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IELTS Writing Questions 2019-2020

Last updated: October 27, 2020

Our list of 2018 writing questions with answers was so insanely popular, that it inspired us to continue this tradition in 2019 and 2020. All the most recent writing questions people are sharing in 2020 are being constantly added on this page, and model answers are coming as well. Look for the answer links next to writing task topics on this page.

Why are these helpful? Because whenever you sit down to practice for your exam, you don’t have to waste time looking for the most recent IELTS writing questions โ€“ bookmark this page, use it and come back for more, because we are constantly adding new writing questions. If you get one of these in your own exam, that would feel like winning the lottery!

If you had a question in your exam that isn’t here โ€“ please add it in comments below, and we will put it on this page. Thank you everyone for sharing!

Recent IELTS essay questions 2020

Remember to spend no more than 40 minutes on one essay, and write at least 250 words.

Essay Question 1

In many countries around the world young people decide to leave their parents’ home once they finish school. They start living on their own or sharing a home with friends. Is this a positive or a negative development? Give reasons for your answer and include relevant examples.

Read IELTS Band 8 essay sample here.

Essay Question 2

Some people think that it is fine for professional sportsmen and sportswomen to misbehave on or off the field, as long as they are playing well. Do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Read IELTS Band 8 essay sample here.

Essay Question 3

Nowadays celebrities earn more money than politicians. What are the reasons for this? Is it a positive or negative development?

Read IELTS Band 8 essay sample here.

Essay Question 4

Today children are spending much more time watching TV compared to the past. Why do you think this happens? Is this a positive or a negative change?

Read IELTS Band 8 essay sample here.

Essay Question 5

Some people believe that excessive use of modern technologies, such as computers and smartphones, is negatively affecting the reading and writing skills of our young people. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Read IELTS Band 8 essay sample here.

Essay Question 6

Scientists believe that the world is in danger due to environmental changes. Some people say that personal lifestyle changes should be made to reduce the damage to environment, while others think that the government should do something to help. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Read IELTS Band 8 essay sample here.

Essay Question 7

It is believed that people who read for pleasure develop their imagination more and acquire better language skills compared to people who prefer watching television. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Read IELTS Band 8 essay sample here.

Essay Question 8

In the modern world, it is possible to shop, work and communicate with people via the Internet and live without any face-to-face contact with others. Is it a positive or negative development?

Read IELTS Band 8 essay sample here.

Essay Question 9

Many parents complain about violence promoted to their children through video games, TV programs and other media. Why is it happening? What can be the solution for it? Give your opinion and include relevant examples.

Essay Question 10

Many people believe that individuals are responsible for their own happiness, while others think happiness is dependent on other external factors. Discuss both views and include your own opinion. Give reasons for your answer and examples from your experience.

Essay Question 11

In the past people wore their traditional clothes and followed their culture. These days most people wear similar clothes and therefore look very similar to one another. Do you think this is a positive or a negative development?

Read IELTS Band 8 essay sample here.

Essay Question 12

Some people believe that women should be treated as equal to men when applying for a job with police or the military. Others think women are less suitable for this kind of job. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Read IELTS Band 8 essay sample here.

Essay Question 13

Some think that young people should be free to choose any career they like, while others say that they should think more realistically about their future. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Read IELTS Band 8 essay sample here.

Essay Question 14

Some people suggest that bringing up children by the whole family including uncles, aunts and grandparents is better, rather than only by parents. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give your opinion and examples.

Essay Question 15

Nowadays online shopping is extremely popular. Discuss the impact of it on the environment and on people, who lost their jobs because of it.

Essay Question 16

Many people believe that big businesses in addition to generating profits should be involved in and responsible for the social life of the community. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Give your opinion.

Essay Question 17

Children today have more responsibilities than the past. Some people think it has positive effects than negative ones while others disagree. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Essay Question 18

Some cities create new housing for their growing populations by constructing a smaller number of high-rise buildings. Other cities create more of low-rise buildings. Which solution is better, in your opinion?

Read IELTS Band 8 essay sample here.

Essay Question 19

Some think that economic progress is completely dependent on the country’s success, while others believe that other factors are also important. What are the different factors contributing to the success of a country? Do you believe that only one factor is important, compared to others?

Essay Question 20

Many people find it difficult to speak in front of and to present to an audience. It is believed that this skill should be taught in school. Why is this important? To what extent do you agree or disagree with it?

Essay Question 21

Nowadays children watch too much TV. Why is this happening, and what can be done to prevent it?

