IELTS Writing Task 2 Questions 2026: Complete Collection with Band 9 Sample Answers
Complete collection of real 2026 IELTS Writing Task 2 questions organized by month. Each question includes a Band 9 sample essay, examiner notes, difficulty rating, and key vocabulary. Updated monthly with new questions from actual exams.
Sarah Chen
Senior IELTS Instructor & Examiner Trained
If you are preparing for IELTS in 2026, you need to know what questions are actually appearing in the exam. Not guesswork, not recycled questions from 2019. Real questions from real 2026 test sessions worldwide.
This page contains every IELTS Writing Task 2 question reported in 2026, organized by month. Each question includes a Band 9 sample essay with examiner notes explaining exactly why it scores Band 9, a difficulty rating, and the key vocabulary from the essay.
Updated at the start of each month. Last updated: July 2026.
How to use this page: Pick a month, read the questions, study the sample essays, then practice writing your own answer. Our AI writing tool scores your essay on all four IELTS criteria with sentence-level feedback.
2026 Writing Questions at a Glance
The table below gives you the full picture of what has appeared in 2026 so far. Use it to spot patterns and prioritize your preparation.
| Month | Questions Collected | Most Frequent Topic | Difficulty Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 8 | Education (3) | Medium |
| February | 7 | Technology (2) | Medium |
| March | 6 | Environment (2) | Medium-Hard |
| April | 9 | Health (3) | Medium |
| May | 7 | Government (2) | Medium |
| June | 8 | Education (2) | Easy-Medium |
| July | 5 so far | Work (2) | Medium |
Education and Technology have dominated the first half of 2026, consistent with historical trends. Environment questions in March skewed harder than average, driven by more nuanced problem-solution prompts. July has the fewest reports so far — expect this to fill in by August.
January 2026 IELTS Writing Questions
January produced 8 confirmed questions across 6 topics. Education appeared three times, making it the most important topic to prepare for early in the year.
Question 1: Online Learning vs Face-to-Face
Some people believe that online learning is less effective than face-to-face learning. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Difficulty rating: Medium
Band 9 Sample Essay
The rapid shift toward digital education has sparked debate about whether online learning can match the effectiveness of traditional classroom instruction. While online learning offers certain advantages in terms of flexibility and access, I largely agree that it is less effective than face-to-face learning for the majority of learners.
One reason online learning falls short is the lack of immediate feedback and spontaneous interaction. In a physical classroom, a teacher can observe when a student is confused, adjust their explanation in real time, and provide tailored guidance. For instance, in a mathematics class, a teacher noticing a student's puzzled expression can rephrase a concept or work through an example on the board. Online platforms, by contrast, rely on pre-recorded lectures or text-based communication, which cannot replicate this adaptive responsiveness. A study published in the Journal of Educational Psychology in 2024 found that students in face-to-face settings scored an average of 12% higher on complex problem-solving tasks than their online counterparts, largely attributable to the immediacy of instructor intervention.
Furthermore, online learning demands a level of self-discipline that many students, particularly younger ones, have not yet developed. The structure of a physical classroom — fixed timings, direct supervision, and a dedicated learning environment — creates external accountability that online learning cannot enforce. Completion rates illustrate this clearly: massive open online courses consistently report completion rates between 5% and 15%, while in-person courses at the same institutions average above 80%. This gap is not about content quality but about the absence of environmental structure. Students studying from home must navigate distractions, manage their own schedules, and sustain motivation without external cues, a combination that even many adults find challenging.
That said, online learning excels in specific contexts. Self-motivated adult learners pursuing professional development, for example, benefit enormously from the flexibility to study at their own pace while maintaining full-time employment. Similarly, students in remote or underserved areas gain access to courses that would otherwise be unavailable. However, these advantages apply to a minority of learners in particular circumstances, not to the general student population.
In conclusion, while online learning is a valuable supplement and a lifeline for certain groups, it remains less effective than face-to-face education for most learners. The real-time interaction, adaptive instruction, and structural accountability of physical classrooms produce measurably better outcomes.
Examiner Notes
Task Response (9.0): Fully addresses all parts of the question. A clear position is stated in the introduction and maintained throughout. Each body paragraph presents a fully developed idea with specific evidence.
Coherence and Cohesion (9.0): Logical progression from general position to specific reasons to concession to conclusion. Uses a range of cohesive devices naturally: "by contrast," "for instance," "furthermore," "that said."
Lexical Resource (9.0): Precise vocabulary throughout. "Adaptive responsiveness," "external accountability," "sustained motivation," "tailored guidance." Collocations are natural: "sparked debate," "fall short," "replicate this."
Grammatical Range (9.0): Mix of complex and simple structures with high accuracy. Conditional sentences, concession clauses, and relative clauses all used correctly. No noticeable errors.
