IELTS Writing Task 2 Topics 2026: 10 Predicted Essays on AI & Environment

Introduction

If you are preparing for the IELTS in 2026, practicing outdated essay topics like “Television vs Radio” or “Joint Families” is no longer effective.

The IELTS exam evolves with the world. In 2026, examiners are focused on Artificial Intelligence, climate responsibility, remote work, and modern health challenges.

If you walk into the exam hall and see a prompt such as:

“Artificial Intelligence will soon replace teachers. To what extent do you agree?”

—and you are unfamiliar with vocabulary like algorithms, automation, or personalized learning—you will struggle to cross Band 6.5.

This guide presents the Top 10 Predicted IELTS Writing Task 2 Topics for 2026, based on recent exam trends. For each theme, you also get idea frameworks and Band 9–level vocabulary to help you write with confidence.

Highlights: The 2026 Theme Forecast

Theme	Probability	Key Focus Areas
Technology & AI	Very High	Jobs, Education, Privacy
Environment	High	Government vs Individual Responsibility
Work & Society	High	Remote Work, Work–Life Balance
Health	Moderate	Mental Health, Fast Food
Culture	Moderate	Globalization vs Local Identity

Theme 1: Artificial Intelligence (The #1 Trend)

This is the most important category within IELTS Writing Task 2 topics 2026. Questions often test balance—technology versus human value.

Predicted Question 1

“Some people believe that Artificial Intelligence will eventually replace human teachers in schools. Others argue that machines can never replace human interaction in education. Discuss both views and give your opinion.”

Idea Generation

• AI can replace teachers: Personalized pacing, instant feedback, global access to knowledge, cost efficiency.

• Humans remain essential: Emotional intelligence, discipline, mentorship, moral development.

Band 9 Vocabulary: Automated pedagogy, personalized curriculum, emotional quotient, mere transmission of data, indispensable role

Predicted Question 2

“Many jobs are being automated by robots and artificial intelligence. Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?”

Idea Generation

• Advantages: Increased efficiency, removal of dangerous tasks, economic growth.

• Disadvantages: Job displacement, loss of craftsmanship, widening inequality.

Band 9 Vocabulary: Workforce redundancy, mechanization, creative endeavors, monotonous tasks, economic disparity

Theme 2: The Environment (Climate Responsibility)

Environmental questions in 2026 focus less on what the problem is and more on who should solve it.

Predicted Question 3

“Some people think individuals can do little to solve environmental problems and that only governments and companies can make a difference. To what extent do you agree or disagree?”

Idea Generation

• Government responsibility: Regulations, large-scale funding, infrastructure changes.

• Individual responsibility: Consumer pressure, lifestyle changes, cumulative impact.

Band 9 Vocabulary: Legislative power, industrial footprint, eco-conscious consumerism, mitigate climate change, collective responsibility

Predicted Question 4

“The best way to solve traffic and pollution problems is to increase fuel prices and encourage electric cars. To what extent do you agree?”

Idea Generation

• Agree: Financial deterrents influence behavior.

• Disagree: Unfair to low-income groups; public transport is more effective.

Theme 3: Work & Lifestyle (Post-Pandemic Society)

Remote work is now a permanent IELTS theme.

Predicted Question 5

“Many companies allow employees to work from home. Do the benefits to employers and employees outweigh the disadvantages?”

Idea Generation

• Benefits: Flexible schedules, reduced commuting, wider talent pool.

• Disadvantages: Isolation, weaker teamwork, blurred work-life boundaries.

Band 9 Vocabulary :Telecommuting, work-life balance, camaraderie, professional isolation, operational costs

Predicted Question 6

“In many countries, people are working longer and retiring later. Is this a positive or negative development?”

Idea Generation

• Positive: Reduced pension pressure, active ageing.

• Negative: Youth unemployment, workplace health concerns.

Theme 4: Health & Modern Society

Predicted Question 7

“Governments should ban dangerous sports such as boxing and skydiving. To what extent do you agree or disagree?”

Idea Generation

• Against bans: Personal freedom, discipline, entertainment industry.

• For bans: Public healthcare burden, preventable injuries.

Predicted Question 8

“To improve public health, governments should impose high taxes on sugary drinks and fast food. Discuss.”

Idea Generation

• For taxation: Proven deterrent, healthcare funding.

• Against taxation: Education works better; regressive impact on the poor.

Band 9 Vocabulary :Sedentary lifestyle, obesity epidemic, fiscal deterrents, dietary choices, state intervention

Theme 5: Globalization vs Culture

Predicted Question 9

“Ideally, everyone in the world should speak the same language. Do you agree or disagree?”

Idea Generation

• Agree: Easier trade, global cooperation.

• Disagree: Loss of cultural identity, heritage, and nuance.

Band 9 Vocabulary: Linguistic homogenization, cultural heritage, global communication, identity erosion

Predicted Question 10

“Today, people buy more products from other countries than their own. Is this a positive or negative development?”

Idea Generation

• Positive: Lower prices, product variety.

• Negative: Local job losses, environmental cost of transport.

Strategy: How to Structure Your Essay (The 4-Paragraph Rule)

Paragraph 1: Introduction

• Paraphrase the question

• Clearly state your opinion or discussion scope

Paragraph 2: Body Paragraph 1

• Topic sentence

• Explanation

• Example

Paragraph 3: Body Paragraph 2

• Second argument or counterargument

• Rebuttal if needed

Paragraph 4: Conclusion

• Summarize main ideas

• Reaffirm your opinion

• Do not introduce new points

FAQs: IELTS Writing Task 2 Topics 2026

1. Do essay topics repeat in IELTS?

Yes. Themes repeat; wording changes.

2. Can I use imaginary examples?

Yes. Examiners assess language and logic, not factual accuracy.

3. Minimum word count in 2026?

250 words. Aim for 280–300.

4. Should I use complex vocabulary?

Only when accurate. Collocations matter more than rare words.

5. Time allocation for Task 2?

40 minutes (5 plan, 30 write, 5 check).

Conclusion

To score Band 7.5+ in IELTS Writing Task 2 topics 2026, memorizing templates is not enough.

You need relevant ideas, modern vocabulary, and clear structure.

Examiners have read thousands of essays on outdated topics. Essays that discuss AI, climate change, and modern work culture stand out immediately.

Start practicing these 10 questions today.

Want expert feedback on your essay? Submit it for evaluation or download a Band 9 vocabulary guide.