ielts writing task 1 essay topics

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IELTS Writing Task 1 Samples

Here you will find IELTS Writing Task 1 Samples for a variety of common tasks that appear in the writing exam.

The model answers all have tips and strategies for how you may approach the question and comments on the sample answer.

It's a great way to help you to prepare for the test. 

The amount of money that a children's charity located in the USA spent and received in one year, 2016.

Model Answer >>>

The Proportions of Pupils Attending Four Secondary School Types Between Between 2000 and 2009.

The city of Brandfield. City planners have decided to build a new shopping mall for the area, and two sites, S1 and S2 have been proposed.

Process Diagram

The process that is used to manufacture bricks for the building industry.

The components of GDP in the UK from 1992 to 2000.

The scores of teams A, B and C over four different seasons.

The electricity generated in Germany and France from all sources and renewables in the year 2009.

British Emigration to selected destinations between 2004 and 2007.

Line and Bar Chart

Visits to and from the UK from 1979 to 1999, and the most popular countries visited by UK residents in 1999.

Thefts per thousand vehicles in four countries between 1990 and 1999.

Pie and Bar Chart

The percentage of persons arrested in the five years ending 1994 and the most recent reasons for arrest.

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

The proportion of monthly household income five European countries spend on food and drink, housing, clothing and entertainment.

How chocolate is produced.

The monthly spending in dollars of a family in the USA on three items in 2010.

How tea leaves are processed into five tea types.

Pie and  Bar Chart

The percentage of women in poverty and the poverty rates by sex and age in the United States in 2008.

Line and Pie Chart

The number of books that were borrowed in four different months in 2014 from four village libraries, and the pie chart shows the percentage of books, by type, that were borrowed over this time.

Four countries of residence of overseas students in Australia

Development of the village of Ryemouth between 1995 and present.

Public Sector Employment in 2015 and 2020.

Cultural Activities of Differing Age Groups

Construction of Tourist Facilities on an island.

Average House Price Comparison.

Average carbon dioxide (Co2) emissions per person

Leisure Activities amongst Australian children.

Structure used to generate electricity from wave power.

Bar & Pie Chart

Men and women attending various evening courses

Changes to Grange Park.

Populations in Yemen and Italy.

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IELTS Writing Task 1

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“Explore this comprehensive guide on IELTS Writing Task 1 and learn how to improve your writing skills and avoid common mistakes to achieve that band score! “

Interpreting visual data and summarizing information accurately is a vital skill for higher education and global communication and this skill is evaluated in IELTS Writing Task 1 exam. It is, thereby, a crucial component of both the Academic and General Training modules.

In this comprehensive guide, we will examine all aspects of IELTS Writing Task 1, exploring its different formats, question types with IELTS exam examples, tips for success, and common mistakes to avoid.

Understanding IELTS Writing Task 1

Task 1 of  IELTS Writing module  assesses the candidate's ability to interpret and present information in a clear and coherent manner. It requires candidates to describe visual information or frame a letter in a minimum of 150 words in 20 minutes.

The key skills tested in Task 1 include:

• Understanding Visual Data or Prompts:  Candidates must accurately interpret the visual data provided or prompts for letters and convey the main trends, comparisons, and significant points accurately.
• Organizational Skills:  Structuring the response effectively is essential, including introducing the topic, providing an overview or a purpose, and presenting key details logically.
• Language Accuracy:  Candidates are evaluated on their ability to use a range of vocabulary, grammatical structures, and cohesive devices to express ideas precisely.

IELTS Writing Writing Task 1 Question Types

You have to keep in mind that Task 1 differs for both  General Training  and Academic purposes. So, the different types of questions in these two types of IELTS exam are given below.

IELTS Academic Writing Task 1

You will be required to represent data relevant to an academic context that are shown in one or more figures, such as graphs, charts, tables, diagrams, or processes in Task 1 of  IELTS Academic .

There are typically seven types of questions in IELTS Writing Task 1 Academic:

• Line graphs
• Process diagrams
• Combination (Mixed) charts

For a deeper comprehension of the subjects, it is crucial to regularly practice using the  IELTS exam writing task 1 sample papers with answers .

IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Samples

Check out the recent Writing Task 1 topics with IELTS Writing Task 1 sample answers:

• Village of Stokeford in 1930 and 2010- Map
• Paradise Island Map – IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Answers
• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Example 4 : Development of the village of Rye mouth – Map
• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Topic: The development of cutting tools in the stone age – Diagram
• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Example 3: Civic Centre – Map
• Changes in Modes of Travel in England Between 1985 and 2000- IELTS Writing Task 1 (Table)
• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1: Main Reasons why Agricultural Land Becomes Less Productive
• Cinema Viewing Figures for Films by Country, in Millions- Table
• Number of Medals Won by the Top Ten Countries in the London 2012 Olympic Games- Table
• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Topic 12: Internet use in six categories by age group – Table
• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Topic : Annual pay for doctors and other workers – Bar chart
• Division of Household Tasks by Gender in Great Britain- Bar Graph
• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Topic 11: Different methods of waste disposal in four cities – Bar Chart
• Amount of Leisure Time Enjoyed by Men and Women of Different Employment Statuses- Bar Chart
• Number of Computer and Internet users in Different Arab Countries- Bar Graph
• The Changes In Ownership Of Electrical Appliances And Amount Of Time Spent Doing Housework In Households – IELTS Writing Task 1
• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Topic : The Percentage of Female Members of Parliament in 5 European Countries
• IELTS Writing Task 1 – The graph below shows different sources of air pollutants in the UK Sample Answers
• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Topic: Price changes for fresh fruits and vegetables – Line Graph
• Demand for Electricity in England- Line Graph and Pie Chart
• Average Household Expenditures in a Country in 1950 and 2010- Pie Chart
• Methods of Transportation for People Traveling to a University – Pie Chart
• Percentage of Water Used for Different Purposes in Six Areas of the World- Pie Chart
• Online shopping sales for retail sectors in Canada – IELTS Writing Task 1 Pie chart
• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Topic 09 : Consequence of deforestation – FlowChart
• Academic IELTS Writing Task 1 Recycling process of wasted glass bottles Sample Answers
• Water Cycle Diagram – IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Answers
• IELTS Writing Task 1 Process Chart 2024 – Process Diagram with Sample Answers
• Percentage of Food Budget the Average Family Spent on Restaurant Meals- Pie Chart + Line Graph
• Amount of Money Per Week Spent on Fast Food in Britain- Bar Graph + Line Graph
• Water use Worldwide and Water Consumption- Line Graph and Table

IELTS General Writing Task 1

The candidate must compose a letter outlining details from IELTS GT Writing Task 1 or providing an explanation of a circumstance.

There are three types of letters for IELTS General writing task 1:

• Formal Letters
• Semi-Formal Letters
• Informal Letters

Candidates are assessed on their ability to engage in personal contact, elicit and offer general factual information, express needs, likes, and dislikes, as well as their opinions, in the IELTS general writing task 1.

IELTS General Writing Task 1 Samples

Here are some latest Writing Task 1 topics with sample answers for IELTS General Training:

Formal Letter

• Formal Letter to Change Hostel Room- IELTS Writing Task 1
• IELTS General Writing Task 1 – Sample Formal Letters
• You Have Seen an Advertisement for a Community College- Formal letter
• Last Week You Were on a Flight to London- Formal Letter
• One of Your Friends Wants to Apply for a Job- Formal letter

Semi Formal Letter

Informal Letter

Evaluation Criteria for IELTS Writing Task 1 

The purpose of the IELTS Writing Task 1 question is to assess a candidate's writing abilities.

• Four criteria are used to assess a candidate's IELTS score: Task Achievement,  Coherence & Cohesion ,  Lexical Resource  and  Grammatical Range & Accuracy .
• For IELTS Writing Task 1, each component is worth 25% of the candidate's final score.

Therefore, these are standardized measures that a student needs to follow throughout their answer to achieve their desired  band score . Check the table given below:

Top Tips for Success in IELTS Writing Task 1

Candidates must follow some IELTS preparation tips in order to master IELTS Academic writing task 1 and IELTS GT writing task 1. So, given below are some top tips to structure your answers for IELTS Writing Task 1.

• Understand the Task Requirements:  Read the instructions carefully and identify the main features and key trends in the visual data.
• Plan Your Response:  Spend a few minutes organizing your ideas before you start writing. This will help you structure your response effectively.
• Use a Variety of Vocabulary:  Demonstrate your lexical range by avoiding repetition and employing synonyms to describe the data accurately.
• Focus on Significant Details:  Highlight the most important information and avoid including unnecessary details that do not contribute to the overall understanding of the required details.
• Practice Time Management:  Allocate enough time to each task and aim to complete Writing Task 1 within the recommended 20 minutes.
• Use Synonyms  - Don't just copy words from the prompt. Paraphrase with your own vocabulary.
• Include Units of Measurement  - Use measurement units like millions, percentage, tons, dollars. This shows attention to detail and highlights obvious contrasts or similarities between data trends to make logical comparisons.
• Use Linking Words  -  Connectors  add like "while", "in addition", "on the other hand" connect your ideas and show cohesion.
• Stick to Plain English -  Don't try to sound overly complex. Keep your language clear and concise.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in IELTS Writing Task 1

While analyzing visuals or framing the letter might seem straightforward, Task 1 can trip you up if you're not careful. Here are some key mistakes to avoid:

• Misinterpreting Data/Prompts:  Ensure that you accurately understand the information presented in the visual data before attempting to describe it.
• Ignoring Task Instructions:  Pay attention to the specific requirements of each task and avoid straying from the given topic.
• Overlooking Grammar and Spelling:  Proofread your response carefully to eliminate grammatical errors and spelling mistakes.
• Lack of Coherence and Cohesion:  Ensure that your response is well-structured and cohesive, with clear connections between sentences and paragraphs.

The IELTS Writing Task 1 test may seem challenging, but with dedication and the right strategies, you can conquer it. Remember, consistent practice, a focus on improvement, and a clear understanding of the format are key to achieving your desired band score. If you need any sort of guidance, feel free to  interact with our IELTS experts  or  be a part of IELTS webinars . So, take a deep breath, pick up your pen, and embark on your journey to IELTS writing mastery!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the format of IELTS Writing Task 1?

How much time should I spend on IELTS Writing Task 1?

Do I need to include my opinion in IELTS Writing Task 1?

Should I include an introduction and conclusion in IELTS Writing Task 1?

How can I improve my vocabulary for describing visual data in Task 1?

Where can I find practice materials for Task 1?

What should I do if I don't understand the visual data in Task 1?

Should I include every detail from the visual data in my response?

Is there a specific paragraph structure I should follow in Task 1?

How can I practice for IELTS Writing Task 1?

Practice IELTS Writing Task 1 based on report types

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40 IELTS writing topics for practicing Task 1 & 2

Published: Sep 30, 2023 | By: Lucas Weaver

Learn the words and phrases you need for any language topic you choose. Get vocabulary words, key phrases, grammar explanations, and flashcards created for you in minutes.

These practice IELTS writing topics were written using real IELTS writing questions that have been used on previous exams over the past few years.

Since all of the practice essay topics on this list were created from scratch, each one is 100% unique, and you won't find them on any other list.

The reason for this is to give you new writing topics you can use for IELTS writing practice instead of using the same old topics again and again.

The list is a mix of academic writing topics for IELTS writing task 2 and task 1.

Once you finish writing your essay, you can use my AI IELTS essay grader tool to see your estimated band score and get feedback you can use to improve your writing quality.

Task 2 IELTS Writing topics

Government topics:, health topics:, society topics:, technology topics:, task 1 ielts writing topics, classroom attendance topic:, aqua management topic:, solar power usage topic, fish feeding topic, further ielts exam preparation.

I've divided the IELTS Writing Task 2 topics into the following categories:

These are 4 of the most popularly used topics on the IELTS exam, so investing significant time in writing about these topics will help you get more familiar with these types of questions.

Should the government regulate social media platforms to protect citizens' privacy and prevent misinformation? Discuss your views.

To what extent do you agree that the government should subsidize renewable energy to combat climate change?

Is it the government's role to provide healthcare for all citizens, or should healthcare be a personal responsibility? Discuss both sides and give your opinion.

Some people believe that the government should invest more in public transportation to reduce traffic congestion and pollution. To what extent do you agree?

Should the government impose stricter regulations on corporations to ensure environmental sustainability, or would that stifle economic growth? Discuss your views.

Some argue that the government should prioritize public welfare over economic development. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Should the government be involved in setting educational curricula, or should this be left to education experts and teachers? Discuss both sides and give your opinion.

Do you think that governments should financially support scientific research, or should it be privately funded? To what extent do you agree?

Some people believe that governments should not impose taxes on essential goods such as food and medicine. What is your opinion?

Is it the government's responsibility to ensure that citizens have access to affordable housing, or is this the role of the free market? Discuss both sides and give your opinion.

Some people believe that mental health should be given the same attention as physical health in public health campaigns. Do you agree or disagree?

Telemedicine is becoming more popular as a way to consult with medical professionals. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this trend?

Fast food companies should be held responsible for the increase in obesity rates. To what extent do you agree with this statement?

Some argue that companies should be required to provide health and wellness programs for their employees. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.

There is a growing trend of people seeking alternative therapies like acupuncture and herbal medicine over conventional medical treatments. What are the reasons for this, and is it a positive or negative development?

Should healthcare professionals be allowed to refuse treatment based on personal or religious beliefs? Discuss both sides and give your opinion.

The rise of wearable technology like fitness trackers has made people more conscious about their health. What are the implications of this trend?

Some people argue that individuals should be allowed to choose not to vaccinate, while others believe that vaccinations should be mandatory to protect public health. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.

Sleep is often overlooked as a factor in overall health. Should employers be obligated to ensure that employees have sufficient time to rest? To what extent do you agree?

Given the aging population, some people believe that younger generations should be taught to take care of their elderly family members rather than relying on healthcare systems. What is your opinion on this?

The rise of remote work is changing the structure of society, including how people interact and where they choose to live. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this shift.

Social media has a significant impact on people's perception of societal norms and values. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Some people believe that society would benefit from a four-day workweek, arguing it would improve well-being and work-life balance. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.

The increasing use of surveillance technology in public spaces raises concerns about privacy and individual freedom. To what extent do you agree that such surveillance is necessary?

