say that now we can see films on our phones or tablets there is no need to go to the cinema. Others say that to be fully enjoyed, films need to be seen in a cinema, Discuss both views and given your own opinion. Model answer .

Some people think it is better to impose a tax on companies which produce pollution while others think that there are other solutions. Discuss both views and give your opinion. Model Answer .

Some people say History is one of the most important school subjects. Other people think that, in today’s world, subjects like Science and Technology are more important than History. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Some people believe that it is best to accept a bad situation, such as an unsatisfactory job or shortage of money. Others argue that it is better to try and improve such situations. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Some people say that the main environmental problem of our time is the loss of particular species of plants and animals. Others say that there are more important environmental problems. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Some people believe that it is good to share as much information as possible in scientific research, business and the academic world. Others believe that some information is too important or to valuable to be shared freely. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

In a number of countries, some people think it is necessary to spend large sums of money on constructing new railway lines for very fast trains between cities. Others believe the money should be spend on improving existing public transport. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Some people believe that allowing children to make their own choices on everyday matters (such as food, clothes and entertainment) is likely to result in a society of individuals who only think about their own wishes. Other people believe that it is important for children to make decisions about matters that affect them. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Some people say that the only reason for learning a foreign language is in order to travel to or work in foreign country. Others say that these are not the only reasons why someone should learn a foreign language. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Many governments think that economic progress is their most important goal. Some people, however, think that other types of progress are equally important for a country. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Some people think that all university students should study whatever they like. Others believe that they should only be allowed to study subjects that will be useful in the future, such as those related to science and technology. Discuss both these 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.

Some people think that the teenage years are the happiest time of most people’s lives. Others think that adult life brings more happiness, in spite of greater responsibilities. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Some people think that parents should teach children how to be good members of society. Others, however, believe that school is the place to learn this. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Some people think that it is better to educate boys and girls in separate schools. Others, however, believe that boys and girls benefit more from attending mixed schools. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

It is generally believed that some people are born with certain talents, for instance for sport or music, and others are not. However, it is sometimes claimed that any child can be taught to become a good sports person or musician. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Some people believe that there should be fixed punishments for each type of crime. Others, however, argue that the circumstances of an individual crime, and the motivation for committing it, should always be taken into account when deciding on the punishment. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Successful sports professionals can earn a great deal of more money than people in other important professions. Some people think this is fully justified while others think it is unfair. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Some people believe that visitors to other countries should follow local customs and behaviour. Others disagree and think that the host country should welcome cultural differences. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Some people prefer to spend their lives doing the same things and avoiding change. Others, however, think that change is always a good thing. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Some people think that a sense of competition in children should be encouraged. Others believe that children who are taught to co-operate rather than compete become more useful adults. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Some people work for the same organisation all their working life. Others think that it is better to work for different organisations. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Sugar is harmful to the body. Some people say that the government is responsible for limiting the amount of sugar from people’s food. Others think that individuals should take responsibility for limiting the sugar they take. Discuss both views and give your opinion.( 10 April 2020 IDP )

Some people say that modern technology has made shopping today easier, while others disagree. Discuss both views and give your opinion. Model Answer

Some people think that climate change reforms will negatively effect businesses. Other feel it is an opportunity for them. Discuss both views and give your opinion. Model Answer

Agree disagree essay questions

Some people say that in all levels of education, from primary schools to universities, too much time is spent on learning facts and not enough on learning practical skills. Do you agree or disagree?

Some people say that it is possible to tell a lot about a person’s culture and character from their choice of clothes. Do you agree or disagree?

Some people believe that governments should not provide international aid when they have unemployment and homelessness in their country. Do you agree or disagree? Model Answer .

Some people think that having a set retirement age(e.g 65 years) for everybody, regardless of occupation, is unfair. They believe that certain workers deserve to retire and receive a pension at an earlier age. Do you agree or disagree? Which types of workers do you think should benefit from early retirement?

Rising university fees and scarce employment prospects for graduates have led some people to say that universities should not teach arts subjects, like philosophy and history, and only offer practical degree courses that maximise chances of employment. Do you agree or disagree?

Living in a country where you have to speak a foreign language can cause serious social problems, as well as practical problems. Do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Some people believe that nowadays we have too many choices.Do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Some people say that music is a good way of bringing people of different cultures and ages together. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

Governments should spend money on railways rather than roads. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

It is important for children to learn the difference between right and wrong at an early age. Punishment is necessary to help them learn this distinction. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion? What sort of punishment should parents and teachers be allowed to use to teach good behaviour to children?

Some people believe that unpaid community service should be a compulsory part of high school programmes (for example working for a charity improving the neighbourhood or teaching sports to younger children). To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Every year several languages die out. Some people think that this is not important because life will be easier if there are fewer languages in the world. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

Increasing the price of petrol is the best way to solve growing traffic or pollution problems. To what extent do you agree or disagree? What other measures do you think might be effective?

Some people feel that entertainers (e.g film starts, pop musicians or sports stars) are paid too much money. Do you agree or disagree? Which other types of job should be highly paid?

Today, the high sales of popular consumer goods reflect the power of advertising and not the real needs of society in which they are sold. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Universities should accept equal numbers of male and female students in every subject. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Creative artists should always be given the freedom to express their own ideas (in words, pictures, music or film) in whichever way they wish. There should be no government restriction on what they do. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

Popular events like the football World Cup and other international sporting occasions are essential in easing international tensions and releasing patriotic emotions in a safe way. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

When a country develops its technology, the traditional skills and ways of life die out. It is pointless to try and keep them alive. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Improvements in health, education and trade are essential for development of poorer nations. However, the governments of richer nations should take more responsibility for helping the poorer nations in such areas. Do you agree or disagree?

Some people believe that children’s leisure activities must be educational, otherwise they are complete waste of time. Do you agree or disagree?

Fatherhood ought to be emphasised as much as motherhood. The idea that women are solely responsible for deciding whether or not to have babies leads on to the idea that they are also responsible for bringing the children up. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Out of country’s health budget, a large proportion should be diverted from treatment to spending on health education and preventive measures. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Without capital punishment (the death penalty) our lives are less secure and crimes of violence increase. Capital punishment is essential to control violence in society. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

The position of women in society has changed markedly in the last twenty years. Many of the problems young people now experience, such as juvenile delinquency, arise from the fact that many married women now work and are not at home to care for their children. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

In some countries, an increasing number of people are suffering from health problems as a result of eating too much fast food. It is therefore necessary for governments to impose higher tax on this kind of food. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

The continued rise in the world’s population is the greatest problem faced by the humanity at the present time. What are the causes of this continued rise? Do you agree that it is the greatest problem faced by humanity?

It is sometimes said that people should be encouraged to get married before they are 30, as this is best both for the individual and society. Do you agree or disagree?

The excessive use of television, mobiles and computers is inhibiting the development of children, which is proved by recent researches. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Eating a healthy diet is the most important step towards living a disease free life. Do you agree or disagree?

In the future, more people will choose to go on holiday in their own country and not travel abroad on holiday. Do you agree or disagree?

Some people believe that their family members will always be more important than their friends. Do you agree or disagree? (31 October 2020 IDP)

The education of young people is highly prioritised in many countries. However, educating adults who cannot write or read is even more important, and the government should spend more money on this. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Model Answer

Problem solution essay questions

Many working people get little or no exercise either during the working day or in their free time, and have health problems as a result. Why do many working people not get enough exercise? What can be done about this problem?

In spite of the advances made in agriculture, many people around the world still go hungry. Why is this the case? What can be done about this problem?

In some countries, the average weight of people is increasing and their levels of health and fitness are decreasing. What do you think are the causes of these problems and what measures could be taken to solve them?

Nowadays we are producing more and more rubbish. Why do you think this is happening? What can government do to help reduce the amount rubbish produced?

In many countries, schools have severe problems with student behaviour. What do you think are the causes of this? What solutions can you suggest?

It is generally accepted that families are not as close as they used to be. Give some reasons why this has happened and suggest how families could be brought closer together.

Car ownership has increased so rapidly over the past thirty years that many cities in the world are now ‘one big traffic jam’. How true do you think this statement is? what measure can governments take to discourage people from using their cars?

Some people get into debt by buying things they do not need and cannot afford. What are the reasons for this behaviour? What action can be taken to prevent people from having this problem?

Nowadays many people complain that they have difficulties getting enough sleep. What problems can lack of sleep cause? What can be done about lack of sleep?

Some people believe that it is impossible to live a comfortable life in big cities. What problems do people face in big cities? What solutions can solve these problems? (21 November 2020 IDP)

The demand for fresh water is increasing, but its level is decreasing in many countries. What are the causes of this problem? How the government and individuals can solve it? (15 January 2022 IDP) Model Answer

Some old people think that retirement life is happier, but it is not as happy as imagined when they retire. What are the reasons for this? Suggest some solutions. Model Answer

Advantage disadvantage essay questions

Today more and more tourists are visiting places where conditions are difficult, such as the Sahara desert or the Antarctic. What are the advantages and disadvantages for tourists who visit such places?

