If you’re interested in real IELTS writing essay questions and topics, you have found the perfect place!
Scroll down to see the IELTS questions – I have included multiple of each.
Enjoy your practice!
Dave
Art
In many countries, people now wear western clothes such as suits and jeans rather than traditional clothing.
Why is this the case?
Is this a positive or negative development?
In some countries, there are fewer young people who listen to or play classical music these days.
Why is this?
Should young people be encouraged to play or perform classical music?
Some people think that it is a waste of time for high school students to study literature, such as novels and poems.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Some people believe that the government should spend more money putting in more works of art like paintings and statues in cities to make them better places to live in.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Some think that quality art can be made by anyone while others think that it requires special talent and ability.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Many young people today spend too much time following the latest fashion trends in areas such as clothing and technology.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Business and Companies
Older people often choose to spend money on themselves (e.g. on holidays) rather than save money for their children after retirement.
Is this a positive or negative development?
Many governments think that economic progress is their most important goal. Some people, however, think that other types of progress are equally important for a country.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Some people believe that increasing tax on various industries will reduce pollution whereas others believe that there are better alternative ways.
Discuss both the view and give your opinion.
Large companies should pay higher salaries to CEOs and executives compared to other workers.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
If a product is good and meets customer needs, then people will buy it and advertising is unnecessary.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
The growth of multinational companies and the resulting rise of globalization creates positive effects for all.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
To succeed in a business, one needs to know maths.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Cities
Many cities are now turning parks and farmland into new housing developments.
Is this a positive or negative development?
A rise in the standard of living in a country often only seems to benefit cities rather than rural areas.
What problems can this cause?
How might these problems be reduced?
Today, many people do not know their neighbors in large cities.
What problems does this cause?
What can be done about this?
Some people say it is more important to plant trees in the open spaces in towns and cities than to build more housing.
To what extant do you agree or disagree?
Some believe it is important for cities and towns to invest heavily in building large outdoor public spaces.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Many people living in cities these days do not get enough physical exercise.
What are the causes of this?
What are some possible solutions?
Climate Change
Some believe that people should make efforts to fight climate change while others think it is better to learn to live with it.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Some think that climate change reforms will negatively affect business. Others feel they are an opportunity for businesses.
Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.
Climate change is a phenomenon that affects countries all over the world. Many people strongly believe that it is the responsibility of individuals, rather than corporations and governments, to deal with this problem.
To what extent do you agree?
Developing the economy will always damage the environment.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Crime
In many countries, crimes rates amongst younger people has been rising.
Discuss the causes and solutions for this problem.
Studies show that crime rates are lower among those with educational degrees. Therefore, the best way to reduce the crime rate is to educate criminals while they are still in prison.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Many researchers believe that we can now study the behaviour of children to see if they will grow up to be criminals, while others disagree.
To what extent do you think crime is determined by genetics?
Watching TV shows and movies about crime is becoming more and more popular.
Why is this?
What effect does that have on society?
Education
Nowadays, distance-learning programs have gained in popularity, but some people argue that online courses can never be taken as good as those taken at a college or university in person.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
In an era of globalization, some people think that studying abroad is the best way to attain a well-paid job while others believe other options are better.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
The best curriculum is not one based on a static body of knowledge but one which teaches student to cope with change.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Some feel that schools should be mixed with both girls and boys attending while others feel the genders ought to be separated.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Many students find it is harder to study at university or college compared to when they were in grade school.
Why is this?
What are some possible solutions for this problem?
Instead of requiring primary school students to do experiments themselves, schools should only alllow them to watch experiments demonstrated by teachers.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Many students find it difficult to pay attention at school.
What are the reasons for this?
What could be done to solve this problem?
Entertainment
People these days watch TV, films and other programmes alone rather than with other people.
Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?
Some feel that good entertainers are as important to society as scientists.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Some people say that all popular TV entertainment programmes should aim to educate viewers about important social issues.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Computer games are very popular for all ages and nationalities. Parents think this has little educational value and it will be harmful for children.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Environment and Nature
Some people believe that car-free days are effective ways to reduce air pollution. However, others argue that there are other ways that are more effective.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Some people claim that too much focus and resources have been spent to protect wild animals and birds.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
It is a natural process for animal species to become extinct (e.g. dinosaurs, dodos, etc.). There is no reason why people should try to prevent this from happening.
Do you agree or disagree?
