New IELTS General Training Writing Topics and Questions 2020

Giving children and adolescents pocket money is common throughout the world.
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this practice and give your own opinion.
Read my sample answer for this question here.
Reported on IELTS June 12th

Many schools today require students to work without pay for companies as part of their education.
Is this more advantageous to students or companies?
Read my sample answer for this question here.
Reported on IELTS June 9th

Some think schools should rewards students who have the best academic results, while others think it’s more important to reward students who achieve other types of success (such as sports, music, and good behaviour).
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Read my sample answer for this question here.
Reported on IELTS June 7th

In some countries, governments provide payments for unemployed people.
How does this impact people?
Is this a positive or negative development?
Read my sample answer for this question here.
Reported on IELTS June 4th

Some people argue children should stay in school until the age of 18 while others think that 14 years is long enough.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Read my sample answer for this question here.
Reported on IELTS June 1st

Writing Task 1

Write a letter to a hotel manager in another city to ask about a 2 day business trip for yourself and your colleagues. Include
An introduction to your office
Information about the business trip
Other requests
Reported on IELTS June 1st

May 2020

Writing Task 2

Some people like to spend their leisure time after work with co-workers while others prefer to keep their private life separate from their work life.
Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.
Read my sample answer for this question here.
Reported on IELTS May 27th

Some people believe that one-on-one lessons are better for learning while others think that group lessons are superior.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Read my sample answer for this question here.
Reported on IELTS May 18th

Writing Task 1

Write a letter to a friend telling them about an interesting website you found. Tell your friend
How you found it
How it can help
How you use it
Reported on IELTS May 22

A local school is requesting ideas for renovations. Write to them and include
Problems they have now
Suggestions to change
How they could make these changes
Reported on IELTS May 18th

Write a letter to an editor of a newspaper about a mistake from a recent article. Include
What the mistake was
How they can correct it
How to avoid this mistake in the future
Reported on IETLS May 10th

Write a letter to a friend about an upcoming event in your town. Include
What the event is
Why they would be interested
An invitation to stay with you
Reported on IELTS May 9th

April 2020

Writing Task 2

A lot of companies and organisations require employees to wear uniforms.
Which kind of jobs are uniforms suitable for?
Are there any disadvantages to wearing a uniform to work?
Read my sample answer for this question here.
Reported on IELTS April 30th

Some believe that money for education should mainly be spent on better computers while others believe it would be better spent on teachers.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Read my sample answer for this question here.
Reported on IELTS April 10th

In many countries, teenagers are encouraged to find part-time jobs. Some think this is a good development while others disagree.
Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.
Read my sample answer for this question here.
Reported on IELTS April 6th

The number of people who are interested in and wearing fashionable clothes is increasing.
Is this a positive or negative development?
Read my sample answer for this question here.
Reported on IELTS April 2nd

Writing Task 1

Write a letter to friend to inform them of a celebration you are having for a recent job promotion. Include information about
The promotion
The celebration
Their accomodation
Read my sample answer for this question here.
Reported on IELTS April 21st

March 2020

Writing Task 2

Many feel that students today should learn practical skills at school such as car maintenance and managing a bank account.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Read my sample answer for this question here.
Reported IELTS Exam/Test on March 17th

Many people think that it is better to get advice from old rather than young people.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Read my sample answer for this question here.
Reported IELTS Exam/Test on March 14th

Some believe that the best way to stay fit is to join a gym or health club while others think doing everyday activities such as walking and climbing stairs is enough.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Read my sample answer for this question here.
Reported IELTS Exam/Test on March 9th

Many people who drop out of school are more successful than those who complete their studies.
Why does this happen?
What does it require to be successful?
Read my sample answer for this question here.
Reported IELTS Exam/Test on March 6th

One good way to promote world peace is through international sporting events.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Read my sample answer for this question here.
Reported IELTS Exam/Test on March 1st

Writing Task 1

Write a letter to your friend who you recently travelled with to a foreign country. Include
Why you enjoyed the trip
What you are doing now
An invitation to visit you now
Reported IELTS Exam/Test on March 9th