There is a debate about whether schools should focus more on emotional intelligence and mental health, rather than just academics. What are your views on this?

The decline of local newspapers and rise of digital media may have significant consequences for local communities. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.

Some people argue that universal basic income would solve problems related to unemployment and income inequality. What do you think?

The importance of community spaces like parks, libraries, and community centers is often overlooked in urban planning. To what extent do you think these spaces are essential?

The rising trend of single-parent households may have various societal impacts. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this phenomenon?

Many argue that the obsession with consumerism and material wealth leads to a decline in social values and community engagement. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming more integrated into various industries. What are the potential advantages and disadvantages of this trend?

The rise of online education due to advancements in technology is seen as a positive development by some, but others argue that it lacks the personal interaction found in traditional classrooms. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Telecommuting has become more prevalent thanks to advances in technology. Do you think this development has more positive or negative impacts on society?

Some people believe that technology is making human beings less capable of critical thinking. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

The use of facial recognition technology for security purposes is increasing. Discuss the ethical implications of this technology.

The widespread adoption of electric vehicles could significantly impact the environment. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this technological shift?

Video conferencing tools have changed the way people communicate for both personal and professional purposes. Do you think this is a positive or negative development?

Cryptocurrency, like Bitcoin, is a technology that challenges traditional financial systems. Discuss the societal impacts of this emerging technology.

Social networking sites are often criticized for contributing to the spread of misinformation. To what extent do you think technology companies should be held accountable?

Sample essay questions for IELTS Writing Task 1 are more time-intensive to create since they require graphs, visuals, or diagrams.

As a result, most of the practice essay topics for Task 1 you'll see online end up being the same examples over and over.

That's why in this list I've created brand new visuals and practice topics that have never been used anywhere else.

Use these IELTS essay topics to improve your Task 1 score and write IELTS essays that get the score you need the first time you take it.

If you're struggling with essay writing or feel your academic writing skills aren't developed enough to do well on the IELTS essays, try learning some writing skills frameworks that can help you with the writing process before you dive into these practice essay questions.

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

The chart below shows the average lecture and seminar attendance as reported by students pre and post-pandemic. Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Write at least 150 words.

The diagram below shows the process of managing water in an industrial fish tank system. Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

The graph below shows solar power storage capacity by corporation in the years 2013 and 2018. Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

The diagram below shows a system for overseeing the feeding and management of fish. Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

I hope this list of IELTS essay topics helps you in your preparation for your IELTS essays on the writing section of your IELTS exam.

The more IELTS essay topics you find to practice your writing skills the better prepared you will be for your IELTS exam.

Make sure to focus on making clear arguments, giving relevant examples, and always make sure to answer the question that's asked in your IELTS writing topic.

If you're having trouble making clear arguments and structuring your essays in a way that gets you high band scores on your IELTS writing section, that's totally okay.

Many students have found that their previous teachers haven't properly prepared them for the academic writing tasks in the IELTS writing test.

That's why I created my Master IELTS Writing course to help students who need to learn a simple framework for writing academic essays.

It will make sure you get the score you need on your writing section, even if you don't have amazing English skills.

Also, make sure to check out my IELTS essay AI grader tool . It will give you a band score and feedback on how you can improve your IELTS essays.

Lucas Weaver founded The Weaver School in 2016. He's passionate about using the latest learnings in neuroscience and education to create the best language learning experience possible for our students, so they can quickly build effective language learning habits that will last for years. Lucas is a graduate of Texas A&M University and after 7 years of living in the Netherlands, he is currently traveling through Southeast Asia while learning their languages along the way.

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IELTS Writing Task 1 & 2 Guide: Lessons with Band 9 IELTS Writing Samples for Both the Academic & General Writing Test

In this guide you'll learn how to write high scoring essays for IELTS writing task 1 and IELTS writing task 2 . No matter which test you're taking, either academic or general training, we have you covered; This guide includes IELTS writing samples, topics, and detailed lessons for general writing task 1 & 2 and academic writing task 1 & 2.

Get free IELTS writing sample answers after completing an IELTS writing practice test.

Below is our full list of IELTS writing questions with sample essays. Note: The red links are our most popular and recommended writing questions rated by our students and you can practice them free anytime you like.

The table shows existing and projected changes in the proportion of people over 65 in the populations of three countries from 2015 to 2030.

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

Write at least 150 words.

Projected Changes in the Population over-65 in three countries to 2030

The table shows the proportion of people in England who agreed with same-sex marriage from 1989 to 2013.

Percentage of people agreeing with same-sex marriage by religious denomination (%)

The table demonstrates the change in six types of transportation used by commuters in three cities between 2000 and 2010.

Changes in Market Share for six different types of transportation between 2000 and 2010

The table illustrates the relative risk demonstrated by four different transport types in the United Kingdom in two years.

Relative risk of different forms of transport in the UK from 2014 to 2016

The table below gives the average time spent and distance traveled by UK commuters in one year.  Time and distance are given in minutes and miles accordingly.

Commuting Habits of different regions of the UK in a year

The diagram shows the process by which milk and related products are produced.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features.

The diagram shows the process by which sheep embryos are cloned.

The diagram shows the  the life cycle of flowering plants

The diagram shows the process by which plastic is recycled.

The diagram shows the process of the water treatment.

The diagram shows the process by which electricity is generated in two types of hydroelectric power station.

The diagram shows the the life cycle of a frog.

The diagrams show the life cycle of the silkworm and the stages in the production of silk cloth.

The diagram below shows the water cycle, which is the continuous movement of water on, above and below the surface of the Earth.

The pie chart below shows the native languages spoken by students at Bakersfield Senior College in two separate years.

The pie chart below illustrates the different types of smartphones used by attorneys in the U.S. in one year.

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

The pie charts below show the proportion of freshwater withdrawals made by various economy sectors in three countries in a given year.

The pie charts below show the results of a customer satisfaction survey comparing the performance of York Telecom and a competitor in April.

The pie graph depicts the main reasons for the productivity loss of agricultural land worldwide.  The table shows how these causes influenced three world regions during the 2000s.

The charts below show the percentage of Irish students at one university who spoke an additional language to English from 2000 to 2010.

The graphs below show the unemployment rate of citizens in the US with a further classification displaying average salary per week in 2005.

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

The line charts show the amount of beer sold to pubs and supermarkets over six years, where a bar graph displays the amount of pubs closed over the same period.

The table shows the proportion of fifty-year-old adults who were never married over five decades in Japan.  The chart represents the Japanese marriage and divorce rate from 1970 to 2016.

Number of 50-year-old adults who never been married (%)

The table shows the number of people (millions) that remain undernourished around the world from 2000 to 2009.  The chart displays the global price of two food grains over the same period.

Number of Undernourished People Worldwide

The table shows total revenue created by complementary medicine over three years.  The two charts illustrate the number of hospitals offering complementary medicine over twenty five years with a further classification showing which kinds of medicine proved the most popular in 2012.

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

Revenue from Complementary Medicine in the U.S. (in billion US dollars)

The bar chart below shows the preference for different types of Complementary or Alternative Medicine (CAM) therapies among US adults in 2007.  The table lists which therapies where the most popular over two years.

Therapies Showing Significant Gains between 2002 and 2007 (%)

The graphs below give information concerning smartphone ownership as a percentage of population in a country from 2000 to 2010, and by level of education for the years 2000 and 2010.

The bar charts show education data related to young adults aged 15 years in 10 different countries in 2015.  The first chart shows in which countries adolescents do the most homework in terms of hours per week. The second chart shows the nations that scored the best on an international science test.

The pie chart below represents the main reasons why agricultural land becomes less productive.  The bar chart shows how these causes affected three regions of the world in the 1990s.

The pie chart below shows the frequency of U.S. Adults’ online purchasing habits in 2015, while the bar chart shows a further classification denoting online purchasing preferences.

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

The diagrams below show the coastal village of Seaville in 1980 and 2010. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant. 

The maps below show the centre of a small town called Islip as it is now, and plans for its development. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. 

The charts below give information on the ages of the populations of Yemen and Italy in 2000 and projections for 2050. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. 

The pie charts below show units of electricity production by fuel source in Australia and France in 1980 and 2000. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. 

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. 

Table Of Contents

Ielts writing test information, ielts academic writing task 1, ielts general writing task 1, ielts writing task 2.

The writing test consists of 2 writing tasks and you'll have a total of 60 minutes to complete both. You can complete the tasks in any order, just make sure you manage your time well and spend around 20 minutes on IELTS writing task 1 and 40 minutes on IELTS writing task 2.

IELTS Academic Writing Task VS IELTS General Writing Task

The IELTS offers two test versions. The Academic version is for people looking for higher education, while the general Training version is for those looking to simply migrate or perhaps a lower education. There are more criteria for both versions, so please contact IELTS customer service to learn which test is right for you.

So which test harder? The academic test, as you may have guessed, is more difficult than the general training test. The difference between the two is IELTS writing task 1's difficulty. Luckily, only Writing Task 1 is different. IELTS writing task 2 is the same for both test versions. The table below summarizes the two types of IELTS writing tests.

IELTS Academic Writing Task Overview Video

Ielts general writing task overview video.

Coming soon!

How IELTS Writing Test is Scored

In the IELTS writing test, your writing score will be scored based on four categories. These are known as Task Achievement/Task Response, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy. Refer to the following band descriptors which IELTS examiners use to score the writing section of the test: - IELTS Writing Task 1 Band Descriptors - IELTS Writing Task 2 Band Descriptors

Note that the scoring criteria for both tasks include:

• Task Achievement/Task Response  - Did you fully answer the question and present a fully developed answer?
• Coherence and Cohesion  - Does your argument or analysis make sense? Is it well thought-out and presented in a complete way?
• Lexical Resource – Did you use a wide range of vocabulary in a natural, formal tone?
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy – Is your essay virtually error-free? Did you manage to use a wide range of grammatical structures?

Are IELTS Writing Task 1 & IELTS Writing Task 2 Worth the Same Amount of Points? Well Just like how you will spend double the time writing IELTS writing task 2, it's also worth around double the points. Now it's not exactly double. Another way to look at it is to add the score for writing task 2 score twice. So take the band scores 7 for task one and 4 for task two and you get the following formula on how to calculate your IELTS writing score: (7 + (4 x 2))/3 = 5. Therefore, the total IELTS writing band score is around 4.5 - 6. You see we can't give an exact number because IELTS has not made their scoring formula public, but the formula presented here is fairly accurate up to a difference of about 0.5 points.

In IELTS academic writing task 1, you are presented with a graph, table, chart or diagram and asked to describe, summarise or explain the information in your own words. You may be asked to describe and explain data, describe the stages of a process, how something works or describe an object or event.

Regardless of which visual information is presented to you, your job is to write a summary of the visual information. and describe the main trends, overall differences, main changes, or the main components of a system, or the main phrases of a process. You must write 150 words or more, and you should spend around 20 minutes on this part of the test. The writing structure can be as follows:

• Introduction: Paraphrase the question
• Overview: Describe the overall trend or write a general overview of the main groupings
• Body paragraph 1: Write in detail about the first grouping in a logical way
• Body paragraph 2: Write in detail about the second grouping in a logical way

So the steps to write the report for this task is very simple:

• Analyse the chart(s) and plan how to group the information
• Write an essay using the recommended essay structure
• Proofread essay

Let's look at each different possible type of visual graphs, tables, charts, and diagrams you could encounter in your IELTS writing test:

• Line graphs
• Mixed (including two or more of 1-6 above)

Line Graphs

In this type of task, you will be given one or more line graphs. Each line graph will have 1-8 lines showing how values change over time. The time period could be the past, the present or the future, or a combination of all three. Your task is to write a summary, covering the most important points and supporting your description by including data.

How to tackle IELTS Academic Writing Task - Line Graphs

In a line graph, there are usually multiple lines that show changes over time. In your writing, you need to group information based on lines having similar trends or values, so your essay structure will be as follows:

• Body paragraph 1: Describe the first grouping of lines having similar trends or values.
• Body paragraph 2: Describe the second grouping of lines having similar trends or values.

Let’s write an essay for the aboved sample question.

Step 1: Analyse the graph and plan how to group the information

It is evident that hamburgers consumption and fried chicken consumption show an upward trend, whereas the pizza consumption shows a downward trend. Therefore, the best way to group the data would be as follows:

Step 2: Write an essay using the recommended essay structure

Now that you’ve analyzed the task and figured out how to group the information, let’s write the essay.

Model Essay

The chart illustrates the consumption of three kinds of fast food by teenagers in Mauritius from 1985 to 2015. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.  Write at least 150 words.

Introduction

The line graph depicts the consumption of three types of fast food, (hamburgers, pizza, and fried chicken) over a 30 year period by Mauritian teenagers.  Units are given as the number of times each kind was eaten per year.

Overall , hamburgers and fried chicken had become the most popular foods by 2015 with the biggest increase in numbers eaten, while pizza that was the most widely-eaten at the start, declined precipitously in popularity.

Body paragraph 1

With regards to hamburgers, consumption showed a steady upward trajectory from 10 times eaten per year to over 70 times.   Likewise , teenagers in Mauritius ate fried chicken only 5 times per year in 1985 before rising dramatically to a plateau in 2005, then increased slightly at the end of the period to finish as the second most popular food.

Body paragraph 2

On the contrary , although pizza was the most popular food with Mauritian adolescents in 1985, its consumption fell continuously from 60 times a year to just 10 pizzas by the last year.

Sign up for a 7 day free trial to access the entire IELTS Academic Writing Task - Line Graphs lesson.

In this type of task, you will be given one or more bar charts. The bar charts may show how values change over time (dynamic data), the differences between values at one point in time (static data), or the results of a survey or questionnaire. The information could be about the situation in the past, the present, or the future, or a combination of all three. Your task is to write a summary, covering the most important points and supporting your description by including data.

How to tackle IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 - Bar Charts

Bar charts are pretty common in IELTS writing task 1 academic. There are three different scenarios you will encounter in a bar chart task:

• A bar chart with categories on the x axis
• A bar chart with dates or years on the axis (functions as a line graph)
• Two bar charts presented

Each scenario requires you to write the report differently. Sign up for a 7 day free trial to access the following bar charts lessons: - IELTS Academic Writing Task - Bar Charts Part 1 lesson. - IELTS Academic Writing Task - Bar Charts Part 2 lesson. - IELTS Academic Writing Task - Bar Charts Part 3 lesson.

