A detailed guide to this IELTS Writing Task 2 essay type, with structure templates, useful vocabulary, and techniques to achieve Band 7+.
Originally published October 2018. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
In this post you will find a list of recent IELTS exam questions that were in the IELTS Test during September 2018, you can view the questions look at the topics and practice writing answers to them during your IELTS preparation.
The questions below have been reported to us by our students and other people who have taken the IELTS Exam recently.
Please take a look below and if you know of more questions, please leave a comment and help your fellow students.
If you need help writing answers to any of the questions below, please take a look at how to write each type of essay in the Writing Task 2 section >
You can also view band score 8 essay examples to some of the questions listed below in the section above in the drop-down menu for agree/disagree, etc.
IELTS Writing Task 2 Questions – September 2018
Agree/Disagree
Parents think that children reading entertainment books are a waste of time and they should read serious educational books instead. To what extent do you agree?
In some countries where there is a huge percentage of unemployment, some pupils are only offered primary education and not secondary education as it is said to be unnecessary. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
The international community must act immediately to ensure all nations reduce the consumption of fossil fuels (oil and gas). To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Some say that the most important thing about being rich is that one has the opportunity to help others. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
The restoration of old buildings in major cities in the world spend high amounts of government funding on this. The money should be used for developing new housing and roads. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Advantage/Disadvantage
People in developed countries are buying more and more cars. Do the advantages for the individual outweigh the disadvantages for the environment?
Discussion
Some people think that money is the best gift to give to young people, while others think that selecting and giving a precious gift is better. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Human activity has had a negative effect on pants and animals all over the world. Some people think that it is too late to do something about it, while others think that there is still time to take effective actions. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Some people think that advertising on TV is useless and others disagree. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
Direct
There is so much research into new medicines and treatment of diseases – who do you think should be funding these studies, the research companies, the government or private individuals?
IELTS Preparation
To help you with your IELTS preparation, here is a free PDF download of the most recent IELTS writing task 2 questions.
They are a mix of both General Training and Academic questions, you can prepare for all the topics mentioned.
A detailed guide to this IELTS Writing Task 2 essay type, with structure templates, useful vocabulary, and techniques to achieve Band 7+.
Originally published October 2018. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
In this post you will find a list of recent IELTS exam questions that were in the IELTS Test during August 2018, you can view the questions look at the topics and practice writing answers to them during your IELTS preparation.
The questions below have been reported to us by our students and other people who have taken the IELTS Exam recently.
Please take a look below and if you know of more questions, please leave a comment and help your fellow students.
If you need help to write answers to any of the questions below, please take a look at how to write each type of essay in the Writing Task 2 section >
You can also view band score 8 essay examples to some of the questions listed below in the section above in the drop-down menu for agree/disagree, etc.
IELTS Writing Task 2 Questions – August 2018
Agree/Disagree
Some people feel that the companies and individuals who cause mass pollution should pay to clean this up and not the government. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Billions of dollars are being wasted on space research. The money could be used in better ways, here on earth to improve people lives and their living conditions. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Traffic and housing problems can be solved if moving large companies, factories and their employees out of cities into more rural areas. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Advantage/Disadvantage
In some cities, there are fewer controls over the design and construction of new houses and office buildings. Should people build their own houses in whatever style they want? Do you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
Positive/Negative
In many countries, it is illegal for companies to reject job applicants because of their age. Is this a positive or negative development?
Cause/effect
The demand for food is increasing worldwide. What is the main cause of this? What measures could the international community take in order to improve this situation?
Problem/Solution
The quality of life in some big cities is becoming worse every year. What is the main cause of this problem? What solution could you suggest?
Discussion
Some people believe that the latest technology, when used in the workplace, can enhance the lives of the workers, while others disagree. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Some people believe that a good way to reduce crime is to have longer sentences, while others think that there are alternatives to this problem. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Direct
Many people think that having more money will make them happier. How important is money in relation to happiness?
IELTS Preparation
To help you with your IELTS preparation, here is a free PDF download of the most recent IELTS writing task 2 questions.
They are a mix of both General Training and Academic questions, you can prepare for all the topics mentioned.
A detailed guide to this IELTS Writing Task 2 essay type, with structure templates, useful vocabulary, and techniques to achieve Band 7+.