Many young people regularly change their jobs over the years. What are the reasons for this? Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages? Model Answer.

Solar energy is becoming more and more popular as a source of household energy in many countries around the world. Why is this? What are the advantages and disadvantages of solar energy?

Nowadays many people choose to be self-employed, rather than to work for a company or organisation. Why might this be the case? What could be the disadvantages of being self-employed?

At the present time, the population of some countries includes a relatively large number of young adults, compared with the number of older people. Do advantages of this situation outweigh the disadvantages?

Many museum charge for admission while others are free. Do you think the advantages of charging people for admission to museum outweigh the disadvantages?

Some parents buy their children a large number of toys to play with. What are the advantages and disadvantages for the child of having a large number of toys?

Some experts believe that it is better for children to begin learning a foreign language at primary school rather than secondary school. Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantage?

Being a celebrity- such as a famous film start or sports personality- brings problems as well as benefits. Do you think that being a celebrity brings more benefits or more problems?

Some people prefer to live in a house, while others feel that there are more advantages to living in an apartment. Are there more advantages than disadvantages of living in a house compared with living in an apartment?

In some countries, young people are encouraged to work or travel for a year between finishing high school and starting university studies. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages for young people who decide to do this.

One of the consequences of improved medical care is that people are living longer and life expectancy is increasing. Do you think the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?

Nowadays technology is increasingly being used to monitor what people are saying and doing (for example, through cellphone tracking and security cameras). In many cases, the people being monitored are unaware that this is happening. Do you think the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?

In the past, when students did a university degree, they tended to study in their own country. Nowadays, they have more opportunities to study abroad. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this development?

The ownership of private vehicles is increasing day by day. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this development.

In many countries, paying for things using mobile phone apps is becoming increasingly common. Does this development have more advantages or more disadvantages?

Due to increasing world demands for oil and gas energy, people need to look for new sources of energy in remote and untouched natural places. Do the advantages of locating these sources outweigh the disadvantages of damaging such places? (12 December 2020 IDP Academic)

Opinion essays questions

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?

In many places, new homes are needed, but the only space available for building them is in the countryside. Some people believe it is more important to protect the countryside and not build new homes there. What is your opinion about this?

In some areas of the US, a ‘curfew’ is imposed, in which teenagers are not allowed to be out of doors after a particular time at night unless they are accompanied by an adult. What is your opinion about this?

Some people say it is important to keep your home and your workplace tidy, with everything organised and in the correct place. What is your opinion about this?

Learning English at school is often seen as more important than learning local languages. If these are not taught, many are at risk of dying out. In your opinion, is it important for everyone to learn English? Should we try to ensure the survival of local languages and, if so, how?

It is generally accepted that exercise is good for children and teenagers. Therefore, physical education and sports should be compulsory for all students in all schools. What do you think?

Some people claim that not enough of the waste from homes is recycled. They say that the only way to increase recycling is for governments to make it a legal requirement. Do you think laws are needed to make people recycle more of their waste?

Some people think that universities should provide graduates with the knowledge and skills needed in the workplace. Others think that the true function of a university should be to give access to knowledge for its own sake, regardless of whether the course is useful to an employer. What, in your opinion, should be the main function of a university?

In many countries, children are engaged in some kind of paid work. Some people regard this as completely wrong, while others consider it as valuable work experience, important for learning and taking responsibility. What are your opinions on this?

In some cities, historical buildings are destroyed to create space for new homes. What is your opinion about this? ( 17 September 2020 B.C. )

In many countries today, crime novels and TV crime dramas are becoming more and more popular. Why do you think these books and TV shows are popular? What is your opinion of crime fiction and TV crime dramas.

Positive or negative development essays questions

In recent years, many small local shops have closed because customers travel to large shopping malls to do their shopping. Is this a positive or a negative development? Model Answer.

Most people accept that we now live in a globalised world but not everyone agree that this is beneficial. Is globalisation a positive or negative development. Model Answer .

Countries are becoming more and more similar because people are able to buy the same products anywhere in the world. Do you think this is a positive or negative development?

Nowadays the way many people interact with each other has changed because of technology. In what way has technology affected the type of relationships people make? Has this become a positive or negative development?

In many countries, people decide to leave their parent’s homes once they finish school. They start living on their own or sharing a home with friends. Is this a negative or positive development? Model Answer .

Direct question essays

In many countries, the amount of crime is increasing. What do you think are the main causes of crime? How can we deal with those causes? Model Answer

Today more people are travelling than ever before. Why is this the case? What are the benefits of travelling for the traveller?

As most people spend a major part of their adult life at work, job satisfaction is an important element of individual well-being. What factors contribute to job satisfaction? How realistic is the expectation of job satisfaction for all workers?

Research indicates that the characteristics we are born with have much more influence on our personality and development than any experiences we may have in our life. Which do you consider to be major influence?

Some people believe that children are given too much free time. They feel that this time should be used to do more school work. How do you think children should spend their free time?

Happiness is considered very important in life. Why it is difficult to define? What factors are important in achieving happiness?

Millions of people every year move to English-speaking countries such as Australia, Britain or America, in order to study at school, college or university. Why do so many people want to study in English? Why English such an important international language?

Should wealthy nations be required to share their wealth among poorer nations by providing such things as food and education? Or is it the responsibility of the governments of poorer nations to look after their citizens themselves?

We are becoming increasingly dependent on computers. They are used in business, hospitals crime detection and even to fly planes. What things will they be used in the future? Is this dependence on computers a good thing or should we be more suspicious of their benefits?

Many people like to wear fashionable clothes. Why do you think this is the case? Is this a good thing or a bad thing?

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Recent Confusing IELTS Questions

A lot of you send me your Writing questions after you do your exam. Recently, there have been a few very confusing questions. One student even emailed me to say that he probably won’t do very well because he found it difficult to focus. After all, one person was crying throughout most of the Writing test.

But don’t worry. The best thing to do in these situations is to analyse the questions and think about the best way to answer them, and you will improve your technique. You should see these difficult questions as a chance to improve, not an excuse to give up.

Below I will look at 4 recent questions and discuss:

why they are confusing;
what type of questions they are and
the structure I would recommend using.

Questions Types

In general, I believe that there are five general question types for Writing Task 2. They are:

Opinion (Agree or Disagree)
Discussion (Discuss Both Views)
Advantages and Disadvantages
Problems/Causes and Solutions
Double Questions (Two Questions)

Question types are important because they affect how we answer the question and the essay’s overall structure.

Beware of Fake Questions

Lots of websites and books make up their questions. This is fine if you know what you are doing, but not so good if you don’t. IELTS has a very standard format for writing questions; if this format is not strictly followed, the result will be very misleading.

If you find a question that you do not understand, check that it comes from a reliable source first. Remember that not all websites and books are reliable sources.

There is an increasing trend of old people living longer in many countries around the world. Do you think this has a positive or a negative effect on the population as a whole?

Why is this question confusing?

The main reasons students get confused about this question are the words ‘positive’ and ‘negative’. Many feel that because these are two opposites, they must discuss both of these.

‘Positive’ and ‘negative’ are also very similar to ‘advantages’ and ‘disadvantages’; therefore, many students believe that this question should be answered as an ‘advantages and disadvantages’ question.

The most important words above are ‘Do you think’. These three words indicate that the examiner wants to know your opinion. It also indicates that you do not have to discuss both positives and negatives; in other words, you don’t have to answer this question as an ‘advantages and disadvantages’ question.

The other thing that might cause students trouble are the words ‘the population as a whole’. This means that you have to talk about the whole population and not specific people or specific groups of people.

What type of question is it?

The words ‘ Do you think ‘ indicates that this is an opinion question.

I would advise my students to pick one positive or negative side and say why they have this point of view.

You could also give a balanced answer and say that you think it is both positive and negative, but I think this is an overly complicated way to answer the question, and it will not get you higher marks.

If I agreed that it has a positive effect, I would use the following structure:

Paragraph 1- Introduction

Paragraph 2- First reason why I think it is positive

Paragraph 3- Second reason why I think it is positive

Paragraph 4- Conclusion

If I think it has a negative effect, I would use the same structure but give two reasons why I think it is negative.

Nowadays more and more people read news on the Internet. Nevertheless, newspapers will remain an important source of news and information for the majority of people. Do you agree or disagree with this statement?

The question statement ‘Nowadays more and more people read news on the Internet. Nevertheless, newspapers will remain an important source of news and information for the majority of people.’ has two sentences and therefore many students believe that this should be answered as a ‘discuss both views’ question.

However, if you look at the question, the first sentence is only for background purposes. It is really just giving you information to help you with the question. The most important sentence is the second sentence. It states, ‘Nevertheless, newspapers will remain an important source of news and information for the majority of people.’

