If you’re aiming to score well on the IELTS exam, you already know how important Writing Task 2 is. This section evaluates not only your English language skills but also your ability to construct logical arguments, express opinions, and analyse real-world issues — all within just 40 minutes.
One of the most effective ways to prepare for this part of the test is by familiarizing yourself with common IELTS Writing Task 2 topics. These themes often repeat across exam sessions, sometimes with slight variations. In this blog, we’ll explore the most frequently asked topics, provide sample questions, and share useful strategies to help you write impactful essays.
Common IELTS Writing Task 2 Topics:
While the exact wording of questions may vary, certain themes appear regularly in IELTS exams. Below are the major topics you should be prepared to write about:
- Education
Education continues to be one of the most prominent topics. Essays may ask you to evaluate learning styles, government policies, or equality in education.
Sample Questions:
- Do you agree that classrooms will be replaced by online learning by 2050?
- Education should be free for everyone. Do you agree or disagree?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of studying abroad?
- Should students be encouraged to pursue vocational training instead of university education?
- Health
Health-related topics focus on individual responsibility, healthcare access, and the role of governments in promoting well-being.
Sample Questions:
- Why do older people not exercise enough? What can be done to encourage them?
- Should healthcare be free or privately funded?
- How can governments encourage people to lead healthier lifestyles?
- Do the benefits of medical research outweigh the ethical concerns?
- Technology
Technology essays test your ability to assess innovation and its impact on individuals and society.
Sample Questions:
- TV and video games affect children’s mental health. Agree or disagree?
- Is unrestricted access to information dangerous for society?
- Has technology made people more socially isolated?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of artificial intelligence?
- Government Expenditure
These questions require you to take a stance on how public funds should be allocated across various sectors.
Sample Questions:
- Should arts funding be cut to invest more in education?
- Should governments invest more in public transport or roads?
- Is it better to invest in the military or healthcare?
- Should governments spend money on space exploration?
- Environment
Environmental concerns are a growing focus in IELTS Writing Task 2. Questions often address sustainability, pollution, and conservation.
Sample Questions:
- Is it possible to balance economic growth and environmental protection?
- What causes water pollution and how can we solve it?
- Should individuals or governments be more responsible for environmental protection?
- Is banning single-use plastics an effective way to reduce pollution?
- Sociology and Human Behaviour
These essays explore cultural values, societal expectations, and human interaction in different contexts.
Sample Questions:
- Do you agree that too much pressure is put on children to succeed?
- Without laws, societies cannot function. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- Are traditional gender roles still relevant in today’s society?
- Does advertising influence the way people behave in modern society?
Strategies to Prepare for IELTS Writing Task 2
To excel in Writing Task 2, content preparation is just as important as language accuracy. Here are three essential strategies:
- Stay Updated with Current Events
Essay topics often reflect global issues. Reading news articles and opinion pieces will help you build ideas and form well-rounded arguments.
- Build Topic-Specific Vocabulary
Each theme—such as health, education, or the environment—has its own terminology. Using accurate and varied vocabulary naturally in your writing can significantly boost your lexical resource score.
- Practice Across All Topics
Limiting yourself to a single topic can be risky. Practice essays from different categories to ensure you’re confident with any subject that appears on test day.
Final Thoughts
At Focus Education, we understand that IELTS Writing Task 2 can be challenging — but with the right guidance and consistent practice, success is within your reach. Our expert trainers break down each topic and teach you how to structure high-scoring essays step by step. If you want to master essay structure, boost your vocabulary, and learn strategies tailored to your target band, we invite you to enrol in our IELTS training program.
And here’s something even more exciting: If you choose to pursue your study abroad journey through Focus Education, we’ll pay your IELTS test fee as part of our limited-time offer. Take the first step toward your global future with the right support — join us today and let your success story begin.