Recent IELTS Exam Topics: Writing & Speaking

Essay Questions (August) 🔹 Many parents in these days work in other countries, taking their families with them. Do you think advantages of the development outweigh its disadvantages? 🔹 Older people often choose to spend money on themselves (e.g. on holidays) rather than save money for their children after retirement. Is this a positive or negative development? 🔹 In many parts of the world, children are given more freedom than in the past. Is this a positive or a negative development? 🔹 The increase in the production of consumer goods results in damage to the natural environment. What are the causes of this? What can be done to solve this problem? 🔹 In more and more countries, people choose to give money on special occasions rather than personally giving gifts. Why might this be the case? Is it a positive or negative development? 🔹 Many students find it difficult to concentrate or pay attention at school. What are the reasons of this? What could be done about it? 🔹 In many places of travel such as lakes, mountains and beaches, the environment is polluted because of the rubbish and litters produced by tourists. Why is this? How can we solve the problem? 🔹 Many young people regularly change their jobs over the years. What are the reasons for this? Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?

Essay Questions (August / July) 🔹 Some people think that watching TV programmes can help children’s development, while others disagree. What is your opinion? 🔹 The age at which people have children has risen. Some people believe that because of this, families and countries will suffer some problems. What is your opinion? 🔹 Today, many young people spend too much of their free time at shopping malls. This can be considered negative for young people and society generally. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? 🔹 Young people who commit crimes should be treated the same as adults by the authorities. To what extent do you agree or disagree? 🔹 For many people, the reason they work hard is to earn money. To what extent do you agree or disagree? 🔹 Some people think that governments should invest more in public services instead of wasting money on arts such as music and paintings. To what extent do you agree or disagree? 🔹 Some experts believe that when a country is already rich, any additional increase in economic wealth does not make its citizen more satisfied. To what extent do you agree or disagree? 🔹 Some people think that there should be a complete ban on all forms of advertising. To what extent do you agree or disagree? 🔹 Many employees may work at home the modern technology. Some people claim that it can benefit only workers, not the employers. Do you agree or disagree? 🔹 Some people believe that increasing tax on various industries will reduce pollution whereas others believe that there are better alternative ways. Discuss both views and give your opinion. 🔹 Some people think that the government should organize more facilities for athletes. Others think his money should be spent on sports facilities for ordinary people. Discuss both views and give your opinion. 🔹 Some people think visual images (like photographs and videos) can accurately tell information in a news story. Others believe they are not reliable sources. Discuss both views and give your own opinion. 🔹 Some people think that newspapers are the best way to get news. However, others believe that they can get news better through other media. Discuss both views and give your own opinion. 🔹 Some think that developing a successful career is more important than spending time with family and friends, while others disagree. Discuss both views and give our own opinion. 🔹 In many countries, plastic containers have become more common than ever and are used by many food and drink companies. Do you think the advantages of this development outweighs the disadvantages? 🔹 It is important for people to take risk, both in their professional lives and their personal lives. Do you think the advantages of taking risks outweigh the disadvantages? 🔹 Nowadays it is easy to apply for and be given a credit card. However, some people experience problems when they are not able to pay their debts back. Do the advantages of credit cards outweigh the disadvantages? 🔹Nowadays, a growing number of people with health problems are trying alternative medicines and treatments instead of visiting their usual doctor. Do you think this is a positive or negative development? 🔹 In many countries, people now wear western clothes such as suits and jeans rather than traditional clothing. Why is this the case? Is this a positive or negative development? 🔹 Art is considered an important part of society as well as an expression of its culture. Do you think it is important for children to be taught art? Do you think children should be encouraged to focus on arts rather than other subjects? 🔹 Some children spend hours every day on their smartphones. Why is this the case? Do you think this is a positive or a negative development? 🔹 Nowadays many people are buying fewer new things and more second-hand goods. What are the possible reasons for that? Is it a positive or negative trend?