Essay Question 22

Nowadays international tourism is the biggest industry worldwide. Unfortunately, sometimes it creates tension between people from different cultures, instead of better understanding. Why do you think it is happening and how can it be improved?

Essay Question 23

Some people believe that face to face communication is always more powerful than written communication. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give your own opinion and include relevant examples.

Essay Question 24

Some people believe that restoration of old buildings costs too much; we should demolish them and build new ones instead. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

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Recent IELTS letter questions 2020

Remember to spend no more than 20 minutes on one letter, and write at least 150 words.

Letter Question 1

You have just finished your master’s degree and need to leave your current part-time job to search for full-time employment.

Write a letter to your current employer. In your letter:
– explain why you will not be able to pursue a full-time job in his/her company
– say why you’ve enjoyed working for him/her
– tell him/her how much longer you will continue to work for him/her.

Read an IELTS Band 8 letter sample here.

Letter Question 2

Write a letter to your friend inviting him/her to a music concert. Please say

โ€“ Where and when does the concert start?
โ€“ What type of music will be played there?
โ€“ Why do you think your friend will enjoy it?

Read an IELTS Band 8 letter sample here.

Letter Question 3

Your Manager has asked you to do a presentation at the upcoming training session. Write a letter to your manager and say

โ€“ What is the topic of presentation?
โ€“ What is the benefit of conducting a session on that topic?
โ€“ What are your requirements for conducting this presentation?

Read an IELTS Band 8 letter sample here.

Letter Question 4

You have purchased a product on a website and received a different product. Write a letter to the company. In your letter

– Describe the product you ordered
– Explain why you aren’t satisfied with the product you received
– Let them know what actions you expect them to take

Read an IELTS Band 8 letter sample here.

Letter Question 5

You read a newspaper article that captured your attention. Write letter to your friend and recommend reading the article. Include the following in your letter:

โ€“ Where and when the article was published
โ€“ What the article was about
โ€“ Why it is important that your friend reads it.

Read an IELTS Band 8 letter sample here.

Letter Question 6

You want to improve your knowledge of foreign language which can help you at work. Write a letter to a foreign language teacher and say

โ€“ Where did you hear about the teacher?
โ€“ Why do you want to learn the foreign language?
โ€“ Ask some questions about the course.

Letter Question 7

You have recently visited a local school in your community. It needs people who can help renovate the building and also help with some activities. Write a letter to the principal of the school and say

โ€“ How would you be able to help?
โ€“ When and why would you do it?
โ€“ Who will help you to do it?

Letter Question 8

You recently took a trip to another city, and you had a plan to visit your friend who is living there. However, you couldnโ€™t see him/her. Write a letter to your friend, and say

โ€“ Apologize for not being able to meet.
โ€“ Give your reasons.
โ€“ Suggest how you can meet some other time.

Letter Question 9

You have recently been invited to talk about your country at the American academy. Write a letter to the administrator and say

โ€“ Accept the invitation and suggest possible dates.
โ€“ What topics would you like to talk about?
โ€“ What will you need for your talk?

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Recent IELTS essay questions 2019

Essay Question 1

While recruiting a new employee, the employer should pay more attention to their personal qualities, rather than qualifications and experience. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Give your opinion and include relevant examples.

Read IELTS Band 8 essay sample here.

Essay Question 2

Many people believe that learning a foreign language is a very difficult task. What are the most difficult things about learning a foreign language? What is the best way to overcome them? Explain and include your personal experience or knowledge of these problems.

Read IELTS Band 8 essay sample here.

Essay Question 3

Many parents encourage young people to leave home when they become older, while others think they should stay at home with the family. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Read IELTS Band 8 essay sample here.

Essay Question 4

Nowadays people waste a lot of food that was bought from shops and restaurants. Why do you think people waste food? What can be done to reduce the amount of food they throw away?

Read IELTS Band 8 essay sample here.

Essay Question 5

Some people say that art subjects such as music, drama and creative writing are an essential part of education, and every school should include them in its syllabus. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give your opinion and examples from your own experience.

Read IELTS Band 8 essay sample here.

Essay Question 6

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 fund their own retirement. What is your opinion? Give reasons for your answer and include examples from your own experience.

Read IELTS Band 8 essay sample here.

Essay Question 7

Nowadays in many countries women have full time jobs. Therefore, it is logical to share household tasks evenly between men and women. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Read IELTS Band 8 essay sample here.

