Latest IELTS Writing Task 2 Topics With Sample Answers

What do most students worry about when it comes to the IELTS Writing section? IELTS writing task 2 topics. And there’s a reason why.

IELTS Writing Task 2 is the second part of your written exam—and it carries more weight in scoring than Task 1. You’ll need to write a formal essay of at least 250 words in about 40 minutes. This task checks how clearly you express ideas, build arguments, and support them with formal, structured writing—whether you take the Academic or General IELTS.

There are different IELTS essay types—opinion, discussion, problem-solution, advantages-disadvantages, and double-question. Each one comes with its own structure and writing approach.

So how can you prepare effectively? This blog is here to help.

We’ve compiled the most recent IELTS Writing Task 2 topics 2025, with band 8 sample answers, clear essay structures, and practice questions with answers. 

Use this guide to improve your essay writing strategy and feel more confident on test day.

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IELTS Writing Task 2 – Highlights

Feature	Details
Task Type	Formal essay writing
Minimum Word Count	250 words (don’t write less)
Time Limit	40 minutes
Common Topics	Education, technology, work, social media, environment
Scoring Areas	Task response, flow of ideas, vocabulary, grammar
Same in Academic & General	Yes – structure stays the same

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IELTS Writing Task 2 is scored out of 9 bands across four key areas. Each area—task response, coherence, vocabulary, and grammar—is graded from Band 1 to 9. Your final score is the average of all four. A Band 7 means you answered all parts of the question well, used clear ideas, and had only a few grammar or vocabulary errors. Band 8+ needs strong arguments, smooth flow, precise vocabulary, and very few mistakes.

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Latest IELTS Task 2 Topics With Sample Answers – Opinion Essays

When you see the words “Do you agree or disagree?” in your IELTS Writing Task 2, it’s an opinion essay. You choose a side and explain your reasoning. These essays are straightforward but require clarity, logic, and proper structure.

Opinion-Based IELTS Writing Task 2 Topics (2025)

Essay Topic	Essay Type
Social media is damaging real human connection. Do you agree?	Opinion
Increasing fuel prices is the best way to control traffic. Agree or disagree?	Opinion
Public health deserves more funding than sports events. Do you agree?	Opinion
Online education is equally effective as classroom learning. Agree or disagree?	Opinion

These prompts often appear in both IELTS Academic and General papers. You don’t need deep subject knowledge. You need a strong stance, clear logic, and relevant examples.

Sample Answer Plan: Social Media and Relationships

Prompt: Social media is damaging real human connection. Do you agree?

Plan:

• Intro: Rephrase the topic and state your view (agree).
• Paragraph 1: Reduced face-to-face communication; people interact more on screens than in person.
• Paragraph 2: Leads to shallow conversations and lower emotional depth in relationships.
• Conclusion: Restate opinion, briefly summarize both points.

This structure keeps your essay focused. Avoid switching sides or adding unrelated points. Review a high-scoring IELTS writing task 2 band 8 sample to see how top answers stay clear and relevant.

Latest IELTS Writing Task 2 Topics With Answers for Discussion Essay

Many IELTS writing task 2 topics ask you to look at two sides of an issue. These are discussion essays. Your task is to compare them and clearly state your opinion.

Real Discussion Essay IELTS Writing Task 2 Topics (2025)

Prompt	Focus
Some people think universities should prepare students for jobs. Others believe their role is to focus on research. Discuss both views and give your opinion.	Higher education
Many feel that working from home improves performance. Others believe it weakens team connection. Discuss both views and share your opinion.	Remote work
Some say advertising manipulates people. Others say it helps buyers make informed choices. Discuss both sides and state your view.	Consumer behaviour
Some argue that elderly care should be the government’s responsibility. Others believe it should fall to families. Discuss both views and give your opinion.	Public vs. private roles

How to Handle Both Sides Without Losing Your Point

Strong discussion essays follow a structure that doesn’t confuse the reader:

• Start with a clear intro: Don’t list both views in full. Just introduce the topic and what the essay covers.
• Present one side with logic: Explain the argument and give one real-world example.
• Then cover the other side: Keep it balanced.
• Take a stand: Your opinion should be clear—not in the middle. Choose a side and justify it.
• Wrap it up well: Use your conclusion to bring clarity.

This format works for both IELTS Academic and General writing tasks.