In this type of task, you will be given one, two. or three pie charts. The pie charts may show percentages of a total figure. If you have one pie chart, it will represent one point in time (static data) . If you have two or more pie charts, they may represent how the percentages change over time or compare different countries or groups. Your task is to write a summary, covering the most important points and supporting your description by including data.

How to tackle IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 - Pie Charts

Sign up for a 7 day free trial to access the IELTS Academic Writing Task - Pie Charts lesson.

In this type of task, you are given a table containing data. can show dynamic figures which change over time or static data for one point in time. Often there is too much information, so you won't be able to include every detail. Your task is to write a summary, covering the most important points and supporting your description by including data.

How to tackle IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 - Tables

Sign up for a 7 day free trial to access the following tables lessons: - IELTS Academic Writing Task - Tables Part 1 lesson. - IELTS Academic Writing Task - Tables Part 2 lesson.

Process Diagrams

For this type of question, you will be given a diagram which shows how something works. The diagram may show a machine, a system, or a natural phenomenon. Often there is no data or little data included. Your task is to summarize the information shown in the diagram.

How to tackle IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 - Process Diagrams

Sign up for a 7 day free trial to access the IELTS Academic Writing Task - Process Diagrams lesson.

For this type of question, you will be given one, two or three maps. The maps may show a town, city, island, or other geographical area. Maps usually show the changes which occurred in the area during a period of time. The changes could be related to construction (e.g. developing an area for tourism) or destruction (e.g. how an area was affected by a natural disaster such as an earthquake) Your task is to write a summary of the changes which took place and cover the most important points.

How to tackle IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 - Maps

Sign up for a 7 day free trial to access the IELTS Academic Writing Task - Maps lesson.

In this type of task, you will be given two sets of data. The data will be different types. For example, one set might be change over time while the second set is static. Alternatively, one set of data could show percentage whereas the second set shows numbers. You may also be given an illustration (e.g. a diagram or map) and a set of data (e.g. a bar chart, line graph, pie chart, or table) Your task is to summarise both sets of data.

How to tackle IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 - Mixed Data

Sign up for a 7 day free trial to access the IELTS Academic Writing Task - Mixed Data lesson.

Vocabulary for IELTS Academic Writing Task 1

To score high on this task, you need to learn how to use appropriate words and phrases to present the data given in a pie/bar/line/mixed graph. We suggest you sign up for a 7 day free trial and complete the following lessons:

• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Lesson - How to write about numbers
• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Lesson - How to write about percentages
• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Lesson - How to write about changes in data

IELTS Writing Task 1 Samples

This section presents a list of IELTS writing samples for IELTS Academic Writing Task 1.

• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 - Line Chart Questions
• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 - Bar Chart Questions
• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 - Pie Chart Questions
• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 - Map Questions
• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 - Process Diagram Questions
• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 - Mixed Data Questions

In IELTS general training writing task 1, you will be presented with a situation and will need to write a personal response in the form of an informal, semi-formal or formal letter of at least 150 words. The situations you are asked to write about are common, everyday ones such as:

• writing to a college accommodation officer about problems with accommodation,
• writing to a new employer about time management problems they are having,
• writing to a local newspaper about a plan to develop a local airport,
• writing to a renting agency to sort out problems with the heating system in their house.

In regards to the situation, you will be given information in the form of three bullet points that you must include in your response. You may be required to request or give information and/or explain a situation. To do this, you may need to do some of the following:

• ask for and/or provide general factual information,
• express needs, wants, likes or dislikes,
• express opinions or complaints,
• make requests or make suggestions/recommendations.

IELTS General Writing Style

The writing style you'll use depends who you're asked to write to (i.e. the audience) and how well you're supposed to know them. You need to write in a style that is appropriate for your audience and that will help you to achieve your purpose for writing, e.g. writing to a friend (informal) or writing to a manager (semi-formal or formal). You do not need to include any addresses at the head of your letters.

How to Avoid Losing Points in IELTS General Writing Task 1

As mentioned, don't spend any more than 20 minutes on this task and make sure you write at least 150 words or you will be penalised. While you will not be penalised for writing more than 150 words, you should remember that a longer task 1 answer may mean that you have less time to spend on task 2, which contributes twice as much to the Writing band score.

You should also remember that you'll be penalised for irrelevance, if the response is off-topic or is not written as full, connected text (e.g. using bullet points in any part of the response, or note form, etc.). You will be severely penalised for plagiarism (i.e. copying from another source).

Causes and effects

Discuss both views and give your own opinion, advantages and disadvantages, problems and solutions, two-part question.

Now, let's look at sample questions and model essays for each essay type.

• Advantages & Disadvantages
• Problems and Solutions
• Two-part Question

In this type of question, you will be given a problem or situation. Your task is to describe the causes of the situation and some of the effects of the situation.

Obesity among children has risen sharply over the last decade in western countries.   Such a trend is largely the result of a tendency towards convenience in society, yet its effects may be detrimental to children’s long-term mental and physical health.

The prime causes of obesity are unhealthy eating habits and an inactive lifestyle.   In recent years , there has been a surge in the consumption of convenience foods among modern families.   Busy parents with no time to cook rely on prepared meals to feed their families.  Such foods have little to no nutritional value which contributes to obesity .   In addition , children these days spend inordinate amounts of time playing video games than playing outside with friends resulting in insufficient physical activity each day.   For example , studies show that children in France exercise on average around 20 minutes per day as compared to 75 minutes 30 years ago.  

The possible effects of obesity are a range of health issues.   Regarding physical health, diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, are known to be higher in overweight children than their peers.  These put a child’s life in danger, and may further affect mental health growing up.  When children are obese , they are more likely to be bullied and ostracized by classmates because they look or behave differently.   This has been known to cause low self-esteem and depression in many, and thus shun friends in favor of time alone.

In conclusion , through poor diet choice and inactivity , obesity is a growing problem that can cause lasting damage to a child’s mental and physical development.    However , by addressing this problem while young, much can be done to aid a child in becoming a healthy functioning adult.

In this type of question, you will be given two opposing views related to an issue. Usually, the two views will be in separate sentences connected by a transition word such as "however" to indicate that the two views contrast. Your task is to write a discursive essay, contrasting both sides of the issue and presenting your own view.

According to some, good health goes hand in hand with regular exercise, yet others feel that it is more important to maintain a balanced diet .   In my opinion, I believe that exercise is more essential for the majority of people.

There are several benefits to a balanced diet for good mental and physical health .  For one thing , eating well lifts moods.  Simple foods that are varied in color and type can lift mood and lower the risk of depression.  Eating more fruits, colorful vegetables, proteins, and whole grains helps the body run efficiently.  This makes dieters feel good , and as a result more willing to be active which thus makes them healthier.   For another thing , eating well makes people less prone to getting sick by building a body less susceptible to disease . Vitamins and minerals in diet boost immunity , which protects the body against certain diseases like obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure .

On the other hand , I believe that exercise is more effective at improving health since it encourages long-term health habits from the beginning.  Exercising not only burns calories , but makes people feel good.   While starting a diet is never a pleasant experience, cardiovascular exercises like cycling, walking or swimming trigger endorphins in the brain that immediately decrease stress levels, and enhance our sense of well-bein g.   Once people start feeling good from exercise, they are more likely to continue.   Moreover , exercise doesn’t have to be for long periods to achieve instant benefits.  Doctors usually advise exercising for 20 minutes three times per week, a sufficiently short enough time to make a habit of , and fit into busy schedules.

In conclusion , while good diet is necessary, exercise offers greater convenience, flexibility, and by making people feel good, encourages good health habits in the long run.  

In this type of question, you will be asked to discuss the positive and negative aspects of a situation, solution or trend. You may also be asked to give your opinion about which side you think is more important.

More and more students are taking a year away from their studies between graduating from school and beginning university.  Students can save for and think about their future during this period, though there are several drawbacks to consider.

To begin with , by taking a year after high school, students can avoid costly mistakes of starting a degree that they are not interested in.  A year is a good time to consider options and decide what subject is best to study.   Secondly , a gap year is excellent for character development.   When graduating high school at 18, most people still don’t know what life direction they wish to take.  Studies show that students who take a gap year doing something constructive like travelling do better in at university later on than those who do not.   Finally , a year away from studies provides the chance to save money .   That way, at university, students may focus more on classes , and less on debt.

However , spending such a long time away from studying may cause some students to lose good study habits, and gain bad habits instead.  After 12 years of continuous schooling , many teenagers may be distracted by the prospect of earning money, and lose the motivation to continue their studies.   Furthermore , individuals without a constructive plan for their education-free year may be tempted to procrastinate and waste time.   Lastly , travelling overseas can be expensive, and there is a real possibility that students may end up in more debt by the start of the university year.

To sum up , although students who take a year out can save money and achieve greater life-direction, this time may also be wasted, lead to greater debt, or cause unintended life decisions that may later be regretted.  

In this type of question, you will be given a problem or situation. Your task is to describe the causes of the situation and some solutions to the problem. The question may ask for general solutions (e.g. How could this problem be solved) or ask how specific groups can solve the problem (e.g. What steps can governments and individuals take to address the problem?). You do not need to mention the effects in detail, just briefly.

Before as now, emigration from the countryside to the city continues apace worldwide as people seek a better standard of living .   However , life in the big city is often hard on new immigrants.  There are several reasons for this as well as solutions for governments to handle them.

Most difficulties emerge since rural folk are unaccustomed to city life on moving there.   For a start , the cost of living is much greater than in a town or village.  City residents must pay more for utilities, housing, transportation and food, which causes many immigrants to share overcrowded housing in a bid to save money.   Secondly, unemployment in the city is a major challenge for new arrivals.  Many immigrants are unprepared for the fierce job competition when arriving in a city.  This inevitably drives unemployment up, which may quickly lead to poverty .   Finally , healthcare costs are often high in the city, and if made sick, many immigrants often lose meagre savings to pay for their medical care .

To solve these challenges, and improve life for all inhabitants , city governments have several options available to them.   Firstly , ensure an adequate housing supply to prevent overcrowding .  Developing low-end, cost effective housing for migrants would reduce living expenses and provide a base for first-time inhabitants starting a new life .   Secondly , establish job schemes and professional training programs for new city residents.  This would help them to find reliable work and figure out their next step.   Finally , make affordable healthcare available to all.  Guaranteeing access to affordable healthcare provides a social safety net for new city citizens as they adjust to city life.

In conclusion , given the diverse challenges faced by city immigrants, ensuring decent accommodation and healthcare, as well as creating job programs, can help many hit the ground running and begin contributing to city life.

In this type of question, you will be given two questions and you will need to answer both questions. The two questions will be different. For example, you might need to assess the importance of an idea or action (e.g. How import is it?) and say whether you agree or disagree (e.g. Do you agree or disagree?).

Some people regard the arts as fundamental pillars of society, and even in today’s technology-dominated world, art and music are still important.  More than ever before, I believe it is necessary to teach children such subjects in school for the many benefits they bring society.

Art and music are central to life in developed civilisations . For a start, they help society to reflect on what it has become.  As society advances, artists help to interpret the changes and problems created by progress in unique ways.  Artists use their creativity to draw attention to key issues such as the increasing mountains of trash produced or the rich-poor divide . Secondly , artists make people more humble by helping them remember their humanity and their connections to the world around them.  Pictures of nature, society, tribal scenes, past and present make people think about their roots and consider where they’re heading.   Finally , music gives joy and inspiration to many people.  It helps to express emotion and lift mood when feeling down .  

While in school , there are key advantages to learning art and music.   For one , both give children the creativity to express themselves.  Children live in a world of adults; however , art and music classes allow all to be themselves which is good for their mental development .   For example , while older children are less inclined , younger children often find singing, dancing and painting to be among their favorite classes.   In turn, studying music has proven beneficial in helping children connect more with their emotions.  This produces more rounded adults able to connect with their knowledge through science and their emotions through art and music.

In conclusion, for adults and children, the arts bring not only joy, but inspiration, and helps both to remember who they are really are in a world dominated by science .

In this type of question, you will be given a question which contains an opinion. Your task is to write an essay in response to the opinion. This type of question often asks if you agree or disagree with an opinion.

It is said by many that social networking websites like Facebook are negatively influencing society.   Although I believe this the effect of social media on society is somewhat negative, there are also clear benefits to individuals from using it.

Regarding society , social networks are causing a decline in meaningful relationships.   Firstly , people spend less time having good conversation with each other face-to-face.    Most people spend more time having short conversations with dozens of people online, and less time having longer, meaningful conversations with friends face-to-face . This erodes close relationships over time and may be creating a more socially disconnected society as a result. Additionally , there is some evidence that social media sites like Facebook have created a more socially awkward and antisocial society .  The average European spends four hours per day chatting online, yet this familiarity with the screen is causing many to become more anxious talking with others in person as a result .

However , there are distinct advantages to the individual from using social media.   For one, it is very easy to find work when online.  Through group functionality on sites like Facebook, job seekers can easily find a job they desire in the right field, thus increasing job satisfaction when at work.   Finally , social networks bring like-minded people together in an unprecedented way . Whether it is friends looking to organize an event, or people looking to meet others with similar interests it is extremely easy to find people online. For example , just take the explosion in minor hobbies like board games clubs that have become popular due to the interconnected nature of social media.

In conclusion, in my opinion, although there is some evidence to show social networking may affect society badly in the long run, in the short term, its effects on individuals seem more positive.

IELTS Writing Samples and Strategies for IELTS Writing Task 2

In general, there are 4 steps to approaching the IELTS Writing Task 2:

1. Read and Understand - Although this step may seem self-explanatory, many test takers let their nerves get the best of them and do not fully understand the question at hand. This is why the first thing you will need to during Writing Task 2 is to fully understand the question and underline key words . Additionally, think of these two things:

• What type of essay will I need to write? (For example, it can be Problem and Solution ).
• How familiar am I with this topic? (This question is important, because it may affect the outline you choose to use.