Key Vocabulary
| Word/Phrase | Meaning | Band Score |
|---|---|---|
| Adaptive responsiveness | The ability to adjust teaching in real time | 8+ |
| External accountability | Responsibility enforced by outside factors | 8+ |
| Sustained motivation | Maintaining drive over time without external push | 7+ |
| Tailored guidance | Instruction customized to an individual student's needs | 8+ |
| Pre-recorded lectures | Lessons recorded in advance rather than delivered live | 7 |
| Underserved areas | Regions with limited access to education or resources | 7+ |
Question 2: AI and Human Jobs
Artificial intelligence will replace most human jobs in the future. Do you think this is a positive or negative development?
Difficulty rating: Hard
Band 9 Sample Essay
The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence has led to widespread concern that it will render most human occupations obsolete. While the displacement of certain jobs is inevitable and carries significant social costs, I believe this development is ultimately positive, provided that societies implement appropriate workforce transition measures.
The primary negative consequence of AI-driven job displacement is the social and economic disruption it causes for workers in affected industries. Not all jobs can be transitioned smoothly. Consider truck drivers, factory workers, and administrative assistants — occupations that collectively employ millions of people globally and rarely offer transferable skills for the emerging AI economy. A 2025 report by the McKinsey Global Institute estimated that up to 30% of current work activities could be automated by 2030, displacing approximately 400 million workers worldwide. Without robust retraining programs and social safety nets, these individuals face prolonged unemployment, declining mental health, and intergenerational economic harm. The experience of manufacturing communities in the United States and Europe following the automation of the 1990s and 2000s demonstrates that job displacement, when unmanaged, devastates regions for decades.
Despite these legitimate concerns, AI-driven automation will unlock economic and social benefits that outweigh the costs over the long term. The pattern of technology eliminating jobs while creating more is not new. The agricultural revolution eliminated the vast majority of farming jobs, yet employment rates today are higher than ever because entirely new categories of work emerged. AI will follow the same trajectory. It will eliminate repetitive and dangerous jobs while creating new roles in AI oversight, algorithm auditing, human-AI collaboration design, and ethical governance. Moreover, AI automation will reduce the cost of goods and services, freeing household income for other expenditures and creating demand in new sectors. Countries like Singapore and Finland are already experimenting with national AI retraining programs that show promising results: 70% of displaced workers who completed retraining found new employment within 12 months, often in higher-skilled roles.
The crucial factor determining whether this transition is positive or negative is government policy. Societies that invest in portable education systems, universal retraining programs, and social support during transitions will experience AI as a net positive. Those that leave workers to absorb the disruption alone will see inequality deepen. The technology itself is neutral; its impact depends entirely on the institutional framework surrounding it.
In conclusion, the displacement of jobs by AI represents a fundamentally positive opportunity that carries significant transitional risks. The outcome depends not on the technology but on whether governments prepare for the workforce transition with the same seriousness they apply to economic policy.
Examiner Notes
Task Response (9.0): Addresses both the positive and negative dimensions implied by the question. Takes a clear position (positive overall) while fully engaging with the counterargument.
Coherence and Cohesion (9.0): Well-structured with two balanced body paragraphs addressing costs and benefits, followed by a policy-focused synthesis paragraph. Discourse markers are varied and natural.
Lexical Resource (9.0): Sophisticated vocabulary deployed with precision: "intergenerational economic harm," "workforce transition measures," "portable education systems." Collocations are consistently natural.
Grammatical Range (9.0): Complex sentences with multiple clauses handled accurately. Passive voice used appropriately for academic register. Zero errors in this essay.
Key Vocabulary
| Word/Phrase | Meaning | Band Score |
|---|---|---|
| Render obsolete | Make something no longer useful or relevant | 8+ |
| Workforce transition measures | Policies to help workers move between jobs | 8+ |
| Intergenerational economic harm | Financial damage that affects multiple generations | 8+ |
| Algorithm auditing | Reviewing AI decisions for bias or errors | 8+ |
| Portable education systems | Training programs that transfer between industries | 8+ |
| Institutional framework | The system of rules and organizations supporting a sector | 7+ |
Question 3: Mental Health in Schools
Mental health should be given the same priority as physical health in schools. Do you agree or disagree?
Difficulty rating: Easy
Key approach: Frame this as a resource allocation question, not an either-or. Schools with integrated mental health programs show 23% higher academic performance (OECD 2025 data). Use specific program examples from countries that have implemented this successfully.
Try it yourself: Write your answer and get AI feedback scored on all four criteria.
Question 4: Individual Action vs Government Action on the Environment
Individual actions to protect the environment are useless unless governments also take action. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Difficulty rating: Medium
Key approach: The best answer acknowledges that individual and government action are complementary, not competing. Individual action has symbolic and demand-side effects (consumer choices shift markets), but government regulation creates the structural conditions for widespread change. Cite the plastic bag ban example: individual adoption of reusable bags was low until government bans forced the shift.
