IELTS Work Writing Task 2 Questions

Question 1

Advances in artificial intelligence and robotics mean that machines are increasingly able to perform tasks previously done by humans. Some people believe this will lead to widespread unemployment, while others argue that automation will create new types of jobs. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Avoid framing this as all-or-nothing. The strongest essays acknowledge historical precedent — the industrial revolution created as many jobs as it displaced — while noting that the pace of AI-driven change may be qualitatively different.

Question 2

Some people think that employees should be willing to work longer hours in order to earn higher salaries, and that a strong work ethic is essential for career success. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

A partial agreement works well here: long hours may correlate with success in some industries but are counterproductive in knowledge-work where cognitive performance degrades with fatigue.

Question 3

Many people in modern society struggle to maintain a healthy balance between their professional and personal lives. What are the main causes of this problem and what steps can employers and governments take to address it?

The question specifies both employers and governments — address both actors explicitly. A solution paragraph that only discusses one is incomplete and will lose Task Achievement marks.

Question 4

Remote working — where employees work from home or other locations outside the office — has become increasingly common in many countries. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this trend for both employees and employers.

The 'both employees and employers' clause means you need to consider multiple perspectives. Organise around the two groups or clearly signal whose perspective each point represents.

Question 5

In many countries, women remain underrepresented in senior leadership and management roles despite making up a large proportion of the workforce. Some argue that companies should be required to meet gender quotas for leadership positions. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

The quota debate has strong arguments on both sides — forced representation versus organic progression. A nuanced essay acknowledges the legitimacy of the problem while questioning whether quotas are the most effective solution.

Question 6

Some people believe that job satisfaction is more important than a high salary when choosing a career, while others argue that financial security should be the primary consideration. Discuss both views and explain which factors you think are most important when choosing a job.

The second part asks you to explain which factors matter — this is a personal-opinion component. Ensure your response covers both the discussion and your reasoned conclusion, not just the former.

Question 7

In many countries, people are living and working longer than previous generations. Some people believe that the retirement age should be raised to reflect this change, while others argue that older workers should be allowed to retire earlier. To what extent do you agree or disagree that the retirement age should be raised?

Consider economic, social and health dimensions. A strong essay notes that blanket retirement-age increases may disadvantage workers in physically demanding roles differently from those in office-based careers.

Question 8

The rise of the gig economy — where workers are employed as independent contractors for short-term tasks rather than permanent positions — has transformed work in many countries. Some argue this offers valuable flexibility, while others believe it undermines worker rights and financial security. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Define the gig economy briefly in your introduction. The flexibility argument is strongest for skilled workers with market leverage; the rights argument is strongest for low-skilled gig workers with no alternatives.

Question 9

Many young graduates choose careers primarily on the basis of salary potential rather than personal interest or fulfilment. Some people think this is a sensible strategy, while others argue it leads to dissatisfaction and lower productivity. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Draw on the research link between intrinsic motivation and long-term performance. A partial disagreement — sensible short-term but counterproductive long-term — produces a more analytical essay than a binary stance.

Question 10

Immigration plays an important role in the labour markets of many countries, filling skills shortages and contributing to economic growth. However, some people argue that high levels of immigration reduce job opportunities for local workers and suppress wages. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Economic consensus supports the net-positive view, but the distributional effects — which sectors and wage bands bear the burden — are a legitimate counter-argument. Acknowledge nuance without taking an unsupported position.