02 Discussion Essay (Sample Topics)

1 IELTS Essays: Sample Topics| Prepared by: H. Izadi (IELTS Tutor) | Cell phone: 0936 861 0879

Discussion Essay: Sample Topics

You should spend 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Some people believe that parents should teach children how to be good members of

society. Others, however, believe that school is the place to learn this.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or

experience.

Write at least 250 words. (Source: Cambridge IELTS 8)

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Some people think that it is better to educate boys and girls in separate schools. Others,

however, believe that boys and girls benefit more from attending mixed schools.



experience.


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It is generally believed that some people are born with certain talents, for instance for

sport or music, and others are not. However, it is sometimes claimed that any child can be

taught to become a good sportsperson or musician.



experience.






Some people believe that there should be fixed punishments for each type of crime.

Others, however, argue that the circumstances of an individual crime, and the motivation

for committing it, should always be taken into account when deciding on punishment.



experience.


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Successful sports professionals can earn a great deal more money than people in other

important professions. Some people think that this is fully justified, while others think it is

unfair.



experience.


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Some people believe that visitors to other countries should follow local customs and

behavior. Others disagree and think that the host country should welcome cultural

differences.



experience.






Some people prefer to spend their lives doing the same things and avoiding change.

Others, however, think that change is always a good thing.



experience.


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Some people think that a sense of competition in children should be encouraged. Others

believe that children who are taught to cooperate rather than compete become more

useful adults.



experience.


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Some people say that the best way to improve public health is by increasing the number

of sports facilities. Others, however, say that this would have little effect on public health

and other measures are required.



experience.






Some people think that genetically modified (GM) crops are a positive development.

Others, however, argue that they are potentially dangerous.



experience.

Write at least 250 words. (Source: Focus on Academic Skills for IELTS)

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Some people argue that historic buildings should be preserved in their original forms.

Others argue that this is both inadvisable and impossible.



experience.


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Modern lifestyles are completely different from the way people lived in the past. Some

people think that the changes have been very positive, while others believe they have

been negative.



experience.






Some people believe that electronic calculators should not be allowed in school until after

the pupils have mastered mental arithmetic. Others believe that calculators save pupils

time, especially with complicated calculations.



experience.

Write at least 250 words. (Source: How to Master the IELTS)

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In some countries, marriages are arranged by the parents but in other cases, people

choose their own marriage partner.

Discuss both systems.


experience.

Write at least 250 words. (Source: Insight into IELTS Extra Workbook)

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It is widely believed that children of different levels of intelligence should be taught

together, while others think that more intelligent children should be taught separately.



experience.

Write at least 250 words. (Source: www.IELTS-Exam.net)





Some people think that young people should be ambitious. Others believe that it is fine if

young people do not have big aims in life.



experience.

Write at least 250 words. (Source: Exam Essentials IELTS Practice Tests)

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In some societies, stress is now regarded as a major problem and it is thought that people

suffer from more stress than they did in the past.

However, others feel that the amount of stress people have today is exaggerated. They

say that previous generations were under more pressure, but the idea of suffering from

stress did not exist.



experience.

Write at least 250 words. (Source: Exam Essentials IELTS Practice Tests)

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Some people argue that there is no point in preserving old buildings when land is so

valuable in our cities. Others believe that old buildings are an important part of our

heritage and should be preserved.



experience. Write at least 250 words. (Source: Step Up to IELTS)





Some countries invest a lot of money in space research. While some people believe that

this money could be better used to solve other problems on Earth, (for example,

environmental problems), others argue that space research brings many benefits for life

on Earth.



experience.

Write at least 250 words. (Source: Kaplan IELTS)

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The Internet has dramatically changed the way we access information. Some people think

that there is a lot of harmful content with very little regulation online, and argue that

strict policies are needed to regulate the Internet. Others oppose this view and think that

the Internet should not be regulated.



experience.

Write at least 250 words. (Source: Kaplan IELTS)

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Some people think that recent innovations in technology have made life more

comfortable and helped us to be more efficient by saving us time, while others argue that

technology has made us less efficient.



experience. Write at least 250 words. (Source: Kaplan IELTS)





We live in an electronic information age. It is easier to be connected by technology yet

many people seem no closer to feeling happy in their lives.

Discuss.


experience.

Write at least 250 words. (Source: IELTS on Track Academic)

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Music is played in every society and culture in the world today.

Some people think that music brings only benefits to individuals and societies. Others,

however, think that music can have a negative influence on both.



experience.

Write at least 250 words. (Source: IELTS Practice Tests Plus 2)

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Some people are of the opinion that prisons are basically universities of crime, fostering

the kind of behavior they aim to eradicate, and are, therefore, not effective. Others feel

that prison is not hard enough.



experience.

Write at least 250 words. (Source: IELTS Practice Tests Plus 2)





Some people argue that it is more important to have an enjoyable job than to earn a lot of

money. Others disagree and think that a good salary leads to a better life.



experience.

