Browse IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 charts and Task 2 essay questions from Cambridge IELTS books 4 to 21. Pick a past-paper prompt, write your answer, and check it with IELTS Writing Checker.
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Jump to any Cambridge IELTS book and open each test's Task 1 and Task 2 writing prompts.
Use these Cambridge IELTS writing questions for timed practice
Each entry keeps the original prompt wording together with the chart, map, process or diagram image when Task 1 needs it. After writing your response, paste it into the checker for estimated band scores and correction suggestions.
Cambridge IELTS 21 Academic Writing Tasks
All four Academic Writing tests from Cambridge IELTS 21, including Task 1 visuals and Task 2 essay questions.
Some people say that in the digital age, theatres and cinemas are no longer important as people can watch all the entertainment they want online. Others argue that theatres and cinemas are still important both economically and culturally.
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.
Cambridge IELTS 21 Academic Writing Test 3
Task 1 and Task 2 questions from Cambridge IELTS 21, Academic Writing Test 3.
The first table below shows changes in the total population of New York City from 1800 to 2000. The second and third tables show changes in the population of the five districts of the city (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island) over the same period.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Task 1 visual prompt for Cambridge IELTS 20 Academic Writing Test 1.
The plans below show the site of a farm in 1950 and the same site today. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Task 1 visual prompt for Cambridge IELTS 20 Academic Writing Test 2.
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write about the following topic:
In many countries, primary and secondary schools close for two months or more in the summer holidays. What is the value of long school holidays? What are the arguments in favour of shorter school holidays?
Cambridge IELTS 20 Academic Writing Test 3
Task 1 and Task 2 questions from Cambridge IELTS 20, Academic Writing Test 3.
The charts below give information about a public library in a town called Little Chalfont. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Task 1 visual prompt for Cambridge IELTS 20 Academic Writing Test 3.
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write about the following topic: Some people have decided to reduce the number of times they fly every year or to stop flying altogether. Do you think the environmental benefits of this development outweigh the disadvantages for individuals and businesses? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Cambridge IELTS 20 Academic Writing Test 4
Task 1 and Task 2 questions from Cambridge IELTS 20, Academic Writing Test 4.
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. Write at least 150 words.
The diagram below shows how fabric is manufactured from bamboo. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Task 1 visual prompt for Cambridge IELTS 20 Academic Writing Test 4.
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write at least 250 words. Write about the following topic:
Many aspects of the way people dress today are influenced by global fashion trends. How has global fashion become such a strong influence on people's lives? Do you think this is a positive or negative development? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Cambridge IELTS 19 Academic Writing Tasks
All four Academic Writing tests from Cambridge IELTS 19, including Task 1 visuals and Task 2 essay questions.
The graph below gives information on the numbers of participants for different activities at one social centre in Melbourne, Australia for the period 2000 to 2020.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Task 1 visual prompt for Cambridge IELTS 19 Academic Writing Test 1.
Some people think that competition at work, at school and in daily life is a good thing. Others believe that we should try to cooperate more, rather than competing against each other.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Cambridge IELTS 19 Academic Writing Test 2
Task 1 and Task 2 questions from Cambridge IELTS 19, Academic Writing Test 2.
The graph below gives information about the percentage of the population in four Asian countries living in cities from 1970 to 2020, with predictions for 2030 and 2040.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Task 1 visual prompt for Cambridge IELTS 18 Academic Writing Test 1.
Some university students want to learn about other subjects in addition to their main subjects. Others believe it is more important to give all their time and attention to studying for a qualification.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Cambridge IELTS 18 Academic Writing Test 3
Task 1 and Task 2 questions from Cambridge IELTS 18, Academic Writing Test 3.
In many countries, people are now living longer than ever before. Some people say an ageing population creates problems for governments. Other people think there are benefits if society has more elderly people.
To what extent do the advantages of having an ageing population outweigh the disadvantages?
Cambridge IELTS 17 Academic Writing Tasks
All four Academic Writing tests from Cambridge IELTS 17, including Task 1 visuals and Task 2 essay questions.
The table and charts below give information on the police budget for 2017 and 2018 in one area of Britain. The table shows where the money came from and the charts show how it was distributed.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Task 1 visual prompt for Cambridge IELTS 17 Academic Writing Test 2.
Some people believe that professionals, such as doctors and engineers, should be required to work in the country where they did their training. Others believe they should be free to work in another country if they wish.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Cambridge IELTS 17 Academic Writing Test 4
Task 1 and Task 2 questions from Cambridge IELTS 17, Academic Writing Test 4.
The charts below show the changes in ownership of electrical appliances and amount of time spent doing housework and households in one country between 1920 and 2019.
Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Task 1 visual prompt for Cambridge IELTS 16 Academic Writing Test 1.
Many manufactured food and drink products contain high levels of sugar, which causes many health problems. Sugary products should be made more expensive to encourage people to consume less sugar.