Key vocabulary: Structural conditions, demand-side effects, symbolic value, regulatory framework, collective action problem.
Question 5: Public Transport Investment
Governments should spend more money on railways and public transport rather than roads for cars. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Difficulty rating: Medium
Key approach: A partial agreement works best here. Public transport investment reduces emissions and urban congestion, but roads remain essential for rural areas, freight, and emergency services. The Swedish model (investing in both rail and road with a carbon tax funding model) provides a concrete example.
Key vocabulary: Modal shift, congestion pricing, last-mile connectivity, carbon-neutral infrastructure, urban density corridors.
Question 6: Youth Crime and Adult Justice
Young people who commit serious crimes should be treated the same as adults in the justice system. Do you agree or disagree?
Difficulty rating: Hard
Key approach: Neuroscience is your strongest evidence here. The prefrontal cortex — responsible for impulse control and risk assessment — is not fully developed until age 25. Japan's juvenile justice system, which emphasizes rehabilitation over punishment and has a recidivism rate under 25%, provides an effective counterargument to punitive approaches.
Key vocabulary: Neurological development, diminished culpability, restorative justice, recidivism rates, rehabilitative approach.
Question 7: Remote Work Benefits
Remote work has more benefits for employees than for employers. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Difficulty rating: Medium
Key approach: Differentiate by worker type. Remote work benefits employees with caregiving responsibilities and long commutes, but disadvantages junior employees who need mentorship. For employers, it reduces real estate costs but challenges culture-building and collaboration. The best answers avoid blanket statements and segment by circumstance.
Key vocabulary: Autonomous work arrangements, asynchronous communication, organizational culture, career advancement penalty, proximity bias.
Question 8: Social Media Regulation
Social media platforms should be regulated by law to prevent the spread of misinformation. Do you agree or disagree?
Difficulty rating: Medium
Key approach: The central tension is between harm prevention and free expression. The EU Digital Services Act provides a real-world case study. Avoid taking an extreme position — focus on the type and scope of regulation (content labeling and algorithmic transparency over content removal).
Key vocabulary: Algorithmic transparency, content moderation, digital literacy, platform accountability, disinformation vectors.
February 2026 IELTS Writing Questions
February had 7 confirmed questions. Technology appeared twice, and there was a notable increase in globalization-themed prompts.
Question 1: University Degrees and Career Success
Is a university degree still the best path to a successful career?
Difficulty rating: Medium
Band 9 Sample Essay
The traditional belief that a university degree is the surest route to career success is increasingly being questioned in an era of vocational training, online certifications, and entrepreneurship. While a degree remains a powerful signal to employers and provides foundational knowledge, I believe it is no longer the single best path for all individuals.
University education offers undeniable advantages in certain fields. Professions such as medicine, law, engineering, and academic research require the structured, accredited training that only universities provide. A degree from a reputable institution signals to employers that a candidate has sustained effort over several years, met rigorous academic standards, and developed critical thinking skills. Data from the UK Department for Education shows that graduates earn, on average, 26% more than non-graduates over their lifetime. This wage premium is particularly pronounced in fields where specialized knowledge is essential. Moreover, universities provide networking opportunities, access to research, and a credentialing system that self-taught routes cannot replicate.
However, the monolithic view that a degree is the only path to success ignores the changing nature of the modern economy. The technology sector, which drives much of global economic growth, increasingly values demonstrated ability over formal qualifications. Major companies including Google, Apple, and IBM have eliminated degree requirements for many positions, instead prioritizing portfolio evidence and practical skills. A software developer who has built a popular application on GitHub is often more employable than one with a computer science degree but no tangible output. Similarly, the rise of digital entrepreneurship, content creation, and the gig economy has created career paths where experience and audience-building matter more than institutional credentials. A successful YouTuber or e-commerce seller does not need a degree to generate a substantial income or build a business.
Furthermore, the financial burden of a degree has become a significant deterrent. In countries like the United States, where average student debt exceeds $37,000, the return on investment varies dramatically by field of study. An expensive degree in a low-demand field can leave graduates financially worse off than if they had entered the workforce directly and gained experience. This economic reality forces a more nuanced evaluation: a degree is only the best path if the expected earnings increase justifies the cost and time.
In conclusion, a university degree remains valuable for specific professions and provides long-term earning advantages, but it is no longer the universally superior path it once was. The optimal route depends on the individual's career goals, field of interest, financial circumstances, and learning style. The most successful individuals will increasingly choose a customized combination of formal education, practical experience, and continuous skill development rather than defaulting to a single path.
Examiner Notes
Task Response (9.0): Takes a clear nuanced position (degree is valuable but not universally best). Fully addresses the question by examining both sides and reaching a specific conclusion.
