IELTS essay topic

In IELTS Writing Task 2, students are asked to write a formal essay of at least 250 words, in 4-5 paragraphs based on the given writing task 2 essay topics. Students should remember that task 2 holds about 66% of the writing task scores, so it is important to prepare well for it. The task is similar for both Academic and General Training with regards to the type of questions and the scoring, but the topics given for General Training will be slightly easier than Academic. In this article, you will get to know about the methods of preparation for the IELTS exam and the tips to follow in order to get a good score.

Table of Contents[Show]

• IELTS Writing Task 2 Assessing elements
  • Task Response
  • Lexical Resource
  • Coherence and Cohesion
  • Grammatical range and accuracy
• Difference between IELTS General Writing Task 2 and Academic Writing Task 2
• IELTS Writing Task 2 Tips (or) IELTS Essay Writing Tips
  • What should you know about Writing Task 2?
  • Plan your essay
• IELTS Essay Types
  • Opinion Essay
  • Discussion Essay
  • Advantage or Disadvantage Essays
  • Solution Essays
  • Direct Question Essays
• IELTS Writing Task 2 Topics with Answers
• Academic IELTS Writing Task 2 Topics with Sample Essays

IELTS Writing Task 2 Assessing elements

You are assessed based on the following four criteria:

• Task response
• Lexical resource
• Coherence and Cohesion
• Grammatical range and accuracy

Task Response

This criterion checks the relevance of your answer. For example, if the essay topic is: Question: Everyone should adopt a vegetarian diet because eating meat can cause serious health problems. To what extent do you agree or disagree? If the answer is about health problems caused because of leading a sedentary lifestyle, then task response goes for a toss.For task response, your answer should revolve around the health problems caused because of eating meat ( if you are agreeing) .

Lexical Resource

This criterion checks your vocabulary For example, if the essay topic is: Question: Everyone should adopt a vegetarian diet because eating meat can cause serious health problems. To what extent do you agree or disagree? For example, Your answer should use complex words in the right context.

Coherence and Cohesion

This criterion checks how well the essay is organised using a range of linking words. For example, Question: In some countries young people are encouraged to work or travel for a year between finishing high school and starting university studies. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages for young people who decided to do this. The advantages must be explained in one paragraph and the disadvantages in the other. If mixed up, there is no coherence.For Coherence,

For Cohesion, The ideas must be linked logically,....

Grammatical range and accuracy

This criterion checks your grammar.

Difference between IELTS General Writing Task 2 and Academic Writing Task 2

• Essays in IELTS Academic will be slightly tougher than in IELTS General.
• The choice of topics will vary between the two. IELTS Academic will have complex topics whereas IELTS General will have comparatively simpler ones.

IELTS Writing Task 2 Tips (or) IELTS Essay Writing Tips

IELTS writing task 2 is the second part of the two writing tasks and is one of the most challenging parts of the IELTS test. Most students also find it to be more difficult compared to Writing task 1.

What should you know about Writing Task 2?

• You will be allotted 40 minutes to complete this task.
• The essay should comprise of 4-5 paragraphs including the introduction and conclusion.
• DO NOT compose too many body paragraphs. Around 2-3 body paragraphs would be sufficient.
• Use proper grammar/vocab to convey your ideas or points. (e.g.) Words used to give reasons because, due to. (or) words used to contradict points however, but, although.

Plan your essay

1. Identify what is asked in the question.

• Do you have to write for both sides or do you have to choose a side?
• Do you have to provide answers to all the questions?
• Do you have to convey only the advantages and disadvantages or do you have to give an opinion?

2. Brainstorm the main points. 3. Construct your paragraphs.

• Gather your supporting points for your central idea of each paragraph with examples.

4. Check your Task Response

• Check on the number of questions asked. Did you answer it all?
• Were you told to choose a side? Did you choose a side?
• Do all your paragraphs focus on one central topic/idea?
• Do these ideas have supporting points and answers?
• Remember that you arent being assessed for your knowledge but your ability to put your thoughts through in an essay using the English Language. Although relevancy is one of the factors youre assessed upon, it isnt the only factor. Do not spend too much time on making the content perfect!

