Latest IELTS Writing Topics – Recent Exam Questions

Some people believe that the purpose of education is to make individuals useful to society, while others think that education should help people pursue personal ambitions.

Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

These days more people put their personal information, such as names, addresses and telephone numbers, online for everyday activities such as socialising on social networks or banking purposes.

Do you think it is a positive or negative development?

Model Answer >>

In some countries, owning a home rather than renting one is very important for people.

Why might this be the case?

Do you think this is a positive or a negative situation?

In many countries, students leave high school without learning how to manage their money.

Why does this happen?

What could be done to tackle the issue?

News reports in the media tend to focus more on problems and disasters than on positive events. This is harmful to individuals and society as a whole.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Some people say that too much attention and resources are given to the protection of wild animals and birds.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

In many countries, paying for things using a mobile phone is becoming increasingly common.

Does this development have more advantages or disadvantages?

The increasing use of social media platforms has made it easier for people to talk about their frustrations and complaints publicly.

Is this a positive or negative development?

With the growing population of cities, more and more people live in homes that have little or no outdoor areas.

Is this a positive or a negative development?

Plagiarism in school has become a major issue in many countries today.

What are the causes of this problem?

What are some possible solutions?

Some people believe that childhood is the best stage of happiness, while others believe that a person can enjoy more happiness in other stages of life.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

In many societies, there is a growing emphasis on individualism, with people prioritising their personal goals and desires over collective interests.

Is this is a positive or negative development?

Music mainly serves as a way for individuals to reduce their stress and anxiety. 

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

In many countries, the number of animals and plants is declining.

Why do you think this is happening?

How can this issue be solved?

Some individuals argue that children should always follow the advice given by their parents, while others believe that children should make decisions independently.

Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Some people say the government should manage people’s health, while others think that individuals should be in charge of their own health.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Some people think that in order to solve environmental problems, fuel prices for cars and other vehicles must increase.

Do you agree or disagree?

Some people believe that professional athletes serve as positive role models for young people, while others argue that their behaviour both on and off the field can have negative influences.

Discuss both sides and give your opinion.

There is a growing emphasis on sustainable living and reducing environmental impacts in many societies. 

What are the challenges of adopting a sustainable lifestyle? 

What practical actions can individuals take to contribute to sustainability?

Universities should accept equal number of male and female students in every subject.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Young people are often influenced in their behaviours by others in the same age group. Some argue that peer pressure is important while others feel it has distinct disadvantages.

Do the disadvantages of peer pressure outweigh the advantages?

Some people think that in order to solve environmental problems, fuel prices for cars and other vehicles must increase.

Do you agree or disagree?

In many countries, young people leave their parents’ home in their early twenties to go and live on their own, while others prefer to stay with their families until a later age.

Do you think the advantages of young people living with their parents for longer outweigh the disadvantages?

In many societies, there is a growing emphasis on sustainable living and reducing environmental impact.

What are the challenges of adopting a sustainable lifestyle?

These days many people prefer to work longer hours and spend less time at home.

Are there more advantages than disadvantages to this trend?

Schools should use films, computers and games to educate children instead of books. 

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Some young people decide to go to college or university as they believe that leads to the most successful career path. Others, however, chose to go straight to work as they think it is important to gain real life experience after high school.

Discuss both views and write your opinion.

Some people believe that hard work and determination are the main requirements to become successful in life, while others say there are other factors that lead to success.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

It is impossible to help all people in the world, so governments should focus on people in their own countries.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Full-time university students spend most of their time studying. Some people, however, claim that students need to be involved in other activities as well.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

In some countries, celebrities complain about the way the media publicise their private lives and the negative impacts this has on them. However, they should accept it as part of their fame.

Do you agree or disagree?

International travel and tourism has become easier and more affordable.

Is this a positive or a negative development?

Studies show that many criminals have a low level of education. For this reason, people believe that the best way to reduce crime is to educate people in prison so they can get a job when they leave.

Do you agree or disagree?

Some people think that the best way for developing countries to eradicate poverty is to provide six years of free education to every child.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

These days, many people like to watch live performances (like shows or concerts) at home, either on TV or on a computer, instead of attending in person.

Do the advantages of this trend outweigh its disadvantages?

Some people argue that the government should pay more for art to be displayed at openings and exhibitions.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Nowadays many people choose to be self-employed, rather than to work for a company or organistaion.

Why might this be the case?

What could be the disadvantages of being self-employed?

The values that we learn from our parents and family have greater influence on our future success than knowledge and skills we learn at school.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

In some countries, more and more parents begin to teach their children at home rather than send them to school.

Do the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?

Many people these days decide to have children at a later age than in the past.

Why?

Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?

Some people believe that countries should produce all the food necessary to feed their populations and import as little food as possible.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Vegan diets are the most beneficial to the human race.

To what extent you agree or disagree?

Historical objects and artefacts should be brought back to their country of origin.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

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New technologies have changed the way children spend their leisure time.

Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?

Some people believe that if a child commits a crime, he or she should be punished, while others think it is the child’s parents who should be punished.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

In many countries, students’ concentration in the classroom has decreased.

What are the reasons for this?

What are some possible solutions?

Around the world, people are now living longer than ever before in the past. Some say an aging population creates problems for governments. Others believe there are benefits to society having more elderly people.

Do the advantages of having an aging population outweigh the disadvantages?

The values that we learn from our parents and family have greater influence on our future success than knowledge and skills we learn at school.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

In many countries obesity and unhealthy eating habits are increasing.

What are the reasons for this trend?

What is the most effective way to prevent it?

