Question Bank

Below is the list of Writing Task 2 topics which have been used in the online IELTS course. You
can use these topics to practise writing Task 2 answers.

ESSAY ONE - Theme: Education

In the last decade, there has been a great increase in the number and variety of online
courses available to adults. This has been welcomed as a great opportunity by many
students, however, other students see these courses as less effective than classroom
teaching.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of studying an online course?

OR

Universities are becoming increasingly expensive to operate. In some countries, money from
taxation has met these costs. However, this is not always enough to maintain the quality of
universities.
What are some ways universities could be funded in future?

ESSAY TWO - Theme: Health and leisure

Life has become much more stressful compared to our parent’s generation. As a result,
stress related illnesses are increasing around the world. Why is stress such a problem in the
modern world and what do you think can be done to overcome the problems caused by
stress?

OR

Traditional medicine, such as acupuncture and herbal remedies, is very popular in some
countries. Those who practise traditional medicine claim it is better than modern medicine in
maintaining and improving health.
Do you agree or disagree with this viewpoint?

ESSAY THREE - Theme: The arts and entertainment

Over the past fifty years, international sports events such as the Olympic Games and world
cup competitions have played an increasingly important role in our society. However, many
people think such events are an enormous waste of money, time and effort.
Do you agree?

ESSAY FOUR - Theme: The environment

Most major cities around the world continue to grow at a phenomenal rate due to the
massive increase in population. This has led to a general decline in the quality of life in city
areas as the environment becomes more crowded and polluted.
Give some reasons why this growth has occurred and suggest some practical solutions to this
problem.

ESSAY FIVE - Theme: Science and technology

 During the last century, the use of cars has increased dramatically. This has caused problems
such as pollution and overcrowded roads.
Why do people buy cars and what can we do to stop people from buying them?

OR

In the future, it may be scientifically possible for people to live for 150 years. This could be
good for individuals but it may have negative consequences for society.
What are the benefits and risks of people living to 150?

ESSAY SIX - Theme: Social issues

Many governments have laws that ban the sale and use of hard drugs such as heroin and
cocaine, yet they allow people to buy drugs such as tobacco and alcohol. Laws that prohibit
the sale and use of hard drugs should be applied to all drugs, including tobacco and alcohol.
What is your opinion?

ESSAY SEVEN - Theme: Relationships

Some people say that the Internet is bringing people together by making the world smaller.
To what extent do you agree that the Internet is making it easier for people to communicate
with one another?

ESSAY EIGHT - Theme: Business and work

Some governments provide financial assistance for retired, unemployed and disabled citizens.
In other countries, families provide support for these people.
Discuss both systems and give your opinion about which one you think is better.

ESSAY NINE - Theme: Development issues

Every year large numbers of people migrate from one country to another for different
reasons.
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of migration for the individual and for society as a
whole.

The tables below show the number of interpreting (oral) and translating (written)
jobs done by a company in New South Wales for four languages in the years 1998,
1999 and 2000.
 Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make
comparisons where relevant.
You should write at least 150 words in the box below.

Sample Answer - Task 1

The tables indicate how many interpreting and translating assignments in four different
languages were completed by a NSW company in 1998, 1999 and 2000.
In the field of interpreting, significantly more Vietnamese and Arabic tasks were completed
(10786 and 7332 respectively) than tasks for Spanish and German (2432 and 129
respectively). There was also a gradual decline in the number of interpreting assignments over
the three years in all languages except German, which increased from 34 tasks in 1998 to 55
tasks in 2000.
Of the four languages, translation of Arabic was the most common (3539 in total), while
Vietnamese represented the least common with only 782 tasks in total. The number of
assignments for German and Vietnamese remained fairly constant over the three years, while
the number for Spanish and Arabic increased significantly. Overall, there was a steady
increase in the number of language translations during this time, from a total of 2199 tasks in
1998 to 3025 in 2000.
By comparing both tables, it can be seen that there were generally far more interpreting than
translation assignments undertaken each year.
(182 words)