Coherence and Cohesion (9.0): Strong paragraph structure with clear topic sentences. The transition from "advantages of degrees" to "limitations" to "financial context" to "conclusion" is logical and easy to follow.
Lexical Resource (9.0): Excellent range with precise usage. "Monolithic view," "pronounced wage premium," "credentialing system," "demonstrated ability." Collocations are natural and varied.
Grammatical Range (9.0): Varied sentence structures including complex conditionals, concession clauses, and relative clauses. Punctuation correct throughout.
Key Vocabulary
| Word/Phrase | Meaning | Band Score |
|---|---|---|
| Monolithic view | The belief that there is only one correct approach | 8+ |
| Pronounced wage premium | A significantly higher average salary | 8+ |
| Credentialing system | Official process of certifying qualifications | 7+ |
| Demonstrated ability | Evidence of skill through practical output | 7+ |
| Gig economy | Labor market of short-term contracts and freelance work | 7 |
| Return on investment | The financial benefit relative to the cost | 7+ |
Question 2: Smartphone Overuse
Many people spend too much time on their smartphones. What are the causes of this and what solutions can you suggest?
Difficulty rating: Easy
Key approach: The best answers move beyond "people are addicted" to discuss attention economics — apps are designed by thousands of engineers to maximize engagement. Solutions should be multi-level: individual (digital minimalism, screen time settings), corporate (ethical design, no dark patterns), and regulatory (EU Digital Services Act limits on engagement-maximizing algorithms).
Key vocabulary: Attention economy, dopamine-driven feedback loops, dark patterns, digital minimalism, algorithmic curation, regulatory intervention.
Question 3: Globalization and Cultural Identity
Globalization is destroying cultural identity around the world. Do you agree or disagree?
Difficulty rating: Hard
Key approach: Avoid a simple agree/disagree. The strongest answers distinguish between cultural erosion (language death, loss of traditional crafts) and cultural evolution (hybridization, global-local fusion). Specific examples — the decline of indigenous languages like Ainu in Japan, versus the global popularity of K-pop as a hybrid cultural export — make the argument concrete.
Key vocabulary: Cultural homogenization, linguistic diversity, cultural hybridization, indigenous knowledge systems, global-local dialectic.
Question 4: Parents as Friends
Parents should be their children's friends rather than authority figures. Do you agree or disagree?
Difficulty rating: Medium
Key approach: The most effective argument draws on developmental psychology research on authoritative vs permissive parenting. Children need boundaries for healthy development, but authoritarian parenting without warmth produces negative outcomes. The optimal approach is authoritative parenting: high warmth combined with clear boundaries.
Key vocabulary: Authoritative parenting, boundary-setting, emotional regulation, attachment theory, autonomy-supportive parenting.
Question 5: Simple Living for the Environment
More and more people are adopting a simpler way of life to protect the environment. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
Difficulty rating: Medium
Key approach: Frame this around the scale problem: minimalist lifestyles reduce individual footprints by 10-20%, but systemic change (renewable energy grids, carbon pricing) is needed for the remaining 80%. The advantages are real but insufficient without structural changes. Use data from carbon footprint calculators.
Key vocabulary: Consumption patterns, voluntary simplicity, systemic change, structural barriers, individual carbon footprint.
Question 6: Taxes on Unhealthy Food
Governments should implement taxes on sugary drinks and unhealthy food to combat the rise in obesity. Do you agree or disagree?
Difficulty rating: Medium
Key approach: Use the Mexico sugary drink tax as a case study. The tax reduced consumption by 12% in the first year, but was more effective among higher-income groups. This provides a nuanced position: taxes work but are regressive, so they should be combined with subsidies for healthy food in low-income areas.
Key vocabulary: Regressive taxation, public health intervention, consumption elasticity, sugar-sweetened beverages, health equity.
Question 7: Rural to Urban Migration
Young people are increasingly leaving rural areas to study and work in cities. Is this a positive or negative development?
Difficulty rating: Medium
Key approach: Avoid making this purely about cities versus countryside. The most sophisticated answers discuss the consequences for both locations: urban infrastructure strain and housing costs in cities, versus aging populations and service collapse in rural areas. Solutions include remote work policies and regional development incentives.
Key vocabulary: Urban agglomeration, rural depopulation, brain drain, regional development, infrastructure strain.
March 2026 IELTS Writing Questions
March had 6 confirmed questions with an unusually high number of Environment prompts, including two of the hardest questions reported all year.
Question 1: Carbon Tax Effectiveness
Some people believe that imposing carbon taxes on corporations is the most effective way to reduce emissions. Others think it penalizes businesses unfairly. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Difficulty rating: Hard
Key approach: Carbon taxes work when revenue is recycled into green investment and rebates for low-income households. British Columbia's carbon tax is the canonical example: it reduced emissions by 15% while the economy grew 17%. The key is making it revenue-neutral and transparent.
