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100 IELTS Essay Questions

Below are practice IELTS essay questions and topics for writing task 2. The 100 essay questions have been used many times over the years. The questions are organised under common topics and essay types. IELTS often use the similar topics for their essays but change the wording of the essay question.

In order to prepare well for writing task 2, you should prepare ideas for common topics and then practise applying them to the tasks given (to the essay questions). Also see model essays and tips  for writing task 2.

Below you will find:

• Essay Questions By Topic
• Essay Questions by Essay Type (for example Opinion, Discussion etc)

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1) Common IELTS Essay Questions

IELTS practice essay questions divided by topic. These topics have been reported by IELTS students in their tests. Essay questions have been recreated as accurately as possible.

• Art   (5 essay questions)
• Business & Money   (17 essay questions)
• Communication & Personality   (20 essay questions)
• Crime & Punishment   (12 essay questions)
• Education   (17 essay questions)
• Environment   (12 essay questions)
• Family & Children   (8 essay questions)
• Food & Diet (13 essay questions)
• Government (6 essay questions)
• Health   (9 essay questions)
• Housing, Buildings & Urban Planning (8 essay questions)
• Language (6 essay questions)
• Leisure (1 essay question)
• Media & Advertising   (12 essay questions)
• Reading  (5 essay questions)
• Society   (10 essay questions)
• Space Exploration (3 questions)
• Sport & Exercise   (6 essay questions)
• Technology  (6 essay questions)
• Tourism and Travel   (11 essay questions)
• Transport  (7 essay questions)
• Work (17 essay questions)

2) IELTS Essay Questions by Essay Type 

There are 5 main types of essay questions in IELTS writing task 2 (opinion essays, discussion essay, advantage/disadvantage essays, solution essay and direct question essays). Click on the links below to see some sample essay questions for you to practice with at home.

• Opinion Essay Model Answer with Useful Tips
• Discussion Essay Model Answer with Useful Tips
• Solution Essay Model Answer with Useful Tips
• Direct Questions Model Essay 
• Adv/Disadv Model Essay with Useful Tips

3) Recent Essay Topics

You can also track recent essay topics on this page: IELTS ESSAY TOPICS 2024

Note: you must also prepare all other topics on the page above because questions are recycled each year.

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50+ Recent IELTS Writing Topics with Answers: Essays & Letters

14 min read

Updated On Aug 22, 2024

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This article lists recent IELTS Writing topics for Academic and General Training exams, covering Task 1 visual data and essays on themes like health, education, environment, and more. It also offers sample questions to aid in effective exam preparation.

Table of Contents

Ielts writing topics for academic writing task 1, ielts writing topics for general writing task 1, common ielts writing topics for writing task 2.

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IELTS Writing topics are one of the most essential study resources for IELTS exam preparation. There are two reasons for this: firstly, topics are often repeated in the IELTS exam and secondly, practising these IELTS Writing questions will help test-takers familiarise themselves with the format and requirements of the exam.

While the first task for the IELTS Writing exam has different versions of IELTS Academic and IELTS General , the second task is essay-writing for both. Even with differences in format or difficulty levels, both these tasks revolve around common IELTS writing topics like health, environment, education, travel, family and children, etc.

In this blog, we have compiled a list of the most popular and recent IELTS Writing topics based on the different tasks in this section and recurrent themes. Also, get hold of the IELTS writing questions and answers PDF that will help you practice at your own pace.

In the IELTS Writing Task 1 of the Academic exam, candidates have to summarize important visual information presented in graphs, charts, tables, maps, or diagrams in at least 150 words within 20 minutes.

Below are some IELTS Writing Task 1 topics with answers for each type of graphs and diagrams in IELTS Academic.

Line Graphs

Check out the list of IELTS Writing Task 1 - Line graph with IELTS writing questions and answers. Make sure to use appropriate IELTS Writing Task 1 Line Graph Vocabulary to write effective answers.

• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 - Shops that Closed
• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Topic: Different sources of air pollutants - Line Graph
• IELTS Writing Task 1 - The Graph Below Shows Different Sources of Air Pollutants in the UK Sample Answers
• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Topic : Price changes for fresh fruits and vegetables - Line Graph
• The Percentage Of The Population In Four Asian Countries - IELTS Writing Task 1
• The Changes In Ownership Of Electrical Appliances And Amount Of Time Spent Doing Housework In Households - IELTS Writing Task 1
• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Topic 38: Paris Metro station passengers - Line Graph
• Projected Population Growth of China and India- Line Graph
• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Topic : Percentage of Car Ownership in Great Britain - Line Graph
• Waste Recycling Rates in the US From 1960 to 2011- Line Graph
• Weekday Volume of Passenger Activity on the Toronto Metro system- Line Graph
• US Consumers' Average Annual Expenditures on Cell Phone- Line Graph
• Consumption of Fish and Different kinds of Meat in a European Country- Line Graph
• Demographic Trends in Scotland- Line Graph

Here is a list of IELTS Writing topics with answers on the IELTS bar chart .

• People Who Ate Five Portions of Fruits and Vegetables Per Day in the UK - IELTS Writing Task 1
• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Topic : People affected by four types of noise pollution - Bar graph
• How Families in One Country Spent their Weekly Income - IELTS Writing Task 1
• Division of Household Tasks by Gender in Great Britain- Bar Graph
• Annual Pay for Doctors and Other Workers - IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Bar Chart
• Estimated World Illiteracy Rates by Region and by Gender - IELTS Writing Task 1
• Southland’s Main Exports in 2000 and Future Projections For 2025 - IELTS Writing Task 1
• Carbon Emissions in Different Countries - IELTS Writing Task 1
• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Topic 22: Railway system in six cities in Europe – Bar Chart
• IELTS Writing Task 1 Test On 28th July With Band 8.0-9.0 Sample
• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Topic: Percentage of people living alone in 5 different age groups in the US - Bar Chart
• Amount of Leisure Time Enjoyed by Men and Women of Different Employment Statuses – Bar Chart
• USA Marriage and Divorce Rates Between 1970 and 2000 and the Marital Status of Adult Americans- Bar Graph
• Top Ten Rice-Producing Countries in the World in 2015- Bar Graph
• Rural Households that Had Internet Access Between 1999 and 2004- Bar Graph
• Information About Underground Railway Systems in Six Cities - IELTS Writing Task 1

Explore the list of IELTS writing topics related to pie charts and solve them with the help of pie chart vocabulary for IELTS preparation.

• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Topic : Survey conducted by a university library - Pie chart
• Methods of Transportation for People Traveling to a University - Pie Chart
• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Topic 13: Percentage of housing owned and rented in the UK – Pie Chart
• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Topic : The percentage of water used by different sectors - Pie chart
• Online shopping sales for retail sectors in Canada - IELTS Writing Task 1 Pie chart
• Percentage of Water Used for Different Purposes in Six Areas of the World- Pie Chart
• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Topic 18: Average Consumption of food in the world – Pie Chart
• Main Reasons Why Students Chose to Study at a Particular UK University - IELTS Writing Task 1 Academic Pie Chart
• Composition Of Household Rubbish In The United Kingdom - IELTS Writing Task 1

Here is a list of IELTS Writing topics with answers on the IELTS table chart .

