Below are IELTS writing task 2 topics reported in the test this month. Which do you think is the most difficult?
October Writing Task 2 Essay Questions
- The advantages of English spreading as a global language will continue to outweigh the disadvantages. To what extent do you agree or disagree.
- The range and quality of food we can buy has changed due to technological and scientific advances. Some people believe the range and quality of food has improved while others consider it may be harmful. Discuss both points of view and give your opinion.
- Do you think the care for elderly relatives should be with family or professional care?. Give your opinion.
- Some people think university education is important for success while others disagree.Discuss both views and give your opinion.
- Nowadays people research their family history, some people say this is useless and we should instead focus on present and future generations. Share your opinion.
- Major countries nowadays face traffic problems. Describe the situation in your country and discuss possible ways to overcome it. (GT test)
- In many countries, people are not taking care of their elderly relatives but seeking help of professionals to look after them. Do you think this is a positive or a negative development ? (GT test)
- It is generally discussed among the public that extreme sports such as sky diving and rock-climbing should be banned. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
To see more essay questions and speaking topics for October, see this page: IELTS Recent Exam Questions. Click, for the main page of writing task 2 tips.
Hi Liz,
I have confusion about a writing task 2, which had come in 28 October 2017. Confusion is that i am not sure the below topic is about advantage and advantage or openion. Could please explain.
Nowadays more and more people buy things that they do not really need. Why do people buy things when they don’t need. What are the negative aspects.
It is considered a direct question which requires an opinion. You need to answer both questions.
Hello Liz,,,
For the topic number 1, Shall I write about advantages and disadvantages in two separate paragraphs or I shall choose advantages or disadvantages and write about it in one or two paragraphs?
This is about explaining which is more important. Do you think the advantages are more important than the disadvantages? In that case, your whole essay explains why you think the advantages are more important than the disadvantages. It is an opinion essay when you explain which is more than the others.
Hello ma’am ,can you use the symbol ‘&’ while writing your essay or is it better the write the word “and” instead.
This is a language test so use words. The only symbols accepted are % or other similar ones such as currency (£, $)
Hi
Thanks for all the help.
You’re welcome 🙂
Mam yesterday I gave my speaking
I speak cue card for 1.20 min is enough but I cover all point and cross question
The examiner is not interested if you cover the points or not. The prompts are guidelines and you decide if you want to use them or not. See this page about length of your talk: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-speaking-tips-length-of-answer/ and also this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-speaking-part-2-will-i-get-a-low-score-if-i-speak-for-less-than-2-mins/
Speaking topic about tall building and cross question related to architecture
Hi Liz !
Thanks for your effort with such informative website .
Would it be possible to analyse this question and if we disagree how the other body paragraph would be ?
In some countries today , parents are able to choose to send their children to single sex schools or co -educational school .some people believe that single sex school has disadvantages later in life .
To what extent do you Agree ?
Thanks
If you disagree, then your whole essay explains why you disagree. You list points why you disagree that single sex school has disadvantages later in life .
Hi Liz,
More power to you.
Hi Liz,
Can I use the following synonyms for respectively in my writing task 1 ( appropriately, consequently, correspondingly and suitably)? Waiting for your immediate response. Thanks and more power.
Minds
No. There is no suitable alternative for task 1.
Hlo mam ,I hear a lot that when academic and general test held on same day then writing and listening is easy as compare to when only when academic hold. Is this true
No, IELTS doesn’t work that way. The tests are all standardised.
hlo mam I want to know that Is writing task 2 same in academic and general
https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-gt-academic-writing-differences/. Also read all pages on this link: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-2/
Hello, Liz !
When will you post topics for November? )
See the recent questions page: http://www.ieltsliz.com/recent-ielts-questions-and-topics
Liz, are writing task1 questions changed according to exam dates such as line graph in january,bar chart in february,table in next month so on.
They are changed each test which means even in one week, there will be different types of task 1.
Today academic topic 29 October
The best way to understand other cultures is to work for a multinational organisation. To what extent do you agree with this statement ?
Thanks for sharing 🙂
Hi Liz my exam is on 26 November, I want to ask that does these essay topics will repeat. Waiting for your reply. Thanks for these topics.
The wording of essay questions is often changed but the topics and issues can be repeated.
Can an essay be partially agreed as well as disagreed at the very moment or not? Plesae, waiting for your genuine suggestion .
You can present a specific opinion which is called a balanced view. It explains your opinion which might balance between sides. However, it’s best to be trained in how to do this correctly.
I got Number 2 question during my test last Oct 22nd. I was happy with what I wrote. I discussed GMOs as an example about new food technology. I was writing my conclusion during the last few remaining minutes and realized I was running out of space to write so I asked for extra paper. As soon as I got the paper I just started writing and didn’t realize I have written on the back. Stupid me. I looked at the time and calculated that I have only enough to write my name and details on the extra paper so instead of re-writing the last part of my conclusion in front of the paper I only managed to write “continuation at the back.” Oh life! I’m afraid I’m going to get penalized for that. 🙁
Hopefully the examiner will understand what has happened. Try not to worry. Lets wait for your results!! 🙂
Ielts 8 october Aberystwyth academic
W2 topic
Nowadays it is more easy and convenient for people to travel different countries . Is this positive or negative development ?
