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

1. The advantages of English spreading as a global language will continue to outweigh the disadvantages. To what extent do you agree or disagree.
2. 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.
3. Do you think the care for elderly relatives should be with family or professional care?. Give your opinion.
4. Some people think university education is important for success while others disagree.Discuss both views and give your opinion.
5. 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.
6. Major countries nowadays face traffic problems. Describe the situation in your country and discuss possible ways to overcome it. (GT test)
7. 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)
8. 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.

A background statement is the first sentence of an IELTS essay. It is written to introduce the essay question by paraphrasing it. Below you will find an IELTS writing task 2 essay question with model background statements. Also watch the video lesson below to learn how to write an introduction properly.

Essay Question

GOVERNMENTS SHOULD NOT INVEST IN ARTS SUCH AS MUSIC AND THEATER. GOVERNMENTS MUST INVEST MORE IN PUBLIC SERVICES.
TO WHAT EXTENT DO YOU AGREE?

It is considered by many that government should spend more funds on public welfare rather than investing in art, for instance,music and theatre.

Model Background Statement

Some people think that the government should spend more money on public services instead of using their budget to support the arts, for instance theater and music.

Full introduction

One Sided Approach

Some people think that the government should spend more money on public services instead of using their budget to support the arts, for instance theater and music. In my opinion, I fully agree that money should be spent on public transport and the health system as it is a waste of resources to fund the arts. (56 words)

Balanced Approach

Some people think that the government should spend more money on public services instead of using their budget to support the arts, for instance theater and music. In my opinion, although more investment is needed in public transportation and the health system, the arts play an important role in society and should not be ignored. (55 words)

How to write an Introduction for IELTS Essays

Watch this video to learn how to write both a background statement and a thesis statement for an IELTS opinion essay.

Main IELTS Pages

Develop your IELTS skills with tips, lessons, free videos and more.

• IELTS Listening
• IELTS Reading
• IELTS Writing Task 1
• IELTS Writing Task 2
• IELTS Speaking
• Vocabulary for IELTS

Many students ask me if they should indent the first sentence in a paragraph for IELTS writing task 1 and task 2. Let me explain …

In the old days, before the days when most people used computers, it was common to leave a space at the start of each paragraph. This helped the reader to know which sentence is part of a new paragraph and which is not. Nowadays, however, we don’t use this practice.

Currently, when writing by hand or typing on computers, you should leave one line empty between each paragraph rather than indenting. So, when you write your IELTS essays or your writing task 1, just start your sentences at the beginning of the line and when you have a new paragraph, miss one line.

Leaving one empty line between paragraphs is the easiest way for examiners to see your paragraphs. If the examiner can’t see your paragraphs, you will get a lower score because 25% of your marks (Coherence & Cohesion) relates to the use of paragraphs.

Can I indent and leave a line between paragraphs?

It is not necessary to indent. Just aim to leave one line empty between the paragraphs without an indentation. This isn’t a rule, it’s a recommendation. Leaving one line empty between paragraphs makes them very easy for the examiner to see and avoids problems with misunderstanding.

Will I lose marks if I indent my paragraphs?

No. It’s not wrong to indent but it’s better to leave one line empty instead. The key is making your paragraphs very clear for the examiner to recognise and having one empty line is much clearer.

Do I need paragraphs?

Yes, you need paragraphs. The examiner will be marking you on your use of paragraphs as part of the marking criterion of Coherence and Cohesion which counts for 25% of your marks. Your score will be reduced if you don’t use paragraphs or could be reduced if the examiner can’t see them easily.

Main IELTS Pages

Develop your IELTS skills with tips, lessons, free videos and more.

• IELTS Listening
• IELTS Reading
• IELTS Writing Task 1
• IELTS Writing Task 2
• IELTS Speaking
• Vocabulary for IELTS

Here are some IELTS writing task 1 and task 2 questions for July 2016. These questions and topics have been reported by students who have recently taken the IELTS test. You can follow Recent IELTS Exam Questions by clicking on the link.

Writing task 2 Questions July 2016

1. Many people regard films as a less important form of art than literature and painting. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

2. Studies have shown that children are spending more time watching television and less time doing active or creative activities. Explain why this is the case. Suggest possible measures that can encourage children to participate in active or creative activities.

3. The responsibility to prevent and reduce global environmental damage is for politicians rather than individuals. How far do you agree or disagree?

4. Some believe children should have activities organised for them during their free time, whereas others think children ought to plan their own free time. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.

Writing Task 1 Question July 2016

1. A table giving information about the number of students in 6 departments (Maths, English History, Modern Languages, Chemistry and Physics) in an Australian University in 2009.

2. A line graph showing the difference in incomes between men and women from 1978 to 2008.

3. A table giving information about the weekly expenses of retired single people and couples in terms of housing transportation, clothing, food etc.

4. A line graph and table: a line graph about the min and max temperature over a year, and a table about the amount of rainfall (cm) and sunshine (h/day) in every month. Both relate to Glasgow.

Writing task 2 questions cane be both academic & GT. But the writing task 1 GT is not the same. GT candidates get a letter only for task 1.