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IELTS writing is considered the most challenging module of the IELTS exam. In IELTS writing, you must complete two tasks in 1 hour. 

  • IELTS writing task 1
  • IELTS writing task 2

For both IELTS academic and IELTS General training, test takers’ task 1 is different, but task 2 is the same.

In task 2, both the test takers’ are given a general question they must answer according to their knowledge. 

In this blog, we will provide the most common IELTS essay topics that students can face in the upcoming exams.

If you are planning to take the IELTS exam and want to get a good band score in IELTS writing, then you need to practice these IELTS essay topics properly. 

Let’s start with why it is important to know about the latest topics for IELTS essays.

Why Is It Crucial To Know IELTS Essay Topics?

One of the main problems while doing IELTS writing task 2 is not having good ideas to complete the essay. However, it would help if you remembered that IELTS is a test of English, not your knowledge. The examiner wants you to know that you can write English. They don’t want you to be an expert in it.

There are two most essential things in IELTS:

  • Vocabulary
  • Thinking of relevant ideas. 

Everyone has their own opinion on IELTS essay topics, but the examiner is not looking for the best ideas; they are looking for relevant ideas about it.

If we talk about vocabulary, 25% of your marks come from it, and it is directly connected to IELTS essay topics. One of the examiner’s main ways to judge your vocabulary is with” topic-specific vocabulary”. This means the more familiar you are with the topic. The higher your chances are of getting higher marks on your IELTS test.

Below are some of the most common and most recent IELTS essay topics. 

150+ Most Common IELTS Essay Topics That You Should Know In 2022 

Below are some common IELTS essay topics with related subtopics that will help you better understand the topics.

Communication & Personality

  • Technology and communication.
  • Family and communication.
  • Face-to-face vs long-distance communication.
  • Types of communication.
  • The development of character and personality.
  • Innate or developed.
  • Personalities.
  • Female/ male characters.

IELTS Essay Topics Related to Other Questions

Here is the sample question related to communication and personality,

Some argue that effective communication skills are more necessary than having a good personality to be successful in the workplace. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give suitable examples in your answer.

Here are some IELTS essay topics that are related to other questions you have asked me about:

The role of technology in society.

The importance of education.

The challenges of globalization.

The future of work.

The importance of diversity and inclusion.

The role of the media in society.

Education

  • Children and education
  • Relevant subjects
  • Education and technology
  • Role of teachers
  • Discipline and rules in school
  • Uniforms
  • Funding
  • Educational aid to poorer

Here is the sample question related to education,

Some people argue that schools should focus on teaching skills that will be helpful in the workplace, while others say that schools should only teach more theoretical subjects. Give your opinion after discussing both views.

Environment

  • Animals
  • Protection of endangered species
  • Zoos
  • Environmental problems
  • Saving the environment & solving problems
  • Government vs individual roles

Here is the sample question related to the environment,

Some say that individual actions, like recycling and reducing energy consumption, are important for protecting the environment. Others think that government policies and regulations are important in solving environmental issues. Give your opinion after discussing both views.

Art

  • Censorship of art and artists.
  • Creativity.
  • Art at school.
  • The benefits of art for particular and society.
  • Finding.

Here is the sample question related to art,

Some people say that art is an important part of our (human) life, while others believe that it is a luxury that only the rich can afford. Give your opinion after discussing both views.

Business & Money

  • Success in business.
  • Business and technology.
  • Small vs large business.
  • International business.
  • Family run business.
  • Management and leadership.
  • Skills vs knowledge for business.
  • Materialism and consumerism.

Here is the sample question related to business and money,

Some people believe that making a profit should be the first goal of businesses, while others argue that companies have a responsibility to consider the social and environmental impact of their actions. Give your opinion after discussing both views.

Crime and Punishment

  • Prisons vs rehabilitation
  • Capital punishment vs other types of punishment
  • Criminals- what makes a criminal
  • Major vs minor crime
  • Crime and technology
  • Teenagers and crime
  • Role of policemen
  • Men and women in law enforcement

Here is the sample question related to crime and punishment,

Some think harsh punishments, like long prison sentences or the death penalty, are the best way to decrease crime. Others argue that rehabilitation programs and education are more effective. Give your opinion after discussing both views.

Economics

  • Cash vs credit cards
  • Saving vs spending
  • Globalization and economy
  • World economic issues
  • Economic progress and success.

