IELTS Writing Task 2 Technology Topics: Vocabulary, Questions & Model Answers

Writing guide series

Technology is one of the most tested IELTS Writing Task 2 topic areas.
This page covers the key themes, essential vocabulary, common question types, and links to every practice question in this category with Band 7.5+ model answers.

IELTS Writing Task 2. Education · Environment · Society · Health · Work

Key Takeaways

Always distinguish between correlation and causation when discussing technology's effects.
Use specific examples: company names, policies, research findings strengthen your argument.
Avoid technophobia/technophilia bias - acknowledge both risks and benefits even in opinion essays.
For automation topics, reference specific job categories: routine cognitive work, manual assembly, rather than vague 'jobs'.

Why Technology Topics Matter in IELTS

Technology topics appear in roughly 20 to 25% of IELTS Writing Task 2 exams, making them the most frequent category. Questions cover artificial intelligence, social media, automation, privacy, the digital divide, and the relationship between technology and human behaviour. Examiners reward candidates who move beyond surface-level claims ('technology is good/bad') towards specific, evidence-backed analysis of real technological trends.

Key Themes to Prepare

Automation and the future of employment

Social media: mental health, democracy, and social connection

Artificial intelligence: benefits and risks

The digital divide and global inequality

Privacy, surveillance, and data rights

Technology in education

Screen time and children's development

Practice Questions by Type

Agree / Disagree

"Computers and robots will soon replace human workers in most industries. To what extent do you agree or disagree?"

Discuss Both Views

"Some argue social media increases isolation. Others say it connects people. Discuss both views and give your opinion."

Advantages and Disadvantages

"Online education has increased significantly. What are the advantages and disadvantages?"

Problem and Solution

"Cybercrime is increasing globally. What are the causes and what can be done to address it?"

Essential Vocabulary for Technology Essays

automation

replacing human tasks with machines or software

algorithmic bias

systematic unfairness in AI outputs due to training data

digital divide

inequality between those with and without internet access

surveillance capitalism

business model that monetises personal data collection

gig economy

labour market based on short-term, platform-mediated contracts

disruptive technology

innovation that radically alters existing markets

cybersecurity

protection of systems and data from digital attacks

proliferation

rapid increase in number or spread

Full vocabulary bank for all 7 topic areas

How to Approach Technology Essays

Identify the specific angle

Technology questions rarely ask about 'technology' in general. They ask about a specific issue. Read the question carefully and identify exactly what problem, trend, or policy is being discussed before you plan your response.

Prepare 2 specific examples in advance

Before the exam, prepare 2 to 3 specific, named examples from technology: a country policy, a statistic, a real event. Specific examples always score higher than vague claims. You can adapt the same examples to multiple question angles.

Use the right vocabulary

Technology questions reward candidates who use topic-specific vocabulary accurately. Review the key words above and ensure you understand their collocations - not just their definitions.

Write and compare to a model answer

Read the model answers in the practice topics below and identify: which arguments did they choose that you missed? Which vocabulary is more precise than yours? Active comparison is more useful than passive reading.

All Technology Practice Topics (7)

Agree / Disagree

Many people believe that computers and robots will soon replace human workers in most industries. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this view?

Discuss Both Views

Some people argue that social media platforms have made people more socially isolated. Others believe these platforms help people connect. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Children today spend increasing amounts of time using computers, smartphones, and other digital devices. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this trend?

Direct Question

Technology has transformed the way people learn. How has technology changed education and is this change positive or negative overall?

Advantages and Disadvantages

Governments in many countries are encouraging people to switch to electric vehicles. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this policy?

Discuss Both Views

Some people think social media companies should be more strictly regulated by governments. Others believe this would restrict freedom of speech. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Artificial intelligence is advancing rapidly and will soon transform almost every aspect of daily life. What are the main benefits and risks of this development?

Browse all 60+ Writing Task 2 practice topics

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