Ultimate 50+ IELTS Essay Topics of 2024!

One of the biggest challenges you may be facing while preparing for the IELTS writing section is the unpredictability of IELTS essay topics in task 2.  This often leads to ineffective study strategies, anxiety, and lower band scores. But with practice and by following proper strategies to answer the question you can overcome your fears!

In 2024, with emerging trends in global issues, technology, and education, there may be a probability of topics appearing from the same theme. Therefore it is very important to practice such IELTS essay topics to significantly enhance your preparation and confidence.

In this blog, we will guide you through the different types and themes of writing task 2.

Popular IELTS Essay Topics Type for 2024

In IELTS writing task 2, you must complete a 250-word essay in 40 minutes, and the section carries 66% weightage. You must respond to a problem, a point of view, or an argument in this task with a curated response. 

IELTS writing tasks are usually of 5 types: Opinion, Discussion, Solution, Advantage or Disadvantage and Direct essays. 

A detailed explanation of each IELTS essay topics type is given below: 

1. Opinion Essays 

To answer this type of question, start by clearly stating your position in the introduction. Support your opinion with two or three main reasons in the body paragraphs, using examples to reinforce your argument. Ensure your stance remains consistent throughout and conclude by restating your opinion. Use a clear structure and cohesive language to present your ideas logically.

Sample Questions for opinion essays are:

• Crime novels and TV series have become quite popular in recent years. What is your opinion about these crime dramas?
• Developing nations often require international assistance. Many believe that this assistance should be monetary, while some think practical help and advice would be more beneficial. Discuss both these views along with your opinion.
• Many consider automobiles to be the biggest source of pollution in urban areas, while some believe industries are responsible for it. Explain both views and provide your opinion.
• Many people believe individuals involved with creative arts should be financially supported by the government. Some others believe they should find separate resources. Discuss each of the views and give your opinion.
• Some believe success in life comes from hard work, dedication, and motivation. While many believe success depends on other important factors like money and appearance. Discuss both views and provide your opinion. 
• Many think that governments should fund programs in search of life on other planets. However, others believe governments should focus on unresolved issues on the planet. Provide your opinion and discuss both views.

You can also check out this detailed guide on Opinion Essays to learn the appropriate structure for maximum scores!

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2. Discussion Essays

In the case of discussion essays, you need to put forward an explanation for or against any given topic. Such essays are the most common to appear in the IELTS exam. 

Sample Questions for the discussion essay are:

• Many believe living in big cities comes with more advantages than residing in the countryside. Do you agree or disagree with this?
• The shopping habits of people depend more on their age group than on any other factors. Do you agree or disagree with this? 
• More and more children and minors are becoming overweight in developed nations. This is a major problem for most wealthy countries. Explain the causes and impacts of this issue.
• The internet is a great invention that brings a host of advantages for the world population. However, there are several issues in terms of security and control of personal data. Do you agree or disagree with this?
• Advertising prevents originality in people and makes them look the same and do the same. Do you agree or disagree with this?
• Parents today often tend to organise extra classes on weekends or even after school. Do you believe this is at all useful? Or do you think the education provided in school is sufficient?
• Some people believe that capital punishment should be done away with. Do you agree or disagree with this?

We have covered valuable tips & tricks to attempt Discussion Essays that can come in handy in your exam.

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3. Problem/Solution Essays

For solution essays, you will have to provide a solution to a particular issue. At times, questions might be provided as to why a specific issue has occurred, and candidates have to provide their opinion on the answer.

Sample Questions: 

• The massive movement of people from agricultural areas to cities in search of employment can lead to serious problems in both places. What are the problems, and how can these be solved? 
• The gap between rich and poor is widening in many countries. What problems does this cause, and how can they be addressed?
• Many people today struggle with maintaining a work-life balance. What are the main causes of this issue, and what can be done to resolve it?
• Traffic congestion is becoming a major problem in many cities around the world. What are the main causes of this, and what solutions can you suggest to tackle this issue?

Check out our sample question and answer on Solution Essays for a more thorough explanation.

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4. Advantage or Disadvantage Essays

In this type of essay, students have to write about a particular topic’s positive and negative sides. Such essays test your argument construction skills and how well you can use English to communicate your views as clearly and coherently as possible. 

Sample Questions for advantage or disadvantage essay are:

• International tourism has greatly benefited many places. However, there have been major concerns about its impact on the local environment and inhabitants. Do the negative impacts of international tourism outweigh the benefits?
• Some countries have recently passed laws to restrict the daily working hours of employees. Explain whether this will have a positive or negative impact.
• More and more people today are visiting extreme places such as Antarctica or the Sahara desert. What are the advantages or disadvantages of such travels?
• Social media is gradually replacing in-person face-to-face contact with many people worldwide. Do the benefits of social media outweigh the disadvantages? 
• Most teenagers today own a smartphone. Provide your opinion to discuss the advantages and disadvantages.

