Preparing for IELTS Writing Task 2 in 2026? Practising recent essay questions is a great way to become familiar with the topics and question types you might encounter on test day.
IELTS Writing Task 2 covers a wide range of subjects, including education, technology, health, employment, environmental issues, and society. Although you cannot predict the exact question you will receive, reviewing recently reported topics can help you learn how to develop ideas and respond to different types of essay questions.
In this guide, we'll explore IELTS Writing Task 2 topics reported during 2026, provide practice questions based on those reports, and explain how to prepare for a Band 7 or higher.
About these questions: The topics below are based on third-party collections of questions reported by IELTS candidates in 2026. We have rewritten the questions as IELTS-style practice prompts. They are not official IELTS questions or verified word-for-word examination transcripts.
If you’re looking for a free IELTS Writing Task 2 practice question, then click the button below to write an essay and see a model answer.
Recent question collections suggest that IELTS continues to cover both familiar social issues and modern developments such as technology, employment, and globalization.
Here are 12 useful topics, organized by the month in which related questions were reported.
June 2026 IELTS Writing Task 2 Questions
1. Health: Self-Treatment Instead of Visiting Doctors
Practice Question
More people are choosing to treat health problems themselves instead of seeking professional medical advice.
Do you think this is a positive or negative development?
Some drivers disregard the rules because they believe they are unlikely to be caught.
Traffic congestion and pressure to arrive on time can encourage dangerous driving.
Stronger enforcement, road safety education, and better road design could reduce violations.
Writing tip: Connect each suggested solution to a specific cause.
July 2026 IELTS Writing Task 2 Questions
4. Government Spending: Supporting Artists
Practice Question
Some people think governments should provide financial support to artists, while others believe public money should be reserved for essential services such as healthcare and education.
Group study allows students to exchange ideas and explain difficult concepts.
Independent study provides greater flexibility and fewer distractions.
The most effective method may depend on the subject and learning task.
Writing tip: Use examples to show when each learning method works best.
8. International Business: Transportation or Technology
Practice Question
Some people think efficient transportation is the most important factor in international business, while others believe modern communication technology is more valuable.
High living costs may force people to work additional hours.
Workplace competition can encourage employees to work beyond their contracted hours.
Excessive working hours may contribute to stress, poor health, and reduced family time.
Writing tip: Organize one body paragraph around causes and the other around effects.
11. Crime: Punishment or Social Reform
Practice Question
Some people believe harsher punishments are the most effective way to reduce crime, while others think improving social and economic conditions is more important.
International transportation and large-scale production can increase emissions.
Multinational companies may contribute to pollution and resource consumption.
International cooperation can also encourage cleaner technology and stronger environmental standards.
Writing tip: Explain the relationship between globalization and environmental damage using specific examples.
Additional IELTS Writing Task 2 Topics for October 2026
September and early October topic roundups also identify several important themes worth practising. The following are additional original practice questions based on those themes, not confirmed questions from October examinations.
13. Artificial Intelligence and Employment
Artificial intelligence is increasingly being used to perform tasks previously completed by human employees.
Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?
Some people believe governments should take greater responsibility for improving public health, while others think individuals should make their own lifestyle choices.
Pick one of these questions, set a 40-minute timer, and write a full essay. Each question links to its own practice with a model answer, and you can find more questions in our IELTS Writing Task 2 practice.
IELTS Writing Task 2 Question Types You Need to Know
Recognizing the question type is one of the first things you should do before writing your essay.
Question type
What you need to do
Agree or Disagree
Explain how far you agree with a statement and support your position.
Discuss Both Views
Discuss two opposing opinions and give your own view when requested.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Explain the benefits and drawbacks of a situation.
Causes and Solutions
Identify why a problem occurs and explain possible solutions.
Causes and Effects
Explain the reasons behind a situation and its consequences.
Positive or Negative Development
Evaluate whether a particular change is beneficial or harmful overall.
Some essay questions combine these demands, so always read the instructions carefully. For a model essay and an essay structure for each type, see our guide to IELTS Writing Task 2 question types.
How to Write a Band 7+ IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay
IELTS Writing Task 2 requires at least 250 words, and you should spend approximately 40 minutes on it.
For many questions, a four-paragraph essay is an effective way to organize your response.
Paragraph 1: Introduction Paraphrase the topic and provide a clear thesis statement that addresses the question.
Paragraph 2: First Main Idea Introduce your first argument, explain your reasoning, and provide an appropriate example.
Paragraph 3: Second Main Idea Develop another relevant argument with supporting explanations and examples.
Paragraph 4: Conclusion Summarize the main ideas and restate your position without introducing a completely new argument.
Remember that using a four-paragraph structure does not automatically produce a Band 7 essay. You also need relevant ideas, logical organization, accurate vocabulary, and varied grammar.
In 3.778 IELTS Writing Task 2 essays reviewed by our AI, grammatical range and accuracy was the lowest of the four criteria most often, in 91% of essays. A typical essay was 287 words long, and 14% of essays were under the 250-word minimum. Whatever the topic, those are the two things to check first: answer every part of the question, and reach 250 words.
