IELTS Writing Task 2 common topics: the complete list to prepare
The recurring IELTS Writing Task 2 topics—education, technology, environment, health, work, crime and more—and how to prepare ideas for each.
By English Grader study guides · AI-assisted educational content · Official sources linked below
The short answer
Task 2 questions repeat a small set of broad topics; prepare two or three flexible ideas for each rather than memorising essays.
The recurring topics
Although exact questions change, the underlying topics are stable. Preparing ideas for these areas covers the large majority of real exam questions.
- Education and learning
- Technology and the internet
- Environment and climate
- Health and lifestyle
- Work and careers
- Crime and punishment
- Media and advertising
- Transport and cities
- Family and society
- Government and global issues
Related guide: Plan any essay in 5 minutes
Prepare ideas, not essays
For each topic, note two arguments for, two against, and one real-world example. Flexible ideas adapt to any question wording; memorised essays usually answer a different question from the one asked.
Environment — flexible idea bank
For: individual actions (recycling, transport choices) add up at scale. Against: only government regulation can change industry behaviour. Example: plastic bag charges reduced usage sharply in several countries.
Rotate topics when you practise
Choose a different topic each session so you build range. The question bank covers all the common areas, and feedback shows whether your ideas are developed enough for a higher band.
Choose a Task 2 question →Put this into practice
Pick a question from the bank across the common topics, write a timed essay, and get feedback on ideas and language.
Guest AI tries are limited to one use per feature per day. Sign in for saved progress. AI feedback and band estimates are practice guidance, not official IELTS results.
Official sources and further reading
Practice examples and study routines are illustrative advice, not official band-scored answers or predictions of exam questions.