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IELTS Writing Task 2 Topics with a Band 8 Sample Essay
IELTS Writing Task 2 is a 250-word essay worth twice as much as Task 1. Below are practice topics grouped by theme, the five question types and how to answer each, plus a full band 8 sample essay.
The five Task 2 question types
| Type | What it asks | What you must do |
|---|---|---|
| Opinion | To what extent do you agree? | Take a clear position and keep it throughout. |
| Discussion | Discuss both views and give your opinion | Cover both sides fairly, then state your view. |
| Advantages / disadvantages | What are the advantages and disadvantages? | Cover both. If asked "do they outweigh…", give a judgement. |
| Problem / solution | What problems… what solutions? | Match each solution to a problem. |
| Two-part question | Why is this? Is it positive? | Answer both questions directly. |
Practice topics by theme
These are typical Task 2 themes with practice questions written in the IELTS style. Write one in 40 minutes, at least 250 words.
Education
- Some people think university education should be free for everyone. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- Many students now study online rather than in a classroom. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this?
Technology
- Smartphones have made people less sociable. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- Some people believe artificial intelligence will create more jobs than it removes. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Work
- More people are choosing to work from home. Is this a positive or negative development?
- Some people prefer a high salary, while others prefer job satisfaction. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Environment
- Governments should tax cars to reduce pollution. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- What are the main causes of plastic pollution, and what can be done to reduce it?
Society and family
- In many countries, people are living alone more than before. Why is this, and is it a positive or negative trend?
- Older people should be cared for by their families rather than by care homes. To what extent do you agree?
Health
- Fast food is becoming more popular. What problems does this cause, and what solutions can you suggest?
- Should governments spend more on preventing illness than on treating it? Give your opinion.
Immigration and travel
- Many skilled workers move to other countries. Does this benefit or harm their home country?
- International tourism brings more problems than benefits. To what extent do you agree?
Sample band 8 essay
Question: More people are choosing to work from home. Is this a positive or negative development?
Many people now work from home for at least part of the week, a change that accelerated after 2020. In my view, this is largely a positive development, although it brings some real drawbacks that employers and workers need to manage.
The clearest benefit is time. Removing a daily commute can give workers an hour or more each day, which many use for exercise, family or further study. This tends to improve well-being, and several companies have reported that remote staff are no less productive than office-based colleagues. Remote work also widens opportunity: a skilled person in a small town can now work for a company in a major city without relocating, which can reduce pressure on crowded urban areas.
However, working from home is not ideal for everyone. Younger employees in particular can miss out on the informal learning that happens when they sit near experienced colleagues and overhear how problems are solved. Isolation is another concern, as some people find that days without face-to-face contact affect their motivation and mental health. In addition, the boundary between work and home can blur, leading to longer rather than shorter working hours.
These problems, though, can largely be addressed. Hybrid arrangements, where teams meet in person one or two days a week, preserve mentoring and team spirit while keeping most of the time savings. Clear expectations about working hours can also protect personal time.
In conclusion, I believe the shift towards working from home is positive overall, because it saves time and spreads opportunity, provided that organisations deliberately protect learning and social contact.
Why it scores well: a clear position in the introduction, one main idea per paragraph with a supporting example, acknowledgement of the other side, and a conclusion that matches the introduction.
Common errors that hold essays at band 6.5: Writing Task 2 mistakes. Targeting 7+? Read how to score 7 in IELTS Writing.
Frequently asked questions
How many words should IELTS Writing Task 2 be?
At least 250 words. Most strong essays are 260–320 words.
How long should I spend on Task 2?
About 40 minutes. Task 2 counts for twice as much as Task 1.
Can I use these exact questions in the exam?
They are practice questions in the IELTS style, not leaked exam questions. Use them to practise the five question types.
How can I check my essay's band?
Ask a trained marker. Self-checking misses most grammar and coherence errors. PrepEve trainers mark essays line by line.