• Fishing Industry in a European Country - IELTS Writing Task 1 Academic
• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1: Social and economic indicators for four countries - Table
• The Situation of Marriage and Age from 1960 to 2000 in Australia - IELTS Writing Task 1
• Past And Projected Population Figures In Various Countries - IELTS Writing Task 1
• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Topic 35: Number of travelers using three major German airports - Table
• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Topic 05: Size of US households over a number of years
• Changes in Modes of Travel in England Between 1985 and 2000- IELTS Writing Task 1 (Table)
• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Topic 12: Internet use in six categories by age group – Table
• Cinema Viewing Figures for Films by Country, in Millions- Table
• Number of Medals Won by the Top Ten Countries in the London 2012 Olympic Games- Table
• Sales at a Small Restaurant in a Downtown Business District- Table

Here is a list of IELTS Writing topics 2024 with answers on the IELTS Map Diagram .

• Paradise Island Map – IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Answers
• Floor Plan of a Public Library 20 years ago and now - IELTS Writing Task 1
• A School in 1985 and the School Now - IELTS Writing Task 1
• Village of Stokeford in 1930 and 2010 - IELTS Writing Task 1 Map
• Map of the Centre of a Small Town Before and After - IELTS Writing Task 1
• Plan A & B shows a Health Centre in 2005 and in Present Day - IELTS Writing Task 1
• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Example 9 : Chorleywood is a village near London whose population has increased steadily - Map
• Two possible sites for the supermarket Sample Answers
• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Topic : Cross-sections of two tunnels
• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1: Local industrial village in England called Stamdorf - Map
• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 : Hawaiian island chain in the centre of the Pacific Ocean - Map

Process Diagrams

Here is a list of IELTS Writing topics with answers on the IELTS Process diagram .

• Process of Making Soft Cheese - IELTS Writing Task 1
• Growing and Preparing Pineapples and Pineapple Products – IELTS Writing Task 1 Diagram
• Ceramic Pots Process - IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Diagram
• How Orange Juice is Produced - IELTS Academic Writing Task 1
• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Topic 09 : Consequence of deforestation
• The Diagram Shows the Manufacturing Process of Sugar- IELTS Writing Task 1
• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Topic 10: How apple is canned - Diagram
• Life Cycle of the Salmon - IELTS Writing Task 1
• Academic IELTS Writing Task 1 Recycling process of wasted glass bottles Sample Answers
• Production of Potato Chips - IELTS Writing Task 1
• The Process of Milk Production - IELTS Writing Task 1
• Process of Making Pulp and Paper - IELTS Writing Task 1 Diagram
• Stages of Processing Cocoa Beans - IELTS Writing Task 1

Mixed/Combination Diagrams

The following is a list of IELTS Writing topics 2024 with answers on IELTS mixed or combination diagrams, practising which will aid in mastering these visual presentations for a top IELTS band score .

• Anthropology Graduates From One University - IELTS Writing Task 1
• Water use Worldwide and Water Consumption- Line Graph and Table
• Transport and Car Use in Edmonton- Pie Chart + Table
• Demand for Electricity in England- Line Graph and Pie Chart
• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Topic : Newly graduated students in the UK and their proportions - Multiple Graphs
• The table and charts below give information on the police budget - IELTS Writing Task 1

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In the IELTS General Writing Task 1 , test-takers are required to write a letter in response to a given situation. The letters are of three types depending on the context, namely formal, semi-formal and informal.

Below are some common IELTS Letter Writing topics that cover all the 3 ielts writing questions types of letters.

Formal Letters

Have a look at the list of IELTS General Writing Task 1 Sample Formal Letters that will help IELTS candidates prepare for the IELTS Writing questions for the actual exam.

• An Article in an International Travel Magazine - IELTS Writing Task 1
• A Magazine Wants to Include Contributions from its Readers - IELTS Writing Task 1
• Recently Booked a Part-Time Course at a College Now Need to Cancel Your Booking - IELTS Writing Task 1 General Formal Letter
• Advertisement From a Couple Who Live in Australia - IELTS Writing Task 1 General Formal Letter
• You Found You had Left Some Important Papers at the Hotel – IELTS General Writing Task 1
• Advertisement for a Training Course which will be Useful – IELTS Writing Task 1
• Write a Letter to Your Manager about a Party that You Want to Organize at the Office – IELTS General Writing Task 1
• A Feedback for a Short Cookery Course – IELTS General Writing Task 1
• Letter to the Local Authority about Construction of an Airport - IELTS Writing Task 1
• You Are Soon Going to Spend Three Months Doing Work Experience in an Organisation - IELTS Writing Task 1

Semi - formal Letters

The following is a list of IELTS General Writing Task 1 Sample Semi-Formal Letters with answers.

• A Friend Of Yours Is Thinking About Applying For The Same Course - IELTS Writing Task 1 General Semi-Formal Letter
• Letter to Neighbour About Barking Dog - IELTS Writing Task 1
• A Letter to Your Friend Who Lives in Another Town and Invite - IELTS Writing Task 1
• Letter to a Singer about His/Her Performance – IELTS General Writing Task 1
• You Have a Full-time Job and Doing a Part-time Evening Course - IELTS Writing Task 1
• Letter to Neighbor About the Damaged Car While Parking - IELTS Writing Task 1
• You Work for an International Company- Semi-formal letter
• You and Your Family are Living in Rented Accommodation- Semiformal Letter

Informal Letters

Here is a list of IELTS Writing topics with answers on the IELTS General Writing Task 1 Informal Letters that will help you to learn how to write an IELTS informal letter and brush up your writing skills.

• A Friend is Thinking of Going on a Camping Holiday - IELTS Writing Task 1
• Advice about Learning a New Sport – IELTS Writing Task 1 (Informal Letter)
• Help with a College Project - IELTS Writing Task 1 from Cambridge IELTS General 18
• Write a Letter to Your Friend Planning a Weekend Trip - IELTS General Writing Task 1
• Your Parents will be Celebrating their 50th Anniversary Next Month- Informal letter
• You are Studying English at a Private Language School- Informal Letter
• You Have a Friend Who has always Liked the Car you Currently Drive- Informal Letter
• You Have Recently Started Work in a New Company- Informal letter
• A friend Asking for Advice About a Problem at Work- Informal letter
• A Friend has Agreed to Look After your House- Informal Letter

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IELTS Writing Task 2 is similar for both IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training with minor differences in the difficulty level. Therefore, let us have a look at the compilation of IELTS writing topics with answers for different IELTS Writing Task 2 sample essays based on the common common IELTS Writing topics 2024.

Business, Work & Talent

Work-related topics often cover issues such as work-life balance, the gig economy, and the impact of automation on employment. Also, business topics may include discussions on corporate responsibility, entrepreneurship, and the impact of globalization on local businesses.

• Some people are born with certain talents - IELTS Writing Task 2
• Women Should be Allowed to Join the Army, the Navy and the Air Force just like Men - IELTS Writing Task 2
• IELTS Writing Task 2: Until What Age Do You Think People Should be Encouraged to Remain in Paid Employment?
• IELTS Writing Task 2 - Top Level Authorities Should Take Suggestions From Employees
• How Realistic is the Expectation of Job Satisfaction for all Workers - IELTS Writing Task 2
• Men and Women Can Be Equally Suited to Do Any Type of Work - IELTS Writing Task 2
• People Work Long Hours Leaving Little Time for Leisure - IELTS Writing task 2
• Some People Say that it is Better to Work for a Larger Company than a Small One - IELTS Writing Task 2

Education topics often focus on the role of technology in education, the importance of higher education, and the debate over traditional vs. modern teaching methods.