Band 8 Essay Sample – Remote Work vs. Office Teams

Prompt:
Some believe working from home increases productivity. Others think it reduces collaboration. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Answer:

“The rise of remote work has changed how people define productivity. While many praise its flexibility, others raise concerns about team dynamics.

Supporters of remote work point to fewer distractions, flexible hours, and better work–life balance. It also reduces commuting stress and often leads to faster task completion. For example, several IT firms now use remote teams to handle global projects with consistent delivery.

On the other hand, collaboration can suffer when people aren’t in the same space. Important context often gets lost in texts and video calls. For jobs that require brainstorming or shared decision-making, being physically present can help teams move faster and with fewer misunderstandings.

Personally, I believe the nature of work should decide the mode. Routine, individual tasks benefit from remote setups. Team-based creative work, however, needs in-person interaction. A blended approach can offer the best of both worlds.

To conclude, both views hold weight. The right solution depends on the job, the team, and the tools available. Flexibility should lead the conversation.”

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Problem and Solution IELTS Writing Task 2 Topics With Answers

In many IELTS writing task 2 topics, you're asked to solve a problem. These essays are common in both Academic and General Training, and often focus on real-world issues that test your ability to think logically and offer practical ideas.

IELTS Writing Task 2 Topics - Problem–Solution Essay Questions

Topic Prompt	Main Issue
More people now live in cities than in rural areas. This has caused housing and transport problems. What are the problems, and how can they be solved?	Urban planning
Many young people today spend too much time on smartphones. What problems does this cause, and what solutions can you suggest?	Tech addiction
Obesity rates have increased sharply among children in many countries. What are the reasons, and what can be done?	Child health
Increasing crime among teenagers is a concern in urban areas. What are the causes, and how can communities respond?	Youth crime

These topics appear regularly across IELTS essay writing topics and answers, especially when the focus is on public health, technology, or city life.

How to Plan a Two-Paragraph Problem–Solution Essay

Here’s a simple structure that works for nearly every IELTS writing task 2 problem–solution topic:

• Introduction: Briefly state the issue without repeating the full prompt. Keep it concise.
• Paragraph 1: Focus on the problem. Explain why it exists. Add one supporting example or real-life context.
• Paragraph 2: Suggest 1–2 realistic solutions. Avoid vague advice. Explain how each one can work in practice.
• Conclusion: Reinforce your main idea without restating everything.

Example Plan – Youth and Smartphone Overuse

Prompt:
Many young people today spend too much time on smartphones. What problems does this cause, and what solutions can you suggest?

Plan:

• Intro: Brief intro stating concern about excessive smartphone use among youth.
• Problem Paragraph: Reduced attention span, sleep issues, and poor real-world social skills.
• Solution Paragraph: Digital education in schools, screen time limits set by parents, and community-led activities that promote offline engagement.
• Conclusion: Reinforce the idea that early intervention and awareness can reduce long-term harm.

Use IELTS writing task 2 topics with solutions to practise with real examples. The more practical your suggestions, the higher your task response score.

Advantage and Disadvantage IELTS Writing Task 2 Topics With Answers

IELTS writing task 2 topics often ask you to weigh both sides of an issue. These advantages and disadvantages essays don’t require a strong opinion—but they do demand balance, clarity, and good organization.

These questions are popular in both Academic and General IELTS and often appear in topics like technology, lifestyle, and education.

Recent IELTS Advantage–Disadvantage Essay Topics (2025)

Essay Prompt	Focus
Social media is widely used by people of all ages. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this trend?	Digital habits
Remote working has become more common in many industries. Discuss the benefits and drawbacks.	Workplace change
Using public transport is promoted by governments. What are the pros and cons of relying on it daily?	Urban mobility
Studying abroad has become a goal for many students. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this trend?	Education abroad

These are drawn from real patterns in IELTS writing task 2 recent topics 2025. You’ll find them in both test formats with slight wording changes.

How to Structure an IELTS Advantages and Disadvantages Essay

This format works well and keeps your writing focused:

• Introduction: Rephrase the topic and mention that you’ll discuss both sides.
• Paragraph 1: Discuss two key advantages. Use one example if possible.
• Paragraph 2: Present two disadvantages with brief explanations.
• Conclusion: Summarize both sides and optionally state which side seems stronger.

Avoid vague ideas like “there are many good and bad sides.” Be specific, relevant, and realistic.

Sample Structure – Social Media Use

Prompt:
Social media is widely used by people of all ages. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this trend?

