One of the best ways to get ready for IELTS Writing Task 2 is to learn about the topics that are asked about most often. IELTS often uses the same ideas year after year, but you won’t know the exact question ahead of time.
You’ll learn the following from this guide:
- This list shows the 10 most popular IELTS essay topics
- Here are some questions for each subject
- Important words and thoughts to get ready
- Strategies for getting things done well
Why Should You Focus on Common Topics?
The purpose of IELTS Writing Task 2 is not to see how much you know about the world, but to see how well you can explain your thoughts in English. Having thoughts and words ready for common themes, on the other hand:
- Helps you plan your writing faster
- Keeps you from going off topic
- Makes you feel better on test day
10 of the Most Common Topics for IELTS Writing Task 2
1. Schooling
One of the themes that is tried the most.
Question: Should all college students be able to go to college for free?
Some people think that academics should come before the arts. Do you agree?
Key Ideas:
- Being able to get a good education
- Why fair chances are important
- A good mix of technical and creative subjects
Words that can help you understand better: curriculum, lifelong learning, tuition fees, literacy rate, job training
2. The Environment
IELTS often has questions about the environment, pollution, and how to make things last.
Sample Questions:
The government isn’t doing enough to protect the earth. Do you agree?
Why does air pollution happen in big towns, and how can it be fixed?
Key Ideas:
- How people affect nature
- Alternative energy sources vs. fossil fuels
- What people and the government should do
Useful Words: pollution, plants and animals, long-term growth, carbon impact, recycling
3. The Internet
A current and important subject that comes up a lot on the IELTS.
Examples of Questions:
Some people think that technology is making people less friend-like. Do you agree?
How does technology change the way you work?
Important Thoughts:
- Impacts of the Internet and social media
- Loss of jobs and automation
- Using technology in healthcare and schools
Useful Words: artificial intelligence, computer time, digital literacy, innovation, working from home
4. Health
Diet, lifestyle, and public health are all popular subtopics.
Question: Should governments tax fast food like they do tobacco? Do you agree?
What can be done to stop kids from being overweight?
Main Ideas:
- Preventive vs. curative healthcare
- What the government does
- Being aware and learning
Useful Words: food, emotional health, a sedentary lifestyle, the healthcare system, life expectancy
5. Law and Crime
Usually involves arguments about morals, the law, or safety.
Examples of Questions:
Some people think that longer jail terms prevent crime. Do you agree?
Why do young people commit crimes, and how can they be stopped?
Key Ideas:
- Crime is caused by poverty, unemployment, and group pressure
- Education and community activities can help with prevention
- Instead of punishment, rehabilitation
Useful Words: law enforcement, deterrent, youth crime, reoffending, death penalty
6. The Government and People
Has to do with what the government should do in public life.
Sample Questions:
The arts should not get as much money from the government as public services do. Do you agree?
What does the government do to make sure everyone has the same rights?
Main Ideas:
- Spending plan
- Personal freedom vs. responsibility
- Policies and services for social
Words that can help you: laws, public funds, human rights, welfare programs, policymaking
7. Globalisation and the Arts
Looks at globalisation, variety, and preserving culture.
Sample Questions:
Are national values in danger because of globalisation?
Should kids learn other languages in school?
Key Ideas:
- Trade and movement around the world
- Exchange of cultures and personality
- Language and talking to people
Words that can help you: heritage, diversity, assimilation, global economy, traditions
8. Work and Job Opportunities
Key issues include job satisfaction, career options, and equal rights for men and women.
Examples of Questions:
Some say that being happy at work is more important than getting paid. Do you agree?
What can be done to lower unemployment?
Key Ideas:
- Balance between work and life
- Roles for men and women at work
- Where work and AI are going
Words that can help you: raises, flexible hours, workforce, job stability, unequal pay
9. Advertising and the Media
Questions might be asked about ethics and having power.
Sample Questions:
Do ads make people spend money they don’t need to?
Should famous people be looked up to as role models?
Key Ideas:
- Buying things and being manipulated
- Slant in the news and fake news
- Freedom of speech
Words that come in handy: consumer behaviour, sponsorship, bias, media ethics, persuasion methods
10. Family and Children
Themes about duty, ideals, and how to raise children.
Examples of Questions:
Some people think that both parents should take turns taking care of their kids. Do you agree?
How does kids’ too much screen time make them feel?
Thoughts for the Day:
- Parenting jobs
- Screen obsession and how it affects learning
- Rules and talking to each other
Useful Words: raising a child, generation gap, child growth, parental responsibility, behaviour problems
How to Really Get Ready for Each Subject
1. Develop Words Related to the Topic
Make word lists for each theme. Add these:
- Like words
- Pairs of words
- Transitions and phrases for giving examples
Example (School):
- Getting to school
- The same chances
- Quality of the lessons
- “For example, vocational training can get students ready to work right away.”
2. Work on Coming Up with Ideas
Every day, pick a subject and answer:
- What are the most popular ones?
- In what way do I feel?
- How can I explain this?
Set up your work like this:
Subject → View 1 → View 2 → Opinion → Example
3. Read Sample Essays and Think About Them
Think about:
- Build up
- Words to know
- Coming up with ideas
- How the author directly answers the question
You can find help on sites like IELTS Liz, IELTS Simon, and Cambridge IELTS Books.
4. Write Plans for Essays, Not Whole Essays
Making plans helps your brain work faster.
Time yourself for 5 minutes and write down:
- Idea for the beginning
- Two lines of text
- Message at the end
5. To Get Better, Use Old IELTS Questions
Go to Google and type in “IELTS Writing Task 2 recent questions 2024.”
Then, sort the questions by subject and practise how to answer each one.
A Sample Plan for an Essay: Subject = Environment
Question:
Some people think that people need to change how they live to cut down on pollution, while others think that the government should do it. Talk about both points of view and say what you think.
Plan:
- Start: Rephrase, list both sides, and give your opinion (balanced)
- Body 1: Things that people can do (like using less plastic or riding a bike to work)
- Part 2: The role of the government (policy, rules, and facilities)
- Both are important, but behaviour must be guided by policy
When Trying to Remember Long Writings, Don’t Make These Mistakes:
- The question might change → Instead, remember words and thoughts
- Trying too hard to understand → Pay attention to clarity and accuracy, not long words
- Giving only your own opinion → Back up your ideas with common sense and examples from real life
- Going off topic → Read the question again and do the exact job
Thoughts for Now
One of the best ways to prepare for the IELTS Writing Task 2 is to learn about the most popular topics. You’ll get faster and feel more confidence if you work on your vocabulary, try out ideas, and read sample essays.
Instead of trying to guess the exact question, you should study the topics and learn how to use formal English to make strong, well-balanced points.
Call to Action
Which subject is the hardest for you: crime, globalisation, or health? Tell us in the comments, and we’ll send you some ideas, fake words, and a Band 9 essay on that subject.
