IELTS Writing Task 2Samples by band
Band 8 & 9 sample essays
Task 2 essays that scored Band 8 or higher, each with criterion scores and full feedback.
Discussion essay
High Salaries of Sports Professionals vs Other Jobs
Successful sports professionals can earn a great deal more money than people in other important professions. Some people think this is fully justified while others think it is unfair. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion. Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Opinion essay
Equal Numbers of Male and Female University Students
Universities should accept equal numbers of male and female students in every subject. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Discussion essay
Theatres and Cinemas in the Digital Age
Some people say that in the digital age, theatres and cinemas are no longer important as people can watch all the entertainment they want online. Others argue that theatres and cinemas are still important both economically and culturally. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Opinion essay
Should the Working Week Be Shorter with Longer Weekends?
The working week should be shorter and workers should have a longer weekend. Do you agree or disagree?
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages and Disadvantages of Driverless Vehicles
In the future all cars, buses and trucks will be driverless. The only people travelling inside these vehicles will be passengers. Do you think the advantages of driverless vehicles outweigh the disadvantages?
Discussion essay
Choosing University Subjects: Personal Interest vs Useful Fields
Some people think that all university students should study whatever they like. Others believe that they should only be allowed to study subjects that will be useful in the future, such as those related to science and technology. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Two-part question
Long Summer Holidays vs Shorter School Holidays
In many countries, primary and secondary schools close for two months or more in the summer holidays. What is the value of long school holidays? What are the arguments in favour of shorter school holidays?
Opinion essay
Technology Advancements and Crime Reduction
Crime rates are likely to decline due to advancements in technology, which will make it easier to prevent and solve crimes. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Positive or negative
Children Spending Hours Daily on Smartphones
Some children spend hours every day on their smartphones. Why is this the case? Do you think this is a positive or a negative development?
Two-part question
Formal Learning and Play in Primary Schools
Some people argue that primary schools focus too much on formal learning. To what extent do you agree with this opinion? How important do you think it is for children to play as well as learn in the primary school classroom?
Opinion essay
Government Investment in Science Education Over Other Subjects
Some people think that the government should invest more money in teaching science than other subjects in order for a country to develop and progress. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Two-part question
Holding Multiple Jobs: Causes, Advantages, and Disadvantages
In the past, most working people had only one job. However, nowadays, more and more people have more than one job at the same time. What are the reasons for this development? What are the advantages and disadvantages of having more than one job?
Discussion essay
Loss of Species vs Other Environmental Problems
Some people say that the main environmental problem of our time is the loss of particular species of plants and animals. Others say that there are more important environmental problems. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion. Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Opinion essay
Mandatory Childhood Vaccination vs Parental Choice
Many childhood diseases can now be prevented through the use of vaccines. Should parents be made by law to immunise their children against common diseases or should individuals have the right to choose not to immunise their children?
Opinion essay
Music Bringing Different Cultures and Ages Together
Some people say that music is a good way of bringing people of different cultures and ages together. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
Two-part question
Owning a Home Rather Than Renting
In some countries, owning a home rather than renting one is very important for people. Why might this be the case? Do you think this is a positive or negative situation? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Problem and solution
Plastic Pollution Damage and Potential Solutions
Plastic bags, plastic bottles and plastic packaging are bad for the environment. What damage does plastic do to the environment? What can be done by governments and individuals to solve this problem?
Two-part question
Popularity of Crime Fiction and TV Dramas
In many countries today, crime novels and TV crime dramas are becoming more and more popular. Why do you think these books and TV shows are popular? What is your opinion of crime fiction and TV crime dramas? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Opinion essay
Providing Free Water Supply to Every Home
Access to clean water is a basic human right. Therefore, every home should have a water supply that is provided free of charge. Do you agree or disagree?
Advantages and disadvantages
Reducing or Stopping Air Travel for the Environment
Some people have decided to reduce the number of times they fly every year or to stop flying altogether. Do you think the environmental benefits of this development outweigh the disadvantages for individuals and businesses?
Positive or negative
Rural to Urban Migration: Positive or Negative Development
In many countries around the world, rural people are moving to cities, so the population in the countryside is decreasing. Do you think this is a positive or a negative development?
