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15 Tips to Help You Write a Stellar Essay

Essay-writing can be easier than you might think if you have a grasp of the basics and a willingness to engage with the subject matter. Here are 15 top tips for writing a stellar essay.

Do Your Research

This is one of the most important tips you’ll ever receive. Research thoroughly, even if it means you have too many notes. It’s better to have to leave stuff out than not have enough to write about.

Make an Outline

Without a properly structured outline (with an intro, a four- to five-point body and a conclusion), your essay may be hard to write and to follow.

Hook Attention

While you might just be writing your essay for a teacher or professor that is paid to read it, it still pays to grab their attention. A “hook” like a quote or surprising statistic in your intro can make your reader want to read on.

Lay Out Your Thesis

The intro isn’t all about flair and grabbing attention. It’s also about laying out your thesis. Make your main argument clear in the first few sentences, setting up a question to answer or statement to prove.

Avoid Passive Voice

If you want your writing to be persuasive, passive voice should be avoided. (That sentence was full of it, by the way. For example, “You should avoid passive voice” is a more convincing way to say “passive voice should be avoided.”)

Avoid First-Person Voice

If you’re writing an academic essay, you should almost certainly avoid first-person voice. In other words, avoid saying “I” or “my.” Also restrict your use of the second-person voice (e.g., don’t use “you” unless it’s necessary).

Start With Your Strongest Point

In general, it’s a good idea to start with your strongest argument in your first body paragraph. This sets the scene nicely. However, this might not be appropriate if you are structuring your essay points chronologically.

Relate All Points Back to Your Thesis

Make it clear to your reader how each point you make relates back to your thesis (i.e., the question or statement in your introduction, and probably your title too). This helps them to follow your argument.

Contextualize Without Losing Focus

Add contextualizing information for a richer presentation of your topic. For example, it’s fine (or even desirable) to discuss the historical background for certain events. Just don’t get bogged down by irrelevant details.

Use Transition Phrases

Transition phrases, such as “furthermore,” “by contrast” and “on the other hand,” can also help your reader to follow your argument. But don’t overuse them at the cost of clarity. Read your essay aloud to gauge how it flows.

Conclude With a Return to Your Thesis

A conclusion can do many things, but it’s useful to think of it as an answer to the question or statement in your intro. It’s sensible to summarize your key points, but always relate back to your thesis.

Make Your Conclusion Seem Obvious

Restating your thesis in your conclusion (after having made all of your points and arguments in the body) can be persuasive. Aim to make your conclusion feel irrefutable (at least if it’s a persuasive essay).

Check Spelling

If your spelling is sloppy, it’s natural for your reader to assume your approach to writing the essay was too. This could harm the strength of an otherwise persuasive essay.

Check Grammar

Grammar is also important, for the same reason. It’s usually easy to pick up on dodgy grammar if you read your essay aloud. If you’re not a native English speaker, however, you might want to ask someone who is to check your essay.

Check Vocabulary

To avoid harming your persuasiveness and authority, it’s fundamentally important to use the right words. Overly obscure language can detract from the clarity of your argument, but if you feel you have to use it, then you better know what it means.

MORE FROM QUESTIONSANSWERED.NET

150+ WAEC English Essay Past Questions (PDF)

Last Updated on April 14, 2023 by Ralph Nyadzi

Discover both the oldest and the latest WAEC English essay past questions in this mega list.

DISCLOSURE. This post may contain affiliate links. I will earn a commission if you follow a link to purchase a product. This comes at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting this project.

Are you a teacher or student of High School English Language? This collection of past questions on WAEC English composition will be of great help to you.

Old WAEC English essay past questions from “ancient” times like 1997 or 2002 are no longer relevant. Right?

Past questions are past questions. Trust WAEC to, at any time, repeat word for word some of their past questions from either distant years in the past or from a relatively recent year.

Sometimes too, all the WAEC examiners do is to slightly modify the wording of the same English Language essay past question. Then they present it to you as if it were completely new.

What Smart Students/Teachers Do With Past Questions

This is why the smartest students who keep getting the best WAEC/NECO/JAMB grades for essay writing are the ones who spend quality time studying and practicing WAEC English essay past questions. They and their teachers don’t really care whether the WAEC past essay question is coming from 1990 or 2020.

Because the ideas have always been the same. The aspects of life on which the examiners base their WAEC English essay past questions remain almost unchanged.

In another post on this site, I share with you the secrets behind how the guys at WAEC set their essay questions.

Trust me, the smartest move to make, as you prepare for the English or any other General Arts essay paper, is to study and practice as many WAEC past essay questions as possible.

The results have always proven this strategy to be very effective. So this approach can work the magic for you too.

PDF Download – Premium

Would you prefer to download this document for future use? I think you should. You can start downloading the PDF version of the WAEC past essay questions by clicking here.

Now, are you ready to take seriously both the oldest and the newest WAEC English essay past questions? Then come with me as I give you some of the most relevant English composition past questions from GCE and SSCE to WASSCE.

WAEC/NECO SSCE/ WASSCE/ GCE ENGLISH LANGUAGE COMPOSITION PAST QUESTIONS

Please note that this post is a living document. Expect me to add more English essay past questions that matter to you most as time goes on. Thank you!

Top 10 Features of A High-Grade Essay

Free Essays for Schools and Colleges

NOVEMBER 1997

1.   Your close friend missed an interesting event that took place in your school when he was on admission at the hospital. Write a letter to him describing what happened.

2.   Armed robbery has become rampant in your locality. Write a letter to your Member of Parliament giving at least three reasons for this state of affairs and suggesting ways of solving the problem.

3.   As the out-going sports prefect write a report for publication in your school magazine on sporting activities during your term of office.

4.   As the principal speaker at an inter-school debate, write your contribution for or against the motion. ”The youth of today have more opportunities than their predecessors.”

5.   Describe a political rally you recently attended.

6.   Write a story, which ends with, “One gets such an opportunity once in a lifetime.”

NOVEMBER 1998

1. Your friend has written to tell you that he has decided to learn a trade after his senior secondary school course. Write a reply to him giving at least three reasons why you support or disagree with his decision.

2.  Examination malpractice has become rampant in schools in your country. Write a letter to the Minister of Education discussing at least three causes of this problem and suggesting ways of solving it.

3.  As part of the activities of the 40 th  Independence Anniversary Celebration of Ghana, the Ministry of Education is organizing an essay competition on the topic Ghana’s Independence: a blessing or a curse? Write your entry.

4.  Describe a schoolmate you would nominate as “The Best Student of the Year.”

5.  As the principal speaker at an inter-school debate, write your contribution for or against the motion: ”Money and possessions do not necessarily bring happiness.’

6.  Write an article for publication in a national newspaper on the topic “The problems of street children and how to solve them.

    NOVEMBER 1999

 1.  Your pen pal has written to inform you that he will like to pay you a one-week visit in your country. Write a reply stating the programme you have drawn up to cover the visit.

 2.  Your school is celebrating its speech and Prize Giving Day. As the school prefect, you have been asked to give a speech on the topic: The achievements of my school in the last academic year. Write your speech.

 3.  You were standing at a bus stop when two taxis collided. The drivers got out of their cars and after a heated argument, a fight ensued. Write a description of the incident.

 4.  As the principal speaker in a debate, write your contribution for or against the topic: The disabled can make a meaningful contribution to national development.

  5.  You have been asked to give a talk to a group of foreign tourists on the role of traditional healers in your area. Write out your speech.

NOVEMBER 2000

1. Write a letter to a friend in another school giving at least three reasons why you support the establishment of private Universities in the Country

2. You are totally opposed to corporal punishment in your school though your teachers administer it. Write a letter to the District Director of Education, suggesting at least three better ways of punishing students.

3. As the principal speaker at an inter-school debate, write your contribution for  or against  the motion: we do not need the extended family in a changing Ghanaian society.

4. Write a story entitled “The Haunted House”.

5. The national Commission on Culture (NCC) is organizing an essay competition on the topic, the installation of a chief in Ghanaian society. Write your entry, using your traditional area as a reference.

• You are a speaker in a debate on the topic: Official visits abroad by a Head of state are beneficial to a country. Write out your speech for  or  against  the motion.
• Write a story ending…… It was not a pleasant experience.
• The rate at which teenage girls are becoming pregnant is alarming. Write a letter to the editor of a national newspaper discussing at least three factors responsible for this problem and suggesting solutions.
• Your school is celebrating its silver jubilee. As the current school prefect, write the speech you will deliver, outlining the achievements of your school, the problems you encounter as students and your hopes for the future.
• You have returned to your hometown after a long absence. Describe at least three changes you have noticed and their effects on the lives of your people.

NOVEMBER 2001

• Your elder brother living abroad has alleged that the youth in your area are unemployed because they are lazy. Write a letter to him giving at least three reasons why you disagree.
• Write a speech to be delivered during the Minister of communication’s visit to your school, giving reasons why you need an FM radio station in your area.
• As the out- going Dining Hall Prefect, write a report on your tenure of office.
• The Ministry of Education is organizing an essay competition on the topic: “Music should be made a core subject in the senior secondary school”. Write your entry.
• Describe in detail a memorable occasion during which an eminent personality in your town was honoured
• There has been an upsurge in AIDS cases in your country recently. Write a letter to the Minister of Health discussing the issue and suggesting at least three ways by which the disease can be prevented.
• You have accompanied your father on his transfer to a new town. Describe this new environment, stating what you like or dislike about it
• Write a story that illustrates the saying “ Birds of the same feather flock together”
• Some people argue that rapists should be executed. In an article suitable for publication in a national newspaper, express your opinion on this controversy.
• Your school is organizing a debate on the motion: “The media have done the society more harm than good”. As a principal speaker, write your contribution for  or against  the motion.

NOVEMBER 2002

• Write an article, suitable for publication in a national newspaper, on the topic: The changes I would like to see in my country.
• Your sister is separated from her husband leaving you and her children with their father. Write a letter to her pleading that she should return, giving at least three reasons why she should.
• Write a story to illustrate the saying, Experience is the best teacher
• The Chief Executive of your district has failed to fulfill his/her promises to develop your town. As a delegate of your youth club, write out the speech you would deliver at a meeting of the District Assembly complaining about at least two of such unfulfilled promises, and stating the effects of the failure to do so.
• You are speaker in a school debate on the topic: Our elders may no longer be active but they are still very useful to our society. Write your contribution for  or against  the motion.
• Write a story beginning: It is great to be young”.
• To commemorate your school’s 20 th  Anniversary, you have been invited to contribute to a debate on the motion: Ghana should continue to borrow money for development. Write your speech for  or against  the motion.
• The head of your school is going on retirement. Write out the speech you would deliver as the school prefect at the farewell party organized for him
• The Ministry of Transport in your county is organizing an essay competition on the topic: the bicycle a very useful means of transport. Write your entry.
• Write a letter to the chairman of the Board of Governors of your school describing an alarming situation in the school. Give at least three reasons why immediate action should be taken to put things right.