Write a letter to a foreign friend who has asked if they can stay with you when visiting your country. Include
Why you do not have time to host them
An alternate date
Recommendations for what to do
Reported IELTS Exam/Test on March 8th

Write a letter to a friend who just moved into a new house that you are sending a gift to. Include
What the gift is
Why you chose it
How it will be delivered
Read my sample answer for this question here.
Reported IELTS Exam/Test on March 6rd

Write a letter to a colleague asking for assistance setting up equipment for an upcoming presentation of yours. Include
What the presentation is about
The equipment needed
Suggestions to set it up
Reported IELTS Exam/Test on March 3rd

February 2020

Writing Task 2

Due to television and the internet it is easier today for a large number of people to become famous.
Is this a positive or negative development?
Read my sample answer for this question here.
Reported IELTS Exam/Test on February 27th

Many local languages today are dying out due to the rise of languages like English.
Is this a positive or negative development?
Read my sample answer for this question here.
Reported IELTS Exam/Test on February 23rd

More and more people today are becoming overly dependent on the internet and phones.
Is this a positive or negative development?
Read my sample answer for this question here.
Reported IELTS Exam/Test on February 22nd

Some think that governments should tax unhealthy foods to encourage people to eat healthier.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Read my sample answer for this question here.
Reported IELTS Exam/Test on February 16th

These days people spend more and more time at work and less time at home.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of this?
Read my sample answer for this topic here.
Reported IELTS Exam/Test on February 12th

Some people prefer to do the same job their entire life rather than frequently changing jobs.
Why is this?
Is this a positive or negative development?
Read a similar writing topic here.
Reported IELTS Exam/Test on February 7th

Many parents feel that cell phones are harmful to children, while others do not.
Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.
Reported IELTS Exam/Test on February 6th

It is better to children if the whole family including aunts, uncles and so on should be involved in a child’s upbringing, rather than just their parents.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Reported IELTS Exam/Test on February 5th

The roads in major cities today are often difficult to travel on.
What are the causes of this?
What are some possible solutions?
Read my sample answer for this question here.
Reported IELTS Exam/Test on February 1st

Writing Task 1 (A Letter)

You recently joined a sports club and are having some problems. Write to the manager and include
Why you joined the club
The problems you are having
Some possible solutions
Reported IELTS Exam/Test on February 24th

Write a letter to a friend inviting them to go on vacation with you. Include
Why you want to go on holiday
Where you want to go
Why you want them to come with you
Reported IELTS Exam/Test on February 23rd

Write a letter to your landlord to ask about repair work that was not completed successfully. Write
What the problem was
What the repairs did
What you expect
Reported IELTS Exam/Test on February 16th

Write a letter to a friend who you borrowed something from that got damaged. In your letter
Mention what you borrowed
Describe how it was damaged
Say how you will fix it
Reported IELTS Exam/Test on February 9th

Write a letter to the secretary of an institute to accept an invitation to give a talk about your country at an American university. Include
Acceptance and a possible date
What you will say in the talk
Equipment you will need
Reported IELTS Exam/Test on February 7th

Write a letter to a local restaurant that is very noisy. In your letter
Introduce yourself
Describe the problem
Say what actions you will take
Reported IELTS Exam/Test on February 5th

Write a letter to the editor to give your opinion about a magazine that you purchased. Include
Why you bought it
What you liked and disliked about it
Suggestions for improvement
Read my sample answer for this question.
Reported IELTS Exam/Test on February 1st

January 2020

Writing Task 2

Many children today are exposed to violent videogames and TV programmes.
How harmful is this?
What can be done to fight this problem?
Reported on IELTS January 21st

Many believe that modern inventions have brought more negatives than positives.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Reported on IELTS January 19th

Many university students do part-time work while studying at university.
Is this a positive or negative development?
Reported on IELTS January 18th

Some people feel that music should be taught in schools while others believe it is better to focus on the sciences.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Reported on IELTS January 17th

