60+ IELTS Essay Topics 2024: IELTS Writing Task 2

Evaluation Criteria for IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 and Task 2 Scores

Before moving ahead, it is crucial to understand the marking criteria for better preparation for the IELTS writing exam. To perform your best, you must know what criteria your examiner is following. So, take a look at them below:

1. Task Achievement/Task Response measures how successfully you answer the question or complete the task. You here need to address the prompt directly, provide pertinent information, and maintain your focus on the task only.

2. Coherence determines if your writing is well-structured or not. And also, it has to make sense. So, you are required to form paragraphs logically, connect ideas in a coherent sequence, and maintain a smooth flow of information. 

3. Grammatical Range and Accuracy evaluate your grammar skills for English. You must show proper sentence formations, make sure your sentences are grammatically correct, and show your command of the English language. 

4. Lexical Resource is about your vocabulary usage. You must use a good collection of words and phrases to score higher in IELTS writing. Also, you have to choose acceptable words and show a strong mastery of the terminology. 

IELTS Writing Task 1 & Task 2 for Academic

After understanding the evaluation criteria for academic tasks 1 and 2, let’s focus on what we are here for. The IELTS Academic Writing part has two tasks that must be finished within an hour: 

IELTS Writing Task 1

Task 1 requires you to describe a graph, visual information, table, or chart in your own words. You must create a 150-word report that accurately describes the data in the graph or graphic.

The IELTS writing task 1 marking criteria account for 33% (⅓) of the total IELTS writing evaluation score. Finish this portion in 20 minutes or less, while IELTS writing task 2 is more challenging and requires at least 40 minutes to complete.

IELTS Writing Task 2

In IELTS Writing Task 2, your essay is worth 66% (⅔) of the total score. As a result, it's critical to devote adequate time and effort to developing a well-structured and coherent response within the 40-minute timeframe. Concentrate on addressing the given problem, point of view, or argument concisely and effectively in approximately 250 words.

• Introduction: Provide context and a clear thesis statement. 

• Body: Present supporting and opposing arguments.

• Conclusion: Restate the thesis with additional supporting details.

Latest IELTS Essay Topics for 2024

IELTS essay writing topics tend to focus on contemporary global issues. Here's a list of IELTS essay topics. In addition, preparing with sample essay questions is an excellent way to prepare for the Writing section. Here are some sample essay topics and writing samples to help you identify the most recent IELTS essay topics.

Environment

• Environmental Crisis: A common IELTS topic which several students feel no reason to prepare for because it is one of the most specific areas, resulting in a loss of marks. 

• Global Warming: Frequently appears in IELTS speaking and writing sections, covering climate change, greenhouse effect, global warming, and deforestation.

• Sustainable Energy: This topic is highly vital for essay preparation. Sentences must relate coherently to provide transparent information and avoid off-topic penalties.

• Fossil Fuels: A common IELTS essay topic emphasising renewable energy over nonrenewable resources like fossil fuels.

Personality

• Importance of First Impression: IELTS examiners have short attention spans and read hundreds of essays daily. As a result, you must get off to a solid start and make a positive first impression in your IELTS essay.

• Hobbies: The word 'hobbies' appears frequently in both IELTS Writing Task 2 and the Speaking section. This simple, mark-fetching topic presents a few challenges for students taking the exam.

• Fashion: A global theme frequently addressed in IELTS, offering ample opportunity to hone public speaking skills.

Education

• Importance of Leisure Activities and School Values: The IELTS Essay on Education is one of the most challenging tasks, with surprising problems on the exam. These education essay themes, such as the importance of leisure activities, are opinion-based and evaluate students' ability to convey their knowledge and skills wisely.

Society

• Government and Society: As a student, you should review as many prevalent IELTS Writing Task 2 topics as possible. You should be well-versed in government and society, as it is a common theme in IELTS tests. 

• Ideal Society: To increase your total band score and have a good grip on writing and vocabulary, you should practice answering example questions and answers for the Ideal Society IELTS essay.

Technology

• Social Media: Social media essays are a common topic for IELTS Writing Task 2. The most basic method for a social media IELTS essay band 9 and comparable themes is to stick to the right word count and be aware of alternative approaches to the issue.

Business & Global Consumerism

• International Trade: Throughout the years, the IELTS exam has consistently included topics on global business. In addressing such topics, it is essential to provide comprehensive responses containing solutions, arguments, reasons, opinions, and evidence.

• Management and Leadership: Leadership and management play pivotal roles in any organisation. Essays on such topics should always directly relate to the question at hand.

Culture

• Foreign Languages: Foreign languages and linguistic difficulties are common subjects in IELTS writing assignment 2. Express your own thoughts on such subjects. 

Sports

• Essays about sports and children should stay focused on the essential issues and avoid deviating from them.

Health

• Obesity: Overweight essays are among the most prevalent topics in IELTS writing task 2. Obesity, contemporary health trends in children and adults, and other related subjects may be discussed concerning overweight.

Also read: The Triune Brain - IELTS Reading Answers

Types of IELTS Essays

IELTS essay writing topics are typically categorised into various sections, encompassing a wide array of subjects. You can anticipate encountering essays in the IELTS exam that fall under any of the following types:

Opinion Essays

You must express your thoughts on the assigned topic in this essay category. Naturally, the best way to score high on such essays is to be familiar with common topics covered in the IELTS exam.

Sample Questions:

1. What are the benefits and drawbacks of social media usage among teenagers?

2. Discuss the impact of fast food consumption on people's health and lifestyle.

3. Should students be required to wear school uniforms? Share your perspective.

4. What are the advantages and disadvantages of online learning compared to traditional classroom education?

5. Do you believe video games positively or negatively influence young people's behaviour and development? Explain your viewpoint.