2. Plan your Outline - Now that you’ve understood what the question is asking as well as which type of essay you will have to write, you are ready to map out your outline. Do not skip this step. This should take only 2 or 3 minutes and will act as a reference for you going forward. Also, depending on how the question asks you, the outline will be different. To learn how to analyze question and plan the outline for each essay type, check out our IELTS writing task 2 lessons

The following blog posts teach you how to tackle each question type and contain over 100 IELTS writing task 2 questions and samle essays. Feel free to use them for your IELTS preparation.

• How to Answer Opinion Question Types in IELTS Writing Task 2
• How to Answer Discussion Question Types in IELTS Writing Task 2
• How to Answer Advantage & Disadvantage Question Types in IELTS Writing Task 2
• How to Answer Problem and Solution Question Types in IELTS Writing Task 2
• How to Answer Answer Cause and Effect Question Types in IELTS Writing Task 2
• How to Answer Two-part Question Types in IELTS Writing Task 2

IELTS Practice Tests

• IELTS Listening Test
• IELTS Reading Test
• IELTS Writing Task 1 & 2
• IELTS Speaking Test

All information on this page was referenced from the official IELTS website: www.ielts.org

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IELTS Writing Task 1 – Sample Questions and Practice Resources

On the IELTS Academic exam, Writing Task 1 requires you to look at an informational graphic and describe the contents of the graphic in writing. In this post, we’ll look at different IELTS Writing Task 1 samples to prepare you for test day. In addition to advice and practice, you’ll also get our IELTS Writing Task 1 Examples PDF with Answers for portable prompts and model answers.

IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Samples With Answers PDF

If you want a print-friendly version of the IELTS Writing Task 1 samples in this post, click below to access the IELTS Writing Task 1 examples PDF!

Note that all the IELTS Writing Task 1 samples are model essays for a band 9 IELTS score. The line graph sample prompt includes a detailed scoring explanation. You can learn more about scores for IELTS Writing Task 1 by consulting the official IELTS rubric .

• Take a good look at our guide to IELTS Writing Task 1 paragraph structure . The guide tells you everything you need to know about how Writing Task 1 essays and paragraphs should be structured, with an example question and model essay.

IELTS Writing Task 1 Samples: The Major Question Types

Below are questions for each common infographic in IELTS Writing Task 1: bar charts, pie charts, line graphs, process diagrams, and maps.

IELTS Academic Writing Task 1: Line Graph with Model Answer and Scoring Explanation

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IELTS Academic Writing Task 1: Bar Chart With Model Answer

Pie Chart with Model Answer

Process Diagram with Model Answer

IELTS Academic Writing Task 1: Map with Model Answer

IELTS Academic Writing Task 1: Two Different Types of Graphics

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Additional Resources for Writing Task 1

Now that you’ve seen some models for how this task is done, you should be ready for some real practice! Here are some resources from Magoosh that should help.

• Practicing using these common IELTS Writing Task 1 and Task 2 linking words .
• Familiarize yourself with the test with IELTS Academic Writing Task 1: Ultimate Guide video , and use a Writing diagnostic quiz to assess your current strengths and weaknesses.  

• Use study schedules to help you find time to study and stay motivated. To help you organize your time, use this IELTS study schedule if you only have a week to go before you will take the IELTS. If you have a month, this one month IELTS study schedule offers more extended practice.  
• Find high-quality study materials. We offer a huge collection of study reources for the whole IELTS Writing seciton ! Don’t forget about Magoosh IELTS Prep which includes lessons on IELTS Writing Task 1 (and all other sections of the exam!) to help you prep smarter. In addition to many video lessons and practice essays, the 6-month plan allows students to get feedback and scoring on four practice IELTS Writing essays; the 1-month plan includes feedback on one essay. You can also browse more recommended books and resources !

David is a Test Prep Expert for Magoosh TOEFL and IELTS. Additionally, he’s helped students with TOEIC, PET, FCE, BULATS, Eiken, SAT, ACT, GRE, and GMAT. David has a BS from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and an MA from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. His work at Magoosh has been cited in many scholarly articles , his Master’s Thesis is featured on the Reading with Pictures website, and he’s presented at the WITESOL (link to PDF) and NAFSA conferences. David has taught K-12 ESL in South Korea as well as undergraduate English and MBA-level business English at American universities. He has also trained English teachers in America, Italy, and Peru. Come join David and the Magoosh team on Youtube , Facebook , and Instagram , or connect with him via LinkedIn !

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IELTS Writing Task 1 is one of IELTS most important components since it assesses candidates’ understanding and logical presentation of information. To perform well on this task, applicants should become thoroughly versed in several subjects and improve their writing abilities via regular practice.

In this article, we will explore IELTS Writing Task 1 giving candidates access to practice papers and information about sample topics to help with their preparation.

IELTS Writing Task 1 Topics

Table of Content

What is IELTS Writing Task 1?

Ielts writing task 1 types of questions, ielts academic writing task 1 sample with answers, model ielts academic writing task 1 prompt: describe a map, ielts academic writing task 1: line graph with model answer and scoring explanation, ielts academic writing task 1: bar chart with model answer, ielts academic writing task 1: pie chart with model answer, ielts academic writing task 1: process diagram with model answer.

IELTS Writing Task 1 is the first component of the Writing section in the IELTS exam . It assesses the test-taker’s ability to interpret and describe visual information presented in the form of graphs, charts, tables, diagrams, or maps. The task typically requires candidates to summarize and report the main features, trends, or comparisons shown in the visual data.

Candidates are expected to write in a formal, academic style, presenting information logically and coherently. They should also show an ability to use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures accurately. The time allocated for IELTS Writing Task 1 is 20 minutes, and candidates are required to write at least 150 words. Task 1 carries a significant weight in the overall Writing score, comprising one-third of the total score.

• Writing task 1 on the Academic and General Training versions of the IELTS is different.
• For IELTS writing task 1, you are required to describe a graph, table, chart, or diagram in 150 words within 20 minutes .
• Write your answers in whole sentences; do not use bullet points or notes.
• You can write in a formal, semi-formal, or personal style.

IELTS 2024 Practice Mock Tests FREE:

Strategies for IELTS Task 1 Topics

Now that you are familiar with the types of Task 1 questions you may face, here are some strategies to effectively tackle any of these question types on the IELTS exam.

Utilize Specific Vocabulary

For tasks involving line graphs, bar charts, and pie charts, use specific terminology such as adjective – noun and verb – adverb combinations. This vocabulary is suitable for describing chronological graphs and charts. Comparatives and superlatives are effective for tasks that involve data comparisons. For processes, maps, and developments, use topic-specific language, which could be familiar vocabulary or terms used in the diagram. Accurately describing the process is more critical than knowing the exact details of how it works.

Use Correct Tense and Voice

Ensure you write in the appropriate tense. Examine the indicated period to determine if it is in the past, present, or future. If no specific period is given, use the present tense. For future or predicted information, use appropriate future-tense language.

For graphs, charts, and tables, employ the active voice. For processes, maps, and developments, use the passive voice. Differentiating between these can enhance your overall band score.

Analyze Before Writing

Take the time to carefully analyze the task type and plan your response before writing. Mentally articulate your response and ensure it makes sense. If it doesn’t, reconsider your approach. Formulating your response in your mind first can make it easier for the examiner to understand your writing.

Writing Task 1 of the IELTS Academic exam asks you to examine an informative visual and provide a written description of its contents. To help you get ready for the examination, we’re going to cover various IELTS Writing Task 1 samples in this article.

The diagrams below show changes that have taken place in the Sawry District neighborhood since 1920. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant.

IELTS Writing Task Images 1

Model Essay

These two maps, which show the Sawry District neighborhood in 1920 and 2020, show how the neighborhood has changed over a century. The neighborhood has generally undergone growth. By 2020, there were more public services, more housing, and more enterprises. However, after 1920, not all companies and services continued to exist.

The areas with the biggest development and change were business and housing. In 1920, the cannery was replaced by an office complex. Two of the homes next to the Elmwood River were destroyed and rebuilt with an apartment building and a road. From two houses and a shop, Oak Avenue now had three residences, two shops, an apartment building, and a gas station.

The shift in housing and businesses surpassed the change in public services. After being destroyed, Prestwich Primary School was reconstructed as a larger facility near the stores on Oak Street. Elmwood River also acquired a bike path and a bridge, the latter of which took the site of the little beach shown on the 1920 map.

The chart below gives information about population growth in three major Australian cities from 1992 to 2016. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant.

IELTS Writing Task Images 2

Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane’s population changes between 1992 and 2017 can be seen in this line graph.

Significant gains in population occurred between 2007 and 2010, even though all cities experienced net annual increases in population by 2011. There were several increases and decreases in growth despite this general pattern, with all cities seeing a decline in growth in 2011.

Melbourne’s growth surged the most overall while having the least annual growth at first. In 1992, there was only around a 23k rise in population; by 2017, however, about 110,000 more people were living there. Brisbane’s growth was almost as low as Melbourne’s at first, although it saw a smaller net gain—from just over 23,000 growths in 1992 to just 50,000 growths by 2017. Sydney had the greatest yearly growth rate at first, at 30,000, but by the conclusion of the era, it had grown by 105,000, following only Melbourne.

The chart below gives information about the ratio of income to spending (in dollars) by Americans by age range in 2013. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant.

IELTS Writing Task Images 3

This graph breaks out American spending and income by age group for the year 2013. The information reveals a general increase and decrease in young, middle-aged, and elderly Americans’ income and spending. Spending fluctuates less drastically than income.

In actuality, those over 75 and under 25 spent marginally more than they made. On the other hand, Americans made 10,000–20,000 dollars more than they spent between the ages of 25 and 64. Spending was only a few thousand dollars lower in the 65–74 age group, where the gap is less pronounced.

In actual dollars, individuals under 25 or over 75 made and spent approximately 30,000 and 35,000, respectively. Individuals aged 25–34 and 65–74 both had incomes in the 50,000s and expenses in the 40,000s. In the middle, between the ages of 35 and 64, spending was between $55,000 and $60,000, and income was between $70,000 and $80,000.

The chart below gives information about the household percentage of spending on essential goods in China for the years 1995 and 2011. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant.

IELTS Writing Task Images 4

Disparities in Chinese household spending in four key areas are displayed in the two pie graphs. The spending for 1995 and 2011 differs from the spending for these categories, which are indicated as percentages of total spending.

In both years, the biggest categories remained food and clothing, while the lowest ones remained domestic items and medicine. However, throughout time, there were discernible shifts in each of the four categories. Notable changes were observed in the household budget’s allocation for food and medication.

During these 16 years, the top two categories—food and clothing—both saw declines. Just 1% of the food share decreased, from 19% to 18%, although the food share fell more significantly, from 68% to just 18% by 2011.

Household goods and medical were the two categories with the lowest and second-lowest spending in 1995 and 2011, respectively. Nevertheless, by 2011, both have increased their percentage of Chinese household expenditure. While domestic products saw a lesser but still noteworthy gain from 9 to 12 percent, medicine saw a 7-point increase from 4% to 11%.

The diagram below gives information about the recycling of glass and plastic containers. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant. IELTS Writing Task Images 5

This flowchart illustrates the distinctions and parallels between the production, use, recycling, and repurposing life cycles of glass and plastic containers.

This diagram shows how products made of plastic and glass are manufactured, recycled, and then made again in ways that are similar and different. Though there are more variances between the processes than similarities, the early phases of the recycling process contain some more notable differences.

Both commodities are first collected and transported in the same manner. After that, though, plastic is separated by quality and needs to be packed before it can be shredded, whereas glass is sorted by color and may be crushed right away.

The procedures resemble one other more once the glass is broken and the plastic is shredded. At this stage, the plastic and glass fragments are cleaned, melted, and formed into new items. These last stages are almost the same, except instead of using a single machine to melt and reshape the glass, two must work together.

In conclusion, success in the IELTS exam and beyond depends on your ability to complete IELTS Writing Task 1. Candidates can gain experience with the wide variety of visual data that comes up frequently in this task and develop the skills necessary to assess and describe it effectively by investigating sample themes. Also, practicing with practice papers offers valuable opportunities to improve writing methods, vocabulary growth, and general competency. Candidates can gain confidence in their capacity to comprehend visual data, arrange their ideas logically, and convey concepts with accuracy and clarity by putting in a lot of preparation and practice. Great performance on Writing Task 1 is essential for reaching desired goals, whether those goals are to develop in their employment or to pursue higher education options overseas.

IELTS Writing Task 1 Topics- FAQs

It’s the first part of the IELTS Writing section where you analyze and describe visual data like graphs and charts.

Why is practicing Writing Task 1 important?

Practice helps improve data interpretation skills and writing fluency, crucial for achieving a high score.

Where can I find sample topics for Task 1?

Sample topics are available at the top of this article. You can also find them in IELTS preparation books, online resources, and official IELTS practice materials.

How can I effectively analyze visual data in Task 1?

Focus on identifying key trends, comparisons, and significant features, and practice summarizing them concisely.

What are the key elements of a good Task 1 response?

Clarity, coherence, accuracy, and appropriate vocabulary are essential for a strong Task 1 response.

How much time should I spend on Task 1?

Allocate around 20 minutes to Task 1, ensuring enough time for planning, writing, and reviewing your response.

Where can I get feedback on my Task 1 practice?

You can seek feedback from teachers, tutors, or online platforms offering IELTS writing evaluation services.

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Academic Writing Task 1 Sample Essays and Answers

Home  »  IELTS academic task 1  »  Academic Writing Task 1 Sample Essays and Answers

The resources are organised into different task types so you can look at several IELTS writing task 1 samples for three common diagrams. Read IELTS Writing Task 1 sample answers and questions to learn how you can describe pie charts, bar charts & line graphs.

Improve your IELTS writing and achieve a great band score on the academic paper with these useful links and model answers.

Each sample answer demonstrates the type of writing skills you will need to successfully complete the IELTS writing module for IELTS writing task 1 and IELTS writing task 2.

Each bar chart,  pie chart  and line graph question comes with a sample answer to show you how to describe and compare factual information. This may involve describing differences between monthly spending in two countries over a given period or the number of pupils attending different schools.