This is an opinion question. It is asking you if you agree or disagree with the second sentence. In other words, do you agree that newspapers will remain an important source of news and information or do you disagree?

You do not have to discuss the merits of old-style newspapers vs news on the internet; you must say if you agree or disagree with the second sentence and why.

If I agreed with the statement, I would use the following structure:

Paragraph 2- First reason why you agree

Paragraph 3- Second reason why you agree

If I disagree, I would state two reasons why I disagree in paragraphs 2 and 3.

Some people think the main purpose of school is to turn children into good citizens and workers, rather than to benefit them as individuals. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

The question seems like it has two opposing views. Normally, when there are two opposing views, the question will ask you to discuss both of these views. Even though the question asks whether you agree or disagree, many students answered this question like a discussion question, and many did not give their opinion.

However, if you read the question statement again, it does not have two opposing views; it has only one view- that the main purpose of school is to turn children into good citizens and workers.

This is an opinion question. Therefore, your job is to say whether you agree that the main purpose of schools is to turn children into good citizens and workers or that you disagree with that statement.

It is rare to get a question that is this confusing. Don’t worry; most opinion questions are not like this.

Again, it is possible to give a balanced answer and say you both agree and disagree, but I think, for most students, this is a very difficult thing to do, and it normally results in more mistakes and lower marks.

Research indicates that the characteristics we are born with have much more influence on our personality and development than any experiences we may have in our life. Which do you consider to be the major influence?

The main reason this is confusing is the last sentence, ‘Which do you consider to be the major influence?’. This does not follow any of the normal question formats. However, the keywords in this sentence are ‘ Which do you consider ‘? They are asking you to pick one. This is, therefore, an opinion question.

It is also confusing because there are two opposing views, so many people would instantly think that this is a discussion question.

They ask what ‘you’ think, and they ask you to pick one side by asking you ‘ which ‘; therefore, this is an opinion question.

You could discuss both views, but you must state which one you think is the major influence. The easiest way to do this is to pick one side and give two good reasons why you think this.

Paragraph 2- First reason why I think one side is the major influence

Paragraph 3- Second reason why I think one side is the major influence

Conclusions

Questions will not always follow the standard format.
Just because it appears that there are two opposing views does not mean you have to discuss both sides.
Look at the last sentence carefully. This will tell you what the examiner wants you to do.
Spend at least a minute reading and thinking about what the question wants you to do.

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IELTS Sample

Writing Task 2 Sample

IELTS Writing Task 2 ( also known as IELTS Essay Writing ) is the second task of your IELTS Writing test. Here, you will be presented with an essay topic and you will be scored based on your ability to respond to the topic.

You need to write at least 250 words and justify your opinion with arguments, discussion, examples, problem outlining, proposing possible solutions and supporting your position. You will have approximately 40 minutes to finish your Essay Writing. IELTS Writing Task 2 carries more weights than Writing Task 1.

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Sample Essays

IELTS Sample Essays

Here you will find IELTS Sample Essays for a variety of common topics that appear in the writing exam.

The model answers all have tips and strategies for how you may approach the question and comments on the sample answer.

You can also view sample essays with band scores on this page.

Looking at IELTS essay topics with answers is a great way to help you to prepare for the test.

These IELTS sample essays have been categorised in a way that makes it easy for you to see how certain essay question types require you to provide certain responses to ensure the question is fully answered.

Specifically these are:

Agree / Disagree
Discuss Two Opinions
Problems and Solutions
Advantages and Disadvantages
Other Types

Agree / Disagree Type Questions

In these types of question you are given one opinion and you then have to state the extent to which you agree or disagree with that opinion:

Advertising
Alternative Medicine
Spending on the Arts
Human Cloning
Social Interaction & the Internet
Airline Tax
Free University Education
Scientific Research
Banning Smoking
Employing Older People
Vegetarianism
Paying Taxes
Examinations or Formal Assessment
Multinational Organisations and Culture
Internet vs Newspapers
Technology Development
Dying of Languages
Animal Extinction
Truth in Relationships
Role of Schools
Return of Historical Artefacts

Discuss Two Opinions Type Questions

In this essay question type you are given two opinions, and you have to discuss both of these and then give your own view:

University Education
Reducing Crime
Animal Rights
Child Development
Diet & Health
Donating Money to Charity
Closing Zoos
Becoming Independent
Formal and Informal Education
Influence of Scientists and Politicians
Sources for Stories
Searching for Extraterrestrial Life

Cause Type Questions

There are a variety of 'cause type' essay questions. In these you first have to give the reasons why something has happened, in other words the causes, but then discuss a different aspect of it, such as the effects, solutions or the extent to whether it is a positive or negative development:

Causes & Effects:

Child Obesity
Skin Whitening Creams
Family Size
Having Children Later in Life
Time Away from Family

Causes and Solutions:

Youth Crime
Global Warming
Paying Attention in Class
International Travel & Prejudice
Museums & Historical Places
Disappearance of Traditions
Communication Between Generations

Causes, Pros & Cons:

Family Closeness
Living Alone
Rural to Urban Migration

Problems & Solutions Type Questions

In these type of questions, instead of discussing the causes of a problem, you need to discuss the problems related to a particular issue in society, and then suggest what can be to solve these problems:

Overpopulation
Competing for Jobs
Professionals Immigrating

Advantage & Disadvantages Type Questions

In these type of questions you are asked to discuss the positive and negative sides of a particular topic. You will usually be asked this in the context of giving an opinion ( e.g. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages? Is it a positive or negative development? ):

Traffic Problems
Food Additives
Computer Games
Age Discrimination at Work
Children using Tablets and Computers
Cell Phones, Internet, & Communication
Working from Home
Eating Locally grown Produce
Oil and Gas Essay
Peer Pressure on Young People
Online Fraud
Decreasing House Sizes

'Hybrid' Types of Essay Question

There are sometimes questions that don't fit easily into a particular category as above. I've called these 'hybrid', as they are of mixed character, are composed of different elements from other types of essay, or are perhaps just worded differently.

Protecting Old Buildings
Animal Testing
Fear of Crime
Communication Technology
Influence of Children's Friends

Sample Essays with Band Scores

You can also view some sample essays that have been written by candidates practising for the test and have band scores and comments by an experienced ex-IELTS Examiner based on the IELTS marking criteria.

IELTS Band 8 Essay Samples
IELTS Band 7 Essay Samples
IELTS Band 6 Essay Samples
IELTS Band 5 Essay Samples
IELTS Band 4 Essay Samples

Student Sample Essays

For more IELTS essay topics with answers you can also view essays that have been written by students. Some have feedback from other students or IELTS teachers:

Student Model Essays (with comments by other students)
Student Model Essays (with comments by IELTS buddy)

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IELTS Model Essay -Two Questions Essay Type

The IELTS Writing Task 2 Two Questions Essay: Causes & Positive/Negative Trends .

There are a number of different types of IELTS essay questions. There are Opinion Essays, Discussion Essays, Advantage/Disadvantage Essays, Solution (including Cause/ Solution) Essays and there are Direct Question Essays (such as the Two Question Essay). However, please note that different teachers use different names for essay types. This model essay below looks at the Direct Question Essay with Two Questions.

IELTS Essay Question – Computer Games

More and more adults are playing computer games. Why is this happening? Is it a positive or negative trend?

The main topic in the essay question is Technology and the specific topic is Computer Games. It is a current essay question because it is about a current trend in the world today. I’ve provided a list of tips to help you tackle this type of essay question.

Points to Consider

There is only one issue to tackle : computer games. This is lucky. It is an easy essay question. Some essay questions are more complex and have two separate issues to tackle.
There are two questions to answer . I call this type of question a “Direct Question Essay”. The first question is about causes of the trend. The second question is about evaluating whether it is good or bad. Whenever you are asked to choose, it means you must give your opinion.
Pay attention to the wording of the essay topic . This is about adults, not children. It is about computer games which some people consider are for children. Always pay attention to all keywords in the essay question when you brainstorm or you will go off topic. Ask yourself questions to stimulate ideas. Why are adults playing games on a computer? We know that children like to do this, but why are adults doing this? And is this good? Is it good that adults are playing computer games? If it is bad, why?
Next think about the concept of “computer games”. Spend time analysing the issue given . We often consider computer games to be silly entertainment fore children. But is that correct? Are all computer games actually silly? If we think about this carefully, we will realise that actually some computer games are complex and strategic. Some games require skill and intelligence to play. This means that the issue of computer games is not a simple one. Computer games are varied. Does this essay question apply to childish computer games or complex games? The answer is – it applies to both. So, now we know we can tackle this issue at a level of more depth. Getting to the depth of the issue is essential for a high score. So, while we can see there is only one issue (computer games) that single issue is complex and can be divided into different aspects.
After you brainstorm, choose the ideas that are the most relevant and the easiest to explain well. You don’t get a high score because you have lots of ideas. You get a higher score for presenting specific ideas which are well developed and highly relevant.
If you have two questions to cover. It is logical to have two body paragraphs . Being logical in your choice of paragraphing is important.
Provide a clear position in your introduction as to whether you think this is a positive or negative point. Being clear in the introduction helps the examiner follow your body paragraphs more easily and this will increase your score. If you think it is positive – make it clear. If you think it is negative – say so. If you think “it depends” – make sure you word it clearly and explain it clearly in the body paragraphs. The easiest approach is a positive or negative one (a one-sided approach). The “it depends” approach is harder and requires stronger language skills.