• IELTS Writing Task 2: Nowadays it is More Difficult for Children to Concentrate to Pay Attention in School
• Placing Advertisements in Schools is a Great Resource for Public Schools - IELTS Writing Task 2
• IELTS Writing Task 2: Giving Homework Daily to School Children Works Well
• Very Few School Children Learn About the Value of Money: IELTS Writing Task 2
• Traditional Examination Are Not Often True to Students Ability - IELTS Writing Task 2
• Secondary School Children Should Study International News - IELTS Writing Task 2

Environment

Environmental issues are increasingly prominent in IELTS Writing, with topics covering pollution, climate change, and the conservation of natural resources.

• IELTS Writing Task 2 - Some people say domestic animals, like cats, should not be reared in cities
• We No Longer Need to have Animals Kept in Zoos - IELTS Writing Task 2
• The Importance of Biodiversity is Being More Widely Recognised - IELTS Writing Task 2
• People Should Use Public Transport to Support Pollution Control Initiatives - IELTS Writing Task 2
• International Community Must Act Immediately to Reduce Consumption of Fossil Fuels - IELTS Writing Task 2

Family and Children

IELTS Writing questions related to family and children often explore the changing dynamics of family life, parenting styles, and the impact of technology on children.

• IELTS Writing Task 2 - Young Single People No Longer Stay With Their Parents Until They Are Married
• Is it Better to Rear Children in Joint Family or in Nuclear Family - IELTS Writing Task 2
• IELTS Writing Task 2: Majority of Children are Raised by their Grandparents Due to the Fact that their Parents are Busy
• IELTS Writing Task 2: In Some Countries Children Have Very Strict Rules of Behaviour
• Some People Spend Their Lives Living Close to Where They Were Born - IELTS Writing Task 2
• Should Parents Read or Tell Stories to Their Children - IELTS Writing Task 2
• Women Make Better Parents than Men - IELTS Writing Task 2
• The Older Generations Tend to Have very Traditional Ideas - IELTS Writing Task 2

Food, Lifestyle and Entertainment

Food and entertainment related IELTS writing topics often discuss issues related to diet, the global food industry, and cultural food practices.

• Explain Why the Movies are As Popular As a Means of Entertainment - IELTS Writing Task 2
• IELTS Writing Task 2: Popular Hobbies and Interests Change Over Time
• IELTS Writing Task 2 - Which Do You Prefer Planning or Not Planning For Leisure Time?
• IELTS Writing Task 2: People Always Throw the Old Things Away When they Buy New Things
• Food Can Be Produced Much More Cheaply Today | IELTS Writing Task 2
• IELTS Writing Task 2: The Era of the Silver Screen is Coming to an End
• Why is Music Important for Many People - IELTS Writing Task 2
• IELTS Writing Task 2: Why is the Circus Still a Popular Form of Entertainment
• Crime Novels and TV Crime Dramas are Becoming Popular - IELTS Writing Task 2

Health-related topics are a staple in the IELTS Writing section, focusing on public health issues, diet, and the impact of modern lifestyles on health.

• Discuss the cause and effects of widespread drug abuse by young people - IELTS Writing Task 2
• Obesity is a Major Disease Prevalent among Children - IELTS Writing Task 2
• Exercise is the Key to Health while Others Feel that Having a Balanced Diet is More Important - IELTS Writing Task 2
• Advantages and Disadvantages of Government Providing Free Healthcare - IELTS Writing Task 2
• Tobacco and Alcohol are Drugs that Cause Addiction and Health Problems - IELTS Writing Task 2
• Many People Complain that They Have Difficulties Getting Enough Sleep - IELTS Writing Task 2
• and More People are Hiring a Personal Fitness Trainer - IELTS Writing Task 2

Language and Culture

Topics related to language and literature often explore the importance of preserving cultural heritage, language learning, and the impact of globalization on languages.

• Many Old Cities Around the World are Going Through a Major Process of Modernization - IELTS Writing Task 2
• Reading for Pleasure Develops Imagination and Better Language Skills - IELTS Writing Task 2
• IELTS Writing Task 2 - Traditional Festivals and Celebrations Have Disappeared
• Globalization will Inevitably Lead to the Total Loss of Cultural Identity - IELTS Writing Task 2

Societal issues such as violence, social inequality, and media influence are common in IELTS Writing topics.

• Individual Greed and Selfishness Have Been the Basis of Modern Society - IELTS Writing Task 2
• IELTS Writing Task 2 - Individuals Should Not Be Allowed To Carry Guns
• Nowadays We are Living in a Throwaway Society - IELTS Writing Task 2
• Different People Have Different Approaches to Life - IELTS Writing Task 2
• Violence and Conflict were more Evident under Male Leadership than under Female Leadership - IELTS Writing Task 2
• What Changes Do You Think this New Century Will Bring - IELTS Writing Task 2
• People Remember Special Gifts or Presents they Receive - IELTS Writing Task 2

Sports topics in IELTS Writing often cover the role of sports in education, the impact of professional sports on society, and issues related to sportsmanship.

• Many People Think Olympic Games and World Cup are an Enormous Waste of Money- IELTS Writing Task 2
• Cricket has Become More Popular than the National Sports - IELTS Writing Task 2
• Sports Today is Turning into a Business - IELTS Writing Task 2

Technology & Science

Technology is a rapidly evolving field, and its impact on society, work, and communication is a common topic in IELTS Writing. Media-related topics also come under this section and often focus on the influence of mass media, the ethics of journalism, and the role of the internet in modern communication.

• Internet and Computers Will Ever Replace the Book or the Written Word - IELTS Writing Task 2
• IELTS Writing Task 2: More and More People are Choosing to Read Ebooks Rather than Paper Books
• Some People Think That Mobile Phones Should Be Banned in Public Places - IELTS Writing Task 2
• Persuade More People to Embrace Electric Cars – IELTS Writing
• The most important aim of science should be to improve people's lives - IELTS Writing Task 2
• People May No Longer Be Able to Pay for Things Using Cash - IELTS Writing Task 2
• Mobile Phones and the Internet could have Many Benefits for Old People - IELTS Writing Task 2

Tourism and Travel

Tourism and travel topics may include discussions on the impact of tourism on local cultures, the environment, and the global economy.

• Foreign Visitors Should Pay More Than Local Visitors for Cultural and Historical Attractions - IELTS Writing Task 2
• IELTS Writing Task 2: What Do You Think are the Benefits of Going Away on Holidays?
• In the Future More People Will Go On Holiday in Their Own Country - IELTS Writing Task 2

Download the IELTS writing topics PDF that contain all the IELTS writing topics with answers to fasttrack your IELTS preparation!

Being familiar with these IELTS Writing topics and practicing your writing skills within these themes can help you prepare more effectively for the IELTS Writing test. Moreover, understanding the issues and arguments related to each topic will enable you to write well-rounded essays that meet the IELTS criteria. So, if you need further guidance through a free demo session or sign up for free IELTS webinars .

Additional Reads

• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1: Useful Tips and Vocabulary to Describe a Graph or Chart
• Recent Writing Task 2 Essay Topics for IELTS 2024
• IELTS Band 9 Essay Samples: Writing Task 2 Insights for IELTS Learners
• Visuals: Writing About Graphs, Tables and Diagrams for IELTS Writing Task 1 (Ebook)
• How to Plan an IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay (Best Strategy)
• IELTS Writing Task 2 Preparation Tips/Tricks

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IELTS Topics: Food

Posted by David S. Wills | Feb 10, 2020 | IELTS Tips | 0

I have talked often in the past about the importance of learning common IELTS topics . This is probably the best way to learn vocabulary and become familiar with IELTS question types. As such, you should devote some time to reviewing the most common ones:

• Friends & Family
• Countryside

There are many more and some are more important than others, but I think that studying in terms of topic is really, really important if you want to learn IELTS quickly and effectively.