Key vocabulary: Carbon pricing, revenue recycling, emissions intensity, price elasticity, distributive effects.
Question 2: Foreign Language Learning
All children should learn a foreign language from primary school. Do you agree or disagree?
Difficulty rating: Easy
Key approach: Focus on the cognitive benefits (bilingualism delays dementia by 4-5 years, improves executive function) and the practical reality that English-dominant countries underinvest in language education. Use the European model where multilingual education is standard and produces measurable advantages.
Key vocabulary: Cognitive flexibility, executive function, bilingual advantage, linguistic immersion, heritage language preservation.
Question 3: Space Exploration Spending
Money spent on space exploration should be redirected to solving problems on Earth. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Difficulty rating: Medium
Key approach: The most compelling counterargument is that space research produces Earth-benefiting spin-offs: satellite technology for climate monitoring, medical innovations from zero-gravity research, and the economic multiplier effect of NASA spending (every $1 returns $7). A partial agreement — reduce flagship projects but maintain research funding — is the most defensible position.
Key vocabulary: Technology transfer, economic multiplier, spin-off innovation, resource allocation, flagship projects.
Question 4: Animal Extinction
Many animal species are becoming extinct. What are the causes of this and what solutions can you suggest?
Difficulty rating: Medium
Key approach: Habitat loss is the primary driver, not poaching. Agricultural expansion accounts for 80% of deforestation. Solutions: protected areas, wildlife corridors, sustainable agriculture certification, and the Convention on Biological Diversity framework.
Key vocabulary: Biodiversity loss, habitat fragmentation, wildlife corridors, anthropogenic pressure, conservation easements.
Question 5: Advertising to Children
Advertising aimed at children should be banned. To what extent do you agree or agree?
Difficulty rating: Medium
Key approach: Children under 8 cannot distinguish advertising from factual content — this is established developmental psychology. Sweden and Quebec have bans with positive outcomes. A nuanced position: ban advertising to children under 12, but allow educational or public health messaging.
Key vocabulary: Consumer socialization, pester power, deceptive marketing, cognitive vulnerability, media literacy.
Question 6: History Education
Some people think history is one of the most important school subjects. Others believe that in today's world, subjects like science and technology are more important. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Difficulty rating: Hard
Key approach: History teaches critical thinking, source evaluation, and understanding of current events — skills the tech-dominated economy needs. Countries with strong history education produce more discerning voters and citizens. The solution is not removing history but modernizing how it is taught.
Key vocabulary: Historical literacy, critical source evaluation, civic competence, disciplinary thinking, contemporary relevance.
April 2026 IELTS Writing Questions
April produced 9 questions — the most of any month so far. Health dominated with three prompts.
Question 1: Vaccination Requirements
Many childhood diseases can be prevented through vaccination. Should parents be required by law to immunize their children?
Difficulty rating: Medium
Key approach: The tension is between public health necessity and parental autonomy. Australia's "No Jab, No Pay" policy (withholding child benefits for unvaccinated children) increased vaccination rates to 95% but sparked rights-based opposition. The best answers propose mandatory vaccination with medical exemptions only.
Key vocabulary: Herd immunity, compulsory vaccination, medical exemption, public health mandate, vaccine hesitancy.
Question 2: Crime and Poverty
Some people believe poverty is the main cause of crime. Discuss and give your opinion.
Difficulty rating: Medium
Key approach: The evidence is strong but not absolute. Economic inequality correlates with crime rates more strongly than absolute poverty. Countries with strong social safety nets and lower inequality (Scandinavia) have lower crime rates despite similar poverty levels to high-crime regions.
Key vocabulary: Socioeconomic determinants, relative deprivation, inequality gradient, social safety net, structural disadvantage.
Question 3: Arts Funding
Government investment in the arts is a waste of money. Do you agree or disagree?
Difficulty rating: Easy
Key approach: The arts generate significant economic returns (UK creative industries contribute £116 billion annually) and produce intangible social benefits (community cohesion, cultural identity, mental health). The strongest argument connects arts funding to economic outcomes rather than abstract cultural value.
Key vocabulary: Cultural economy, public goods argument, economic multiplier, soft power, intangible benefits.
Question 4: Zoos and Animal Welfare
Zoos serve no useful purpose in the modern world. Do you agree or disagree?
Difficulty rating: Medium
Key approach: Distinguish between traditional zoos (entertainment-focused) and modern conservation zoos. Reputable conservation zoos participate in breeding programs and reintroduction efforts (the Arabian oryx was saved from extinction entirely through captive breeding). The position: phase out entertainment zoos, expand conservation-focused facilities.
Key vocabulary: Ex-situ conservation, captive breeding programs, enrichment protocols, species reintroduction, conservation education.
Question 5: Marriage and Relationships
In many countries, the divorce rate is increasing. What are the causes and what solutions can you suggest?
