IELTS writing tips | 10 quick and easy topics to practice!

IELTS essay topics | A little bit more about the exam

The IELTS or International English Language Testing System is an internationally standardized testing system to establish the English language proficiency in non-native English speakers. The test score is essential for students seeking admission to foreign educational institutes. IELTS tests English language expertise in four sections: Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking, of which the writing section is usually the most challenging. To help you overcome the inevitable nervousness about this section, here is a list of the common IELTS essay topics, as well as some sample essay questions that will help you prepare more thoroughly.

What is the IELTS writing section?

The writing section of the IELTS exam is a writing test comprising two tasks, Task 1 and Task 2, of 60 minutes in duration. Task 1 requires you to write a letter (for IELTS General Training) or a description of an academic diagram (for IELTS Academic) of 150 words in 20 minutes. Task 2 involves writing an essay of 250 words on a topic of general or academic interest in the form of a discussion, providing a solution, directly answering a question, etc. Assessment is done on multiple parameters, including vocabulary, word count, correct grammar, etc.

Common IELTS essay writing topics

IELTS essay topics for task 2 of the writing section are usually related to current affairs and global events. They are relatively simple to answer if you have a decent understanding of the world around you and are up to date on the latest global developments.

The following list contains a few common topics under the various fields of study often given in the IELTS exam –

• Environment 
• Health
• Culture
• Education
• Society
• Communication 
• Technology
• World Issues 
• Business and Global Consumerism
• Arts
• Sports
• Food and Housing

Questions may be asked on other fields of general interest and academic importance, especially if you are taking an academic IELTS exam.

Top 10 IELTS essays topics for practice

You must have heard the adage: Practice Makes Perfect. One of the best ways to start your preparation for answering the essay question in the writing section is to start practicing writing. Here is a list of sample essay questions on the various IELTS Essay writing topics asked in the previously held tests that you can start working on right away:

#1. Some people think that violent media directly results in violent behavior.

Do you agree or disagree with this statement?

#2. Today, the youth like to spend their free time in shopping malls eating fast food, watching movies, and shopping from luxury stores. 

It can harm the youth and society as a whole. Do you agree or disagree with this statement?

#3. Many people think that the primary intention of sending children to school is to turn them into responsible citizens and workers rather than benefit them as individuals.

Do you agree or disagree with this statement?

#4. In the 20th century, contact was established between different parts of the world through telecommunications and air travel.

Do the benefits of this change outweigh the disadvantages?

#5. In order to enhance educational quality, people have argued that high school students should counter and offer criticism to the teachers. 

The other end of the pole argues that this will result in a loss of respect for the elderly and classroom discipline. Discuss both the pros and cons of this debate and end with your own opinion.

#6. The governments should start a scheme that gives all citizens a basic minimum income irrespective of employment. 

Are you for this view or against it?

#7. Doctors and health experts highly recommend that older people work out every day. But, most people do not follow up with their exercise routine and quit after a few days. 

What do you think are the reasons for this? How can people’s attitudes toward exercise be changed?

#8. Earlier, shopping was part of the daily domestic chores in a household.

But, now it has changed into a hobby. Is this a good trend?

#9. People argue that everyone has a right to education irrespective of their financial background.

As a matter of fact, governments should act on this thought and make it accessible for all. Do you agree or disagree?

#10. Information technology has completely changed our lifestyle and now influences our work activities, home, and leisure.

In your opinion, what are the benefits of information technology and disadvantages?

Steps to writing a good essay in the IELTS writing section

Preparation techniques and writing styles for essays vary widely from person to person. However, if you are relatively new to essay writing for IELTS, fret not. Here are a few tried and tested steps you can follow to start preparing for the essay question in the IELTS writing section.

#1. Understand the question

The first step may seem the most obvious, but it is the most crucial, and most mistakes are made right here when students scramble for time and start writing without a thorough understanding of the question. Read the question, understand the instructions, identify the keywords, and begin writing.

#2. Plan your answer

Once the question is thoroughly clear, plan your answer. Make a note of the essential points you would like to discuss, organize your ideas, and then write a coherent answer.

#3. Write a good introduction

The introduction is essential in an essay, so make sure it is crisp, clear, and conveys a carefully considered understanding of the topic. Putting in facts and figures or quotations, if you remember them, makes the introduction all the more attractive.

#4. Curate the main body

The main body is the central part of the essay, and this is where you provide the necessary details on the topic. Mention your arguments in points and substantiate your claims with relevant data, examples, anecdotes, etc.

#5. End with a definite conclusion

Once you are done with the main body, end your essay gracefully with a short conclusion, summarising all the essential topics covered in your essay and any information you want to add.

Bonus | Essay writing tips for an added edge

Anyone can write an essay (especially if you practice these IELTS essay topics mentioned above). What makes yours different? Here are a few handy tips that you can follow to make sure your essay is easy to read, unique and grabs the attention of the examiner for those additional grades –

• The IELTS Writing section is an exam of 60 minutes where you have to complete two tasks. Time management is crucial. Practice with a timer beforehand. 
• Try to find unique or out-of-the-box viewpoints or solutions to problems.
• Connect the topic with current global and general affairs as far as possible. Relevant data, examples, and anecdotes work wonders for this.
• Break your essay down into simple, coherent paragraphs. It helps the reader to understand the flow of information better without losing track of it.
• While vocabulary is important, do not load your essay with bombastic words and jargon. Keep sentences simple as far as possible.

Key takeaways

• While the writing section of the IELTS exam is generally considered the most difficult part of the entire test.
• However, it is not too big an obstacle to overcome if you prepare well using some IELTS essay topics mentioned above.
• Plan out your essay goals, practice thoroughly, and improve as you go.

So what are you waiting for? Go practice your IELTS essay topics.

All the best for the exam!

FAQs

1. How are IELTS essays marked?

IELTS essays in the writing section are marked on various parameters that test language comprehension and proficiency, including vocabulary, grammar, comprehensibility, etc.

2. How much should I score on the essay paper to clear the IELTS Exam?

The IELTS Exam does not have a pass or fail component. Candidates are scored separately on each of the four tested sections, and the total is rounded off to place them in one of nine score bands ranging from 0 (test not attempted) to 9 (expert).

3. Can someone write over 250 words in the essay?

Yes, you can write over 250 words. However, the word count determines how efficiently you can present your ideas, so try to stick to them as closely as possible.