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IELTS Writing Task 2 - Academic and General Topics with Sample Answer

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By:CANAM Group
Updated On:May 30,2023 04:34 PM IST

The blog first discusses what an IELTS writing task 2 is. Then, it talks about five different types of essays. It also presents some tips to score band 7 in IELTS writing task 2, that is, an essay. Further, it talks about some recent IELTS Academic essay topics, then recent general essay topics. Finally, it presents a sample essay question and its answer

IELTS Writing Task 2 – Academic and General Topics with Sample Answer

The second component of the IELTS writing test, IELTS Writing Task 2, asks you to produce an essay in response to a point of view, an argument, or a problem. Your essay should be written in a formal tone, be at least 250 words long, and be finished in under 40 minutes.

There are about five types of Essays that might appear in the IELTS exam as the writing task 2. You do not know which type you might be given to attempt. So, you should know about all five types. You should be flexible to comprehend the essay topic.

1.Opinion-Based Essay – agree/disagree/partial agreement

2.Discussion-Based Essay – Discuss both views or sides in the essay

3.Advantages/Disadvantages Essay – Includes outweigh questions

4.Cause/Problem/Solution Essay

5.Direct Question Essay – One/Two/Three Questions/ Positive and Negative Development Essay Question

Also read : Eligibility Criteria for IELTS

Some Tips to Score Band 7 in Writing Task 2

1. Understand the question.

Before you try to respond to the question, you must comprehend it. In this manner, you will be fully aware of the examiner's requirements. A common error that prevents pupils from scoring greater than a Band 5 is not answering the question completely.

To analyze the question, you must first recognize its kind, then the question's keywords, and finally the words that make up the instructions. This will make it clearer to you what the examiner expects you to do in response to the question.

2. Plan your answer.

Writing Task 2 winners always give themselves up to 10 minutes to plan their responses. Before writing, planning will help you shape your thoughts and organize your essay, saving you time and ensuring that your writing is organized and cohesive.

3. Write an introduction.

The question should be properly addressed in the introduction. This helps you create your key body paragraphs and immediately shows the examiner that you are knowledgeable about the subject.

4. Write the main body paragraphs.

You should now provide the examiner with extra information. To accomplish this, you state your major claims, then back them up with justifications and pertinent instances.

5. Write a conclusion.

A recap of what you discussed in the body of your essay should be included in your conclusion.

Also read : IELTS Exam type

IELTS Academic Essay Topics

1.Some people believe more actions can be taken to prevent crime, while others think that little can be done. Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.

2.Some argue that patriotism is the primary cause of wars globally. Others feel that it serves to prevent less ethical politicians from running a country and starting wars. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

3.Some feel that punishment should focus more on rehabilitation instead of long prison terms. Others feel prison terms are important for social stability. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.

4.Some young people like to copy the behavior and clothes of famous people today. Why might this be the case? What problems can it cause?

5.Today, many people use the internet and smartphones to transfer money to friends, family, and businesses. Is this a positive or negative development?

6.Some feel that individuals should try to assimilate completely to the country where they live while others feel it is more important to preserve their native culture. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.

7.In some parts of the world, traditional festivals and celebrations have disappeared or are disappearing. What problems is this causing? What measures could be taken to counter this situation?

8.Some people today have argued that countries should interfere less in the affairs of other nations. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

9.Advanced technology has brought many beneficial changes to the world. However, some old people today struggle with the use of technologies such as mobile phones and the Internet. How can the elderly benefit from using advanced technologies?How can the elderly be encouraged to use consumer electronics more often?

10.Nowadays, distance-learning programs have gained in popularity, but some people argue that online courses can never be taken as good as those taken at a college or university in person. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

11.The leaders of most organizations tend to be older people. However, some argue that younger people make better bosses. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

12.Some people believe that car-free days are effective ways to reduce air pollution. However, others argue that there are other ways that are more effective. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

13.Research shows that some activities are good for health and others are bad. Despite knowing that, millions of people engage in unhealthy activities. What is the cause of this? What can be done?

14.It has been suggested that primary children should learn how to grow vegetables and keep animals. Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?

15.Older people often choose to spend money on themselves (e.g. on holidays) rather than save money for their children after retirement. Is this a positive or negative development?

Also read : IELTS Exam dates

Some Recent General Essay Topics

1.Is art important?

2.What can children learn from art, drama etc?

3.Is literature important to teach in schools?

4.Should the government fund artists?

5.What people gain from live events.

6.Should art be censored?

7.Does art transcend the language barrier?

8.E-books – Pros and Cons

9.Children reading story books in their free time.

10.Family Run Businesses – Pros and Cons

11.Why some people do not save?

12.Is dress code or uniform important in a company?

13.Why do some people get into debt?

14.Supporting Local Businesses.

15.Factors in business success

16.Are older people as respected as they should be?

17.Why do some people struggle with change?

18.Stopping convicts from re-offending.

19.Importance of traditional clothes and music

20.Pros and Cons of online learning.

Also read : Test Centers for IELTS

Sample Essay and Answer

There is more and more outrage and anger common in society today. Why is this? Is this a positive or negative development?

Today, it's often believed that individuals are typically angrier than they were in the past. This is, in my opinion, a fundamentally unfavorable psychological phenomenon made worse by contemporary technology.

The fundamental cause of society's increasing levels of anger is that people are more susceptible to enjoying their wrath. People are drawn to activities that cause the release of particular endorphins by nature. These behaviors range from good ones like working out and spending time with friends to more detrimental ones like consuming junk food and abusing narcotic stimulants. A further advantage of outrage is a rise in self-esteem.

Over time, anger's narcotic-like effects become addictive, especially in the modern technology era. One can read upsetting news articles, peruse social media, and watch popular pundits on television who advocate extreme viewpoints in what is known as "hate-watching." Due to the availability of all these compulsive activities on mobile devices, situations are created where access to outrage is too easy to ignore.

I believe that anger threatens a society's ability to understand its members and advance common objectives. People stop talking honestly when they use fury as a goal in and of itself. For instance, many online trolls post and interact with other users only to offend and feel outraged, with little regard for the facts and open discussion. People start to feel more and more distant from one another as a result of this climate.

A person needs to be open to hearing and comprehending opposing viewpoints to change their opinions and create real progress in the world. Both parties experience some level of commonality when this happens. However, if neither party is having sincere discussions, the result will only be for everyone to become more and more outraged while making less and less progress.

In conclusion, pursuing outrage is inherently human, even when it causes societal cohesiveness to break down. People should adopt healthier behaviors and refrain from quick, enjoyable outrage.

FAQ

Is it better to write more in Task -2?

No, it is not a good thing in IELTS to focus on quantity. Quality matters more, although minimum word requirement should be met.

Is there any fixed format in writing?

No. It’s not like that. There is no such thing until and unless your ideas are well organized and clear

Can we write less than 250 words?

No. This is the minimum word limit

What are the most common topics for exams?

There is no such thing. Any topic of general awareness

Should conclusion be short?

It’s better to be precise.

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IELTS Writing Task 2 - Academic and General Topics with Sample Answer

Table of Contents

Some Tips to Score Band 7 in Writing Task 2

1. Understand the question.

2. Plan your answer.

3. Write an introduction.

4. Write the main body paragraphs.

5. Write a conclusion.

IELTS Academic Essay Topics

Some Recent General Essay Topics

Sample Essay and Answer

FAQ

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Griffith University - Nathan Campus Queensland

La Trobe University - Bendigo Campus Victoria

LCI Melbourne - Art & Design School Victoria

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