NOVEMBER 2003

• Write a letter to a friend who lives in a neighboring country, explaining why you like or dislike certain advertisements on you local radio.
• You spent your last holidays with a friend in another part of the country. Describe what you saw and experienced, stating the effects they have had on you.
• Write an article for publication in a national newspaper, on the topic: Some of our customs and traditions must be maintained.
• Write a story to illustrate the saying: “Once bitten, twice shy”
• You are a speaker in a debate on the topic: Drivers should be blamed for the accidents on our roads. Write your speech for  or against  the motion.
• As the school prefect, write a letter to the newly-appointed Headmaster congratulating him and stating at least three urgent needs of the school.
• A foreign magazine is organizing an essay competition among secondary school students on the topic: The virtues of traditional foods. Write your entry.
• As part of a campaign to increase the number of students in your school, your Headmaster has asked you as School prefect to convince a gathering of junior secondary school pupils in your district to choose your school. Write the speech you would deliver
• You are a speaker in a school debate on the topic; in a developing country, it is more useful to study science than business.
• Narrate a story, which illustrates the saying, “Look before you leap”

NOVEMBER 2004

• In an article suitable for publication in a national newspaper, discuss why capital punishment should not be abolished in the country.
• You are a speaker in a debate on the topic: Abstaining from sex is the best way to avoid HIV/AIDS. Write your speech for  or against  the motion
• In a letter to a pen-friend abroad narrate an event that has had a far-reaching effect on your country.
• Write a story to illustrate the proverb: Make hay while the sun shines.
• You want to be elected School Prefect. Write the speech that will persuade the students to vote for you.

1. Write an article suitable for publication in a national newspaper advocating the use of a Ghanaian Language as the lingua franca of your country.

2. You have been invited by the police as an eyewitness to a brawl between two factions in a dispute. Write a report stating exactly what you saw.

3. As Senior Prefect of your school, write a speech to be delivered at a youth forum on the prevention of drug abuse among students.

4. You are the main speaker in an inter-school debate on the topic: Science is the greatest threat to life in the world. Write out your contribution for or against the motion.

5. The parent-teacher association of your school has decided to introduce a new school uniform. Write a letter to the Chairman giving at least three reasons why you disagree.

NOVEMBER 2005

1. You are a speaker in a debate on the topic: Discipline is the key to good academic performance.  Write your speech for  or against  the motion.

2. The Ghana Tourist Board is organizing an essay competition on: The need to improve tourism in the country.  Write your entry.

3. Write a story that illustrates the saying: All that glitters is not gold .

4. There has been an increase in motor accidents recently. Write to the Chairman of the National Road Safety Committee stating the causes and suggesting measures to prevent these accidents.

5. You are unhappy about the unsanitary conditions in your area. Write an article suitable for publication in a national newspaper, in which you explain the causes and suggest ways of improving sanitation.

NOVEMBER 2007

1. Insufficient student accommodation in tertiary institutions affects admissions each year.  . Write an article for publication in a national newspaper discussing this problem and suggesting at least three ways of solving it.

2. You are a speaker in a debate on the topic: traditional rulers have no place in a modern democratic nation. Write your speech for  or against  the motion.

3. Your year group has been on an educational tour of one of the regions of the country. Describe to your friends your impressions of the tour.

4. There was a disagreement between your class and one of the teachers. As the class prefect, write a report to the head of your school on the incident.

5. Two of your brothers had a bitter quarrel just before you left home for the boarding school. Write a letter to your father pointing out where both were at fault and requesting him to intervene.

1. Write an article suitable for publication in an international magazine on the topic: The problems associated with environmental pollution and suggested solutions.

2. You are the principal speaker in a debate on the motion: the national health insurance policy can solve all the health problems of the country. Write your arguments for or against the motion.

3. In recent times there have been protests over poor conditions of service for workers. Write a letter to the minister of employment identifying three areas where you think the government should make efforts to bring more prosperity to workers.

4. Write a story ending with the statement: As you can see circumstances beyond my control compelled me to do such a thing.

5. You recently participated in a local festival. Write a letter to your pen pal describing three exciting experiences which you had during the festival.

• Write a letter to the headmaster of your school suggesting what can be done to reduce the spate of indiscipline among the students of your school in response to a request by the school authorities.
• Write a letter to your elder brother in Europe or America telling him about what you want to do after leaving school and why. You may also ask for his advice.
• Write an account of an exciting trip you made to one of the principal towns in your country where you spent a week with your best friend and his or her family. Your piece should be suitable for publication in your school magazine.
• The Students’ Union of your district is organizing a symposium on the need to plant trees. Write the speech you would give.
• Describe what happened during and after a natural disaster that you have experienced or heard about, for publication in one of your local newspapers.

NOVEMBER 2009(A)

1. Write an article for publication in a cultural magazine on what traditional rulers should do to promote peaceful co-existence in their communities.

2. The members of the old students association of your school have expressed the desire to offer assistance to the school. As senior prefect, write a letter to its president identifying three areas where the school needs immediate help.

3. Write a story ending with the statement: We forgot the past and became friends once more.

4. The ministry of agriculture is organizing an essay competition on the topic: every senior high school must have a school farm. Write your entry.

5. You are the principal speaker in a debate on the motion: inter-school sports and games promote friendship and unity among students . Write your speech for or against the motion.

NOVEMBER 2009(B)

1. You are the principal speaker in a debate on the motion: living overseas has more advantages than living in your own country. Write your arguments for or against the motion.

2. Write an article for publication in a national newspaper discussing at least three measures which your community has taken to bring development to your area.

3. Write a letter to your friend who is coming to live in your area informing him about the advantages of living there and the risks he is likely to encounter.

4. The national commission for civic education hopes to make people aware of their responsibilities as good citizens of the country. Write a letter to the chairman expressing your views on what should be done to achieve this noble objective.

5. Write a story that ends with the expression: caught red-handed .

NOVEMBER 2010

1.     As the sports prefect of your school, write a letter to the Chairman of your school’s board of Governors, giving at least three  reasons why you think games and sports should be given more encouragement in schools.

2.    Your friend intends to transfer to your school. Write a letter to him/her telling him/her about the facilities in your school which help students to achieve their goals.

3.    You are the principal speaker in a debate on the motion: Advertisements are no longer useful . Write your arguments for  or against  the motion.

4.    Various concerns have been raised about the security situation in your area. As a concerned citizen, write an article for publication in one of your national newspapers expressing your views on the matter

5.   Write a story ending with the expression:

        We regretted venturing into it.

NOVEMBER 2011

• You took part in an excursion organized by the wildlife club of your school. Give a vivid account of your experience.
• Your school will soon celebrate its speech and prize-giving day. As the senior prefect of the school, write the speech you will deliver on that occasion
• There has been an outpouring of criticism against the Head of your school. You think that some of these criticisms are rather insulting. Write an article for publication in your school magazine expressing your views on the matter.
• Write a story that ends with the following words: The man stood there for a long time, holding his jaw in his left hand.
• Your friend is attending school in a different part of your country. Write a letter to him telling him about three things which have made your school famous

MAY/JUNE 2012

1 . Write an article for publication in a national newspaper on the topic:

    Tourism can be of great benefit to the country and should be encourage by the government.

2. Writ e a letter to the minister of education, suggesting three waysofmakingpublic secondary   schools in deprive communities more attractive to students.

3 . Write a letter to your friend in another school recounting the experiences you went through when you visited the city for the first time.

4 . Write a story that ends with the words:

     That experience was one of the best things that ever happened to me.

5. The social Life Club of your school is organizing a symposium on the topic:

     The role of the youth in a rapidly changing society. As a speaker, Write your speech.

NOVEMBER 2012

1 . Your uncle who has been living abroad for the past twenty years suddenly arrived home for Christmas. Write a letter to your friend, telling him/her how much your uncle’s visit made your Christmas enjoyable.

2. Write an article for publication in a national newspaper on the topic: The indiscipline of drivers on the road.

3. Write a story that illustrates the saying: One good turn deserves another.

4. You are the principal speaker in a debate on the motion: Tribal associations should not be allowed in public secondary schools . Write your speech for or against the motion.

5. As a youth leader in your community, write a letter to the Minister of Youth Affairs identifying, with reasons, three areas where you think the government should concentrate efforts to bring about rapid development to the country.

May/June 2013

1. Write an article for publication in a national newspaper on the topic: The menace of hawking on the street and how to deal with it.

2. As a senior prefect of your school, write the speech you would deliver to first-year students on how to manage their time.

3. Your sick grandmother has been admitted to hospital. Write a letter to your brother describing the state of her health when you visited her.

4. Write a story to illustrate the saying: The lazy man goes to bed hungry.

5. The Society for the Improvement of Living Conditions is organizing a debate on the motion: The rapid development of a country depends solely on politicians. Write your argument for or against the motion.

S.C./G.C.E. JUNE 1993

• Write a letter to your headmaster or headmistress describing three unwholesome practices going on in the school, which the authorities are unaware of and show the dangers they may lead to.
• You have just seen the name and address of somebody abroad who wants a pen pal from your country. Write your first letter to him or her, introducing yourself and family and discussing anything else you consider significant.
• Describe to your friends a day in your life when everything went wrong.
• As the outgoing senior prefect in your school, write a speech for delivery at your Speech and Prize-Giving Day Celebrations showing the successes and failures recorded during your term of office.
• Write an article for publication in your school magazine discussing the view that extra or private classes should be abolished in your country

S.C./G.C.E. JUNE 1994

• A committee has been set up to investigate a riot which occurred during a recent inter-schools sports competition. As the Sports Prefect of your school, write a letter to the Chairman of the Committee giving an account of what happened.
• Write a letter to your friend in another town telling him about the preparations your school is making towards her forthcoming silver jubilee celebration.
• The high rate of unemployment among school leavers poses a serious problem in your country. Write an article for publication in one of your national newspaper suggesting ways of remedying the situation.
• As one of the main speakers in a debate, write your speech for  or against  the topic, “Scientific advancement is a curse to mankind”
• On your way home from a film show you were attacked by thugs. Write a report for the police to help them in their investigations.
• Write a story that illustrates the saying: “A bird in hand is worth two in the bush”

S.C./G.C.E. NOVEMBER  1995

• Write a letter to your friend abroad describing a recent special family event.
• Write a letter to the chairman of your District Council complaining about the lack of recreational facilities in your area and suggesting how the situation can be remedied.
• Describe in detail a naming ceremony you recently attended for publication in a foreign newspaper.
• Write a story which ends with the proverb, ‘A stitch in time saves nine’.
• You are the principal speaker in a debate on the motion ‘The participation of Women is Essential for Nation – Building’. Write your contribution for  or against  the motion.
• A peace-making committee has been set up to solve a conflict that has begun in a district of your country. Write your suggestions for consideration by the committee.