Plan:

• Advantages:
  • Easy communication with friends and family
  • Access to real-time news and learning opportunities
• Disadvantages:
  • Online addiction and reduced attention span
  • Spread of misinformation and privacy risks

Conclusion: While social media has changed communication for the better, users must be aware of its effects and use it wisely.

Direct Question or Double Question IELTS Writing Task 2 Topics With Answers

Some IELTS writing task 2 topics don’t ask for an opinion or a comparison. Instead, they give you two separate questions to answer. These are called Direct Question or Double Question essays.

You’ll usually find one question about causes, reasons, or beliefs—and the second about outcomes, solutions, or personal views.

These are common in the latest IELTS writing task 2 recent topics 2025, especially in education, culture, and lifestyle themes.

Common Double Question Topics for IELTS Writing Task 2 (2025 Style)

Essay Prompt	What It Asks
Many students choose to study abroad. Why do they do this? What are the benefits of studying in another country?	Motivation + Outcome
Some people think job satisfaction is more important than salary. Why is this the case? Do you agree or disagree?	Reason + Opinion
Young people today change jobs more often than in the past. Why is this happening? Is this a positive or negative trend?	Cause + Evaluation
Many parents allow young children to use tablets and smartphones. Why is this happening? What is your opinion on this trend?	Social reason + Opinion

These topics show up frequently in IELTS task 2 academic vs general papers. Unlike opinion essays, you’re answering two specific questions with clarity and examples.

How to Answer Both Parts Without Confusion

What’s important here is separation. Don’t blend both answers in one paragraph. Use this structure:

• Intro: Rephrase the topic. Briefly state what the essay will cover.
• Body Paragraph 1: Answer the first question directly, with an example.
• Body Paragraph 2: Answer the second question. Give a reason and support it.
• Conclusion: Bring both answers together and reinforce your view, if needed.

Sample Body Paragraph – Why Do Students Study Abroad?

Many students choose to study overseas for better academic and career prospects. Degrees from universities in countries like the UK or Canada often carry more global recognition than local alternatives. For instance, a student graduating with a business degree from the University of Toronto may find it easier to get a job in international firms than someone with a similar degree from a regional college in India.

This paragraph answers the “why” part of the question clearly—with a topic sentence, explanation, and real-world example.

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IELTS Writing Task 2 Topics With Answers by Category – 2025 List

Below is a curated list of IELTS writing task 2 topics organized by theme. These reflect the kind of prompts students are seeing in IELTS writing task 2 recent topics 2025 across Academic and General Training tests.

Use this list to find the areas you struggle with and start building focused practice using IELTS writing task 2 topics with answers and band 8 sample responses.

IELTS Essay Topics by Category

Category	Sample Questions
Education	- Some believe schools should teach financial literacy. Do you agree? - Is academic pressure harming student well-being? - Should universities focus more on job readiness or research?
Environment	- What are the causes of plastic pollution, and how can it be controlled? - Should governments ban cars in city centres to reduce air pollution? - Do individuals or governments bear more responsibility for environmental protection?
Society	- Many think public services should be free for all. What are the pros and cons? - How has social media changed the way people form opinions? - Should voting be mandatory in democratic societies?
Technology & Media	- Does social media improve or damage communication skills? - Should children be restricted from using smartphones? - How has online news changed the way people consume information?
Family	- Some say both parents should work full-time. Do you agree? - Is it better for children to grow up in joint families or nuclear families? - Should parenting classes be mandatory before having a child?
Business	- Is it more important for a company to make profit or focus on employee well-being? - Should large corporations be taxed more heavily? - Is entrepreneurship promoted enough in schools?
Food & Nutrition	- Should governments impose higher taxes on fast food? - Why are traditional diets disappearing in modern societies? - Is it the government's job to ensure people eat healthily?
Urbanization	- What problems do cities face due to overpopulation, and how can they be solved? - Should more green spaces be created in cities? - Is the shift from rural to urban areas a positive trend?

Sample Band 8 Essay – Recently Asked IELTS Writing Task 2 Topics With Answers

Many IELTS writing task 2 topics in 2025 focus on modern issues like digital habits, lifestyle shifts, and education. Below is a Band 8 model essay based on a real trend in recent IELTS tests. 