Model Essay: Computer Games (2024)

It seems that the current trend is for an increasing number of adults to enjoy playing computer games in their free time. With the development of game technology, it is hardly surprising that adults are playing games, but whether it is positive or negative depends on the games played and the time spent on them.

In terms of why so many adults are choosing to spend time playing computer games, it is mainly because the technology behind the games is becoming more sophisticated. Initially, when games first came out, they were very simplistic and appealed mainly to children. However, things have moved on since then and games have become visually appealing, very absorbing, require great dexterity and some also have a strategic challenge to them which adults particularly like. Such games can attract professional adults looking to hone tactics and skills to other adults wishing just to relax and switch off.

However, whether this trend in adults towards computer games is beneficial or not can be challenged. Some adults use complex, challenging games as a form of escapism which keeps their mind sharp and helps them relax at the same time. As long as the time spent on such games is balanced with other healthier pursuits, it can be constructive. Unfortunately, adults who ignore their physical health and spend too much time on mindless, repetitive games develop a sedentary lifestyle which can be detrimental to their wellbeing.

In conclusion, computer games have become more fascinating and tempting to adults. While games that help develop tactics and knowledge might be advantageous, no game, particularly senseless games, should be played to excess and certainly should not replace healthier leisure activities.

Word count = 276

IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Essays & Tips

Click here to see all model essays, tips etc for writing task 2: IELTS Writing Task 2 Main Page

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IELTS Bar Chart of Age Groups 2024

A Model Bar Chart of Age Groups for IELTS Writing Task 1. Use flexible language for describing age groups and don’t get too lost in lots of detail. Use the model answer below to guide you. Charts, tables and graphs showing age groups appear every year in IELTS Writing Task 1 (Academic Test).

IELTS Bar Chart Age Groups: Salt Intake (2024)

This writing task 1 bar chart has been adapted from a bar chart that was reported by an IELTS candidate in the IELTS writing task 1 test.

IELTS Bar Chart of Age Groups

Click here to Enlarge Bar Chart Image

IELTS Bar Chart of Age Groups: Model Answer

I’ve underlined language relating to age groups in the model below.

Your Task : Complete the model answer using these linking words: while / as opposed to / then / overall / regarding / furthermore

The bar chart illustrates the amount of salt an average man and woman consumed per day (divided into nine age groups) in a European country in 2019. Units are measured in milligrams. (1)………………, men had a higher intake of salt compared to women and salt intake was above the recommended daily amount in most age groups. (2)………………….., middle aged men and women had the highest intake of salt, (3)………………….. young children who had the lowest. A greater difference in salt intake between the sexes could be seen as men and women aged . The salt consumed by the youngest age group was just under 2000mg each day for boys but only 1500mg for girls aged five and below . Salt intake (4)…………… increased in both sexes to reach a high of over 5000mg in men and almost 4000mg in women aged 30 to 39 . (5)………………. the 40 to 49 age group , salt intake stood at about 4500mg daily for men, whereas for women it was around 3500mg. This decreased for both genders and by the age of 70 or more , consumption was still relatively high in men (just under 4000mg), (6)……………. women took the recommended daily amount of 2,300mg.

Click below to reveal the answers to the exercise and the full complete model.

Furthermore
as opposed to

The bar chart illustrates the amount of salt an average man and woman consumed per day (divided into nine age groups) in a European country in 2019. Units are measured in milligrams.

Overall, men had a higher intake of salt compared to women and salt intake was above the recommended daily amount in most age groups. Furthermore, middle aged men and women had the highest intake of salt, as opposed to young children who had the lowest. A greater difference in salt intake between the sexes could be seen as men and women aged.

The salt consumed by the youngest age group was just under 2000mg each day for boys but only 1500mg for girls aged five and below. Salt intake then increased in both sexes to reach a high of over 5000mg in men and almost 4000mg in women aged 30 to 39.

Regarding the 40 to 49 age group, salt intake stood at about 4500mg daily for men, whereas for women it was around 3500mg. This decreased for both genders and by the age of 70 or more, consumption was still relatively high in men (just under 4000mg), while women took the recommended daily amount of 2,300mg.

(200 words)

Tips & Comments

The introduction is concise and introduces all key information about the chart, such as categories, divisions, units, country, frequency etc. Introductions are usually just one sentence in writing task 1 reports.
The overview is separate and contains all key features about highs, lows and any useful comparisons that give a clear overview.
The body paragraphs contain smaller detail and all sentences are supported by numbers from the chart.
Rather than giving each individual age group, key points are selected and other groups are referred to as “salt intake increased over the age groups…”. This gives information about other age groups without going into too much detail.
Always use flexible vocabulary about age : middle aged people/ children aged five and under / young children / as people grew older / the youngest age group / the oldest age group / over the age groups given / people aged 30 to 39 / the 40 to 49 age group / by the age of 70 or more / people between 30 and 39 years of age
This chart does contain a lot of information which is why the report is 200 words in length. However, most reports will probably be between 170 and 190 words. Longer doesn’t mean better. It just depends on the chart. You do not need to write the word count under your report in your test – I do that just for your benefit.

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IELTS Topic: Urban Planning

The current IELTS topic of Urban Planning in IELTS Speaking and Writing Task 2. This topic has appeared in the IELTS test recently. For this reason, it is a good topic to prepare for. Many people find this topic challenging because they don’t have many ideas about it. Below you will find:

What urban planning means
Speaking Part 3 Questions
Speaking Model Answers
Writing Task 2 Essay Questions
Useful Vocabulary and Ideas

This topic might also be called Urban Design.

What is Urban Planning / Urban Design

Before we look at questions and model answers, lets first understand what urban planning is.

Urban planning is about planning where houses and buildings are located in a city.
It is about ensuring there will be enough housing for the residents both now and in the future.
It is about planning the infrastructure of roads, bridges, overpasses etc to ensure a good flow of traffic.
It is also about the design of buildings and their function.
It’s about protecting some buildings and knocking others down.
It’s about how space is used in a city.
It helps ensure that a city can meet the needs of its citizens.
Before someone builds a house, it means they would require building permission which ensures their plans are acceptable.

IELTS Speaking Part 3: Urban Planning

Speaking Part Questions for Urban Planning with Model Answers. As you can see from the title of this section, this is most likely to appear in Speaking Part 3. If you had a topic in part 2 about your city, an interesting place in your country, or a crowded place, it is very possible to get this topic in part 3. Below are some questions:

Alternative answer: I think urban planning is really important, but too much control isn’t good. What I mean is, planning is important for big buildings, historical buildings and the infrastructure, but I think people should still be able to build the house they want for themselves without the government saying no.
I’ve been to cities with good urban planning. They are really a joy to be in. There are wonderful city gardens, cycle paths, well-spaced buildings, trees and roads wide enough for the traffic, good facilities all easily accessible and much more. I think urban planning is essential if a city is to attract visitors, residents and businesses.
For me, I think all modern cities with the best job opportunities are crowded. You can’t get away from that. It shows how popular the city is. Also, the more crowded it is, the more facilities and entertainments there probably are. I’d love to live in a bustling city. Such cities, feel really alive and fun.
I suppose it depends on who you are talking to. I mean, people who have a family might prefer to live in the countryside where it’s more peaceful and also cheaper. But young people who are trying to get ahead with their careers might prefer a city because there are so many more opportunities and the salaries would be higher.
I think all cities should be designed to have amusements. I can’t imagine so many people living in a city that had nothing to offer for their free time. I mean, cities are the best places to go for nightclubs, cinemas, restaurants and concerts. Also, people come to the city to earn money and most of them probably would want to enjoy their income in their leisure time.
I think it depends on the government and the aims of their urban planning. That is to say, some governments are only interested in cheap, unattractive, functional buildings which have no character and no charm. This would definitely make a city pretty boring to visit and live in. But other governments understand that a city should be appealing, with impressive buildings, historical buildings and beautiful parks. So, if urban planning is done correctly, it can make a city more attractive, not only to the residents there, but also to foreigner travellers. After all, tourism is good for the economy.

IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay Question: Urban Planning

Below are examples of essay questions that have appeared in the IELTS test about buildings and city planning.

Some people think that cities should be designed to be beautiful rather than functional. Do you agree?

