IELTS Writing Task 2 Topics with Answers

International English Language Testing System ( IELTS )

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Avleen Kaur
Updated on Nov 7, 2025 12:59 IST

By Avleen Kaur, Sr. Executive Training

IELTS Writing Task 2 is a formal essay writing task in the IELTS Exam. For this, test takers need to answer a question or statement in an essay form within 250 to 300 words. The task tests test takers' ability to present an argument clearly, support their ideas with examples and use a wide range of vocabulary. Remember - you have to answer all parts of the question/prompt and so, proper time management is important for this question as Task 2 is worth twice as much as Task 1.


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IELTS Writing Task 2 Question Types

IELTS Writing Task 2 challenges you to express your thoughts on different topics in a clear and organised way. Since each question type asked on this exam is unique, cramming a pre-prepared and memorised answer pattern won't help. Henceforth, figure out what is asked in the question, then draft your answer. 
You can also learn speaking vocabulary that is uselful in IELTS Exam. This will help you to score more in your IELTS Writing Module.

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Practice Essay for IELTS Writing Task 2

IELTS Academic Writing Task 2 Essay With Sample Answers

Check out five sample answers for unique question types tested on IELTS Writing Task 2. 
Each sample answer includes personal comments. These comments will help you create structured essays written with strong arguments, meeting IELTS criteria.

1. Opinion Essay (Agree or Disagree)

"Some people believe that governments should prioritize funding for public health initiatives aimed at preventing diseases, while others think that treating existing illnesses should be the primary focus. Discuss both views and give your opinion."

The debate over whether governments should prioritize funding for public health initiatives or focus on treating existing illnesses is a complex one. Some argue that prevention is better than cure, while others believe that providing treatment for those who are already ill should be the primary concern.

On one hand, public health initiatives aimed at preventing diseases can have far-reaching benefits. (First Argument for Prevention) For instance, investing in vaccination programs and health education campaigns can reduce the incidence of illnesses like influenza and diabetes. (Example of First Argument) By reducing the number of people who fall ill, these initiatives not only improve individual quality of life but also lower the overall costs associated with healthcare. (Expansion of First Argument) Preventative measures are often more cost-effective, as they can prevent expensive treatments and hospitalizations down the line. (Additional Benefit)

On the other hand, it is essential to provide adequate treatment for those who are already suffering from illnesses. (First Argument for Treatment) Access to quality healthcare is a fundamental right, and governments have a responsibility to ensure that sick individuals receive the care they need. (Expansion of First Argument) For example, people with chronic conditions like cancer or heart disease require ongoing treatment that must be prioritized to ensure their survival and well-being. (Example of First Argument) Focusing solely on prevention could lead to neglect of those who are in immediate need of medical attention. (Further Detail)

In my opinion, a balanced approach is necessary. (Opinion Statement) While prevention should be a key focus, it should not come at the expense of treating those who are already ill. (Expansion of Opinion) Governments should allocate resources to both prevention and treatment, ensuring that public health initiatives are supported while also providing comprehensive care for those who require it. (Recommendation) This balanced approach will lead to a healthier population and a more sustainable healthcare system. (Conclusion: Summary of Benefits)

2. Discussion Essay (Discuss Both Views)

"Some people believe that zoos are inhumane and should be closed, while others think that they are necessary for wildlife conservation. Discuss both views and give your opinion."

The debate over zoos revolves around whether they are cruel to animals or crucial for conservation. I believe that zoos can be fundamentally inhumane. (Coherence - Expressing Opinions) Confined animals in artificial environments often experience physical and psychological distress. For instance, I have observed behaviors like pacing or self-mutilation in various zoo animals, which indicate severe stress. Additionally, it seems that zoos may sometimes prioritize entertainment over education, offering limited value in terms of learning about animal behavior and conservation. (Overall Coherence: Introduces the argument against zoos clearly and logically, setting up a discussion on ethical concerns.)

In contrast, I acknowledge that zoos are essential for wildlife conservation. (Coherence - Logically setting up the contrasting view) They play a significant role in preserving endangered species through breeding programs and research. A prime example is the successful reintroduction of the California condor into the wild, a project facilitated by zoos. Moreover, (Cohesion - Expanding the point) zoos serve as educational platforms, helping the public understand conservation issues and fostering a connection with wildlife. (Cohesion: “Moreover” connects the discussion on educational benefits, maintaining the logical flow of ideas.) This connection can drive support for broader conservation efforts and promote environmental stewardship. (Coherence - Referencing)

In my view, while concerns about animal welfare in zoos are valid, the benefits of zoos for conservation and education are substantial. (Coherence - Expressing Opinions) Rather than closing zoos, they should be reformed to enhance the well-being of animals. This could involve creating larger enclosures that better mimic natural habitats and implementing enrichment activities to stimulate natural behaviors. (Coherence - Referencing) By focusing on these improvements, zoos can continue to fulfill their conservation and educational roles while addressing ethical concerns. (Coherence: Clearly states the writer’s opinion and proposes practical solutions, ensuring a smooth progression of ideas.)

In conclusion, the debate over zoos highlights the need for a balanced approach. (Cohesion: summarizing and restatement of the main argument) Zoos should not be closed but reformed to ensure they meet high standards of animal welfare while continuing to contribute to conservation and education.