S.C./G.C.E. NOVEMBER 1996

• Your cousin has just completed his course overseas and would like to return home to get a job. Write a letter to him or her describing the present state of employment opportunities.
• Write a letter to the editor of one of your national newspapers, complaining about at least three problems caused by the recent increase in transport fares, and suggesting ways of solving these problems.
• As part of your English composition lesson, your teacher took you to the market last week. Write an account of what you saw as classwork.
• There is an inter-school debate on the motion, ‘The prefect should always be on the side of the school authorities’. As the main speaker of your school, write your contribution for  or against  the motion
• Write a story entitled, ‘Look before you leap’.
• A fire has destroyed the Health Centre of your locality. As the Chairman of the Youth Movement, you have called a meeting to rally members for communal labour at the site. Write your speech.

S.C./G.C.E. JUNE 1997

•  Your sister who has been abroad for five years is planning to come home. Write a letter to her describing three important changes that have taken place in the country.
• A non-governmental organization is willing to help your district carry out a project. Write a letter to the head of the organization suggesting the project and stating at least three benefits your people will derive from it.
• Write an article for publication in your school magazine on the need to improve discipline in the school
• You are the main speaker in a debate on the topic, ‘Women can never be equal to men’. Write your speech for  or against  the motion.
• Write a story beginning with: “Ayo was supposed to by my friend but”……..
• Give an account of an incident that occurred on your way to school in which your timely intervention saved the situation.

S.C./G.C.E. JUNE 1998

• Write a letter to the Editor of one of your local newspapers supporting or contradicting the view that school examinations should be abolished.
• Your cousin who has been studying abroad is planning to come home for Christmas. Write a letter to him or her about the preparations the family is making towards the visit.
• You are one of the speakers of your school in a debate on the motion: “Girls are to blame for teenage pregnancy in our country” Write your contribution either  for  or against  the motion.
• Write a story that ends with it was indeed my lucky day.
• Write an article for publication in a local newspaper on recent changes that have taken place in the educational system of your country. State how these changes have affected you personally and your school in general.
• The Environmental Club of your school has just ended a clean-up campaign in a nearby village. As president of the club, write the address you will give to the people on the need to keep their surroundings clean.

Bonus: CEGAST ACADEMY WASSCE MOCK EXAM QUESTIONS

• Write a letter to the editor of a national newspaper explaining at least three reasons why you agree or disagree with the view that all citizens of your country living abroad should be allowed to vote in general elections.
• Write a letter to your best friend in another school giving reasons why you think that it is necessary for every student to be computer literate.
• You are the principal speaker in an inter-school debate on the motion: Only public school pupils should benefit from fee-free basic education”. Write your speech for  or against  the motion.
• You have been invited by a voluntary society in your school to speak about the role the youth are expected to play in the economic and social development of your country. Write your speech.
• Describe how you helped to rescue a man/woman who had been mistaken for an armed robber.
• Write a story that illustrates the saying: “A bird in hand is worth two in the bush.”

IMPORTANT: More recent WAEC past essay questions will be added in due course. So keep coming back for more.

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About the author.

Ralph Nyadzi

11 thoughts on “150+ waec english essay past questions (pdf)”.

Hi! I really very enjoying your post when I. was read it.its really very informative for me.thanks for creating this posts.

I THANKS AND APPRECIATE YOU FOR YOUR DELEGENT AND APPLICABLE WORK DONE, THANK YOU VERY MUCH SIR .

Hi Sumaila. It’s my pleasure. I’m really happy you found it useful.

You were standing at a bus stop when two taxis collided. The drivers got out of their cars and after a heated argument, a fight ensued. Write a description of the incident.

Type here..I love this page is very important

My name is Sorie A Bangura in Sierra Leone I am pupil I enjoyed reading the way you analyst this literature books please keep it up

Thank you, Sorie. I appreciate your encouraging words.

Thank u so much am writing waec next week and I believe I have gathered enough information here

Thanks for the kind words, Joshua. I wish you good luck.

As an English Teacher at my School at Njala in Sierra Leone, I benefited a lot from your tips. I will love to stay connected for more tips and directions on how to handle various topics. If you can share your tips and notes on Phrases and clauses, I will so much appreciate that. For the essays, I need much more on all of them.

Thank you so much for your feedback, Alfred. I’d very much like to offer you more assistance in the areas I can. Please, use the contact form to send me a message. Make sure you give a reliable email address and I’ll take it up from there.

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O-LEVEL PAST YEARS COMPOSITION QUESTIONS

In our ‘O’ Level English Enrichment Programme, we ensure that our graduating students are ready to ace the English Language examination. It is a race against time to prepare for the ‘O’ Levels, hence our programme focuses on teaching and reinforcing our students’ essay writing skills, comprehension answer precision, summary writing and oral examination techniques. All W@W secondary teachers spare no effort in coaching our students how to tackle popular examination essay topics.

HALL OF FAME

Janice glanced worriedly at her wrist watch. The time was already ten past seven. She had twenty minutes to make it to school on time. The sky was overcast. A slight drizzle rained down like a mist. It started raining cats and dogs as Janice reached the bus stop. She had ignored her mother’s advice to take an umbrella with her. She wondered how she was going to make itto school in the rain.

Jovan Ang, Primary 2

Rulang Primary School

It was an idyllic Saturday morning. Fluffy white clouds hung in the clear cerulean sky. Granny Lucy was tottering to the market. Her heart was filled with light-hearted cheer and her mouth curled into a smile. She was looking forward to preparing a feast for her grandchildren, who were coming for dinner that night.

Kew Ling Wei, Primary 3

Raffles Girls’ Primary School

TESTIMONIALS

I am amazed at the depth of vocabulary my child has amassed since attending W@W. She has become a much more confident writer and can now write a full story with ease. She loves coming to lessons

Mr Calvin Tang

Parent of our Primary 3 student

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IELTS Podcast

Pass IELTS with expert help.

IELTS Writing Task 2 Recent Questions

In this article, we outline over 250 recent IELTS Writing Task 2 topics and sample questions.

The IELTS Writing Task 2 is an essay writing task that assesses your ability to express and develop an argument in response to a given prompt. As an essential part of the IELTS exam, a high score in writing task 2 can help you achieve your desired overall score.

To score well in the IELTS Writing Task 2, you need to be familiar with all the possible topics that may come up.

Table of Contents

What is the basic structure for ielts writing task 2 in the ielts exam, ielts writing task 2 topics on education, ielts task 2 questions on globalisation, ielts task 2 questions on equality, ielts task 2 questions about the environment, ielts task 2 questions on technology, task 2 questions on travel and transport, task 2 questions on health, task 2 questions on law and order.

• Task 2 questions on Language and Culture
• Task 2 Questions on Government and Society

Task 2 Questions on Sports and Pastimes

Recent writing task 2 questions: july 2023, recent writing task 2 questions: april 2023, recent writing task 2 questions: january 2023, recent writing task 2 questions: october 2022, recent task 2 questions: july 2022.

• January to March 2022 recent task 2 questions
• October to December 2021 sample task 2 questions

Sample Task 2 Questions: September 2021

Sample task 2 questions: february / march 2021.

• Sample Task 2 Questions: January 2021
• Task 2 Sample Questions: October/November 2020

IELTS Writing Task 2 Topics: August 2020 

Task 2 questions: march 2020, task 2 essay questions: january 2020, recent exam task 2 questions: october 2019, task 2 sample questions: september 2019, task 2 questions: august 2019.

• Task 2 questions: June 2019

Task 2 questions: January 2019

Writing task 2 questions: december 2018, task 2 questions: november 2018.

• Writing task 2 questions: October 2018
• Writing task 2 questions: September 2018

Writing task 2 questions: August 2018

Latest writing task 2 questions: july 2018 (education), latest writing task 2 questions: july 2018.

• March – April 2019 task 2 questions

VIDEO: Recent 2022 questions and sample answers for IELTS Writing Task 2 

• Frequently Asked Questions

The IELTS writing exam is split into two parts and task 2 is worth 66% of your score.

The IELTS writing task 2 is an essay writing task that assesses your ability to express and develop an argument in response to a given topic.

You are allocated 40 minutes to write it.

On the official British Council site there are documents that state your essay must contain at least 250 words, however, in the official criteria, there is no mention of 250 words.

The basic structure for IELTS writing task 2 in the IELTS exam is as follows:

• Introduction : Be sure to state the question in your own words in your introduction so that you introduce the topic of your task 2. Task 2 statements are often a paraphrasing of the initial question.
• Support your opinion : Once you have made your opinion clear, you have to provide facts to justify your choice
• State the opposing point of you . You do not have to persuade the examiner about the opposing opinion, but it is important to state what it is. 
• Summarise your opinion.

Below you will find a variety of task 2 essay topics that have been seen by students on their IELTS exams. By practising with these writing task 2 topics, you prepare yourself to write an essay about a wide range of topics.

Get your IELTS essay evaluated online for free using our new essay checker service. 

For a FREE ebook PDF of our top 10 sample essays, click here!

Common Essay Topics for IELTS Writing Task 2

Preparing for the IELTS Writing Task 2 requires familiarizing yourself with common essay topics that may appear on the IELTS exam.

Having knowledge of these topics can help you prepare well and increase your chances of scoring high.

Below are some of the most common essay topics for the IELTS Writing Task 2 exam.

• Globalisation
• Environment
• Travel and transport
• Law and order
• Language and culture
• Government and society
• Sports and pastimes

In IELTS writing task 2, test takers may be presented with essay topics related to education.

Some writing task 2 education topics may focus on the benefits and drawbacks of traditional education or the role of technology in modern learning.

Here’s a sample task 2 question about education:

Some people think that a person improves intellectual skills better when doing group activities.  To what extent do you agree? Use specific details and examples to explain your view. 

Read more IELTS Writing Task 2 Topics on Education here

Writing task 2 often features essay topics related to globalisation, requiring test takers to express their views and opinions on the subject.

The essay question themes may include the far-reaching impacts of globalisation on economies, societies, and cultures around the world.

Here’s a sample task 2 question about globalisation:

Many people say that globalisation and the growing number of multinational companies have a negative effect on the environment. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.

Read more IELTS Task 2 questions on Globalisation here

In IELTS writing task 2, test takers are often presented with essay topics related to equality, asking them to explore issues such as gender equality, racial equality, and economic inequality.