Essay Question 8

Nowadays many people choose ready made food and refuse to cook at home. Why do you think it happens? What are the advantages and disadvantages of such a choice?

Read IELTS Band 8 essay sample here.

Essay Question 9

Some people say that protecting the environment is the government’s responsibility. Others believe that every individual should be responsible for it. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Read IELTS Band 7 essay sample here.

Essay Question 10

Some people think that public health within a country can be improved by government making laws regarding nutritious food. Others, however, think that health is a matter of personal choice and responsibility. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Read IELTS Band 8 essay sample here.

Essay Question 11

When new towns are planned, it is important to build more public parks or sports facilities than shopping centers for people to spend their free time. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Read IELTS Band 8 essay sample here.

Essay Question 12

Some people think that it is best to encourage children to leave family home as soon as possible. Others believe children should stay at their family home for as long as they like. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Read IELTS Band 8 essay sample here.

Essay Question 13

Many people support use of animals for testing medicines for humans. Others believe it isnโ€™t appropriate to use animals for such experiments. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Read IELTS Band 8 essay sample here.

Essay Question 14

Some think that it is better to get information or advice from other people, while others believe one can get any information or advice from the Internet or books. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Essay Question 15

Nowadays the crime rate is increasing, especially among teenagers. What are the reasons behind it? How can we reverse this trend? What punishment methods should be used, in your opinion?

Essay Question 16

Some people think that newspapers are the best media to learn and get information from, while others believe that the Internet is a better source. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Essay Question 17

Nowadays some people think that public libraries are not necessary, while others disagree. Discuss both views and give your own opinion and examples.

Essay Question 18

Some people believe that research into family history is useful for the next generations, while others claim that present and future are more important. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Essay Question 19

Nowadays online education has become popular as more institutes and companies are offering courses online. However, many people prefer the traditional, classroom training or study. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of both methods.

Essay Question 20

Nowadays more and more people are spending less time at home. Why do you think it happens? What effect does this have on individuals and the society?

Essay Question 21

Some people believe that for a hobby to be enjoyable it should be hard to acquire or learn. Do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Essay Question 22

Nowadays many job seekers are finding jobs that force them to move far from their family and friends. Is it a positive or a negative trend? What can be done about it?

Essay Question 23

Excessive consumption of sugar causes many health related issues. Some people believe the the government should control populationโ€™s sugar intake while others think people themselves should be responsible for their sugar eating habits. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Essay Question 24

People nowadays sleep less than they used to in the past. What do you think is the reason behind this? What are the effects on individuals and people around them?

Essay Question 25

Due the advancement in computer technology the trend of working from home will bring a dramatic change to peopleโ€™s lives. Is it a positive or negative development?
Give your opinion and examples.

Essay Question 26

Some people believe that managers are responsible for the organizationโ€™s success, while others think various features of the organization play a vital role in it. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Essay Question 27

The urban transport system receives more funds compared to the rural transport system. Why do you think it is so? How can it be solved?

Essay Question 28

These days it is very common to have people from two different generations mix in the same workplace. Are there more advantages or disadvantages to this situation? Give your own opinion and include relevant examples.

Essay Question 29

Some people think that schools should involve students in school management. Do you agree or disagree with this idea? Give reasons for your answer.

Essay Question 30

It is expected in the near future that there will be a higher proportion of old people compared to younger population in some countries. Is it a positive or negative development? Give your opinion and examples.

Essay Question 31

Computer games and films containing violence are popular today. Some people think that these are harmful for our society and the government should ban them. Others argue that such games and films are fine for entertainment. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Essay Question 32

Many people believe that the increasing number of cars in cities is the biggest source of pollution and waste. Others think that industries are the ones causing pollution. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Essay Question 33

Many people believe that it’s better to learn something in a group rather than individually. Do you agree or disagree?

Essay Question 34

Some say that people working in different job roles should get different amount of holiday time. Do you agree or disagree? Give your opinion and examples from your own experience.

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Recent IELTS letter questions 2019

Remember to spend no more than 20 minutes on one letter, and write at least 150 words.

Letter Question 1

You work a part-time job in a company and the company posted an advert seeking a person for a full-time position. Write a letter to your manager requesting to apply for the advertised position. In your letter say

– Why do you want to apply?
– What are your future goals?
– Why would it be beneficial for the company?

Read IELTS Band 8 letter sample here.

Letter Question 2

You have recently flown to another country on a business trip. You were satisfied with the flight, but didnโ€™t like services at the airport. Write a letter to the airport manager and say

– Give your flight details.
– Why were you disappointed?
– Suggest some improvements to the airport services.

