IELTS Writing Questions

In the IELTS writing exam, there are many possible questions you may be asked and it is worthless trying to predict them. However, you should definitely seek out old questions in order to understand 2 things:

1. Common IELTS topics
2. The style of IELTS questions

Unfortunately, the internet is awash with fake IELTS questions! That’s because so many people want to make money from IELTS that they write stupid questions and post them online to attract you to their website.

This may not seem like a big problem because even a fake IELTS question can be useful for practice. However, many of them are not in the IELTS style or include some bad grammar in the question. By studying with these fake questions, you can actually develop some bad habits of your own.

I have put together a list of IELTS writing questions below. I encourage students who participate in my writing correction service to choose questions from this list before writing an essay for me to correct. These questions are a mix of genuine IELTS questions and ones that are very similar to real IELTS questions.

I have divided these into three categories:

• Task 1 [General]
• Task 1 [Academic]
• Task 2

Task 1 [General]

Question 1

A friend you made while you were studying abroad has written to ask you for help in finding a job in your country. You have heard about a job in a local company that might be suitable for him/her.

Write a letter to this friend. In your letter

• Tell your friend about the job and what sort of work it involves
• Say why you think the job would be suitable for him/her
• Explain how to apply for the job

Question 2

Your local council is considering closing a sports and leisure center that it runs, in order to save money.

Write a letter to the local council. In your letter

• Give details of how you and your friends or family use the center.
• Explain why the sports and leisure center is important for the local community.
• Describe the possible effects on local people if the center closes.

Question 3

You work at home and have a problem with a piece of equipment that you use for your job.

Write a letter to the shop or company which supplied the equipment. In your letter

• Describe the problem with the equipment
• Explain how this problem is affecting your work
• Say what you want the shop or company to do

Question 4

You work for an international company. You have seen an advertisement for a training course which will be useful for your job.

Write a letter to your manager. In your letter

• describe the training course you want to do
• explain what the company could do to help you
• say how the course will be useful for your job

Question 5

You and some friends ate a meal at a restaurant to celebrate a special occasion, and you were very pleased with the food and service. Write a letter to the restaurant manager. In your letter

• give details of your visit to the restaurant
• explain the reason for the celebration
• say what was good about the food and the service

Question 6

There have been several complaints about the reception area where visitors to your company arrive. Your manager has asked you to suggest how the reception area could be improved.

Write a letter to your manager. In your letter

• describe the complaints that have been made
• say why the reception area is important
• suggest how the reception area could be improved

Question 7

You are working for a company. You need to take some time off work and want to ask your manager about this.

Write a letter to your manager. In your letter

• explain why you want to take time off work
• give details of the amount of time you need
• suggest how your work could be covered while you are away

Question 8

Your local public library wants to make improvements to their services and facilities. In order to get ideas from the public, they have asked library users to send them suggestions in writing.

Write a letter to the librarian. In your letter

• Describe what you like about the library
• Say what you don’t like
• Make suggestions for improvements

Question 9

A friend, who lives in another country, has invited you to come and stay with him/her on your next holiday. You are too busy to accept the invitation. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter:

• thank him/her for the invitation
• explain why you cannot come
• give him/her your other news

Question 10

You wish to apply for a position with a company in your city. Write a letter to the manager of this company and include the following information

• your educational background
• your work experience
• other information that makes you an ideal candidate for the position

Question 11

You are going to another country to study. You would like to do a part-time job while you are studying, so you want to ask a friend who lives there for some help. In your letter

• Give details of your study plans
• Explain why you want to get a part-time job
• Suggest how your friend could help you find a job

Question 12

You were hurt in a minor accident inside a supermarket, and you wish to complain to the supermarket. Write a letter to the manager of the supermarket. In your letter:

• say who you are
• give details about the accident
• suggest how the supermarket could prevent similar accidents.

Question 13

You want to sell some of your furniture. You think a friend of yours might like to buy it from you.

Write a letter to your friend. In your letter

• explain why you are selling
• describe the furniture
• suggest a date when your friend can come and see the furniture

Question 14

Your neighbours have recently written to you to complain about the noise from your house/flat.

Write a letter to your neighbours. In your letter

• explain the reasons for the noise
• apologise
• describe what action you will take

Question 15

You have a full-time job and are also doing a part-time evening course. You now find that you cannot continue the course.

Write a letter to the course tutor. In your letter

• describe the situation
• explain why you cannot continue at this time
• say what action you would like to take

Question 16

You have recently started work in a new company.

Write a letter to an English-speaking friend. In your letter

• explain why you changed jobs
• describe your new job
• tell him/her your other news

Question 17

On a recent holiday, you lost a valuable item. Fortunately, you have travel insurance to cover the cost of anything lost.