Today, we are going to look at another IELTS topic: Food.

Food: IELTS Topic or Sub-topic?

It is debatable whether something is a topic or sub-topic in IELTS, and to be honest I don’t think it is very important. However, I will try to explain a little about what I mean.

There are some broad topics such as society and technology, but then there are more specific ones like crime and computers. You could argue that the latter are sub-topics of the former, or you could argue that they are individual topics themselves!

But does it really matter? Probably not.

The important thing is that you learn as many of these as possible because they are what the IELTS organisers will use to pick questions and materials for the test. You are never going to get a question about chemistry, calculus, or metaphysics… but there is a good chance that you will have questions about crime or computers!

It is also important to note that sometimes topics over-lap. We can consider “technology” and “childhood” to be separate topics, but of course you could be asked a question about whether we should allow children to use computers or whether the internet should be used in a classroom. In other words, IELTS topics are not mutually exclusive. They can be combined to create questions.

But what about “food”? Does it have any sub-topics?

Food, Cooking, Restaurants

In the past, I have talked about food on this website. I have talked about both restaurants and cooking , which could definitely be considered sub-topics of food . I would say that they are distinct from food but obviously related so it might be worthwhile studying them together.

Here are some old articles about food:

• Describe a restaurant
• Cooking vocabulary
• How to avoid saying delicious

I also made a video to help you with the IELTS speaking part 2 cue card, “describe a restaurant.” You can see it here:

Food in the IELTS Exam

So when might food be discussed in the IELTS exam? This is a good question because it can help focus your studies. In my experience, it could potentially occur at any point in the exam, but it is most common in the speaking part.

Yes, you may find a reference to food in the listening test and you might have an article about food for the reading part, but these aren’t terribly common and I don’t think that knowing how to talk about food will really be a massive help. Instead, it’s more likely to appear in the speaking or writing tests.

Speaking about Food for IELTS

I find that the topic of food is most common in the IELTS speaking test. Here, there are many questions that could possibly occur in either parts one, two, or three. For part one, they will be simple questions in a conversational tone, usually referring to your preferences. For example:

• What kind of food do you like?

What do you normally have for dinner?

• Do you always eat breakfast?
• Do you usually eat dinner alone or with other people?
• What sort of food don’t you like?
• Do you think you eat enough fruits and vegetables?
• Do you have any food allergies?
• Can you cook?
• Do you prefer homecooked meals or eating in a restaurant?

There are many, many possible questions and those are just a few. As you can see, some of them involve cooking and others involve the place where we eat. You can consider them sub-topics, but they are definitely part of the greater topic of food.

For part two, you would encounter a cue card that asks you to describe something. Again, this could be a meal, a restaurant, or anything else related to the topic of food. For example:

• Describe a meal you ate…
• Describe a restaurant you like…

It is worth practising these sorts of questions before your test, but never try to memorise answers or you will be disappointed. The wording of these cue cards always changes and so you may not notice a subtle difference. For example, it could be a meal you ate recently, a meal you’d like to eat, or a meal that you know how to cook. These would require different answers.

As for part three, these usually involve greater issues such as society, gender, age, and so on. Your questions will often involve abstract or complex issues such as:

• How can people be encouraged to eat more healthily?
• Should fast-food companies be allowed to advertise to children?
• What are the benefits of eating a balanced diet?

These questions usually require a little thought before you answer them because they are not simply matters of opinion. You must also justify your answer in order to get a good score. It is not enough to simply state a fact; you need to then explain it, give an example, and possibly even state some sort of summary or conclusion.

Food in IELTS Writing

Although it is most common in the speaking test, you might also find food appearing in the writing test. This could theoretically be in task one, although you would not need much food vocabulary to answer it. This would be related to a line graph, bar chart, pie chart, or possibly a process diagram. In the case of the latter, it would be a diagram that shows you how something is made, such as a pie.

It is more likely, though, that you would encounter the IELTS topic of food in task two, where you would have questions that probably cross over with society. Here are a few examples of food-based questions that I have encountered:

Convenience foods will become increasingly prevalent and eventually replace traditional foods and traditional methods of preparation. To what extent extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

In some countries, an increasing number of people are suffering from health problems as a result of eating too much fast food. It is therefore necessary for governments to impose a higher tax on this kind of food. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

Countries should try to produce all the food for the population and import as little food as possible. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

In spite of the advances made in agriculture, many people around the world still go hungry. Why is this the case? What can be done about this problem?

With a growing population, many people believe that we should focus on producing more GM foods. What are the advantages and disadvantages of doing this?

As you can see, the possibilities are varied and there are different question types that could occur. It is impossible to prepare for these by remembering the questions and hoping that they appear… so the best thing to do is study for the topic of food instead.

IELTS Food Vocabulary

I am always reluctant to recommend that people learn vocabulary in terms of lists because I think it creates new problems. If you don’t know how to use a word, it’s difficult to put it correctly into a sentence. Yet when it comes to IELTS, it is worth learning vocabulary in terms of topic. This can help you to relate words in your mind and use them accurately. This is true for learning IELTS food vocabulary.

Obviously, the language that you learn here is going to vary from person to person. I come from Scotland, so maybe I should know the word “haggis,” but for 99% of the world’s population, it is not a necessary word! 😅 That is because this food is specific to my country and it would never appear in an IELTS question. I would only bring it up if the question talked about traditional foods.

Therefore, when it comes to learning the names of food items, you should learn those that you think you would talk about. For example:

• Foods you really like
• Ones that you don’t like at all
• Foods that come from your country
• Famous foods around the world
• Common or important ingredients

It is worth learning words that relate strongly to food, such as the items in a kitchen, dining room, or restaurant, and also the words we use for cooking. This vocabulary will of course vary slightly from culture to culture, but there are some constant ones like “boil,” “fry,” “stir,” and so on. Here is a video of IELTS cooking vocabulary:

How to Talk About Food for IELTS

If you are asked about food, then you should give an honest answer and use the language that you know how to use. Don’t try to use fancy language or tell the examiner what they want to hear. The best way to perform in IELTS is just to be natural and say what you know.

Let’s look back to one of the examples from part one of the speaking test and see how we could answer it:

To this answer, I would want to say that I don’t eat the same thing every day, but then given an example of something that I commonly eat. I think that this tells the truth and also shows the examiner that I have knowledge of the right vocabulary for this topic.

I might say:

Well, it’s hard to say because I don’t have the same thing every night, but I suppose I eat pasta at least once a week. I like it because it’s a versatile dish and I can make it totally different each time by putting in different ingredients like broccoli, bacon, or cheese.

What is so good about this answer? I have not said too much but I said enough to show that I knew the vocabulary and grammar necessary to answer the question fully. I have mentioned a main kind of food (pasta) and three ingredients (broccoli, bacon, cheese). Again, this will totally depend on your personal preferences and you shouldn’t waste time learning words like “bacon” if you don’t eat it in your culture. I have also used a nice adjective-noun combination with “versatile dish.” This would please the examiner but only if used correctly. Don’t use “difficult” words just for the sake of it.

As for the writing test, you will be more closely scrutinised for your vocabulary and grammar. This requires a greater range of language as well as accuracy, so it’s more of a challenge. (That’s why most people find writing to be the hardest part of the test.)

