IELTS Essays | IELTS Preparation | Writing Skills
The IELTS General Training and Academic Writing Task 2 uses specific criteria to determine the candidate's final band score.
- Task Response checks if the candidate can cover every part of the task well, showing a clear opinion throughout the response.
- Coherence and Cohesion are about how well the candidate can arrange ideas logically and use linking words to connect ideas and paragraphs easily.
- Lexical Resource assesses the range of vocabulary used and its appropriateness to the task.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy evaluate the variety and correctness of the candidate's grammar.
To get high band scores (8-9), candidates must do well in all these areas, showing they can write well and share ideas clearly and cohesively.
Latest IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay Question Examples
Sample Answer
It is widely acknowledged that manufacturing and production leads to pollution of the environment. With an increase in the demand for consumer goods, it is highly likely that such pollution will increase correspondingly.
While much progress has been made in recent decades in terms of cleaning up many industrial and manufacturing processes, it is an inescapable fact that the production of consumer goods creates pollution and uses valuable natural resources. It is only logical that any increase in demand for such goods will lead to further pollution, in spite of efforts to eliminate harmful environmental impacts caused by such activities.
For example, energy has to be consumed in the production of goods, and this requires the use of fossil fuels or other fuel sources, all of which, generally, have a negative impact on the environment, either through their extraction from the earth, or the byproducts such as harmful gases resulting from power generation. Rivers and streams can also easily be polluted by waste water discharges and other production processes from industrial plants.
While many measures have been taken, such as stricter legislation against environmental pollution, by industry and manufacturers, even if pollution is minimal, any increase in production will still result in more pollution. While technology has also helped to clean up certain manufacturing processes, the extraction, production, and use of raw materials leads to further pollution.
The only real solution, apart from recycling much more of the material we use, is to consume fewer consumer goods. This is the most obvious action which would lead to a direct reduction in the amount of pollution generated. However, clearly, such an option is bad for business, and is contrary to the current consumerism-based economy which many countries operate.
Responsible consumerism requires both producers and consumers to be aware of the environmental impact which the production and consumption of goods generates, and to attempt to maintain any adverse environmental impact and pollution to an absolute minimum.
5 IELTS Essay Types
IELTS Opinion Essay
These essay questions ask for the writer's own opinion on a particular subject, which should be clearly expressed and backed by reasons and relevant examples. The specific task often reads 'To what extent do you agree or disagree?' or 'Do you agree or disagree?'.
IELTS Discussion Essay
These require an examination of both sides of an argument without necessarily asking for the writer's opinion. Prompts typically say 'Discuss both views and give your opinion' or sometimes simply, 'Discuss both views.'
IELTS Problem and Solution Essay
These questions focus on identifying a common problem or issue and then asking the writer to suggest possible solutions. The task might be phrased as 'What problems does this cause?' and 'What solutions can you suggest?'
IELTS Two-part Question Essay
In this category, there are two related questions that need addressing. This format requires the writer to answer both questions fully. Example prompts include 'What is the cause for this problem and what can be done about it?'
IELTS Advantages and Disadvantages Essay
These require the writer to discuss the pros and cons of a particular situation or innovation. Questions may include prompts like 'What are the advantages and disadvantages of this?' or 'Is this a positive or negative development?'
IELTS Direct Question Essay
Essays that fall into this category pose question(s) directly and expect direct answers. An example prompt would be 'What factors contribute to...? What measures can be taken to...?'
Sample IELTS Essays & Model Answers
Below are a few examples of sample questions
"Some people believe that the best way to solve environmental problems is to increase the cost of fuel for cars and other vehicles. Others think that there are alternative ways to tackle environmental issues. Discuss both views and give your opinion."
Sample Answer Structure
Introduction
- Paraphrase the question.
- State your opinion (optional).
Body Paragraphs
Body Paragraph 1- Present the argument for increasing the cost of fuel.
- Provide reasons and examples to support this viewpoint.
- Present the argument for alternative ways to tackle environmental issues.
- Provide reasons and examples to support this viewpoint.
Conclusion
- Summarize the main points.
- Restate your opinion (if provided).
