Resources
Writing Task 2
Essay questions by type
Pick a question, plan for 5 minutes, write for 35. Open the plan afterwards to compare your ideas.
Opinion (agree / disagree)
education Some people believe that every child should learn computer programming from the first year of primary school, in the same way they learn reading and arithmetic. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
A possible plan
- Position: partly agree – basic logic early, full coding later
- Support: computational thinking builds problem-solving and future job skills
- Concession: young children need play, reading and numeracy first; teacher shortage
- Conclusion: introduce simple logic games early, formal coding from around age 10
technology Mobile phones should be completely banned from school classrooms because they distract students far more than they help them learn. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
A possible plan
- Position: largely agree for younger pupils
- Distraction: notifications, social media and cheating reduce concentration
- Counterpoint: phones can be learning tools (dictionaries, research) under teacher control
- Conclusion: ban personal use, allow supervised educational use
environment Governments should place a heavy tax on all products sold in plastic packaging in order to reduce waste. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
A possible plan
- Position: agree, with safeguards
- Price signals change habits for both shoppers and manufacturers
- Risk: raises cost of essentials for poorer families; need exemptions for food and medicine
- Conclusion: tax plus investment in affordable alternatives
health The best way to improve public health is for the government to provide free gym membership to every citizen. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
A possible plan
- Position: disagree that it is the best way
- Free access helps some, but lack of time and motivation are bigger barriers
- Better options: safe parks, cycling lanes, school sport, healthy food policy
- Conclusion: gyms are a minor part of a wider strategy
work A four-day working week would benefit both employees and employers, and it should become the standard in all countries. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
A possible plan
- Position: agree it helps many, disagree it should be universal
- Benefits: better rest, higher productivity per hour, lower office costs
- Limits: hospitals, farms, small shops and developing economies may suffer
- Conclusion: encourage it where suitable, not as a global rule
cities Private cars should be banned from the centres of all large cities. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
A possible plan
- Position: mostly agree
- Benefits: cleaner air, safer streets, more space for people and trade
- Problems: disabled people, deliveries, weak public transport in some cities
- Conclusion: gradual ban with exceptions and better buses/metro first
crime Longer prison sentences are the most effective way to reduce crime. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
A possible plan
- Position: disagree
- Deterrence depends more on chance of being caught than sentence length
- Long terms can harden offenders; high cost to taxpayers
- Alternatives: policing, education, rehabilitation and job training
media Because so much false information spreads online, people should only trust news that comes from government or official sources. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
A possible plan
- Position: disagree
- Misinformation is real, but official sources can also be biased or censored
- Independent journalism holds power to account
- Better answer: media literacy and checking several reliable sources
family Parents, not schools, are responsible for teaching children how to behave well in society. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
A possible plan
- Position: partly agree – parents first, schools share the role
- Home is where values, manners and habits begin
- Schools teach cooperation, rules and dealing with diverse peers
- Conclusion: shared responsibility, with parents taking the lead
travel & tourism Popular tourist sites should strictly limit the number of visitors allowed each day, even if this reduces income for local businesses. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
A possible plan
- Position: agree
- Overcrowding damages heritage sites, nature and residents' lives
- Limits can raise the quality and price of visits, protecting income
- Conclusion: daily caps with booking systems protect sites long-term
globalisation It would be better for the world if everyone spoke only one common language. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
A possible plan
- Position: disagree
- A shared second language helps trade and travel
- But losing mother tongues destroys culture, identity and knowledge
- Conclusion: one common second language, not one only language
government & society Voting in national elections should be made compulsory for all adult citizens. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
A possible plan
- Position: partly agree
- Higher turnout makes results more representative
- Forcing uninformed or unwilling voters may lower the quality of choice; freedom issue
- Conclusion: prefer easier voting and civic education, with a 'none of the above' option if compulsory
Discuss both views
education Some people think university education should be free and paid for by the government, while others believe students should pay because they benefit personally. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
A possible plan
- View 1: free education widens access and benefits the whole economy
- View 2: graduates earn more, so they should share the cost; taxpayers' burden
- Opinion: mixed model – low fees plus grants for poorer students
- Conclusion: access must not depend on family income
technology Some believe online courses will soon replace traditional classrooms, while others argue that face-to-face teaching will always be necessary. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
A possible plan
- View 1: online is cheaper, flexible, reaches remote students
- View 2: classrooms give discipline, social skills and practical training
- Opinion: blended learning is the future, not full replacement
- Conclusion: technology supports but does not replace teachers
environment Some people say individuals can do little to fight climate change and only governments and large companies can make a difference. Others think every individual must take responsibility. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
A possible plan
