IELTS Writing Task 2 questions 2026: practice topics by theme and type

IELTS Writing has two tasks in 60 minutes. In Task 2, IELTS says, you are given a point of view, argument or problem which you need to discuss. You write an essay of at least 250 words, and IELTS suggests about 40 minutes for it.

Task 2 matters more than Task 1. In IELTS’s own words, Task 2 contributes twice as much as Task 1 to the Writing score. That is why it is worth practising Task 2 most.

Task 2 is in both IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. The length, the time and the weighting are the same in both, so every question on this page works for both tests.

You must write full sentences, not notes or bullet points. IELTS also says you will be penalised if what you write is not related to the topic, so read the question carefully before you plan.

IELTS does not name essay types such as these. We group our questions into five types by what the question asks you to do, because each type needs a different plan.

Opinion (agree or disagree). The question ends “To what extent do you agree or disagree?” Decide how far you agree, say it in your introduction and keep the same view to the end. Read our opinion essay guide.

Discuss both views. The question gives two opinions and ends “Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.” Give each view its own paragraph, then say clearly which view you agree with. See how to discuss both views.

Advantages and disadvantages. The question describes a trend, which means a change that is happening, and asks you to weigh its good and bad sides. Often it asks “Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?” Read the advantages and disadvantages guide, with two annotated samples.

Problem and solution. The question asks what problems something causes, or why it happens, and what can be done. Link each solution to a problem you named. Read the problem and solution guide.

Two-part question. The question asks two different direct questions about one topic, for example why something is happening and whether it is good or bad. Answer both, in order. Read the two-part question guide, with two annotated samples.

Below are two practice questions for each of six themes, with the question type named in bold. The generator at the top of this page has all 60 questions, 10 for each theme.

In the test, every question also ends with this line: “Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.” We leave it out below to save space, but it applies to every question.

Education questions ask about schools, universities, teachers and learning at any age.

Opinion (agree or disagree). Primary schools should stop giving homework, so that young children have more time for play, rest and family life. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Two-part question. In many families, parents pay for private lessons after school for their children, sometimes starting when the children are very young. Why do parents choose to do this? How might it affect children’s lives outside school?

The generator above has 8 more questions on this theme: choose “Education”.

Technology questions ask how phones, the internet, smart devices and artificial intelligence change work and daily life.

Discuss both views. Some people believe that artificial intelligence will create more jobs than it replaces. Others fear that many workers will be left without employment as machines take over their tasks. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Advantages and disadvantages. In many homes, voice assistants and other smart devices now control the lights, the heating and even the weekly shopping list. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?

The generator above has 8 more questions on this theme: choose “Technology”.

Environment questions ask about pollution, transport, energy, water and the weather.

Advantages and disadvantages. In a number of cities, private cars are no longer allowed in the centre, and the streets are being given over to people walking and cycling. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?

Problem and solution. Summers in many cities are becoming hotter, and heatwaves now last longer than they once did. What problems does this cause and what solutions can you suggest?

The generator above has 8 more questions on this theme: choose “Environment”.

Health questions ask about doctors, exercise, food, loneliness and how long people live.

Discuss both views. Some people believe that the government should provide free medical care for everyone. Others think people should pay for at least part of their own treatment. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Two-part question. Many people buy vitamin pills and other health supplements, even when a doctor has not advised them to take any. Why do people do this? Is it a sensible way to spend their money?

The generator above has 8 more questions on this theme: choose “Health”.

Crime questions ask about punishment, the police, the courts and crime on the internet.

Opinion (agree or disagree). Young people who commit minor crimes for the first time should do unpaid work in their community instead of being sent to prison. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Problem and solution. Online fraud, in which criminals trick people into sharing their passwords or bank details, is becoming more common. What problems does this cause and what solutions can you suggest?

The generator above has 8 more questions on this theme: choose “Crime and the law”.

Government questions ask what the state should pay for, control or leave to people.

Discuss both views. Some people believe every adult should receive a basic monthly payment from the government, whether or not they work. Others argue that this money would do more good if it went only to people in need. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Two-part question. Some local governments now let residents vote online on how part of the town’s budget should be spent. Why might a government choose to involve citizens in this way? What difficulties could this approach face?

The generator above has 8 more questions on this theme: choose “Government”.

An examiner marks your essay on the four criteria in the table below, so a good essay needs all four, not just good grammar.

Task response is about the question. An essay with good English can still lose marks here if it does not answer every part of the question.

Coherence and cohesion is about order and linking: one main idea per paragraph, and words such as “however” and “this” that join your ideas. Lexical resource means your vocabulary, and grammatical range and accuracy means your grammar.

To check the length of a practice essay, paste it into our IELTS word counter. It shows at once whether you wrote at least 250 words.