Originally published August 2018. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
In this post you will find a list of recent IELTS exam questions that were in the IELTS Test during July 2018, you can view the questions look at the topics and practice writing answers to them during your IELTS preparation.
The questions below have been reported to us by our students and other people who have taken the IELTS Exam recently.
Please take a look below and if you know of more questions, please leave a comment and help your fellow students.
If you need help to write answers to any of the questions below, please take a look at how to write each type of essay in the Writing Task 2 section >
You can also view band score 8 essay examples to some of the questions listed below in the section above in the drop-down menu for agree/disagree, etc.
IELTS Writing Task 2 Questions – July 2018
Agree/Disagree
1. Some physiologists recommend that it is important to overcome daily stress by spending time doing nothing. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
2. The education of young people is the main priority in most countries around the world. Some people believe that educating adults who cannot read or write is essential for society and more funding should be made available for it. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
3. The only way to solve the increasing crime rate of young offenders is to teach parents better parenting skills. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
4. Some people think the government should be responsible for solving the pollution problems that appear from the heavy flow of traffic in the cities around the world. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Advantage/Disadvantage
1. Some people believe that having a great difference in age between parents and children is more beneficial. Do you think that there are more advantages in having older parents? Do they outweigh the disadvantages?
2. Some people think that to reduce traffic and air pollution, the government should increase the tax levied on petrol (gas). Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?
Discussion
1. Some people think that modern technology is making people more sociable, while others think it is making them less sociable. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
2. Some people argue that formal education should start for children as early as possible, while others think that it should not start until 7 years of age. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
3. Some people believe that teachers have an important role to play in the educational success of the students’ lives, while others think it is the students’ attitude that matters. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
4. Some people believe that universities should only offer places to students with high marks, while others believe that people of all ages should be allowed a place even if they don’t reach those high grades. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
5. The world of work is forever changing at a fast pace. Working conditions today are not the same as before and people no longer rely on taking one job for life. Discuss the possible causes for these changes and give your suggestions for how people should prepare themselves for work in the future.
6. Some people find it beneficial to send young children to nursery school before they go to primary school, while others think that it’s good to keep children at home with their family. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
7. Some people believe that educational success depends on you having good teachers, while others think that it depends on the attitude of the students. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
8. Some people think that advancements in technology is encouraging more social behaviour, while others think that it is making people less sociable. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Direct
1. Online people write product reviews and give their opinions about services. Is this a good or bad thing?
2. Scientists have been warning for many years about the importance of protecting the environment and that we must limit the use of energy in our daily lives. Despite the warnings, many people do not do this. What are the reasons for that and how can people be encouraged to take an interest in protecting the environment?
3. People are less fit and active nowadays than in the past. What are some of the reasons for this? What measures can be taken to fix this?
IELTS Preparation
To help you with your IELTS preparation, here is a free PDF download of the most recent IELTS writing task 2 questions.
They are a mix of both General Training and Academic questions, you can prepare for all the topics mentioned.
Step-by-step guide to answering this type of IELTS Writing Task 1 question. Covers structure, key language, and band-scoring criteria.
Originally published May 2018. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
In this post, we will look at a Writing Task 1 Academic table essay example from the IELTS writing task 1 Academic Test. Students often ask if the questions are repeated year after year and the answer is no, but the type of chart, graph or table can be.
There are so many questions written each year, you may find you practice answering various questions on different topics. It is best practice to learn how to answer each one of the various types of writing task 1 questions, from bar charts, line graphs, maps, process etc.
If you would like to learn how to structure a charts, graphs, table essay please click the button below >
Take a look at the IELTS Writing Task 1 Academic essay example below >>
*This table question and answer were provided by a student. IELTS Achieve did not design this question*
The table illustrates the comparative statistics about the seven hindrances encountered by students from two different elementary schools in 2005 and 2015. The units of measurement are in percentage.
Overall, The survey started in the year 2005 which revealed that not following instructions had the highest fraction while poor reading ability received the lowest percentage in students from school A. Difficulty concentrating in lessons garnered the topmost proportion, while problems in spelling obtained the lowest section in children from school B. After 10 years, handwriting took the top spot in school A, whereas both concentration difficulties and verbal expression got the top spot in school B.