Bar charts – IELTS academic writing task 1 samples with extra hints and tips

Bar chart showing foreign direct investment in Australia over 3 years

Bar chart describing expected city visits by country of origin for 2018 (thousands/year)

Bar chart IELTS academic task 1 sample essay 4: Book sales by genre across time

Bar chart IELTS academic task 1 sample essay 23: Passenger served per airport terminal

Bar chart IELTS academic task 1 sample essay 17: Coastline coverage by country

Bar chart IELTS academic task 1 sample essay 13: Active military manpower per country

Bar chart IELTS academic task 1 sample essay 9: Toyota car sales – Quarterly monitoring

Writing task 1 pie chart sample answers

Pie chart IELTS academic task 1 sample essay 11: 2014 deaths due to neurological condition

Pie chart IELTS academic task 1 sample essay 3: 2014 age distribution in Asia

Line graphs sample answers for task 1

Take a look at our IELTS writing task 1 line graph examples to help you get a  better score  for the academic writing task on your IELTS test. IELTS writing task 1 can be challenging but with practice you will get better and better. The resources below include an IELTS writing task 1 sample answer pdf.

Line graph IELTS academic task 1 sample essay 7: January 2015 temperature variation in the Philippines

Line graph IELTS academic task 1 sample essay 25: Production output for 3rd quarter of 2015

Line graph IELTS academic task 1 sample essay 22: Income tax comparison per civil status

As well as using the task 1 sample answers above, take a look at our IELTS writing  academic task 1 tutorials  to help you better prepare for your  IELTS exam and achieve a good IELTS writing band score for IELTS writing task 1. There are plans and tips for using tenses and paraphrasing in this writing section and lots of other resources.

Why not choose a writing task 1 sample question and try to do it by yourself? Then you can check the model answer for feedback. You probably won’t have time to attempt to write essays for every task 1 sample answer but you will be able to read all the IELTS task 1 writing samples by clicking on the links.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How to write ielts writing task 1.

Read  this article  for more tips.

Which tense to use in IELTS writing task 1?

Tutorials for academic task 1.

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Academic Writing Task 1 Sample

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Useful Vocabularies and Phrases Preparation Tips IELTS Bar Graph | IELTS Line Graph | IELTS Table Chart | IELTS Flow Chart | IELTS Pie Chart |

20 Recent IELTS Graphs with answers  

40 Difficult IELTS Graphs with answers

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IELTS Writing Task 1: Everything You Need to Know

Ielts writing task 1 in 6 simple steps.

Academic Writing Task 1 Strategy

• Understand how the test is marked. Knowing the marking criteria will allow you to give the examiner exactly what they need.
• Paraphrase the question. It is best to paraphrase the question in the first paragraph. You can do this by using synonyms.
• Write the overview. To write your overview , pick 3 or 4 of the main features and write about them generally without referencing any data.
• Support the main features. In a new paragraph, support the key features with the data in the information given to you.
• Check your work. Check your report for spelling and grammar mistakes. Make sure that the data you mentioned is also accurate!

Essential Writing Task 1 Skills

• How to Write an Overview Paragraph 
• How to Paraphrase 
• How to Write a Complex Sentence
• How Many Words? 
• Task 1 Charts Checklist
• Task 1 Tips
• The Danger of Synonyms
• 6 Common Mistakes
• Paragraphing and Editing

Writing Task 1 Full Lessons

• Writing Academic Task 1 in 5 Easy Steps 
• Charts Lesson
• Maps Lesson
• Multiple Charts/Graphs 
• Process Lesson

Academic Task 1 Sample Answers

• Bar Chart Sample Essay (Cars in Asia) 
• Process- Cement and Concrete Production
• Pie Chart (Italy and Yemen Populations) 
• Process Question
• Bar Chart Question (UK Telephone Usage) 
• Line Graph (US Consumption of Energy)
• Bar Chart Sample Answer (International Students)

General Training Writing Task 1

General Training Writing Task 1 in 5 Simple Steps

• Understand how the test is marked. Knowing the marking criteria is the best way of giving the examiner exactly what they need and nothing else.
• Decide whether the letter is formal or informal. This part is easy. If the question asks you to write to a ‘friend’, it should be an informal letter. If the question asks you to write to anyone else, it should be a formal letter. It is that simple!
• Discuss each bullet point from the question. Make sure to take a new paragraph for each bullet point. This will make your letter easy to read and understand.
• Sign off your letter. Don’t overcomplicate this part. Include a sign-off suitable to your letter’s tone and write your name beneath.
• Check your work. Make sure your letter doesn’t contain any grammar or vocabulary mistakes.
• Letter Writing Tips
• How to Write an Informal Letter
• How to Write a Formal Letter

General Training Essential Writing Task 1 Skills

• Task 1 General Training Writing Strategy
• Task 1 General Training Writing Guide

Sample Answers

• Formal and informal sample letters.

Writing Task 1 Essential Information

• People doing the Academic test will write a report on a data set, map, or process. People doing General Training will write a letter.
• You must write 150 words or more.
• You should spend around 20 minutes on this part of the test.
• Task 1 is worth 1/3 of your total mark on the Writing test.
• You will be assessed in four areas: Task Achievement (25%) Coherence and Cohesion (25%) Lexical Resource (25%) Grammatical Range and Accuracy (25%)
• The most important thing is that you can demonstrate that you can clearly communicate in English.
• The key to doing well is to know exactly what the examiners want and give it to them.
• Grammar and Vocabulary Guide

• Top 10 Grammar Mistakes

IELTS Writing Task 1 FAQs

How can i improve my writing.

You will find all the resources you need on our Writing Task 1 page. Click the link below:

Writing Task 1

If you need serious help or personalised feedback, you should check out our online course. There is a waiting list, but you can add your name here:

How can I get a Band 7, 8 or 9?

The answer to this question is different for every individual IELTS student, as it depends on a number of factors, including your work ethic, English skills and exam strategy. You'll find a guide to answering this question in this article

If you need serious help with improving your IELTS scores, you should check out our online writing course. There is a waiting list, but you can add your name by clicking the link below:

Can you correct my writing?

Please click the link below and it will give you all the information you need about our writing correction service:

Writing Correction Service

Do you have any sample answers?

Yes, you will find them at the link below:

Task 1 Sample Answers

Will using 'high level' or 'academic' words help me improve my score?

Probably not.

Read my recent article about IELTS vocabulary here:

5 Things You Need to Know about IELTS Vocabulary

How many paragraphs should I write?

Introduction

You can put the overview at the end if you'd like.

Can I use idioms?

No, you should typically avoid using idioms in Writing Task 1.

The only time this is acceptable is if you are taking the General Training test and must write an informal letter.

Should I write a conclusion for Task 1 Academic?

No. A conclusion is a summary of YOUR ideas and your opinion. Task 1 is simply reporting what you see, so there shouldn't be any of your ideas or your opinion.

Instead of a conclusion, you should write an overview.

The reason lots of people get confused about this is that some teachers, books and even one British Council website call the overview a 'conclusion'. It's not a conclusion, it's an overview.

Finally, it does not matter where you put the overview paragraph. We teach our students to put it after the introduction, but it is also fine to have it as your final paragraph.

How many words should I write?

You must write at least 150 words in Writing Task 1 (yes, the examiners will count them!)

I would suggest that you aim to write around 160-170 words for Task 1. Aiming for 20-30 words more than the required amount makes you more likely to reach the word limit without setting an unrealistic goal.

Will I lose marks if I don't write enough words?

Yes. If you don't write the required number of words, you will lose marks in 'Task Achievement' for not answering the question fully. Read more here .

Can I use contractions?

No, should not use contractions when you are writing an academic essay or formal letter. However, it is fine to use contractions in an informal letter.

When should I write formally?

There are a few signposts that indicate when you should write formally or informally. Watch our video lesson to find out what they are:

IELTS Writing Task 1 General Training: Formal or Informal Letters?

Join us at My IELTS Classroom today for our video courses, marking service, 1-2-1 lessons and so much more…

100 IELTS Essay Topics for IELTS Writing

Let me start by saying that by far the best resource for authentic IELTS essay topics are the Cambridge 1 – 13 books. These are real past IELTS exam papers and, therefore, provide students with the highest quality questions for all parts of the test. However, what do you do if you have finished the Cambridge books? Or you struggle with one particular type of question and want a lot of that specific type of practise?

Well, until now, people have relied on questions that were “memorised” by test-takers(often incorrectly), or written by well-meaning teachers who have no specific education in test creation. As a result, many of the “IELTS questions” on the Internet are worded incorrectly. And, as a professional exam writer ( yes, I work creating academic exams for universities ), I know how damaging it can be if even one word in a question is changed.

So, today I am sharing my list of 100 IELTS writing topics. Some are taken from old exam papers, a few are from the Cambridge books, but most are from my own course .  More importantly, I can guarantee that each of these questions is as “authentic” as a question can be.  Have fun (and let me know your favourite question in the comments!) 

If you are new to IELTS, then check out my FREE  Introduction to Writing Task 2  👈 video lesson. It contains everything you need to know to get started on your IELTS journey   🚀

IELTS Discuss Both Views and Give your Own Opinion Writing Topics

• Some people think that illegal Internet downloads are having a negative effect on the music   industry . Others feel that they have little or no impact on artists. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
•   Some people think that exams are a good way of assessing a student’s level . Other people believe that they put unnecessary pressure on young learners and tell us very little about their actual ability.  Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
• Successful sportsmen can earn a great deal more than people in other important professions. Some people think this is fully justified while others think it is unfair. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
• Some people feel that there should be a fixed punishment for each type of crime . Others feel that the circumstances of an offence should be taken into account when deciding on a punishment. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
• Some people believe that all children should learn a foreign language  from the time they start school, while others believe it is better to wait until a child is at secondary school. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
• Some people believe that in the near future there will be no borders between countries , while others feel that national borders will always remain. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
• Some people feel that the cost of space exploration  is far too high for the benefits it brings while others argue that we space programmes should continue no matter what the cost. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
• Some people believe that advertising has a strong effect on a person’s decision-making process. Others feel that it has little or no real impact. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
• Some people believe that every human can create art . Other people think that art can only be created by people with special talents. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
• Some people feel that the media has the strongest impact on people’s lives . Others feel that it is politicians who have the most control over the way people lives. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
• Some people feel that the primary function of a university should be to prepare students for the working world. Others argue that the purpose of a university education is to provide knowledge for knowledge’s sake. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
• Some people think that the teenage years are the happiest times of most people’s lives . Others think that adult life brings more happiness in spite of greater responsibilities. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
• Some people prefer to spend their lives doing the same things and avoiding change. Others, however, prefer to take risks and think that change is a positive thing. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
• Some people think that boys and girls should attend school together . Others feel that they should be educated separately. Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.
• Some people feel that  global warming should be dealt with by governments. Others feel that it is the responsibility of individuals in society to solve the problem. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
• Some people think that all university students should study whatever they like . Others believe that they should only be allowed to study subjects that will be useful in the future, such as those related to science and technology. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
• Some people think that a sense of competition should be encouraged in children . Others believe that children who are taught to cooperate rather than compete become more useful adults. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
• Some people think that economic development is the only way to end poverty  while others believe that it is causing damage to the environment and so should be stopped. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
• Some people think that new houses should be built in the same style as the older houses in an area . Others believe that the government should allow people to build houses in the style they want. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
• Some people like to spend their leisure time with their colleagues . Others think it is better to keep their private life separate from their work life. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Want to know how the examiner will apply the band descriptors when marking your IELTS essay?

Th en download a copy of our FREE e-book, which explains how each of the four marking criteria is applied and includes the most common errors made by test-takers. Just click here for your copy.

  T o What Extent Do you Agree or Disagree Writing Topics

• University education s hould be free for all students. To what extent do you agree or disagree
• Men and women are capable of doing all jobs  equally well. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• Some people believe that nowadays we have too much choice . To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• Advertising that targets children  should be banned from our televisions. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• Some people say it is important to keep your home and your workplace tidy , with everything organised in the correct place. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• In some countries it is common for school leavers to take a year off  between finishing school and starting university. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this practice?
• Open plan offices offer a better working environment for staff than a normal office. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• Universities should accept equal numbers of male and female students  in every subject. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• The recent popularity of online shopping will result in the end of high street shops. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• International sporting events promote peace between countries. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• Some people think it is a good thing for senior managers to have much higher salaries than the other workers in a company. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• People who read for pleasure in their free time have a better imagination than those who prefer to watch TV. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• Some people believe that children who are given pocket money every week have less problems managing money when they become adults. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• Some people believe that eventually all jobs will be done by artificially intelligent robots . What is your opinion?
• Nowadays environmental problems are too big for individual countries or people to solve. We have reached the stage where we need cooperation on an international level to protect the environment. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• Some people say that  a person’s success is as a direct result of the way they were brought up by their parents. Do you agree or disagree?
• Some people think that plastic shopping bags should be banned because they contribute to land and sea pollution. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• Some people who have been in prison become good citizens later, and so it is often argued that these are the best people to talk to teenagers about the dangers of committing a crime. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• Some people believe that children should be taught how to manage money at school. Do you agree or disagree?
• Some people believe that in order for a hobby to be enjoyable , it needs to be difficult. Do you agree or disagree?

Looking for an IELTS school run by native speakers who have a proven track record of helping students achieve their potential in IELTS? Then come join the students at  My IELTS Classroom  who are using our unique video courses, live lessons and marking service to maximise their scores. 

Best Way IELTS Essay Topics

•   One of the biggest problems facing the world today is growing enough food to feed the ever-expanding population .  Genetically Modified foods are the best way to solve this issue . To what extent do you agree or disagree?
•   The main cause of global warming   is pollution from cars.  To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• Playing computer games   only has negative effects on children.  To what extent do you agree or disagree
• The main reason for the high sale of consumer goods in today’s society is advertising .  To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• Good marketing is the key to running a successful business .  To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• The best way to tackle the problem of obesity   is to educate people about healthy eating.  To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• The most important factor in job satisfaction is salary .  To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• Many people use  customer reviews on the Internet to make decisions about what they  buy. A re customer reviews the most useful tool to use when making a purchase ?
• Many governments think that economic progress is their most important goal . Some people, however, think that other types of progress are equally important for a country.  Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
• Some people say that the only reason for learning a foreign language is in order to travel to or work in a foreign country . Others say that these are not the only reasons why someone should learn a foreign language.  Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.

When you are writing an IELTS essay, it is important to always think about how your answer will satisfy the IELTS Band descriptors. Don’t know what they are or how the examiner uses them to check your work?  Watch my free video lesson to find out how you can use the band descriptors to achieve a high score.

