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IELTS Essays | Writing Task 2 | Essay Topics | Writing Skills

IELTS Essays | IELTS Preparation | Writing Skills

Latest IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay Questions

IELTS Essay Question

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.



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 Essays & Model Answers

IELTS Writing Sample
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
IELTS Writing Sample
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
IELTS Writing Sample
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
IELTS Writing Sample
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
IELTS Writing Sample
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
IELTS Writing Sample
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 Answer
Essay Keywords: experts, public money, healthy lifestyle, quality of life, treating people, ill, agree/disagree
IELTS Writing Sample
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
IELTS Writing Sample
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
Sample Answer

Essay Keywords | Scientists, news media, evidence, climate change, governments, solve, problem, responsibility, individuals, change, lifestyle, prevent, damage
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Essay Keywords | People, sports competitions, emotional stress, young people, banned, participating, competitive sports, events
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Essay Keywords | people, encouraged, throw away, old gadgets, latest models, fashions, advantages, disadvantages, society, economy
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Essay Keywords | Too old, learn, begin learning, new things, stage of life
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Restaurants, supermarkets, money, schools, promote, food products, positive, negative, impact, development, schools, children
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Essay Keywords | Fixed punishments,type of crime, motivation
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Essay Keywords |people, children, born, natural talent, sport, music, skills, learned
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Essay Keywords | people, interaction, relationships and technology
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Essay Keywords | parents, teachers and teaching children, society
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Essay Keywords | high school students, community service
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Essay Keywords | public health, sports facilities
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Essay Keywords | job satisfaction
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Essay Keywords | university, main function
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Essay Keywords | foreign language, dying out, every year
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Essay Keywords | public health, sports facilities
Sample Answer

Essay Keywords | climate change
Sample Answer

Essay Keywords | Reducing amount of rubbish produced
Sample Answer

Essay Keywords | public health concerns
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Essay Keywords | average weight, health, fitness
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Essay Keywords | traffic, pollution
Sample Answer

Good luck in your IELTS exam!