Here is the sample question related to economics,

Some people think economic growth is the key to improving quality of life, whereas others believe it can negatively affect the environment and social connection. Give your opinion after discussing both views.

Family & Children

  • Family roles
  • Family size
  • The generation gap
  • Discipline
  • Role models
  • Family and education

Here is the sample question related to family and children,

Some people think the traditional family structure, with a married couple nurturing their biological children, is the best way to raise children. Others argue that other family structures, such as single-parent households or same-sex couples, can be just as effective. Give your opinion after discussing both views.

Food

  • Health diets
  • Education of diet
  • Traditional vs modern diets
  • Fast food
  • Children and diet

Here is the sample question related to food,

Some people believe that traditional cuisines and foods are important cultural heritage and should be preserved. Others argue that adopting a global diet that meets nutritional needs is more beneficial. Give your opinion after discussing both views.

Health

  • Prevention vs cure.
  • Funding.
  • Health and education.
  • Poor countries and rich.
  • Countries.
  • Health aid.
  • Exercise and health.
  • Hospital and treatment.
  • Obesity.

Here is the sample question related to health,

Some people think individuals are responsible for maintaining their health through healthy lifestyle choices, like exercise and a balanced diet. Others argue that governments should play a greater role in promoting healthy lifestyles. Give your opinion after discussing both views.

Language

  • Having only one language in the world
  • Methods of language learning
  • Travel and language
  • The disappearance of languages
  • Language and culture.

Here is the sample question related to language,

Some people believe everyone should learn a second language, while others argue that it is unnecessary and that people should focus on mastering their native language. Give your opinion after discussing both views.

Media & Advertising

  • Censorship, control and freedom of speech
  • Advertising methods
  • Children and advertising
  • Media and technology
  • News & reporting.

Here is the sample question related to media and advertising,

Some believe advertising is necessary for modern business and helps customers to make informed choices. Others argue that ads are manipulative and deceptive and should be regulated to protect consumers. Give your opinion after discussing both views.

Reading

  • Paper books vs ebooks
  • Children and reading
  • Books in education
  • Libraries
  • Reading and leisure.

Here is the sample question related to reading,

Some people believe reading for pleasure is an essential leisure time activity that can improve mental health and well-being. Others argue that it wastes time that could be better spent on other activities. Give your opinion after discussing both views.

Technology

  • Controlling the internet
  • Socializing online
  • Children and technology
  • The change in society
  • Letter vs email
  • Storing data
  • Safety of personal information
  • Hacking

Here is the sample question related to technology,

The development of technology has had a deep impact on society, from changing how we work and communicate to shaping our culture and values. Some people believe technology is a positive force for progress, while others argue that it has corrupted important social institutions and values. Give your opinion after discussing both views.

Transport

  • Development of infrastructure
  • Comparing forms of transport
  • Problems with modern forms of transport
  • Environmental issues 

Here is the sample question related to transport,

Some people think that governments should spend money on public transportation to reduce traffic congestion and pollution. Others argue that individuals should be responsible for reducing their carbon footprint by using alternative modes of transportation, such as walking or cycling. Give your opinion after discussing both views.

Travel

  • Culture and travel
  • Understanding people and travel
  • Living in a global world

Here is the sample question related to travel,

Some believe that travel broadens the mind and is important for personal growth and development. Others argue that it is an environmentally unsustainable luxury and promotes cultural appropriation. Give your opinion after discussing both views.

Society

  • Overpopulation
  • Poverty
  • Homeless people
  • Crime on the streets
  • Modern lifestyles
  • Budget spending
  • Public services

Here is the sample question related to society,

All societies have different music and art. In what way are music and art essential for society and the individual?

Sport

  • Professionals vs amateurs
  • Salary
  • Equipment
  • Sport and learning
  • Sport as a school subject
  • Men vs women in sport
  • Types of Sport

Here is the sample question related to sports,

Some people believe that participating in sports is important for children’s physical and mental health, while others argue that it can be harmful if children are pushed too hard or if it detracts from their academic studies. Give your opinion after discussing both views.

Work

  • Shift work
  • Women in work
  • Types of jobs (blue collar /white collar)
  • Children and exploitation
  • Part-time work
  • Work and technology
  • Employment
  • Salary
  • Equality

Here is the sample question related to word,

Some people believe that job satisfaction is more important than job security, as it allows individuals to pursue their passions and achieve their full potential. Others argue that job security is a basic need that must be met before people can focus on other aspects of their lives. Give your opinion after discussing both views.

