IELTS Technology Writing Task 2 Questions

Despite connecting millions of users worldwide through instant messaging, photo sharing and online communities, social media platforms have been linked to increasing feelings of loneliness and social isolation, particularly among young adults. To what extent do you agree that social media contributes to loneliness rather than reducing it?

Distinguish between online connection and meaningful social interaction to build the core of your argument.

Advances in artificial intelligence and automation are enabling machines to perform tasks that were previously carried out by human workers across many industries, including manufacturing, transport and professional services. Some people welcome this change as inevitable technological progress, while others fear it will lead to widespread and permanent job losses. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

When presenting the optimistic view, acknowledge historical parallels — past industrial revolutions eventually created more jobs than they displaced.

Many parents and health professionals are concerned that children today spend excessive amounts of time using digital devices such as smartphones, tablets and gaming consoles, at the expense of physical activity, face-to-face interaction and sleep. To what extent do you agree that excessive screen time is harmful to children's development?

Defining what counts as 'excessive' or applying a developmental-stage angle — young children vs teenagers — gives your position more analytical precision.

The smartphone has transformed modern life, enabling instant communication, access to information, online banking, entertainment and navigation from a single device. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the widespread use of smartphones in contemporary society.

Move beyond surface-level points such as convenience and distraction to develop a more nuanced analysis of social, economic or psychological impact.

Despite the potential of digital technology to make high-quality education available to anyone with an internet connection, millions of students in rural and low-income communities around the world lack access to reliable internet and digital devices. What are the main causes of this digital divide in education, and what measures could governments, technology companies and international organisations take to address it?

Distinguish between infrastructure problems and affordability problems — they require different policy solutions and should not be conflated.

The widespread adoption of remote working technology has fundamentally changed the relationship between employers and employees in many countries and industries. Some people argue that working from home increases productivity and improves employee wellbeing, while others believe it undermines team cohesion, workplace culture and long-term career development. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Consider how the impact of remote working differs significantly by industry, seniority level and individual personality before settling on a position.

In an era in which governments, corporations and third-party applications routinely collect, store and analyse personal data gathered through digital devices and online behaviour, privacy has become increasingly difficult to protect. To what extent do you agree that people's right to privacy is under serious threat in the digital age?

The distinction between voluntary data sharing — accepting app permissions — and surveillance without consent strengthens your argument significantly.

Rapid advances in technology have transformed economies and labour markets throughout the world, bringing significant benefits to some groups while leaving others behind. Why do some economists and social scientists argue that technological progress tends to increase economic inequality between wealthy and less wealthy groups? What policies could governments adopt to prevent technology from widening the gap between rich and poor?

Answer the analytical 'why' question concisely in one paragraph, then devote the majority of your essay to specific, developed policy proposals.

Several governments and private companies are investing billions of dollars in space exploration programmes and the development of related technologies, including satellite systems, rocket propulsion and planetary research. To what extent do you agree that the benefits of space exploration and the technologies it produces justify this enormous financial investment?

Acknowledging tangible Earth-side benefits — satellite communications, GPS, medical imaging — before evaluating whether they justify the cost makes your argument more balanced.

The growth of online shopping platforms has brought significant convenience, price competition and product choice to consumers, but has also contributed to the decline of traditional high-street shops and the communities that depend on them. Discuss the impact of online shopping on both individual consumers and local communities, and give your own opinion about whether the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.

Separating consumer-level benefits from community-level costs creates a natural two-sided structure that maps well onto a discussion essay format.