100 IELTS Essay Questions

Some people believe that university education should be free for all students. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Computers and smartphones have made people's lives more convenient, but they have also had negative effects on society. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

It is more important for governments to invest in renewable energy than to reduce their carbon emissions through lifestyle changes. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

The government should ban all forms of advertising for unhealthy food and drink. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Working from home is better for both employees and employers than working in an office. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Some people think that older people should retire to make way for younger workers. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

It is impossible to protect endangered languages because it is natural for them to disappear over time. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

The best way to reduce crime is to ensure that people have a good standard of living. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

News organisations have a responsibility to report all events truthfully, even when this may cause public distress. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Governments should invest more money in public transport than in building new roads. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Children should be taught how to manage money at school. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Robots and artificial intelligence will eventually replace most human jobs and this is a positive development. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

The gap between the rich and poor is increasing in most countries. Governments are doing too little to address this. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Nuclear energy is the only realistic solution to climate change. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Individuals are responsible for their own health and it is not the government's role to provide healthcare. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

It is better to have a job you enjoy than a job that pays well. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Long prison sentences are the most effective deterrent to criminal behaviour. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Social media has had a more negative impact on young people than any previous form of media. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

People who live in another country should adopt the cultural norms of that country. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

The most important quality a political leader can have is honesty. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Some people think that children should be educated at home by their parents, while others believe they should go to school. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Some people believe that technology is making people more isolated, while others think it is helping people connect more. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Some people feel that celebrities have a positive influence on young people, while others believe the influence is mostly negative. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Some believe individuals must change their behaviour to protect the environment, while others think only government action can make a meaningful difference. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Some people think employees should be judged purely on their performance, while others believe factors like attendance and attitude should also count. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Some people think competitive sport is harmful for children, while others argue it builds important character traits. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Some people believe that prison is not an effective punishment for criminals, while others disagree. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Some people think that countries should preserve their traditional buildings, while others believe land should be used for modern development. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Some people think the internet is making reading decline, while others argue it has created new forms of reading. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Some people believe that the state should pay for all citizens' healthcare costs, while others think individuals should be responsible for their own. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Some argue that students should study a broad curriculum, while others believe students should specialise in subjects they are good at from an early age. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Some people think self-driving vehicles are the future of transport, while others believe they create unacceptable risks. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Some feel that zoos play an important role in protecting animals, while others think they are cruel and should be abolished. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Some people think economic growth and environmental protection are incompatible, while others believe they can be achieved together. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Some people prefer to work for large organisations, while others prefer small companies. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Some people think modern medicine is overly focused on treating illness rather than preventing it. Others believe treatment is more important than prevention. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Some people believe that the death penalty is a necessary part of the justice system, while others argue it should be abolished everywhere. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Some people feel that tourists benefit local economies, while others believe tourism has negative effects on local communities. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Some believe that violent video games cause violent behaviour in young people. Others think there is no link between the two. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Some people argue that wealthy nations should accept more immigrants, while others believe borders should be more strictly controlled. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Many cities around the world are suffering from severe air pollution. What are the main causes and what measures could be taken to address this problem?

The number of people suffering from loneliness and social isolation is increasing in many countries. What are the causes of this and what solutions can you suggest?

Many schools in developing countries lack basic facilities and qualified teachers. What are the main causes of this and what solutions could be implemented?

Rates of obesity are increasing globally. What are the causes of this trend and what measures could governments and individuals take?

Many young people find it difficult to find employment after graduating from university. What are the causes and what solutions would you suggest?

Many people are concerned about the amount of personal data that companies collect online. What problems does this cause and what solutions are possible?

Traffic congestion in cities is a growing problem around the world. What are the main causes and what can be done to reduce it?

The rate of juvenile crime is increasing in many countries. What factors are responsible and how can the problem be addressed?

Many species of plants and animals are becoming extinct at an alarming rate. What are the main causes and what can be done?

Many people in developed countries are suffering from mental health problems. What are the main causes and what solutions could be suggested?

Many governments are finding it increasingly difficult to fund public services such as healthcare and education. What causes this and what solutions would you suggest?

Students from poorer backgrounds perform less well at school than those from wealthier families. What are the causes and what solutions are possible?