How to Prepare for IELTS Writing Task 2 with BestMyTest
Reading recent essay questions helps you understand the topics you may encounter, but writing complete essays and reviewing your mistakes is what helps you improve.
Our IELTS preparation course combines Writing practice, AI-powered feedback, and targeted skill exercises to help you work on the areas that affect your score.
Step 1: Complete an IELTS Writing Task 2 Question
Choose a practice topic and write a complete essay. Try to finish within 40 minutes and write at least 250 words. Start with our free IELTS Writing Task 2 practice question.
Step 2: Review Your Writing Feedback
After completing your essay, review your AI Writing feedback. Pay attention to how clearly you answered the question, organized your ideas, used vocabulary, and constructed sentences. See how it works in our IELTS writing review guide.
Your AI writing review: a band for each criterion, with every grammar and word choice correction marked in your essay.
Step 3: Improve Your Weaknesses with Our AI Tutor
Use our AI Tutor exercises to practise the skills you need to improve, including developing supporting details, using more varied sentence structures, and correcting grammar mistakes.
The AI Tutor builds a Task 2 essay with you step by step, suggesting supporting ideas for each body paragraph.
Try one now. This AI Tutor exercise walks you through a real Task 2 essay question from our bank, step by step:
AI Tutor Exercise: IELTS Writing Task 2
Task Achievement — Task 2
Learn how to answer this question in a step-by-step interactive exercise
Task Achievement — Task 2
Echar un vistazo a la pregunta
En la Task 2 de IELTS Writing escribes una redacción que responde a todas las partes de la pregunta. Lee con atención la afirmación y la línea de instrucciones, y fíjate en lo que la pregunta te pide que comentes.
Una redacción que se mantiene en el tema pero nunca responde a la pregunta planteada no puede alcanzar una banda alta.
Echa un vistazo a la pregunta y luego haz clic en Siguiente para continuar.
Echar un vistazo a la pregunta
It is observed that in many countries not enough students are choosing to study science at university. What are the causes? And what will be the effects on society?
Escribir la introducción
Vamos a escribir la introducción en dos oraciones, unas 25 a 35 palabras en total. Primero, reescribe la pregunta con tus propias palabras. Parafrasea la pregunta con tus propias palabras y con sinónimos. Así tu redacción se mantiene en el tema y puedes demostrar un vocabulario amplio. La segunda oración presenta los temas concretos que vas a tratar en los párrafos de desarrollo.
Escribe una introducción.
Escribir la introducción
Escribe dos oraciones temáticas
Cada párrafo de desarrollo necesita una oración temática que presente su idea principal. Dos párrafos de desarrollo son suficientes para una redacción de esta extensión.
Escribe una oración clara para cada párrafo. Que cada oración tenga entre 12 y 20 palabras, y deja las explicaciones y los ejemplos para los pasos siguientes.
Escribe una oración temática para cada párrafo de desarrollo.
Escribe dos oraciones temáticas
science courses are seen as too hard
fewer scientists hurt the economy
Amplía el párrafo de desarrollo 1
Una oración temática solo suma puntos cuando está apoyada. Desarrolla el primer párrafo de desarrollo con dos ideas. Para cada idea, escribe una explicación y un ejemplo concreto.
Cada párrafo de desarrollo debe tener unas 4–5 oraciones, o 60 a 80 palabras. Una situación concreta es más fuerte que una afirmación general.
Escribe el resto del primer párrafo de desarrollo.
Amplía el párrafo de desarrollo 1
60
The main reason for the fall in science students is that many find these courses too difficult. Although many teenagers enjoy science at school, university courses are full of theory and research. For example, a survey of UK universities found that students wanted more practical work in the lab. In addition, easier subjects such as the humanities are widely available, so many students choose them instead.
Amplía el párrafo de desarrollo 2
Dale al segundo párrafo de desarrollo la misma profundidad que al primero. Usa dos ideas y apoya cada una con una explicación y un ejemplo.
Cada párrafo de desarrollo debe tener unas 4–5 oraciones, o 60 a 80 palabras. No repitas el primer párrafo con otras palabras.
Escribe el resto del segundo párrafo de desarrollo.
Amplía el párrafo de desarrollo 2
60
Countries with few science graduates are likely to suffer both in competition and in their economies. A lack of skilled researchers in fields such as bio-engineering makes foreign companies less willing to invest. Moreover, fewer scientists means fewer new technologies, so these countries lose business when others bring new products to market first. For example, Chinese companies now file almost as many patents as American ones.
Escribir la conclusión
La conclusión cierra la redacción. Escribe un resumen de dos oraciones de las ideas principales y luego añade una o dos oraciones sobre por qué el tema es importante.
No copies la introducción ni añadas un argumento nuevo. Que toda la conclusión tenga entre 35 y 50 palabras.
Escribe una conclusión de 3–4 oraciones.
Escribir la conclusión
35
In conclusion, the belief that science degrees are too difficult is closely linked to slower economic growth. Only by changing this attitude can countries reverse the trend and keep their place in a competitive world.
