Task 2 practice questions

Twenty essay questions of our own, in the styles that Task 2 uses. Write at least 250 words on each, in about 40 minutes.

These questions are written by us for practice. They are not past papers and are not taken from any book. The topics are the everyday subjects that Task 2 deals with: education, work, cities, technology, health, environment and society. No special knowledge is needed; examples may come from your own experience.

Opinion: do you agree or disagree?

State your view clearly and support it all the way through.

1. Some people think that children should begin learning a foreign language at primary school and not wait until secondary school. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
2. In many countries, more and more people work from home. Some believe this is better for workers and employers alike. Do you agree or disagree?
3. Some people say that the best way to reduce traffic in cities is to make public transport free. To what extent do you agree?
4. It is sometimes said that a university degree is no longer necessary for a successful career. Do you agree or disagree?

Discussion: discuss both views and give your opinion

Three jobs: one view, the other view, and yours.

5. Some people think that parents should decide what their children study. Others believe young people should make this choice themselves. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
6. Some believe that governments should spend money on public parks and sports grounds. Others think the money is better spent on hospitals. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
7. Some people prefer to shop in local markets, while others prefer large supermarkets or online stores. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
8. Some think that old buildings in cities should be protected. Others say they should make way for modern housing. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Problem and solution

Explain the problem or its causes, then suggest practical solutions.

9. In many cities, the air is becoming more polluted every year. What are the main causes of this, and what can be done about it?
10. Many young people today spend several hours a day on their phones. What problems does this cause, and how can they be solved?
11. In some areas, fewer young people want to work in farming. Why is this happening, and what could be done to change it?
12. Many people do not get enough physical exercise. What are the reasons, and what measures could encourage them to be more active?

Advantages and disadvantages

13. More and more students choose to study in another country. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this?
14. In many families, both parents now work full time. Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?
15. Online courses are replacing classroom teaching for many adults. What are the advantages and disadvantages?
16. Many people now move from villages to cities for work. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?

Two-part questions

Answer both questions, giving each a fair share of the essay.

17. Many people keep items they no longer use. Why do people find it hard to throw things away? Is this a good or a bad habit?
18. Fewer people read printed newspapers than in the past. Why is this? Is it a positive or a negative development?
19. Some people change jobs many times in their working lives. Why do they do this? Is it better than staying with one employer?
20. In many countries, people are living longer. What are the reasons? What challenges does this bring for families and society?

How to practise with them

1. Spend five minutes planning: your position, two main points, an example for each.
2. Write for thirty minutes.
3. Check for five minutes.
4. Compare your structure with our sample essays, which come with comments on each criterion.

Next

Sample essay: opinion All writing pages

Independent practice site. IELTS Practice is not connected with, approved by or endorsed by the British Council, IDP IELTS or Cambridge University Press & Assessment, who jointly own IELTS. The practice tasks and sample answers here are our own; they are not official test questions, and we do not award bands. Facts about the test were read on ielts.org on 12 November 2026. For registration, fees, dates and official sample tests, go to ielts.org.