We shall now look at one of the sample questions from above:

Convenience foods will become increasingly prevalent and eventually replace traditional foods and traditional methods of preparation. To what extend extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

Here is what I would write in my second paragraph:

The first and most obvious reason why ready-to-eat meals are not going to become staple foods is that they are generally unhealthy, or at least less healthy than traditional home-cooked meals. Food that we buy from fast food outlets or convenience stores often tastes very good, but it is usually heavily flavoured with salt and sugar, and possibly with other chemicals whose effects on the human body may be damaging. In some cases, these may even be addictive. The calorific value of this kind of food is often extremely high, too, which means that people who frequently eat fast food tend to become overweight or develop conditions like diabetes. For this reason, people will eventually shun them or they will be outlawed by governments that are fed-up with shouldering rising healthcare costs.

Notice some of the useful language I have used. This range of language tells the examiner that I am totally familiar with the topic:

• ready-to-eat meals
• staple foods
• home-cooked meals
• fast food outlets
• calorific value

I have also used combinations of words that show a familiarity with the language. I have said things like “heavily flavoured with salt and sugar” and “tend to become overweight or develop conditions like…” These may seem simple, but they are often misused. Being able to put those words into sentences correctly is far more important than knowing so-called advanced vocabulary.

Advice on Studying Food Vocabulary

If you want to learn more words about food and develop the correct grammar structures to use these words, then please avoid searching Google for “IELTS food vocabulary” and so on. It is much better to read books or articles about food and find those words organically.

Another great way to learn this sort of vocabulary is to look at cooking sites or videos and pick it up from there. Try watching some YouTube videos of Jaime Oliver or Nigella Lawson and listening to their use of the English language. You can also search the BBC Food website for more ideas.

The reason that I suggest you avoid typical websites for learning English is that many of them teach you long lists of vocabulary but without explaining how it should be used. These websites are also run by people who do not speak English perfectly and so they tend to share words that are not commonly used. I would strongly recommend that you learn new language in context from native speakers rather than non-native people online.

If you have any questions about IELTS and food, just post them in the comment section below and I will try to answer for you.

About The Author

David S. Wills

David S. Wills is the author of Scientologist! William S. Burroughs and the 'Weird Cult' and the founder/editor of Beatdom literary journal. He lives and works in rural Cambodia and loves to travel. He has worked as an IELTS tutor since 2010, has completed both TEFL and CELTA courses, and has a certificate from Cambridge for Teaching Writing. David has worked in many different countries, and for several years designed a writing course for the University of Worcester. In 2018, he wrote the popular IELTS handbook, Grammar for IELTS Writing and he has since written two other books about IELTS. His other IELTS website is called IELTS Teaching.

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IELTS Essay: Genetically Modified Foods

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This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of genetically modified foods from the real IELTS exam.

It is only available as a full Ebook on my Patreon.com/howtodoielts .

One of the most important issues facing the world today is a shortage of food and some think genetically modified foods are a possible solution.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

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Many people are starving all over the world due to food scarcity, and some are suggesting that one way of combatting this global phenomenon is through modifying the genetics of food. While scientifically enhancing food elements might be an effective way to expand food resources, I disagree that it would do much in terms of curbing worldwide hunger because this scientific innovation will most likely only benefit countries with financial capabilities and ultimately still leave the poorest of the poor lacking food.

Modifying the DNA structure of food offers endless possibilities to humans. Unbeknownst to some people, this innovation is not new and has been used for a long time to grow fruits without seeds as an example. If we move forward with this innovation, we can increase the number of plants we grow, or decrease the harvesting time needed for fruits to ripen. As a result, there would be more food for people to consume. 

However, despite its potential, the cost is one reason why this practice is not implemented worldwide. Genetically modifying food is an expensive process so countries that are already struggling financially to feed their citizens, will not be able to afford this kind of technology. Poverty-stricken societies, mostly living in third-world countries with little to no access to sophisticated innovations, will remain hungry, thereby, not solving this global dilemma. A similar example is vertical farming. This agricultural innovation allows fruits and vegetables to be grown in tall buildings, but despite its tangible benefits to the environment, most countries fail to adopt this technology due to budget. The same can be said in terms of food genetics.

In conclusion, although the modification of food genetics can increase food resources, this does not mean that the benefit will extend to poor countries, and the poor with no budget to keep up with this technology will continue to starve. Therefore, governments all over the world should get involved and look into a more practical way of dealing with famine.

By the way, for those who are correcting their own essays, one way to check grammar is via Grammarly. I downloaded it as a chrome extension, and I would paste my work on gmail so it detects my error. BUT of course, do this only after you’re done writing an essay, otherwise it’s cheating 🙂

well done mate.

Agreed! Try to balance your body paragraphs a bit better, Chris!

World population and dependent rate is increasing daily so, the biggest challenge is to produce adequate foods. Some people think that genetically modify foods is a good option. I agree with this because, genetically improved foods can produce more harvest, adhere to different weather condition and also produce it in short duration. In the past, usually people grow two or three seasons in every year. So that was enough for their consumption throughout the year. Due to higher population and different food choices, it has more demand for foods nowadays. As a result, many countries enhanced their testing and invest more money for genetic improvements. It has been shown great success so far and, we can see those foods are now in the supermarkets. If I take my country as an example, Sri Lankan has been working two seasons each year those days. But nowadays they produce some foods all over the year because of the genetic improvements. Genetically modified foods can adhere to the different weather conditions and produce more harvest than traditional foods. Some people discuss the bad effects of the heretical improvements. Even though we all know it has bad effects, we have no choice to reject it. Still we have the choice to purchase organic foods. But those are more expensive, and everyone cannot afford those in daily basis. If I take chicken meat as an example, it has higher demand, and we cannot fulfill the demand without changing DNA. In These days chicken meat can produce within 45 days. Finally, even though it has some bad effects genetically modified food is a good option unless we find another good way to feed hungry people.

Love your examples – keep doing that.

Lots of little mistakes with grammar and vocabulary thought, so keep working on those!

Food scarcity is one of the greatest challenges of the 21st century. Some people advocate that genetically modified foods can be a viable solution to this problem. From my perspective, this might pose some risk, however, I am largely in agreement with this suggestion. To begin with, why I believe that modified organisms might be the key component of this issue, modified organisms are basically made with altering DNA sequences by genetic engineers, therefore this approach offers endless possibilities to humans. To illustrate this, by changing the DNA structure of food, an upward trend can be maintained in the nutrition levels which food contains, as a result, people who have access to an only limited amount of food might not be suffered from malnutrition a problem which even leads to death. What is more, these changes in genetic material might improve the yield of food, thus with less labour, more people can obtain these valuable nourishments. Moving onto the reason why I claim this might not be an effective solution to hunger, even today most people are not dying from the shortage of food, they are dying on account of the inequity in access to food. Even genetic engineering solved this lack of food problem, this solution will be only available to people who can afford it, hence poverty-stricken people will keep dying from undernourishment.

All in all, what can be concluded from the aforementioned remarks that although genetic engineering might solve this lack of food problem, there will be people who cannot afford it.

Nice essay, Nilüfer!

Really accurate and nice ideas.

The 3rd paragraph could be longer and could use a more specific example. Try rewriting that one.

Over the decades, the advancement of technology increased giving rise for many innovations such as foods which are genetically engineered. Nowadays one of the most important problem faced by the world is food shortage. Few people think that a good solution for this would be genetically modified foods. In my opinion, I believe with the increase of food shortage, the new type of agriculture will be much beneficial.

All around the world, especially many countries in Africa is going though food shortage, where people are starving of hunger each day with no way to getting access to healthy foods. With the introduction of genetically engineered food, lives of these peoples will change massively. Modified food types are been altered to contain all the nutrients such as vitamins and minerals which the body is required in-order to stay healthy making the population healthier than ever before.