On the one hand, in the year 2005, not following instructions acquired the highest proportion with 40% from school A followed by problems in concentration, troubles in verbal expressions and lacking listening skills with 40% and both 35% respectively, whereas poor reading ability got the lowest percentage. In school B, having a hard time concentrating is the topmost problem with 15 % followed by verbal expression obstacles, poor listening skills and problems in reading with 14%, 11% and 8% accordingly.
On the other hand, after 10 years, trouble with handwriting got the highest number with 28% from school A. Just trailing behind were spelling struggles and weak reading ability with 25% and 23% correspondingly. In school B both problems in verbal expression of ideas and concentration lessons shared the top spot with 15% next to it are lacking in listening skills and weak reading ability with 10% and 9% respectively.
Finally, not following instructions and concentration difficulties received the lowest in school A with both 18% whereas poor reading ability obtained the lowest number with only 9% in school B.
Word count – 286 / Band score 8
*This is a little long for a writing task 1 essay – do you think some of the information could have been edited? What would you have cut out of the essay? Answer in the comments below*
Task Achievement – The answer provides a paraphrased question, to begin with, followed by an overview that gives the reader key information.
Coherence and Cohesion – The answer has been divided into clear logical paragraphs.
Lexical Resource – There is evidence of paraphrasing, synonyms and some less common words.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy – The answer has no grammatical errors. The sentences are mainly made up of multiple clauses and have a variety of structures.
We hope you found this post useful in helping you to study for the IELTS Test. If you have any questions please let us know in the comments below or on the Facebook page.
The best way to keep up to date with posts like this is to like us on Facebook, then follow us on Instagram and Pinterest.
If you need help preparing for the IELTS Test, join the IELTS Achieve Academy and see how we can assist you to achieve your desired band score. We offer an essay correction service, mock exams and online courses.
Step-by-step guide to answering this type of IELTS Writing Task 1 question. Covers structure, key language, and band-scoring criteria.
Originally published May 2018. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
In this post, we will look at a Writing Task 1 Academic table essay: European Household Income example from the IELTS writing task 1 Academic Test.
If you would like to learn how to structure a chart, graph, table essay please click the button below:
Take a look at the IELTS Writing Task 1Table Essay: European Household Income example below:
*This table question and answer were provided by a student. IELTS Achieve did not design this question*
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. The table illustrates the proportion of monthly household income five European countries spend on food and drink, housing, clothing and entertainment. Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant.
Write at least 150 words.
The proportion of monthly household income five European countries spend on food and drink, housing, clothing and entertainment.
The table shows the comparative figures based on four monthly expenditures namely; food and drink, housing, clothing and entertainment in the following countries; France, Germany, The UK, Turkey and Spain. Overall, Turkey had the highest percentage of food and drink, while the UK spent most of their money on housing, Germany got the top spot in clothing and entertainment respectively. On the one hand, based on food and drink spending with 36% Turkey had the highest figure followed by Spain and The UK with 31% and 27 % correspondingly, whereas France had 25% and lastly the Germans with 22%. In terms of housing, the British spent the highest amount of 37% and the Spanish received the lowest with 18%. On the other hand, looking at clothing expenses, the Germans spent the most with 15% while the citizens of Turkey, the British people and the Spanish trailed behind with 12%, 11% and 8% respectively, while the French had the lowest clothing expenditure with only 7%. Finally, with regards to entertainment, Germany produced the highest number with 19% followed by Spain, France and the UK with 15%, 13% and 11% accordingly, as Turkey got the lowest with 10%.
Word count – 195 / Band score 8
Instructor Feedback on Modal Answer: IELTS Writing Task 1
Task Achievement: The answer provides a paraphrased question, to begin with, followed by an overview that gives the reader key information. Coherence and Cohesion: The answer has been divided into clear logical paragraphs. Lexical Resource: There is evidence of paraphrasing, synonyms and some less common words. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The answer has no grammatical errors. The sentences are mainly made up of multiple clauses and have a variety of structures.
We hope you found this post helpful in helping you to study for the IELTS Test. Let us know in the comments or on the Facebook page if you have any questions. The best way to keep up to date with posts like this is to like us on Facebook, and then follow us onInstagramand Pinterest. We offer essay correction services, mock exams, and online courses. If you need help preparing for the IELTS Test, join the IELTS Achieve Academy and see how we can help you achieve your desired band score faster.
