Writing Task 2

This essay topic was seen in a recent IELTS test in the UAE. These days, many people like to watch live performances (such as shows or concerts) at home, either on TV or on a computer, instead of attending in-person. Do the advantages of this trend outweigh its disadvantages? Sample Band 8 Essay More and more people are choosing to watch live performances from the comfort of their own homes for a variety of reasons. Cost, convenience and safety make this an attractive option and I, personally, am not immune to its appeal; however, there are drawbacks as well, and the question of whether they outweigh the advantages remains. The primary advantage of watching live performances at home is that it allows people to enjoy these events without having to leave the house. This is why those who are unable… Read More »IELTS essay, topic: Many people like to watch live performances at home instead of attending in-person (advantages/disadvantages)

This essay topic was seen in a recent IELTS test in Thailand. Schools should teach subjects that are needed for academic success and to pass examinations. Practical life skills such as cookery, dressmaking, and wood crafting should be taught at home, by family and friends. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Sample Band 8 Essay Whether schools should focus their curricula on academic success and passing examinations, or teach practical life skills such as cookery, dressmaking and wood crafting is a highly debatable topic. While some people may believe that these hands-on experiences are better learnt at home with the help of family and friends, I firmly disagree, as it seems to me that schools ought to provide students with both sets of knowledge in order for them to succeed academically and practically throughout their lives. Practical life… Read More »IELTS essay, topic: Schools should only teach academic subjects, not practical life skills (agree/disagree)

This essay topic was seen in a recent IELTS test in Iran and Pakistan. Some people think that visiting museums and art galleries is the best way to learn about art, while others believe that there are better ways of doing that. Discuss both views and give your opinion. Sample Band 8 Essay For years, people have been debating the question of whether visiting museums and art galleries is the most beneficial way to learn about art, or whether it should be taught in a conventional way. Each approach offers its own unique benefits and compelling arguments, making the choice harder. Those who believe that visiting museums and art galleries is the optimal way to learn about art, often point out the advantages of being able to see pieces up close and be immersed in a museum’s collection, which can… Read More »IELTS essay, topic: Visiting museums and art galleries is the best way to learn about art (discuss + opinion)

This essay topic was seen in a recent IELTS test in Pakistan. In some countries, people these days spend very little time with their children. What are the causes of this? Whom does this affect more, parents or children? Sample Band 8 Essay In recent years, many countries have seen a stark decrease in the time that parents spend with their children. It is clear that this issue impacts both parents and children negatively, however, it is ultimately the latter who will face long-term repercussions. This necessitates immediate steps to bring the quality of parent-child relationships back up to an acceptable level. First and foremost, it is worth exploring why this trend has developed in the recent years. In many cases, it is a result of longer working hours for parents. In an effort to provide for their families financially… Read More »IELTS essay, topic: People these days spend very little time with their children (reasons and solutions)

This essay topic was seen in a recent IELTS test in Nigeria. Some people believe that the government should be responsible for transporting students to school, while others believe that parents should bring their children to school. Discuss both views and give your opinion. Sample Band 8 Essay Some people believe that school transport should be handled by the government, while others think that this responsibility falls squarely on parents’ shoulders. As with any debatable issue, each argument carries merit and there are several factors to be considered, to reach a sensible conclusion. If the government were to organise student transportation, it would prove to be a cost-effective and safe solution. This could reduce stress on family budgets by providing an essential service at no cost and free up valuable resources which then could be spent elsewhere in the home.… Read More »IELTS essay, topic: Who should transport students to school, parents or government? (discuss + opinion)

This essay topic was seen in a recent IELTS test in India. Some people think that teachers require training to become good at their profession. Others believe that a good teacher has all the necessary qualities and does not need any training. Discuss both views and give your opinion. Sample Band 8 Essay Some people believe that acquiring the skills necessary to become a good teacher should involve formal training, while others contend that teachers possess certain inherent qualities and no additional education is required. As training is something most professions require, it is only reasonable to assume that teaching is no different; at the same time many of us have met teachers who were great at what they do because of their personality. In my opinion, being a good teacher is impossible without some training, however, suitable character traits… Read More »IELTS essay, topic: Teachers require training to become good at their profession (discuss + opinion)

This essay topic was seen in a recent IELTS test in Bangladesh. The cost of public transport has been rapidly rising over the past decade. What are the reasons for this? What are some possible solutions? Sample Band 8 Essay The cost of public transport has seen a steep increase in recent times. This has made life increasingly difficult for many city dwellers, as the cost of daily travel can easily consume a large portion of one’s income. In my opinion, inflation and sub-optimal government regulations play a major role in this issue. Inflation is perhaps the most obvious culprit, since it is responsible for the increasing prices of almost every type of goods and services, including public transport. This could be a flow-on effect of rising energy prices and the increase in running costs of a public transport system.… Read More »IELTS essay, topic: The cost of public transport has been rapidly rising (reasons and solutions)

This essay topic was seen in a recent IELTS test in Ghana. In the recent decades wildlife populations and plant species have suffered a global decline. What are the reasons for this? What are some possible solutions? Sample Band 8 Essay Lately, wildlife populations and plant species have experienced a rapid and alarming global reduction in numbers. This has been caused by a multitude of factors and has led to an unprecedented loss of biodiversity. In my opinion, habitat destruction is one of the leading causes of wildlife population decline. Whenever an area is cleared by humans for development, whether for commercial or residential purposes, the wildlife and plants that used to live there are forced out and often cannot find other suitable habitats or sources of food to survive. Climate change also plays a major role in the plight… Read More »IELTS essay, topic: Recently wildlife populations and plant species have suffered a global decline (reasons and solutions)

This essay topic was seen in a recent IELTS test in Oman, Iran and Sri Lanka Some people think that educational qualifications are important to success in life. Others believe that this is not the only way to become successful. Discuss both views and give your opinion. Sample Band 8 Essay Although excellent educational qualifications are considered crucial on the road to success by some people, others believe that it is not the only deciding factor. It seems to me that both points of view are valid and should be given equal weight when trying to achieve success in life. Those in favour of the opinion that a university education is essential to achieve success argue that having a good education will help an individual gain knowledge, develop skills and learn how to think critically, which can be used to… Read More »IELTS essay, topic: Educational qualifications are important to success in life (discuss + opinion)

This essay topic was seen in a recent IELTS test in Canada It has been suggested that primary school children should be taught how to grow vegetables and keep animals. To what extent the advantages of this suggestion outweigh its disadvantages? Sample Band 8 Essay There have been many suggestions that life skills like learning how to cultivate vegetables and care for animals should be introduced as part of the primary schools’ curriculum. In my opinion, the benefits of implementing this idea far outweigh its negatives, since children will develop the ability to take care of themselves even under the worst of circumstances, if they are armed with these valuable skills. Those putting an emphasis on academic achievements could say that it would be too time-consuming to teach students about animals and plants, and they would be better off using… Read More »IELTS essay, topic: Primary school children should be taught how to grow vegetables and keep animals (advantages/disadvantages)