Here’s a sample task 2 question about equality:

Nowadays both men and women spend a lot of money on beauty care. This was not so in the past. What may be the root cause of this behaviour? Discuss the reasons and possible results.

Read more IELTS task 2 questions on Equality here

Writing task 2 often features environment-related essay topics, requiring test takers to discuss issues such as pollution, conservation, and sustainable development.

Here’s a sample task 2 question about the environment:

Environmental issues such as climate change have always been an international problem because governments are not imposing harsh punishments against offenders. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Support your answer with specific reasons and examples.

Read more IELTS task 2 questions on the Environment here

In IELTS writing task 2, test takers are often given essay topics related to technology, requiring them to explore topics such as the benefits and drawbacks of technology, the role of technology in society, and the potential impact of emerging technologies.

Here’s a sample task 2 question about technology:

What technologies did you use to help you in your studies? Describe how it has helped you. Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.

Read more IELTS Task 2 questions on Technology here

In the IELTS writing exam, test takers may be required to discuss and write about travel and transport essay topics.

Here’s a sample task 2 question about travel and transport:

In many countries, people tend to move overseas or move to a different part of their country after their retirement. Discuss why they do so and what the outcome of this situation is. Provide specific reasons and examples to support your opinion

Read more Task 2 questions on Travel and Transport here.

Some people think that keeping pets is good for children while others think it is dangerous and unhealthy. Which opinion do you agree with? Discuss both options and give examples.

Read more Task 2 questions on Health here

Some people believe that once a person becomes a criminal, he will always be a criminal. Do you agree with this statement? Provide specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.

Read more  Task 2 questions on Law and Order here.

Task 2 Questions on Language and Culture

Compared to the past, more people are now trying to learn a foreign language to increase their chances of landing a better job in their native country or having better opportunities to work abroad. To what extent do you agree with this point of view? Give specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.

Read more Task 2 questions on language and culture here.

Task 2 Questions on Government and society

Should the government support artists, such as musicians, writers, and painters? Is it economically beneficial or is it just a waste of money? Why or why not?

Read more Task 2 questions on Government and society here.

International sporting events are costly and bring problems to the hosting country. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Give specific reasons and examples to support your position.

Read more Task 2 questions on Sports and Pastimes here

Sample IELTS Writing Task 2 Topics and Answers 

• Band 6.5 essay about marriage (includes ex-ielts examiner commentary)
• Band 9 essay about education (includes ex-ielts examiner commentary)

Join our Facebook group where students share their recent IELTS writing task 2 questions

Instructions to get your essay evaluated for free

• Write an IELTS essay answering one of the questions below
• Copy and paste the question into the new online IELTS essay checker .
• Get your estimated band score (free)

Recent IELTS Writing Task 2 Questions from July 2018 till date

Below are past essay questions from previous years as seen by students in their exams.

These sample questions will help you prepare and better know what to expect in your task 2 exam.

Feel free to send us your task 2 questions if you have recently taken the IELTS exam.

• Some people think the government should support artists like painters, musicians, and poets, while others believe this wastes money. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
• Earlier technology developments brought more benefits and changed the lives of ordinary people more than recent developments ever will. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• Although countries with long average working hours are economically successful, this often has some negative social consequences. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• These days more and more people are going to other countries for a significant period of time either to find a job or study. There are clearly many benefits to doing this, but people who live abroad can also face some difficulties.Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of living and working in a foreign country. Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
• Nowadays online shopping is extremely popular. Discuss the impact of it on the environment and on people who lost their jobs because of it.
• In some countries the government promotes public transport as the primary means of transportation, and discourages private vehicle ownership. Do you think the advantages of this policy outweigh the disadvantages?
• Nowadays, most children prefer to spend several hours playing with electronic devices over doing more traditional leisure activities.What problem does this cause? What do you think are possible solutions?
• It is believed that secondary school children should study international news as one of their school subjects. Others think that this is a waste of valuable school time. Discuss both views and give your opinions.
• Some people think it’s better to choose friends who always have the same opinions as them. Other people believe it’s good to have friends who sometimes disagree with them. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
• Fast food is a part of life in many places. Some people think this has bad effects on lifestyle and diets. Do you agree or disagree?
• Some people encourage watching sports as a way of learning about teamwork and strategy, while others believe that one can learn these skills only through playing sports. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
• New technologies have changed the way children spend their free time. Do you think the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?
• Some people prefer to spend their lives doing the same things and avoiding change. Others, however, think that change is always a good thing. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
• Although parents are responsible for raising a child, outside influence plays a key role in their development. To what extent do you agree or disagree
• Movies and tv shows are a good way to study history despite their lack of historical accuracy at times. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• Nowadays, instead of locally sourced produce, many supermarkets sell a variety of foods imported from countries all across the world. Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?
• Rising university fees and scarce employment prospects for graduates have led some people to say that universities should not teach arts subjects, like philosophy and history, and only offer practical degree courses that maximise chances of employment. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Give a reason for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
• In some parts of the world, traditional festivals and celebrations have disappeared or are disappearing. Why is this happening? What measures could be taken to ensure they do not disappear?
• Some people believe that using taxpayer funds to look for life on other planets is important. Others, however, think that it is a waste of public money because there are many more important issues requiring funding on our own planet. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
• In recent years, there has been growing interest in the relationship between equality and personal achievement. Some people believe that individuals can achieve more in egalitarian societies. Others believe that high levels of personal achievement are possible only if individuals are free to succeed or fail according to their individual merits. Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.
• Our personalities are predetermined as a result of our genes before we are born and there is nothing that can be done to change our character traits. To what extent do you agree?
• Some people believe that teaching children at home is best for a child’s development while others think it is important for children to go to school. Discuss both the advantages of each method and give your own opinion
• As the number of cars increases, more money has to be spent on road systems. Some people think the government should pay for this. Others, however, think that drivers should cover the costs. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
• Some people suggest that a country should try to produce all the food for its population and import as little food as possible. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• Museums and art galleries should concentrate on local works rather than showing the cultures or artworks from other countries. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• Online currencies have become more common in recent years. Why is this? Is this a positive or negative development?
• Many customs and traditional ways of behaviour are no longer relevant to the modern life and not worth keeping. Do you agree or disagree?
• Some think secondary and high school students should be allowed to choose academic courses leading to university or practical courses leading to careers such as carpenters. To what extent do you agree or disagree？
• Some people say that to prevent illness and disease, governments should focus more on reducing environmental pollution and housing problems. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• Nowadays, distance-learning programs have gained popularity, but some people argue that online courses can never be as good as those taken at a college or university in person. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• The increase in the production of consumer goods results in damage to the natural environment. What are the causes of this? What can be done to solve this problem?
• Some people think international events such as the Olympic Games are important and can bring nations together. Others, however, think that they are a waste of money as the money could be spent elsewhere on more important issues. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
• Some people think that dangerous sports should be banned. Others, however, believe that people should be free to choose sports activities. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
• In today’s world, people spend a lot of money on appearance because they want to look younger. Why does this happen? Do you think this is a positive or negative development?
• In many countries, people now wear western clothes such as suits and jeans rather than traditional clothing. Why is this the case? Is this a positive or negative development?
• 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.
• Some people think visual images, such as photographs and videos, can most accurately inform people about a news story. Others believe they are not reliable sources of information. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
• These days, older people who have retired often choose to spend money on themselves (for example on holidays) rather than save money for their children. Is this a positive or negative development?
• Advanced technology has brought many beneficial changes to the world. However, some old people today struggle with the use of technologies such as mobile phones and the Internet. How can the elderly benefit from using advanced technologies? How can the elderly be encouraged to use consumer electronics more often?
• Recent advances in medicine have resulted in an increase in life expectancy over the past four years. Do you think that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
• The best way to make the road transport of goods safer is to ask drivers to take a driving test each year. To what extent do you agree or disagree ?
• Although, it is generally illegal corporal punishment continues in many countries. Others argue that parents should have the right to punish their children in this way. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Listen to the sample answer to this question here .
• The increasing demand for oil and gas has made it necessary to look for these energy sources in remote and untouched natural places. Do you think the advantages of locating oil and gas in these areas outweigh the disadvantages of damaging these places? Listen to the sample answer to this question here .
• Some people think the primary purpose of schools is to turn children into good citizens and workers, rather than to benefit them as individuals. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
• Some people think it is a better way to leave their home country to improve their work and living opportunities, while others think staying in their own country is a better choice. Discuss both views and give your own opinion . Listen to the sample answer to this question here .
• In many cities, planners tend to arrange shops, schools, offices, and homes in specific areas and separate them from each other. Do you think the advantages of this policy outweigh the disadvantages?
• It’s more important for school children to learn about their local history than world history. To what extent do you agree or disagree？
• Nowadays many people prefer to buy famous brands of clothes, cars and other items. What are the reasons for this? Do you think it is a positive or negative development ?
• In many workplaces, online communication is becoming more commonplace than face-to-face meetings. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? Listen to the sample answer to this question here .

January to March 2022 Recent Task 2 Questions

• Some people believe that violence in the media, such as in television programs and films, directly results in violent behaviour. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• In the future, all cars, buses and trucks will be driverless. The only people travelling inside these vehicles will be passengers. Do you think that the advantages of driverless vehicles outweigh the disadvantages?
• In many countries, children are becoming overweight and unhealthy. Some people think that the government has the responsibility to solve this problem. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• In some countries, there has been an increase in the number of advertisements that try to persuade children to buy snacks, toys, and other goods. Some people claim this is unfair as parents feel under pressure to buy these kinds of things for their children. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• Some believe that younger family members should be legally responsible for supporting older family members when they become physically, mentally and financially unable to look after themselves. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• In the 21st century, contact between many different parts of the world has developed rapidly through air travel and telecommunications. Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?
• Weddings are getting bigger and more expensive. What is the reason for this? Is it a positive or negative development?
• Educating young people is naturally important. However, some think governments ought to invest more in education for adults in need. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• In some places, old age is valued, while in other cultures youth is considered more important. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
• A rise in the standard of living in a country often only seems to benefit cities rather than rural areas. What problems can this cause? How might these problems be reduced?
• Some people think that personal happiness is directly related to economic success. Others argue that happiness depends on different factors. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