Some people think urban centres need more green spaces, while others believe more housing is needed. What do you think?

As cities have increased in size and building work has expanded in a haphazard way, there should be more careful planning. Do you agree or disagree?

Some people think it is better to pull down old buildings and replace them with modern ones. However, others believe old buildings still have value. Discuss bot sides and give your opinion.

Some cities locate shops, housing, schools and entertainment in different areas of the city. What are the advantages and disadvantages of doing so?

Useful Vocabulary for Buildings and Urban Planning Topic

requalify existing city buildings
create new urbanisations
improve the quality of life of the inhabitants / residents
ensure a logical and efficient city layout
plan commercial centres
ensure building safety
plan infrastructure, such as roads, airports, railways, public transport system, cycle paths etc
planning for the increase in traffic on roads to avoid congestion
make educational and health care facilities easy to access
without planning, future city growth might become unsustainable
protect heritage sites and places of historic significance
create national pride through buildings and layout of key buildings
plan parks and other green spaces for health benefits
ensure that housing and buildings do not encroach on natural resources, places of beauty and other protected areas
prohibit development that might threated wildlife and natural habitats
to ensure the capacity for future urban growth
relocating business outside urban areas
decentralising services, such as schools, shops and companies
helping with carbon emissions by developing cycle paths and efficient public transport
to ensures a good urban landscape
waste management and sanitation must be well planned for hygiene reasons
it makes a city more liveable / more accessible / more interesting / more appealing
people will feel more prosperous in a well planned city
it attracts investment for business
ensures that the city is well connected with other cities and other countries

IELTS Writing Task 2 Useful Links

Click here for: IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Essays, Tips and Lessons

Click here for: IELTS Writing Task 1: Model Answers, Tips and Lessons

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IELTS Listening Transcripts: When and How To Use Them

Are you given the transcript in the IELTS Listening test? Why do IELTS put the transcript in the answer key of their IELTS Cambridge Test books? Why does Liz give the transcript to her listening lessons? Lets learn a bit about the use of transcripts for the listening test and listening exercises.

IELTS Listening Transcripts

Read through the questions and answers below to learn why you should use transcript, how to use them and how you can benefit from them.

What are transcripts in IELTS listening?

The transcript is the audio recording in written form, word for word, precisely as you hear it.

Will you be given the transcript in the real test?

No. you will not be given the transcript. You will hear an audio recording and you must answer questions based on the recording you hear. You must listen, read the questions and answer the questions all at the same time. For the paper based test, you write your answers on the question paper and then have 10 mins to transfer your answers to the answer sheet at the end of the listening test. For the computer based test, you put your answers into the computer screen directly and are given only 2 mins at the end of the listening test to check and alter your answers. After the IELTS test is completely ended, you will not be given the transcript at that time either. The test will remain the property of IELTS. You can’t even remove the question paper from the test room.

Will IELTS give me access to the transcript after the test?

No. IELTS do not release either the answers to your listening test or the transcript to your test.

Where can you find transcripts?

Transcripts are only given to you along with the answers in test books and on my website for my lessons. I only supply the transcript with the answers, not with the questions.

Are they useful?

Yes, transcripts are essential for you to use as part of your IELTS listening preparation which is why all my listening lessons provide the transcript with the answers.

What are transcripts used for in IELTS test preparation?

You can use transcripts in the following ways once you have finished your listening practice test or practice lesson.

When you finish a listening lesson or a listening test, don’t just check the answers directly. Instead, listen again to the audio and read the transcript at the same time. This will allow you to check your answers while listening again and reading the words. You only do this after you have finished the listening lesson and you are sure if your answers. It is method of checking the answers which is more useful than just checking the answer key because it allows you to spot your mistakes which is highly beneficial for your training.
When checking the list of answers, refer to the transcript. Find the location of the answer and see how the answer was presented in the recording. Read the sentences before and after each answer. This way you can see why you got the answer right or wrong.
Go back to the transcript and make a note of the paraphrases used. This way you can increase your vocabulary and spot the reason why you might have missed the answer.
Finally, read the transcript and listen to the audio together one last time to help your speaking skills and pronunciation. In fact, it’s a great way to improve speaking – listen, pause and repeat out loud.

As you can see, the transcripts can help you develop crucial awareness and skills needed to improve your score. Some people do practice test after practice test without improving. Now you know why. You need to analyse your mistakes, analyse why you got something wrong, note paraphrased and learn from mistakes. The transcript will help you a lot with all this.

IELTS Listening Free Tips & Practice Materials:

Click here: ALL FREE LISTENING LESSONS & TIPS

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2024 IELTS Speaking Part 1 Topics

Predicted Topics for IELTS Speaking Part 1. These topics are compiled from recent topics, recurring topics that appear each year and new common trends. Part 1 topics are based on everyday life, such as family, happiness, mobile phones etc. Some topics below have specific questions, others have suggested content for the topic.

IELTS Speaking Predicted Part 1 Topics 2024

Tip 1: The examiner will first ask about your Work, Study, Home or Hometown . You can find questions for those topics here: Common Topics For Part 1 Speaking Page.

Tip 2: It is NOT enough to only prepare from the list given below. You MUST also prepare from the common topics which appear each year – click here: LIST OF IELTS SPEAKING PART 1 COMMON TOPICS

Tip 3: Don’t memories your answers. Just prepare ideas and vocabulary, then practice answering questions in a natural way. Be open, friendly, honest and, most of all, be chatty. Speak until the examiner interrupts you with the next question.