- View 1: big emitters and laws have the largest impact
- View 2: consumer choices add up and push companies/governments
- Opinion: both needed, but government action is decisive
- Example: public demand led to bans on single-use plastic
health Some argue that taxing sugary drinks is a fair way to reduce obesity, while others believe people should be free to choose what they eat and drink. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
A possible plan
- View 1: tax reduces consumption and funds health services
- View 2: personal freedom; tax hits poorer people hardest
- Opinion: support the tax if money goes to health education and clean water
- Conclusion: policy plus awareness
work Some people prefer a job with a high salary even if it is insecure, while others choose a lower-paid job that offers long-term security. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
A possible plan
- View 1: high pay allows saving, investment and fast progress
- View 2: security reduces stress, supports family planning
- Opinion: depends on life stage – young people can take risks
- Conclusion: security matters more for those with dependants
cities Some people think cities should build tall apartment buildings to house growing populations, while others believe cities should spread outwards with low-rise suburbs. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
A possible plan
- View 1: high-rise saves land, supports public transport
- View 2: suburbs offer space, gardens, quieter family life
- Opinion: dense, well-planned high-rise with green space
- Conclusion: urban sprawl costs farmland and increases car use
crime Some people believe criminals should be punished severely, while others think the aim of prison should be to rehabilitate offenders. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
A possible plan
- View 1: punishment gives justice to victims and deters crime
- View 2: rehabilitation lowers reoffending and cost
- Opinion: rehabilitation for most, strict punishment for violent crime
- Conclusion: goal is fewer future victims
media Some people think famous celebrities have a duty to be good role models for young people, while others believe their private lives are their own business. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
A possible plan
- View 1: large influence on youth; fame brings responsibility
- View 2: they are ordinary people; parents are the true role models
- Opinion: public behaviour should be responsible, private life respected
- Conclusion: teach young people to judge critically
family Some believe that elderly parents should live with their adult children, while others think care homes or independent living are better options. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
A possible plan
- View 1: family care, cultural duty, help with grandchildren
- View 2: professional medical care, privacy for both generations
- Opinion: family living where possible, with outside support
- Conclusion: choice should fit health needs and family situation
travel & tourism Some people think it is better to spend holidays exploring their own country, while others prefer to travel abroad. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
A possible plan
- View 1: domestic travel is cheaper, supports local economy, lower emissions
- View 2: foreign travel broadens the mind and teaches languages
- Opinion: explore own country first, travel abroad occasionally
- Example: Bangladesh's Sylhet tea gardens vs overseas trips
globalisation Some people prefer to buy locally made products, while others believe imported goods offer better quality and value. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
A possible plan
- View 1: local buying supports jobs, fresher food, fewer transport emissions
- View 2: imports give choice, competition and lower prices
- Opinion: balance – buy local food, import where quality/price differ
- Conclusion: competition also improves local producers
government & society Some people think governments should spend more money on the arts, such as museums and theatres, while others think this money is better spent on public services like hospitals and security. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
A possible plan
- View 1: arts preserve culture, attract tourists, improve wellbeing
- View 2: health and safety are basic needs and must come first
- Opinion: priority to essentials, but a small arts budget brings wide benefit
- Conclusion: not either/or
Advantages & disadvantages
education More and more students are choosing to complete their degrees at universities in other countries. Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?
A possible plan
- Position: advantages outweigh
- Pros: global-standard education, language, independence, career network
- Cons: high cost, homesickness, culture shock, brain drain
- Conclusion: benefits last a lifetime if planned well
technology Artificial intelligence is now being used to do many tasks that were once done by office workers. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this development?
A possible plan
- Advantage: speed, accuracy, lower cost, frees staff for creative work
- Advantage: 24-hour service to customers
- Disadvantage: job losses in routine roles, need for retraining
- Disadvantage: errors, bias and privacy concerns
environment Many governments are encouraging people to replace petrol cars with electric vehicles. Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?
A possible plan
- Position: advantages outweigh in the long term
- Pros: no exhaust fumes in cities, lower running costs, quieter
- Cons: high price, battery mining, electricity may come from coal
- Conclusion: benefits grow as power becomes cleaner
health Many people now wear devices that record their steps, heart rate and sleep. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using such devices?
A possible plan
- Advantage: motivation, goal setting, early warning of health issues
- Advantage: data can help doctors
- Disadvantage: obsession, anxiety, inaccurate readings
- Disadvantage: personal health data may be sold or leaked
work A growing number of companies are allowing staff to work from home permanently. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
A possible plan
- Position: advantages outweigh for most office roles
- Pros: no commute, flexible hours, companies save rent
- Cons: isolation, weaker teamwork, blurred work-life boundary
- Conclusion: hybrid arrangements capture the best of both
cities Some governments are moving public offices and businesses from the capital to smaller towns. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this policy?