October to December 2021 Sample Task 2 Questions

• Some people think that the best way to succeed in life is to get a university education, while others disagree and say that it is no longer true nowadays. Discuss both views and give your own opinions.
• In many countries, plastic shopping bags are the main source of rubbish. They cause water and land pollution, and so they should be banned. To what extent do you agree with this statement?
• Information technology is changing many aspects of our lives and now dominates our home, leisure and work activities. To what extent do the benefits of information technology outweigh the disadvantages?
• Some people think that schools are no longer necessary because people can acquire information on the Internet. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• Some people believe that university students should pay all the costs of studies because university education only benefits students themselves, not society as a whole. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• Some think increasing business and cultural contact between nations is positive. Others think it leads to the disappearance of the national identity. Discuss both views and state your own opinion.
• Some people think that schools should select students according to their academic abilities, while others believe that it is better to have students with different abilities studying together. Discuss both views and state your own opinion.
• Many people like to eat unhealthy food even though they know it’s bad for them. Why? What are the most effective ways to improve people’s eating habits?
• Some people think there are not many things individuals can do to resolve environmental problems, while others believe that in order to tackle environmental problems individuals also need to take action. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
• There is too much noise in many public places in cities. What are the causes of this problem? What can be done to solve the problem?
• Crime rates will fall as advances in technology make it easier to detect and prevent crimes. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• In many situations, people who break the law should be warned instead of punished. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• Some people think employers should not care about the way their employees dress, but the quality of work. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• Some people think children should have the freedom to make mistakes, while other people believe that adults should prevent children from making mistakes. Discuss both sides and give your opinion
• Although more and more people read news on the Internet, newspapers will remain the most important source of news for the majority of people. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• Some students take one year off between finishing high school and going to university, in order to travel or to work. Do you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
• Today, many people do not know their neighbours in large cities. What problems does this cause? What can be done about this?
• An increasing number of developing countries are expanding their tourist industry. Why do you think it is the case? Do you think it is a positive or negative development?
• Nowadays, more and more people from different cities are spending more time away from their families. What are the possible reasons and the effects on the people themselves and their families?
• Some people say that nowadays children have an easy life, and some people think that the life of children was easier in the past. Discuss both points of view and also provide relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
• Some people say that all popular TV entertainment programmes should aim to educate viewers about important social issues. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
• Some people believe the purpose of education should be to help the individual to become useful to society, while others believe it should help individuals to achieve their ambitions. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
• Many people believe that a person’s culture is defined by their country of origin, while others believe that it has only minor influence. Discuss both these views and give your opinion.
• More and more people are finding it increasingly important to wear fashionable clothes. Is this attitude to wearing clothes a positive development or negative?
• The movement of people from villages to cities for work can cause serious problems in both places. What are the serious problems associated with this? What measures can be taken to solve these problems?
• In the world of the internet, people write product reviews of products and services. Do you think this is a positive or negative development?
• Some people prefer to buy local products while others prefer international products. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• Some believe that more action should be taken to prevent crime, while others feel that crime is being tackled effectively now. Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.
• Some people say it is more important to plant trees in the open spaces in towns and cities than to build more housing. To what extant do you agree or disagree?
• Some scientists think that computers will soon become more intelligent than humans.To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
• Some people think that dangerous extreme sports such as rock climbing and sky-diving should be banned. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this view?
• Young people are often influenced by their peers. Do the advantages of peer pressure outweigh the disadvantages? 
• Some people believe that nowadays too much money is being spent on weddings and birthdays. Why do you think it is happening? What can be done to improve the situation?
• In many countries, the legal driving age is 18 years old. Some people believe it is the right age to learn how to drive a car, whereas others say that the minimum age should be 25. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
• Some people think that instead of preventing climate change , we need to find a way to live with it. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Sample Task 2 Questions: January 2021  

• Some people feel that the effects of advertising are positive for individuals and businesses, while others think they are negative. Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.
• Some people say that TV advertisements are helpful for viewers, while others disagree. What is your opinion?
• Some people think the spread of multinational companies and globalization produce positive outcomes for everyone. Do you agree or disagree with this statement?
• In some countries, there are fewer young people who listen to or play classical music these days. Why is this? Should young people be encouraged to play or perform classical music?
• Directors of large organizations earn much higher salaries than ordinary employees do. Some people think it is necessary, but others are of the opinion that it is unfair. Discuss both views and give your own opinions.
• Prison is the common way in most countries try to solve the problem of crime. However, a more effective solution is to provide people with a better education. Do you agree or disagree?
• Some think that climate change reforms will negatively affect business. Others feel they are an opportunity for businesses. Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.
• Some people argue that holding sporting events is beneficial to a country’s development. However, other people hold the opposite opinion. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
• The first man to walk on the moon claimed it was a step forward for mankind. However, it has made little difference in most people’s lives. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• Some people think that good teamwork makes a company successful, others think that good leadership is the reason behind the success of a company. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.

Take a look at some of our IELTS vocabulary to help you write about the above topics.

Task 2 Sample Questions: October/November 2020  

• Nowadays more and more people want to get things done instantly. Why is it? Do you think it is a positive or negative development?
• Some people think that it is a waste of time for high school students to study literature, such as novels and poems. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• In some countries the elderly are highly valued and respected, while in others youth is more highly valued. Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.
• The personal information of many individuals is held by large internet companies and organisations. Do you think the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?
• Some people believe that handwriting is no longer useful in the modern world and should not be taught in schools. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• Some believe that advances in technology are increasing the gap between rich and poor while others think the opposite is happening. Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.
• Some people believe that smart phones are destroying social interaction today. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• Some people believe that governments should ban dangerous sports. Others claim that they should have freedom to choose their favourite activities. Discuss both views and present your opinion.
• Nowadays employment options are changing and employees cannot rely on having the same job and working conditions throughout their life. What are some possible causes? Suggest some ways to plan for the future under these circumstances.
• Many companies sponsor sports as a way of advertising themselves. Some people think this is good for the world of sport, while others think it is negative. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
• Governments in many countries have recently introduced special taxes on foods and beverages with high levels of sugar. Some think these taxes are a good idea while others disagree. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
• Many people think technological devices such as smartphones, tablets and mobile phones bring more disadvantages than advantages. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• It is better for children if the whole family including aunts, uncles and grandparents are involved in a child’s upbringing, rather than just their parents. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• Most people prefer shopping in supermarkets nowadays. How does this affect the local shops? What are the positive and negative impacts of this development?
• In many countries, fast food is becoming cheaper and more widely available. Do the disadvantages of this outweigh the advantages?
• The government should lower the budget on the arts in order to allocate more money to education.To what extent do you agree?
• Many people argue that eating junk food has led to an unhealthy lifestyle. This problem has become more common among young people these days. Do you agree or disagree that junk food is the cause of the issue?
• Some people think that in order to produce a happy society, it is necessary to ensure that there is only a small difference between the earnings of the richest and poorest. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• The manufacturing and use of cars damage the environment but their popularity is increasing. Why is this happening? How could this be controlled?
• Some people think that young people should go to university to further their education while others think they should be encouraged to work as car mechanics or builders etc.to serve society. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
• Some people believe that to give opportunities to the new generation companies should encourage high-level employees who are older than 55 to retire. Do you agree or disagree?
• Nowadays celebrities earn more money than politicians. What are the reasons for this? Is it a positive or negative development?
• Many people believe that countries should produce food for the whole population and import as little food as possible. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• Some people think that it is necessary to travel abroad to learn about other countries, but others think that it is not necessary to travel abroad because all the information can be seen on TV and the internet. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
• Why are some people who leave school early more successful compared with those who complete their studies. Provide reasons why they are more successful and what are the requirements for success?
• Countries with long average working hours are economically more successful than those countries which do not work long hours. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
•  Many students around the world don’t choose science subjects at university. Give the reasons for this and describe the impact on the community?
• It is better for young people to get advice from old people than young ones. Do you agree or disagree?
• Some people think that music plays an important role in society. Others think it is simply a form of entertainment. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
• Some people think that job satisfaction is more important than job security. Others think that people cannot expect to enjoy a job and that having a permanent job is more important. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
• Some people say that technologies such as mobile phones are disrupting social interaction. Do you agree or disagree?
• Some people think history has little or nothing to offer, while others say the study of the past helps us understand the present. Write on both views and give your opinion, citing examples from your experience
• Some people think that zoos are cruel and all the zoos should be closed. However, others think that zoos are useful to protect rare animals. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
• Some people think that the best way to stay fit is to join a gym/health club while others think doing everyday activities such as walking and climbing stairs is sufficient. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
• Nowadays online shopping is extremely popular. Discuss the impact of it on the environment and on people who lost their jobs because of it
• Nowadays celebrities earn more money than politicians. What are the reasons for this? Is it a positive or negative development
• Many people think that every individual is responsible for their happiness, but some people believe there are other external factors that influence us. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
• It is too expensive to look after and repair old buildings. This money should be spent on building modern buildings instead. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
• Scientific research should be the responsibility of governments rather than commercial organizations. Do you agree or disagree with this statement?
• Some people believe that women should be treated as equal to men when applying for a job with police or the military. Others think women are less suitable for this kind of job. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
• Some people prefer to work in the same type of job throughout their lifetime while others like to change the type of job they do. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
• Some people think that it is fine for professional sportsmen and sportswomen to misbehave on or off the field, as long as they are playing well. Do you agree or disagree with this statement?
• People are becoming too dependent on the Internet and phone. Is it a positive or negative development?
• Some people suggest that it is better for children to be brought up by the whole family including uncles, aunts and grandparents, rather than just the parents. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give your opinion and examples.
• Some people think that the government should increase tax on unhealthy food to encourage people to start eating healthy. Do you agree or disagree?
• Nowadays, people are spending more time away from their homes because they spend longer in their workplace. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages.
• Nowadays a few people take their family with them abroad whenever they go on a business trip. What are the advantages and disadvantages for them and for their family
• Many parents complain about violence promoted to their children through video games, TV programs and other media. Why is it happening? What can be the solution for it?
• Nowadays most people are not as fit and active, as they were in the past. What are the main causes of this situation? Suggest some possible solutions.
• Nowadays, international tourism is the biggest industry in the world. Unfortunately, it creates tension rather than understanding between people from different cultures. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
• Fossil fuels (e.g. coal, oil and gas) are the main source of energy for most countries. However, alternative sources of energy (e.g. wind and solar) have been encouraged for use by some countries. To what extent is this a positive or negative development?
• Nowadays media should include more good news in their publications. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
• Fossil fuels are the main source of energy around the world. However, people are being encouraged to use alternative energy sources such as wind energy, solar energy and so on. Do you think this is a positive or negative development? Why?
• Some people believe that elderly employees are more useful to a company, while others believe that young employees are better. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
• The number of older people is increasing. Some people think that this will cause problems in their countries, while others believe this group is important to society. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
• Some think that teenagers should follow older people’s rules. Others think that it is natural for them to challenge what older people say. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
• Television Sporting shows such as the Olympics motivate the youth who do not like to exercise much. Do you agree or disagree? Include relevant examples in your answer and provide your own opinion.
• Nowadays many people want to buy famous brands of clothes, cars and other items. What are the reasons for this? Do you think it is a positive or negative development?
• More people live alone today than they did in the past. Do you think this is a positive or negative development? Give your opinion and relevant examples to support your view.
• Some people believe that price is the only consideration when buying something. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give your opinion and include relevant examples.
• Some people believe that educational success depends on good teachers, while others believe that students’ attitudes are important. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
• People in the current generation are not fit and active. This will cause health problems in the future. What could be the reasons for the inactivity and suggest solutions for this issue?
• Parents, usually mothers, stay at home to look after their families. People believe that for this they should receive a salary from the government. Do you agree or disagree and why?
• Some people think that they can go to the gym to remain fit, while others think that there are other better ways to do this. Discuss both views along with your opinion.
• Some people say companies should require all employees to wear uniforms at work. Others think it is unnecessary. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
• Because of modern technology , some people believe that it is no longer necessary for people to learn handwriting skills, but others believe that handwriting is still an important skill. Discuss both views and give your opinion based on your experience.
• Nowadays many people work from home. Some think it is beneficial, while others think it may distract the family routine. What is your opinion?
•  It is necessary for parents to attend a parenting training course to bring their children up. Do you agree or disagree?
• Nowadays people work too hard. What is the reason for this? What should employers do to prevent employees from overworking?
• Nowadays people get married and have children after the age of 30. Is it a positive or negative development?
• Today, some young people say that their mobile phones are the most important thing they own. Do you think that the popularity of mobile phones is a good or bad thing?
• Nowadays, people believe that governments should invest tax-payers money in healthcare, while others believe that money should be used in other areas. Discuss both points of view and give your opinion.
• Adults do less exercise nowadays. Some think that people can be encouraged to live healthy lives through sporting events such as the Olympics or the World Cup. Others think that there are better ways to encourage adults to exercise. Discuss both views and state your opinion.
• Modern cultures around the world have become similar when compared to the past. What are the reasons? Is it a positive or negative development?
• People are using a lot of online language translation apps. Are there more advantages than disadvantages to such services?
• Demand for food is increasing worldwide. What is the cause of this? What measures can the international community take to meet this demand?
• Many companies sponsor sports as a way of advertising themselves. Some people think that this is a good thing, while others think that it has disadvantages. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
• Some people believe that to be successful at a sport you need natural ability and others think that hard work and practice can make you successful. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
• Nowadays, adults do little exercise. Some people believe that the best way to address this issue is by covering great sports events such as the Olympics on television. Others think that it is more beneficial to take other measures. What is your opinion?
• These days some people spend a lot of money on tickets to go to sporting or cultural events. Do you think this is a positive or negative development?
• Some people believe that technology has made man more social and others think that it has made him less social. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
• Experts say older people were happier and healthier in the past because they did more exercise and spent more time with family and friends, whereas many now suffer from loneliness and health problems. What are the causes of this and what are some solutions?
• Some people believe that to be successful at a sport you need a natural ability and others think that hard work and practice can make you successful. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
• Some people believe that there will be a reduction in air travel in the future. Do you think that this trend is a positive or negative development?
• Some people believe that technology has made man more sociable and others think that it has made us less sociable. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
• At the present time, the population of some countries includes a relatively large number of young adults, compared with the number of older people. Do you think that the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?
• Some people believe that it is important to give gifts to friends and family to show that we care about them. Others think that there are better ways to show that we care. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
• Today much of the food people eat gets transported from farms that are thousands of miles away. Some people believe it would be better for the environment and the economy if people only consumed food produced by local farmers. Would the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?
• With internet improvements, people can share views or opinions on certain goods or services that they have purchased. Is this a good or a bad thing? Discuss both views and give your opinion.
• The qualities and skills that a person requires to become successful in today’s world cannot be learned at a university or any other academic institution. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• Shopping has become a new favourite pastime for the younger generation. Why is this the case? Should we encourage them to develop other hobbies too?
• Courses and general online study have recently become very popular. However, some people still prefer to attend classes in person. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
• Some people think that prison sentences should not be used to deal with criminals. Education and skills training should be used instead. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• It is often said that it is not necessary to have a tertiary education to become a successful businessman. To what extent to you agree or disagree with this statement? Give your opinion and relevant examples.
• Today it is common practice for many business meetings and business training to take place online. Do the advantages of this new development outweigh the disadvantages?
• Nowadays, the internet and television have given ordinary people a chance to become famous. Is this a positive or negative development?
• Some people from poor and rural backgrounds find it difficult to get a university education. Universities should make it easier for such groups to enrol. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• Some people think that it is the responsibility of governments to take care of the environment, while others believe that it is the responsibility of the citizens. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
• Many people believe that family has a greater influence on a child’s life and development than other factors, such as friends, TV, music and so on. Do you agree or disagree with this statement?
• Science can now offer people a life expectancy of close to one hundred years or even more. Some people view it in a positive light, but others believe it creates some problems. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
• These days, many people prefer ready-to-eat food outside of their homes rather than homemade food. Do you think this has more advantages or disadvantages?
• Certain personal qualities cannot be achieved through university studies. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give your opinion and relevant examples.
• In some countries, the quality of life in larger cities is declining. Why do you think this is happening? What measures can be taken to stop it?