Write at least 250 words. (Source: IELTS Trainer)

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It is generally believed that the Internet is an excellent means of communication, but

some people suggest that it may not be the best place to find information.



experience.

Write at least 250 words. (Source: IELTS Trainer)

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It todays competitive world, many families find it necessary for both parents to go out to

work. While some say the children in these families benefit from the additional income,

others feel that they lack support because of their parents absence.



experience.

Write at least 250 words. (Source: IELTS for Academic Purposes: 6 Practice Tests)





Some people think that strict punishments for driving offences are the key to reducing

traffic accidents. Others, however, believe that other measures would be more effective

in improving road safety.



experience.

Write at least 250 words. (Source: Official IELTS Practice Materials 2)

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Some people think that wild animals should not be kept in zoos. Others believe that there

are good reasons for having zoos.



experience.

Write at least 250 words. (Source: Official IELTS Practice Materials 2)

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In many countries children are engaged in some kind of paid work. Some people regard

this as completely wrong, while others consider it as valuable work experience, important

for learning and taking responsibility.



experience.

Write at least 250 words. (Source: Official IELTS Practice Materials)





Some people believe that travelling alone is far better than travelling with a group. Others

believe that this is dangerous and should not be encouraged by the parents of young

people.



experience.

Write at least 250 words. (Source: Ready for IELTS Practice Exams)

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These days, Internet-based courses have become a popular alternative to university-based

courses. Some students prefer this type of learning because they do not need to attend

lectures. Others argue that it is important to study at university.



experience.

Write at least 250 words. (Source: New Insight into IELTS Students Book)

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Young people today are better qualified than they were in the past. Some people argue

that this is because competition for jobs is greater than it used to be. Others say that

people only continue their education because the opportunities exist for them to do so.



experience.

Write at least 250 words. (Source: New Insight into IELTS Students Book)





Crime is nearly always related to the environment in which it occurs. For this reason,

international laws and international law courts are unrealistic and will not succeed in

reducing crime levels in different countries.

Discuss.


experience.

Write at least 250 words. (Source: Insight into IELTS Extra Workbook)

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Some people fear that technology is gradually taking over control of our lives, while

others think that it has led to many positive developments in all aspects of their lives.



experience.

Write at least 250 words. (Source: Ready for IELTS Coursebook)

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Some people think that it is better to give donations to local charitable organizations,

while others choose to give to national or international bodies.



experience.






Some people think that the world is now one large village and we are all responsible for

each other. Others, however, argue that people in other countries should look after their

own people and not be concerned with other countries.



experience.


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Some people think that managerial posts in private companies and in government are

more suitable for men. Others think that given the opportunity women can be successful

managers.



experience.


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Some people think that children should be encouraged to travel more while at school to

broaden their experience. Others think that not enough time is spent in the classroom

learning the basics of a good education.



experience.






Today more people than ever are travelling around the world. Some people believe that

such travelling helps to broaden peoples minds, while others think it just confirms their

prejudices.



experience.


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While studying abroad provides an opportunity to broaden ones experience, it also

presents the danger of negative influences from the host culture.

Discuss.


experience.

Write at least 250 words. (Source: How to Prepare for IELTS: British Council)

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Children over 15 should be allowed to make decisions about their lives without the

interference of their parents or teachers. Society should accept that children mature at a

younger age these days and should adjust the law accordingly.

Discuss this statement in relation to own country or a society that you know well.


experience.

Write at least 250 words. (Source: Insight into IELTS Students Book)





A company in which every employee is made to feel important will run more smoothly

and experience greater success than a company that values some employees above

others.

Discuss.


experience.

Write at least 250 words. (Source: Insight into IELTS Students Book)

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Some people think that the teenage years are the happiest times of most peoples lives.

Others think that adult life brings more happiness, in spite of greater responsibilities.



experience.

Write at least 250 words. (Source: IELTS Cambridge 9)

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In order to be able to study well, students need an attractive, clean learning environment.

Universities and colleges should make efforts to provide this.



experience.

Write at least 250 words. (Source: New Insight into IELTS Workbook)





Some people think that it is very important to get a university education. Others feel we

should encourage more young people to take up a trade such as pluming, painting or

building to ensure a good balance of skills in our society.



experience.

Write at least 250 words. (Source: New Insight into IELTS Workbook)

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In some countries, health care is free, paid for by the state. In other countries, payment is

divided between the state and people themselves.

Discuss both systems, and say which one is better.


experience.

Write at least 250 words. (Source: McGraw-Hills IELTS: 5 Practice Tests)

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Some people think robots can improve humans' life in the future. While others think

robots may affect society in a bad way.



experience.

Write at least 250 words. (Source: www.Jeffery-IELTS Blog)





Kids in some rural areas do not have access to education. Some believe computers and

internet should be provided to solve the problem. Some believe teachers and schools

should be provided.

Discuss both view and give your own opinion.


experience.

Write at least 250 words. (Source: www.Jeffery-IELTS Blog)

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Some people believe that the arts should receive subsidies or sponsorship from

government and big companies. Others feel such spending is a luxury and that it would be

better if it were invested in scientific projects.



experience.

