Recent IELTS Exam Questions 2026
Updated monthly with questions reported by real IELTS test-takers. Use these to prepare for your upcoming exam.
Disclaimer: These questions are reported by candidates from memory. They may not be 100% accurate but represent the topics and difficulty level of recent exams.
March 2026
Writing Task 2
- 1 March (Academic): "Some people believe that AI will eventually replace teachers in the classroom. To what extent do you agree or disagree?"
- 8 March (Academic): "In many countries, young people are choosing to live alone rather than with their families. What are the reasons for this? Is this a positive or negative development?"
- 15 March (GT): "Some employers monitor their employees' social media activity. Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?"
- 22 March (Academic): "Government funding for the arts is a waste of money when there are more pressing issues like healthcare and education. To what extent do you agree?"
Speaking Part 2 Cue Cards
- Describe a skill you learned online. You should say: what the skill was, how you learned it, how long it took, and explain why you wanted to learn it.
- Describe a place in your city that has changed recently. What the place is, what it looked like before, what it looks like now, and how you feel about the change.
- Describe an achievement you are proud of. What you achieved, when it happened, how you achieved it, and why you are proud of it.
- Describe a person who inspires you to learn. Who they are, how you know them, what they taught you, and why they inspire you.
Reading Passage Topics
- Academic: The history of timekeeping devices | Coral reef restoration projects | The psychology of procrastination
- Academic: Antarctic ice sheet measurements | Cross-cultural communication | Urban vertical farming
- GT: Consumer rights guide | Workplace diversity policy | The rise of subscription services
Listening Section Topics
- S1: Student accommodation booking | S2: Museum exhibition guide
- S3: Research project discussion on sustainable packaging | S4: Lecture on cognitive development in children
- S1: Car insurance enquiry | S2: Community garden information
February 2026
Writing Task 2
- 1 Feb (Academic): "Some scientists believe we should focus on exploring other planets while others think we should concentrate on solving Earth's problems. Discuss both views."
- 8 Feb (GT): "Many people prefer to shop online rather than in physical stores. What are the reasons for this? What problems might this cause?"
- 15 Feb (Academic): "The best way to reduce crime is to give longer prison sentences. To what extent do you agree or disagree?"
- 22 Feb (Academic): "Some people argue that keeping animals in zoos is cruel. Others believe zoos play an important role in conservation. Discuss both views and give your opinion."
Speaking Part 2 Cue Cards
- Describe a time when you helped someone.
- Describe a book that had a big impact on you.
- Describe a historical event you find interesting.
- Describe a piece of technology you couldn't live without.
January 2026
Writing Task 2
- 11 Jan (Academic): "In some countries, owning a home is considered very important. Why might this be the case? Is this a positive or negative trend?"
- 18 Jan (Academic): "Some people think that governments should invest more money in public transport. Others believe the money should be spent on building new roads. Discuss both views."
- 25 Jan (GT): "More and more people are working from home. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this trend?"
Speaking Part 2 Cue Cards
- Describe an important decision you made recently.
- Describe a traditional food from your country.
- Describe a park or garden you enjoy visiting.
- Describe a time when you received good news.
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