3. Advantages and Disadvantages Essay

" The rise of remote working has led to more people setting up home offices. What are the advantages and disadvantages of working from home? "

One of the main advantages of working from home is its flexibility. (First Advantage) For instance, employees can set their own schedules, allowing them to balance work with family responsibilities, such as caring for young children. (Example of First Advantage) Additionally, working from home eliminates the need for commuting, which not only saves time but also reduces stress and expenses related to travel. (Additional Benefit)

However, working from home also has its disadvantages. (Transition: Introduction to Disadvantages) One significant drawback is the potential for isolation. (First Disadvantage) For example, remote workers might miss out on spontaneous interactions and team bonding activities that occur in a physical office, which can lead to feelings of loneliness and disconnect. (Example of First Disadvantage) This lack of social interaction can affect mental health and overall job satisfaction. (Further Detail)

Another disadvantage is the challenge of separating work from personal life. (Second Disadvantage) For instance, employees might find it difficult to switch off from work when their home doubles as their office, leading to longer working hours and burnout. (Example of Second Disadvantage) This can lead to difficulties in maintaining productivity and achieving a healthy work-life balance. (Further Detail)

In conclusion, while working from home offers significant advantages such as flexibility and reduced commuting, it also presents notable challenges like isolation and boundary issues. (Summary of Advantages and Disadvantages) Individuals should weigh these factors carefully when deciding if remote work suits their needs. (Final Thought: Consideration for individuals)

4. Problem and Solution Essay

Traffic congestion is a common problem in large cities. What are the causes of traffic congestion, and what solutions can be implemented to reduce it?

Traffic congestion is a significant problem in many cities, leading to longer commute times, increased pollution, and stress for commuters. Understanding the causes of this issue is essential in finding effective solutions.

One major cause of traffic congestion is the increasing number of vehicles on the road. As cities grow and populations expand( Lexical Resource - collocation) , more people rely on personal cars for commute ( LR - specific vocabulary). This, combined with inadequate public transportation options, leads to overcrowded roads, particularly during peak hours. Additionally, poor urban planning, such as insufficient road infrastructure and poorly designed traffic systems, exacerbates( Advanced vocabulary) the problem by creating bottlenecks (native language) and inefficient traffic flow.

To address these issues  (L R - collocation), several solutions can be implemented. First, improving public transportation is crucial. By offering reliable, affordable, and convenient (Flexible and wide range of vocabulary) alternatives to driving, cities can reduce the number of vehicles on the road. Expanding bus and train networks, creating dedicated lanes for public transport, and encouraging cycling and walking can all contribute to reducing traffic congestion.(accurate complex structure)

Another solution is to implement congestion pricing. By charging drivers a fee to enter busy areas during peak times, cities can discourage unnecessary car trips and encourage the use of public transport. This has been successfully implemented in cities like London and Singapore, leading to a significant reduction in traffic.(Ideas are relevant, fully extended and well supported) 

In conclusion, traffic congestion is a complex issue caused by increasing vehicle numbers and inadequate infrastructure. However, by improving public transportation and implementing congestion pricing, cities can reduce congestion and create a more efficient and sustainable transportation system.

5. Two-part Question (Direct Questions)

"In spite of the advances made in agriculture, many people around the world still go hungry. Why is this the case? What can be done about this problem?"

Despite significant advancements in agriculture, many people around the world continue to suffer from hunger. (Paraphrased Question) This essay examines the reasons behind this persistent issue and proposes viable solutions. (Introduction to the essay)

Economic inequality remains a major barrier. (First Point)  A large portion of the global population lives in poverty, unable to afford basic food despite increased agricultural productivity. (Expansion of First Point) In countries like India, urban slum residents face severe malnutrition due to their inability to afford adequate food. (Example in Support)

Additionally, inefficiencies in food distribution contribute to the problem. (Second Point) In developing countries, inadequate infrastructure leads to significant food waste. (Expansion of Second Point) Political corruption and mismanagement often divert aid, worsening food insecurity. (Additional Issue) As a result, agricultural advancements fail to benefit those in need. (Connection to Overall Issue)

To address these issues, several measures should be implemented. (Transition to Solutions) First, increasing awareness of government aid programs is crucial. (First Solution) For instance, India's PM-GKAY provides free food grains but suffers from low awareness. (Example of First Solution) Targeted campaigns could enhance the reach and impact of such initiatives. (Action for First Solution)

Second, creating job opportunities and social safety nets is essential. (Second Solution) Employment initiatives in rural areas can help reduce poverty and hunger. (Expansion of Second Solution) Offering fair wages and benefits like meals could support working adults. (Detail of Second Solution)

Finally, investing in infrastructure to enhance food distribution is critical. (Third Solution) Better roads, storage, and transport networks, along with anti-corruption measures, are needed to ensure efficient distribution. (Detail of Third Solution)

In conclusion, while agricultural progress has potential, systemic issues like economic inequality and distribution inefficiencies perpetuate hunger. (Summary of Issues) Enhancing awareness of aid programs, creating job opportunities, and improving infrastructure are key steps toward eliminating this issue. (Summary of Solutions)

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Writing Task 2 Tips 2025 IELTS

Here are IELTS Writing Task 2 help tips-

Before Writing- During Writing- After Writing-
Understand essay prompt and identify question type to answer Write a clear introduction that addresses the question Review your essay and remove spelling or grammatical errors, if any
Plan essay structure including introduction, main arguments and conclusion Develop each paragraph around a single idea using examples to support your points Make sure that all parts of the question are addressed
Jot down the key points to support your answer  Ensure logical flow between paragraphs  Check for proper paragraphing and the clarity of your conclusion
  Use wide range of vocabulary and grammatical structures accurately Manage your time effectively and leave room for revision
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