In the past, people wore clothes more closely related to their culture but today people are more likely to wear clothes from all over the world.
Is this a positive or negative development?
Reported on IELTS January 15th

Some believe that children should be taught from a young age how to handle money.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Reported on IELTS January 13th

Many people today think that homework is still an important part of school while others think that it is becoming outdated.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Reported on IELTS January 11th

Some people become famous at a very young age.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of this?
Reported on IELTS January 7th

In many countries, people would rather rent a house instead of buying one.
Describe the advantages and disadvantages of both.
Reported on IELTS January 5th

Some people feel that children should be able to choose the subjects they are interested in while others feel they should study the basic require subjects.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Reported on IELTS January 1st

Writing Task 1 (A Letter)

Write a letter to the local school in your neighborhood to give suggestions about improving its buildings and play area. Include
Why they should be improved
Suggestions for how
When they could be improved
Reported on IELTS January 21st

Write a letter to a friend who is currently moving into a new home. Write to your friend
Asking about the new home
Telling them you can help
Describing how you can help
Reported on IELTS January 19th

You were recently helped by an employee at the airport. Write to the airport to
Describe the problem
Talk about how you were helped
Suggest how to reward the employee
Reported on IELTS January 16

You visited your friend’s hometown last month and promised to meet him but you could not. Write to your friend
Expressing your apology
Explaining why you couldn’t meet
Suggesting when to meet later
Reported on IELTS January 14th

Write a letter to a friend asking for help to build your website. Include
The purpose of the site
Your requirements
When you will need it
Your expecatations of payment
Reported on IELTS January 12th

Write a letter to the organiser of an annual festival that you attended last year. Include
Feedback about last year
An offer to volunteer
Questions about the festival
Reported on IELTS January 11th

Write a letter to the manager of your company to ask about providing bicycle parking. Write
The purpose of the site
Your requirements
When you will need it
Reported on IELTS January 3rd

You just finished a course and borrowed a book from the teacher but couldn’t return it on time. You would like to return the book now. Write to your teacher
Describing the book
Saying how helpful the book was
Explaining why you didn’t return it before
Reported on IELTS January 1st

December 2019

Writing Task 1 (A Letter)

Write a letter to a friend who invited you to meet up but you missed the appointment.
Apologise for not messaging
Explain why you could not go
Suggest another date

You work in an international company and want to request some time off to attend a family event. Write to your manager and
Ask for time off
Describe the event
Say how you will make up time missed

You recently ate at a local restaurant with your family and want to write to the local newspaper to tell them
About the restaurant
What you ate
Why you would/wouldn’t recommend this restaurant

A friend is planning to visit the town where you live. Write a letter to make some suggestions about
The best time to visit your town
The most interesting places to check out
Where to find inexpensive accomodation

Your colleague loaned you a book to use in a presentation at work. Write to your friend to say
What the presentation was about
Why it was important
How the book helped you

You recently took a trip and the tour guide was very helpful. Write a letter to the tour company to
Describe the tour
Talk about the tour guide
Recommend a way to thank the guide

Writing Task 2

Some people think that it is better to build more public parks and sports facilities in new towns rather than shopping malls.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Read my sample answer for this question here.

Some people think that children should be taught how to cook and grow food at school.
Do you agree or disagree?

Many think that all decisions within a company should be made by managers whereas others feel it is better to include employees in the process.
Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.

Many people believe there should be a curfew law so that people under the age of 18 are not out past midnight.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Some people think it is more important to spend time developing their career while others think time with friends and family is more important.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

November 2019

Writing Task 1 (A Letter)

Write a letter to a friend who invited you to meet up but you missed the appointment.
Apologise for not messaging
Explain why you could not go
Suggest another date

You work for an international company and want to resign your job. Explain
Why you want to resign
When you plan to leave
What you liked about the company

Write a letter to a friend who invited you to meet up but you missed the appointment.
Apologise for not messaging
Explain why you could not go
Suggest another date

You are working for an international company and you would like to request time off for a family event. Write a letter to your boss
Explaining what the celebration is
Asking for the time off
Explaining how you can get work done when you take time off

You had a problem with the flight staff on a recent flight. Write a letter to the airline manage to complain.
Include the flight details
Explain what happened
Tell the manager what you want them to do

Writing Task 2

Many people believe that money is a good gift for a teenagers while others disagree.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Despite greater access to school education, many adults today still cannot read or write?
How does this affect them in life?
What can the government do to help them?

