Task 2 · Practice Questions
IELTS Writing Task 2 Practice Questions
A topic-by-topic bank of IELTS-style Task 2 questions, each labelled with essay type and a one-sentence approach hint. Use them to practise under timed conditions across every major topic area.
In short
- 10 questions per topic across 7 major IELTS themes, each with essay type and difficulty labelled.
- All five essay types covered: opinion, discussion, problem-solution, advantages-disadvantages, two-part.
- Write each question under timed conditions, then check feedback with the free checker or expert correction.
Browse by topic
Select a topic to see 10 full IELTS-style questions, each with an essay type badge, difficulty level and approach hint.
10 practice questions
10 practice questions
10 practice questions
10 practice questions
10 practice questions
10 practice questions
10 practice questions
Task 1 question bank
IELTS Task 2 essay types
Identifying the essay type from the question wording is the first thing to do before you write a single word. The type determines your structure and whether you need a clear personal position.
| Essay type | What it asks | Signal phrases | Most common mistake |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opinion / Agree-Disagree | Give your own view and support it with reasons and examples. You may acknowledge the other side briefly, but your position must be clear. | "To what extent do you agree or disagree?" / "Do you agree or disagree?" | Presenting both sides without committing to a personal position, which reads as a discussion essay and loses Task Response marks. |
| Discussion (Both Views) | Present the arguments on each side of the debate, then give your own opinion. All three elements must be present. | "Discuss both views and give your own opinion." | Forgetting to include a personal opinion at the end, or burying it in a single vague sentence rather than a clear statement. |
| Problem-Solution | Identify the key problems or causes, then propose realistic solutions. Both halves must be developed, not just mentioned. | "What are the problems? What solutions can you suggest?" / "What measures could be taken?" | Listing problems and solutions without explaining how the solution addresses the specific problem identified. |
| Advantages-Disadvantages | Weigh the benefits against the drawbacks. The question may or may not ask for your overall view — read carefully. | "Discuss the advantages and disadvantages." / "Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?" | Listing points in bullet-style prose instead of developing each point with an explanation and a concrete example. |
| Two-Part Question | Answer two distinct questions in one essay. Each part typically requires a separate paragraph of roughly equal depth. | "Why...? Do you think...?" / "What are the reasons for...? What solutions...?" | Spending nearly all the essay on one question and answering the second in a single sentence, or missing one part entirely. |
How to use these questions
Follow this four-step cycle for every practice session to turn raw writing into measurable improvement.
Choose a question from a topic you find challenging
Do not practice only your strongest topics. Identify the areas where your vocabulary or argument structure is weakest and target those first.
Set a 40-minute timer and write without stopping
Replicate exam conditions: no dictionary, no rewriting the introduction three times. Spend two to three minutes planning, then write continuously.
Check your essay with the free IELTS writing checker
Use the free writing checker to get immediate feedback on Task Response, Coherence, Lexical Resource and Grammar.
Identify your weakest criterion and correct it
For in-depth feedback from a qualified assessor, submit your essay for expert correction. Knowing exactly where marks were lost is the fastest way to improve.
IELTS Task 2 practice questions — common questions
How many Task 2 questions are in the IELTS question bank?+
Cambridge does not publish the full bank. Past papers show the format recycles roughly seven broad topics with varied angles and question wording. Understanding essay types and building topic vocabulary matters far more than trying to predict or memorise specific questions.
How often do IELTS Task 2 topics repeat?+
The same broad topic — education, technology, environment — can appear in consecutive test sessions, but the question wording and angle will differ. Topic familiarity helps you access vocabulary quickly. Memorised essays are penalised under Task Response because examiners recognise rehearsed content.
Which Task 2 essay type is most common?+
Opinion (agree or disagree) and discussion (both views) are the most frequently tested types. Problem-solution and advantages-disadvantages also appear regularly. Two-part questions are less common but require careful planning because both parts must be answered with roughly equal depth.
Can I prepare by topic for IELTS Task 2?+
Yes. Building a bank of topic vocabulary, two or three argument positions, and one or two concrete examples for each major theme is the most efficient preparation method. You cannot predict the exact question, but you can arrive prepared to write fluently about any common topic.
How long should I spend on Task 2?+
Approximately 40 minutes, leaving around 20 minutes for Task 1. Task 2 carries twice the marks of Task 1 in your Writing band, so it is where the most marks are won or lost. Many candidates spend too long on Task 1 and rush the essay as a result.
Ready for expert feedback on your practice essay?
Write a full 250-word essay from the bank above, then check it instantly or get it marked by a qualified IELTS assessor with detailed band score feedback.