Do you agree or disagree?
Cambridge IELTS 16 Academic Writing Test 4
Task 1 and Task 2 questions from Cambridge IELTS 16, Academic Writing Test 4.
Some people say that advertising is extremely successful at persuading us to buy things. Other people think that advertising is so common that we no longer pay attention to it.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Cambridge IELTS 15 Academic Writing Test 4
Task 1 and Task 2 questions from Cambridge IELTS 15, Academic Writing Test 4.
The chart below shows what Anthropology graduates from one university did after finishing their undergraduate degree course. The table shows the salaries of the anthropologists in work after five years.
Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Task 1 visual prompt for Cambridge IELTS 15 Academic Writing Test 4.
In some cultures, children are often told that they can achieve anything if they try hard enough. What are the advantages and disadvantages of giving children this message.
Cambridge IELTS 14 Academic Writing Tasks
All four Academic Writing tests from Cambridge IELTS 14, including Task 1 visuals and Task 2 essay questions.
Some people believe that it is best to accept a bad situation, such as an unsatisfactory job or shortage of money. Others argue that it is better to try and improve such situations.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Cambridge IELTS 14 Academic Writing Test 2
Task 1 and Task 2 questions from Cambridge IELTS 14, Academic Writing Test 2.
The chart below shows the value of one country’s exports in various categories during 2015 and 2016. The table shows the percentage change in each category of exports in 2016 compared with 2015.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant.
Task 1 visual prompt for Cambridge IELTS 14 Academic Writing Test 2.
Some people say that the main environmental problem of our time is the loss of particular species of plants and animals. Others say that there are more important environmental problems.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Cambridge IELTS 14 Academic Writing Test 3
Task 1 and Task 2 questions from Cambridge IELTS 14, Academic Writing Test 3.
Some people say History is one the most important school subjects. Other people think that, in today’s world, subjects like Science and Technology are more important than History.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Cambridge IELTS 13 Academic Writing Test 4
Task 1 and Task 2 questions from Cambridge IELTS 13, Academic Writing Test 4.
Some people believe that it is good to share as much information as possible in scientific research, business and the academic world. Others believe that some information is too important or too valuable to be shared freely.
Discuss both these view and give your own opinion.
Cambridge IELTS 12 Academic Writing Test 2
Task 1 and Task 2 questions from Cambridge IELTS 12, Academic Writing Test 2.
In a number of countries, some people think it is necessary to spend large sums of money on constructing new railway lines for very fast trains between cities. Others believe the money should be spent on improving existing public transport.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Cambridge IELTS 12 Academic Writing Test 4
Task 1 and Task 2 questions from Cambridge IELTS 12, Academic Writing Test 4.
Some people believe that allowing children to make their own choices on everyday matters (such as food, clothes and entertainment) is likely to result in a society of individuals who only think about their own wishes. Other people believe that it is important for children to make decisions about matters that affect them.
Discuss both these view and give your own opinion.
Cambridge IELTS 11 Academic Writing Tasks
All four Academic Writing tests from Cambridge IELTS 11, including Task 1 visuals and Task 2 essay questions.
The charts below show the proportions of British students at one university in England who were able to speak other languages in addition to English, in 2000 and 2010.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant.
Task 1 visual prompt for Cambridge IELTS 11 Academic Writing Test 2.
Some people claim that not enough of the waste from homes is recycled. They say that the only way to increase recycling is for governments to make it a legal requirement.
To what extent do you think laws are needed to make people recycle more of their waste?
Cambridge IELTS 11 Academic Writing Test 3
Task 1 and Task 2 questions from Cambridge IELTS 11, Academic Writing Test 3.
Some people say that the only reason for learning a foreign language is in order to travel to or work in a foreign country. Others say that these are not the only reasons why someone should learn a foreign language.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion
Cambridge IELTS 11 Academic Writing Test 4
Task 1 and Task 2 questions from Cambridge IELTS 11, Academic Writing Test 4.
The table below shows the numbers of visitors to Ashdown Museum during the year before and the year after it was refurbished. The charts show the result of surveys asking visitors who satisfied they were with their visit, during the same two periods.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparison where relevant.
Task 1 visual prompt for Cambridge IELTS 11 Academic Writing Test 4.
Many governments think that economic progress is their most important goal. Some people, however, think that other types of progress are equally important for a country.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Cambridge IELTS 10 Academic Writing Tasks
All four Academic Writing tests from Cambridge IELTS 10, including Task 1 visuals and Task 2 essay questions.
The first chart below shows how energy is used in an average Australian household. The second chart shows the greenhouse gas emissions which result from this energy use.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Task 1 visual prompt for Cambridge IELTS 10 Academic Writing Test 1.
It is important for children to learn the difference between right and wrong at an early age. Punishment is necessary to help them learn this distinction.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
What sort of punishment should parents and teachers be allowed to use to teach good behaviour to children?