Write at least 250 words. (Source: Improve Your IELTS Writing Skills)

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Some people think that children get a better education if they study away from home at a

boarding school. Others believe it is better for them to stay with their families and attend

day school.



experience.

Write at least 250 words. (Source: IELTS Handbook 2007)





Many governments state that they value equal opportunities for all but do not provide

adequate support for the disabled.

Discuss this view and give your own opinion.


experience.

Write at least 250 words. (Source: IELTS Graduation Students Book)

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Animal rights protesters strongly believe that any form of animal experimentation is not

only cruel and inhumane but also immoral. Scientists, however, believe that it is justified

when used to develop new medicines, which benefit the lives of humans.



experience.

Write at least 250 words. (Source: www.iPassIELTS.com)

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Some people believe that the definition of marriage is a union of man and woman and

that same-sex marriages should therefore be banned. However, others feel that same-sex

couples should be able to enjoy the same marital rights as heterosexual couples.

Discuss both these attitudes and give your opinion.


experience.






Cheaper and more frequent international transport has meant that people from some

countries regularly travel abroad and it is claimed that this is improving understanding

among the worlds population.

However, others feel that this is just another form of consumerism, and that nothing meaningful is learnt. They say it would be better to use mass media to find out about more about the world.

Discuss both these views and give your opinion.


experience.


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Scientists believe that junk food damages human health. Some think that people should

be educated about junk food risks, while others say it will not change anything.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.


experience.

Write at least 250 words. (Source: www.IELTS-Blog.com)

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Some people think the main benefit of international cooperation is in protection of the

environment, while others think that the main benefit is in the worldwide business.

Discuss both views and include your own opinion.


experience. Write at least 250 words. (Source: www.IELTS-Blog.com)





Some people think that secondary school children should study international news while

others think that it is waste of valuable school time.

Discuss both views and give your own opinion.


experience.


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Some people think that robots are very important nowadays, but others are worried

about the trend of robotization.



experience.


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Some people think that travel helps gaining knowledge, but others think that TV and

internet play an important role in gaining knowledge.



experience.






Some people prefer to be in the same kind of job their entire life, but others like to change

their jobs frequently.



experience.


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Some parents and teachers believe that childrens behavior should be strictly controlled,

while others think that children should be allowed to grow up in their own way.



experience.


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Some people agree that the government should pay for primary education, while others

say that the government should pay also for secondary and university level education.



experience.






Some people think that humans can use animals in any way for their own benefit. Others,

however, believe that people should not use animals in the wrong way.

Discuss both this views and give your opinion.


experience.


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Some say that children should spend more time working on school projects from an early

age; others believe that young children should spend more time playing and have less

stress at school.



experience.


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Some people believe that study is important to success; others say there is no relation

between study and success.

Discuss both views.


experience.






Some people help their community directly, while others help through national and

international organizations.

Discuss both ways and give your opinion.


experience.


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Some people say that sending individuals to college will help in ones country, but others

would say it would just add to graduates unemployment.



experience.


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Nowadays majority of people are trying to live in the cities and many people not much

interested to live in small towns.



experience.






Some people believe the aim of university education is to help graduates get better jobs. Others believe there are much wider benefits of university education for both individuals and society.



experience.

Write at least 250 words. (Source: www.ieltsbuddy.com)

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Some people think that the best way to reduce crime is to give longer prison sentences. Others, however, believe there are better alternative ways of reducing crime.



experience.


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A growing number of people feel that animals should not be exploited by people and that they should have the same rights as humans, while others argue that humans must employ animals to satisfy their various needs, including uses for food and research.



experience.






Some people think that a crime should always have a fixed punishment, like life for murder, whereas others think you should take the circumstances of the crime into account.

What is your viewpoint?


experience.

Write at least 250 words. (Source: IELTS Advantage Writing Skills)

**********************************************************************************You should spend 40 minutes on this task.


Some people view teenage conflict with their parents as a necessary part of growing up, whilst others see it as something negative which should be avoided.



experience.

Write at least 250 words. (Source: IELTS Advantage Writing Skills)

**********************************************************************************You should spend 40 minutes on this task.


Some people are of the opinion that prisons are basically universities of crime, fostering the kind of behavior they aim to eradicate and are, therefore, not effective. Others feel that prison life is not hard enough.

Discuss the arguments on both sides of the issue.

What is your own opinion on the matter?


experience. Write at least 250 words. (Source: 15 Days Practice for IELTS Writing)





It is sometimes argued that too many students go to university, while others claim that a university education should be a universal right.

Discuss both sides of the argument and give your own opinion.


experience.

Write at least 250 words. (Source: www.IELTS-academic.com)

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Some people say children no longer need to develop handwriting skills. Others believe that handwriting is still important.



experience.

Write at least 250 words. (Source: Focusing on IELTS: Reading & Writing Skills 2nd Edition)

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02 Discussion Essay (Sample Topics)