IELTS Writing Task 2 Topics 2026: Most Common Essay Questions

"Some people believe that online learning will completely replace traditional classroom teaching in the future. To what extent do you agree or disagree?"

Approach: This is an Opinion Essay. Consider arguing a balanced position—acknowledge the growth of online learning but explain why face-to-face teaching remains essential for social development, hands-on subjects, and younger learners. Use specific examples like pandemic-era remote learning.

"University education should be free for everyone. To what extent do you agree or disagree?"

Approach: Opinion Essay. Discuss the benefits of free university (social mobility, skilled workforce) against the drawbacks (government cost, potential devaluation of degrees). Mention countries that already offer free university education such as Germany and Norway.

"In some countries, an increasing number of parents are choosing to educate their children at home rather than sending them to school. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of homeschooling."

Approach: Advantages & Disadvantages Essay. Cover personalised pace and safety (advantages) versus limited social interaction and parental qualifications (disadvantages). Use real-world data on the growing homeschooling trend post-2020.

"Some people think that competitive sports are beneficial for children's development, while others believe they place too much pressure on young people. Discuss both views and give your opinion."

Approach: Discussion Essay. Address teamwork, discipline, and physical health versus stress, injury risk, and exclusion. State your opinion in the conclusion.

"Some people believe that the purpose of education is to prepare individuals for employment. Others argue that education has a broader purpose. Discuss both views and give your opinion."

Approach: Discussion Essay. Cover vocational training and job readiness versus critical thinking, citizenship, and personal growth. Reference different education systems around the world.

"Some people think that the quality of a child's education depends mainly on the teacher. Others believe that modern technology and resources are more important. Discuss both views and give your opinion."

Approach: Discussion Essay. Argue that while technology enhances learning, a skilled teacher's ability to motivate, adapt, and explain remains irreplaceable. Mention AI tutoring tools as a modern angle.

"Artificial intelligence is increasingly being used to perform tasks that were once done by humans. What problems does this cause, and what solutions can you suggest?"

Approach: Problem & Solution Essay. Problems include job displacement, skill gaps, and economic inequality. Solutions include retraining programmes, regulation, and new job creation in AI-related fields. Use statistics on automation affecting manufacturing and service industries.

"Social media has a mostly negative effect on young people today. To what extent do you agree or disagree?"

Approach: Opinion Essay. Discuss cyberbullying, mental health impacts, and reduced attention spans against connectivity, educational content, and awareness of global issues. Take a nuanced position.

"As machines and robots become more advanced, many jobs currently done by humans will be automated. Is this a positive or negative development?"

Approach: Opinion Essay. Cover increased efficiency and reduced human error versus unemployment and inequality. Discuss how new technology historically creates new job categories.

"In the modern world, it is no longer possible to have complete privacy. Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?"

Approach: Advantages & Disadvantages Essay. Advantages: security, preventing crime, convenience. Disadvantages: surveillance, data misuse, loss of personal freedom. Mention CCTV, social media data, and government surveillance programmes.

"Children today spend too much time on electronic devices such as smartphones and tablets. What are the causes of this, and what effects does it have on children?"

Approach: Two-part Question Essay. Causes: parental convenience, addictive app design, remote learning. Effects: reduced physical activity, sleep disruption, impaired social skills. Provide balanced analysis with both negative and potential positive effects.

"Some people think that individuals can do nothing to address climate change and that it is the responsibility of governments and large companies. To what extent do you agree or disagree?"

Approach: Opinion Essay. Argue that while governments and corporations have the greatest impact through policy and regulation, individual actions (recycling, reducing consumption, voting) collectively create significant change. Mention carbon footprints and collective action.

"Air pollution is a serious problem in many cities around the world. What are the causes of this, and what measures can be taken to address it?"

Approach: Problem & Solution Essay. Causes: vehicle emissions, industrial output, construction. Solutions: public transport investment, electric vehicle incentives, emission regulations, green spaces. Reference cities like London (ULEZ) or Beijing (pollution controls).

"Some people believe that governments should invest heavily in renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power rather than fossil fuels. Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?"

Approach: Advantages & Disadvantages Essay. Advantages: reduced emissions, energy independence, long-term cost savings. Disadvantages: initial expense, intermittent supply, land use. Argue that advantages outweigh disadvantages given the climate emergency.

"Some people believe that we should spend money on protecting wild animals, while others think that this money would be better spent on the human population. Discuss both views and give your opinion."

Approach: Discussion Essay. Discuss ecosystem balance, biodiversity, and tourism revenue versus poverty, healthcare, and education spending. Argue they are not mutually exclusive.

"The amount of plastic waste in the world is increasing. What are the causes, and what solutions can be put in place?"

Approach: Problem & Solution Essay. Causes: single-use packaging, consumer convenience, insufficient recycling infrastructure. Solutions: banning single-use plastics, producer responsibility laws, public education campaigns, investment in biodegradable alternatives.

