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.
A detailed guide to this IELTS Writing Task 2 essay type, with structure templates, useful vocabulary, and techniques to achieve Band 7+.
Originally published May 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 March and April 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 – April 2018
Agree/Disagree
1. Pollution and other environmental damage are caused by a country developing and becoming richer. This problem cannot be avoided. To what extent do you agree?
2. Once children start school, teachers have more influence on their intellectual and social development than the parents. To what extent do you agree or disagree.
3. it is important for public money to be spent on promoting a healthy lifestyle to prevent illness rather than spending money treating people who are ill. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
4. The key to solving the environmental problems is for the present generation to sacrifice their easy lifestyle for the sake of the future generations. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Positive/Negative
1. The number of people interested in cosmetic surgery is increasing in order to improve their physical appearance. Why do people want operations to change the way they look? Do you think this is a positive or negative development?
2. These days a lot of movies and music are free to download online. Is this a positive or negative development?
3. Organised tours are choosing more and more to visit remote places and communities. Do you think it is a positive or negative development for the local people and the environment?
4. In society today, more and more people are choosing to live on their own. What are the reasons behind this? Is it a positive or negative trend?
Advantage/Disadvantage
1. Some cities have days when cars and other forms of transport are banned from the city centre. Only buses, bicycles and taxis are allowed to be in the city centre. Do you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
Discussion Essay
1. It is believed that some people should take a yearly driving test in order to ensure safety on the roads, while others do not agree. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
2. Some people prefer hobbies that require technology, while some people prefer hobbies that do not. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Direct Question Essay
1. In the world today of advanced science and technology, people still value artists such as painters, musicians and writers. How can art make a difference in our society, that science and technology cannot?
IELTS Writing Task 2 Questions – March 2018
Agree/Disagree
1. Some people think that the government should take care of disadvantaged people like the homeless and the unemployed. Do you agree or disagree?
2. When designing a building the intended use of the building should be taken into account rather than its outward appearance. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
3. In many countries around the world, plastic shopping bags are the main type of rubbish, they cause water pollution and land pollution, so they should be banned. To what extent do you agree?
Advantage/Disadvantage
1. Social media has replaced the traditional methods of communicating and people use more and more social media to communicate and to follow news and events. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
Discussion Essay
1. Some people believe bicycles have a lot of advantages, whereas others believe bicycles have more disadvantages. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
2. Some people prefer to plan activities for their free time very carefully, while others disagree. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
3. Some people believe that sleeping is the only way that people can get enough rest. Others believe that physical activities such as playing games and exercises also provide relaxation. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
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.
Originally published 2018. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
TL;DR — This page collects recently reported IELTS Writing exam questions and topics from test takers worldwide. Use these to identify trends, practise with realistic material, and focus your preparation on the most common themes. Updated regularly based on student reports.
Why Track Recent Exam Questions?
IELTS recycles and rotates questions across test centres worldwide. By studying recently reported topics, you can identify patterns and high-frequency themes that are likely to appear in upcoming tests. While the exact questions will differ, the topics and question types follow consistent patterns.
How We Collect This Data
Our database of recent exam questions comes from verified test-taker reports submitted through our community channels. We cross-reference multiple reports from different test centres to confirm accuracy before publishing. Each entry includes the approximate test date and the region where it was reported.
Recent Writing Topics — 2026
Below are the most frequently reported writing topics and question types from recent IELTS exams. Topics are grouped by theme and ordered by frequency of appearance.
Task 2 Essay Topics
Technology and Society: Impact of social media on young people, automation replacing jobs, online learning vs traditional education