Click to get more tips to improve your writing skills.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIGGWXFKxC0

IELTS Essay Types

The common types of essays may be based on direct questions, discussions, advantages or disadvantages, solutions, opinions and so on. It may vary from one teacher to another based on how comfortable they are in transferring the knowledge that they have. Each essay type in IELTS Writing task 2 has a dedicated structure.

Opinion Essay

An opinion essay is an essay in which you have to explain the given topic based on the opinion that you have regarding that topic. How to plan your opinion essay:

• Read the question properly and pick a side/opinion.
• Figure out why you have that opinion.
• Know the reasons behind your opinion and use them as main points.
• List out your supporting reasons + examples.

Example question for an opinion essay: Many people say that the only way to guarantee a good job is to complete a course in university education. Others claim that it is better to start work after school and gain experience in the world of work. How far do you agree or disagree with the above views? Give a reason for your answer and include any relevant examples from your knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words.

Discussion Essay

In the discussion essay, the topic along with two opposing statements are given. You are asked to discuss both the opposing statements and give supporting points for both the statements. Do not give your opinion unless it's been asked. How to plan your discussion essay:

• Read the question properly and understand if you've got to give an opinion.
  • If you don't, think about the main ideas revolving around both the statements.
  • If you do, think about the opinion and the main ideas linking to that opinion.
• Ponder on the supporting points and examples related to the main idea.

Example question for a discussion essay: Some people prefer to directly help or support people who need it in the local community, however, others prefer to give money to national or international charities. Discuss both views and give your own opinion. Write at least 250 words.

Advantage or Disadvantage Essays

In this type of essay, a topic is given and you'll be asked to write for and against that particular topic. Discuss the positive and negative points of the essay topic. However, sometimes you may be asked to state your opinion too. In such cases, you should use another body paragraph to explain your opinion. How to plan your advantages/disadvantages essay:

• Read the question properly and understand if you've got to give an opinion.
• Make a list of the advantages and disadvantages that you want to write about in your essay.
• Make a list of points supporting each advantage or disadvantage.
• If you're supposed to give an opinion, make sure you have reasons to support your opinions.

Example of an advantages/disadvantages question: Some people think that youngsters should be required to do unpaid work helping people in the community. Are disadvantages of this requirement greater than the benefits for the community and individuals? Write at least 250 words.

Solution Essays

In solution essays, the topic will be given regarding normal problems or issues people face and you'll be asked to give the solution. Sometimes the question may also be why this particular issue happened and you may be asked to give your opinions based on the issues. How to plan a problem solution essay:

• Make a list of the problems related to the topic given. 2-3 problems can be taken up.
• The solutions to these problems should be addressed.
• Construct your paragraphs in such a way that the problems are in one paragraph and solutions in the other (or) paragraphs consisting of a problem and solution.

Example of a cause-solution essay: People today do not feel safe either at home or when they are out. What are the causes? What are the solutions? Write at least 250 words.

Direct Question Essays

These essays are slightly difficult when compared to other type of essays, as you won't be given a direct task but some general questions and based on these questions you'll have to answer the essay. You can give different paragraphs for all the general questions. How to plan a direct question essay:

• Read the questions given.
• Focus on each question separately.
• Figure out an answer for each question separately.
• These answers should have a main point, supporting points to your main point and examples.
• Recheck if all the questions are answered before you begin writing the answer.

Example of a direct question essay: The world natural resources are consumed at an ever-increased rate. What are the dangers of this situation? What should we do? Write at least 250 words. Now that you have got an idea of how to score well in IELTS Task 2, go ahead and practice the following elements which help you to score the high band in the test.

IELTS Writing Task 2 Topics with Answers

Below is the list of IELTS Writing Task 2 Topics with Answers which you can refer to for the exam.