Many people today spend more time watching sports than playing sports.
Is this a positive or negative development?

In many countries today, people are renting instead of buying homes because they feel there are more advantages.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Team sports help school students to learn valuable skills and lessons.
What lessons can they learn?
How can these lessons benefit them in the future?

A lot of people today move to other countries for their work. This has advantages and disadvantages for the children of such people.
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages and give your own opinion.

Some believe that a student’s success is mainly based on the quality of their teaching while others think it has more to do with the student’s attitude.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

October 2019

Writing Task 1 (A Letter)

You stayed over at a friend’s house last weekend and think that you left your watch there.
Thank your friend
Describe your watch
Tell them what you want them to do

Read my sample answer for this question here.

You are going on vacation soon. Write a letter to a friend
Telling them the reason for the holiday
Your plan
Invite them to come with you

You and a co-worker want to make use of a company room. Write a letter to your manager to ask for permission. Include
Why you need the room
Which room and why
Changes you will need made to the room

Write a leters to a sports club president about an upcoming event at the club you would like to propose. Include
The kind of event
Who should be invited
Your role in the event

You are attending night classes at a local college and you are unhappy with some parts of the course. Write a letter to the school director and include
What course you are studying
What has made you unhappy
What you expect the director to do about it

You had dinner with a family friend. Write a letter to your friend to say
What you liked about the dinner
Your feelings about their family
Invite your friend and their family to your place

Writing Task 2

Many feel that going to the gym is the best way to stay fit. Others think there are more effective methods.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Read my sample answer here: IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer: Gym/Exercise (General Training)

Some people think that young people should follow the examples of their elders while others feel it is natural for teenagers to question them.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Nowadays people work too hard at their jobs.
What are the reasons for this?
What can employers do to help out?

Many parents, mostly mothers, stay at home to take care of the house and look after children. Many believe that the government should pay them a wage for this.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?

People today are not as fit as they were in the past.
What are the causes of this?
What can governments do to deal with this issue?

Many people think that working from home in beneficial in most respects while others think that it may hurt family life.
Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.

The number of old people is increasing. Some think this will cause problems for countries while others believe old people still have value.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

September 2019

Writing Task 1 (A Letter)

Write a leter to your friend who is visiting a city that you know well. Recommend
Places worth visiting
Where to eat
How to get around the city

Writing Task 2

Many people use online language translation apps today.
Do the advantages of these apps outweigh the disadvantages?

Some people think nations and individuals should focus on their own personal problems rather than global ones.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Some believe that the best way to encourage people to exercise is through sporting events like the Olympics. Others think there are better ways.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Cultures around the world are becoming more and more similiar.
What are the reasons for this?
Do you think this is a positive or negative trend?

August 2019

Writing Task 1 (A Letter)

You recently had a job interview which went well but you are still awaiting their decision. Write a letter to the HR manager of the company
Give the job details
Explain why the interview went well
Ask when you will know their decision

Your friend’s parents are coming to visit your homtown. Write a letter to
Tell them where they should visit
Suggest where they should stay
Offer to do something for them

Your child’s school is planning a field trip outside the country for 3 days and is asking for parents to come along. Write a letter
Asking about the trip
Explaining why you want to join
Explainin how you can help out

Write a letter to a tour company manager to give your appreciation for your tour guide. Include in your letter
Your tour details
What you liked about the guide
Ways for the manager to reward the guide

Write a letter to a translation agency about a report that you need to have translated urgently. Include
The content of your report
Why you need it translated
Why it is urgent

Writing Task 2

Some people believe it is important to give gifts to friends and family to show how much we care about them while others think there are better ways.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Some people think that living in a country for a period of time is needed to learn its language and culture.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Some people think that children should always ask for their parent’s advice while others feel this is not important.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Some people prefer living in hot climates while others prefer colder countries.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Technology has made people less social.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Some people believe that entertainers are more important than scientists and researchers.
Do you agree or disgree?

