IELTS Writing Task 2 practice and essay topics

Task 2 asks for an essay of at least 250 words in about 40 minutes, and it counts twice as much as Task 1. Your first band score is free.

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By Thanh Tran, PTE and IELTS coach
Updated September 2026

Five types of Task 2 question

The end of the question tells you which one you have.

1
Opinion
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Say how far you agree in your introduction, and keep to that view to the end.
2
Discussion
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Explain each view in its own paragraph, then say what you think.
3
Advantages and disadvantages
Do you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
Cover both sides. When it asks which is bigger, say so clearly.
4
Problem and solution
What are the most serious problems and what solutions can you suggest?
Explain the main problems, then give a solution for each one.
5
Two-part question
Why is this the case? Is this a positive or a negative development?
Answer both questions, and give each one about the same space.

What Task 2 asks for

Length

At least 250 words

Time

About 40 minutes of the 60-minute writing test

How much it counts

Two thirds. Task 2 counts twice as much as Task 1.

Style

Formal or neutral, in full paragraphs. Don't use notes or bullet points.

Questions to practise

80 essay questions

How it is marked

Task 2 is marked on four criteria, and each one counts the same. Our engine marks all four against the public band descriptors and corrects your own sentences.

Task Response

A full answer to every part of the question, with a clear position.

Coherence and Cohesion

How easy your writing is to follow.

Lexical Resource

The range of words you use, and how well you use them.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy

The range of grammar you use, and how accurate it is.

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Essay topics to try

Ten of the essay questions in the app, with all five essay types.

Opinion
Governments should spend money on railways rather than roads. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Opinion
The working week should be shorter and workers should have a longer weekend. Do you agree or disagree?
Opinion
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?
Discussion
Some people think that parents should teach children how to be good members of society. Others, however, believe that school is the place to learn this. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Discussion
Some people believe that visitors to other countries should follow local customs and behaviour. Others disagree and think that the host country should welcome cultural differences. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Advantages and disadvantages
Many museums charge for admission while others are free. Do you think the advantages of charging people for admission to museums outweigh the disadvantages?
Advantages and disadvantages
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?
Problem and solution
In spite of the advances made in agriculture, many people around the world still go hungry. Why is this the case? What can be done about this problem?
Two-part question
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
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?

A structure for Task 2

Read the question twice and find every part you must answer.
Introduction: say what the topic is in your own words, and give your position.
Body paragraphs: one main idea in each, explained and supported with an example.
In a discussion essay, give each view its own paragraph, then give your own opinion.
Conclusion: sum up your main points and give your position again.

Step 2 on a real question

The question

Governments should spend money on railways rather than roads. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Your introduction

Some people think governments should put transport money into railways instead of roads. I mostly agree, because trains move many people at once, but every country still needs good roads.

Other ways to practise

Common questions

How many words should a Task 2 essay be?

At least 250 words, in about 40 minutes. The writing test gives you 60 minutes for both tasks, so you plan your own time between them.

What are the types of IELTS Task 2 essays?

There are five: opinion, discussion, advantages and disadvantages, problem and solution, and two-part questions. Opinion essays ask how far you agree. Discussion essays ask you to discuss two views and give your own. The last line of the question tells you which type you have and what a full answer needs.

What is a good structure for a Task 2 essay?

An introduction that says what the topic is and gives your position. Then body paragraphs with one main idea each, and a conclusion that sums up your points. In a discussion essay, give each view its own paragraph.

Does Task 2 count more than Task 1?

Yes. Task 2 counts twice as much as Task 1, so it's worth two thirds of your writing band.

Can I get my essay checked for free?

Yes. Your first writing score and your first speaking score are free. You get a band on each of the four criteria and corrections on your own sentences.

Can I see a Band 9 version of my essay?

Yes, with Pro. Our engine will rewrite your essay to get Band 9. It keeps your ideas and your argument. You can compare the two line by line.

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