Opinion essay
Spending Money on Space Exploration Technology
Some people believe that spending money on developing technology for space exploration is not justifiable and that there are more beneficial ways to spend this money. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Opinion essay
Tall Apartment Blocks for Housing in Large Cities
The best way to provide enough homes in large cities is to build tall apartment blocks. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Discussion essay
University Students Studying Additional Subjects vs Main Subjects Only
Some university students want to learn about other subjects in addition to their main subjects. Others believe it is more important to give all their time and attention to studying for a qualification. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages and Disadvantages of an Ageing Population
In many countries, people are now living longer than ever before. Some people say an ageing population creates problems for governments. Other people think there are benefits if society has more elderly people. To what extent do the advantages of having an ageing population outweigh the disadvantages?
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages and Disadvantages of Taking Risks in Life
It is important for people to take risks, both in their professional lives and their personal lives. Do you think the advantages of taking risks outweigh the disadvantages?
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages and Disadvantages of Working in Family Businesses
In many countries, family members work together in their family business. Do you think family businesses have more advantages than disadvantages?
Discussion essay
Advertising Power vs Consumer Indifference
Some people say that advertising is extremely successful at persuading us to buy things. Other people think that advertising is so common that we no longer pay attention to it. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Discussion essay
Competition vs Cooperation in Daily Life
Some people think that competition at work, at school and in daily life is a good thing. Others believe that we should try to cooperate more, rather than competing against each other. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Opinion essay
Compulsory Full-Time Education Until Age 18
Some people think all young people should be required to have full-time education until they are at least 18 years old. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Discussion essay
Corporate Sponsorship of Sports
Many companies sponsor sports as a way to advertise themselves. Some people think this is good for the world of sports, while others think there are disadvantages of this. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
Discussion essay
Economic Growth, World Poverty, and the Environment
Some say that economic growth is the only way to eliminate world poverty and hunger, while others say that economic growth is destroying the environment and must stop. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Discussion essay
Free Public Libraries vs Internet Access
Some people think that the government should provide free public libraries in every town, while others think that this is a waste of money because people can access information on the internet. Discuss both viewpoints and give your own opinion.
Advantages and disadvantages
Gap Year Advantages and Disadvantages for Young People
In some countries, young people are encouraged to work or travel for a year between finishing high school and starting university studies. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages for young people who decide to do this.
Opinion essay
Importance of Having at Least One Hobby
It is important for children, young adults, working people and the retired to have at least one hobby. What's your opinion about this?
Discussion essay
Inborn Talent vs Taught Skills in Sports and Music
It is generally believed that some people are born with certain talents, for instance for sport or music, and others are not. However, it is sometimes claimed that any child can be taught to become a good sports person or musician. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion. Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Opinion essay
International Tourism: Tension or Understanding
Nowadays, international tourism is the biggest industry in the world. Unfortunately, international tourism creates tensions rather than understanding between people from different countries. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
Positive or negative
Laws Limiting Working Hours for Employees
Some countries have introduced laws to limit working hours for employees. Why are these laws introduced? Do you think they are a positive or negative development?
Positive or negative
Making Quick First Impressions: Good or Bad Thing?
When we meet someone for the first time, we generally decide very quickly what kind of person we think they are and if we like them or not. Is this a good thing or a bad thing?
Opinion essay
Making Sugary Food and Drink Products More Expensive
Many manufactured food and drink products contain high levels of sugar, which causes many health problems. Sugary products should be made more expensive to encourage people to consume less sugar. Do you agree or disagree?
Advantages and disadvantages
Mandatory Study Abroad or Work Placement for Undergraduates
All university undergraduate courses should include a period of time spent studying abroad or doing a work placement. Do you think the advantages of this would outweigh the disadvantages?
Opinion essay
Negative Impact of Advertising on People's Lives
Write about the following topic Today, people are surrounded by advertising. This affects what people think is important and has a negative impact on people's lives. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Advantages and disadvantages
Paying for Goods Using Mobile Phone Apps
In many countries, paying for things using mobile phone (cellphone) apps is becoming increasingly common. Does this development have more advantages or more disadvantages? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Opinion essay
Preventing Animal Extinction as a Natural Process
It is a natural process for animal species to become extinct. There is no reason why people should try to prevent this from happening. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Problem and solution
Problems and Solutions of Global Overpopulation
The world is experiencing a dramatic increase in population. This is causing problems not only for the poor in undeveloped countries but also for industrialised and developing nations. Describe some of the problems that overpopulation causes, and suggest at least one possible solution.