Read IELTS Band 8 letter sample here.

Letter Question 3

You stayed at a hotel recently and forgot your clothes there. Write a letter to the hotel manager and say

– When and where did you stay?
– Describe your clothes.
– What would you like the manager to do about it?

Read IELTS Band 8 letter sample here.

Letter Question 4

Write a letter to your friend inviting him/her to your family party. In your letter

– Explain why you are organizing the party.
– Describe what you are planning to do.
– Say how important it is to have your friend at the party.

Read IELTS Band 8 letter sample here.

Letter Question 5

Your colleague found another job and invited you to his/her farewell party. Unfortunately you are unable to attend it. Write a letter to him/her and say

– Why canโ€™t you attend the party?
– Why did you enjoy working with him/her?
– Offer him/her to meet some other time.

Letter Question 6

You have recently used a moving company to move your household items to a new place and they have been damaged in transfer. Write a letter to the companyโ€™s manager and say

– When and where did it take place?
– What is your complaint?
– Suggest a reasonable solution.

Letter Question 7

You would like to participate in a training course. Write a letter to your manager about the course and ask for permission. In your letter

– Give details of the course.
– Why is it useful for you?
– How will it benefit your work?

Letter Question 8

You have recently traveled by plane and during the journey you had an issue with one of airline employees. Write a letter to the company manager and say

– Give details of your flight.
– Describe the issue you have encountered.
– What do you expect the manager to do about it?

Letter Question 9

You forgot an item at the hotel where you stayed on vacation recently. Write a letter to the management and say

– When and where did you stay?
– What did you leave there?
– What do you want them to do with this item?

Letter Question 10

One of your colleagues recently got a new job at another company. Write a letter to him/her and say

– How you feel about him/her.
– What you enjoyed the most while working together.
– Ask what his/her future plans are.

Letter Question 11

Write a letter to your English speaking friend to invite him/her to see a movie about your country. In your letter say

– Describe the movie.
– Why would he/she find it interesting?
– Suggest an arrangement to watch the movie together.

Letter Question 12

Write a letter to a newspaper editor about the poor condition of a historical building in your area and say

– What building are you writing about?
– Describe the current condition of the building.
– What should be done in this situation?

Letter Question 13

Write a letter of complaint about late delivery to the website where you ordered an item. Please say

โ€“ What item did you order?
โ€“ Why and when did you order that item?
โ€“ How would you like them to resolve this issue?

Letter Question 14

You recently received an invitation to a three-day training program which should benefit you and the company. Write a letter to your manager and say

โ€“ Ask to attend the program.
โ€“ Describe the program.
โ€“ Explain how the program will benefit the company.

24 thoughts on “IELTS Writing Questions 2019-2020”

  1. Smart Izibekiekume rita

    Please I really want to take ielts test but am not good in speaking and writing essay in this Case what is your advice to me thanks

  2. It would make sense for you to first practice at home and improve, and only when you are doing mock tests at home and you are getting 0.5 band higher than your target score, book a test date. This will help you avoid taking several IELTS tests.

  3. I already done my exam only 5.5 bands in writing how can I improve within two weaks because after that I have exam

  4. I am guessing spelling may be a problem, because you meant “two weeks” but you wrote “two weaks”. Please visit this page and download the free trial of IELTS Success Formula book. On page 26 in the free trial PDF you will find a list of famously misspelled words. Just by learning the correct spelling of these words you can get an increase in your writing score. And of course following all the other tips in this book will help you in other areas of your writing.

  5. Hi Simone,

    I have an query that I have appeared for IELTS trice and I scored overall 5.5 everytime. Well!! I am quite confident that I can score atleast 6.5 not less than 6.0. I actually do know where I am lacking. So, could you please help me and guide me that what should I do to achieve me target score.

  6. Hi Priya, when you are practicing at home what practice tests are you using and how many correct answers do you get in Reading and Listening? Have you ever had your writing and speaking evaluated by an IELTS teacher?

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Author

Simone Braverman is the founder of IELTS-Blog.com and author of several popular IELTS preparation books, including Ace the IELTS, Target Band 7, the High Scorer's Choice practice test series, and IELTS Success Formula. Since 2005 her work has helped 100,000's of students worldwide achieve their target IELTS scores and live their dream lives. When Simone isn't working on her next IELTS book, video lesson, or coaching, she enjoys playing the guitar or rollerblading.