Task 2 Questions: June 2019

• Shopping is now one of the most popular forms of leisure activity in many countries for young adults. What do you think is the reason for this? Is this a positive or negative development?
• In many countries, people are living in a “throwaway society” where things are used for a short time and thrown away. What are the causes of this and what problems does it lead to?
• In some countries, people follow the latest fashion and hairstyles. In your opinion, what is influencing this? Do you think this is a positive or negative development?
• In some countries, children under 16 years old are not allowed to leave school by law and get full-time work. Is this a good or bad thing? Discuss your opinion.
• Nowadays, people have adopted an unhealthy lifestyle. Why do think this is? How could this problem be solved?
• Some young people are leaving the countryside to live in cities and towns, leaving only old people in the countryside. Why do think this is? Do you think this is a positive or negative development?
• In many countries, people have more health problems because they choose to live an unhealthy lifestyle. What do you think are the reasons for this and how can it be solved? Give relevant examples from your experience.
• Countries with a long average working time are more economically successful than those countries which do not have a long working time. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• Nowadays, people of all ages from certain parts of the world spend the most time at home rather than going outdoors. Discuss the reasons, is this a negative or positive development?
• With the development of technology and science, some people believe that there is no great value of artists such as musicians and painters. What are the things artists can do but scientists cannot? Should art be encouraged more?
• While recruiting a new employee, the employer should pay more attention to their personal qualities, rather than qualifications and experience. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Give your opinion and include relevant examples.
• Money should be spent on creating new public buildings such as museums or town halls rather than renovating the existing ones. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• All the people in a company should be treated equally and provided with the same number of holidays in a year or people doing different jobs enjoy a different amount of holiday time. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• Some people say that a person’s success is a result of the way he has been brought up by his parents. Do you agree or disagree?
• Public celebrations (such as national days, festivals etc) are held in most countries. These are often quite expensive and some people say that governments should spend money on more useful things. Do you agree or disagree?
• Some people say that children given pocket money every week will have lesser money problems when they become adults. Do you agree or disagree?
• The global demand for oil and gas is increasing. Some people believe that we should therefore encourage the exploitation of remote areas. Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?
• Today, many big cities in the world are increasing in size. What are the problems associated with it? What are the solutions to these problems?
• Some young people are leaving the countryside to live in cities or towns, it leaves only old people in the countryside. What are the problems with this issue? What can be done to solve this problem?
• Many people believe that learning a foreign language is a very difficult task. What are the most difficult things about learning a foreign language? What is the best way to overcome them? Explain and include your personal experience or knowledge of these problems.
• Some people think high-end technology can prevent and cut down the rate of committing a crime. Do you agree or disagree?
• Some people feel that courses can make anyone a teacher, while others feel an excellent teacher cannot be made by pursuing a course. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
• Some people think that a high salary is important when choosing a company to work for, while others think that a good working atmosphere is more important. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
• Some people encourage young children to leave their parents’ house as soon as they become adults while others say children should stay at their parents’ house as long as possible. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
• Many countries thought that children have to do homework in their free time while other say children should do more outdoor activities. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• Some people say that art subjects such as music, drama and creative writing are an essential part of education, and every school should include them in its syllabus. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give your opinion and examples from your own experience.
• Nowadays in many countries, women have full-time jobs. Therefore, it is logical to share household tasks evenly between men and women. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
• Some people think that public health within a country can be improved by the government making laws regarding nutritious food. Others, however, think that health is a matter of personal choice and responsibility. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
• Some people believe that the construction of new public buildings such as museums, town halls and sporting facilities is more important than the renovation of the existing ones, while others disagree. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
• Nowadays the crime rate is increasing, especially among teenagers. What are the reasons behind it? How can we reverse this trend? What punishment methods should be used, in your opinion?
• Nowadays online education has become popular as more institutes and companies are offering courses online. However, many people prefer traditional, classroom training or study. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of both methods.
• Some people believe that the government should take care of old people and provide financial support after they retire. Others say individuals should save during their working years to fund their own retirement. What is your opinion? Give reasons for your answer and include examples from your own experience.
• In some cultures, old people are valued more, while in other cultures youth is considered more valuable. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
• Nowadays people waste a lot of food that was bought from shops and restaurants. Why do you think people waste food? What can be done to reduce the amount of food they throw away?
• In today’s times, the internet is making it easy to study online from home. Some prefer online courses to study and they think it is better. Others prefer classroom education. Discuss both views and share your opinion.
• Successful companies use advertising to make more sales. What can make an advertisement very effective? Do you think this is a bad thing or a good thing for society?
• Science will soon make people live up to 100 or even 200 years. Some believe this is a good thing while others disagree. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
• Some people believe that after hundred years life will be easier for most of people, while others are unsure. What is your opinion?
• Some people think it is important to spend a lot of money on a wedding celebration, while others disagree. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
• Some people think that giving gifts and presents to friends and family is important to show them that we care. Others think that there are more important ways. Discuss both and give your opinion.
• The media is increasing interest in famous people who have ordinary backgrounds. Why do you think people are interested in the lives of famous people? Do you think this is a good thing?
• Some people prefer activities and lifestyles in hot climates while others prefer activities and lifestyles in cold climates. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
• Online education and training is becoming increasingly popular in the business world. Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?
• More and more parents are allowing their children to play on computers and tablets as they think that children should learn technology skills. Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?
• People are living in a ‘throwaway society’, using things for a short time and then throwing them away. What are the causes of this? What problems does it lead to?
• Nowadays children mostly spend time playing computer games rather than sports. What are the reasons for this? Is it a positive or negative development?
• Scientists agree that many people eat too much junk food and it is damaging their health. Some people think that this problem can be solved by educating people, while others believe that education will not work. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
• Many people believe that TV news and media, in general, have a detrimental effect on our life. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give your own opinion, including relevant examples.
• Many famous athletes advertise different products. What are the advantages and disadvantages of it?
• Nowadays people try to balance their work with other things in life, but only some could actually achieve it so far. What are the reasons for that? How can we solve this problem?
• Some people say that online study is the most effective and convenient way to learn. Others believe that online study will never be as effective as learning at school, or in person. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
• Children and teenagers are committing more and more crimes in many countries. Why is this happening? How can we stop or at least reduce youth crime?
• Some people prefer cold weather conditions, while others don’t. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
• Some people think subjects taught in school are a waste of time, while others disagree and believe that this type of education is useful for students. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
• Some people think that the only way to relax is to rest or sleep, while others say people need to do exercise or sports to relax. Discuss both viewpoints and give your own opinion.
• Some parents and teachers think that children’s behaviour should be strictly controlled. While some think that children should be free to behave. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
• In many countries, day by day rubbish (garbage) is increasing. Why is it happening? What can be done?
• Some people see shopping as a leisure activity mostly for young adults, while others disagree. Do you think this has a positive or negative effect on economic development? Give your opinion and include relevant examples.
• Shopping has become a favourite pastime among young people. What do you think it is like that? Do you think they must be encouraged to do other things rather than shopping?
• Some people think that the main factors influencing a child’s development these days are things such as television, friends, and music. Others believe that the family still remains more important. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
• Food travels thousands of miles from producers to consumers. Some people think that it would be better for the environment and economy if people only ate the local food produced by farmers. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• Some people argue that the fittest, strongest individuals and teams can achieve the greatest success in sports. But other people think that success is as much related to mental attitude. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
• Some people become famous when they were at a young age. Do you think this is positive or negative?
• Some people believe it is important to give gifts and presents to friends and family to show that we care about them. Others think that there are better ways to show affection to them. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
• Many people believe that spending a lot of money on weddings is fine, while others completely disagree. Discuss both views and give your own opinion and examples .
• Many people believe the government should spend money on faster public transport. Others think that money should be spent on different aspects of public transportation, such as cost reduction and environmental conservation. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
• Some people believe that manufacturers should be responsible for reducing the large amounts of packaging they use. Others say consumers should avoid buying heavily packaged items. Discuss both views and state your opinion. Give reasons for your answer and include examples from your experience.
• Some people think that family has the most important influence on children’s development, while others believe that factors such as TV, friends, music and books have a more significant impact. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Task 2 questions (October 2018)

