✍️ Task 2149 questions5 types

IELTS Writing Task 2 essay questions.

About this task

Task 2 is the 250-word essay, and it counts twice as much as Task 1 toward your Writing band. You're handed a position, a problem, or a pair of views and asked to argue it in formal academic English. The five essay types below each reward a different structure — pick the one you want to drill, or work straight down the full list.

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Opinion (Agree / Disagree)

Agree-or-disagree IELTS Writing Task 2 questions. Take one clear position and defend it across the whole essay.

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Discuss both views

Discuss-both-views (and give your own opinion) IELTS Writing Task 2 questions.

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Problem & solution

Problem-and-solution (and cause/effect) IELTS Writing Task 2 questions.

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Advantages & disadvantages

Advantages-and-disadvantages IELTS Writing Task 2 questions, including 'do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?'.

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Two-part question

Two-part / direct-question IELTS Writing Task 2 prompts with two questions you must both answer.

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All Task 2 questions

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Task 2🌳 EnvironmentProblem & solution🔥 Hot

IELTS Writing Task 2 essay questions.

Browse by type

Opinion (Agree / Disagree)

Discuss both views

Problem & solution

Advantages & disadvantages

Two-part question

All Task 2 questions

“Tropical deforestation in countries like Brazil and Indonesia continues at an alarming rate. What are the causes, and what can be done?”

“Air quality in many major cities is dangerously poor. What are the causes, and what can be done?”

“Many parents struggle to limit their children's screen time. What are the causes, and what can be done?”

“Recycling at home has little impact compared to corporate action. To what extent do you agree?”

“Many workers hide mental-health problems from their employers. What are the causes, and what can be done?”

“Misinformation on the internet is becoming a serious threat to democracy. To what extent do you agree?”

“Many historic cities are damaged by overtourism. What are the causes, and what can be done?”

“Artificial intelligence will replace many human jobs in the coming decades. Is this a positive or negative development?”

“Some argue that companies should switch to a four-day working week. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?”

“Social media has changed the way people debate politics. Are the effects mainly positive or negative?”

“Some people argue that climate change is the responsibility of individuals, while others think only governments can solve it. Discuss both views and give your opinion.”

“In many countries, families are having fewer children than they did in the past. What are the causes, and what effects does this have on society?”

“Some say university should be free for all. Others say students should pay tuition. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.”

“Mental health problems among young people are increasing. What are the causes, and what solutions can you suggest?”

“Some experts believe children should start learning a foreign language at primary school. To what extent do you agree?”

“More people are working from home rather than the office. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?”

“Some people believe smartphones are damaging social interaction. Do you agree or disagree?”

“The most important aim of science should be to improve people's lives. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?”

“Many manufactured food and drink products contain high levels of sugar, which causes many health problems. Sugary products should be made more expensive to encourage people to consume less sugar. 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 the advantages of driverless vehicles outweigh the disadvantages?”

“Some people think that competition at work, at school and in daily life is a good thing. Others believe that we should try to cooperate more, rather than competing against each other. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.”

“In their advertising, businesses nowadays usually emphasise that their products are new in some way. Why is this? Do you think it is a positive or negative development?”

“In some countries, more and more people are becoming interested in finding out about the history of the house or building they live in. What are the reasons for this? How can people research this?”

“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?”

“In many countries around the world, rural people are moving to cities, so the population in the countryside is decreasing. Do you think this is a positive or a negative development?”

“Some university students want to learn about other subjects in addition to their main subjects. Others believe it is more important to give all their time and attention to studying for a qualification. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.”

“Some people believe that professionals, such as doctors and engineers, should be required to work in the country where they did their training. Others believe they should be free to work in another country if they wish. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.”

“Antibiotic resistance is becoming a serious global threat. What are the main causes, and what can be done?”

“Many young people now trust influencers more than traditional advertising. Is this a positive or negative trend?”

“Cryptocurrencies could one day replace traditional currencies. To what extent do you agree?”

“Many adults in developed countries do not get enough sleep. What are the causes, and what can be done?”

“Some believe standardised tests are the fairest way to assess students, while others argue they fail to measure real ability. Discuss both views.”

“Virtual reality may one day replace international travel. To what extent do you agree?”

“Some argue major decisions should be made by referendum rather than by elected officials. To what extent do you agree?”

“Some believe public protests are an essential part of democracy; others say they cause too much disruption. Discuss both views.”

“In many workplaces, older employees now report to younger managers. What problems does this create, and what can be done?”

“Some argue multinational companies should pay tax in every country where they operate, not just where they are based. To what extent do you agree?”

“Some argue cities should be designed for pedestrians, not cars. To what extent do you agree?”

“Self-driving cars will be common within a decade. What are the advantages and disadvantages?”

“High-rise buildings are the only practical solution to urban housing shortages. To what extent do you agree?”

“Many cities are growing so large that they face serious infrastructure problems. What are the main causes, and what can be done?”

“Some say families should look after elderly relatives, while others believe this is the state's responsibility. Discuss both views.”

“Some argue widespread CCTV cameras make cities safer; others say they invade privacy. Discuss both views and give your opinion.”

“Some governments invest huge sums in space research while others say the money should be spent on Earth-bound problems. Discuss both views.”

“Traditional cuisines are disappearing under the influence of international fast-food chains. To what extent do you agree?”

“Some argue all children should be required to be vaccinated; others believe parents should choose. Discuss both views.”

“In many countries, the gap between rich and poor is growing. What are the causes, and what can be done?”

“Some argue remote work damages team cohesion and company culture. To what extent do you agree?”

“Today's young workers change careers more often than previous generations. What are the causes, and is this a positive or negative trend?”

“Many people find it impossible to disconnect from their devices, even on holiday. What are the causes, and what can be done?”

“Some argue that reducing meat consumption is essential for the environment. Do you agree, and what can governments do?”

“A university degree no longer guarantees a good job. Do you agree, and what should young people do instead?”

“Some predict that teachers will eventually be replaced by educational technology. To what extent do you agree?”

“Many believe that schools should focus more on life skills such as cooking, budgeting, and basic law. To what extent do you agree?”

“Some argue that cities need more parks and green spaces, even if that means less housing. Do you agree or disagree?”

“The rise of the gig economy means more workers have no fixed employer. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?”

“In modern cities, many people feel isolated despite being surrounded by others. What are the causes, and what can be done?”

“International travel has many cultural benefits, but its environmental cost is enormous. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?”

“Recent years have seen the rise of commercial space tourism. Is this a positive or negative development for society?”

“Some say workers should specialise in one career for life; others believe people should change careers several times. Discuss both views.”

“Some governments set a minimum wage to protect workers. Others argue it harms small businesses. Discuss both sides and give your view.”

“News programmes increasingly resemble entertainment. Is this a positive or negative development?”

“Sedentary lifestyles are leading to a rise in serious diseases. What are the causes, and what can be done?”

“Some people believe renewable energy will completely replace fossil fuels within a generation. To what extent do you agree?”

“Mass tourism has changed many local cultures beyond recognition. To what extent do you agree?”

“More university students are choosing to study online rather than attend a physical campus. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this trend?”

“Some people believe that children should start formal education as early as possible. Others think they should not begin until at least age seven. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.”

“Some experts argue that homework should be banned for primary-school children. To what extent do you agree or disagree?”

“People spend less time with extended family. Why is this happening, and is it a positive or negative change?”

“City centres are unaffordable. The only fair fix is to limit luxury housing. To what extent do you agree?”

“Plastic waste threatens marine life. What are the causes, and what can governments do?”

“Some argue people should work for themselves rather than for large companies. Do you agree?”