Essay Prompt

Some people believe that students should not be allowed to use smartphones in school. Others think that smartphones are useful learning tools. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Introduction

The role of smartphones in education is widely debated. While some argue that phones distract students from learning, others see them as powerful tools for access to information and interactive learning. This essay will examine both views before presenting a reasoned opinion.

Body Paragraph 1 – Arguments Against Smartphone Use

Many believe that allowing smartphones in school leads to distractions and discipline issues. Students often use devices to browse social media or play games during class, which directly impacts attention span and learning outcomes. For example, a 2024 study by the National School Survey in India showed that classrooms with open phone access had 27% lower test scores than phone-restricted environments. Critics also worry about cyberbullying and overdependence on screens at a young age.

Useful transitions: Many believe that..., For example..., Critics also worry...

Body Paragraph 2 – Arguments Supporting Smartphone Use

On the other hand, supporters point out the academic benefits of smartphones when used with guidance. Educational apps, language tools, and instant access to research materials can make lessons more engaging and effective. In tech-forward classrooms, teachers use apps like Kahoot or Google Classroom to boost participation and personalize learning. Moreover, smartphones can aid students with learning difficulties through voice-to-text features or translation tools.

Useful transitions: On the other hand..., Moreover..., Supporters point out...

Conclusion

Both views present valid concerns. However, with proper rules and monitoring, smartphones can support learning rather than distract from it. Schools should focus on teaching responsible digital use rather than banning technology entirely.

Concluding phrases: Both views..., However..., Schools should focus on...

Need more help on Writing Task 2? Here’s a guide to IELTS Writing Task 2

Also explore: IELTS Writing Task 1 tips

Vocabulary to Use in IELTS Writing Task 2 – By Essay Type

To score well, especially on IELTS writing task 2 topics, you need academic phrases and topic-relevant vocabulary. Below are common words and collocations organized by essay type, with usage examples to help you apply them naturally.

IELTS Writing Task 2 Vocabulary for Opinion Essays 

Word/Phrase	How to Use It in a Sentence
I firmly believe	I firmly believe that public transport should be made free.
It is widely believed that	It is widely believed that online education lacks personal interaction.
From my perspective	From my perspective, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.
Support the argument	This data supports the argument for remote learning.

IELTS Writing Task 2 Vocabulary for Discussion Essays

Word/Phrase	How to Use It in a Sentence
Some argue that	Some argue that advertising manipulates consumers.
Others claim that	Others claim that it helps people make informed choices.
On balance	On balance, both views highlight key social concerns.
A balanced approach	A balanced approach is required to evaluate both positions.

IELTS Writing Task 2 Vocabulary for Problem–Solution Essays

Word/Phrase	How to Use It in a Sentence
One major issue	One major issue facing urban centres is overcrowding.
A possible solution	A possible solution is to promote public transport use.
Tackling this problem requires	Tackling this problem requires collaboration between sectors.
Implementing strict policies	Implementing strict policies can control pollution effectively.

IELTS Writing Task 2 Vocabulary for Advantages–Disadvantages Essays

Word/Phrase	How to Use It in a Sentence
A clear advantage	A clear advantage of online learning is flexibility.
On the downside	On the downside, it can reduce real-time engagement.
The benefits outweigh the drawbacks	The benefits of studying abroad outweigh the drawbacks.
Potential risk	One potential risk is exposure to unreliable online content.

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Tips to Improve IELTS Writing Task 2 Score in 2025

For scoring well in IELTS writing task 2 topics, you need focus, structure, vocabulary, and timed practice. Here are key strategies every test-taker should follow:

IELTS Writing Task 2 Tips for Indian Students

Tip	Why It Works
Plan Before You Write	Spend 3–5 minutes outlining your intro, body paragraphs, and conclusion. This prevents repetition and keeps your essay focused.
Use Topic-Specific Vocabulary	Words like carbon emissions (environment) or distance learning (education) show depth and relevance—key for Band 7+.
Write Strong Introductions & Conclusions	A sharp intro frames your argument early. A purposeful conclusion reinforces your position and closes the essay with clarity.
Know the Band Descriptors	IELTS scores are based on Task Response, Coherence, Vocabulary, and Grammar. Read what Band 7+ really means—then aim for it.
Practise Under Exam Conditions	Simulate real test timing. Write one full essay in 40 minutes using a topic from IELTS writing task 2 recent topics 2025.
Review and Edit Your Work	If you're practising at home, use your last 5 minutes to check sentence clarity, connector use, and grammar range.

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