A possible plan
- Advantage: reduces congestion in the capital, e.g. Dhaka
- Advantage: creates jobs and development in regions
- Disadvantage: staff unwilling to relocate, high moving cost
- Disadvantage: weaker infrastructure in small towns
crime Security cameras are now installed in many streets, shops and public transport. Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?
A possible plan
- Position: advantages outweigh if regulated
- Pros: deter crime, help solve cases, people feel safer
- Cons: loss of privacy, misuse of footage, false sense of security
- Conclusion: clear laws on storage and access
media Many companies now design advertisements specifically for children. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this trend?
A possible plan
- Advantage: informs families about age-appropriate products
- Advantage: funds free children's programmes and apps
- Disadvantage: pressures parents, encourages junk food and materialism
- Disadvantage: children cannot judge persuasion techniques
family In many countries, couples are choosing to have children at an older age than in the past. Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?
A possible plan
- Position: roughly balanced, slight advantage
- Pros: financial stability, career established, emotional maturity
- Cons: health risks, less energy, fewer years with grandparents
- Conclusion: benefits outweigh if not delayed too long
travel & tourism Private companies are beginning to offer trips into space for wealthy tourists. Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?
A possible plan
- Position: disadvantages outweigh for now
- Pros: funds space research, inspires innovation
- Cons: huge carbon cost for a tiny rich minority, safety risks
- Conclusion: money better spent on earthly problems at present
globalisation Global fast-food and coffee chains are opening branches in almost every country. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this?
A possible plan
- Advantage: jobs, consistent hygiene standards, investment
- Advantage: introduces new food and service culture
- Disadvantage: local restaurants and traditional food decline
- Disadvantage: unhealthy diets, profits leave the country
government & society Several countries have raised the age at which people can retire and receive a state pension. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
A possible plan
- Position: advantages outweigh if flexible
- Pros: pension system stays affordable, experienced workers stay
- Cons: manual workers suffer, fewer jobs for young people
- Conclusion: higher age with exceptions for physical jobs
Problem & solution
education Many young people today rarely read books for pleasure. What are the causes of this, and what can be done to encourage them to read more?
A possible plan
- Cause: short-form videos and games compete for attention
- Cause: exam pressure leaves little free time; few libraries
- Solution: school reading clubs, free choice of books
- Solution: e-books, audiobooks and parents reading at home
technology Online scams and fraud are becoming more common. What problems does this cause, and how can individuals and governments reduce them?
A possible plan
- Problem: financial loss, especially for elderly and new users
- Problem: loss of trust in digital payments like mobile banking
- Solution: public awareness campaigns, two-step verification
- Solution: stronger laws and international police cooperation
environment In many countries, rivers are becoming seriously polluted. What are the causes of this problem, and what measures can be taken to solve it?
A possible plan
- Cause: untreated factory waste, e.g. textile dyeing
- Cause: household sewage and plastic dumping
- Solution: enforce treatment plants and heavy fines
- Solution: community clean-ups and proper waste collection
health Levels of stress and anxiety among young adults are rising. What are the reasons for this, and what can be done to help?
A possible plan
- Cause: academic and job competition, family expectations
- Cause: social media comparison, lack of sleep
- Solution: counselling services at universities and workplaces
- Solution: reduce stigma, encourage exercise and offline time
work In some countries, many university graduates cannot find jobs that match their qualifications. What are the causes, and what solutions can you suggest?
A possible plan
- Cause: degrees do not match market needs
- Cause: too few skilled jobs; lack of practical experience
- Solution: internships and industry links in university courses
- Solution: support for vocational training and entrepreneurship
cities Traffic congestion is a major problem in many fast-growing cities. What problems does it cause, and what can be done to reduce it?
A possible plan
- Problem: lost working hours and economic cost
- Problem: air pollution and stress
- Solution: metro rail and reliable bus networks
- Solution: flexible office hours, congestion charges, better road discipline
crime In some areas, the number of teenagers committing crimes is increasing. Why is this happening, and what can be done about it?
A possible plan
- Cause: poverty, school dropout, lack of supervision
- Cause: peer pressure, gangs, drugs
- Solution: youth centres, sports and skills programmes
- Solution: family support and community policing
family In many families, parents and children spend very little time together. What are the causes of this, and how can the situation be improved?
