IELTS WRITING TOPICS - SAMPLES

GOVERNMENT
Should wealthy nations be required to share their wealth among poorer nations by providing such things as food and education? Or is it the responsibility of the governments of poorer nations to look after their citizens themselves? What should a government do for a country to become successful? Should money be spent on space exploration? Should rich countries forgive all debts for poor countries? Does foreign aid help donor countries more than the recipients? Should rich countries pay more for environmental damage? Most high level jobs are done by men. Should the government encourage a certain percentage of these jobs to be reserved for women? Should developing countries concentrate on improving industrial skills or should they promote education first? Safety standards are important when building people's homes. Who should be responsible for enforcing strict building codes - the government or the people who build the homes? Discuss the advantage and disadvantage of giving international aid to poor countries. Should criminals be punished with lengthy jail terms or re-educated and rehabilitated using community service programs for instance, before being reintroduced to society? In most countries disabled people are not catered for adequately, e.g. buildings are often inappropriately designed. Governments rely too heavily on charities and voluntary organizations to provide assistance and funding. What further measures could be taken to assist disabled people? In your opinion should government intervene in the rights of the individual with regard to family planning?

The best way to reduce the number of traffic accidents is to make all young drivers complete a safe driving education course before being licensed to drive.

MODERN SOCIETY
Nowadays doctors can become very rich. Maybe they should not focus on profitable activities such as plastic surgery or looking after rich patients and concentrate more on patients health, no matter how rich they are? Does travel help to promote understanding and communication between countries? In your opinion what factors contribute to a good movie? Are famous people treated unfairly by the media ? Should they be given more privacy, or is the price of their fame an invasion into their private lives? Is animal testing necessary? Some businesses now say that no one can smoke cigarettes in any of their offices. Some governments have banned smoking in all public places. Do you agree or disagree? Give reasons. To what extent is the use of animals in scientific research acceptable? Human beings do not need to eat meat in order to maintain good health because they can get all their food needs from meatless products and meatless substances. A vegetarian diet is as healthy as a diet containing meat. Argue for or against the opinion above. Forests are the lungs of the earth. Destruction of the world's forests amounts to death of the world we currently know. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Are our zoos cruel to wild animals? Discuss. Zoos are sometimes seen as necessary but not poor alternatives to a natural environment. Discuss some of the arguments for and/or against keeping animals in zoos.

To what extent will migration from the developing world to the developed world become a social and political issue in the 21st century? In Britain, when someone gets old, they often go to live in a home with other old people where there are nurses to look after them. Sometimes the government has to pay for this care. Who should be responsible for our old people? Give reasons.

The first car appeared on British roads in 1888. By the year 2000 there may be as many as 29 million vehicles on British roads. Alternative forms of transport should be encouraged and international laws introduced to control car ownership and use. What do you think? The best way to reduce the number of traffic accidents is to make all young drivers complete a safe driving education course before being licensed to drive. News editors decide what to broadcast on TV and what to print in newspapers. What factors do you think influence their decisions? Have we become used to bad news? Would it be better if more good news was reported? TV: could you be without it? Discuss. To what extent will migration from the developing world to the developed world become a social and political issue in the 21st century? The mass media, including TV, radio and newspapers, have great influence in shaping people's ideas. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give reasons for your answer. Tourism is becoming increasingly important as a source of revenue to many countries but its disadvantages should not be overlooked. What are some of the problems of tourism? The mass media, including TV, radio and newspapers, have great influence in shaping people's ideas. To what extent do you agree or disagree this statement? Give reasons for your answer.

TECHNOLOGY
Does modern technology make life more convenient, or was life better when technology was simpler? Will modern technology, such as the internet ever replace the book or the written word as the main source of information? We are becoming increasingly dependent on computers. They are used in businesses, hospitals, crime detection and even to fly planes. What things will they be used for in future?.Is this dependence on computers a good thing or should we be more suspicious of their benefits?Use specific details and examples in your answer. In what ways has information technology changed work and working practices in the past 10 years?

Technology is making communication easier in today's world, but at the expense of personal contact as many people choose to work at home in front of a computer screen. What dangers are there for a society which depends on computer screens rather than face-to-face contact for its main means of communication? Will the Internet bring people of the world closer together? The first car appeared on British roads in 1888. By the year 2000 there may be as many as 29 million vehicles on British roads. Alternative forms of transport should be encouraged and international laws introduced to control car ownership and use. What do you think? The mass media, including TV, radio and newspapers, have great influence in shaping people's ideas. To what extent do you agree or disagree this statement? Give reasons for your answer.