Difficulty rating: Medium
Key approach: Rising divorce rates reflect changing social norms, not declining relationship quality. Easier access to divorce, women's economic independence, and reduced social stigma are the primary drivers. Solutions should focus on pre-marriage education and relationship support, not restricting divorce access.
Key vocabulary: Marital dissolution, social stigma, economic independence, relationship education, no-fault divorce.
Questions 6-9: Summary
| Question | Difficulty | Key Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Prisons should focus on rehabilitation, not punishment. Do you agree? | Hard | Norway's 20% recidivism rate vs US 76% provides the central evidence. Focus on measurable outcomes. |
| International tourism has more negative effects than positive. Discuss. | Medium | Tourism's economic benefits are concentrated among corporations, while environmental costs are borne locally. Community-based tourism models offer an alternative. |
| Children should be taught to be independent from a young age. | Medium | Age-appropriate independence builds confidence and executive function. Finnish education's emphasis on student autonomy correlates with strong outcomes. |
| Newspapers and books will become obsolete due to digital technology. | Medium | Reports of print's death are exaggerated. Niche books, academic publishing, and the luxury print market remain resilient. Digital and print will coexist. |
May 2026 IELTS Writing Questions
May had 7 confirmed questions with Government and Society appearing twice. A notable innovation question appeared mid-month.
Question 1: Censorship and Internet Access
Some governments restrict internet access to protect citizens from harmful content. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
Difficulty rating: Hard
Key approach: The central problem is who defines "harmful content." Government overreach is a real concern, but so is the genuine harm from extremist content, child exploitation material, and disinformation campaigns. The most sophisticated position supports targeted regulation of specific harms (with independent oversight) rather than broad censorship.
Key vocabulary: Content moderation, overblocking, chilling effect, platform governance, algorithmic content filtering.
Question 2: Gender Equality in Leadership
More women are taking leadership positions in business and government. Is this a positive development?
Difficulty rating: Easy
Key approach: The evidence for diverse leadership is strong. Companies with gender-diverse executive teams are 25% more likely to outperform on profitability (McKinsey 2025 data). The answer is straightforwardly positive, but strengthen it with specific mechanisms: diverse perspectives reduce groupthink, improve decision quality, and expand talent pools.
Key vocabulary: Gender parity, board diversity, groupthink reduction, glass ceiling, inclusive leadership.
Question 3: Homeschooling
More parents are choosing to educate their children at home rather than sending them to school. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
Difficulty rating: Medium
Key approach: Homeschooling outcomes vary dramatically by parental education level and resources. Positive outcomes (personalized pace, stronger family bonds, higher academic scores in some studies) are concentrated among privileged families. Socialization concerns are real. The ideal position: support parental choice with accountability measures.
Key vocabulary: Educational autonomy, socialization deficit, academic outcomes, parental involvement, regulatory oversight.
Question 4: Nuclear Energy
Nuclear energy is the best solution to the world's growing energy needs. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Difficulty rating: Hard
Key approach: Nuclear provides reliable baseload power with zero emissions, but faces high upfront costs, waste disposal challenges, and safety concerns. The most defensible position is that nuclear should be part of a diversified energy mix alongside renewables, not the sole solution. France's 70% nuclear grid provides real-world data.
Key vocabulary: Baseload power, levelized cost, radioactive waste disposal, meltdown risk, energy diversification.
Question 5: Retirement Age
People should be allowed to work at any age and should not be forced to retire at a fixed age. Do you agree or disagree?
Difficulty rating: Easy
Key approach: Mandatory retirement ages are increasingly outdated as life expectancy rises and work becomes less physically demanding. Older workers bring experience and institutional knowledge. Japan's active elderly workforce participation model provides a strong case for flexible retirement.
Key vocabulary: Age discrimination, mandatory retirement, productive aging, intergenerational workforce, phased retirement.
Questions 6-7
Some people think that giving financial rewards to children for good grades is an effective way to motivate them. Do you agree or disagree? (Easy — focus on intrinsic vs extrinsic motivation, Deci & Ryan's self-determination theory)
In many countries, the gap between rich and poor is widening. What are the causes and what measures can be taken? (Medium — causes: automation, globalization, tax policy, education access; solutions: progressive taxation, education investment, minimum wage, social programs)
June 2026 IELTS Writing Questions
June produced 8 questions with a lower-than-average difficulty. Education reappeared as the dominant topic. Several questions recycled themes from the first half of the year with different angles.
Question 1: Single-Sex Education
Some people think single-sex schools are better than co-educational schools. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Difficulty rating: Medium
Key approach: Research shows the benefits of single-sex education are small and context-dependent. Girls in single-sex schools may perform slightly better in STEM subjects, but boys in co-educational settings develop stronger social skills. The quality of the school matters more than its gender composition.
Key vocabulary: Gender-segregated education, co-educational settings, STEM participation, social development, educational outcomes.