• Today, most people get married and give birth in their thirties rather than when they are younger. Is this a positive or negative development?
• Shops should give preference in selling local food rather than imported food. Do you agree or disagree?
• A growing population is a big problem in developing countries. Should the government provide new homes in the cities or the countryside?
• Some people think that the media (newspapers) have the right to publish details of people’s private lives, while others think it should be controlled. Discuss both views.
• Some people think that activities during the free time should be planned while others disagree. Discuss both sides and include examples and relevant data from your own experience.
• In some countries, an increasing number of people are suffering from health problems as a result of eating too much fast food. It is therefore necessary for governments to impose a higher tax on this kind of food? To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion? You should use your own ideas, knowledge and experience and support your arguments with examples and relevant evidence.
• Today more people are overweight than ever before. What in your opinion are the primary causes of this? What measures can be taken to overcome this epidemic?
• In most parts of the world, people are living longer. What are the possible causes of this situation? Is this a negative or positive development?
• Today, the internet and TV have created that chance for ordinary people to become famous. Is it a positive or negative development?
• Nowadays food has become easier to prepare. Has this change improved the way people live? Give reasons for your answer using your own ideas and experience.
• Nowadays many people believe that children should be taught history in schools, however, others argue that children should learn subjects that are more helpful for modern everyday life. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
• Some parents believe that a child should not waste time by reading entertainment books instead, they should spend time reading educational books only. What is your opinion about this?
• Some people think that young children need to attend nursery before primary school. While others believe young children can spend all day at home. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
• Some people believe school children should be given multiple short vacations while others believe they should get one long vacation. Give advantages of both and your point of view.
• Some people think that the advantages of advertising sports products through famous sports players outweigh the disadvantages. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• In our society, there is far more attention on men’s sport than women’s sport. What are the reasons for this? Do you think that this is positive or negative development?
• It has been said that reading for pleasure is better in developing imagination and language skills than watching TV. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• Advertisements are influencing us in a negative way. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• School teachers are more responsible for the social and intellectual development of students than parents. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• Some people spend a lot of money on their wedding ceremonies. However, others feel like it is unnecessary to spend a lot. Discuss both view points and give your own opinion.
• Since travelling abroad became relatively inexpensive, more countries opened their doors for foreign tourists. Is it a positive or negative trend? Give your opinion and include relevant examples.
• Many countries consider eighteen-year-olds to be adults, while other countries don’t. What do you think about it? Give your opinion and some relevant examples based on your own experience.

Writing task 2 questions (September 2018)

• Some people think that the only way to judge someone’s success in business is by the amount of money they make. Is this a true indicator of the success of a business and in what other ways could success in a business be measured?
• The restoration of old buildings in major cities around the world costs enormous amounts of money. This money would be better spent on providing new housing and road development. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
• Employers should give their workers at least one month’s holiday a year as it makes them to do better at their job. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• Some people believe the Olympic Games don’t belong to the 21st century anymore. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• Some parents believe that reading books for entertainment is a waste of time for children and they think that their children should only read serious educational books. What is your opinion?
• Some people think that advertising on TV is useless and others disagree. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
• Some people think money is the best gift to give it to youngsters, while others disagree. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
• For school children, their teachers have more influence on their intelligence and social development than their parents. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• In the modern world, it is possible to shop, work and communicate with people via the internet and live without any face-to-face contact with others. Is it a positive or negative development in your opinion? To what extent do you support this development?
• Many university students live with their families, while others live away from home because their universities are in different places. What are the advantages and disadvantages of both situations?
• In the modern world, it is no longer necessary to use animals for food, clothing or medicine. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Give reasons for your answer and include examples from your own experience.
• Some businesses observe that new employees who just graduated from a college or university seem to lack the interpersonal skills needed for communication with their colleagues. What could be the reason for this? What solutions can help address this problem?
• Some people believe that we should start giving formal education to students at a much earlier age, while others think we should wait until the age of 7. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? Discuss and give reasons for your answer.
• Nowadays in many countries, young people leave rural areas to study or work in cities. What are the reasons for this? Do the benefits of this outweigh the disadvantages?
• Some parents believe that reading entertainment books is a waste of time. In their opinion, children should only read serious, educational books. Do you agree or disagree? Give reasons for your answer and include relevant examples from your own experience.
• Nowadays there is a growing trend of private car ownership. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages or environmental problems associated with this?
• Some people believe that companies should pay for the damage they cause to the environment, while others say that the government should be responsible for such expenses. Do you agree or disagree? Give reasons for your answer and include examples from your experience.
• Nowadays there are many medical surveys of treatments to reduce health problems. Who should conduct them, governments, individuals or private companies, in your opinion? Give reasons for your answer and include relevant examples from your experience.
• The international community must act immediately to ensure that all countries reduce their consumption of fossil fuels such as gas, oil and coal. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give your own opinion.
• Many people believe that it is a good idea to have a dress code at workplaces. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give your opinion and examples from your own experience.
• Some think that private companies should pay for pollution clean up, while others say it should be a government’s responsibility. Discuss, and state your own opinion.
• Many people think that more having more money will make them happier. How important is money to happiness?
• Many people believe that the use of new technology improves the lives of employees. Others think it is a disadvantage for them. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
• Some people say that sport is very important for a nation’s development, while others believe that sport is no more than a leisure time activity. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
• Some people think that children should start school sooner while others believe they should not start it before the age of seven. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
• Some people argue that competitive sports are good for bringing together different people and cultures. Others argue that these sports can cause problems and increase conflicts between nations. Discuss both points of view and give your own opinion.
• In some countries, it is illegal for employers to reject job applications on the basis of age criteria. Is it a positive or negative development? Give reasons for your answer and include examples from your own experience.
• Many young people regularly change their jobs over the years. What are the reasons for this? Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
• Some people think that new technologies benefit the life of workers whereas some deny the statement. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
• Scientists agree that many people are eating too much junk food and it is damaging to their health. Some people think that these problems can be solved by educating people to eat less junk food. Other people believe that education will not work. Discuss both opinions and give your own opinion.
• Some people think that companies and private individuals should pay to clean up the pollution that they produce, not the government. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• As more and more students enter universities, academic qualifications are becoming devalued. To get ahead in many professions, more than one degree is now required and in future, it is likely that people will take a number of degree courses before even starting work. This is an undesirable situation. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• Many people are involved in sports when they are young but stop once they are adults. Why do many adults stop doing physical exercise? What can be done about this problem?
• Some people think that it is a good idea for all employees to wear a uniform at work. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• Some people think that new technology always improves the lives of workers. Other people believe that it results in disadvantages for workers. Discuss both opinions and give your own opinion.
• Some people think that international competitive sports such as football bring conflict between people of different age groups and nationalities. Others think the sport is helping reach understanding between people and nations. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
• Some people think that only staff who worked in the company for a long time should be promoted to higher positions. What is your opinion on this? Give reasons and relevant examples for your answer.
• Some people think it’s a good idea to wear a uniform at work. Do you agree or disagree? Give reasons for your answer with relevant examples from knowledge or experience.
• Some people think it is more important to spend time in developing a successful career while others think it is more important to spend time with friends and family. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
• There is less social contact between young and old. What are the reasons? What measures can be taken?
• Do you agree with the following statement: home schooling protects students from a number of challenges faced by non-home-schooled children?
• Does distant learning make it easier for students to balance their everyday lives?
• Learning in one’s native tongue yields better school scores than learning in a medium language. Do you agree or disagree? Argue your point of view.
• Should there be a variety of learning methodologies implemented within the school learning curriculum?
• Some believe that modern technology has made people less socially active, while others disagree. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
• The best way to reduce crime among young people is to teach parents good parenting skills. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give your own opinion and examples.
• Some psychologists think that the best way to overcome the stress of everyday life is to spend a portion of the day doing absolutely nothing. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• There is a trend of increasing amounts of consumer goods, which leads to environmental problems. What are the reasons for this trend? Give your own opinion and solutions.
• The difference in age between parents and their children has increased compared to the past. Do you think advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?
•  Scientists have been warning for many years already that in order to protect the environment people should use less energy. However, most people do not change their ways of living. What is causing this behaviour? How can people be encouraged to change?
• Some people think that children should go to kindergarten before attending primary school, while others believe that is better for children to stay all day with their families. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
• Some people believe that trade and cultural relationships between the countries is a positive development, while others disagree. Discuss both the views and include your own opinion.
• Recently there are more gas stations being built as opposed to diesel ones in rural areas. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this trend?
• Many parents (mostly women) decide to stay home and take care of the family members instead of going out for work. Some people suggest that they should be paid by the government for doing that. Do you agree or disagree? Give reasons for your answer and include examples from your own experience.
• Different cultures are mixing today and the world is becoming a global village. Is it a positive or a negative development? Give your own opinion and examples.
• Nowadays people’s life is changing rapidly and, as a result, family relationships are affected. Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages? Give your opinion and examples from your own experience.
• Measures have been put in place to improve road safety by reducing the speed limits. Some people believe there are better alternatives. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
• Some people think that the range of technology available to people is increasing the gap between the rich and the poor. Others think it has the opposite effect. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
• Some of the methods used in advertising are unethical and unacceptable in today’s society. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
• People nowadays are not as fit and active as they were in the past. What are the reasons for this? What measures can be taken for this?