Cause / Problem / Solution IELTS Essay Topics

• The increase in the number of privately-owned cars is having a negative impact on both our towns and the environment .  What can individuals and the government do to reduce this problem?
• Many people play sport when they are young, but then stop when they become adults. Why do so many adults stop doing physical exercise ? What can be done to solve this problem?
• Fewer people today visit museums than in the past. Why is this? What can be done to encourage more people to visit museums in the future?
• Many animals today are being hunted to the point of extinction. What can be done to tackle this problem?
• In many countries today,  the average weight of people is increasing . What has led to this situation? What can be done to solve it?
• Global warming is one of the most serious issues facing the world today. What are some of the causes of global warming? What can governments and individuals do to solve the problem?
• The gap between the rich and poor  is growing. What difficulties does this cause? How can these problems be overcome?
• More people are stressed  today than ever before. What are the causes of this stress? What can be done to address this problem?
• Many young people today are leaving their homes in the countryside to move to cities . Why is this happening? What can be done to encourage young people to stay in rural areas?
• Many people today are choosing to stay in rented apartments rather than hotels  when they travel. What led to this change? What problems could it cause the travel industry?
• Children today spend a lot of time on social media . What potential problems could this cause and how could they be addressed?
• Many young people today will never be able to afford to buy a house . What has led to this situation? What can be done to remedy it?
• In many countries, the tradition of having family meals together is disappearing. Why is this happening? What will the effects of this be on the family and society?
• Nowadays we are producing more and more rubbish . Why do you think this is happening? What can the government do to help reduce this amount of rubbish produced?
• In many countries, the level of crime is increasing. What do you think are the main causes of crime? How can we deal with those causes?
• People today are spending more and more time outside of the home . What are the reasons for this trend? What effects is it having on individuals and society?
• In spite of the advances made in agriculture, many people around the world still go hungry . Why is this the case? What can be done about this problem?
• People today know fewer of their neighbours  than in the past. Why is this? What can be done to solve this problem?
• The quality of life in many large cities is currently becoming worse. Why is this? What measures can be introduced to tackle this issue?
• Many people have jobs that involve working shifts (i.e. working at night). What are some of the problems that shift workers might face? What can be done to solve them?

IELTS Advantages and Disadvantages Essay Topics

• Thanks to low-cost airlines , many people can travel abroad.  What advantages and disadvantages do tourists bring to the countries they visit?
• People today are able to take out loans from the bank or get a credit card very easily. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this practice?
• Many people use the Internet as their main educational resource . What are the advantages and disadvantages of this practice?
• In some countries, teenagers have part-time jobs while they are still at school. What benefits does this bring a child? Are there any drawbacks?
• Schools in some countries require their students to wear a uniform . What are the positives and negatives of this rule?

One of the most important things you should do in an IELTS essay is support your argument with relevant examples. But what are good examples for an IELTS essay ? – well, let me give you a clue: they do NOT include fake statistics and they are NOT personal! 

Outweigh Advantages and Disadvantages Essay Topics

• Being a celebrity – such as a film star or singer – brings problems as well as benefits. Do you think that being a celebrity brings more benefits or more problems?
• As a country develops, more people are able to purchase a car . Do you think that the positive for the individual outweigh the negatives for the environment?
• Many museums charge an admission fee  while others are free. Do you think that the advantages of charging admission to museums outweigh the disadvantages?
• Today, it is common to see famous sports people advertising sports products . Do the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?
• More and more people are choosing to eat ready-made meals rather than freshly cooked food. Does this trend have more advantages than disadvantages?

Positive or Negative Development IELTS Essay Topics

•   Many parents today employ private tutors   to teach their children after school hours.  Do you think this is a positive or negative development?
• Today, more people are waiting until their thirties to get married and have children .  Do you think this is a positive or negative development?
• In recent years, many small local shops have closed   because customers travel to large shopping centres or malls to do their shopping.  Do you think this is a positive or negative development?
• 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?
• Nowadays  many people communicate using social media .  Do you think this is a positive or negative development?

Most IELTS blog posts are full of advice about how to paraphrase. Me? I’m the opposite – I want to encourage people NOT to paraphrase? Why? Read my blog post on the Dangers of Paraphrasing to find out! ☠️

IELTS Direct Question Writing Topics

• Some students who perform badly at school   go on to have very successful lives as adults. What qualities are needed to do well at school? Are these the same qualities that help people succeed later in life?
• 100 years ago, it was felt that the human race was making progress in all areas of life . Nowadays, there is less certainty that this is the case. In what areas do you think that the most progress has been made so far?  In what area are more things needed to be done?
• Many people believe that globalisation is leading to the culture of individual countries being lost . What can be done to protect a society’s traditional values?
• Children often complain that history lessons are boring because they are about a past that is dead. How can schools bring history alive for pupils?
• Some people think that the government is responsible for looking after the elderly . Others believe that it should be family members. Who do you think should take responsibility?

Don’t know what a complex sentence is or how to write one? Well my friend, you are in the right place! Watch the lesson voted the #1 most useful by my students here (you really don’t need to be afraid!)

IELTS Two-Part Question Essay Topics

• More and more people today are moving from the countryside .  Why is this happening?  Do you think it is a positive or a negative development?
• People spend a major part of their adult life at work, and job satisfaction  is an important part of individual well-being. What contributes to a person feeling satisfied at work? How realistic is it for all people to feel satisfied?
• Many people have problems managing money . What skills does a person need to manage their money well? Who should teach children these skills?
• Technology has changed the way that people interact with each other. In what ways has technology changed the types of relationships that people make? Has this been a positive or negative development?
• Children have to be punished  to learn the difference between right and wrong. To what extent do you agree or disagree? What sort of punishments should parents be able to give their children?
• Thanks to developments in technology, many people today have lost basic skills such as how to repair clothes, etc. Why is this happening? Do you think that this is a negative development?
• Some people think that governments should try to reduce air traffic  by taxing it more heavily, Do you agree or disagree? What other methods could be used to reduce air traffic?
• Some people feel that schools should teach children how to become a good parent.  Do you agree or disagree with this opinion? What skills do people need to be a good parent?
• Nowadays, men’s sport is given far more attention in society than women’s sports. What are the reasons for this? Do you think this is a positive or a negative situation?
• Advances in technology mean that many people today work from home . What has led to this change? Is it a positive or negative development?

So, those were 100 IELTS essay topics you can use to practice your IELTS skills. I hope you found them useful. You can find out how to write every one of these 100 essay in My IELTS Classroom – the interactive writing course with 33-hours of lessons that will prepare you for any IELTS  question 🚀

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IELTS Exam Preparation: Free IELTS Tips, 2024

Ielts sample charts (ielts writing task 1).

The Writing Task 1 of the IELTS Academic test requires you to write a summary of at least 150 words in response to a particular graph (bar, line or pie graph), table, chart, or process (how something works, how something is done). This task tests your ability to select and report the main features, to describe and compare data, identify significance and trends in factual information, or describe a process.

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Ielts preparation, ielts sample letters (ielts writing task 1).

The purpose of this section is to help you with the Writing Task 1 of the IELTS General test. In Task 1, candidates are asked to respond to a given problem with a letter requesting information or explaining a situation. It is suggested that about 20 minutes is spent on Task 1, which requires candidates to write at least 150 words. Depending on the task suggested, candidates are assessed on their ability to:

- engage in personal correspondence - elicit and provide general factual information - express needs, wants, likes and dislikes - express opinions (views, complaints etc.)

IELTS Writing Task 2 (IELTS Sample essays)

IELTS Writing Task 2 requires you to write at least 250 words. You will be presented with a topic and will be tested on your ability to respond by giving and justifying an opinion, discussing the topic, summarizing details, outlining problems, identifying possible solutions and supporting what you write with reasons, arguments and relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. The assessment of Task 2 carries more weight in marking than Task 1. Writing scripts are marked by trained and certificated IELTS examiners, who all hold relevant teaching qualifications and are recruited as examiners by the test centres and approved by British Council or IDP: IELTS Australia.

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The Most Common IELTS Writing Topics (with Sample Answers!)

by Dave | Sample Answers | 6 Comments

These are the most common IELTS writing topics that I have come across as an examiner and from student reports over the last year.