Essay Questions (July) 🔹Some people believe that the government should take care of old people and provide financial support after they retire. Others say individuals should save during their working years to finance their retirement. What is your opinion? 🔹People should follow the local customs and traditions, when they come to live in a new country. To what extent do you agree or disagree? 🔹Some people think that school children need to learn practical skills such as car maintenance or bank account management along with the academic subjects at school. To what extent do you agree or disagree? 🔹Some people think that teenagers should be required to do unpaid community work in their free time. They believe this would benefit teenagers and the society. What is your opinion? 🔹All fathers should be entitled to time-off from work when their children are born. What is your opinion? 🔹Some people feel that high school students should only learn literature from their own country, while others feel that they should be exposed to literature from around the world. Discuss both views and give your own opinion. 🔹Young people are often influenced in their behaviors and situations by others in the same age. This is called "peer pressure». Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages? 🔹New technologies have changed the way children spend their leisure time. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages? 🔹 In some cities of the world, cars are replacing bicycles. However in some other cities, bicycles are replacing cars. What are the reasons for these two developments? In your opinion, which one is better?

Essay Questions (July) 🔹 Some people think it is a bad idea for parents to give expensive presents for children. What is your opinion? 🔹 Some believe that money for education should mainly be spent on better computers while others believe it would be better spent on teachers. Discuss both views and give your own opinion. 🔹 Some people believe that it is best to do the same type of work throughout your life. Others feel that it is beneficial to change jobs often. Discuss both views and give your opinion. 🔹 Some people think students should read literature in their native language. Others believe they should read foreign literature. Discuss both views and give your opinion. 🔹 More and more people are leaving the countryside to live in cities. Does this development have positive or negative effects on the environment? 🔹 With growing population in cities, more and more people live in a home with small or no outdoor areas. Is it a positive or negative development? 🔹 In some cities, people are choosing cars instead of bicycles, while in other cities riding bikes are replacing cars. Why is the case? Which development do you think is better?

Essay Questions (July) 🔹 Nowadays a lot of importance is given to the dress and appearance of celebrities, however, some people feel it is completely unnecessary. What is your opinion? 🔹 Some people claim that public museums and art galleries will not be needed because people can see historical objects and works of arts by using a computer. Do you agree or disagree with this opinion? 🔹 People living in the 21st century have a better life quality than people who lived in previous times. To what extent do you agree or disagree? 🔹 Young people committing crimes should be treated the same as adults by the authorities. To what extent do you agree or disagree? 🔹 Some people think that to be successful in sport, physical strength is the most important factor. Others, however, think that it is more important to be mentally strong. Discuss both views and give your opinion. 🔹 Some people think the Olympic Games are exciting and can bring nations together. Others, however, think that it is a waste of money. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion. 🔹 In many parts of the world, people now often throw things away when they are broken and buy new ones, whereas in the past broken things were repaired and used again. Why do you think this is the case? What problems may it lead to?