Write a letter to the manager of your insurance company. In the letter

• describe the item you lost
• explain how you lost it
• tell the insurance company what you would like them to do

Task 1 [Academic]

Question 1

Question 2

The graph below shows usual water usage (in millions of cubic meters) by industries in a country in a year.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Question 3

The first graph below shows the weight (in tonnes) of fruit produced by a farm during each month in 2013, and also the amount (in tonnes) of fertiliser used. The second graph shows the volume of rainfall in each month (in millimetres.) Write a report summarising the information. Select and describe the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Question 4

The graph below gives information from a 2008 report about consumption of energy in the USA since 1980 with projections until 2030.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Question 5

Question 6

The diagram illustrates the volume of electricity produced and consumed in ten countries in 2014.

Question 7

The following bar chart shows the different modes of transport used to travel to and from work in one European city in 1960, 1980 and 2000.

Question 8

Question 9

The charts below show the percentage of water used for different purposes in six areas of the world.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Question 10

Write a report for a university lecturer describing the information in the graph below.

Question 11

The graph below shows labour force employment in the USA between 1930 and 2010.

Question 12

Question 13

Question 14

The bar chart below shows the top ten countries with the highest spending on travel in 2014.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Question 15

Question 16

The graph and table below give information about water use worldwide and water consumption in two different countries.

Question 17

Question 18

Question 19

Question 20

Question 21

Question 22

Question 23

The diagram shows how electricity is generated by a hydroelectric dam.

Write a 150-word report for a university lecturer explaining how the process works.

Question 24

Question 25

Question 26

Question 27

Question 28

The graph and table below give information about water use worldwide and water consumption in two different countries.

Question 29

Task 2

Question 1

A person’s worth nowadays seems to be judged according to social status and material possessions. Old-fashioned values, such as honour, kindness and trust, no longer seem important.

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

Question 2

All cars that burn fossil fuels should be banned and electric cars should replace them.

Do you agree or disagree?

Question 3

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.

Question 4

Despite the growing number of gyms and fitness centres, more and more people are leading a sedentary lifestyle in the modern society.

What problems are associated with this? What solutions can you suggest?

Question 5

Some people think that environmental problems should be solved on a global scale while others believe it is better to deal with them nationally.

Discuss both sides and give your opinion.

Question 6

Scientists and technology experts seem to be more valued by modern society than musicians and artists.

To what extent do you agree?

Question 7

The prevention of health problems and illness is more important than treatment and medicine. Government funding should reflect this.

To what extent do you agree?

Question 8

In recent years, many small local shops have closed because customers travel to large shopping centres or malls to do their shopping.

Is this a positive or a negative development?

Question 9

Using a computer every day can have more negative than positive effects on young children.

Do you agree or disagree?

Question 10

Some people believe that children should not be given homework every day, while others believe that they must get homework every day in order to be successful at school.

Discuss both sides and give your opinion.

Question 11

Some people think that women should not be allowed to work in the police force.

Do you agree or disagree?

Question 12

Some parents buy their children a large number of toys to play with. What are the advantages and disadvantages for the child of having a large number of toys?

Question 13

In some countries, more and more adults are continuing to live with their parents even after they have completed education and found jobs. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?

Question 14

Shopping is becoming more and more popular as a leisure activity. However, some people feel that this has both positive and negative effects.

Why is shopping so popular?

What effects does its increase in popularity have on individuals and on society?

Question 15

With the fast pace of modern life, more and more people are turning towards fast food for their main meals.

Do you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?

Question 16

Some people say that parents should encourage their children to take part in organized group activities in their free time. Others say that it is important for children to learn how to occupy themselves on their own. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Question 17

Successful sports professionals can earn a great deal more money than people in other important professions. Some people think this is fully justified while others think it is unfair. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Question 18

In many countries, people can eat a wide variety of food today. As a result, they eat food from other regions instead of local food.

Do you think the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?

Question 19

Some people say that the increasing business and cultural contact between countries brings many positive effects. Others say that it causes the loss of national identities. Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.

Question 20

Many businesses think that the new employees who have just graduated from schools lack interpersonal skills, such as working with colleagues as a team. What has caused this and what are the solutions to this problem?

Question 21

Nowadays, technology is increasingly being used to monitor what people are saying and doing (for example, through cell phone tracking and security cameras). In many cases, the people being monitored are unaware that this is happening.

Do you think that the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?

Question 22

Some people get into debt by buying things they don’t need and can’t afford.

What are the reasons for this behaviour?

What action can be taken to prevent people from having this problem?

Question 23

In some countries, even though the rates of serious crimes are decreasing, people feel less safe than ever before.

What do you think are the causes of this problem and what measures could be taken to solve it?

Question 24

Some people claim that not enough of the waste from homes is recycled. They say that the only way to make people recycle more is to make it a legal requirement.

To what extent do you think laws are needed to make people recycle more of their waste?

Question 25

Should governments spend money on art when they have so many other important issues and concerns?

Question 26

An increasing number of schools provide tablets and laptop computers for students to use in schools, replacing books and other printed materials like exams and assignments.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of this trend?

Question 27

Economic progress is one way to measure the success of one country, while some people think there are other factors. What other factors should be considered? Within these factors, do you think anyone is more important than the others?

Question 28

Many people believe that spending a lot of money on weddings is fine, while others completely disagree.

Discuss both views and give your own opinion and examples.

Question 29

People sleep less than before in many countries.

Why do people sleep less?

