Academic Writing Task 2 Topics

In IELTS Academic Writing Task 2, you need to write an academic essay of at least 250 words on a specified topic. Task 2 usually takes 40 minutes, so we suggest keeping it to 350 words or fewer. Longer essays won't earn extra points, but they increase the risk of grammar and vocabulary errors.

Each Academic Writing Task 2 has one topic. You cannot change the topic, even if you aren't familiar with it or dislike it. That means you risk failing the test if you leave the assigned topic. Understanding a topic is the foundation of writing an essay about it. Therefore, you should research, prepare, and practice various topics or questions as much as possible in advance.

In general, an Academic Task 2 essay should have four or five paragraphs, including an introduction, body, and conclusion. Simply listing ideas as bullet points isn't an academic paper. You need to present all content in a proper structure and fluent sentences. Also, to provide evidence or reasons to support your argument, don't forget a reasonable and robust conclusion.

Here is a common guide for writing task 2 structure:

Paragraph 1 Introduction: give the topic, show your primary point

Paragraph 2,3,4 (or 2,3) Body: Main idea, supporting idea, examples

Paragraph 5(or 4) Conclusion: Summarize ideas, restate your essential point

In Academic Writing Task 2, you will receive a brief description of an opinion, an argument, or a problem, and then you will write an essay. We categorized them into four question types, each with a few samples. This is a quick way to get a big picture of academic Task 2 writing.

Samples: Agree Disagree 

Samples: Discussion 

Samples: Cause & Solution 

Samples: Direct Question 

However, when facing a real Task 2 assignment, you cannot assume it involves only one question type. For example, you may have to consider an opinion, weigh the pros and cons of a problem, and then provide a way to solve it.

So, to sharpen Task 2 writing skills, high-score hunters must challenge themselves with complex topics and combined question types.

We collect popular IELTS Writing Task 2 topics and revise them weekly. It is a handy tool for linking essay topics to questions and answers.