With regards to governments, it would be easier to cultivate these types of foods due to reasons for which to grow they require controlled environments which may also result in less labour. The prices may drop with less labour going into production and less resources needed than normal agriculture. Furthermore, extensive number of researches and tests have been conducted with some still going on, the data of these have proven that the newly innovated agriculture food sources show no side effects and risks to the human body.

In conclusion, with the help of genetically engineered foods the shortage of foods around world may drop and populations will be healthier than ever before and governments should promote and fund these types of new innovations.

please can anyone give an estimated band score for this essay and would highly appreciate if tips were given to improve.❤️

Excellent work, Upendra!

While one of the major challenges faced in the 21st century is that of food availability, some believe that genetically engineered crops are a potential solution for the same. I completely back this idea as hybrid crops can be grown in odd weather and are resistant to some diseases.

The primary reason why hybrid plants contributes to food security is that they can be grown in unfavorable environments. This is to say that crops are seasonal and its yield depends on weather conditions, thus, some crops can be grown under controlled climatic conditions such as in poly houses. As a result, not only the yield of the crops is enhanced but also food is available throughout the year. To cite an example, Dubai has reduced its food dependency on imports by 30 percent as they are able to cultivate crops in a desert using hybrid crops grown in a maintained environment. Thus, countries are becoming self-sufficient in the terms of food security and are reducing malnutrition problems in their nations.

Another reason is that genetically modified crops are resistant to some natural diseases such as fungal attacks and their regeneration time is reduced. As the new plants can withstand natural attacks and can reproduce in minimal amount of time, farmers prefer sowing of hybrid plants. Subsequently, the requirement of pesticide use has taken a backseat while the income of farmers has increased, thereby, hybrid plantation is encouraged by farmers. Therefore, getting a sight of winter vegetables in summers is not a big surprise nowadays like carrots in tropical countries like India. For instance, a report published in the editorial section of the Washington post by editor-in-chief Martin Baron in 2015 revealed that genetically enhanced crops has aided the USA to achieve its targets for food safety and security by 50 percent.

To encapsulate, it can be concluded that as the demand of food is rising across the globe, use of hybrid crops is a good solution. I believe they are harvested in all the seasons and their yield is increased over the years since they are prone to natural diseases. Hence, all the nations must encourage farmers to adopt new crops for cultivation in order to resolve food crisis in their country. 

Hi, Can someone check whether the content is appropriate or not. also are the examples relevant to the arguments?

Thanks in advance.

One of the most important issues facing the world today is a shortage of food and some think genetically modified foods are a possible solution. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

A highly controversial issue today in the air is apropos with paucity of foods. Some people assert that genetically engineered checkbox is a valid way to cover it as well as has sparkling debate on other side too. This essay looks on the both side. However, I am in side with those decrying propagation of an advancement.

Many people in argue with agricultural development with alternation of old food considerably outweigh its merits.There are numerous countries are suffering from poverty and starving of grains such as Africa and NZ. Reproductive method can bring active change and prosperity. This factor can reduce the labour costs which alternatively government can use for production and cultivation process. Due to climate change and environmental issues farmers are unable to feed their pockets ; This remarkable solution leads in their favour too. Every people today are dimly aware of dangerous future with trade depression and dearness where refashioning process can become beneficial for government and community as well.

On contrary point , in the such cases if the results won’t meet with the expectations then situations become more cruel. It is also possible to say that modified process can loose such vitamins and minerals from the original food which is unhealthy. Going with an advancement of moderate lifestyle it raising the scope of side effects and even leads to death also.

To sum up , Both side have major influences on their advantages and disadvantages. It should be countered by concerned with government and citizen’s support possible. Although this thought is an unlikely to-be entirely eliminated in a short term period with better development of technology. In my opinion It is a valuable suggestion of modify the genetic foods.

Good work, Hemangi!

In recent decades, the lack of foods is becoming a massive problem worldwide. Using genetically modified foods (GMO) can be treated as one of the best methods to tackle this issue.

The primary reason for using GMO foods is that they provide an alternative option for farmers to produce at a lower cost. In fact, the production of GMO foods should require less freshwater, fewer pesticides compare to conventional crops. As a result, the farmers may produce the same number of foods at much less price. Furthermore, the price of modified foods also can be attracted to buyers as it can provide cheaper options from them. It can be seen in many developing countries such as Ethiopia or Madagascar, where locals can purchase GMO foods at a reasonable price as the price is 15% less than traditional foods.

Another reason is that genetically modified foods can provide better nutrients to consumers. Due to the research from New York times, thanks to the combination among various kind of foods, it has created the new types of African crops have much more vitamins than traditional crops. It has brought a huge opportunity to farmers in regions where people suffer from nutritional deficiencies. Chad Republic, for example, is one of the poorest countries in Africa, where it does not have much soil with enough nutrients for cultivation. Based on new types of GMO foods, Chad’s national economy has grown massively for the last decade.

In conclusion, the growth of GMO foods is provided the new opportunity for farmers in business world. At the same time, its foods can also bring a higher quality of nutrients to customers

Nice Jimmy and sorry for the late reply – hope your studies are going well!

Overpopulation is one of the most challenging issues among others like globalization, climate change, and deforestation. Around 40 years ago the experts implemented a new project to solve the problem, they initiated to grow GM foods. In the last couple of years, GMO veggies and fruits were spread all over the planet. Many people speak about the negative and positive sides of GM foods, but no one knows what is best for human health.  The primary reason why GM food was created was hunger in undeveloped countries. A couple of decades have passed the problem still exists. In fact, the poor countries are getting poorer and developed countries are refusing consumption of such kinds of food. For instance, in Europe, it is forbidden to plant GM vegetables and fruits due to protect the ecosystem. Furthermore, bumblebees and other insects do not eat GM food eventually, do not pollinate the environment. This became a serious question for scientists putting the entire continent in danger.  In addition, GM foods are new to human DNA, meaning we do not know how they affect our bodies in long term. 30 years of observation seems to be not enough to answer the solid questions. Food is fuel and people are extremely careful what they put inside, even though GM foods cost noticeably affordable some people still prefer to buy organic food.  In conclusion, nowadays GM foods are presented in many countries as alternatives. However not every country is considering GM foods healthy nutrition. In addition, hundreds of doctors believe that GM food was not researched enough. Only time can tell what are consequences. I personally believe that GM foods are not the best solution, it is significant that businesses and government work together and carry on studying these types of foods.

Nice ideas but work on the balance of your paragraphs, Sally.

The conclusion is way too long!

Some people claim that genetically modified foods are the viable solution to curbing the hunger issue throughout the world. Although I agree with this viewpoint, I believe some measures in changing people’s perspective toward these foods should be done in advance.

There is an assumption that scientifically enhanced foods will reduce the problem of food scarcity since one commonly cited advantage of these foods is their mass production as well as their longer shelf life that grossly contributes to alleviating hunger worldwide, especially in poorer countries. In other words, these crops are more abundant, cheaper, and last longer than conventional agricultural products, so they do not decay before reaching the consumer. Moreover, they are more resistant to harmful insects, parasites, and fungi, making them more appealing in terms of mentioned issues and particularly for nations with outdated farming methods.

