IELTS Academic Writing Task 2

In IELTS Academic Writing Task 2, you are required to write an essay in response to a point of view, argument, or problem. The essay should be formal and well-structured.

Word Count

• Minimum: 250 words
• Recommended: Between 270 and 290 words
• Maximum: Try not to exceed 300 words

Criteria

Your essay will be assessed based mainly on four criteria:

1. Task Response: How well you address all parts of the task, present a clear position, and support your ideas with relevant examples.
2. Coherence and Cohesion: How logically you organize your ideas and use cohesive devices (linking words, pronouns, conjunctions) appropriately.
3. Lexical Resource: The range and accuracy of your vocabulary, including the use of uncommon lexical items.
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The variety and correctness of your grammatical structures3.

Here are 10 sample questions to practice with:

1. In their advertising, businesses nowadays usually emphasize that their products are new in some way. Why is this? Do you think it is a positive or negative development?
2. Some people think watching TV and films makes children more creative. Others think that it can actually lower their creativity. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
3. The rise of convenience foods has helped people keep up with the speed of modern lifestyle. What are the advantages of this trend? Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
4. It is important for people to take risks, both in their professional lives and their personal lives. Do you think the advantages of taking risks outweigh the disadvantages?
5. In many countries around the world, rural people are moving to cities, so the population in the countryside is decreasing. Do you think this is a positive or a negative development?
6. The rise of artificial intelligence is replacing human jobs in various industries. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this trend?
7. Most employers nowadays put increasing emphasis on social skills. Some people believe that social skills are important in addition to good qualifications for job success. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
8. Some people think that individuals should be responsible for reducing environmental damage, while others believe governments should take the lead. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
9. Some people believe that schools should focus more on practical skills rather than academic subjects. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
10. Some people use the Internet to search for solutions to their medical problems. Is it a positive or negative development? Give your own opinion and examples from your experience.
11. Some people think schools should group pupils according to their academic ability, but others believe pupils with different abilities should be educated together. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
12. In some countries, people work extra hours, leaving little time for personal life. Do the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?
13. Government gives a lot of support to artists, even though some people think it is a waste of money that could have been used elsewhere. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
14. Some teachers say students should be organized into groups, while others argue that students should be made to study alone. Tell the benefits of each study method.
15. With globalization, many local cultures and traditions are being lost. Do you think the benefits of globalization outweigh the drawbacks?
16. Some people believe that the government should tax unhealthy food to encourage people to eat healthily. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
17. Some argue that space exploration is a waste of money and that resources should be used to solve problems on Earth. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
18. Social media has changed the way people interact with each other. Do you think this is a positive or negative development?
19. Some people believe that criminals should be given longer prison sentences, while others argue that rehabilitation is a better approach. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
20. Some cities have banned private cars in city centers to reduce congestion and pollution. Do you think this is a positive or negative development?

Sample Questions with Answers

Some people believe that schools should focus more on practical skills rather than academic subjects. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

In today’s fast-changing world, the role of education is widely debated. Some argue that schools should prioritize practical skills over academic subjects to better prepare students for real-life challenges. While practical skills are undeniably important, I believe that a strong foundation in academic subjects remains essential for a well-rounded education.

Academic subjects such as mathematics, science, and literature develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills. For example, mathematics enhances logical reasoning, while science fosters curiosity and innovation. Without these subjects, students may lack the theoretical knowledge needed for professional careers, such as medicine or engineering. Additionally, academic subjects improve cognitive abilities, helping students adapt to new situations and learn independently throughout their lives.

On the other hand, practical skills such as financial literacy, communication, and vocational training equip students with hands-on experience. Many argue that knowing how to manage finances, cook, or repair household items is more useful than memorizing historical dates. Moreover, technical skills such as coding or mechanics can improve employability, ensuring that students are prepared for job markets that increasingly value specialized skills.

Rather than prioritizing one over the other, schools should integrate both academic subjects and practical skills. A balanced curriculum, where students learn both theoretical concepts and their real-world applications, can bridge the gap between knowledge and practice. For instance, applying mathematical concepts in budgeting or using science in everyday problem-solving can make learning more engaging and relevant. Countries like Finland successfully implement this approach by incorporating hands-on projects alongside academic learning.

In conclusion, while practical skills are essential for daily life and employment, academic subjects provide the intellectual foundation needed for long-term success. A well-structured education system should combine both elements to ensure that students are not only knowledgeable but also capable of applying their learning in real-world situations. Therefore, I believe that schools should maintain a balance between practical skills and academic subjects rather than focusing exclusively on one aspect.