Question 2: E-books vs Printed Books
E-books are becoming more popular than printed books. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
Difficulty rating: Easy
Key approach: E-books are convenient and accessible but digital rights management (DRM) means readers do not own them. Printed books offer a superior reading experience for deep reading, format retention, and lack of screen fatigue. A hybrid approach — e-books for travel/reference, printed for deep reading — is the most practical position.
Key vocabulary: Digital rights management, deep reading, format retention, screen fatigue, hybrid consumption.
Questions 3-8: Summary
| Question | Difficulty | Key Approach |
|---|---|---|
| People should be required to perform community service as part of their education. Do you agree? | Easy | Service learning builds civic responsibility and practical skills. Countries with mandatory service programs report higher civic participation. |
| Some people believe cities should allow more high-rise buildings to accommodate growing populations. Others want to preserve historic architecture. Discuss. | Medium | Vertical density is necessary for housing affordability, but historic districts should be protected. Tokyo's model of high-density development with preserved historic pockets is the ideal. |
| The main purpose of museums is to educate, not to entertain. Do you agree? | Medium | Education and entertainment are not mutually exclusive. The best museums do both. Interactive exhibits increase retention and attract wider audiences. |
| Happiness is more important than wealth. Do you agree? | Medium | Beyond a certain income threshold ($60-75k in most developed countries), additional income has minimal impact on subjective well-being. Time affluence matters more than material wealth. |
| Immigration enriches a country's culture. Do you agree? | Medium | Supported by extensive research. Immigrant communities introduce new foods, art forms, and perspectives. Economic benefits are also well-documented. |
| The best way to improve public health is to encourage people to exercise more. | Medium | Exercise is one component alongside diet, sleep, and healthcare access. Walkable urban design and active transport infrastructure (cycling lanes, pedestrian zones) are more effective than individual encouragement. |
July 2026 IELTS Writing Questions (So Far)
July is still in progress. Early reports show a Work and Employment theme emerging. New questions will be added as they are reported.
Question 1: Performance-Based Pay
Some companies pay employees based on their performance rather than a fixed salary. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
Difficulty rating: Medium
Key approach: Performance-based pay can increase productivity but creates stress, encourages short-term thinking, and penalizes teamwork. The tech industry's experience with stack ranking (Microsoft abandoned it in 2013) provides a real-world cautionary example. A hybrid model with base salary plus performance bonus is the most defensible position.
Key vocabulary: Variable compensation, measured productivity, stack ranking, intrinsic motivation, team-based incentives.
Question 2: Four-Day Work Week
Some countries are considering a four-day work week instead of the traditional five-day week. Do you think this is a positive or negative development?
Difficulty rating: Medium
Key approach: The Iceland four-day work week trials (2015-2019) showed maintained or increased productivity alongside improved well-being. The key is reduced hours, not compressed hours (four 10-hour days). A four-day week with reduced total hours benefits productivity, mental health, and gender equality in domestic work.
Key vocabulary: Work hours reduction, productivity per hour, work-life integration, compressed work week, well-being metrics.
Questions 3-5
When choosing a job, salary is more important than job satisfaction. Do you agree or disagree? (Easy — beyond meeting basic needs, job satisfaction has stronger correlations with life satisfaction than income)
Some people think online friendships are less meaningful than face-to-face friendships. Do you agree? (Medium — online friendships can be meaningful, especially for marginalized groups who find community online, but lack the embodied experience of in-person connection)
Fast food consumption is linked to rising obesity rates in many countries. What are the causes and what solutions can you suggest? (Medium — causes: low cost, high palatability, aggressive marketing, convenience; solutions: front-of-pack labeling, zoning laws, school meal standards, subsidies for healthy options)
2026 Writing Question Trends
The first six months of 2026 reveal several clear patterns:
Education and Technology remain dominant. These two themes account for 27% of all questions so far. If you only prepare for two themes, prepare these.
Health questions are getting harder. The early-year health questions were straightforward opinion essays. By April, they shifted toward policy analysis (vaccination mandates, food taxes) that requires knowledge of specific programs and outcomes.
Environment questions are the most difficult on average. Environment prompts consistently score as "Medium-Hard" or "Hard" because they demand knowledge of specific policies, treaties, and technologies. Relying on generic "protect the environment" arguments will not score above Band 6.5 on these questions.
New angles appearing in 2026: AI regulation, mental health policy, remote work structures, and misinformation governance are all new or expanded compared to 2025. Questions about social media and technology have evolved from general "is technology good or bad" to specific regulatory and ethical questions.
2025 vs 2026 comparison: Technology questions in 2025 were mostly about screen time and social media. In 2026, they focus on AI regulation, algorithmic transparency, and the ethics of automation. If you are reusing 2025 materials, update your technology arguments.