Many elderly people in modern societies feel neglected and forgotten. What are the causes of this problem and how could it be addressed?

Plastic waste is one of the most serious environmental problems facing the world today. What are the causes and what can be done to reduce it?

In many countries, women are still paid less than men for the same work. What are the causes of this and what solutions can you propose?

The spread of misinformation on social media is a growing problem in many countries. What are the causes and how can this be addressed?

Many people in modern cities do not take enough physical exercise. What are the reasons for this and what can be done to encourage more active lifestyles?

Many young people are spending increasing amounts of time on social media, which is affecting their academic performance. What are the causes and solutions?

Housing prices in many major cities have become unaffordable for ordinary workers. What are the causes and what solutions could be proposed?

Many countries are spending more and more money on prisons. What are the reasons for this trend and how could the problem be reduced?

Some companies now offer employees the option to work entirely from home. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this?

Some parents choose to educate their children at home rather than sending them to school. What are the advantages and disadvantages of homeschooling?

In many countries, it is now possible to shop online 24 hours a day. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this development?

Some countries have introduced a tax on unhealthy foods. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using taxation to change people's behaviour?

Many large companies operate in multiple countries. What are the advantages and disadvantages of multinational companies for the countries they operate in?

International tourism has grown significantly in recent decades. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this for the places tourists visit?

Some countries now require citizens to carry an organ donor card. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this policy?

Some governments use CCTV cameras in public spaces to reduce crime. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this?

Many people now get their news primarily from social media rather than traditional sources. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this?

Some countries have legalised some previously illegal drugs. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this approach?

Increasingly, universities are offering online degrees. What are the advantages and disadvantages of studying online rather than attending a campus?

Many cities are now using automated systems to control traffic flow and reduce congestion. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this technology?

In some countries, it is compulsory for young people to complete a period of military or community service. What are the advantages and disadvantages?

Many countries are now debating the introduction of a four-day working week. What are the advantages and disadvantages?

Some cities have introduced congestion charges for drivers entering the city centre. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this policy?

Some countries have introduced legislation requiring people to be vaccinated against certain diseases. What are the advantages and disadvantages?

Many cities around the world are becoming increasingly similar in terms of shops, restaurants, and architecture. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this?

Some governments offer financial incentives to people who adopt healthier lifestyles. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this approach?

Many celebrities now use social media to promote products to their followers. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this form of advertising?

Some hospitals are now using robots to perform surgery. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using robotic technology in medicine?

Why do some students lose interest in learning at school? What can teachers and schools do to keep students motivated?

Why do some older people find it difficult to adapt to new technology? What can be done to help them?

Why are people in many countries eating more unhealthy food than before? What can be done to improve people's diets?

Why do some people find it difficult to maintain a healthy work-life balance? What solutions would you suggest?

Why is the rate of mental illness increasing in many countries? How can this problem be addressed?

Why is the gender pay gap still a problem in many countries? What measures could governments take to address it?

Why do some young people choose a life of crime? What can society do to prevent this?

Why are fewer young people learning traditional art forms and crafts? What can be done to preserve these traditions?

Why do so many people prefer to watch films and TV series on streaming platforms rather than going to the cinema? Is this a positive or negative development?

Why do many citizens feel disconnected from politics? How can governments encourage greater political participation?

Why has the average age of people getting married in many countries increased significantly over recent decades? Is this a positive or negative development?

Why have many plant and animal species become extinct in recent years? What can be done to prevent further losses?

Why is reading for pleasure declining among young people in many countries? What can parents and schools do to encourage it?

Why are more and more people choosing to shop online rather than in physical stores? Do you think this is a positive or negative development for society?

Why do many people fail to follow a healthy lifestyle even when they know the risks? What can be done to change this?

Why do many people decide to change careers in the middle of their working lives? Is this generally a positive development?

Why do people enjoy watching sporting events such as the World Cup or the Olympics? What impact do these events have on the host country?

Why are an increasing number of people choosing to live alone? Do you think this is a positive or negative development?

Why do some countries spend large amounts of money on space exploration? Do you think this is a good use of public funds?

Why do many people believe that social media is making society more divided? What can be done to use social media more positively?