Nevertheless, there are a number of significant negative points to these nascent types of food, the first of which is their unknown potential dire repercussions to our health. Some studies have declared that these foods will eventually affect our organisms adversely since they have not been used for so long, so their consequences will be flagged up in upcoming decades. Furthermore, not inclined are most people to eat these foods because they prefer those that have not been tampered with in laboratories. Thus, they do not currently help reduce famine throughout the globe, which is a drawback. Should they assist in decreasing starvation rates, the public has to be psychologically persuaded to consume them beforehand by informing them about their benefits.

In conclusion, I support modifying the genetics of food as one of the feasible helpful steps that can be taken to combat the global concern of food shortage, however, more research as well as notifying about their positive side to the society is needed.

Good work, Zeinab!

Some really good adjectives and collocations in your writing that other students can learn a lot from!

Careful of some informal ones like ‘flagged up’ – keep working hard!

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IELTS TOPIC: Food

03/12/2021 01:44 PM

Things to consider:

• You don't need to think too much about what to talk about here. It could be something simple like a burger, pizza, pasta, cheesecake or something else very popular and normal. Every country has these fast food chains like McDonalds, Pizza Hut, Burger King, KFC and so on.
• A good idea would be to talk about a type of "country food" like Indian food, Italian food, Japanese food, and so on. This way you can say more and give more examples of what they had to offer.
• Focus on giving more food examples and taste examples.

Describing Food

In general when we describe food, we talk about the taste and what it has inside (the ingredients). That's all the necessary vocabulary for food. You can take a look here for some words and phrases.

Part 2: Sample Answer

Ok so, I have to say that I never thought of myself to be a foodie … and that was until I arrived in Asia. As I’m European , our food is very similar between the countries. At least for me it is. Even further , much of the food has spread around Europe and mixed up , and so I can’t really say what is authentic French or German taste . However, once I arrived in Asia, there were so many things to try out , I was shocked and surprised from the amount of food available . I will tell you when I ate Indian cuisine for the first time.

A short introduction about what do I think about food in Europe.

Ironically, I was in China when that happened. There are a few Indian restaurants in the city where I live, and I got invited to try out one of them called Indian Kitchen. This was about 4 years ago. If I have to summarize the experience, I’d say that Indian food shot up to my top 3 list . It was fantastic .

Saying when and where I tried this food exactly.

So, about the food then . We went to the restaurant which was staffed with a mix of Chinese and Indian waiters , but only Indian chefs . At first , my friend introduced the menu to me, and as it was in English, I started to recognize some of the ingredients . There were many types of beef curries – from hot, spicy red ones to very mild and veggie green . To my surprise, there were many types of bread called “ Naan ”, covered with nuts , cheese and garlic – very similar to our European garlic bread . There were multiple dishes with chicken and most importantly there was the red-marinated “Tandoori chicken” . This one instantly became my favorite as it was spicy-sour and smoked at the same time. It was simply out of this world . Moreover, they had many drinks called “ Lassi ” which was basically a yogurt drink mixed with some fruits (mango, strawberry, peach) – just as we have milkshakes or fruit yogurts in Europe.

Talking about Indian food and giving many examples of what they had in their menu.

As you can see , the food reminded me heavily of my home and some European dishes . There were many other similarities but the bread, the drinks and the stew-like curries hit home . I highly recommend you to try Indian food. Yes, it’s a bit heavy , but the rich flavorful taste is overwhelming . It is one of the best foods that I’ve ever tried.

Final thoughts about the food and a recommendation.

Sentence starters and Linking words

Vocabulary related to the topic, part 3 questions.

Here we will continue to talk about the topic of Food. We will discuss some questions about new food, food habits and food culture. 

Examiner: What kind of foreign food are popular in your country?

Think about fast food.

• Fast food chains are very popular among young people and I bet you have all of them in your country. This means that you can talk about McDonalds , Pizza Hut , KFC , Burger King and more. 

Think about international food

• Think about big international restaurants . Do you have Indian restaurants ? Italian ? French ? Japanese ? Spanish ? American ? and so on. These exist in almost every country and you can talk a little about them.

Answer for China because I live here at the moment.

Here in China, we love eating all sorts of food. There are many international fast food chains that all the people enjoy like McDonalds , KFC , Burger King or Pizza Hut . These are well-known internationally and are always packed with people. Apart from that , our neighbors' food is extremely popular . There are Japanese restaurants at every big public place . There are many Korean barbecues , and these days young people seems to be crazy about eating that because of the popular Korean dramas they watch. And further, there are quite a few Thai , Indian , Vietnamese or even Singaporean restaurants. As you can see, we like to eat all sorts of international food here.

Examiner: What are young people’s opinions on new food? How about old people?

What about the young.

• Young people love trying out new and even weird new tastes and trends . When it comes to food, they enjoy to eat food from all around the world like Chinese, Indian, Spanish, Italian and so on until they find their perfect match or matches.

What about the old?

• Old people are usually more rigid and don't like to try new stuff if you don't force them to do it . No matter the country, the older generation has already found what it loves to eat and doesn't like to change it too much. At least that is what I've seen.

For young people… they can’t wait to try everything new. I think we live in a society that always wants more and more, newer and newer and young people in China flock to every new place. It’s actually hilarious to see new restaurants opening and people jam-packing them from day one . After a while they get tired of that restaurant and move on to the next big new thing . As for old people… I believe they are the opposite . As with hobbies , music and everything else, they have gotten used to some tastes, and they prefer to eat at those more traditional or established places. I don’t think older people like to try too many new activities actually .

Examiner: Should teachers and parents teach children how to cook?

Should parents teach cooking.

• Cooking is a great way to a family to bond and build a stronger relationship. What's more cooking is an important life skill and therefore parents should teach it to their kids, as much as possible. 

Should teachers teach cooking?

• Some schools provide cooking lessons, especially in the first grades of primary school. However, later these classes disappear. School should focus on academic classes that help a child build up technical skills for his future. It is not necessary to teach cooking at school.

Well , parents definitely need to. I think, no matter if their kids are boys or girls, they should try to teach them at least the basics of cooking, like preparing some rice, noodles, eggs, and basic meat cooking . Personally, I used to spend time with my mom and look at her cooking and I absorbed quite a lot of cooking methods and information, while young. As for teachers… I will have to disagree . Cooking is a life skill and I think it doesn’t have place in school. School should be for academic skills and not for basic life skills. Perhaps there could be some extra-curricular activities after the main classes , and with that I’d be fine .

Examiner: Why do people like their local food?

People grow up with it.

• Many of us love our mom's food. This is food that is local and traditional for the place where she grew up in. Eating this for many years builds a habit in us to love it.

It brings precious memories

• Eating our local food, especially after some time when we grow up, can remind us of our childhood and how we used to have those lovely memories. Maybe we shared it with long lost friends or maybe we had a big family dinner eating it. Regardless , the food's shape, smell, taste or arrangement can bring those memories back in our mind.

That’s obvious . They grew up with that food. Although many like to try new types of food, and it is possible to change your whole taste in eating , most people would like to eat something from their childhood from time to time. It’s not only about the food . I believe that lo cal food holds some memories of the past. Time when people shared it with old friends or moments spent around the dining table with their family. These memories remain forever and the food with its smell , taste , shape or even arrangement can remind us of our past. And not to mention that, obviously , eating something for years and years shapes our taste, creates a habit and therefore we keep up with it for our whole life .

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IELTS Writing Task 2 essay types, structures, examples

Discover the Common Essay Types in IELTS Writing Task 2. Explore types of IELTS Essays with Questions and Samples.

In the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Writing test Task 2, you need to write an essay with at least 250 words. This applies to both the Academic and General training modules.

