Popular IELTS Essay Writing Topics

Being able to know what topics are covered in an exam is an advantage to any test taker.  If you know what topics are to be covered, you will be able to focus more in studying and it will save time as well. In taking an English proficiency examination such as the IELTS or the International English Language Testing System examination, knowing what topics are included will make reviewing easier.

The IELTS writing test is different in both Academic and General Training module. In the Academic module, candidates are given a data, graph or even a chart which the candidate has to describe in the first task. On the other hand, the first task in the General Training module requires a candidate to write a correspondence based on a given situation. The second tasks for both modules are just the same in nature – independent writing.

Here are some topics and questions that are popular in the IELTS essay writing.

1. The chart below shows the amount of leisure time enjoyed by men and women of different employment status. Write a report for a university lecturer describing the information shown below.

2. Chorley is a village near London whose population has increased steadily since the middle of nineteenth century. The map below shows the development of the village.

Write a report for a university lecturer describing the development of the village. 

3. The chart below shows the amount of money per week spent on fast foods in Britain. The graph shows the trends in consumption of fast foods. Write a report for a university lecturer describing the information shown below.

4. You have had a bank account for a few years. Recently you received a letter from the bank stating that your account is $240 overdrawn and that you will be charged $70 which will be taken directly from your account. You know that this information is incorrect.

Write a letter to the bank. Explain what has happened and say what you would like them to do about it.

5. You borrowed some books from your school or college library. Unfortunately you have to go away to visit a sick relative and cannot return the books in time. Write a letter to the library. Explain what has happened and tell them what you want to do about it.

6. Some governments say how many children a family can have in their country. They may control the number of children someone has through taxes. It is sometimes necessary and right for a government to control the population in this way. Do you agree or disagree?

 7. We are becoming increasingly dependent on computers. They are used in business, hospitals, crime detection and even to fly planes. What things will they be used in the future? Is this dependence on computers a good thing or should we be more suspicious of their benefits?

8. Do you agree or disagree with the following statements?

The idea of having a single career is becoming an old fashioned one. The new fashion mil be to have several careers or ways of earning money and further education will be something that continues throughout life.

9.  News editor decide what to broadcast on television and what to print in newspapers. What factors do you think influence these decisions? Do we become used to bad news? Would it be better if more good news was reported?

10. Should wealthy nations be required to share their wealth among poorer nations by providing such things as food and education? Or is it the responsibility of the governments of poorer nations to look after their citizens themselves?

Source: Cambridge Practice Test for the IELTS

Now, let us look at a sample response for the IELTS writing task 2.

Question:

Using a computer every day can have more negative than positive effects on children. Do you agree or disagree?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
In today's modern world, computers are an essential part of everyday life. Around the globe, children often use computers from a very young age. Although it is important for children to participate in various well-balanced activities, in my opinion, children who use the computer daily are actually developing a critical skill for future success. The bases for my views are personal, academic, and professional.

From a personal point of view, computers are an invaluable resource to help young people explore the world around them. For example, children who use Internet to satisfy their curiosity about diverse topics are already becoming independent learners. No child with a computer is ever bored! By starting early in their lives, children feel totally at ease around computers; they are also able to take advantage of the wide range of services computers provide.

From an academic viewpoint, children have no choice but to master this technological invention. For instance, when I was in university, students brought their laptops to class to take notes, do research and exchange information. They wrote assignments, created presentations and developed databases. Children who build early confidence and experience in these abilities are at a distinct advantage over those who have not.

From a professional perspective, the computer has found a permanent place in the workplace. Today, employers still pay to provide computer training to their employees. Tomorrow, corporations will expect prospective job applicants to already possess these critical job skills. Consequently, parents who encourage their child to use the computer for a reasonable period of time daily are in fact investing in the child's future career.

In conclusion, there is no doubt that the computer as a technological tool is here to stay. The sooner children become computer-literate, the better for many aspects of their future lives.

Source: http://www.goodluckielts.com/IELTS-sample-essay.html

Most of the time, questions in the IELTS writing cover the topics about government, education, health, modern society, family, gender-related issues, employment, the environment, technology and social issues. Start scribbling down your notes on the given topics and have someone check and rate your writing. Through this, you will be able to learn your strengths and weaknesses in writing essays. 

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