IELTS Writing · Task 2
IELTS Writing Task 2: opinion essay
A statement followed by: To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- 8 practice questions
- 40 minutes · 250 words
What the examiner looks for
- The position is stated in the introduction and held to the end.
- Agreeing in part is a position too, as long as the essay says which part and why.
- The essay is at least 250 words, and Task 2 counts twice as much as Task 1 towards the Writing band.
Opinion essay questions to practise
1. EducationAcademic test: Daily news
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Some people think that schools should teach children how to manage their money, because it is a skill they will need throughout their lives.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
2. CultureAcademic test: The salmon's year
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Some people think that museums and art galleries should be free for everyone to enter.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
3. AnimalsAcademic test: The town library
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Some people believe that keeping animals in zoos is cruel and that all zoos should therefore be closed.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
4. MediaAcademic test: Arrivals
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Some people believe that advertising aimed at young children should be banned.
Do you agree or disagree?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
5. ScienceAcademic test: Carbon per person
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Some people think that governments should spend money on exploring space, while others believe that this money would be better spent solving problems here on Earth.
To what extent do you agree that space exploration is a waste of public money?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
6. FamilyAcademic test: Museum visitors
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Some people believe that it is better for children to grow up in the countryside than in a big city.
Do you agree or disagree?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
7. EnvironmentAcademic test: Glass recycling
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
It is sometimes said that governments spend too much money on protecting wildlife, while other problems facing people are more important.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
8. WorkGeneral Training test: The rented flat
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Some people believe that companies should provide sports and exercise facilities for their employees.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.