But should you approach all essay questions the same way? The answer is 'no.' That's because there are different types of questions you might get. It is important to know what each question is asking you to do. Even if your grammar and vocabulary are excellent, you could still lose points if you don't understand the task. So, let’s take a closer look to make you understand all about IELTS Writing task 2 essays to help you score higher on your IELTS test .

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Types of essays in IELTS Writing task 2

There are different types of essays in the IELTS Writing Task 2 , you can use these in your IELTS test preparation to score higher:

1. Opinion essay

These essays are often known as 'agree or disagree' or 'argumentative' essays and are quite common in IELTS Task 2.

The question usually starts with a statement. Afterward, you'll be asked for your own opinion about that statement. They might use these kinds of phrases:

What do you think?

Do you agree or not?

How much do you agree or disagree?

Example question: With traffic jams and pollution increasing every year in big cities, some people say that public transport should be free in big cities to help reduce these problems which are caused by cars. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

At the beginning of your essay, it's a good idea to share some background information. However, what's really important is to rephrase the words used in the question and also show where you stand on the issue. For instance:

”With the growth of middle classes around the world, ownership of motor cars has become much more common, particularly for those who reside in large urban areas. It has been argued that free public transport should be provided in these metropolises as a method to curb the amount of polluted air and traffic congestion. This essay will explain why this approach should not be undertaken for cost and mobility reasons.”

Regarding your body paragraphs, it's crucial to focus on a single main idea that you elaborate on and expand. You can achieve this by providing more details about a specific point, offering an example, discussing a result, or even acknowledging an opposing viewpoint.

2. Discussion essay

In discussion essays, you're required to talk about both sides of an argument. Typically, you'll also be asked for your own opinion. The simplest way to tackle this kind of IELTS Task 2 question is to select one perspective to support and another to oppose.

Example question:

Some people say that children should learn a foreign language when they are in kindergarten, but others feel that it is better for children to do this when they are teenagers. Discuss both of these views and give your own opinion.

The key concept to grasp in a task like this is that your response should have three components:

Discuss both of these perspectives (1st and 2nd part)

Present your own opinion (3rd part)

In your introduction, it's essential to address both of these perspectives, and indicating your stance can also be an effective approach. For instance:

“ Given that the world has become more globalised, the need to be able to use foreign languages has increased. As a result, there are those who believe that a child’s kindergarten years should be when another language is introduced, while the opposing view is that it is ideal to wait for when a youngster reaches adolescence. This essay will reflect on both of these viewpoints before concluding with why the infancy argument is more valid.”

When you 'discuss both of these perspectives' in your body paragraphs, remember to refrain from mentioning your personal viewpoint. This helps prevent any confusion between your own thoughts and the opinions of others.

Two-part questions

In IELTS Writing Task 2 , you might get two-part questions. These questions require you to address two different aspects or viewpoints related to a specific topic or issue. It's crucial to understand how to approach and structure your response to effectively address both parts of the question and provide a well-rounded answer.

Typically, two-part questions will ask you to:

Discuss both sides: You will be expected to present arguments or perspectives from different angles. This involves examining the pros and cons, advantages and disadvantages, or contrasting viewpoints on the given topic.

Give your opinion: In addition to discussing both sides, you will also need to express your own opinion or position on the matter. This means you should clearly state whether you agree or disagree with the topic and provide reasons for your stance.

To approach these questions successfully, follow these steps:

Introduction: Begin by introducing the topic and paraphrasing the question. Make it clear that you will discuss both sides and express your opinion.

Body Paragraphs: Dedicate one paragraph to each side of the argument. Present the arguments, evidence, or examples supporting each perspective. Avoid revealing your opinion in these paragraphs.

Conclusion: Summarise the main points from both sides of the argument and restate your opinion. Your conclusion should offer a clear and concise summary of your position.

Remember to use appropriate transition words to guide the reader through your essay and maintain a logical flow between paragraphs. Additionally, ensure that your essay is well-organised and that you provide adequate support for your arguments. Practicing with sample two-part questions can help you become more proficient in handling this type of task in the IELTS Writing test .

These days, many cities have problems when they grow quickly, such as accidents and traffic jams. Why do these problems occur? How do these problems impact people who travel for work or study?

A trend in current times is the need for many workers to spend time outside of company hours on answering text and e-mail messages for their jobs. What problems does this cause for the worker? What can be done to reduce the impact of these problems?

It is becoming very common these days for students to take courses over the Internet instead of in face-to-face classrooms. Why are more students choosing this way of learning? Is this a positive or a negative development?

In this type of task, you can write a body paragraph on each of the two questions, but it is important to fully understand what your focus should be. Try to match these tasks (A, B, or C) with the type of response required:

We hope that this article has provided you with valuable insights to improve your readiness for the various essay types you may come across in the IELTS Writing test .

In your IELTS journey, remember that consistent practice, careful analysis of question prompts, and effective time management are key elements to achieving success. So, keep practicing, stay focused, and approach each essay task with confidence to reach your desired IELTS score.

If you want to know more about the IELTS test , you can get in touch with your nearest IDP IELTS test centre. Our team of IELTS experts will help you with your queries.

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Ielts cue card # 140 - describe your favourite food item, describe your favourite dish or food item..

• what dish or food item it is
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• how common this food item or dish is

Part 3 – Two-way discussion:

Similar cue card topics.

• Describe a food item you often eat.
• Describe a food you eat outside your home.
• Describe an outdoor meal you have had with your friends.
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IELTS model essay topic healthy food

Model Essay luôn là top những tài liệu được những bạn đang luyện thi IELTS tìm kiếm. Với những bài viết mẫu model essay chất lượng sẽ giúp các bạn có được những kinh nghiệm viết bài nhằm đạt điểm IELTS cao. KTDC team giới thiệu đến bạn Model essay topic Healthy Food của chuyên gia IELTS – Paul Davison các bạn cùng tham khảo nhé!

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The availability of unhealthy food, such as fast food and junk food, has become more widespread in recent years. What are some of the problems associated with this development and what action can be taken to solve them?

Model Essay band 8.0 topic Health

In the past two decades, there has been a significant change in eating habits with a shift to more unhealthy convenience foods that can be consumed on the go.  Although this has resulted in some negative consequences, it is possible to mitigate them if governments and citizens take action together.

The increase in the consumption of fast food has led to serious health effects in today’s society.  The first problem is that many people no longer have time to prepare and sit down to healthily cooked meals, so instead turn to fast food, which has led to soaring obesity rates. In addition, it is cited that unhealthy foods are substantially cheaper and are therefore consumed in greater volume by the working classes as opposed to more expensive fresh foods such as fish, fruit and vegetables.  A third issue is that the unhealthy chemicals and preservatives in processed foods have been directly attributed to causing fatal health issues such as cardiovascular disease and cancer.

There are several measures that governments could take to lessen the impact of the aforementioned problems.  Regarding the time constraints of society, laws to restrict employee working hours and the enforcement of longer lunch breaks could encourage people to change their eating habits. To address cost issues, governments could implement higher taxation levies on unhealthy foods and use the revenues generated to subsidize fresh foods for working class families.  Governments should also directly address the production methods of mass processed foods with the manufacturers and implement tougher restrictions on the use of harmful preservatives.

In conclusion, a range of measures can be taken to combat the health issues related to consuming unhealthy food.  If such actions are not implemented, it is likely that these problems will become more prevalent and lead to a greater number of unnecessary deaths.

Hi vọng  Model essay topic Healthy Food sẽ hữu ích cho kì thi IELTS sắp tới của bạn nhé!

(301 words)

Giảng viên Paul Davison 

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