Discussion Essays

For discussion essays, you must provide evidence in favour of or against the topic of the essay. The majority of essays on the IELTS exam are of this type.

Sample Questions:

1. Do you think it's important for individuals to pursue higher education, or are vocational skills equally valuable in today's job market?

2. Is social media ultimately beneficial for society, or does it contribute to increased isolation and mental health issues?

3. Should governments prioritise funding for space exploration, or are there more pressing issues that require attention?

4. Do you believe technology has made interpersonal communication easier, or has it led to a decline in face-to-face interactions?

5. Should fast food companies be held responsible for the rise in obesity rates, or is personal responsibility the primary factor in maintaining a healthy lifestyle?

Solution Essays

You will need to address a specific problem in your solution essays. You may occasionally be asked to explain why a particular problem has arisen, and you will be required to offer your opinion on the matter.

Sample Questions:

1. Discuss the impact of excessive use of plastic on the environment and propose solutions to reduce plastic waste.

2. Analyse the causes of obesity in children and suggest strategies to promote healthy eating habits and physical activity.

3. Explore the challenges small businesses face in a competitive market and propose measures to support their growth and sustainability.

4. Examine the issue of air pollution in urban areas and recommend initiatives to improve air quality and mitigate its harmful effects on public health.

5. Investigate the prevalence of cyberbullying among teenagers and propose methods to prevent and address cyberbullying incidents effectively.

Advantage or Disadvantage Essays

Advantage or Disadvantage Essays require you to discuss a specific topic's positive and negative aspects. Such essays put your argument construction skills to the test, as well as your ability to communicate your ideas clearly and coherently in English.

Sample Questions:

1. With the rise of online shopping, brick-and-mortar stores are facing challenges. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of traditional retail stores in today's digital age.

2. Telecommuting is becoming increasingly common, allowing employees to work remotely. Analyse the pros and cons of remote work for both employers and employees.

3. The prevalence of fast food chains has increased worldwide. Evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of fast food consumption on individuals' health and well-being.

4. Streaming services like Netflix and Hulu have revolutionised the way people consume entertainment. Assess the impact of streaming platforms on traditional television and movie industries.

5. The gig economy, characterised by short-term freelance or independent contract work, is on the rise. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of gig work for workers and businesses alike.

Direct Question Essays

For this type of essay, the topics will be presented as direct questions to which students must respond based on their own experiences and thoughts. You must respond to such essays with direct questions that reflect your experiences.

Sample Questions:

1. Should governments provide free public transportation to reduce traffic congestion and air pollution?

2. Is social media beneficial or detrimental to interpersonal relationships?

3. Should schools abolish homework to promote students' well-being and creativity?

4. Is it ethical for companies to use targeted advertising based on users' online behaviour?

5. Should fast food advertisements be banned to combat rising obesity rates among children?

Also read: IELTS Score Required for USA

Preparation Tips for IELTS Writing Task 2

Now that you have good knowledge about the Types of IELTS Essays, you must go through the exam preparation process diligently and systematically, starting well in advance. So, here are some tips to score higher in IELTS writing.

• Start with IELTS exam preparation at least 6 months before your scheduled test date, allocating daily time to all four sections.

• Dedicate particular focus to writing topics for both tasks, especially task 2 and practising writing daily while adhering to time constraints.

• Put in a lot of work to improve your grammar and increase your vocabulary. Develop structured thought processes to communicate ideas logically and compellingly. Put coherence, logic, and clarity first when writing.

• Given the wide range of potential topics in task 2, expand your knowledge and vocabulary using various resources such as books, magazines, and online materials. In addition, take numerous mock tests to familiarise yourself with the exam format and improve your skills.

However, practice is paramount for achieving the desired scores. You must enrol in IELTS courses with Prepare IELTS Exam (PI), which offers access to mock tests, speaking and writing evaluations, and comprehensive study materials.

How to Answer Task 2 Essays in the IELTS Writing Section?

Now that you have preparation tips for IELTS Writing Task 2, you should also dive deeper into answering Task 2 Essays. So, you can use the following steps to improve your skills to respond to essays in the Writing section:

Step 1: Grasp the Question's Essence

Begin by meticulously examining and comprehending the essay prompt. It's common for candidates to overlook key nuances, resulting in misguided responses. Identify the question type, dissect keywords, and grasp the instructions before responding.

Step 2: Blueprint Your Approach

With a clear understanding of the question, outline your response's structure. This strategic planning phase enables you to arrange your thoughts systematically, ensuring a coherent and organised essay.

Step 3: Write an Engaging Introduction

Initiate your essay with a compelling introduction that encapsulates its essence. Set the tone and provide a succinct overview to guide the reader's understanding of the forthcoming discourse.

Step 4: Deliberate Main Body Construction

The crux of your essay resides in its main body, where comprehensive elaboration is paramount. Present your arguments cohesively, supported by pertinent examples, explanations, and data. Conclude this section thoughtfully to segue into the final step.

Step 5: Conclude with Precision

Conclude your essay effectively, summarising key points and reinforcing your stance. End resonantly, leaving a lasting impression on the reader and cementing the essay's relevance and significance.

Conclusion

To conclude, mastering the nuances of IELTS essay writing is critical for achieving high scores. Candidates can increase their chances of success by preparing diligently, understanding the evaluation criteria, and using a structured approach to essay writing when tackling task 2 essays in the IELTS Writing section.

We hope the above information about IELTS Writing Task 2 helped you understand the task better. However, you can contact Prepare IELTS Exam (PI) expert counsellors for further guidance. Our team of education experts is dedicated to providing you with the best guidance in the IELTS exam. You can get a one-on-one counselling session online via our platform. Contact us at info@prepareieltsexam.com or call us at +91 9773398388.