Use the sample questions from the Advantage/Disadvantage Essay type to practise your writing skills.

5. Direct Question Essays

For this type of essay, the topics will be provided as direct questions, which students have to answer based on their experiences and thoughts.

Sample Questions for direct question essay are: 

• Shopping used to be a routine domestic task in the past. However, today, it has become more of a hobby. Is this a positive trend?

You can get more information on these rare essay-type questions on our Direct question essay structure blog.

Top IELTS Essay Topics Based on Specific Themes for 2024

One of the most effective ways to prepare for answering IELTS essays topics in the writing section is to practise questions from different themes such as environment, technology and culture. 

Below are some of the top emerging topics for writing task 2 and explain how it should be attempted:

1. Technology and Society

Focus on evaluating both the positive and negative impacts of technology. Structure your argument by balancing innovation’s benefits with its societal consequences, and offer a solution or stance on future implications.

Sample Topics:

• Some people believe that artificial intelligence will eventually replace most jobs. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• The increasing use of social media makes people less social in real life. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
• With the rise of automation in industries, should governments ensure employment for all citizens?

Click here for the Social Media, Government and Society  essay sample and answers for practice.

2. Environment and Climate Change

Address the causes and effects of environmental issues, ensuring your essay emphasises responsibility on both individual and governmental levels. Provide practical solutions or explore policies aimed at sustainability.

Sample Topics:

• Climate change is the biggest threat facing humanity today. What are the causes of climate change, and what solutions can governments and individuals implement?
• Some people think that renewable energy sources should replace traditional fossil fuels. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this approach.
• Protecting endangered species is a waste of resources. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Click here for the Environmental Crisis, Global Warming and Sustainable Energy essay sample and answers for practice.

3. Education and Learning

Compare traditional and modern educational methods, focusing on how each system benefits or limits students. Always link your argument to broader societal needs, such as employability or global competitiveness.

Sample Topics:

• In some countries, online learning is replacing traditional classroom education. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this trend?
• Many people believe that academic qualifications are more important than practical skills. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
• Some people argue that schools should focus on teaching practical skills rather than theoretical knowledge. Do you agree or disagree?

4. Health and Well-being

Explore the relationship between lifestyle choices and health outcomes. Present a balanced discussion on prevention versus treatment, or debate personal responsibility versus governmental support in healthcare.

Sample Topics:

• The modern diet is contributing to the rise of lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and obesity. What are the causes, and how can these diseases be prevented?
• Mental health issues are becoming increasingly common in today’s society. What are the causes, and what measures can be taken to address them?
• Governments should provide free healthcare for all citizens, regardless of income. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

5. Globalisation and Culture

Analyse how globalisation influences cultural diversity, identity, or economic growth. Structure your essay by evaluating both cultural exchange and preservation, and present a viewpoint on its future trajectory.

Sample Topics:

• The global spread of Western culture is leading to the loss of traditional values. Do you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
• With globalisation, people are increasingly adopting a universal culture. Is this a positive or negative development?
• Some argue that globalisation is increasing inequality between rich and poor nations. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

6. Work and Employment

Discuss changes in the workforce, such as remote working or automation, by weighing its impact on productivity and work-life balance. Present strategies or policies to adapt to these shifts in employment practices.

Sample Topics:

• Remote working is becoming increasingly popular. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this trend for employees and employers?
• Many people believe that career advancement is dependent on lifelong learning. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
• Some people believe that job satisfaction is more important than salary. Do you agree or disagree?

7. Social Issues and Equality

Focus on exploring the root causes of social inequalities and propose practical solutions. Highlight the role of governments, communities, or international bodies in promoting equality and justice.

Sample Topics:

• Gender equality has not yet been achieved in many parts of the world. What are the causes, and how can they be addressed?
• Wealthy countries should be required to share their resources with poorer nations. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
• Social media platforms should take more responsibility in regulating the content shared on their networks. Do you agree or disagree?

Till now we must have understood the types of the question you might see in the paper and have practised different questions from various themes. Therefore, it is important to understand how to answer the question effectively by following some crucial tips.

To Sum Up

To excel in IELTS Writing Task 2, it’s essential to understand the IELTS Essay Topics, plan effectively, and maintain a clear structure while staying on-topic. Focus on developing your ideas fully with appropriate examples, use varied vocabulary, and ensure your essay is cohesive with linking words.

Managing your time efficiently and addressing all parts of the question are key strategies, along with practising under exam conditions. For more detailed guidance, check out our full blog on IELTS Writing Task 2 tips. If you’re still not confident about writing task 2 and you want one-to-one guidance then attend the IELTS masterclass today and speak to our counsellors!

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