Other Recent IELTS Essay Topics

  • Space Exploration
  • Water and Oceans
  • Change or Moving vs Stability and Constancy

This is the end of the 150 most used IELTS essay topics that you should know if you want to score better in your IELTS writing task 2.

10 Sample IELTS Essay Topics

  • Many people judge success simply by money and material. However, success can be measured or achieved in other ways. Discuss. 
  • The best way to decode the world’s environmental problems is to increase the cost of fuel. Do you agree or disagree?
  • Most teenagers today own a smartphone. Provide your opinion to discuss the pros and cons.
  • The vast fluctuation of people from agricultural areas to cities searching for employment can lead to serious problems in both the sectors. What are the problems, and how can these problems be solved?
  • Advertising stops the creativity in people and makes them look the same and do the same. Do you agree or disagree with this?
  • It is always believed that globalisation has both pros as well as cons. State essential advantages as well as disadvantages as per your opinion
  • Many children around us are chubby and overweight. What, according to you, has led to this common health problem amongst the children? What action can be taken to fix this? 
  • People believe that certain criminals should be made to do community service instead of putting them behind bars. To what extent do you agree? 
  • Some people prefer to work in the same type of job throughout their lifetime while others like to change their job type. Discuss both the views and give your honest opinion.
  • Shopping used to be a domestic task in the past. But, today, it has become more of a hobby. Is this a positive trend?

Is It True That You Can Predict IELTS Essay Topics 

You will not predict the IELTS essay topics that will come up to you. There are just too many essay topics to cover, so as a result, you can’t predict it.

However, above are some topics that we cover earlier in this blog. You should focus on these first if you don’t have enough time before the exam. But the common IELTS essay topics are Education, Crime and Health.

What Are The Types Of IELTS Essays?

There are many types of IELTS essay topics, like:

  • Discussion Essays: In this type of IELTS essay, the candidate needs to put forward an explanation for or against any specific topic. 
  • Opinion Essays: In the case of an opinion essay, you need to discuss your opinion on the given topic. The best way to score good marks in that type of essay is to have prior knowledge of common issues that are popular in the IELTS exam. `  
  • Solution Essays: For Solution Essay, the candidate must provide a reasonable solution for the given topic. 
  • Advantage or Disadvantage Essays: In this type of essay, you have to write about the pros and cons of the given topic. Such essays test your argument skills and how well you can use English to put your point across as clearly as possible.  
  • Direct Question Essays: For this type of essay, the essay topics will be provided as a question that you have to answer based on your experience and thoughts. 

How Can You Answer IELTS Writing Task 2 in IELTS Section

IELTS writing has two sections: task 1 and task 2, and you should complete both in under 60 minutes. In task 1, you have to write 150 words about some visual information, which is usually in the form of a graph chart. On the other hand, in IELTS Writing task 2 candidates are required to write an essay of 250 words on the given topic provided by the examiner.  

The assessment of this task is done based on several criteria such as vocabulary, number of words used, grammar, and more.

Tips to enhance your answers in the IELTS essay writing section

  • Read and Understand the Question
  • Plan the Answer
  • Write a Solid Introduction 
  • Carefully Write the Main Body

Bonus Tip: Use 100% Rule

You should never use any phrase or word in an IELTS essay if you are not 100% sure. This means you are 100% sure about it:

  • Meaning 
  • Synonyms
  • Antonyms
  • Collocations
  • Grammar

If you are not 100% sure about anything, do not use it in your essay because this will lower your IELTS grades.

Final Thoughts 

If you plan to prepare for the IELTS essay task in the Writing section, you can go through the sample questions discussed above. You can prepare for the essay task accordingly with the help of these essay topics. Thus, we hope that this blog on IELTS essay topics has now clarified your mind on what type of questions can be asked during the exam from you. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I write more than the prescribed word limit of 250 words?

Yes, you can write more than 250 words in your IELTS essay. These are the minimum word limit that you can quickly write more than. But do not exceed more than 300 words.

Q2. How can I prepare for IELTS writing?

Below are some tips and tricks which you should follow in your IELTS writing task section:
1. Don’t study any new English! 
2. Your English won’t improve in one week.
3. Read a lot of English. Read the papers.
4. Take 3-4 model tests.
5. Stay healthy and sleep well.