The most commons topics are: age & generations, art, business, cities, communication, crime, education, environment, family, health, government, media & newspapers, psychology, society, sport, technology & science, transport, and work., below are some ielts writing task 2 samples (all written by me) on the most common topics, comment your own essays below and i will give you some feedback, if you want to get over your ielts fears and achieve your dreams (of going abroad or getting a better job), i now offer online lessons complete with feedback, videos, workbooks and more, consider supporing my efforts to write these essays but signing up for my online video courses here or my exclusive ielts ebooks here on patreon., age & generations, 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, ielts writing task 2 sample answer: music bringing people together (ielts cambridge 14), 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 advantage of this situation outweigh the disadvantages, ielts writing task 2 sample answer: populations, young people (ielts cambridge 14), some think that governments should support retired people financially while others believe they should take care of themselves., discuss both views and give your own opinion., read my sample answer for this question here., in some places, young people find it difficult to communicate with older people., why is this, what are the solutions, agriculture, in spite of the advances made in agriculture, many people around the world still go hungry. why is this the case what can be done about this problem, give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own experience or knowledge. write at least 250 words., ielts writing task 2 sample answer: agriculture (ielts cambridge 13), some feel that countries should produce most of the food that is eaten in their country and import as little as possible., to what extent do you agree or disagree, museums and art galleries should focus on works that show the history and culture of their own country rather than works of other parts of the world., ielts writing task 2 sample answer: museums, many museums charge for admission while others are free., do you think the advantages of charging people for admission to museums outweigh the disadvantages, ielts writing task 2 sample answer: museum entrance fees, many people believe that film is a less important art than other forms such as literature and painting., read my full sample answer for this question here., some think that quality art can be made by anyone while others think that it requires special talent and ability., discuss both views and give your opinion., the government should lower the budget on the arts in order to allocate more money to education., to what extent do you agree, some people believe that the government should spend more money putting in more works of art like paintings and statues in cities to make them better places to live in., some educators believe that every child should be taught how to play a musical instrument., recent research has shown that business meetings and training are increasingly taking place online., what are the advantages and disadvantages of this, ielts writing task 2 sample answer: business, as well as making money, businesses also have a responsibilty towards society., ielts writing task 2 sample answer essay: businesses social responsibility, the global demand for oil and gas is increasing. some believe that we should therefore encourage the exploitation of remote areas., do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages, the shortage of housing in big cities can cause severe consequences. only government action can solve this problem., read my sample here., when designing a building, the most important factor is the intended use of the building rather than its outward appearance., ielts writing task 2 sample answer: buildings, living in large cities today poses many problems for people., what are these problems should governments encourage more people to live in smaller towns, ielts writing task 2 sample answer: cities, traffic and housing problems in major cities could be solved by moving companies, factories and their employees to the countryside., do you agree or disagree, ielts writing task 2 sample answer: overpopulation, too much money is wasted on repairing old buildings that should be used to knock them down and build new ones., ielts writing task 2 sample answer essay: old buildings, the roads in major cities today are often difficult to travel on., what are the causes of this, what are some possible solutions, ielts writing task 2 sample answer general training: roads in major cities, some feel that cities shold be designed to be beautiful while others feel their functionality is more important., discuss both sides and give your own opinion., available as an ebook my patreon., there are severe social consequences to housing shortages in cities and only the government can solve these problems., some cities create housing for growing populations by building taller buildings while other cities have opted to build on wider areas of land., which solution is better, communication, the use of social media is replacing face-to-face interaction among many people in society., do you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, ielts writing task 2 sample answer essay: face to face interaction, many people believe that social networking sites (such as facebook) have a huge negative impact on both individuals and society., ielts writing task 2 sample answer: social networking sites, many people think that mobile phones should be banned in public places such as libraries, shops and public transport., many people think technological devices such as smart phones, tablets and mobile phones bring more disadvantages than advantages., in many workplaces, online communication is now more common than face-to-face meetings., do the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages, read my sample answer here., some countries are struggling with increases in crime rates. some believe that having more police on the streets is best way to reduce and combat crime., ielts writing task 2 sample answer (crime and the police), the crime rate nowadays is decreasing compared to the past due to advances in technology., ielts writing task 2 sample answer essay: crime & technology, the most common solution for criminal behaviour is prison but many believe education is a better method., ielts writing task 2 sample answer: education and crime, watching tv shows and movies about crime is becoming more and more popular., what effect does that have on society, some people believe that children that commit crimes should be punished. others think the parents should be punished instead., many researchers believe that we can now study the behaviour of children to see if they will grow up to be criminals, while others disagree., to what extent do you think crime is determined by genetics, is it possible to stop children from growing up to be criminals, some people believe that there should be a fixed punishment for each type of crime. others, however, argue that the circumstances of an individual crime, and the motivation for committing it, should always be taken into account when deciding on the punishment., get my sample answer for this essay by signing up for my patreon here., some believe that tourism does more to create tension between between countries rather than helping individuals better understand other cultures., ielts writing task 2 sample answer essay: tourism and culture, some believe that it is beneficial to show foreign films while others feel this can have a negative impact on local culture., in many countries, traditional foods are being replaced by fast food. this has a negative impact on families, individuals and society., the best curriculum is not one based on a static body of knowledge but one which teaches student to cope with change., read my essay here., some people say that school children should be mainly taught about the literature (e.g fiction and poetry) of their own country because it is more important than that of other countries., ielts writing task 2 sample answer: literature, plagiarism in academics has become a pressing problem in many countries today., what are the causes of this problem, ielts writing task 2 sample answer essay, many people feel that students should learn from online materials while others feel that it is better to use printed materials., ielts writing task 2 sample answer: online materials, some people think that children should begin their formal education at a very early age. some think they should begin at least 7 years old. discuss both views give opinions., ielts writing task 2 sample answer essay: children starting school, students should be primarily taught academic subjects so that they can pass exams, and practical skills such as cooking should not be taught., ielts writing task 2 sample answer: academic/practical knowledge, some people believe that education is the key to tackling hunger worldwide while others feel that the answer is in food aid., ielts writing task 2 sample answer: hunger, compared to the past, more people are now studying abroad because it is more convenient and cheaper than before., do you think this is beneficial to the foreign student’s home country, will this trend change much in the future, ielts writing task 2 sample answer by dave: studying abroad, some today argue that schools are no longer necessary because children can learn so much from the internet and be educated at home., some educational systems make students study specialised subjects from the age of fifteen while others require students to study a wide range., full-time university students spend a lot of time studying. some say they should do other activities too., nations should spend more money on skills and vocational training for practical work, rather than on university education., environment, some people claim that too much focus and resources have been spent to protect wild animals and birds., sample essay, 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., ielts writing task 2 sample answer: environmental problems plants and animals (ielts cambridge 14), climate change is a phenomenon that affects countries all over the world. many people strongly believe that it is the responsibility of individuals, rather than corporations and governments, to deal with this problem., ielts writing task 2 sample answer: climate change, plastic shopping bags are used widely and cause many environmental problems. some people say they should be banned., ielts writing task 2 sample answer: plastic bags, developing the economy will always damage the environment., ielts writing task 2 sample answer essay: the economy & the environment, many believe that individuals can do little to improve the environment. only governments and large companies can make a real difference., the most difficult ielts writing topic: january 2020, most agree that we should be training children to recycle waste to preserve the earth’s natural resources., however, some believe that it is parents who should teach their children to recycle waste while others feels schools are more responsible., ielts writing task 2 sample answer: recycling, the increase in the production of consumer goods results in damage to the natural environment., what can be done to solve this problem, read my sample answer for this essay here., some people say that supermarkets and manufacturers have a responsibility to reduce the amount of packaging on products they sell. others believe that it is the consumer’s responsibility to avoid buying products which have a lot of packaging., discuss both views and give your opinions., some think the current generation should take steps to protect the environment for the next generation., in many countries, plastic containers have become more common than ever and are used by many food and drink companies., family & children, more and more people today are moving away from where their friends and family live., read my answer here., many parents encourage young people to leave home when they become older, while others think they should stay at home with the family. discuss both views and give your own opinion., ielts writing task 2 sample answer (family and the home), nowadays children watch much more television than they did in the past and spend less time being active or creative., what is the reason for this, what measures should be taken to encourage children to be more active, ielts writing task 2 sample answer: television, 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., ielts examiner sample answer from cambridge 12: children & choice, many parents today do not spend much time with their children., does this affect parents or children more, it is better for children if the whole family including aunts, uncles and so on are involved in a child’s upbringing, rather than just their parents., these days more fathers stay at home and take care of their children while mothers go out to work., what could be the reasons for this is it a positive or negative development, some people feel that equality between the genders has already been achieved while others feel there is considerable progress to be made., read my sample answer on patreon., throughout history, male leaders have led us into violence and conflict. if a society is governed by female leaders it will be more peaceful., in many schools and universities today, women have a tendency to study the humanities (such as the arts and languages) while men more often major in science related subjects. some believe this tendency should be changed., the best way to prevent people from smoking is to impose high taxes on tobacco products. in this way, people will be less likely to develop a long-term addiction to smoking., ielts examiner sample answer: government (by dave), some people think that resources should be spent on protecting wild animals, while others think those would be better used for the human population., many today feel that most urgent problems can only be solved by international cooperation., some people think governments should care more about elderly while others think they should focus on investing in education for younger people., many people believe that every individual is responsible for his/her own healthy lifestyle. others believe that governments should take care of it. discuss both these views and give your own opinion., ielts writing task 2 sample answer: health problems individuals/governments, ielts writing task 2 sample answer: smoking (real ielts exam), some think that governments should tax unhealthy foods to encourage people to eat healthier., ielts writing task 2 sample answer essay: unhealthy foods (real past ielts tests/exams), more and more people today are drinking sugar-based drinks., what are the reasons for this, ielts writing task 2 sample answer essay: sugary drinks, many think that in today’s world it is very difficult for people to maintain a healthy lifestyle. others, however, feel that it is easy for people to be healthy and fit if they want to be., ielts writing task 2 sample answer: healthy lifestyle, some people say that it is acceptable to test medicine intended for people on animals. others, however, believe that it is not right to use animals in this research., ielts writing task 2 sample answer: medical testing, many feel that going to the gym is the best way to stay fit. others think there are more effective methods., ielts writing task 2 sample answer: gym/exercise, governments should spend more money on medical research and less on researching the environment., even though doctors advise old people to get more exercise, many old people do not get enough., what are some possible solutions for this, research into medical treatments are essential to improve health and fight disease., who do you think should fund this research: individuals, private companies or governments, in many countries, fast food is becoming cheaper and more widely available., do the disadvantages of this outweigh the advantages, governments in many countries have recently introduced special taxes on foods and beverages with high levels of sugar. some think these taxes are a good idea while others disagree., discuss both views and give you own opinion., some people say history is one the most important school subjects. other people think that, in today’s world, subjects like science and technology are more important than history. discuss both these views and give your own opinion., ielts examiner sample answer from cambridge 13: history (by dave), some believe that history has little to teach us about today while others think that the study of the past helps us to understand the present., it is better to learn the way people lived in the past through films and video records than written documents., historical objects should be brought back to their country of origin., some people say that now is the best time in history to be living., what is your opinion about this, what other time in history would be interesting to live in, read my essay here.  , living in a country where you have to speak a foreign language can cause serious social problems, as well as practical problems. to what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement, ielts writing task 2 sample answer: foreign languages (cambridge 13), some believe that we should invent a new language for international communication., media & newspapers, some people think that newspapers are the best way to learn news. however, others believe that they can learn news better through other media. discuss both views and give your opinion, ielts examiner sample answer from cambridge 13: newspapers and the media (by dave), some people think that the news media has become much more influential in people’s lives today and it is a negative development., ielts writing task 2 sample answer: news media influence, watching a live performance such as a play, concert, or sporting event is more enjoyable than watching the same event on television., some believe that people will purchase a product based on their needs and advertising is not needed., 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, some people say that advertising is extremely successful at persuading us to buy things. other people think that advertising is so common that we no longer pay attention to it., personal life, many people try to balance work and other parts of their life. however, this is very difficult to do. what are the problems associated with this what is the best way to achieve a better balance, ielts examiner sample answer: work-life balance (by dave), these days people spend more and more time at work and less time at home., ielts writing task 2 sample answer essay general training: working too much, some people believe that it is best to accept a bad situation, such as an unsatisfactory job or shortage of money. others argue that it is better to try and improve such situations., ielts writing task 2 sample answer: acceptance / unsatisfactory (ielts cambridge 14) by dave, some are of the opinion that people are naturally born as good leaders while others feel that leadership skills can be learned., ielts writing task 2 sample answer: leadership, ielts writing task 2 sample answer essay: leadership essay 2, many pschologists recommend that the best way to relieve stress is to do nothing at all for a period of time during the day., ielts writing task 2 sample answer: stress, some think that ambition is a good quality., is it important to be ambitious, is it a positive or negative characteristic, some feel that it is a waste of time to plan for the future and it is more important to focus on the present., 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, in some cultures, children are often told that they can achieve anything if they try hard enough., what are the advantages and disadvantages of giving children this message, science & technology, some people believe that it is good to share as much information as possible in scientific research, business, and the academic world. others believe that some information is too important or too valuable to be shared freely., ielts writing task 2 sample answer: scientific research (ielts cambridge 12), nowadays more tasks at home and work are being performed by robots., is this a negative or positive development, ielts writing task 2 sample answer essay: robots at home, people today often use the internet to learn about the culture of other countries. this means that it is not that important to travel to those countries., ielts writing task 2 sample answer: the internet & travel, in the future it will become more difficult to live on earth so more money should be spent researching how to live on other planets such as mars., some believe technology has made our lives too complex and the solution is to lead a simpler life without technology., read my sample answer this question here., more and more students at university today are not choosing to study science., why is this happening, what are the effects of this, in the future, people may have to live on other planets. some think that is therefore important to spend money researching other planets such as mars., some old people today struggle with the use of modern technologies such as smartphones and computers., what is the cause of this, some scientists believe that in the future computers will be more intelligence than human beings. while some see this as a positive development others worry about the negative consequences., weddings are getting bigger and more expensive., is it a positive or negative development, some people believe that nowadays we have too many choices. to what extent do you agree or disagree, ielts examiner sample answer from cambridge 13: choice (by dave), in many countries people are living in a “throwaway society” where things are used for a short time and thrown away. , what are the causes of this and what problems does it lead to, ielts examiner sample answer from cambridge 13: society (by dave), many believe that the best way to ensure a happier society is to reduce the difference in income earnings between the rich and poor., ielts writing task 2 sample answer: income inequality, people have historically attempted to achieve a perfect society. however, it is difficult to decide what a perfect society would be like., what would be the most important element of an ideal society, what can normal people do to make society more perfect, ielts writing task 2 sample answer: the ideal/perfect society, online shopping is becoming more common these days., what effect could this have on the environment and the types of jobs required, many people believe that music is just a form of entertainment, whilst others believe that music has a much larger impact on society today., some people believe that smartphones are destroying social interaction today., many people think that zoos are cruel. others think they are helpful in protecting rare animals., in many countries, people throw away a lot of food from restaurants and shops., why do you think people waste food in this way, what can be done to reduce the amount of food thrown away, some people think that it is a waste of money for countries to host big sporting events like the world cup, and that the money would be better spent on other things. however, others think that hosting large sporting events has a clear, positive impact on a country., discuss both these views and give your opinion., ielts writing task 2 sample answer: the world cup and olympics, extreme sports such as sky diving and skiing are very dangerous and should be banned., to what extent do you agree or disagree with this view, ielts writing task 2 sample answer: extreme sports, many companies sponsor sports as a way of advertising themselves. some people think this is good for the world of sport, while others think it is a negative., some people think that governments should invest mainly in making public transportation faster while other think there are more important priorities (cost, the environment)., ielts examiner sample answer from cambridge 13: transportation (by dave), some people believe that the best way to increase the road safety is to increase the minimum legal age for driving cars., to what extent do you agree or disagree., ielts examiner sample answer from cambridge 13: traffic and road safety (by dave), more and more people in developing countries are purchasing cars for the first time., what problems does this cause, what do you think are the possible solutions, ielts writing task 2 sample answer: problems with purchasing cars, when cars and cyclists use the same roads, there are often problems., why is this the case, the manufacturing and use of cars damages the environment but their popularity is increasing., how could this be controlled, after graduation many students take a year to travel. some think that it would be more useful to work for a year., many people today are choosing to travel to other countries., is this a positive or negative development, some think that students must travel to another country in order to learn its language and customs., nowadays many people choose to be self-employed, rather than to work for a company or organisation., why might this be the case what could be the disadvantages of being self-employed, ielts writing task 2 sample answer: self-employment (ielts cambridge 14), nowadays, entertainers get paid more than politicians., ielts writing task 2 sample answer essay: entertainers & politicians, the job market today is very competitive and it is best to choose a career or field of study early in order to get a good job later in life., ielts writing task 2 sample answer: changing jobs, some people argue that job satisfaction is more important than job security, while others believe that they cannot always expect job satisfaction and a permanent job is more important., when a person spends most of his or her time working a job with little job satisfaction, their life loses meaning., get my exclusive pdf sample answer for this question on patreon., recommended for you.

Recent IELTS Writing Topics and Questions 2024

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Read here all the newest IELTS questions and topics from 2024 and previous years with sample answers/essays. Be sure to check out my ...

Latest IELTS Writing Task 1 2024 (Graphs, Charts, Maps, Processes)

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These are the most recent/latest IELTS Writing Task 1 Task topics and questions starting in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and continuing into 2024. ...

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thanks for such a great samples. I have a suggestion: If it is appliable, Please make it clear in which category any new essay (you write) fell.

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IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay Topics 2024

Below are essay topics and questions for IELTS Writing Task 2. They comprise of previous topics, common topics and trending topics in the world today. You must prepare all topics fully because ideas for topics are marked in the IELTS writing task 2 test. 

However, you must also review all common topics which are likely to be repeated and repeated most years. Click here: 100 Common Essay Questions.  I’ve also put a link to free model essays and tips at the bottom of the page.

IELTS Essays Topics for 2024

These essay questions may be reworded and the tasks changed (for example an opinion essay changed to a discussion essay). These are guides for your preparation this year. The essay question changes with each test and different questions are used each day.

Advertising

• Some people think that adverts control what we purchase, while others think they are useful sources of information on products. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
• Fast food advertisements can be found on TV and throughout social media which tempts people to eat unhealthy food. Should fast food ads be banned?
• Many adverts target children. What problems does this create? And how can these problems be solved?
• For these essay topics, see my list of essay topics for Housing, Buildings and Urban Planning . The questions are likely to be repeated.
• More companies should employ older people. Do you agree?
• More business meetings are being conducted online rather than person to person. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this trend?
• Some companies use a lot of packaging when selling their products. Why is this? Is it a good thing?
• Some people think that next day delivery services are a good thing, while others think such services are having a negative impact on the environment and so should be stopped. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
• Companies should relocate their factories to rural areas. Is this a good idea?
• Some companies encourage workers to be competitive, while others encourage teamwork. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
• Large supermarkets will be the death of small, local shops. Do you agree?

Crime and Punishment

• (note: frequent topic in IELTS and also a real life case in US of a parent being found guilty of a crime committed by their child this year: read article )
• Do developments in technology make crime easier to detect or do they make people more vulnerable to crime? Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
• Many people who commit crime have a low level of education. Are education courses in prison the best way to reduce crime rates?
• Some people think that teenagers should be given the same punishment for crimes as adults. What is your opinion?
• Some films glorify criminal behaviour which might tempt some people into crime. Do you think such films should be banned?
• Tourism is increasing in many far to reach places around the world. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages of this trend?
• Traditional ways of life are being lost in the modern world. Why is this happening? Do you think it is a positive or negative trend?
• The government should support local artists financially. Do you agree?
• People should adapt how they live to fit into a new country. Do you agree?
• The world would be a better place with only one culture and no cultural misunderstandings. Do you agree?
• Children can benefit from spending more time with their grandparents. Do you agree?
• Parents have a responsibility to help children with their homework, but others believe children should do it on their own. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
• Adult children are choosing to live with their parents longer. Why is this happening. Is it a positive or negative trend?
• Parents should be solely responsible to keep their children safe online. To what extent do you agree?
• For this topic, see my list of essay questions: IELTS Essay Questions for Topic of Food

Note, most of these questions are repeated each year.