your favourite advert, why was it memorable, fast food adverts, an advert you dislike, an advert from your childhood, types of advertising, are adverts reliable
your favourite age, your feelings on getting older, how you felt as a child, importance of birthdays, special birthdays, celebrating birthdays, difficult ages, happiest age
What apps do you mostly use? What functions do they have? Do you like using a smart phone? How often do you upgrade it? Should children have their own smart phones? Model Answers: Mobile Phones
What do you use the internet for mostly? How often do you use the internet? Do you socialise online? What’s your favourite website? Do children use computers at school? Do you like using technology? What is your favourite gadget? Do you like learning about new technology? Should children be allowed to play video games or watching TV for many hours each day?
Do you like art? What kind of art? Did you learn art at school? Did you visit a museum when you were a child? What museums are there in your country? When did you last go to an art exhibition? Are you creative? Do you think creativity is important?
Do you like drawing? Did you learn to draw or paint at school? Is art important for children?
Do you like to read? What do you read? Did you read a lot as a child? What did you read? Do you prefer fiction or non-fiction?
Do you keep up with news? How? Do you often skim the headlines? Is online news reliable? What’s your favourite website?
Do you ever go to libraries? What types of books do people enjoy reading in your country?
Vocabulary: Newspapers
socialising with people, things to talk about, who you like to chat to, your voice (tone, changes in your voice, public speaking), people who gossip, chatting face to face vs by text vs online
What clothes have you recently bought? What is your favourite item of clothing? What casual clothes do you own? Do you prefer casual or formal clothes? How do you choose what to wear? Is there a favourite colour you like to wear? What do colours say about a person? Is there a colour you don’t like?
What traditional clothes are there in your country?
What was your school uniform like? Did your school have a strict dress code?
Do you wear or use accessories, such as bags, shoes, sunglasses or jewellery? What bags do you use? What shoes do you find most comfortable? Do you ever wear sunglasses? Are sunglasses popular in your country? What jewellery do you prefer? What jewellery is most popular?
Model Answers: Shoes
childhood school subjects, childhood teachers, learning – your memories, your favourite subjects, your childhood teachers, schools today, learning online, learning science, learning art, learning maths, learning languages at an early age
Is it important to you? Have you ever bought anything fashionable? Do you think fashionable clothes are important?
Do you often go shopping? Where do you go? When did you last buy? Do you like shopping malls? Do you like small shops? Are street markets popular in your country? What can you buy there? Have you ever had bad service in a shop? What did you do about it?
popular genres, favourite genres, childhood genres, foreign films, reading subtitles, children and TV, going to the cinema, real life films, how films change culture. Vocab: Types of Films
What is your favourite (food / meal / snack / dessert / drink)? What were your favourite childhood (foods, snacks etc)? Were you a picky eater? What fruits and vegetables do you eat? Popular fruits and vegetables? Model Answers: Vegetables Model Answers: Snacks
Sweet foods and snacks: eating chocolate, junk food such as biscuits and chocolate bars, cakes, desserts, sweet treats, healthy snacks.
Food for visitors (linked to food and hospitality). Drinks (tea, coffee, sugary drinks, water, etc). Gifts of food or drink.
What traditional foods are there in your country? Do you like foreign food?
Do you cook? Do you prefer homecooked meals? Are restaurant meals popular in your country? Model Answers: Good service in Restaurant
activities to do together, spending time with friends or with family – which is important, time spent with family or friends, the role of grandparents, who you are close to in your family, your best friend, childhood friends, family parties or gatherings
childhood games, childhood toys, school games, family games (board games other games), traditional games, doing puzzles, learning from games, games to play on your own
Did you learn about other countries when you were at school? Can you draw the map of your country? Where is the capital city in your country located? Do you ever look at maps? How did you learn to read maps? Do use online maps or paper maps? Do you think it’s important to know the world map?
package holidays, travelling alone or in a group, adventure holidays, learning the culture,
TV makes holidays unnecessary,
Who is responsible for the household chores in your family? Did you do housework as a child? What can children learn from doing housework? Should men do housework? What gadgets are commonly used for housework in your country? Do you think doing housework is good for your mental health?
new languages, dictionaries, online learning, using google translate, visiting new countries and communicating, culture and languages, popular foreign languages, learning new words,
What makes you laugh? Do you smile often? Are you a moody person? What do you think of people who smile a lot? Is humour important in your country? Are people in your country emotional? Were you a happy child? Have you ever felt bored / embarrassed / impatient / annoyed?
Do you spend money on luxury items? What luxury items are most popular in your country? Why do people spend money on luxury items? What would you buy if you could?
How do you remember things? Do you have a good memory? Is memory important?
Do you use calendars? Do you do puzzles to keep mentally active? Do you keep a diary? Do you think doing maths helps memory? Do you ever make notes or lists of things to help you remember?
Do you often forget things? Do you ever lose things? Model Answers: Concentration
Do you prefer using cash or cards? Do you think cash will one day disappear? How can you keep your money safe online?
Do you think it’s better to save or spend? Do people often spend money unnecessarily in your country? How did you learn to manage money? Have you ever saved up for something special?
Types of music, your likes/dislikes, playing an instrument, foreign music, singing, learning music in schools, music in your past, concerts, festivals, traditional music
Does your name have a meaning?
How do people choose names in your country?
Would you ever change your name if you could?
Do you like parks? Are there parks where you live? What do people do in parks? Do you like trees? What plants or flowers do you like? Are gardens common in your country? Is it better to live in a house or a flat?
Does your country have a lot of natural beauty? Do you like being in nature? Did you spend time in nature as a child?
Are picnics popular in your country? Do you like to spend time outside? What outdoor activities do you enjoy?
Animals, birds and fish
Gardens & Parks
quite places, noisy places, crowded places – where do you relax, types of noise in everyday life, popular crowded places, places for traditional events, places to socialise, your favourite childhood places
morning/ afternoon/evening routines, weekday/weekend routines, changing your routines, childhood routines, work routines, doing housework, maintaining a routine, time management, scheduling, sleep habits and sleep routines
Have you ever lived or visited the countryside? What do you like about the countryside? Why do some people prefer living there? Did you grow up in a rural or urban area? Do you think rural life is healthy? Have you ever grown your own vegetables or fruit? Do you think ever house should have a garden?
your favourite season, types of seasons in your country, your likes/dislikes, unusual weather, weather disruptions in your country, activities in different seasons, the night sky, rain, sunshine. For model answers about “the sky”, click: Sky
Do you have a lot of keys? Have you ever lost your keys? How do you keep yourself safe online? Do you share private photos or information about yourself online? Do you trust people easily? How do you know you can trust someone?
Is social media a good thing? Do you use it? Would you meet strangers on social media? Do you follow celebrities on social media? Should children mimic celebrities? Vocab: Advertising
Do you enjoy sports? Do you enjoy swimming? Do you prefer team sports or individual sports? Do you ever watch sport on TV? Is sport popular in your country? Do you enjoy watching international sporting events?
How do you keep fit? Do you do any exercise? What type of exercise do you enjoy? Do you think exercise is important? How can elderly people stay fit? Are there many sports facilities near where you live?
Did you play sport at school? What kinds of games did you play at school? Do children benefit from doing sport?
how you relax, how you destress, the importance of mental health, outdoor activities (jogging, running, fishing, photography, bird watching, dog walking etc), indoor activities (reading, collecting things, art, yoga, meditation) work /life balance, stress for children, different types of stress between past and now, being patient
Robots, apps, computers at work or study or free time, social media, recent purchases, gadgets you want, likes/dislikes. Model Answers: Robots
How do people get around where you live? Do you often walk? Do you ride a bike? What form of transport is healthiest? Do many people in your country own cars? Do you have a driving license? How do old people get around where you live? Do you think children should walk to school? What’s the public transport like where you live? How could the public transport be improved?

Let me know how your test goes.

All the best

IELTS Speaking Model Answers & Tips

For model answers to various topics, including some of those above, and tips, click here: IELTS SPEAKING MAIN PAGE

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Vocabulary for Government Topic

Below is a list of vocabulary relating to the topic of “Government”. This word list will help refresh your memory and also expand your range to learn new words. Although the topic of politics doesn’t appear in IELTS, questions relating to general government policies do appear frequently in both IELTS Writing and IELTS Speaking.

On this page, you will find:

Synonyms and Types of Government
Useful Government Vocabulary
IELTS Speaking Questions & Model Answers
IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay Questions

1. Word Forms:

government (n)
to govern (vb)
governmental (adj)

Common Errors

There are two common errors when using the word “government”.

“n” – don’t forget the spelling – goverNment.
For example:
Wrong = Many people think government should improve the infrastructure in rural areas.
Correct = Many people think the government should improve the infrastructure in rural areas.

2. Synonyms & Types of Government

Below is a useful word list for synonyms. However, please note that is fine to repeat the word “government” in your essay even for high band score candidates.

the political system
the administration
the central government
the local government
the authorities
the people in authority
the leadership
those in power

Note, as with all synonyms, they cannot all be used in the same context in the same way. They do differ.

Types of Government and Governing

Below are words relating to types of government and the way countries are run.

republic = a country with no monarch and has an elected leader, usually a president
democracy = the government is elected by the people, each person has a single vote
autonomy = a self-governing country or region
dictatorship = a country ruled by one person who has not been elected and uses force to keep control
totalitarian state = a country with only one political power and people are forced to do what the government tells them
regime = an authoritarian government
capitalist = a free-market country
communist = a political and economic system with a classless society where business, factories, farms etc are publicly owned
monarchy = a country has a king or queen – in traditional monarchies, the monarch has absolute power but in a a constitutional monarchy (such as the UK), there is a democratic government, and the monarch is largely symbolic and politically neutral
anarchy = a situation where there is no government
constitutional government = a government which is limited in its power by a constitution
coalition government = with no direct winner after elections, a government can be formed in which two or more parties cooperate

3. Useful Government Vocabulary

Within a Government

politicians = people who hold an office within politics
branches of government- legislative, executive and judicial
executive branch = this is the part of the government which carries out the law
legislative branch = this part of the government makes the laws and raises money to run the government
judicial branch = this part of the government decides laws and settles disputes
state government = a local government within a particular region or area of a country
enforcement agencies = bodies within a government which can enforce the law, for example, the police
political party = a group of people with similar political aims that hopes to have a member elected to government
diplomats = people who represent their country in communication with other countries

Useful Government Vocabulary

to pass a law / to enable a law / to bring in a new law = to have a law accepted
to abide by a law = to follow a law without breaking it
to elect = to choose
to have political influence / political power = the extent of a group’s or person’s ability to change the way political decisions are made
a citizen = a person living within a country
election = the process of voting for someone to come into power or into a role
laws = rules for governing a country
liberty = freedom
maintain order = providing organisation and safety for the people of a country
rights = freedoms which are protected and should be guaranteed
taxes = money paid by citizens to run and maintain a country
raise / lower taxes – to increase or decrease the money paid by citizens to the government
budget = money that is allocated to spend in a particular area
to increase the budget on X = to give more money to X
note that the word “defence” can also be spelled as “defense” in American English
policies = action proposed by an organisation
charismatic = a characteristic that attracts and appeals to other people – many successful politicians are charismatic
long term / short term goals
to be proactive = doing something rather than just waiting for something to happen

Citizen’s Actions

campaign for something
demonstrations
to be involved in protests
organise a petition
speak at public meetings
put up posters
organise a public meeting
write to politicians

4. Government Topic Questions for IELTS Speaking

IELTS Speaking doesn’t have one single topic called “the Government”. But most topics in IELTS Speaking, do contain questions that relate to how official organisations, such as the government, can improve aspects of life. Below are some examples of questions with model answers. Most of these questions are more likely to appear in Speaking part 3 which deals with broader issues.

