Writing · Updated 2026-06-13

Latest IELTS Writing Task 2 Questions — June 2026

Below are IELTS Writing Task 2 questions reported by test-takers in June 2026, grouped by question type. Use them for timed practice: give yourself 40 minutes and aim for at least 250 words. A Band 9 model answer for the first question is included so you can see what an examiner rewards.

Opinion (Agree / Disagree)

1. Some people believe that universities should only accept students with the highest marks, while others think they should accept students of all abilities. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
2. Many people think that traditional skills and ways of life are disappearing. Is this a positive or negative development?
3. Some argue that governments should make public transport free for everyone. Do you agree or disagree?

Discussion (Discuss Both Views)

1. Some people prefer to work for a large company, while others prefer to work for a small one. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
2. Some believe children should start formal schooling at a very young age, while others think they should begin later. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Problem / Solution

1. In many cities, traffic congestion is becoming worse. What are the causes, and what measures could be taken to solve this problem?
2. More and more people are suffering from work-related stress. What are the reasons, and how can this issue be addressed?

Advantages / Disadvantages

1. In some countries, more people are choosing to live alone rather than with family. Do the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?

Band 9 Model Answer

Question 3: Some argue that governments should make public transport free for everyone. Do you agree or disagree?

It is sometimes suggested that public transport should be provided free of charge by the state. While I acknowledge the environmental appeal of this proposal, I largely disagree with it, because the enormous cost would be better directed towards improving the quality and reach of transport networks instead.

Those who support free public transport argue, reasonably, that it would reduce car use and therefore cut urban pollution. If buses and trains cost nothing, commuters who currently drive might well leave their cars at home, easing both congestion and air pollution in city centres. Supporters also point out that free travel would help low-income families, for whom transport fares represent a significant monthly expense.

Despite these benefits, I believe the policy is fundamentally flawed. The revenue from fares funds the maintenance and expansion of the network; remove it, and that money must come from elsewhere, almost certainly from higher taxes. Faced with surging demand but no extra income, services would likely deteriorate — overcrowded carriages and ageing buses would discourage the very passengers the policy intended to attract. A more sensible approach is to keep fares low but invest heavily in reliability, frequency and coverage. Cities such as Vienna, which charges a modest annual fee but offers an excellent, well-funded system, demonstrate that affordability and quality can coexist.

In conclusion, although free public transport is an attractive idea in principle, I am convinced that targeted investment in a high-quality, low-cost network would deliver greater and more lasting benefits than abolishing fares altogether.

(Word count: 268)

Why this answer scores Band 9

• Task Response: It takes a clear, consistent position and develops both sides before defending its own view with a concrete example (Vienna).
• Coherence & Cohesion: Each paragraph has a single clear idea, linked naturally with phrases like Despite these benefits and A more sensible approach.
• Lexical Resource: Precise, natural vocabulary (deteriorate, targeted investment, coexist) without forcing rare words.
• Grammatical Range: A confident mix of complex structures, all accurate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these the real IELTS exam questions?

These are questions reported by candidates after recent tests. The exact wording on your test may differ, but practising with current, realistic topics is the best preparation for the kind of question you will face.

How should I practise with these questions?

Choose one question, set a timer for 40 minutes, and write a full essay of at least 250 words by hand or on screen. Then get it marked against the official band descriptors and study the feedback before trying the next one.

Where can I get my essay marked for free?

On Engldom, the AI examiner marks your Task 2 essay against all four official criteria and shows your estimated band, your specific mistakes, and how to improve — at no cost.