Essay Questions (July) 🔹 Many people argue that museums and art galleries should present the nation’s art, as opposed to artworks from other countries. To what extent do you agree or disagree? 🔹 Shops should not be allowed to sell any food or drinks that have been scientifically proven to be bad for people’s health. To what extent do you agree or disagree? 🔹 Although it is generally illegal, physical punishment continues in many countries. Some argue that parents should have the right to punish their children in this way. Do you agree or disagree? 🔹 Nowadays in many countries women have jobs. Therefore, it is logical to share household chores equally between men and women. To what extent do you agree or disagree? 🔹 In an era of globalization, some people think that studying abroad is the best way to attain a well-paid job while others believe other options are better. Discuss both views and give your own opinion. 🔹 Some scientists think that there are intelligent life forms on other planet and messages should be sent to contact them. Others believe that this is a bad idea and could be dangerous. Discuss both views and give your own opinion. 🔹 Some people say that industrial growth is necessary to solve poverty. Other people argue that it is creating environmental problems and should be combated. Discuss both views and give your own opinion. 🔹 Some people believe that visitors of other countries should follow the local customs and behaviour. Other disagree and think that the host country should welcome the cultural differences. Discuss both views and give your own opinion. 🔹 Some people say cultural traditions are destroyed when they are used as money-making attractions aimed at tourists. Others say this is the only way to save such traditions. Discuss both views and give your opinion. 🔹 Some people think that hosting sporting events is beneficial that country. Others believe that there are many disadvantages to the host country. Discuss both views and give your opinion. 🔹 The increasing demand for oil and gas has made it necessary to look for these energy sources in remote and untouched natural places. Do you think the advantages of locating oil and gas in these areas outweigh the disadvantages of damaging these places? 🔹 In some countries, more and more adults are continuing to live with their parents even after they have completed education and found jobs. Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages? 🔹 In most countries fast food is becoming cheaper and available. Do the advantages in this development outweigh the disadvantages? 🔹 Governments in many countries are replacing old buildings such as art galleries and town halls with new ones. Is this a positive or a negative development? 🔹 In the future, there will be a higher proportion of older people than young people in many countries. Is this a positive or negative development? 🔹 Competitiveness is a positive quality for people in most societies. How does competitiveness affect individuals? Is it a positive or negative trend? 🔹 In some countries, only a few young people go to classical music concerts or plays and performances in theater. Why? Should young people be encouraged to attend more classical music plays and performances?

Essay Questions (June) 🔹 In the future, it seems that it will be more difficult to live on the Earth. Some believe that more money should be spent on exploring other planets to live on, such as Mars. To what extent do you agree or disagree? 🔹 Some people think that studying literature from the past is a waste of time for high school students. To what extent do you agree or disagree? 🔹 Full-time university students spend a lot of time studying. Some say they should be involved in other activities as well. What extent do you agree or disagree? 🔹 The best way to make the road transport of goods safer is to ask drivers to take a driving test each year. To what extent do you agree or disagree? 🔹 Doctors should be responsible for educating their patients about how to improve their health. To what extent do you agree or disagree? 🔹 Planting trees is very important for the environment. Some people say trees should be planted in the vacant areas of city and towns, while others say housing facilities should be built instead. Do you agree or disagree? 🔹 Some people say that university education is the best way to achieve success in life, while others believe it is no longer true. Discuss both views and give your opinion. 🔹 Some people believe that to be successful at a sport, you need natural ability, ‎and others think that hard work and practice can make you successful. Discuss ‎both views, and give your opinion 🔹 Some people feel that governments should take a large proportion of people’s salaries to pay for necessary public services such as roads and schools. Others feel that high taxes are a bad thing. Discuss both views and give your own opinion. 🔹 Some people think the government should establish free libraries in each town. Others believe that it is a waste of money since people can access the Internet to obtain information. Discuss both views and give your own opinion. 🔹 Some people believe that young people should follow the traditions of their society. Others think they should be free to behave as individuals. Discuss both views and give your opinion. 🔹 In many workplaces, online communication is now more common than face-to-face meetings. Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages? 🔹 Many shopping malls have been built in different countries all over the world. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this for the local people? 🔹 Many young people say that mobile phones are the most important object that they own. Does the popularity of mobile phones among young people have more advantages or disadvantages? 🔹 Competitiveness is considered a good quality in most societies nowadays. How does it affect individuals? Do you think this is a positive or a negative development? 🔹 Human activities over the period of time have increased global warming. What are the primary causes? What solutions can you suggest? 🔹 Not all drivers obey driving regulations. What are the reasons for this? What can be done to resolve this problem? 🔹 Some businesses find that their new employees lack basic interpersonal skills such as cooperation. What are the reasons for this? What can be done to resolve this problem? 🔹 Some believe that economic progress is the only way to measure a country's success, while others believe that there are other factors. What are these factors? Which factor do you consider to be the most important?