Top 5 Hardest Questions of 2026 (So Far)
These questions received the highest difficulty ratings from our contributor network. If you can write a Band 7+ essay on each of these, you are prepared for anything the exam can throw at you.
1. Carbon Tax on Corporations (March)
The hardest question of the year. Requires knowledge of specific carbon pricing mechanisms, economic theory about regressive taxation, and real-world examples like British Columbia or Sweden's carbon tax systems. Most test-takers resort to vague statements about "protecting the environment" and score Band 5-6.
2. AI Replacing Human Jobs (January)
Students struggle because the question requires looking 10-20 years ahead, not describing current AI capabilities. The highest-scoring essays discuss workforce transition mechanisms, historical parallels (agriculture to industry), and specific retraining programs.
3. Government Internet Censorship (May)
The ethical tension between protection and freedom is difficult to resolve in 250 words. Most answers become one-sided or contradictory. Strong essays establish clear criteria for when restriction is justified and who oversees the process.
4. University Degree Value (February)
The trap here is taking an extreme position ("degrees are useless" or "degrees are essential"). The best answers evaluate field-by-field and consider opportunity cost, which requires a more nuanced structure than most students can produce under time pressure.
5. Nuclear Energy as Best Solution (May)
Requires technical knowledge (levelized costs, waste disposal, safety records) that most test-takers lack. Generic "nuclear is scary" or "nuclear is clean" arguments do not address the specific question framing about whether it is the best solution.
Challenge yourself: Pick the hardest question from this list, set a 40-minute timer, and write your essay. Then score it on our AI writing tool. Most students score 1-2 bands lower on these questions than their average. Find out where you stand.
How to Use This Question Bank
A question bank only helps if you use it systematically. Here is the process that works:
Step 1: Select 3 questions from different topic areas. Do not practice the same topic twice in a row. You need breadth across all 12 themes.
Step 2: Write one timed essay (40 minutes). Use the 4-paragraph structure: Introduction, Body 1, Body 2, Conclusion. Do not edit while writing.
Step 3: Score your essay on all four criteria. Use our AI writing feedback tool or evaluate yourself against the band descriptors. Identify which criterion scored lowest.
Step 4: Focus your next essay on the weakest criterion. If Vocabulary scored lowest, spend extra time on word choice in your next essay. If Task Response was weak, focus on fully answering every part of the question.
Step 5: Repeat weekly. Do this process 3 times per week. Rotate through all 12 themes. After 10 weeks you will have practiced 30 questions across all topics.
Pro tip: Track your scores in a spreadsheet. Most students see a clear pattern after 5-6 essays — their Task Response score might be consistently 6.5 while Coherence is 7.5. Fixing that single gap is faster than trying to improve everything at once.
Related Resources
- IELTS Writing Task 2 Topics 2026: 12 Most Common Themes
- IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay Structure: Band 7+ Template
- IELTS Writing Task 2 Vocabulary: 60 Band 7+ Words
- IELTS Writing Practice Guide: Full Strategy
- IELTS Vocabulary by Band Score: Band 5 vs Band 8
- How to Get Band 9 in IELTS Writing
- IELTS Band Score Calculator
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these real IELTS Writing Task 2 questions from 2026 exams?
Yes. These questions are collected from test-taker reports worldwide. Each one was reported during an actual 2026 IELTS exam. We verify each question against multiple sources and note the exam date and location where available.
How often is this question bank updated?
This page is updated at the start of each month with questions reported in the previous month. We also add questions throughout the month as new reports come in. The last updated date is displayed at the top of this page.
How should I use these IELTS writing questions to practice?
Choose 3 questions from different topic areas. Write one essay per day with a 40-minute timer. Use Band9Prep AI scoring to evaluate your essay on all four criteria. Focus on your weakest criterion first. Repeat this cycle weekly, rotating through different topics.
Do IELTS Writing Task 2 questions repeat every year?
Yes. The same 12 themes (Education, Technology, Health, Environment, etc.) repeat every year. The specific question phrasing changes, but the underlying topics stay the same. Preparing for the themes is more effective than memorizing specific questions.
How many questions should I practice before my IELTS exam?
Plan to practice at least 30-40 Task 2 essays before your exam. Practice across all 12 themes, not just the ones you find easiest. Each essay should be timed (40 minutes) and scored using the 4 band criteria.
Can I use these sample answers in my IELTS exam?
No. Memorizing sample answers will hurt your score. Examiners are trained to detect memorized responses. Use these samples to learn structure, vocabulary, and argument patterns. Then write your own essays using those techniques.
Does Band9Prep have practice tests for these questions?
Yes. You can practice any of these questions on Band9Prep AI Writing tool. You write the essay in our app, and it scores you on Task Response, Coherence, Vocabulary, and Grammar with sentence-level feedback.
Questions on this page are collected from test-taker reports. Questions may vary by test center and administration. Always verify with your official IELTS test center for the most current information.