Childcare training courses should be mandatory for all parents.

Do you agree or disagree?

It is a good idea for people to continue working beyond retirement age.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Some people believe that in order to give opportunities to new generations, companies should encourage high level employees who are older than 55 to retire.

Do you agree or disagree?

Many people believe that in order to create a happy society we should ensure that there is only a small difference between the incomes of the richest and poorest people.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

The most important aim of science should be to improve people’s lives.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

These days, people do not go out for live performances or concerts, and they prefer to enjoy watching them on computers and laptops.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Some people think that visiting museums is the best way for children to learn about history, while many others think there are other better ways.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Some people think it is better to have one single legal system throughout the world. Others say countries should have their own laws. 

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Social media helps people to keep in touch with friends and stay on top of news and events.

Do you think the advantages of social media outweigh the disadvantages?

Nowadays, people all over the world are spending more and more time apart from their families.

Why is this happening?

How does this affect people and their families?

Always telling the truth is the most important consideration in any relationship between people.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

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If people could choose between working and not working, they would choose not to work.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Some people think that the main goal of schools should be making children into responsible citizens and good workers, rather than benefitting them as individuals.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

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Some people think that religion should be taught in schools, while others think it should be avoided.

Discuss both sides and give your opinion.

Many historical sites and museums are mainly visited by tourists, not local people.

Why is this the case?

What can be done to attract local people to visit these historical sites and museums?

Many university students nowadays live away from home and their parents because of their university location, while others live with their families.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of each situation?

Nowadays, more and more people decide to have children later in their life.

What do you think are the reasons for this?

Do the advantages of the trend outweigh the disadvantages?

Some people argue that sports are essential for us. Others think of sports as an activity for leisure time.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

These days people’s attention spans are becoming shorter due to the prevalence of social media.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

In some countries ordinary citizens are allowed to keep a gun in their house. Some people think this is a good idea, while others disagree.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Some people think it is better to make more money rather than have free time, while others prefer to have more free time.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

(General Training)

Mobile phones and the Internet could have many benefits for old people. However, this age group uses technology the least.

What are the benefits for old people of using mobile phones and the Internet?

How can we encourage them to use this new technology?

The education of young people is a top priority in all countries of the world. Some people believe that educating adults who cannot read or write is important to society and needs more funding.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Some people believe that students should begin learning a language very early in school while others think these subjects should be taught later.

Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.

Once children start school, teachers become a more important influence on children’s intellectual and social development than parents.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Some people think it would be beneficial for school children to study international news as a school subject, while others argue it would be a waste of time.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

It is a natural process that animal species become extinct, as the dinosaurs did in the past. There is no reason for people to prevent this from happening.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

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Some people encourage watching sports as a way of learning about teamwork and strategy, while others believe that one can learn these skills only through playing sports.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Young criminals should receive the same punishment as adults.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Movies and tv shows are a good way to study history despite their lack of historical accuracy at times.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

It is better for people to be unemployed than be employed with a job they do not enjoy.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Some people Say that every human being can create art. Others think only people born with the ability can create art.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Some people prefer to spend their lives doing the same things and avoiding change. Others, however, think that change is always a good thing. 

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Many believe that the goal of one’s career should be to pursue a passion while others feel it is merely a way to earn a livelihood.

Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.

Some people feel that cities should allow for spaces for graffiti, while others feel it should be banned.

Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.

Nowadays, not enough students choose science subjects at university in many countries. 

Why is this?

What effects does this have on society?

Some people think that it is necessary to use animals for testing medicines or products intended for human use. Others, however, criticize this as animal cruelty.

Discuss both of these views and give your own opinion.

There have been many inventions in human history, such as the wheel, that have dramatically changed the world we live in. Some people think the most important recent human invention that has changed the world is the internet.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Many People Believe that playing games and watching tv programmes is beneficial for children, but others think that it does not improve their mental ability.

Discuss both of these views and give your own opinion.

Nowadays, instead of locally sourced produce, many supermarkets sell a variety of foods imported from countries all across the world.

Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?`

Nowadays, many people have cosmetic surgery to enhance their appearance.

Why are they doing this? Is this a positive or a negative development?

Some people believe that success in life comes from hard work and determination. Others think that it depends on factors such as money or personal appearance.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Some people believe that using taxpayer funds to look for life on other planets is important. Others, however, think that it is a waste of public money because there are much more important issues requiring funding on our own planet.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

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In some parts of the world traditional festivals and celebrations have disappeared or are disappearing.

Why is this happening?

What measures could be taken to ensure they do not disappear?

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Nowadays in many countries young people don’t communicate with older people as much as they used to.

Why is this happening?

How could this situation be improved?

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Some countries have legal ages at which people can drink alcohol. Other countries believe it is better not to have strict laws on the age that a person can drink alcohol.

Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.

Public health is becoming an urgent issue nowadays. Some argue that governments should create nutrition and food choice laws to improve public health, while others believe that it is a matter of personal choice and responsibility.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

These days people are using the Internet for shopping, work and to communicate with others without the need for face-to-face meetings.

Do the advantages of this development outweigh its disadvantages?

In some countries, more and more parents begin to teach their children at home rather than send them to school.

Do the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?

Some people think that technological development has made life complex. The Only possible solution is not to use technology to live a simple life.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Some people believe that climate affects a person’s way of life, while others believe that climate has a greater impact on a region’s economy.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

These days, many people like to watch live performances (such as shows or concerts) at home, either on TV or on a computer, instead of attending in-person.

Do the advantages of this trend outweigh its disadvantages?

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