Positive or negative
Products and Treatments to Look Younger
Nowadays it's possible for people to buy many products or pay for treatments that help them to look younger. Is this a good thing or a bad thing?
Discussion essay
Professionals Working Abroad After Training
Some people believe that professionals, such as doctors and engineers, should be required to work in the country where they did their training. Others believe they should be free to work in another country if they wish. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Problem and solution
Reasons and Solutions for Buying Too Many Clothes
In some parts of the world, people buy far too many clothes. What are the reasons for this? How can people be persuaded to reduce the number of clothes they buy?
Two-part question
Researching the History of Houses and Buildings
In some countries, more and more people are becoming interested in finding out about the history of the house or building they live in. What are the reasons for this? How can people research this?
Opinion essay
Salary as the Main Factor When Choosing a Job
When choosing a job, the salary is the most important consideration. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Discussion essay
Should Animal Experiments Be Banned
“Nowadays animal experiments are widely used to develop new medicines and to test the safety of other products. Some people argue that these experiments should be banned because it is morally wrong to cause animals to suffer, while others are in favour of them because of their benefits to humanity. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.”
Opinion essay
Should the Main Aim of Science Be Improving Lives
The most important aim of science should be to improve people’s lives. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Discussion essay
Starting Age for Formal Education
Some people think that children should begin their formal education at a very early age. Some think they should begin at at least 7 years old. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Problem and solution
Students Struggling to Focus at School
Many students find it difficult to focus or pay attention at school nowadays. What are the reasons for this? What can be done to solve this problem?
Opinion essay
Teachers vs Parents Influence on Child Development
Once children start school, teachers have more influence on their intellectual and social development than parents. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Advantages and disadvantages
Telling Children They Can Achieve Anything
In some cultures, children are often told that they can achieve anything if they try hard enough. What are the advantages and disadvantages of giving children this message? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Opinion essay
University Students Doing Other Activities
Full-time university students spend a lot of time studying. Some say they should do other activities too. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Opinion essay
Vegetarianism for Personal Health and Global Benefits
Some people choose to eat no meat or fish. They believe that this is not only better for their own health but also benefits the world as a whole. Discuss this viewpoint and give your own opinion.
Official Cambridge answers at Band 7.5+
Examiner-scored candidate answers from Cambridge IELTS.
Cambridge IELTS 14 · General Training · Test 2 · Writing Task 2
Friends with Similar or Opposing Views
Some people think it's better to choose friends who always have the same opinions as them. Other people believe it's good to have friends who sometimes disagree with them. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion. Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Cambridge IELTS 21 · Academic · Test 3 · Writing Task 2
Mandatory Study Abroad or Work Placement for Undergraduates
All university undergraduate courses should include a period of time spent studying abroad or doing a work placement. Do you think the advantages of this would outweigh the disadvantages?
Cambridge IELTS 21 · Academic · Test 4 · Writing Task 2
Formal Learning and Play in Primary Schools
Some people argue that primary schools focus too much on formal learning. To what extent do you agree with this opinion? How important do you think it is for children to play as well as learn in the primary school classroom?
Cambridge IELTS 20 · Academic · Test 3 · Writing Task 2
Reducing or Stopping Air Travel for the Environment
Some people have decided to reduce the number of times they fly every year or to stop flying altogether. Do you think the environmental benefits of this development outweigh the disadvantages for individuals and businesses?
Cambridge IELTS 20 · General Training · Test 3 · Writing Task 2
Products and Treatments to Look Younger
Nowadays it's possible for people to buy many products or pay for treatments that help them to look younger. Is this a good thing or a bad thing?
Cambridge IELTS 15 · General Training · Test 1 · Writing Task 2
Popularity of Crime Fiction and TV Dramas
In many countries today, crime novels and TV crime dramas are becoming more and more popular. Why do you think these books and TV shows are popular? What is your opinion of crime fiction and TV crime dramas? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Cambridge IELTS 14 · Academic · Test 4 · Writing Task 2
Reasons and Disadvantages of Being Self-Employed
Nowadays many people choose to be self-employed, rather than to work for a company or organisation. Why might this be the case? What could be the disadvantages of being self-employed? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.