Q) What is the role of a government?
A) A government is responsible to decide how a country is run and for managing how it is run. It rules and governs a body of people to make sure that those people abide by laws.
Q) Do you think the government should be responsible for public health?
A) While the government should be proactive in opening more exercises facilities for the public and to raise awareness of public health, I think it is ultimately the role of the individual to improve their own health.
Q) Do you think the government should pay to support the Arts?
A) Yes, in a way. I think the government should definitely provide some support for the Arts as a way to promote our cultural heritage. For example, local people can learn about their own culture from watching the dramatic arts and also from paintings and sculptures. This is also a huge draw for visiting tourists who wish to experience local culture. However, I do think that artists also need to be responsible for ensuring their own income and not just rely on the government.
Q) What do you think the government could do to protect natural beauty spots in your country?
A) Well, I suppose one of the key things that those in power could do is to establish stricter laws to ensure people treat places of natural beauty with respect. For example, littering is a huge problem in my country and this needs to be taken more seriously. Another thing is for the government to spend more money on conservation as well as raising awareness among the local population of the importance of these places.

5. IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay Questions Samples

Many people think people should pay for their education, while others think the government should fund all education. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
Some people believe the government should be responsible for the homeless and that society is not responsible. Do you agree?
Do you think artists should have the right to express any opinion through their work or do you think the government should censor their work?
Do you think the government should focus on supporting science or the Arts?
Do you think the government should be solely responsible for public safety or do you think individuals should also be held responsible for their own safety?
Some people believe that the government should spend more money on protecting wildlife. Do you agree or disagree?
Some people think that the government is wasting essential funds on space research and that these funds would be better allocated to health care. To what extend do you agree?

Tip: Don’t suggest in your essay that the government could introduce a particular law if there is already one in place. If you know a law is already in place, then you can suggest that the law serves harsher punishments and give examples of that. Try to keep your essay real. Think your ideas through and be sincere in your essay for a high score.

Recommended

More Government Essay Questions
100 IELTS Essay Questions
ALL IELTS SPEAKING LESSONS & TIPS
ALL IELTS WRITING TASK 2 LESSONS & TIPS
ALL IELTS VOCABULARY LESSONS

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IELTS Listening Practice Lesson: Job Application

This listening practice lesson is based on IELTS Listening Section 1. The topic is a Job Application which is a very common topic in the listening test. Section 1 requires you to listen for specific information and is the easiest section in the listening test, which means you should aim to get at least 90% or, if possible, 100% right (for people aiming for a high band score).

This listening lesson focuses on two different types of IELTS listening questions i) form completion ii) multiple choice . It is usual to get more than one type of question in one section of the listening test. In the real test, you will get 10 questions in section 1, but not all at the same time. IELTS usually break the questions into groups to make it easier. However, with my listening practice below, I’ve put them all together.

Instructions:

Read through ALL questions from 1 to 10 so that you are prepared.
Be ready for different accents
The first question might be tough to answer but keep listening because the answer will be repeated again.
Always keep calm, never panic and keep track of the questions
Listen to the recording only once and note down your answers.
Post your answers in the comments box at the bottom of the page.
I’ll post the answers later this week with the transript.

Listening Section 1 Practice – Job Application

Questions 1- 3: Complete the notes below using no more than two words.

Job Title Enquiry: (1) ……………
Name: (2) ………………….
Current Occupation: (3) ………………….

Questions 4-6: Choose the correct letter.

4. What work days will there be?

a) all week days plus one full weekend day
b) Monday to Friday only
c) all week days and half a day on weekends

5. How many hours will the job actually require in reality?

a) 40 hours
b) over 40 hours
c) 50 hours

6. What is the overall income per annum?

c) over £25,000

Questions 7-10 : Complete the notes below using no more than two words and/or numbers.

7. Job Reference Number: ……………

8. First interview date: ………………..

9. HR contact: ……………….

10. Start date: ……………..

Audio Recording

ANSWERS & TRANSCRIPT

Click below to reveal the answers and the transcript. The transcript is provided by me so you can check your answers whilst listening to the recording and reading the transcript. It’s a great way to improve your listening skills and develop your English. You won’t be given the transcript in the real test.

This was tricky when you first heard it, but the answer was repeated twice more in the recording which should have given you a chance to get this right. A sales rep means a sales representative of a company.
You need both first name and last name for a correct answer.
IELTS will often spell out names, but Rachael is a common name and you can find a list of common names with pronunciation in the Vocabulary section of this website.
RECEPTIONIST
“Well, from Monday to Friday it’s 9am to 5pm and you’ll also have to work either a morning or an afternoon, which is about four hours, on either Saturday or Sunday.”
“…while the job is advertised as the standard 40 hours per week, it’ll go beyond that because of the weekend work”
This question is testing your ability to differentiate between advertised hours and actual hours. The real hours will be more than 40 because of weekend work.
“… you’ll get a guaranteed income of £2,000 per month which works out more or less at about £25,000 each year, but as you’ll definitely be earning commission as well, you can add that on top …”
This question is testing your ability to hear the difference between guaranteed income and overall income, which means everything together.
It is very common in IELTS to be given one answer but then more information comes along which changes the answer. This is something to be ready for in IELTS listening.
“,,,to the initial round of interviews which are being held on August 3rd.”
The other dates mentioned were for second and third interviews. The applicant first had to get through the first interview on Aug 3rd in order to do the other interviews.
You need both names spelled correctly.
“…we hope to get the lucky candidate signed up by 30th August”
The following dates were about induction and training which happens after a person joins the company.
This means the official start date for the job is August 30th. A start date for a job is when you sign a contract and become part of the company.

Please note that answers can be written using small or lower case letters. If you are taking the paper based test, writing in capitals for listening and reading answers will help the person marking to read your answer clearly.

These practice lessons are not about getting it all right. It’s about learning and developing. Make a note of which answers you got wrong and why you think you got them wrong. This way, you will improve next time.

All listening exercises on ieltsliz.com have been written by myself to help you prepare for your IELTS test.

B: Hello, XDM Sales, how can I help you?
A: Hi, I’m calling to apply for the job that you advertised this morning for a sales rep.
B: Certainly. First, I’ll need to take some details. Could you give me your full name?
A: Yes, it’s Rachel Jones.
B: Thank you. Are you working at the moment?
A: Yes, I’m working as a receptionist for a large multinational company.
B: And you’re interested to change your position? It’s quite a change to go from working as a receptionist to a sales rep.
A: I’m ready for a change. I want to do something more challenging. I feel my work as a receptionist has given me a lot of insight into customers and how to approach them. So, I think I’ll be well suited to work as a sales rep. Although, I would like to know a bit more about the position if that’s ok.
B: Of course. What would you like to know?
A: Could you tell me more about how many days and hours a week it involves.
B: Well, from Monday to Friday it’s 9am to 5pm and you’ll also have to work either a morning or an afternoon, which is about four hours, on either Saturday or Sunday. I know it isn’t ideal to have to give up part of your weekend, but it won’t be every weekend and you can apply for the occasional weekend off. As for hours, while the job is advertised as the standard 40 hours per week, it’ll go beyond that because of the weekend work. Luckily, it isn’t likely to be as many as 50 hours per week.
A: OK. That sounds fine. How about the salary?
B: Well, you’ll get a guaranteed income of £2,000 per month which works out more or less at about £25,000 each year, but as you’ll definitely be earning commission as well, you can add that on top to make a nice bit extra over the course of the year.
A: That’s not bad, but I guess it depends how much commission I’ll earn. Still, I’d like to apply. Could you let me know the application procedure?
B: Yes, of course. You’ll find an application form to download on our website. Put both the job title and reference number: A76401 on the form. Then fill it in and email it to the applications department. Applications will be collected over the next five days. We’ll let you know if you’ve made it through to the initial round of interviews which are being held on August 3rd. For applicants making it through the first round, there will be two more sets of interviews on August 10th and August 21st. After that the final selection is made. If you don’t hear back from us regarding your application, please get in touch in case your application has ended up in spam or been misplaced.
A: Who should I call in that situation?
B: Call the senior HR manager, Bob Castor (that’s C A S T O R ), you’ll find his contact details on our website. He’ll let you know if you’re through to the interview round or not.
A: Great. Can you let me know when the job is due to start and whether there will be an induction or not?
B: Of course. As I said, the first set of interviews will be in early August and we hope to get the lucky candidate signed up by 30th August. Once the sales rep officially becomes part of the team, there will be an induction period from August 30th to September 7th during which time the new sales rep will learn more about the company, products and sales procedures. After that, the new sales rep will shadow one of our more successful reps for 10 days to pick up extra tips.
A: That all sounds very exciting. I’ll get my application off today. Thanks.
B: Not at all. Best of luck with your application. Bye.

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For more free IELTS Listening Practice Lessons with Liz, click here: IELTS Listening Tips & Practice

IELTS Bar Chart Model Answer for Change over Time

An IELTS bar chart and model answer which shows change over time. The IELTS bar chart below was reported in IELTS writing task 1 (Academic) in 2023 and is likely to be repeated in following years. I’ve created a model answer lesson which has a useful language focus for you.

While this task 1 is in bar chart form, it actually shows change over time which means you will be also using language that is typically used for describing line graphs. It is different from the usual bar charts you see in IELTS which show comparisons of categories. This means it is more similar to a line graph than a normal bar chart. For this reason, I like to call such bar charts: bar charts of change over time. These types of bar charts do appear in IELTS writing task 1 quite regularly so look out for them.