It is now possible for scientists and tourists to travel to remote natural environments, such as the South Pole.
Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?
Some think the current generation should take steps to protect the environment for the next generation.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
The global demand for oil and gas is increasing. Some believe that we should therefore encourage the exploitation of remote areas.
Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?
Family and Children
Although it is generally illegal, physical punishment continues in many countries. Some argue that parents should have the right to punish their children in this way.
Do you agree or disagree?
In marriages today, some argue that it is the responsibility of both spouses to earn a living for the family.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
People nowadays tend to have children at older ages.
Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?
Some people spend a lot of money celebrating personal family events, such as weddings and birthdays.
How important is it to celebrate such events?
Do you think people spend too much money on these events?
These days more fathers stay at home and take care of their children while mothers go out to work.
What could be the reasons for this?
Is it a positive or negative development?
It is better for children if the whole family including aunts, uncles and so on are involved in a child’s upbringing, rather than just their parents.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Globalization and Consumerism
Some argue that patriotism is the primary cause of wars globally. Others feel that it serves to prevent less ethical politicians from running a country and starting wars.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
The increase in the production of consumer goods results in damage to the natural environment.
What are the causes of this?
What can be done to solve this problem?
Many today feel that most urgent problems can only be solved by international cooperation.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Some feel that countries should produce most of the food that is eaten in their country and import as little as possible.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
One good way to promote world peace is through international sporting events.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Government
Many think that religion should be taught in schools while others think it should be avoided.
Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
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As the number of cars increases, more money has to be spent on road systems. Some people think the government should pay for this. Others, however, think that drivers should cover the costs.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
It is impossible to help all people around the world in need so governments should focus on people from their own country.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Governments should spend more money on medical research and less on researching the environment.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Research into medical treatments are essential to improve health and fight disease.
Who do you think should fund this research: individuals, private companies or governments?
Throughout history, male leaders have led us into violence and conflict. If a society is governed by female leaders it will be more peaceful.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
Some believe that nuclear weapons benefit the world at large.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Health
Some people say that to prevent illness and disease, governments should focus more on reducing environmental pollution and housing problems.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Nowadays, an increasing number of people with health problems are using alternative medicines and treatments instead of visiting their normal doctor.
Do you think this is a positive or negative development?
Doctors should be responsible for educating their patients about how to improve their health.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Some feel governments, rather than private companies, should be in charge of medical services.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Some people today prefer to get advice for medical problems and do not want to visit a doctor.
Why is this?
Is this a positive or a negative development?
Even though doctors advise old people to get more exercise, many old people do not get enough.
What are the reasons for this?
What are some possible solutions for this?
Many psychologists recommend that the best way to relieve stress is to do nothing at all for a period of time during the day.
Do you agree or disagree?
History
Some people say that now is the best time in history to be living.
What is your opinion about this?
What other time in history would be interesting to live in?
It is better to learn the way people lived in the past through films and video records than written documents.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Some believe that history has little to teach us about today while others think that the study of the past helps us to understand the present.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Some people say history is one the most important school subjects. Other people think that, in today’s world, subjects like science and technology are more important than history.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Museums and art galleries should focus on works that show the history and culture of their own country rather than works of other parts of the world.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Housing
Some people think the newly built houses should be the same as the old housing styles in local areas. Others argue that local authorities should allow people to build houses in their own style.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
There are severe social consequences to housing shortages in cities and only the government can solve these problems.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Too much money is wasted on repairing old buildings that should be used to knock them down and build new ones.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Some believe that because everyone needs a place to live, governments should provide houses for those who are too poor to afford their own.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Internet
Many people put their personal information online (address, telephone number, and so on) for purposes such as signing up for social networks or online banking.
Is this a positive or negative development?
In the past, knowledge was contained in books. Nowadays, knowledge is uploaded to the internet.
Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?
In many workplaces, online communication is now more common than face-to-face meetings.
Do the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?
Some today argue that schools are no longer necessary because children can learn so much from the internet and be educated at home.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Language
Some feel governments should invest in preserving minority languages, while others feel this is not a good use of resources.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Some believe that we should invent a new language for international communication.
Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?
Some people believe that smartphones are destroying social interaction today.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Living in a country where you have to speak a foreign language can cause serious social problems, as well as practical problems.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Media and Advertising
Some people think that there should be a complete ban on all forms of advertising.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
People are annoyed or entertained by advertising but they are not affected by advertisements when making shopping decisions.