- Provide a final thought or recommendation.
You should support your arguments with examples, and ensure coherence and cohesion in your essay.
Example Task 2 Essay Topics
"Some experts argue that advancements in the modern world have significantly improved people's life choices by providing more money and employment opportunities for many workers. Others, however, believe that these developments have led to new challenges and inequalities. Discuss both views and give your opinion."
"Some people argue that intellectual development offers many advantages in a person's life, as it empowers individuals with critical thinking skills and knowledge. Others, however, contend that focusing too much on intellectual pursuits may detract from other important aspects of life. Discuss both views and whether the advantages outweigh any possible downsides."
"Nowadays, people argue about the merits of electric cars, considering both their positive and negative sides. Discuss these perspectives based on your own knowledge and experience."
People are divided on the issue of whether a nation can be economically prosperous while still taking care of the environment. Some believe it is possible, while others contend that it is not.
Essay Answer
Essay Keywords: country, economic progress, clean environment
Some people expect students to learn real-life practical skills such as how to repair things or basic money management in addition to their academic studies.
Essay Answer
Essay Keywords: students, learn, practical skills, academic subjects
Some individuals believe there should be a ban on dangerous or risky sports, but others are in favor of such sports.
Essay Answer
Essay Keywords: dangerous sports, ban, agree/disagree
Some people think that film is not as important as literature or painting as an art form.
Essay Answer
Essay Keywords: film, art, literature, painting, agree/disagree
Some parents believe assisting their children with schoolwork is a good idea. Others believe that children should do their own homework.
Essay Answer
Essay Keywords: parents, help, children, homework, discussion
Many medical professionals believe that teaching people how to live a healthy lifestyle, which would in turn lead to a better quality of life, is more effective than spending money on treating those who are already sick.
Essay Keywords: experts, public money, healthy lifestyle, quality of life, treating people, ill, agree/disagree
Some people consider watching sports as a pastime to be a waste of time. Others find it to be an enjoyable and entertaining way to spend their free time.
Essay Answer
Essay Keywords: sport, leisure activity, waste, time, enjoyable, agree/disagree
Providing free education to children in developing countries so that they may learn to read and write is the most effective approach to reducing poverty.
Essay Answer
Essay Keywords: developing countries, reduce, poverty, free education, children, agree/disagree
Recent IELTS essay questions reported from around the world - just click on the topic to see a full sample essay answer. Be sure to share with other IELTS test takers. Good luck with your IELTS test!
IELTS Writing Test Task 2 Essay Questions & Answers
Essay Keywords | People, best way, keeping fit, health clubs, gyms, everyday activities, brisk walking, climbing steps, effective exercise
Essay Keywords | Scientists, news media, evidence, climate change, governments, solve, problem, responsibility, individuals, change, lifestyle, prevent, damage
Sample Answer
Essay Keywords | People, sports competitions, emotional stress, young people, banned, participating, competitive sports, events
Sample Answer
Essay Keywords | people, encouraged, throw away, old gadgets, latest models, fashions, advantages, disadvantages, society, economy
Sample Answer
Essay Keywords | Too old, learn, begin learning, new things, stage of life
Sample Answer
Restaurants, supermarkets, money, schools, promote, food products, positive, negative, impact, development, schools, children
Sample Answer
Essay Keywords | Fixed punishments,type of crime, motivation
Sample Answer
Essay Keywords |people, children, born, natural talent, sport, music, skills, learned
Sample Answer
Essay Keywords | people, interaction, relationships and technology
Essay Keywords | parents, teachers and teaching children, society
Sample Answer
Essay Keywords | high school students, community service
Essay Keywords | public health, sports facilities
Essay Keywords | job satisfaction
Essay Keywords | university, main function
Sample Answer
Essay Keywords | foreign language, dying out, every year
Sample Answer
Essay Keywords | public health, sports facilities
Essay Keywords | climate change
Essay Keywords | Reducing amount of rubbish produced
Sample Answer
Essay Keywords | public health concerns
Essay Keywords | average weight, health, fitness
Sample Answer
Essay Keywords | traffic, pollution
Sample Answer
Good luck in your IELTS exam!