IELTS Bar Chart for 2023

Note that the chart depicted above was sent to me from an IELTS candidate.

Model Answer for 2023 Bar Chart

Instructions: Fill in the model answer using the language options presented below:

The bar chart illustrates how much energy was produced by wind in four countries (India, Denmark, Germany and the United States) in four years (1985, 1990, 1995 and 2000). Units are measured in megawatts.

Overall, the US produced the most wind energy over the period given except in the final year when Denmark produced the most. India, Denmark and Germany witnessed 1) ……….. over the years in the amount of energy they generated, whereas the US showed 2) ………. followed by a slight decline.

In terms of the US, energy production stood at 1200 megawatts in 1985. It peaked in 1990 at just over 1600 before 3) ……….. around 100 to 1500 in the final year.

On the other hand, the energy generated in Denmark was just over 200 megawatts in 1985 and then 4) …………. over the years 5) ………… just over 1600 in 2000. India also saw 6) …………. in energy generation, starting at 200 and ending at 1200. Lastly, Germany saw 7) ………….. , only doubling over the period to reach just over 800.

Fill in the gaps with the following words:

A. a significant rise
B. falling by
C. to peak at
D. a steady climb
E. a much lower growth rate
F. an initial increase
G. rose almost eight-fold

Click below to show the answers:

This refers to all three countries (Denmark, India and Germany). Some countries had significant increases but not all. So, using the word “steady increase” is a better description to use for all three.
Having D in this gap will then allow the use of “a significant rise (A) for gap number 6 which relates to India only, which definitely was significant in energy growth.
We can see that the only country with a growth rate that happened only in the first year was the US.
The answer can’t be G because an eight-fold rise means it grew from, for example, 100 to 800 (8 times in growth) – this isn’t true.
The answer can’t be D because the word “steady” refers to an even rise over a period of time as shown in the chart – the chart only shows a rise from one single column to the next, not over all columns.
It can’t be E because the growth rate wasn’t slower than other countries at the time.
Nearly all of you got this right. Well done!
Most of you got this one right too. Well done!
The answer can’t be A because it would be incorrect grammar. The sentence is “the energy generated was X number and then …..”. This gap requires a verb to follow the word “and”.
Most of you got this right. Well done!
The final year for Denmark is significant because it is a special peak in the whole chart. Nearly all charts showing change over time will have one special peak that you should mention.
This rise is significant. We can also say “considerable”. It rose from 200 to 1200 – that’s a huge rise.
Certain we could describe this as a steady rise (D) because it was consistent in growth over the period. But this doesn’t highlight how big the rise was which is the main point and also, we used option D already. So, the answer must be A.
Most of you got this right. Well done !
This final paragraph is about Demark, India and Germany. From those three countries, Germany definitely showed the slowest growth rate over the period.

Don’t use this model answer only as a gap fill exercise. Notice the structure, organisation and content of paragraphs. Notice the grammar used. Notice the paraphrasing used.

FULL MODEL ANSWER

Overall, the US produced the most wind energy over the period given except in the final year when Denmark produced the most. India, Denmark and Germany witnessed a steady climb over the years in the amount of energy they generated, whereas the US showed an initial increase followed by a slight decline.

In terms of the US, energy production stood at 1200 megawatts in 1985. It peaked in 1990 at just over 1600 before falling by around 100 to 1500 in the final year.

On the other hand, the energy generated in Denmark was just over 200 megawatts in 1985 and then rose almost eight-fold over the years to peak at just over 1600 in 2000. India also saw a significant rise in energy generation, starting at 200 and ending at 1200. Lastly, Germany saw a much lower growth rate only doubling over the period to reach just over 800.

I hope you found this lesson useful, Liz

……………………………………………………………….

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100 IELTS Essay Questions
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Analysing Difficult IELTS Essay Questions!
Analysing Difficult IELTS Essay Questions! Every 3 or 4 months Nick and I sit down to review 6 recently reported IELTS essay questions that we think are interesting. Usually, this means choosing questions that focus on topics that we have never seen before, or questions that are in a new format (for example, new types of 2-part questions).
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GT IELTS Essay Questions (February 2021 - September 2021. 1. Some people believe that individuals who earn a lot of money are the most successful in life. Others say that the individuals who contribute to the society (such as scientists or teachers) are more successful. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
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So, these are what I think are the 3 most difficult questions in the Cambridge IELTS books. If you have finished all 14 books and want more high-quality essay questions to use for practice, then you will find my curated 100 IELTS Essay Questions blog post invaluable!. More importantly, if you are looking for a tutor who has almost 20-years experience preparing students for the IELTS exam (and ...
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100 Real IELTS Essay Questions and Topics
Discuss both views and give your own opinion. Sample Essay. Some think that climate change reforms will negatively affect business. Others feel they are an opportunity for businesses. Discuss both sides and give your own opinion. Sample Essay. Climate change is a phenomenon that affects countries all over the world.
100 IELTS Essay Topics for IELTS Writing
100 IELTS Essay Topics for IELTS Writing. 26 February 2019. Let me start by saying that by far the best resource for authentic IELTS essay topics are the Cambridge 1 - 13 books. These are real past IELTS exam papers and, therefore, provide students with the highest quality questions for all parts of the test. However, what do you do if you ...
Authentic IELTS Essay Questions
One of the most common question types in the IELTS Writing Task 2 is the 'discuss both views' essay, where you are asked to discuss two views on an issue and come up with your own opinion. Authentic IELTS essay questions will present you with 2 sensible views on the issue. These 2 views are usually very different to each other, but it's ...
Tough IELTS Writing Topics and Essay Questions
The IELTS writing test consists of two tasks. The first task requires you to write a 150-word report describing a graph, chart, or diagram. The second task is an essay of at least 250 words in response to a prompt. The topics for these essays can vary widely, but some of the most common IELTS writing topics include:
6 more IELTS Essay Questions from 2021 broken down!
1. Some people think that criminal behaviour has genetic causes. Others argue that it is circumstances that lead people to commit a crime. Discuss both views and give your opinion. 2. Some people believe that women should be able to join their country's army and police forces.
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Recent IELTS Writing Topics and Questions 2024
February 2024. Innovation is often driven by the pursuit of profit and economic growth. However, some argue that it should prioritize addressing social and environmental issues. Discuss both sides and give your own opinion. Read my essay here on Patreon. Reported on IELTS February 29th.
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There are many themes for the problem solution essay topics IELTS related to various problems. Some of the problem solution essay IELTS topics questions for your practice are as given below: Theme 1 - Cities. Nowadays, it is getting difficult for people to enjoy their lives in cities.
IELTS Essay Questions: writing task 2
Discuss both views and give your opinion. Model Answer. Some people say History is one of the most important school subjects. Other people think that, in today's world, subjects like Science and Technology are more important than History. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Past IELTS Essay Questions: 2020
Past IELTS Essay Questions 2020. These are past IELTS essay questions from 2020. To post an essay question from your test, simply fill out the form at the bottom of the page and the essay question will then be listed. You can also see questions from other years: Current Year; 2022; 2020; 2019; 2018
IELTS Essay Questions 2019
IELTS Essay Questions 2019. These are as posted by candidates who have taken the test. Unless otherwise stated, the latest IELTS writing topic given is from the Academic Module. If it is from a General Test it will say. The questions may also give you a country, which is where the person who posted it took the test.
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In general, I believe that there are five general question types for Writing Task 2. They are: Opinion (Agree or Disagree) Discussion (Discuss Both Views) Advantages and Disadvantages. Problems/Causes and Solutions. Double Questions (Two Questions) Question types are important because they affect how we answer the question and the essay's ...
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553649. IELTS Essay # 18 - Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of having a car. 549683. IELTS Essay # 1110 - Governments should spend money on railways rather than roads. 529477. IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample 673 - Environmental problems are too big for individuals to solve. 504476.
IELTS Sample Essays
IELTS Sample Essays. Here you will find IELTS Sample Essays for a variety of common topics that appear in the writing exam.. The model answers all have tips and strategies for how you may approach the question and comments on the sample answer.. You can also view sample essays with band scores on this page.. Looking at IELTS essay topics with answers is a great way to help you to prepare for ...
IELTS Model Essay -Two Questions Essay Type
The IELTS Writing Task 2 Two Questions Essay: Causes & Positive/Negative Trends. There are a number of different types of IELTS essay questions. There are Opinion Essays, Discussion Essays, Advantage/Disadvantage Essays, Solution (including Cause/ Solution) Essays and there are Direct Question Essays (such as the Two Question Essay).

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Five IELTS 2020 essay questions explained

Podcast Summary : Five recent IELTS 2020 essay questions explained

06:32 – 08:16 The 5 reported IELTS 2020 exam questions that we will look at today (that Shelly has edited to “work”!)