A possible plan
- Cause: long working hours and commutes
- Cause: screens and separate schedules
- Solution: shared meals without devices, family weekends
- Solution: employers offer flexible hours
travel & tourism In some tourist destinations, local traditions and ways of life are disappearing because of mass tourism. What are the causes, and what can be done?
A possible plan
- Cause: businesses change to suit foreign tastes
- Cause: rising prices push locals out
- Solution: protect heritage zones, limit developments
- Solution: promote authentic cultural tourism run by locals
globalisation Many doctors, engineers and other skilled professionals leave developing countries to work abroad. What problems does this cause, and what solutions can you suggest?
A possible plan
- Problem: shortage of doctors and experts at home
- Problem: wasted public investment in their education
- Solution: better pay, research funding, working conditions
- Solution: encourage diaspora to return or share skills remotely
government & society In many societies, people have little trust in government institutions. What are the reasons for this, and how can trust be rebuilt?
A possible plan
- Cause: corruption and broken promises
- Cause: slow, confusing public services
- Solution: transparency, online services, open data
- Solution: independent anti-corruption bodies and citizen feedback
Two-part question
education Nowadays, many students are asked to choose their future career while they are still at secondary school. Why is this? Is it a positive or negative development?
A possible plan
- Why: early subject streams (science/commerce/arts), competitive admissions
- Why: parental pressure and job market worries
- Evaluation: mostly negative – teenagers lack experience
- Suggestion: career guidance and flexible pathways
technology Children are now given tablets and smartphones at a very young age. Why do parents do this? What effects does it have on children?
A possible plan
- Why: keeps children busy, educational apps, social pressure
- Positive effect: early digital skills, some learning
- Negative effect: less physical play, poor sleep, attention problems
- Balance: time limits and co-viewing
environment A large amount of food is thrown away every day in homes, shops and restaurants. Why does this happen? What can be done to reduce this waste?
A possible plan
- Why: over-buying, confusing expiry dates, large portions
- Why: supermarkets reject imperfect produce
- Action: food banks, donate surplus from restaurants
- Action: shopping lists, smaller portions, composting
health Fast food has become part of daily life for many families. Why has it become so popular? Is this a positive or negative trend?
A possible plan
- Why: busy lifestyles, low cost, convenience, delivery apps
- Why: advertising and taste
- Evaluation: negative overall – obesity, diabetes
- Note: occasional use is fine; home cooking should dominate
work Many young people today change jobs several times in the first few years of their career. Why do they do this? Is it a good thing?
A possible plan
- Why: seek higher pay, faster promotion, better culture
- Why: gig economy and less company loyalty
- Good: wider skills and networks
- Bad: shallow experience, looks unstable to employers
cities Some people who grew up in cities are now choosing to move to the countryside. What are the reasons for this? What problems might they face?
A possible plan
- Reasons: cleaner air, lower costs, remote work possible
- Reasons: slower pace, space for family
- Problems: fewer jobs, weak internet and transport
- Problems: limited healthcare and schools
crime Many people who leave prison go on to commit crimes again. Why is this? What can be done to prevent it?
A possible plan
- Why: no job or housing after release, criminal record stigma
- Why: same social circle, addiction untreated
- Prevention: education and job training in prison
- Prevention: mentoring and employer incentives after release
media Social media influencers now affect what many young people buy. Why do young people trust influencers? Is this a positive or negative development?
A possible plan
- Why: feel personal and relatable, daily contact
- Why: peer trends, fear of missing out
- Positive: discovering small brands, honest reviews
- Negative: hidden paid promotions, overspending
family In many countries, families are much smaller than they were fifty years ago. Why has this happened? What effects does this have on society?
A possible plan
- Why: cost of raising children, education of women, urban living
- Why: better healthcare – fewer child deaths
- Effects: more investment per child, women's careers
- Effects: ageing population, fewer carers for elderly
travel & tourism Some travellers prefer organised group tours, while others travel independently. Why do people choose group tours? Which way of travelling is better?
A possible plan
- Why group tours: safety, convenience, language barriers, lower cost
- Why group tours: social companionship
- Better: independent for flexibility and deeper experience
- Conclusion: group tours suit first-time or elderly travellers
globalisation English is now studied by millions of people in non-English-speaking countries. Why is this happening? Does this have more positive or negative effects?
A possible plan
- Why: international business, higher education, internet content
- Why: better jobs and migration
- Positive: communication, opportunities
- Negative: local languages lose status; English not a threat if both valued
government & society Many young people show little interest in politics. Why is this? How could they be encouraged to take part?
A possible plan
- Why: feel ignored, distrust politicians
- Why: politics seems slow and unrelated to their lives
- Encourage: civic education, youth councils
- Encourage: online consultation and engaging issues like climate/jobs
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