IELTS Health Writing Task 2 Questions

Question 1

Some people believe that the government has a primary responsibility to protect and improve the health of its citizens, while others argue that individuals must take personal responsibility for their own wellbeing. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Present both sides with equal weight. Your opinion should appear in the introduction and conclusion, not mid-essay.

Question 2

Obesity rates in many countries have risen sharply over the past three decades. Some people believe food manufacturers and the fast food industry are primarily responsible for this trend, while others place responsibility on individual choices. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Take a clear position. You may partially agree, but ensure one side is more developed than the other.

Question 3

In many parts of the world, mental health problems are becoming increasingly common. What are the main causes of this trend and what measures can governments and employers take to address it?

Dedicate one paragraph to causes and one to solutions. Solutions must directly address the causes you identified.

Question 4

In many countries, healthcare is provided by a combination of public and private systems. Some people argue that healthcare should be entirely state-funded and free for all citizens, while others believe a private system produces better outcomes. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Avoid broad generalisations. Use specific reasoning — cost, waiting times, quality of care — to develop each side.

Question 5

Some governments have proposed introducing taxes on unhealthy food and drinks such as sugary beverages and fast food in order to reduce obesity. Do you think this is a positive or negative development?

One-sided opinion essays need three well-developed reasons, not five shallow ones. Quality over quantity.

Question 6

Modern technology — including smartphones, computers, and remote work tools — has changed the way people live and work. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of these technological developments on people's physical health.

Keep advantages and disadvantages in separate paragraphs. A balanced conclusion avoids overstating either side.

Question 7

Many health experts argue that governments spend too much funding on treating illness and not enough on preventing it. Do you agree or disagree? What types of preventive health programmes should receive greater investment?

Answer both parts clearly. Most candidates lose marks by only addressing the first question. Allocate roughly equal paragraph space to each.

Question 8

Levels of stress among employees in many industries have risen significantly in recent years. What are the main causes of workplace stress and what steps can both employers and employees take to reduce it?

Dual agent questions (employers AND employees) require you to cover both — one sentence each is insufficient.

Question 9

In many countries, the proportion of elderly people in the population is increasing rapidly. Some argue that this places an unsustainable burden on healthcare systems. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this view?

A nuanced essay might agree about costs while arguing the burden can be managed. Avoid simplistic full agreement or disagreement.

Question 10

International travel and global trade have made it easier for infectious diseases to spread rapidly across borders. Some people believe governments should introduce strict border controls during outbreaks, while others argue that international cooperation is more effective. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Use concrete mechanisms for each side — quarantine measures, WHO frameworks, travel bans — rather than abstract arguments.