EMPLOYMENT
Should retirement be compulsory at 65 years of age? Telecommuting' refers to workers doing their jobs from home for part of each week and communicating with their office using computer technology. Telecommuting is growing in many countries and is expected to be common for most office workers in the coming decades. How do you think society will be affected by the growth of telecommuting? In some countries the average worker is obliged to retire at the age of 50, while in others people can work until they are 65 or 70. Until what age do you think people should be encouraged to remain in paid employment? Give reasons for your answer.

ENVIRONMENT & ECOLOGY

To what extent should economic planning be influenced by the need of environmental conservation? Damage of the environment is an inevitable consequence of worldwide improvements in the standard of living. Discuss. The rising levels of congestion and air pollution found in most of the world cities can be attributed directly to the rapidly increasing number of private cars in use. In order to reverse this decline in the quality of life in cities, attempts must be made to encourage people to use their cars less and public transport more. Discuss possible ways to encourage the use of public transport. The threat of nuclear weapons maintains world peace. Nuclear power provides cheap and clean energy. The benefits of nuclear technology far outweigh the disadvantages. Do you agree or disagree? Give reasons for your answer.

EDUCATION
Education is the single most important factor in the development of a country. Do you agree? What are factors which are related to academic success in high-school students? Do the benefits of study abroad justify the difficulties? What advice would you offer to a prospective student? The idea of going overseas for university study is an exciting prospect for many people. But while it may offer some advantages, it is probably better to stay home because of the difficulties a student inevitably encounters living and studying in a different culture. To what extent do you agree or disagree this statement? Give reasons for your answer. Education is recognized as vital to the future of any society in today's world. Governments throughout the world should make education compulsory for all children between the ages of 5 and 15. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? Foreign language instruction should begin in kindergarten. Discuss. Should sports classes be sacrificed in High School so students can concentrate on academic subjects? To what extent should universities function as training grounds for employment? To what extent should university courses be geared to the economic needs of society? Should children be taught sex education in schools? Computers can translate all kinds of languages well. Do our children need to learn more languages in the future? Are zoos necessary for education?

PARENTS & CHILDREN

Children should never be educated at home by their parents. Do you agree or disagree? Children learn best by observing behavior of adults and copying it. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

GENDER ISSUES - ESSAY TOPICS

To what extent has the traditional male role changed in the last 20 years? Many people believe that women make better parents than men and that this is why they have the greater role in raising children in most societies. Others claim that men are just as good as women at parenting. Write an essay expressing your point of view. Give reasons for your answer.

IELTS Letter Topics - Formal

1. Asking for Information You live in an English speaking country and you want to do some voluntary, unpaid work in a developing country. Write a letter to a company called Cultural Expeditions, which organizes such trips. In your letter:

Explain why you want to do the voluntary work. State what your skills and experience are. Indicate where you would like to volunteer and for how long.

Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir / Madam You should write at least 150 words. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. 2. Applying for a Job You have decided to apply for a job as a Spanish instructor that was advertised in the April edition of the magazine Teaching Professional. This ad was posted by Mr John Sullivan, director of the Spanish department at The Language Institute of Great Britain in London, England. In your letter to Mr Sullivan:

explain why you are writing describe your qualifications and experience explain how they can contact you

Write at least 150 words. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. (Question taken from Kaplan IELTS 2009-2010 ) 3. Making Suggestions You eat at your college cafeteria every lunchtime. However, you think it needs some improvements. Write a letter to the college magazine. In your letter:

explain what you like bout the cafeteria say what is wrong suggest how it could be improved

Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir / Madam You should write at least 150 words. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. (Question taken from Instant IELTS by Guy Brook-Hart) 4. Applying for a Job You are looking for a part-time job. Write a letter to an employment agency. In your letter:

introduce yourself explain what sort of job you would like say what experience and skills you have

Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir / Madam You should write at least 150 words. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. (Question taken from Instant IELTS by Guy Brook-Hart) 5. Complaining to a Bank You have received a letter from your bank, asking you to acknowledge receipt of a new bank card. However, the card was missing from the envelope. Write a letter to the bank's head office. In your letter:

explain why you are writing express concern about the missing card ask them what they intend to do