Many believe that being good at a sport is a result of talent while others think that it comes from hard work.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.

July 2019

Writing Task 1 (A Letter)

Write a letter to a friend whose birthday party you missed. In you letter include
An apology
Why you missed it
Questions about how fun it was

Your friend has asked you to help find a music teacher for their child. Write to your friend describing the teacher you have found.
Explain why they are suitable
Explain their background
Explaing how they can get in touch

Write a letter to a company manager about a problem with an item that you purchased online.
Describe the item
Tell the manager what the problem is
Explain what you want them to do

You recently took a two day course. Write feedback to the course organiser. In you letter
Detail the course
Explain what you liked
Tell them what they should do better

At a hotel where you were staying you requested a wake-up call but it did not arrive. Write to the hotel manager
Why you requested the call
What the inconvenience caused
What they can do to avoid this in the future

Write a letter to a college in Australia, telling them about a short training course you want to take related to your work. Include in your letter
About the course
Why you want to do the course
Your expectations about the course

Write a letter to an organiser who booked a hotel for you for your company. Include in your letter
Details about the booking
What you didn’t like about the hotel
What you want the organiser to do

Your company sent you abroad to take a training course and you want to extend your stay abroad. Write to your manager
About the benefits of the course
Why you want to stay
When you will come back

Your landlord wishes to increase your rent. Write a letter to him stating
Why the rent should not be increased
Current issues in the apartment
What you will do if he does

Writing Task 2

In many countries, people follow the latest fashions for clothes and hair very closely.
Why is this?
Is this a positive or negative development?

Many people imitate famous people that they read about or see on TV.
Why is this done?
Is this a good idea?

Celebrities sometimes give their opinions on public matters.
Why is this?
Is this a positive or negative development?

Nowadays the amount of garbage on the street is a real concern.
Why is this happening?
What can be done to resolve it?

Shopping has become a common pasttime for many young people.
Why is this the case?
Should young people be encouraged to have other hobbies?

Medical science has greatly lengthened the average lifespan for most people. Some think this is a positive development while others disagree.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Some believe that allowing people to work after the age of 60 causes problems for both them and society.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Some think that competitive sports should be mandatory subjects in school while others think this has a negative effect on children.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Nowadays, internet and television have given ordinary people the opportunity to become famous.
Is this a positive or a negative development?

With recent improvements online, it is increasingly possible for people to leave reviews for goods and services they have purchased.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of this?

Some parents think it is a good idea to let their children have mobile phones while others disagree.
Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.

Nowadays a lot of people make friends through social networks and internet chat groups. Some think this is good while others feel face to face interation is important.
Dicuss both views and give your own opinion.

June 2019

Writing Task 1 (A Letter)

Write a letter to the manager of a theater where your friend had an accident and they helped out. In your letter include
How it happened
How they helped
What they can do to prevent accidents in the future

You are working for a large compan that provides financial help to local community groups and your company director has asked for recommendations about which group to help next year. In your letter
Include the group you want to suggest
Include what you expect the company to do
Explain how that will help the group

Write a letter to a young friend who will join your company next month. Include in your letter
What the work done at the company is
What they should bring on the first day
What they will do on the first day of work

Write a letter to the manager of a restaurant near you regarding renovations that you will be having done on your apartment. Include in your letter
What the repairs are
How it will affect their restaurant
Some possible solutions

You want to join a gym. Write a letter to a friend asking them to join with you. Include
Why you want to exercise
What types of exercises you are planning to do
Why you want your friend to join you

Write a letter to a friend who will be looking after your apartment while you are gone. Include
Where the keys are
What they should take care of
What to do when you come back