Thanks for sharing 🙂
It’s really useful,driving mind to given topics direction and fetching outstanding idea..would be great for build up thoughtful eassy..
thanks liz…
I am really happy because of your hepful advises, thanks a lot!!!
Thank u dear for ur kind help!****
it is very helpful , thank you Liz, & all my friends….
I will be having my exam on november 5 and i’ve listened to most of the tips you shared via youtube. I think i’ve learnt more from watching than by attending the school.. Thanks Liz, you are helping many students to achieve a high band score…
Good luck! See this page for last minute revision: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-exam-tips-on-the-day/
Liz, it’s me again.
“so, by way of conclusion” Is this suitable for writing task 2 conclusion.Or we can use other appropriate expressions as much as possible instead of it.Because, i commonly use this word structure in many essays.
No, that is informal and not appropriate for an IELTS essay. Just use “In conclusion”.
Hi Liz!
I always face to problems in this type of essay which is asked me “do you agree or disagree” Can I balance both views rather than to support only one side.
Please, send me your opinion! I need your help,since my exam is very approach
You can support one side or present a specific opinion of your own. However, presenting one side is easier.
Hi Liz,
The first question was like this
The advantages of spreading of English as a global language will continue to outweigh the disadvantages.To what extend do you agree or disagree
Thanks. I’ll change it on the page above.
FIRST QUESTION IS NOT LIKE THAT..BECAUSE IT ASK FOR FUTURE,THAT MEANS THE ADVANTAGES OF ENGLISH AS A GLOBAL LANGUAGE WILL BE OUTWEIGH THE DISADVANTAGES,TO WHAT EXTENT DO YOU AGREE OR DISAGREE..IT WAS ASKED ON OCT 22ND,,,I WROTE THIS EXAM.!!
Write the whole essay question, if you can remember it word for word so I can post the correct one.
Thanks
Liz
Hi Liz,
It’s me again Lynn, I have another clarification in your Writing task 2 sample question.
Having a year off before starting university is becoming increasingly common. Do you think this is a positive or negative trend?
I am not sure with my answer because
* maybe this is an advantage or disadvantage essay because of the words( negative or positive trend)?
* Or, Is this a discussion essay one sided opinion? With the structure below.
Introduction- paraphrase
Thesis S- in my opinion ( positive trend/ my answer)
BPI- 3 main and supporting points (positive trend which (I agree)
BP2- 3 main and supporting points of negative trends
Conclusion- I think and paraphrase thesis statement.
Hoping to hear from you again, to clarify my confusion.
Sincerely,
Lynn
The question does not ask you for both the positive AND negative trends. It asks you to choose which one. So, decide and present your opinion. You don’t include anything else but your opinion.
hi liz
how long the essay should be ?
can i get any answers ?
Regards
See this page: https://ieltsliz.com/how-many-words-ielts-writing/
Hi Liz,
I have read the reading samples and listened to all your videos, and last 22nd October 2016 was my IELTS exam . Thank you for your tips. It helps a lot.
Regards,
Ma.Fe
I hope your test went well 🙂
Task-2: The range and quality of food we can buy has been changed due to technological and scientific advances. Some people believe the range and quality of food has improved while other consider it may be a harmful. Discuss both point of you. I had this is my exam Liz. I wrote about food additives and and how machines produce a better quality. Is that an acceptable approach ?
Sure, that’s fine. You can also talk about GM foods as well.
Hi Liz, Can I write all the answers of speaking and reading in CAPITAL letters..?
See this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-help-faq/
Hi Liz,
Good morning 4 days more and it will my exams day( I’m shaking)
There is one example from your website.
While some people think that problem with education in poor countries is the teaching methodology use, other believe it is the lack of resources that is the real issue. DISCUSS BOTH SIDES.
Liz, it didn’t say “GIVE YOUR OPINION”
This is my plan
Introduction- paraphrase,
Thesis S- I’m not going to use
IN MY OPINION.
Thesis S- I’ll write 3 main points about teaching methods, and another 3 main points about lack of resources.
BPI- 3 main points and supporting points about teaching methods.
BP2- 3 main points and supporting points about lack of resources.
Conclusion- I’m not going to use I THINK.
restate/ paraphrase the thesis statement.
*OR should I do the same pattern with the advantages and disadvantages?
Introduction paraphrase
Thesis S (no opinion)but 2 specific points for teaching method and non specific for lack of resources.
Conclusion- (no I think) 1 non specific point about teaching method, and 2 specific point about about lack of resources.
Hoping to hear from you before my exam.
Sincerely,
Lynn
The first plan is the best. Keep your paragraphs logical. If you are asked only for both sides, then one body paragraph for each side. Your thesis and conclusion are also correct. Good luck! You are on the right track! If you need advanced training in writing task 2, see my online store: http://subscriptions.viddler.com/IELTSLizStore
Plz mam send me answer question 1
Hi Liz,
Will you please explain whether giving indent in essay writing is essential?
Best regards!
It is not necessary to indent. It is best to leave one line empty between paragraphs.
I think the first topic seems to be more complicated while the others are easier to reflect on. At least from my point of view. We are all got used to speaking English as an internationally accepted language and there are no advantages or disadvantages of that. The only thing I could say is that English language is believed to be one of the easiest to learn and it’s close to many European languages such as French, German and Latin. Apart from that there’s nothing else I could write about. Thanks for updates and posting latest topics. Regards