• Topic: Family
• Topic: Press, news on internet & newspapers
• Topic: Families
• Topic - Environment
• Topic: Internet
• Topic: News Media
• Topic: Aging Population
• Topic: Art & Technology
• Topic: Career
• Topic: Dangerous Sports
• Topic: Technology
• Topic: Travel & Tourism
• IELTS Writing Task 2 Topic in 2018 with Sample Essay
• Topic: International Car-free Days & Sample Essay
• Topic: Traffic
• Topic: Transportation
• Topic: TV or Radio
• Topic: Communication Technology
• Topic: Living in Campus
• Topic: Crime
• Collocations - Topic: The Environment
• Useful Collocations - Topic: Government

Trending Essay Topics

• Every year several languages die out
• Some People Think That Parents Should Teach Children How to be Good Members of Society
• Happiness is considered very important in life
• In some countries the average weight of people is increasing
• Young people are encouraged to work or travel for a year between finishing high school
• Research Indicates That the Characteristics We are Born With Have Much More Influence On Our Personality

Academic IELTS Writing Task 2 Topics with Sample Essays

Below is the list of Academic IELTS Writing Task 2 Topics with Sample Essays:

• Topic 01: Media
• Topic 02: Successful Sports Professionals
• Topic 03:Smoking
• Topic 04: Children today play very violent games
• Topic 05:The birth rate in most developed countries
• Topic 06: Many families find it necessary for both parents go out to work
• Topic 07: Women and men are commonly seen as having different strength and weaknesses
• Topic 08: Increase in violent crime among youngsters
• Topic 09: Good Job
• Topic 10: Different medical traditions
• Topic 11:Need to prepare for tests and examinations
• Topic 12: Eating Fish
• Topic 13:Concerned about the number of children who are overweight
• Topic 14: Freedom of Speech
• Topic: Aging Population
• Topic: Architecture & History
• Topic: Digital Communication
• Topic: Economic Development
• Topic: Education
• Topic: Environment
• Topic: Food & Transport
• Topic: Government
• Topic: Newspapers
• Topic: Sports
• Topic: Television & Children
• Topic: Economic Growth

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Writing Task 2?

In writing task 2 of the IELTS module, you will have to write an essay of more than 250 words. You will get up to 40 minutes to complete this task. The academic writing task will have slightly complex topics. The topics in the General module will be easier than Academic.

What types of essays will I get in writing task 2?

There are different types of essays that you will get in this section. The list includes discussion essays, opinion essays, solution essays, advantage/disadvantage essays, and direct question essays.

Should I give my opinion in Task 2?

You should only give your opinion in opinion essays and in instances where you are asked for opinions. For instance, if anything states "Do you agree or disagree?" This type of question is clearly asking for your opinion. Dont give your opinion if it has not been asked for.

Do I need to write a conclusion in Task 2?

Yes, a conclusion is absolutely necessary for Task 2. A good conclusion is not another summary of the information you put together in the essay. However, it also emphasises the key points of your thoughts.

Is Task 2 related to Task 1?

No, Task 2 and Task 1 are in no way related. Both of these sections have different sets of questions with varying instructions and requirements. Hence, you would have to prepare for them differently.

How to get a high band in IELTS Writing?

The grading factors for IELTS Writing Task 2 are Coherence, Task Response, Grammatical Range and Lexical resource. Focus on these factors while you do the task to obtain the score.

Can I write more than 250 words for Task 2?

You absolutely can do so as there is no upper limit of the words given in the examination. However, while doing so, you must make sure you complete the task on time, allowing yourself time to check too.

Is it possible for me to spend more than 40 minutes on this task?

You can decide upon the length of time that could be spent on completing this task. However, make sure that you keep the timing below 40 minutes and not go beyond it.

What is the difference between academic writing task 2 and general writing task 2?

There is only a little difference between academic writing task 2 and general writing task 2. Both of these have almost similar topics with the same techniques and topics. The only difference is that general writing task 2 is quite easier than academic writing task 2.

How much is writing task 2 worth it?

In comparison to writing task 1, the writing task 2 is double the worth. Hence, you should ensure that you are taking up the entire 40 minutes wisely so as to not leave anything behind.