Begin your letter as follows: Dear ________, You should write at least 150 words. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. (Question taken from Action Plan for IELTS by Vanessa Jakeman and Clare McDowell) 6. Informing an Airline Last Tuesday you flew from New York to Paris. When you arrived home, you discovered that you had left your cabin bag on the plane. Write a letter to the airline. In your letter, you should explain:

where and when you lost your bag what your bag looks like what its contents were

Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir / Madam You should write at least 150 words. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. (Question taken from Kaplan IELTS 2009-2010 ) 7. Applying for a Job You have seen an advertisement for part-time work in a hotel for three months over the summer. Write a letter to the manager. In your letter:

say what experience you have ask what the work involves enquire about conditions

Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir / Madam You should write at least 150 words. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. (Question taken from Action Plan for IELTS by Vanessa Jakeman and Clare McDowell) 8. Making Recommendations You normally go shopping in the area where you live. However, you think some of the facilities for shoppers could be improved. Write a letter to your local newspaper. In your letter:

say in general what you like about shopping in your area say what is wrong with the facilities suggest how they can be improved

Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir / Madam You should write at least 150 words. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. (Question taken from Instant IELTS by Guy Brook-Hart) 9. Applying for a Job You would like a temporary job working in the summer camp which runs sports and outdoor activities for children and young people next summer. Write a letter to the organizers of the summer camp. In your letter:

explain what sort of job you would like to do describe your personality say what experience and skills you have

Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir / Madam You should write at least 150 words. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. (Question taken from Instant IELTS by Guy Brook-Hart) 10. Complaining about a Product You live in a small university town. Last week, you drove to a big city about two hours away to buy a new laptop at a good price. You worked on the laptop all week and finished writing a long assignment that is due shortly. However, this week, the laptop doesn't even switch on. Write to the store. In your letter:

tell the store where you live & what happened explain the problem with the laptop state what action you would like the store to take

Begin your letter as follows: Dear ________ You should write at least 150 words. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

IELTS Letter Topics - Semi-Formal

1. Arranging Accommodation You are being sent on a one month work assignment in San Francisco,

California. You need a place to stay while you are there. Write a letter to the Maury Samson Real Estate Agency. In your letter:

explain the situation describe the kind of accommodation you would like provide the dates you will need it

Begin your letter as follows: Dear Mr Samson, You should write at least 150 words. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. 2. Asking for Permission You are studying overseas. You need to return to your country before the end of the semester for a family event. Write a letter to your supervisor. In your letter:

Request time off Explain why you need to leave early Reassure him / her that your studies will not suffer

Begin your letter as follows: Dear Mr / Ms _______ (Question taken from Action Plan for IELTS ) 3. Complaining to a Landlord You have been living in a rental apartment for the past year. Recently a new neighbour moved in who has loud parties several times a week. Write a letter complaining about this to the landlord. In your letter:

explain the situation describe why it bothers you suggest a solution

Begin your letter as follows: Dear Mr / Ms _____________, You should write at least 150 words. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. 4. Making a Suggestion You exercise regularly and have been a member of many different gyms. Recently, you moved into a new neighborhood and joined a new gym. You have noticed that people at this gym do not bother to wipe down the machines after use and often leave dirty towels on the benches in the change rooms. Write to Mr Koto, the manager. In your letter:

explain who you are describe the problem exactly make suggestions to improve the gym

Begin your letter as follows: Dear Mr Koto, You should write at least 150 words. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. 5. Booking Accommodation You are going to take a short holiday in Singapore and you want to rent a holiday apartment while you are there. Write to the tourist information office. In your letter:

explain what you need say when you plan to be there ask for information about prices

Begin your letter as follows: Dear Mr / Ms __________ You should write at least 150 words. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. 6. Explaining to a Neighbour You are having a graduation party next Saturday night. You have invited 50 people to celebrate at an outdoor barbecue evening, which may continue into late into the night. Write a letter to your elderly neighbour. In your letter:

explain what will be happening offer your apologies in advance invite her to join the celebration

Begin your letter as follows: Dear Mr / Ms _________ You should write at least 150 words. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. 7. Asking for permission You are supposed to hand in a mid-term project for your psychology class by November 1st. However, your brother is getting married in Hawaii at the same time and the entire family is traveling there for the occasion. You would like an extension on the due date for submitting the project. Write to your professor. In your letter:

explain the situation remind the professor of your fine academic record to date ask for an extension of the due date

Begin your letter as follows: Dear ________ You should write at least 150 words. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. 8. Making a Suggestion You live in a high-rise building, which has a communal laundry room. There are many washers and dryers there, but even more residents. Sometimes people don't come in time to empty the machines and other residents have to wait for a washer or dryer. You think the building management should purchase 10 extra laundry baskets and make them available for such times, so the machines can be freed up. Write to the Property Manager, Mrs Williams. In your letter:

explain how long you have been a resident describe the problem propose your solution