Revisar tu ensayo completo
Tu introducción, tus oraciones temáticas, tus párrafos de desarrollo y tu conclusión aparecen ahora juntos como una sola redacción. Léela como un único texto y comprueba que responde a todas las partes de la pregunta.
Compara tus palabras con la redacción de muestra y fíjate en cómo cada párrafo cumple una función distinta.
Revisa tu redacción y luego haz clic en Siguiente para continuar.
Revisar tu ensayo completo
Cómo decidir
Un ensayo de Task 2 responde a todas las partes de la pregunta. Task Achievement depende de cubrir lo que pide la pregunta y de respaldar cada punto principal con una explicación y un ejemplo.
Trabaja siempre en el mismo orden: introducción, dos oraciones temáticas, dos párrafos de desarrollo bien desarrollados y, por último, una conclusión.
Escribir la introducción.
Por lo general, necesitarás dos oraciones para este párrafo. Parafrasea la pregunta con tus propias palabras y con sinónimos. Así tu ensayo no se sale del tema y puedes demostrar un vocabulario amplio. La segunda oración presenta los temas concretos que tratarás en los párrafos de desarrollo. Por lo tanto, tu introducción debe incluir:
La pregunta reformulada
La presentación de los temas concretos
Escribe dos oraciones temáticas. Escribe una oración temática para cada párrafo de desarrollo.
Amplía los párrafos de desarrollo. Respalda cada párrafo de desarrollo con dos puntos, y da a cada punto una explicación y un ejemplo. Cada párrafo de desarrollo debe tener unas 4–5 oraciones.
Escribir la conclusión. Resume los puntos principales y luego di por qué el tema es importante.
Revisar tu ensayo completo. Lee las partes juntas y comprueba que respondes a todas las partes de la pregunta.
lightbulb_outline
Dos párrafos bien desarrollados puntúan más que cuatro puntos sin desarrollar. Los examinadores premian el respaldo, así que añade una explicación y un ejemplo a un punto que ya tienes en lugar de añadir otro punto.
Introducción
Por lo general, necesitarás dos oraciones para este párrafo. Parafrasea la pregunta con tus propias palabras y con sinónimos. Así tu ensayo no se sale del tema y puedes demostrar un vocabulario amplio. La segunda oración presenta los temas concretos que tratarás en los párrafos de desarrollo. Por lo tanto, tu introducción debe incluir:
La pregunta reformulada
La presentación de los temas concretos
Oraciones temáticas
Escribe una oración temática para cada párrafo de desarrollo. Cada oración debe presentar la idea principal de ese párrafo en 12 a 20 palabras y dejar los ejemplos para la siguiente fase.
Apoyo
Una oración temática suma puntos cuando está respaldada. Explica por qué el punto es cierto, da un ejemplo concreto y da a los dos párrafos de desarrollo el mismo nivel de respaldo. Cada párrafo de desarrollo debe tener unas 4–5 oraciones.
Conclusión
La conclusión resume los puntos principales en dos oraciones y luego añade una o dos oraciones sobre por qué el tema es importante. No copies la introducción ni añadas un argumento nuevo.
1
Then try another Writing question and apply what you've learned.
By repeating this process, you can build your ability to respond to unfamiliar topics without relying on memorized essays.
All IELTS Writing Task 2 Practice Questions
Every IELTS Writing Task 2 question in our practice bank is listed below. Open any question to write your essay, get an instant AI score, and compare it with the model answer.
Frequently Asked Questions About IELTS Writing Task 2 Topics 2026
helpWhat are the latest IELTS Writing Task 2 topics in 2026?expand_moreexpand_less
Recently reported 2026 topics include education, healthcare, technology, long working hours, crime, globalization, environmental protection, and government spending.
helpWill these exact IELTS Writing Task 2 questions appear on my test?expand_moreexpand_less
There is no guarantee. IELTS does not publish an official list of upcoming essay questions. Use reported topics to guide your practice rather than trying to predict your exact question.
helpAre IELTS Academic and General Training Writing Task 2 topics the same?expand_moreexpand_less
Both tests require an essay of at least 250 words, and they use the same broad assessment criteria. However, individual questions can differ.
helpHow many words should I write in IELTS Writing Task 2?expand_moreexpand_less
You must write at least 250 words. Focus on developing a complete response with relevant examples rather than writing unnecessarily long paragraphs.
helpShould I memorize IELTS Writing Task 2 sample essays?expand_moreexpand_less
No. Instead, study how effective essays introduce arguments, develop supporting details, and connect ideas. Then practise using those techniques with different topics.
helpHow can I improve my IELTS Writing Task 2 band score?expand_moreexpand_less
The most effective approach is to write regularly, review your mistakes, identify weaknesses, and practise improving those specific skills. Our IELTS Writing practice questions, AI feedback, and AI Tutor can help you follow this process.
The figures on this page come from the BestMyTest IELTS learner performance data, our records of IELTS practice on BestMyTest up to October 2026. That page explains how we measure each figure. Last updated 15 October 2026.