You friend has recently had a baby and you bought a gift. Write them a letter
Explaining the gift you bought
Describing the features of the gift
Asking when you can come drop it off

You recently travelled by traing and it was very late causing your some problems. Write to the manager of the company
Telling them where you were going
Describing the problems you faces
Asking them to take action

You lost your driver’s license but someone found it and send it back to your address. Write a letter including
Thanking them
Asking where they found it
Explaining why you need it

You are moving to a new city with your family. Write a letter to a real estate agent to enquire about accommodations. Include in your letter
Why you are moving
Where you want to live
The type of accommodation required

Your local newspaper is giving out an award to the persona who has done the most to help the local community. Write to the newspaper about
A person who could win
How you know this person
How he has helped the neighborhood

Write a letter of invitation to a friend for a special celebration. In your letter include
An invitation for your friend
What the celebration is about
Travel and accomodation suggestions

Writing Task 2

These days many families move to other countries for work. Some people believe that the children in these families benefit from this. However, others believe it makes life more difficult for the children.
Discuss both these views.

In many countries, people are experiencing more health problems because they have unhealthy lifestyles.
Why do people live unhealthy lives?
What can be done about this problem?

In some countries, children under the age of 16 are not allowed to leave school by law and enter the workforce.
Is this positive or negative?

Many think that secondary and high school students should learn money management as it is an important life skill.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Some think that money is a good gift for teenagers. Others disagree.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Some think that protecting the environment is the role of the individual while others think the government is responsible.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Some think that parents reading books for entertainment to their children is a waste of thime and they should only read them serious educational books.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Some think that the media should be allowed to publish personal information about citizens but others think that some restrictions should be placed on this information.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Many students do part-time work while they are studying.
Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?

Some people prefer the lifestyle of living in a hot country while other people like colder climates.
Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.

May

Writing Task 1 (A Letter)

Write a letter to an admissions officer at a community college. Explain to them
Which course you want to attend
Why you want to attend this course
How it related to your background

You have just returned from a conference and want to give a presentation to your colleagues. Write a letter to your manager about this. Include
What the conference was about
Your plans for the presentation
Its impact on your company

A company is appealing to your local city council to open a factory near where you live. You and your neighbors are opposed to the idea. Write to the city council
Stating why it is a bad idea
Where it should be built
Tell the council what you want them to do

Write a letter to your public city council to complain about garbage being left near your house. Include in your letter
Who you think left it
Why it is a problem
What you want the city to do

Write a letter to a friend recommending a restaurant to them for a family celebration. Include in your letter
The location of the restaurant
Why the restaurant is suitable
Suggestions for making contact

Write a letter to your local city council about the closure of a children’s playground. Include in your letter
Where the park is
What makes the park special
Suggestions for how to keep it open

Write a letter of recommendation for a friend to help them get a job where you are currently working. Include
Who the person is
How you know them
Why you recommend them

Writing Task 2

Many people consider money to be the most important factor for achieving happiness.
Do you agree or disagree?

These days people of all ages spend more time indoors than indoors.
Why is this?
Is this a positive or a negative development?

Some people think that sports prepare children for work life while others think they do not.
Discuss both sides and give your opinion.

Some people think that in order to learn a language well you must live in the country where that language is spoken.
Do you agree or disagree?

A lot of social problems today are caused by teenagers. Many people believe this is because parents don’t spend enough time with them.
Do you agree or disagree?

Many think that large international sporting events are not worth the cost for the host country.
Do you agree or disagree?

Many companies today use advertisments to increase their sales.
What makes an advertisement effective?
Is this positive or negative for society?

Some people believe that teenagers are facing more problems in their life than they did in the past and this is because parents are spending more time at work than at home.
Do you agree or disagree?

Many people think that more money will make them happier.
How important is money for happiness?

