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IELTS Writing topic generator

Get a random IELTS Writing question laid out like the exam paper and write your answer on the timer, with a live word count.

WRITING TASK 1

Pie chart

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

The pie charts below show the distribution of world population by continent in 1950 and 2020.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Write at least 150 words.

World population by continent
Pie chart: World population by continent (%). The values are in the data table below.195055%22%1%13%9%202059%17%1%13%10%
  • Asia
  • Africa
  • Europe
  • Americas
  • Oceania
Show data table
World population by continent
Category19502020
Asia55%59%
Africa9%17%
Europe22%10%
Americas13%13%
Oceania1%1%
Overview tips and model answer

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common IELTS Writing Task 2 topics?

Education, technology, the environment, work, health, cities and transport, crime and government come up again and again, along with family, media, culture and globalisation. The questions change, but the themes repeat, so practicing across these themes prepares you for most papers.

What are the IELTS Task 2 essay types?

Opinion (agree or disagree), discussion (discuss both views), advantages and disadvantages, problem and solution (or causes and solutions), and two-part questions. Some lists add positive or negative development as a sixth. The last line of the question tells you which one you have.

How long should a Task 2 essay be?

At least 250 words, and you should spend about 40 minutes on it. Most strong answers are 270 to 320 words. Going far over leaves less time for checking and does not earn extra marks.

How long should a Task 1 answer be?

At least 150 words in about 20 minutes, for both the Academic report and the General Training letter. Task 2 carries twice the marks of Task 1, so do not let Task 1 run over.

Are these real IELTS questions?

No. They are practice questions written by GoPrep in the style of the exam, on the themes and question types the test uses. Official past papers are not published as a free bank, and sites that claim to have this month's real questions are guessing.

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