• More people are educating themselves with online educational sources. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
• Schools, not parents, should be responsible for teaching children good behaviour. Who should be responsible for teaching children good behaviour? What can be done to promote good behaviour in children?
• Some schools no longer teach children handwriting skills. Do you think this is a positive or negative trend?
• Online education is better than classroom education. Discuss both methods of education and give your opinion.
• University education should be free for all. Do you agree?
• Having a university education is the best way to guarantee a successful career. To what extent do you agree?
• While some parents think homework puts too much pressure on children, others believe it is essential for a child’s educational development. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
• Some people think that children who fail in school will have a limited future. Do you agree?
• Computers and smart phones will be the death of handwriting, grammar and spelling. Do you agree?
• Schools should put more emphasis on sport and exercise, while others believe that schools should focus on science subjects. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
• Some people think tests are better than continual assessment as a way to evaluate school children. What is your opinion?
• Many children and adults enjoy watching historical films and serial dramas. What are the advantages and disadvantages of learning about historical events or characters from such sources?
• Some children are home schooled. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages of home schooling?
• Reading books is essential for a child’s development. Do you agree?

Environment

• Recycling is an important part of protecting the environment. Why is this? How could more people be encouraged to recycle?
• Environmental problems should be tackled internationally, not nationally. Do you agree?
• The government should take full responsibility for environmental issues, but others believe it ought to be the responsibility of individuals. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
• Plant and animal diversity is declining around the world. Why is this happening? Why is this a problem? (this question might also be a cause/solution essay)
• Some people believe the world is getting hotter. What are the causes and possible solutions for global warming?
• The government should encourage people to use electric cars. What are the advantages and disadvantages of electric cars?
• Low-cost airline travel is damaging the environment. Do you agree?
• Obesity is a growing problem around the world. Why is this? What can be done about it?
• Mental health problems are having a greater impact on people. Why is this? What solutions can you suggest?
• Having a good work-life balance is the key to a healthy life. Do you agree?
• To ensure children’s health, schools should provide free nutritious meals. To what extent do you agree?
• For this topic, see previous reported questions as they are likely to be repeated: Language Essay Questions

Life & Lifestyle

• People were happier in previous generations compared to now. To what extent do you agree. Note: This question can also be about stress.
• Some people think that teenagers are happier than adults, but others do not agree. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
• People should donate part of their income to charity. Do you agree?
• Some people like change, while others prefer stability. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
• Some people live in the moment, while others prefer to plan for the future. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
• People living in communities are less socially connected with each other than in the past. Do you agree?
• Fewer people are visiting shops to make their purchases. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this trend?
• People knew how to relax in a healthier way in the past than now. Do you agree?
• People in the past had more hobbies which made their lives interesting compared to people today. Do you agree?
• More and more elderly people are living at home alone with very little social contact. Why is this happening? What can be done to improve the situation?

Media & News

• Some people think national news is more important than international news, while others disagree. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
• More and more people are accessing the news online. Is all online news trustworthy?
• Celebrities are often in the press. Should they have the right to total privacy whenever they want?
• Some people think celebrities are poor roles models for children? Do you agree?
• Social media promotes luxurious lifestyles. Is this a bad thing?
• Social media promotes appearance over character. Do you agree?
• Social media provides a convenient outlet for people to vent their negative feelings about a situation or a person. Do you think this is a positive or negative development?
• More and more people are streaming films and serial dramas online. Is this a positive or negative development?
• Some people think saving money is the most important thing, while others believe it is better to spend money and enjoy life. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
• Spending money on luxury items or special occasions is very expensive. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
• Money management should be taught in schools. Do you agree?
• Schools should be responsible to teach children money management. Do you agree with this?

People & Personality

• For this topic, see the essay questions on this page: People, Personality & Communication
• Note, even though this topic might not appear in the GT test, it could appear in IELTS Speaking Part 3 so everyone should prepare ideas and vocabulary for it.
• In many areas of work, robots are being given more roles. Is this a positive or negative trend?
• Smart phones provide an instant way to video record or photograph someone. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this development?
• People are spending too much time on their smart phones. Why is this? Is it a positive or negative trend?
• Online translations will one day make learning foreign languages obsolete. What is your opinion?
• Some companies rely 100% on technology for calculations and other such functions. What advantages does technology bring to the workplace? Is there a downside to relying too much on technology?

Travel and Tourism

• See this page for essay questions for this topic: Travel and Tourism

World Issues

Note, these topics appear most years in the test.

• The gap between rich and poor countries is expanding. How can it be resolved?
• With the growing gap between rich and poor countries around the world, some people think that rich countries should economically support poorer countries more than they have in the past. Do you agree?
• Homelessness is a problem only the government can tackle. To what extent do you agree?
• More and more people are migrating from rural to urban areas. Why is this? What problems does it create?
• Green spaces should be prioritised in urban areas. Do you agree?
• Overpopulation is an increasing problem in urban areas around the world. What is the main reason for this? What could be done to tackle it?
• Littering is an increasing problem in many countries. What is the reason for this? What measures can be taken to tackle it?
• With a growing population, families should be prepared to take responsibility for their elder family members. To what extent do you agree?
• Companies should employ more old people. What are the advantages and disadvantages of doing this?
• Having a good education is the best way to secure a good job. Do you agree?
• Some people think it is good to socialise with work colleagues, while others believe in maintaining a professional distance. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
• Some companies prefer people to work in the office, while others facilitate their employees to work from home. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
• Being self-employed is becoming more common these days. Is this a positive or negative development?
• Some people think that working fewer days per week actually increases productivity in workers. To what extent do you agree?
• Older people make better managers and company directors than younger people. To what extent do you agree?

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More IELTS Essay Topics, Model Essays & Tips

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Please rate my writing task 1 essay

I asked Chatgpt to rate it and it gave me a band 7. Is this an accurate representation of a band 7 report? Please give me some pointers on how to improve my writing task 1.

Thanks in advance!

The table illustrates the change in modes of transportation in the UK during the years 1985 and 2000.  

Overall, cars were the most popular mode of commuting in both years, while the least popular in 1985 was taxis and in 2000 was bicycle. A noticeable increase in the average distance travelled by each person from 1985 to 2000 was observed. The three modes of transportation that saw a decline were travelling via bicycle, walking and the local bus. Whereas all other modes saw an increase (cars, long distance bus, train, taxi and other).  

The three commuting ways walking (255 miles to 237 miles), bicycling (51 miles to 41 miles) and local bus (429 miles to 274 miles) experienced a decline in the distance covered by each person from 1985 to 2000. Bicycles were also the least preferred mode of transportation in 2000 at 41 miles of average distance travelled.  

The use of cars, long distance buses, trains, taxis and other modes of transportation rose in popularity from the years 1985 to 2000. Distance travelled rose for cars (3199 miles to 4806 miles), long distance buses ( 54 miles to 124 miles), trains (289 miles to 366 miles), taxis ( 13 miles to 42 miles) and other modes (450 miles to 585 miles).

IELTS General Writing Task 1 Topics July & August 2024

Take a look at some of the latest IELTS General task 1 questions that have been seen on recent exams. The letter topics were reported by IELTS student in 2024 . These questions could be repeated from previous months. Keep in mind that the provided questions are not predictions.

Pick one of the topics and improve your writing skills every day. If you can't come up with ideas for a topic just click the "Answers" button and you will see the different ideas.

Write on this topic Answers ···

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IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay: Topics, Samples and Tips to Score Band 9!

Are you aiming for excellence in your IELTS Writing? Do you dream of achieving that elusive band 9 score? Look no further! In this blog, we will embark on a journey of transforming your essay writing skills from good to great. Scoring a band 9 in the IELTS Writing module requires not only a strong command of language but also a deep understanding of the assessment criteria and effective writing strategies.

Whether you're a beginner looking to improve or an experienced test-taker seeking that extra edge, this guide will provide you with valuable insights, practical tips, and real examples to help you unlock the secrets of achieving a band 9 in your IELTS essays. So, let's delve into the world of high-scoring IELTS Writing essays and discover how to take your writing prowess to new heights!

IELTS Writing test syllabus, exam pattern, and duration

Duration: 60 minutes

Writing – Academic

The Academic version of the Writing component consists of two tasks, each addressing topics of broad relevance and suitability for individuals entering undergraduate or postgraduate studies, or those seeking professional registration.

Writing – General Training

The General Training version of the Writing component comprises two tasks that revolve around topics of general interest, designed to assess candidates' ability to communicate effectively in common real-life situations.

IELTS Writing task 2 essay writing – Step-by-step guide for scoring a band 9

Here's a step-by-step guide to the IELTS Writing Task 2 :

Step 1: Understand the task requirements

Carefully read and comprehend the task prompt

Identify the type of essay you are required to write, such as opinion, discussion, or problem-solution

Take note of any specific instructions, word limits, or key points to address

Step 2: Plan and organise your ideas

Spend a few minutes brainstorming and generating ideas related to the task.

Create a clear and coherent outline that includes an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

Organise your ideas logically and decide on the main points for each paragraph.

Step 3: Write an engaging introduction

Begin your essay with a captivating opening sentence that grabs the reader's attention

Provide some background information or context related to the topic

State your thesis or main argument clearly, which will guide the rest of your essay

Step 4: Develop coherent body paragraphs

Commence each body paragraph with a topic sentence that presents the primary concept

Support your ideas with relevant examples, facts, or evidence

Ensure smooth transitions between paragraphs to maintain coherence and flow

Step 5: Showcase language skills and vocabulary

Employ an extensive array of vocabulary and grammatical structures

Demonstrate your ability to express ideas accurately and precisely

Show awareness of cohesive devices, such as linking words and phrases

Step 6: Conclude effectively

Provide a concise summary of the key points addressed in the body paragraphs

Restate your thesis and provide a concise closing statement

Leave the reader with a lasting impression or a thought-provoking question

Step 7: Revise and edit

Allocate time to review your essay for any grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, or typos

Check the coherence and coherence of your ideas and arguments

Make necessary revisions to improve clarity, coherence, and overall quality

Step 8: Practice time management

Allocate the appropriate amount of time for each task (Task 1 and Task 2)

Practice writing essays within the given time limit to build speed and efficiency

Monitor your progress and adjust your writing speed accordingly

Step 9: Seek feedback and continuous improvement

Share your essays with a teacher, tutor, or native English speaker for feedback

Identify areas for improvement and focus on enhancing those skills

Regularly practice writing essays to refine your technique and boost your confidence

By following these step-by-step guidelines and consistently practicing, you can improve your IELTS Writing Task performance and work towards achieving your desired band score. Remember, practice and perseverance are key to success in the IELTS Writing module. Good luck!

IELTS Writing Task 2 sample essays to achieve a band score of 9

Here are a few IELTS essay samples for band 9 that demonstrate a high level of language proficiency and can help you understand how to score a band 9. Please note that these are samples for your reference and should not be copied/used as they are presented below:

IELTS Writing Task 2 essay topic: Advantages and disadvantages of technology in education

Introduction: In recent years, technology has revolutionised the education sector, providing both benefits and drawbacks. This essay will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of incorporating technology into education and argue that the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.

Body Paragraph 1 (Advantages): One major advantage of technology in education is enhanced learning opportunities. With the help of interactive multimedia tools, students can access a vast range of information and resources, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of complex concepts. Additionally, technology promotes student engagement and active learning, as it enables personalised and interactive teaching methods.

Body Paragraph 2 (Disadvantages) : Despite the numerous advantages, there are some disadvantages to using technology in education. Firstly, excessive reliance on technology may lead to a decrease in face-to-face interaction and hinder the development of crucial social skills. Moreover, the availability of inaccurate or biased information on the internet can pose a challenge in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of sources used for academic purposes.

Body Paragraph 3 (Benefits outweigh drawbacks) : However, the benefits of technology in education far outweigh the drawbacks. By incorporating technology, educational institutions can bridge the gap between traditional teaching methods and the digital world, preparing students for future careers that heavily rely on technological literacy. Furthermore, technology can facilitate distance learning, reaching students who are geographically isolated or have limited access to educational resources.

Conclusion: In conclusion, technology has transformed education by offering enhanced learning opportunities and promoting student engagement. While there are some disadvantages associated with technology, the benefits of incorporating it into education outweigh the drawbacks. It is crucial for educators to strike a balance between traditional teaching methods and technology to maximize the potential of both.

IELTS Writing Task 2 essay topic: Effects of global warming on the environment

Introduction : Global warming, caused primarily by human activities, has become a pressing issue with far-reaching consequences for the environment. This essay will explore the effects of global warming on the environment and argue that urgent action is required to mitigate its detrimental impacts.

Body Paragraph 1 (Rise in temperatures) : One of the most significant effects of global warming is the rise in temperatures worldwide. This leads to the melting of polar ice caps and glaciers, resulting in sea-level rise and an increased frequency of extreme weather events such as hurricanes and heat waves. Moreover, higher temperatures disrupt ecosystems, endangering various plant and animal species.

Body Paragraph 2 (Loss of biodiversity) : Global warming poses a significant threat to biodiversity. As temperatures increase, many species struggle to adapt or migrate to more suitable habitats, leading to their decline or extinction. The loss of biodiversity has severe consequences for ecosystem stability, as each species plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance.

Body Paragraph 3 (Environmental degradation) : Another consequence of global warming is environmental degradation. Rising temperatures contribute to the acidification of oceans, damaging coral reefs and marine ecosystems. Additionally, increased carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere lead to oceanic dead zones, negatively impacting marine life. Deforestation, driven by the need for resources and land for agriculture, exacerbates global warming by reducing the Earth's capacity to absorb carbon dioxide.

In conclusion, global warming has profound effects on the environment, including rising temperatures, loss of biodiversity, and environmental degradation. Immediate and concerted efforts are necessary to address this issue, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting sustainable practices, and preserving natural habitats. Only through collective action can we mitigate the impacts of global warming and protect our planet for future generations.

These sample essays showcase the structure, vocabulary, and coherence necessary to achieve a band 9 score. Remember to practice writing within the time constraints of the IELTS test (40 minutes for the writing section).

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