IELTS Writing Task 2 Topics 2025:
50 Most Repeated Questions with Essay Structures

IELTS Writing Task 2 appears unpredictable because the specific topic changes every test. But the underlying themes rotate from a limited pool, and most of the vocabulary and argument structures you need can be prepared in advance. This guide maps the 10 most frequent themes, gives you 50 high-probability questions, explains the essay type for each, and provides the argument frameworks and vocabulary that score at Band 7+.

The Four Essay Types: How to Identify Them

Type	Signal Words	Required Structure
Opinion (Agree/Disagree)	"Do you agree or disagree?" / "To what extent do you agree?"	State clear position in intro. 2 body paras supporting your position. 1 counter with concession. Conclusion restates opinion.
Discussion (Both Views)	"Discuss both views and give your opinion"	Intro: state both views + your position. Para 1: View A. Para 2: View B. Para 3: Your opinion. Conclusion.
Problem/Solution	"What problems does this cause? What solutions can you suggest?" / "What are the causes and effects?"	Intro: state the issue. Para 1: problems/causes. Para 2: solutions/effects. Conclusion.
Advantages/Disadvantages	"What are the advantages and disadvantages?" / "Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?"	Intro. Para 1: advantages. Para 2: disadvantages. Conclusion with overall assessment.

Theme 1: Technology (Most Frequent)

Technology topics appear in approximately 20–25% of all Task 2 questions. The dominant sub-themes are: the internet and communication, artificial intelligence, social media, online privacy, and technology's impact on employment.

High-probability questions:

1. "The internet has more negative effects than positive effects on society. To what extent do you agree?" [Opinion]
2. "Some people think that artificial intelligence will have a positive impact on employment. Others disagree. Discuss both views." [Discussion]
3. "Social media is making people feel more isolated rather than more connected. Do you agree?" [Opinion]
4. "Technology has made it possible for people to work from home. What are the advantages and disadvantages?" [Adv/Disadv]
5. "Online privacy is increasingly threatened by technology companies. What problems does this cause and what solutions exist?" [Problem/Solution]

Key vocabulary: digital literacy, algorithmic bias, surveillance capitalism, social connectivity, automation, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital divide, screen time, virtual communication, disruptive technology.

Theme 2: Education

Education topics are the second most frequent. Sub-themes: online versus classroom learning, university education's purpose, school curriculum, private vs public education, teaching methods.

High-probability questions:

1. "Universities should focus on producing graduates who can find employment rather than on academic research. Do you agree?" [Opinion]
2. "Some people argue that children should be taught to be competitive at school. Others believe cooperation is more important. Discuss both views." [Discussion]
3. "Online education is becoming increasingly popular. What are the advantages and disadvantages compared to traditional classroom learning?" [Adv/Disadv]
4. "Many students leave school without basic financial literacy. What are the causes and what can be done?" [Problem/Solution]
5. "Gap years between school and university are beneficial for young people. To what extent do you agree?" [Opinion]

Key vocabulary: critical thinking, vocational training, standardised testing, pedagogical approaches, lifelong learning, rote learning, academic rigour, employability, educational inequality, curriculum.

Theme 3: Environment

Environmental topics appear in approximately 15% of Task 2 questions. Climate change, pollution, conservation, renewable energy, and individual vs governmental responsibility are the core sub-themes.

High-probability questions:

1. "Governments should make it illegal for people to own cars in city centres to reduce air pollution. Do you agree?" [Opinion]
2. "Some people believe that the environmental problems we face today are too large for individuals to address and that only governments can solve them. To what extent do you agree?" [Opinion]
3. "Tourism has both positive and negative impacts on the environment. Discuss." [Discussion/Adv-Disadv]
4. "The world's natural resources are being used up at an alarming rate. What problems does this cause and what solutions can you suggest?" [Problem/Solution]
5. "Renewable energy is the only way to solve the world's energy problems. To what extent do you agree?" [Opinion]

Key vocabulary: carbon emissions, biodiversity, fossil fuels, sustainable development, deforestation, renewable energy, greenhouse effect, ecological footprint, conservation, net zero.

Theme 4: Health

High-probability questions:

1. "Governments should invest more money in preventive healthcare rather than treating illness. Do you agree?" [Opinion]
2. "Obesity has become a global health problem. What are the causes and what can individuals and governments do?" [Problem/Solution]
3. "Some people think that mental health should receive the same level of funding and attention as physical health. Do you agree?" [Opinion]
4. "Fast food companies should be banned from advertising to children. Do you agree or disagree?" [Opinion]

Key vocabulary: preventive healthcare, sedentary lifestyle, nutritional awareness, mental wellbeing, healthcare provision, public health, diet-related illness, physical activity, healthcare expenditure.

Theme 5: Society, Crime and Government

High-probability questions:

1. "Prison is the only effective way to deter criminal behaviour. To what extent do you agree?" [Opinion]
2. "Wealthy countries should give financial aid to poorer countries. Others argue that this money is often wasted. Discuss both views." [Discussion]
3. "The widening gap between rich and poor in many countries is the most serious problem facing the world today. Do you agree?" [Opinion]
4. "Some people believe that the government has a responsibility to ensure its citizens have a healthy lifestyle. Others disagree. Discuss." [Discussion]

Theme 6: Work and Employment

1. "Many people believe that working from home is the future of work. What are the advantages and disadvantages?" [Adv/Disadv]
2. "Some argue that employees should be judged solely on performance, not hours worked. To what extent do you agree?" [Opinion]
3. "The automation of work through artificial intelligence will cause widespread unemployment. Do you agree?" [Opinion]

High-Scoring Essay Structures: Templates That Work

Opinion Essay Opening (avoid generic starters)

❌ "In today's modern world, technology has changed the way we live and work." (generic, scores low)
✅ "The rapid expansion of remote working has prompted debate about whether employees are more productive outside traditional office environments. While some argue that home working reduces efficiency, I believe the evidence suggests the opposite is true when supported by adequate digital infrastructure."

Body Paragraph Structure (PEEL)

Point — state the main idea: "One significant advantage of online education is its accessibility."
Explain — develop the point: "Unlike traditional institutions, online platforms allow students in rural or remote areas to access high-quality instruction without the need to relocate."
Example — support with specific evidence: "For instance, students in smaller Indian cities have accessed courses from institutions like MIT through Coursera, acquiring qualifications that would have been geographically inaccessible a decade ago."
Link — connect back: "This democratisation of education represents a fundamental shift in who can access quality learning."