Begin your letter as follows: Dear Mrs Williams You should write at least 150 words. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. 9. Asking for Permission You have received a job offer for a position you have wanted for a long time. You are expected to start on July 1st. However, you can only start a week later due to personal reasons. Write a letter to Mr Jackson, your new boss. In your letter:

show your enthusiasm for the job offer explain the problem suggest what you can do

Begin your letter as follows: Dear Mr Jackson, You should write at least 150 words. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

IELTS Letter Topics - Informal

1. Inviting a friend You are studying English at a private language school attended by many international students. You are planning a surprise birthday party for a friend who has been feeling particularly sad and homesick. Write to another classmate and invite him / her to the party. In your letter:

explain the reason for the party give the date and time of the party suggest what the classmate could bring to the party

Begin your letter as follows: Dear ________ You should write at least 150 words. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. 2. Advising a friend about a holiday An English-speaking friend wants to spend a two-week holiday in your region and has written asking for information and advice. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter:

offer to find somewhere to stay give advice about what to do give information about what clothes to bring

Begin your letter as follows: Dear _______ You should write at least 150 words. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. (Question taken from Instant IELTS by Guy Brook-Hart) 3. Apologizing to a friend You borrowed an important textbook from a classmate last term. You now realize your classmate had returned home overseas and you still have the book. Write a letter to to him / her. In your letter:

apologize for the mistake find out how important the book is to him / her say what you will do

Begin your letter as follows: Dear _____________

You should write at least 150 words. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. (Question taken from Action Plan for IELTS by Vanessa Jakeman and Clare McDowell) 4. Thanking a friend for a holiday You have recently been to stay with an old friend for a few days. You hadn't seen each other for a long time. Write a letter to the friend. In your letter:

say how you felt about the visit refer to something enjoyable that you did while staying with him / her invite your friend to visit you

Begin your letter as follows: Dear ________ You should write at least 150 words. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. (Question taken from Action Plan for IELTS by Vanessa Jakeman and Clare McDowell) 5. Advising a friend about work An English-speaking friend is coming to study in your town next year and has written asking for information and advice. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter:

Offer to find a place for him / her to live Give advice about how to find a part-time job Give information on where he / she can learn your language

Begin your letter as follows: Dear __________ You should write at least 150 words. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. (Question taken from Instant IELTS by Guy Brook-Hart) 6. Forgetting something at a friend's You stayed at your friend's house when you participated in a conference in Australia. You left a briefcase with important documents in your room. Write a letter to your friend. In the letter:

thank your friend for the stay describe the briefcase ask him/her to return it to you by post

Begin your letter as follows: Dear _________ You should write at least 150 words. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. 7. Reminding a Friend A year ago, you lent your favorite book to a friend who you thought would enjoy it. Unfortunately, your friend has forgotten to return it. The book has sentimental value to you as it had been presented by your grandmother. Write a letter to your friend. In the letter:

ask how he or she is doing remind him / her about the book explain why you need it back

Begin your letter as follows: Dear ________ You should write at least 150 words. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. 8. Congratulating a Friend Your best friend just had her first baby. You are currently overseas but will be returning to your hometown in a week. Write to your friend. In your letter:

congratulate your friend tell her when you will be returning home ask when you could drop in to meet her and the baby

Begin your letter as follows: Dear _________ You should write at least 150 words. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. 9. Requesting Help Your parents will be celebrating their 40th anniversary next month. You are planning a big celebration, but you are not sure how to make the occasion really memorable. Write to your best friend, Joan, who is a professional event planner. In your letter:

explain why the occasion is special ask for her assistance set up a time to meet at your friend's convenience to discuss your plans

Begin your letter as follows: Dear Joan, You should write at least 150 words. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. 10. Admitting a Mistake You attended an old friend's wedding in another city, about 3 hours away, a week ago. It was an outdoor wedding held on a rainy day and you had taken along a rather expensive, elegant umbrella. When you returned, you were tired and went straight to bed. You had a very busy week.This weekend, when it started to rain, you realized you had the wrong umbrella. You must have taken someone else's umbrella, which was very similar to your own, when leaving the wedding reception. Write to your friend who got married. In your letter:

congratulate him / her on the beautiful wedding explain the situation ask how you can return this umbrella and locate your own

Begin your letter as follows: Dear Joan __________ You should write at least 150 words. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.