Here are 25 IELTS writing topics for Task 2 practice, grouped by theme (education, technology, environment, work, health and society) and written in the question styles the test uses. Remember the format: in IELTS Academic Writing, Task 2 asks you to discuss a point of view, argument or problem in at least 250 words in about 40 minutes, after a 150-word Task 1, within 60 minutes in total.
The fastest way to improve IELTS writing is to practise on realistic questions under realistic timing. It's tempting to read model answers instead, but that's not the same skill. These topics are written in the familiar Task 2 styles: agree or disagree, discuss both views, advantages and disadvantages, problem and solution, and two-part questions. I've grouped them by theme so you can focus on vocabulary for one area at a time, and you'll find each group has a mix of question types.
The IELTS writing format at a glance
| Task 1 | Task 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| What you do | Describe visual information: a graph, table, chart or diagram | Discuss a point of view, argument or problem |
| Minimum length | 150 words | 250 words |
| Suggested time | About 20 minutes | About 40 minutes |
Both tasks must be completed, and the test allows 60 minutes overall. IELTS assesses your writing on four key criteria, including task achievement or response and coherence and cohesion. Coherence and cohesion covers putting ideas in a logical order and using a range of cohesive devices, such as linking words, pronouns and conjunctions. One detail many candidates miss: in Task 2, IELTS says your evidence and examples may come from your own experience.
Education topics
Education is a natural theme for Task 2 practice, and you'll have personal examples to draw on. Aim to give a clear position in your introduction.
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Some people think university education should be free for everyone. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
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Some believe children should start school at age four, while others think seven is better. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
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Online learning is replacing classroom teaching in many places. What are the advantages and disadvantages?
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Many students choose subjects at university based on future job prospects rather than interest. Is this a positive or negative development?
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Should schools teach practical skills such as cooking and household management? Give reasons for your answer.
Technology topics
Technology questions reward precise vocabulary. Avoid vague words like 'things' and 'stuff', and don't overuse 'nowadays'.
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Some people believe that smartphones have made people less sociable. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
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Artificial intelligence is being used to make decisions in many industries. What problems might this cause, and how could they be solved?
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Many people now work from home using technology. Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?
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Some think children should not use the internet without supervision until their teens. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
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Online shopping is growing while high street shops close. Why is this happening, and is it a positive development?
Environment topics
These suit problem and solution questions. Make sure each solution clearly matches a problem you've named.
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Air pollution is a serious problem in many cities. What are the causes, and what measures could governments take?
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Some people think individuals can do nothing about climate change and only governments can. To what extent do you agree?
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Many animal species are disappearing. Why is this happening, and what can be done to protect them?
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Some cities have banned cars from their centres. Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?
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People are producing more rubbish than ever before. What are the causes, and what solutions can you suggest?
Work and economy topics
Several of these are two-part questions. Answer both parts fully; it's easy to forget the second one under time pressure.
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Some people prefer to stay in the same job for many years, while others change jobs often. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
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In many countries, people are retiring later. What are the reasons for this, and is it a good thing?
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Some believe it's better to work for a large company, others for a small one. Discuss both views.
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Many young people want to become social media influencers. Why is this, and is it a positive trend?
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Should companies be required to let employees work flexible hours? Give reasons and examples.
Health and society topics
Broad questions where personal examples, which IELTS allows in Task 2, can make your answer vivid.
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Obesity is increasing in many countries. What are the causes, and what can be done?
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Some people think sport should be compulsory at every level of school. To what extent do you agree?
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In many countries, older people live alone rather than with their families. Why is this, and is it a positive development?
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Some believe that museums and galleries should be free to enter. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
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Many people move from the countryside to cities. What problems does this cause, and how could they be solved?
How to get better IELTS writing scores in practice
- Time yourself strictly: 40 minutes for Task 2 and 20 for Task 1, as the test suggests.
- Write a clear position in your first paragraph and keep it consistent to the end.
- Use one main idea per paragraph, with an example, to support coherence.
- Vary your linking words; IELTS looks for a range of cohesive devices, not 'firstly, secondly' every time.
- Count your words in practice until you can judge 250 by sight on the page.
If you're using AI tools to check your practice essays, my prompt engineering cheat sheet helps you ask for useful feedback, and my list of the best ChatGPT prompts includes ideas for vocabulary practice.
A weekly IELTS writing practice plan
Pick one theme a week. Write two Task 2 essays from that theme under timed conditions, then rewrite one of them the next day, improving one criterion only, such as cohesion or task response. Keep a vocabulary list for the theme as you go. After five weeks, you'll have practised every group above and built vocabulary for five broad themes.
My advice for IELTS writing topics
Don't memorise essays; practise thinking quickly about questions you haven't seen. That's what the test is really measuring. Read every question twice, decide your position in a minute, plan for five, and leave time to check. And use your own experience for examples when it fits, because IELTS allows it and it's often more convincing than an invented statistic.
Frequently asked questions
How many words do I need for IELTS writing?
At least 150 words for Task 1 and at least 250 words for Task 2, according to IELTS.
How long is the IELTS writing test?
60 minutes in total, with about 20 minutes suggested for Task 1 and 40 for Task 2.
Can I use personal examples in IELTS Task 2?
Yes. IELTS says evidence and examples in Task 2 may come from your own experience.
What is coherence and cohesion in IELTS?
How clear and logical your writing is, including ordering ideas and using a range of cohesive devices such as linking words, pronouns and conjunctions.
Which themes does this list cover?
Education, technology, the environment, work and economy, and health and society, with five Task 2 style questions for each.