Cambridge IELTS 10 Academic Writing Test 2
Task 1 and Task 2 questions from Cambridge IELTS 10, Academic Writing Test 2.
Some people think that all university students should study whatever they like. Others believe that they should only be allowed to study subjects that will be useful in the future, such as those related to science and technology.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Cambridge IELTS 10 Academic Writing Test 3
Task 1 and Task 2 questions from Cambridge IELTS 10, Academic Writing Test 3.
Some people believe that unpaid community service should be a compulsory part of high school programmes (for example working for a charity, improving the neighbourhood or teaching sports to younger children).
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Cambridge IELTS 9 Academic Writing Test 3
Task 1 and Task 2 questions from Cambridge IELTS 9, Academic Writing Test 3.
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 that other measures are required.
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.
Cambridge IELTS 9 Academic Writing Test 4
Task 1 and Task 2 questions from Cambridge IELTS 9, Academic Writing Test 4.
Every year several languages die out. Some people think that this is not important because life will be easier if there are fewer languages in the world.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Cambridge IELTS 8 Academic Writing Tasks
All four Academic Writing tests from Cambridge IELTS 8, including Task 1 visuals and Task 2 essay questions.
The pie chart below shows the main reasons why agricultural land becomes less productive. The table shows how these causes affected three regions of the world during the 1990s.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Write at least 150 words.
Task 1 visual prompt for Cambridge IELTS 8 Academic Writing Test 1.
Some people think 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.
Cambridge IELTS 8 Academic Writing Test 2
Task 1 and Task 2 questions from Cambridge IELTS 8, Academic Writing Test 2.
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 sports person or musician.
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.
Cambridge IELTS 7 Academic Writing Test 2
Task 1 and Task 2 questions from Cambridge IELTS 7, Academic Writing Test 2.
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 the punishment.
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.
Cambridge IELTS 7 Academic Writing Test 3
Task 1 and Task 2 questions from Cambridge IELTS 7, Academic Writing Test 3.
The chart below shows information about changes in average house prices in five different cities between 1990 and 2002 compared with the average house prices in 1989.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Write at least 150 words.
Task 1 visual prompt for Cambridge IELTS 7 Academic Writing Test 3.
Some people think that universities should provide graduates with the knowledge and skills needed in the workplace. Others think that the true function of a university should be to give access to knowledge for its own sake, regardless of whether the course is useful to an employer.
What, in your opinion, should be the main function of a university?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Cambridge IELTS 6 Academic Writing Tasks
All four Academic Writing tests from Cambridge IELTS 6, including Task 1 visuals and Task 2 essay questions.
Successful sports professionals can earn a great deal more money than people in other important professions. Some people think this is fully justified while others think it is unfair.
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.
Cambridge IELTS 6 Academic Writing Test 3
Task 1 and Task 2 questions from Cambridge IELTS 6, Academic Writing Test 3.
Some people believe that visitors to other countries should follow local customs and behaviour. Others disagree and think that the host country should welcome cultural differences.
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.
Cambridge IELTS 6 Academic Writing Test 4
Task 1 and Task 2 questions from Cambridge IELTS 6, Academic Writing Test 4.
The charts below give information about USA marriage and divorce rates between 1970 and 2000, and the marital status of adult Americans in two of the years.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Write at least 150 words.
Task 1 visual prompt for Cambridge IELTS 6 Academic Writing Test 4.
Some people think that a sense of competition in children should be encouraged. Others believe that children who are taught to co-operate rather than compete become more useful adults.
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.
Cambridge IELTS 5 Academic Writing Test 4
Task 1 and Task 2 questions from Cambridge IELTS 5, Academic Writing Test 4.
Research indicates that the characteristics we are born with have much more influence on our personality and development than any experiences we may have in our life.
Which do you consider to be the major influence?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Cambridge IELTS 4 Academic Writing Tasks
All four Academic Writing tests from Cambridge IELTS 4, including Task 1 visuals and Task 2 essay questions.
Compare the advantages and disadvantages of three of the following as media for communicating information. State which you consider to be the most effective.
• comics
• books
• radio
• television
• film
• theatre
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Cambridge IELTS 4 Academic Writing Test 2
Task 1 and Task 2 questions from Cambridge IELTS 4, Academic Writing Test 2.
The graph below shows the demand for electricity in England during typical days in winter and summer. The pie chart shows how electricity is used in an average English home.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Write at least 150 words.
Task 1 visual prompt for Cambridge IELTS 4 Academic Writing Test 2.
Creative artists should always be given the freedom to express their own ideas (in words, pictures, music or film) in whichever way they wish. There should be no government restrictions on what they do.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Cambridge IELTS 4 Academic Writing Test 4
Task 1 and Task 2 questions from Cambridge IELTS 4, Academic Writing Test 4.
