IELTS Writing practice
Choose a task, write your answer, and get an estimated band with feedback on all four criteria.
Task 2 essays
Should university education be free?
Some people believe that university education should be free for all students, while others think students should pay for their own studies. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Online learning versus classroom learning: advantages and disadvantages
Some people think that online learning is more beneficial than classroom learning, while others believe traditional classrooms are better. What are the advantages and disadvantages of online learning compared with classroom learning?
Children and smartphone use: necessary or harmful?
Smartphones are increasingly common among children. Some people believe that children should be allowed to use smartphones from an early age because these devices help them learn and stay connected. Others argue that smartphones have negative effects on children's development and should be restricted. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Taxing unhealthy food to improve public health
Some governments propose imposing higher taxes on unhealthy food and drinks to reduce consumption and improve public health. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Banning private cars from city centres
Some cities are planning to ban private cars from their city centres in order to reduce pollution and congestion. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
The four-day working week: advantages and disadvantages
Many companies are experimenting with a four-day working week, keeping employees' salaries the same but reducing the number of days they work. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this change? Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
Building Upwards vs Outwards in Cities
Some cities address population growth by building upwards (high-rise residential and commercial towers) while others expand outwards into suburbs and new developments. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of building upwards rather than outwards, and give your opinion.
News on social media: benefits vs risks
In recent years, an increasing number of people get their news from social media platforms rather than from traditional newspapers, television or radio. Some people believe this change has improved access to information and democratized journalism, while others think it has increased the spread of misinformation and damaged public debate. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Rehabilitation versus punishment for criminals
Some people argue that prisons should focus mainly on rehabilitation, while others insist on harsher punishment to deter crime. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Limiting visitor numbers at historic sites
Some people believe that historic sites should limit the number of visitors to preserve them, while others argue that access should be unrestricted to allow everyone to enjoy cultural heritage. Discuss both views and give your own opinion. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Grandparents as primary caregivers
In many countries grandparents are increasingly taking primary responsibility for raising their grandchildren while parents work. This trend has both benefits and drawbacks for families and society. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Government funding priorities: sport vs arts
Some people believe that national and local governments should spend more of their budgets on sports facilities and programmes, while others argue that the arts deserve greater financial support. Discuss both views and give your own opinion. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Funding Space Exploration vs Earthly Problems
Some people believe that governments should spend more money on space exploration, while others argue that funds would be better used to solve problems on Earth, such as healthcare and poverty. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Globalisation: local shops vs large chains
Globalisation has led to the growth of large international retail chains, often at the expense of small, local shops. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Should universities make some subjects compulsory?
Some people think universities should require all students to take certain subjects, such as communication, critical thinking or civic education, regardless of their chosen degree. Others believe students should be free to study only courses directly related to their major. Discuss both views and give your own opinion. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Problems and solutions for ageing populations
In the fictional country of Veridia the proportion of people aged 65 and over has risen rapidly in recent decades, putting pressure on health services, pensions and local communities. What problems does this trend cause and what solutions can be proposed?