"Some people think that governments should tax unhealthy foods and drinks to encourage people to eat more healthily. Do you agree or disagree?"

Approach: Opinion Essay. Discuss the effectiveness of sugar taxes (UK Soft Drinks Industry Levy as an example), personal freedom versus public health costs, and alternative approaches like education campaigns and subsidising healthy food.

"Mental health problems are increasing among young people in many countries. What are the possible causes, and what can be done to address this issue?"

Approach: Problem & Solution Essay. Causes: social media pressure, academic stress, economic uncertainty, isolation. Solutions: school counselling programmes, reducing stigma, accessible therapy, digital wellbeing education. A very current and relevant topic for 2026.

"Some people think that governments should spend more money on preventing illness rather than treating it. To what extent do you agree or disagree?"

Approach: Opinion Essay. Argue that prevention (vaccination, public health campaigns, exercise programmes) is more cost-effective than treatment, but both are necessary. Reference successful prevention campaigns like anti-smoking initiatives.

"Many people today work long hours and have little time for rest and leisure. What problems does this cause, and what solutions can you suggest?"

Approach: Problem & Solution Essay. Problems: burnout, relationship breakdown, physical illness. Solutions: legislation on maximum working hours, flexible work arrangements, employer wellness programmes. Mention the four-day work week trials.

"In many countries, the number of people suffering from diet-related health problems such as obesity and diabetes is increasing. Why is this happening, and what can be done to address it?"

Approach: Problem & Solution Essay. Causes: processed food availability, sedentary lifestyles, marketing of junk food. Solutions: nutrition education, food labelling regulations, community sports facilities, restrictions on advertising unhealthy food to children.

"Some people believe that the best way to reduce crime is to give longer prison sentences. Others think that there are better ways to reduce crime. Discuss both views and give your opinion."

Approach: Discussion Essay. Cover deterrence and public safety (longer sentences) versus rehabilitation, education, and addressing root causes like poverty. Reference countries with low reoffending rates (Norway) versus high-incarceration countries.

"The gap between the rich and the poor is growing in many countries. What problems does this cause, and what measures can governments take to reduce this gap?"

Approach: Problem & Solution Essay. Problems: social unrest, health disparities, reduced social mobility. Solutions: progressive taxation, minimum wage increases, investment in public education and healthcare. Use concrete examples from different economies.

"Governments should invest more in public transport rather than building new roads for private cars. To what extent do you agree or disagree?"

Approach: Opinion Essay. Discuss environmental benefits, reduced congestion, and affordability of public transport versus the convenience of cars and economic activity roads enable. Mention cities with excellent public transport like Tokyo or Singapore.

"Some people think that the government should raise taxes to improve public services such as healthcare and education. Others believe taxes should be kept low. Discuss both views and give your opinion."

Approach: Discussion Essay. Cover improved services and social equality (higher taxes) versus economic growth, personal freedom, and government waste (lower taxes). Present a balanced discussion before giving your view.

"In many cities, the cost of housing is rising significantly. What are the reasons for this, and what can governments do to make housing more affordable?"

Approach: Problem & Solution Essay. Reasons: population growth, limited supply, foreign investment, low interest rates. Solutions: social housing programmes, rent controls, zoning reform, first-time buyer schemes. A very topical issue globally in 2026.

"International tourism has brought enormous benefit to many places. At the same time, there is concern about its impact on local inhabitants and the environment. Do the advantages of tourism outweigh the disadvantages?"

Approach: Advantages & Disadvantages Essay. Advantages: economic growth, cultural exchange, infrastructure development. Disadvantages: environmental damage, rising costs for locals, cultural commodification. Use examples like Venice, Bali, or Barcelona.

"As the world becomes more globalised, traditional customs and cultures are disappearing. Is this a positive or negative development?"

Approach: Opinion Essay. Discuss how globalisation brings economic opportunities and shared knowledge but threatens languages, customs, and local identity. Argue for a balanced approach: embracing progress while actively preserving cultural heritage.

"Some people think that the increasing influence of foreign media (films, music, fashion) is a serious threat to national culture. Others think it is a positive development. Discuss both views and give your opinion."

Approach: Discussion Essay. Cover cultural homogenisation and loss of local arts versus diversity, creativity, and mutual understanding. Reference the global spread of K-pop, Hollywood, or Bollywood as examples.

"Some people believe that living in another country is beneficial, while others think it can cause difficulties. Discuss both views and give your opinion."

Approach: Discussion Essay. Benefits: language skills, cultural awareness, career opportunities. Difficulties: homesickness, language barriers, cultural misunderstandings. Draw from personal experience if appropriate.

"Many languages around the world are dying out. Some people think this is not important because life will be easier if there are fewer languages. Do you agree or disagree?"

Approach: Opinion Essay. Disagree—argue that languages carry cultural identity, traditional knowledge, and unique worldviews. While a common language facilitates communication, losing languages means losing irreplaceable heritage. Mention UNESCO's endangered languages list.