IELTS Essay Topics with Answers : Samples, Writing Format

 

IELTS Writing Format

The Writing section on the IELTS section has two tasks. Task 1 differs for Academic and General Training Modules, whereas, Task 2 is similar for both.

IELTS Academic Writing Format

• Task 1: Test takers are supposed to describe and explain a graph, table, chart, diagram, process, or device in at least 150 words.
• Task 2: Test takers are supposed to write an essay, of at least 250 words, as a response to a point of view/argument/problem.

IELTS General Training Writing Format

• Task 1: Test takers are expected to write a letter of at least 150 words. The letter may be personal, semi-formal, or formal.
• Task 2: Test takers are supposed to write an essay, of at least 250 words, as a response to a point of view/argument/problem.

IELTS Writing Task 2 Topics

• IELTS expects you to write a ‘discursive essay’, in which you are supposed to give your opinion on a particular topic, provide solutions to a problem, and so on.
• The questions on the IELTS Writing Task 2 are related to a broad theme, which is then zoomed in to explore a specific idea. Examples of themes and specific ideas are provided in the table below:

Theme	Specific Idea
Business	Large businesses vs small businesses
Education	Books vs PDFs
Environment	Development vs deforestation
Government	Democracy
Food	Fast food vs salads

• There are various types of questions that are asked in the IELTS Essay. The types of questions and their details are provided in the chart below:

IELTS Essay (Types of Questions)	Details
Opinion Questions	Do you agree? To what extent do you agree? What is your opinion on this?
Advantage/Disadvantage Questions	What are the advantages? What are the disadvantages? What are the advantages and disadvantages?
Problem/Causes – Solution Questions	What is/are the problems/causes? How to solve/mitigate?
Discuss both views	You are supposed to discuss two views and then take a stand
Double Question	A combination of the above types. E.g. What are the disadvantages and what can be done about this?

IELTS Essays Scoring Criteria

There are 4 performance descriptors given on the official IELTS website:

• Task response: Address all parts of the task, take a position/stand and support your ideas with evidence. You can write examples from your own experience.
• Coherence and cohesion: Your essay should be properly structured. There should be logic, seamless flow, and integration of your ideas. Cohesive devices and linking words such as connectors, conjunctions, etc. should be properly used. Remember that the examiner should be able to understand your essay, its main idea, and the points that you want to convey to him/her.
• Lexical resource: This refers to appropriate and accurate usage of a range of vocabulary.
• Grammatical range and accuracy: When we talk about grammatical range and accuracy, we are talking at the ‘sentence level’. Your sentences should have a wide range of structures and should be accurate at the same time.

IELTS Essay Sample (IELTS Essay Topics with Answers)

We have provided 5 sample essays along with solutions to one of them. This will help you understand what kind of actual questions are asked on the IELTS Writing Task 2 and the method to answer them.

Sample 1: Some people believe that the easiest way to achieve success in life is to get a university education, while some disagree with this. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Sample 2: Plastic shopping bags are the main source of pollution. They clog the drains and also cause land pollution, so, they should be banned. Do you agree with this statement?

Sample 3: Many people have an opinion that learning outcomes are better when learning takes place in a group. Do you agree or disagree?

Sample 4: Some people believe that the best business model is the one that involves all the members of the family only. What are the advantages of such a business model?

Sample 5: Governments should invest more in the railways sector rather than roads. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Sample Answer 5: According to some people, governments should allocate more resources to the railway sector rather than roadways. This essay does not agree with this view. Roadways are as important as railways and thus deserve equal, if not more, investments, since roadways offer the convenience of last-mile connectivity and cheaper maintenance.

In certain areas with difficult terrains such as hill areas, construction of railway lines is not easy. Construction of railway lines might also require heavy deforestation in ecologically sensitive zones. Such areas require roadways for transportation. Besides difficult terrains, roadways also offer connectivity to remote and rural areas thus benefitting people who live in such areas. It is not possible for railway lines to reach every nook and corner of a country.

Secondly, roadways are more economical in terms of their maintenance and do not require heavy investment. Toll taxes can be collected easily, thus adding to the ease of maintenance. In case of any damage to any part of a road, the repair works can be undertaken with ease and in a quick manner, whereas it will require heavy maintenance and time to repair damaged railway tracks. Besides, investment in railways requires heavy capital expenditure which can disturb the fiscal condition of a government.

In conclusion, roadways and railways are both essential for a robust transport sector. However, the benefits of a seamless roadways network cannot be downplayed at any cost. Hence, the essay does not agree with the argument that railways deserve more attention than roadways. Rather, roadways are as important as railways and deserve equal attention.

Sample Essay Questions and Answers - Topic-Wise

Topic: Education

Question: Some people believe that students perform better when they are rewarded rather than punished. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Sample Answer:

In today’s educational environment, the debate over whether rewards or punishments lead to better student performance is ongoing. I believe that while both methods can be effective, rewards generally foster a more positive learning atmosphere.

Firstly, rewarding students can significantly boost their motivation and self-esteem. For instance, recognition through awards or praise encourages students to strive for excellence, as they feel their efforts are valued. Studies have shown that positive reinforcement leads to improved academic performance, particularly among younger students who thrive in supportive environments.

On the other hand, punishment can sometimes deter undesirable behavior but may also create fear and resentment towards learning. For example, overly harsh punishments can discourage students from participating in class discussions or taking risks in their learning process.

In conclusion, while punishment has its place in maintaining discipline, I firmly believe that a reward-based system is more effective in promoting long-term academic success.

Topic: Technology

Question: Some people think that robots are important for human development, while others believe they have negative effects on society. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Sample Answer:

The advent of robotics has sparked a significant debate regarding its impact on human development. While some argue that robots contribute positively by enhancing productivity and efficiency, others raise concerns about potential job losses and ethical issues.

Proponents of robotics highlight the advancements these machines bring to various industries. For instance, robots can perform repetitive tasks with precision, leading to increased productivity in manufacturing sectors. Moreover, innovations such as robotic surgery have revolutionized healthcare by improving surgical outcomes and reducing recovery times.

Conversely, critics argue that the rise of robots could lead to widespread unemployment as machines replace human workers. The automation of jobs poses a significant threat to unskilled laborers who may struggle to find new employment opportunities. Additionally, ethical concerns arise regarding the decision-making capabilities of robots in critical areas such as healthcare and law enforcement.

In my opinion, while robots undeniably offer numerous benefits, it is crucial to implement regulations that mitigate their negative impacts on employment and ethics. A balanced approach that embraces technological advancements while safeguarding human interests is essential for sustainable development.

Writing Format for IELTS Essays

To effectively structure your IELTS essay, follow this format:

1. Introduction
• Paraphrase the question.
• State your position or outline what you will discuss.
2. Body Paragraphs
• Paragraph 1: Present your first main idea with examples.
• Paragraph 2: Discuss your second main idea with supporting details.
• (Optional) Paragraph 3: Include any counter arguments or additional points if relevant.
3. Conclusion
• Summarize your main points.
• Restate your position or provide a final thought on the topic.

Example Structure:

• Introduction: Introduce the topic and state your opinion.
• Body Paragraph 1: Discuss the first viewpoint with examples.
• Body Paragraph 2: Discuss the opposing viewpoint or additional points.
• Conclusion: Summarize key arguments and restate your position

By understanding different themes such as education, technology, health, environment, society, globalization, and crime, candidates can develop strong arguments supported by relevant examples. Following a clear writing format will also help ensure clarity and coherence in your essays.