What effects does it have on individuals and on society?

Question 30

It is becoming increasingly popular to have a year off between finishing school and enrolling in a university.

What are the advantages and disadvantages?

Question 31

Human activity has had a negative impact on plants and animals around the world. Some people think that this cannot be changed, while others believe actions can be taken to bring about a change.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Question 32

These days, more and more people are going to other countries for significant periods of time, either to find a job or to study. There are clearly many benefits to doing this, but people who live abroad can also face some difficulties.

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of living and working in a foreign country.

Question 33

The average standard of people’s health is likely to be lower in future than it is now.

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

Question 34

In many countries, people buy clothes and choose hairstyles according to the latest fashion.

Why is this happening? Is this a positive or a negative development?

Question 35

Some say that young people are not suitable for decision-making positions in governments; others, however, disagree.

Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Question 36

The Internet has dramatically altered our lives over the past few decades. Although some of these changes have been negative, the overall effect of this technology has been positive.

What are your opinions on that?

Question 37

Today, the high sales of popular consumer goods reflect the power of advertising and not the real needs of the society in which they are sold.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Question 38

With a growing population, many people believe that we should focus on producing more GM foods.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of doing this?

Question 39

Many people work long hours, leaving very little time for leisure activities.

Does this situation have more advantages or more disadvantages?

Question 40

International tourism has become more popular in recent decades. However, this can have a considerable impact on the countries which attract large numbers of visitors.

What positive and negative effects does tourism have on countries which are popular destinations?

Question 41

These days, in many countries, fewer and fewer people want to become teachers, particularly in secondary schools.

What are the reasons for this, and how could this problem be solved?

Question 42

The development of tourism has contributed to English becoming the most prominent language in the world. Some people think that this will lead to English becoming the only language to be spoken globally.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of having one language in the world?

Question 43

Some think that “vertical cities” where people live and work in tall buildings are better. Others, however, believe that “horizontal cities” where there are few tall buildings are better.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Question 44

In the future, nobody will buy printed newspapers or books because they will be able to read everything they want online without paying. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Question 45

If old people are no longer physically, mentally or financially able to look after themselves, younger family members should be legally responsible for supporting them.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Question 46

Rich countries often give money to poorer countries, but it does not solve poverty. Therefore, developed countries should give other types of help to the poor countries rather than financial aid.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Question 47

In some countries, more and more people are becoming interested in finding out about the history of the house or building they live in.

What are the reasons for this?

How can people research this?

Question 48

Countries are becoming more and more similar because people are able to buy the same products anywhere in the world.

Do you think this is a positive or negative development?

Question 49

Around the world, rural people are moving to cities and urban areas, so populations in the countryside are decreasing.

Is this a positive or negative development?

Question 50

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

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

Question 51

Feedback and evaluation are necessary aspects of school and work, but many people dislike being evaluated.

What are the causes of this problem? How could it be solved?

Question 52

In the future, all cars, buses, and trucks will be driverless. The only people travelling inside these vehicles will be passengers.

Do you think the advantages of driverless vehicles outweigh the disadvantages?

Question 53

Some people believe that our personalities are formed at birth, and others believe they come from life experience.

Discuss both of these views and give your opinion.

Question 54

Some people believe that professionals, such as doctors and engineers, should be required to work in the country where they did their training. Others believe they should be free to work in another country if they wish.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Question 55

Some people think that space exploration is a waste of resources while others think that it is essential for mankind to continue to explore the universe in which we live.

Discuss both sides and give your opinion.

Question 56

Many museums charge admissions while others are free.

Do you think the advantages of charging people for admission to museums outweigh the disadvantages?

Question 57

In recent times, many people are making the decision to live alone.

What are the causes of this?

Does it have positive or negative effects on society?

Question 58

Some people think that professional athletes make good role models for young people, while others believe they don’t.

Discuss both these points of view and give your own opinion.

Question 59

The increase in the production of consumer goods results in damage to the natural environment.

Why is that the case?

What can we do to reduce this problem?

Question 60

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 negative situation?

Question 61

Nowadays, people spend a lot of money on appearance because they want to look younger.

Why does this happen?

Do you think this is a positive or negative development?

Question 62

Popular events like the football World Cup and other international sporting occasions are essential in easing international tensions and releasing patriotic emotions in a safe way.

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

Question 63

Some people say that the main environmental problem of our time is the loss of particular species of plants and animals. Others say that there are more important environmental problems.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Question 64

At the present time, the population of some countries includes a relatively large number of young adults, compared with the number of older people.

Do the advantages of this situation outweigh the disadvantages?

Question 65

Some people say that music is a good way of bringing people of different cultures and ages together.

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

Question 66

Some people say that the best way to improve public health is by increasing the number of sports facilities. Others, however, say that this would have little effect on public health and that other measures are required.

Discuss both these views and give your opinion.

Question 67

Some people believe that allowing children to make their own choices on everyday matters (such as food, clothes, and entertainment) is likely to result in a society of individuals who only think about their own wishes. Other people believe that it is important for children to make decisions about matters that affect them.

Discuss both views and give your own opinion.