To what extent you agree or disagree?
More and more people no longer read newspapers or watch TV programmes to get their news and instead read online.
Is this a positive or negative development?
Some feel that the effects of advertising are positive for individuals and businesses, while others think they are negative.
Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.
Psychology
In recent times, economic growth has helped many become richer, both in developed and developing countries. However, those in developed countries are not as happy as they were in the past.
Why is this?
What can be learned from this?
Some people work harder than other.
Why is this?
Is this a positive or negative habit?
Some people believe that the experiences children have before they go to school will have the greatest effect on their future life. Others argue that experiences gained when they are teenagers have a bigger influence.
Discuss both views and give your own opinions.
Although families have influence on a children’s development, factors outside the home play a bigger part in their lives nowadays.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Science
Some people think students should study the science of food and how to prepare it. Others think students should spend time on important subjects.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
The first man to walk on the moon claimed it was a step forward for mankind. However, it has made little difference in most people’s lives.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
More and more students at university today are not choosing to study science.
Why is this happening?
What are the effects of this?
Some people believe that it is good to share as much information as possible in scientific research, business, and the academic world. Others believe that some information is too important or too valuable to be shared freely.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Society
Some people think that social networking sites have a huge negative impact on both individuals and society.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Some people feel that equality between the genders has already been achieved while others feel there is considerable progress to be made.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Some people think young people should follow the traditions of their society. Others think that they should be free to behave as individuals.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Society is based on rules and laws. It could not function if individuals were free to do whatever they wanted to do.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Whether or not a person achieves their aims in life is mostly related to luck.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Nowadays people live longer after they retire.
How does this affect individuals and society?
What can be done about this?
Weddings are getting bigger and more expensive.
What is the reason for this?
Is it a positive or negative development?
Sports and Exercise
Large companies use sports events to promote their products. Some people think this has a negative impact on sports.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Some people think that sports play an important role in society. Others think they are nothing more than a leisure activity.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Some believe that the Olympic games help bring people from different nations together, while others claim that holding the Olympics wastes money which could be used for important issues.
Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.
Some think that it is more important for children to engage in outdoor activities instead of playing videogames.
To what extent to you agree or disagree?
Technology
Today different types of robots are being developed which can serve as companions and workers to help at work and at home.
Is this a positive or negative development?
Some think scientists should be allowed to send messages into space to communicate with other life forms while others believe this is too dangerous.
Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.
Many people think technological devices such as smart phones, tablets and mobile phones bring more disadvantages than advantages.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Some scientists believe that in the future computers will be more intelligent than human beings. While some see this as a positive development others worry about the negative consequences.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Transportation
The best way to make the road transport of goods safer is to ask drivers to take a driving test each year.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Some people think that the best way to increase road safety is to increase the minimum legal age for driving cars and riding motorbikes.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
The manufacturing and use of cars damages the environment but their popularity is increasing.
Why is this?
How could this be controlled?
When cars and cyclists use the same roads, there are often problems.
Why is this the case?
What are the solutions?
Some people think that governments should invest mainly in making public transportation faster while other think there are more important priorities (cost, the environment).
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Travel and Tourism
Some think that students must travel to another country in order to learn its language and customs.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Many people today are choosing to travel to other countries.
Why is this happening?
Is this a positive or negative development?
After graduation many students take a year to travel. Some think that it would be more useful to work for a year.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Some believe that tourism does more to create tension between countries rather than helping individuals better understand other cultures.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Work
Some people believe that professionals, such as doctors and engineers, should be required to work in the country where they did their training. Others believe they should be free to work in another country if they wish.
Discuss views and give your own opinion.
It is important for people to take risks, in both their professional lives and personal lives.
Do the advantages of taking these risks outweigh the disadvantages?
Some countries have introduced laws to limit working hours for employees.
Why are these laws introduced?
Do you think they are a positive or negative development?
In the past, most people worked for small businesses, while more people now work for large businesses.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of working for large businesses?
Some people argue that job satisfaction is more important than job security, while others believe that they cannot always expect job satisfaction and a permanent job is more important.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Some think that governments should support retired people financially while others believe they should take care of themselves.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Will this questions be a possibleb once in ilets writing
Of course – they are all possibilities!
I need 8.5 band
Thank you!
This is gem!
You’re welcome!
This website is very useful..thank you Dave.