These days many families move abroad for work. Some people believe that this benefits the children in these families. Others believe that it makes their lives more difficult.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion

April

Writing Task 1 (A Letter)

Write a letter to a hotel manager about a party that you want to arrange for somebody you know. Include in your letter
Where you want to hold the party
Details of the party
Your budget for the party

Someone returned to you a bag that you lost with all its belongings still inside it. Write a letter to thank the person:
Thank the person
Explain how you lost it
Explain why its belongings were so important

An item of clothing that you purchased at a store has some issues and you wish to return it. Write a letter:
Describing the item in question
Detailing the issues
Telling the manager what you expect them to do with it

You are working at an international company and recently your responsibilities have changed and you think more training is required. Write to your boss saying
How your job has changed
Describing the training you need
Suggesting how traning could be done efficiently

A local magazine has asked for the opinion of readers as to how the magazine could be improved. Write to the magazine
Telling them why your read it
What you like and dislike about it
What improvements you would like to see in it

Write a letter to an online seller about an order that you have not yet received. Include in your letter
The details of your order
Why you need it right away
What you expect the company to do

Write a letter to a friend who you spent a weekend with helping to move and hosting a party. Include in your letter
What you like most about the new apartment
What you did over the weekend
Where and when you would like to meet again

Write a letter to a co-worker telling that about a visit you are planning to their town. Include
When you will arrive
The purpose of your visit
Suggestions for things you can do together

Writing Task 2

One of the best methods to motivate and encourage workers is to pay them according to their level of production.
Is this the best way?

Some believe that it is the responsibility of residents to maintain clean streets while others think this is the duty of the government.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

In many countries, weddings are becoming much more expensive compared to the past.
What are the causes of this?
Is this a positive or negative development?

In many countries the legal driving age is 18 and people have suggested raising it to 25 to reduce vehicular accidents.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?

March

Writing Task 1 (A Letter)

An historic building in your city is in bad condition. Write to the local government. Include in your letter:
Why the building is important
Its present condition
What action must be taken

Write a letter to your son’s friend who is coming to your town on holiday. He wants to stay with you but you cannot accomodate him. Include:
An apology
Reasons why he can’t stay in your home
Suggestions for other accomodation

Write a letter to your friend who is travelling overseas. You have been staying at their apartment and these was a storm. Tell your friend:
About the storm.
About the damage
What repairs must be made

You booked tickets to the theatre in advance but will not be able to make it. Write a letter to your friend:
Apologising
Explaining why you can’t make it
Suggesting what to do with the tickets

Write a letter to your friend who wants suggestions for a product to export out of your country. Include
The product you suggest
The region it comes from
Why it is a good product to export

Write a letter to you friend who you were not able to say goodbye to when you left. You worked together at a multinational company.
Apologise to them
Tell them why you left
Tell them what you’ll miss about them

In our technological era, some think that print magazines and newspapers will soon cease to exist.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Fast food is a part of life for many people. Some people think it has a negative effect on both lifestyle and diet.
Do you agree or disagree?

Many parents send their children on educational trips inside and outside of their country.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of this?

Most people today have computer, laptops and telephones so they can work from home.
Do you think working from home has more advantages or disadvantages?

Some believe that violent games and movies have a negative impact on people while others see them as a harmless form of relaxation.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Many small shops are going out of business because people prefer to shop in stores in big cities.
Do the disadvantages of this development outweigh the advantages?

The best manager is one who is warm and friendly with their staff.
Do you agree or disagree?

There is an increasing amount of noise in our daily lives today.
Why is this a problem?
What can be done about it?

Many doctors say that people in today’s world do not do enough physical exercise.
What do you think are the causes of this?
What solutions are there to this problem?

February

Writing Task 1 (A Letter)

Some people don’t mind spending their leisure time with colleagues while others prefer keeping their private life separate from work life.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Some people think that watching sport is a waste of free time.
Do you agree or disagree?

