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
Preview the Question
In IELTS Writing Task 2 you write an essay that answers every part of the question. Read the statement and the instruction line carefully, and notice what the question asks you to discuss.
An essay that stays on the topic but never answers the question that was asked cannot reach a high band.
Preview the question, then click next to continue.
Preview the Question
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?
Write the Introduction
Let's write the introduction in two sentences, about 25 to 35 words in total. First, rewrite the question in your own words. Paraphrase the question using your own words and synonyms. This ensures your essay stays on topic and allows you to demonstrate a wide range of vocabulary. The second sentence introduces the specific topics you will discuss in the body paragraphs.
Write an introduction.
Write the Introduction
Write Two Topic Sentences
Each body paragraph needs a topic sentence that introduces its main point. Two body paragraphs are enough for an essay of this length.
Write one clear sentence for each paragraph. Keep each sentence to 12 to 20 words and leave the explanations and examples for the next steps.
Write one topic sentence for each body paragraph.
Write Two Topic Sentences
science courses are seen as too hard
fewer scientists hurt the economy
Develop Body Paragraph 1
A topic sentence earns marks only when it is supported. Develop the first body paragraph with two points. For each point, write an explanation and a specific example.
Each body paragraph should be about 4–5 sentences, or 60 to 80 words. A named situation is stronger than a general statement.
Write the rest of the first body paragraph.
Develop Body Paragraph 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.
Develop Body Paragraph 2
Give the second body paragraph the same depth as the first. Use two points, and support each one with an explanation and an example.
Each body paragraph should be about 4–5 sentences, or 60 to 80 words. Do not repeat the first paragraph in new words.
Write the rest of the second body paragraph.
Develop Body Paragraph 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.
Write the Conclusion
The conclusion wraps up the essay. Write a two-sentence summary of the main points, then add one or two sentences on why the topic matters.
Do not copy the introduction and do not add a new argument. Keep the whole conclusion to 35 to 50 words.
Write a 3–4 sentence conclusion.
Write the Conclusion
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.
Review Your Complete Essay
Your introduction, topic sentences, body paragraphs, and conclusion now appear together as one essay. Read it as a single piece of writing and check that it answers every part of the question.
Compare your wording with the sample essay and notice how each paragraph does a different job.
Review your essay, then click next to continue.
Review Your Complete Essay
How to decide
A Task 2 essay answers every part of the question. Task achievement depends on covering what the question asks and supporting each main point with an explanation and an example.
Work in a fixed order: introduction, two topic sentences, two developed body paragraphs, then a conclusion.
Write the Introduction.
In general, you will need two sentences for this paragraph. Paraphrase the question using your own words and synonyms. This ensures your essay stays on topic and allows you to demonstrate a wide range of vocabulary. The second sentence introduces the specific topics you will discuss in the body paragraphs. Therefore, your introduction should include:
Rewritten Question
Introduction of Specific Topics
Write Two Topic Sentences. Write one topic sentence for each body paragraph.
Develop Body Paragraphs. Support each body paragraph with two points, and give each point an explanation and an example. Each body paragraph should be about 4–5 sentences.
Write the Conclusion. Summarize the main points, then say why the topic matters.
Review Your Complete Essay. Read the parts together and check that every part of the question is answered.
lightbulb_outline
Two developed paragraphs score better than four undeveloped points. Examiners reward support, so add an explanation and an example to a point you already have rather than adding another point.
Introduction
In general, you will need two sentences for this paragraph. Paraphrase the question using your own words and synonyms. This ensures your essay stays on topic and allows you to demonstrate a wide range of vocabulary. The second sentence introduces the specific topics you will discuss in the body paragraphs. Therefore, your introduction should include:
Rewritten Question
Introduction of Specific Topics
Topic sentences
Write one topic sentence for each body paragraph. Each sentence should introduce that paragraph’s main point in 12 to 20 words and leave the examples for the next stage.
Support
A topic sentence earns marks once it is supported. Explain why the point is true, give a specific example, and give both body paragraphs the same amount of support. Each body paragraph should be about 4–5 sentences.
Conclusion
The conclusion summarizes the main points in two sentences, then adds one or two sentences on why the topic matters. Do not copy the introduction and do not add a new argument.
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.