Write a letter to invite and English-speaking friend to watch a movie with you about your country. In your letter:
Include some background about the film
Explain why it might interest him/her
Suggest arrangements for watching the film

Write a letter to a friend asking for help with a new job you have taken that your friend has been doing for a long time with another company. In your letter,
Ask about the challenges for the job
Ask about possible solutions
Arrange to meet and talk

You are planning to give a presentation at your company. Write a letter to a colleague asking for help. Include:
When and where will the presentation be
What the topic is
What help you would like

Write a letter of complaint to an airline company.
Give details of the flight
Explain the problem
Tell them what you would like done

You’re interested in a music course that you saw advertised.
Expain why you’re interested
Request more information
Talk about your experience level

Writing Task 2

Some people say that schools do not do enough to teach young people about health.
Do you agree or disagree?

Some people think watching movies is a waste of time.
Do you agree or disagree?

Many people today do not know their neighbors as well as they did in the past.
What is the cause of this problem?
What can be done to solve it?

Some people think that in order for a hobby to be enjoyable, it needs to be difficult in some way.
Do you agree or disagree?

February

Writing Task 1 (A Letter)

Your local council has asked for suggestions for how to keep the city cleaner. Write to your representative to
Explain what the the council can do
What people can do to help
How the community will benefit from a cleaner city

You work part time and are attending a course and your manager has offered to give you time off to attend your classes full time.
Write to your boss informing him/her
Of your decision
Your gratitude
Further steps to be taken

Write a letter to your manager who is leaving the company. Include
How you feel about this
What you liked about working with him/her
Questions about his/her future plans

A friend has asked about the details of a course that you recently complete in a training centre.
Explain the course details
Why your friend should take the course
How the course has benefited you

January

Writing Task 1 (A Letter)

You are relocating back to your country. There is some furniture that you would like to return to your friend. In your letter tell them
What furniture you will be giving back
Detail on the condition of the furniture
How they can come and collect the furniture

A colleague at work is organising a goodbye party which you’re not able to attend. Write a letter to him. In the letter, say:
Why you can’t attend
Something you appreciate about him from work
How you will stay in touch with him in the future

You recently attended a course in another country but had to the course in the middle and return to your country. Write a letter to your teacher:
Thank him/her
Tell him/her your situation
Tell them what you will remember best

Write a letter inviting your friend to a family function. Tell him/her:
What the occasion is
What your plans are
Why it is important he/she comes

You recently stayed in a hotel and after returning back home you realized you left a piece of clothing at the hotel. Write a letter to the manager of the hotel including
What it was
Where you left it
What actions you want them to take

Write a letter to the manager or a taxi company about documents that you left in one of their vehicles.
Where you left them
Why they are important
What you want them to do

Comment below any questions that you had on the test, questions about IELTS in general or sample answers to the questions above!

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Lucy

28 Sep 2019
Task 1: Your friend is searching for a job, write a letter to your friend.
• Describe the details of the job
• Why it is suitable for him/her
• How to apply for the job.
Task 2: Some people think that children should go to nursing school before attending primary school, while other believe that it is better for children to stay all day with their families. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Anonymous

hi. is this for general training or academic?

Author

Dave

These ones are all general training but you can find the academic ones here: https://howtodoielts.com/recent-ielts-writing-topics-2020/

Thanks so much! I will add it to the list! Feel free to comment your writing below if you can remember some of it if you want feedback…

shiva

Hi Dave, I see on this page https://howtodoielts.com/recent-ielts-writing-topics-2019/

another list of topics. Are the task2 general and academic topis different? I am abit cofused.

Thank you in advance,

Yes they are a bit! The general ones tend to be a bit more… general – about local politics or neighborhoods while the academic ones are more …. academic – about more formal, global issues.

Lawyer auckland

nice article ! Blog About “New IELTS General Training Writing Topics”. Well done and fantastic blog. No doubt your blog will help us in the future. I enjoyed reading your post here. I see on this page https://www.k3.co.nz/.

Van-Anh

Really, really useful topic! I hope this thread has been updated continuously!
Thanks Dave!

It will surely – sorry I’m a bit behind but will be adding new essays later this week and early next week!

Kanak Sharma

Hey, do you have recent topics for Report Writing, i.e., Task 1 of IELTS Academic?

Yes I dod but they are harder to find so it is a more limited list: https://howtodoielts.com/latest-ielts-writing-task-1-2020/