Click here for IELTS task 2 topics and answers.

For above band 7 you will need IELTS vocabulary, this page shares some useful strategies and sources to improve your lexical resource.

To improve your opinion-forming skills, check out the BBC , and get a rough overview of the current affairs in each topic. For example, at the moment, regarding the environment the main topic is climate change -could you write 250 words about global warming? Likewise, for the topic of technology, what do you know about artificial intelligence ? You don’t have to be an expert but you do need to have an opinion, and that can only come from getting informed about the topics.

In summary, it is advisable to be well-versed in current affairs, have a global view of events, and have a bit of knowledge about each topic.

IELTS writing tips The writing part of the IELTS can prove to be a little overwhelming; especially, if you don’t know how to approach it. Below is a list  of writing tips to help you feel less overwhelmed.

IELTS writing samples If you aren’t quite sure how to approach your writing section of the IELTS and want some ideas from those who have succeeded click here.

IELTS essay topics with answers IELTS essays are a great opportunity for you to show off your English abilities in written form. We have put together a great archive of IELTS essay topics with the answers!

Essay writing topics Practice is truly the mother of preparation, so why not make sure you are ready to tackle the IELTS essay by going through our list of essay topics you might encounter during the exam.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How to write ielts writing task 2.

• Read the question and understand what the examiner is asking
• Take a few minutes to think about what you’re going to write
• Write your introduction
• Developing the essay ideas, your approach, and your explanations
• Conclude your essay with a summary that completes the circle
• Read the essay and make sure you didn’t make any mistakes

Read this post for more

How to generate ideas for writing task 2?

• Write a possible answer to the question
• Mind gone blank? Put the topic of the question into Google or Youtube
• Summarise different opinions on the topics
• Attempt more questions and you will find you now have more ideas

Read this post for more tips

For more help with your IELTS tutorials, take a look at our tutorials here:

• IELTS Task 2
• IELTS general task 1
• IELTS academic task 1
• Sample answers for IELTS Globalisation Essays
• Score higher in IELTS Writing Task 1 and Task 2
• Problem Solution Essays in IELTS Writing Task 2
• Sample Answers: discuss the advantages and disadvantages
• Extremely Useful Sentences for Task 2
• IELTS Essay Paragraph Structure

Sample task 2 IELTS essays and 240 task questions ebook

20 Essay Writing Topics/Questions | C1 Advanced (CAE)

How to write an C1 Advanced (CAE) essay?

FCE, CAE, CPE

More than practice tests, c1 advanced (cae) essay: example topics / questions.

Below is a sample list of academic essay writing topics/tasks for C1-level (advanced) students. You can use them to practice writing English essays or to simplyy prepare for the Cambridge exam

C1 - Essay Topic / Question 1 | Advanced (CAE)

Your class has attended a panel discussion on the subject of TV shows that feature members of the public, such as reality TV shows and talent competitions. You have made the notes below.

Aspects of reality and talent TV shows

• entertainment for viewers
• influence on young people
• effect on participants

Some opinions expressed in the discussion:

‘These programmes are just harmless entertainment and there is nothing wrong with them.’ ‘The influence these programmes can have on young people can be very bad indeed.’ ‘People who take part in these programmes can be damaged by the experience.’

Write an essay for your tutor discussing two of the aspects in your notes. You should explain which aspect you think is the most important regarding these TV shows and provide reason s to support your opinion.

C1 - Essay Topic / Question 2 | Advanced (CAE)

You have watched a documentary about what causes young people to start committing crimes. You have made the notes below.

Reasons why young people commit crimes

• lack of control by parents
• absence of opportunities in life
• influence of friends

Some opinions expressed in the documentary:

‘Without firm discipline from parents, some children are likely to get into trouble.” ‘It’s not surprising that young people who feel they have no chance of a good life turn to crime.” ‘The bad influence of people they mix with can cause some young people to take up crime.’

Write an essay for your tutor discussing two of the reasons in your notes. You should explain which cause you think is the most important for young people committing crimes and provide reasons to support your opinion.

C1 - Essay Topic / Question 3 | Advanced (CAE)

Your class has attended a panel discussion on what are the greatest advantages of digital and computer technology for people in their everyday lives. You have made the notes below.

Advantages of digital and computer technology in everyday life

• communication
• access to information
• shopping and services

‘Being able to contact anyone at any time in any place is obviously the greatest advantage.’

‘The fact that people can instantly look up something and find out about it, or learn something new, is the greatest advantage.’

‘You don’t need to go out or spend a long time buying or paying for things and that’s the greatest advantage.’

Write an essay for your tutor discussing two of the advantages in your notes. You should explain which advantage you think is the greatest for people in their everyday lives and provide reasons to support your opinion.

C1 - Essay Topic / Question 4 | Advanced (CAE)

Your class has been discussing whether school/college leavers should be forced to do unpaid work if no paid jobs are available. You have made the notes below:

Arguments for and against forcing young people into jobs that are not paid:

• it gives young people the chance to gain valuable work experience.
• it would benefit society if more young people worked for the local community.
• companies would be exploiting young people as a cheap source of labour.

Some opinions expressed during the discussion:

“If the job needs doing the company should be prepared to pay for someone’s labour.” “Such a scheme would build confidence in young people who would otherwise be idle” “It would force young people into dead-end jobs”

Write an  essay  discussing two of the arguments made for and/or against making young people do unpaid work. You should explain which argument is more important , giving reasons in support of your answer.

C1 - Essay Topic / Question 5 | Advanced (CAE)

You class has watched a documentary about the need for nations to fund space exploration. You have made the notes below:

Advantages of spending public money on space exploration:

• countries work together to further our understanding of the universe
• we may discover raw materials.
• possible new living space for the world’s growing population.

“It’s human nature to want to understand where we come from.” “We should stop exploiting natural resources.” “The world’s growing population needs further space to live.”

Write an  essay  discussing two of the advantages given for space exploration in your notes You should  explain which reason is most important , giving reasons in support of your answer.

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C1 - essay topic / question 6 | advanced (cae).

Your class has had a discussion about the importance of the Internet in our lives. You have made the notes below:

Reasons why the Internet has become so important:

• the opportunity it offers to buy and sell online.
• the ease with which we can keep in contact with friends or relations.
• its use as a study tool.

“Social media allows me to stay in contact with family members all over the country.” “You can shop around, read reviews and get good bargains on the web.” “The Internet offers me an enormous library to help with my studies.”

Write an essay discussing two of the reasons given for the importance of the Internet. You should explain which reason is most important , giving reasons in support of your answer.

C1 - Essay Topic / Question 7 | Advanced (CAE)

Your class has had a discussion about the negative effects of globalisation on local culture. You have made the notes below:

Effects of globalisation:

• the dominance of the western music/film industry.
• the loss of national identity.
• the undermining of values of local culture.

“We don’t want to see the same culture wherever we travel.” “People are free to enjoy whichever music, films or fashion they wish.” “Young people are losing the sense of values their parents had.”

Write an essay discussing two of the effects listed in your notes. You should explain which effect is more important , giving reasons in support of your answer.

C1 - Essay Topic / Question 8 | Advanced (CAE)

Your class has watched a documentary about the decline in the number of local buildings with historic interest. You have made the notes below: Factors behind the decline include:

• a lack of space within inner cities for commercial and residential developments.
• the fact that these buildings are not seen as worthy of preservation by town planners.
• insufficient public funds to support the preservation of these buildings.

“We need to preserve old buildings for future generations.” “Buildings with a local historical interest can be good for tourism.” “Some of these buildings no longer serve a purpose and should be replaced with modern alternatives.”

Write an essay discussing two of the reasons given for the decline in such buildings in your notes. You should explain which factor is more important , giving reasons in support of your answer.

C1 - Essay Topic / Question 9 | Advanced (CAE)

You attended a debate at a local community centre at which a proposal to launch a new local TV station was discussed. You have made the notes below:

What would be the benefits of a new local TV station?

• community events
• local businesses

Some opinions expressed during the debate:

“TV is dying. Everyone uses the internet.” “Will younger people engage with local television?” “TV service can’t just become a vehicle for wall-to-wall advertising!”

Write an essay , discussing two of the benefits in your notes. You should explain which benefit you think would be most important , giving reasons in support of your answer.

C1 - Essay Topic / Question 10 | Advanced (CAE)

You attended a college debate that discussed ways of encouraging more people to be more environmentally friendly in their energy use and production. You have made the notes below:

How can individuals protect the environment through their home energy policy?

• Subsidised solar panels
• Free insulation
• Replacement heating system

“Governments should be doing this, not individuals!” “Heating old, cold buildings helps nobody.” “Solar panels take decades to pay for themselves!”

Write an essay , discussing two of the ideas in your notes. You should explain which idea would help protect the environment most, giving reasons in support of your answer.

C1 - Essay Topic / Question 11 | Advanced (CAE)

You attended a lecture at a local business centre where the advantages of working from home were discussed. You have made the notes below:

How can working from home be beneficial?

• Effects on traffic
• Less office space required
• Happier employees

Some opinions expressed during the lecture:

“People working alone at home go crazy!” “Face-to-face meetings are crucial.” “Will everybody have this privilege?”

Write an essay , discussing two of the benefits in your notes. You should explain which benefit would be most important , giving reasons in support of your answer.

C1 - Essay Topic / Question 12 | Advanced (CAE)

You attended a debate at the town hall which discussed how new government money for the town should be spent. You have made the notes below:

How should the new government money be spent locally?

• Reduce local taxes by 1%
• More sports facilities
• New books and teachers for schools

“We pay too much tax, a tax cut helps everyone!” “Having a healthier local population is more important than money.” “I don’t play sports, what’s in this for me?”

Write an essay , discussing two of the proposals in your notes. You should explain which proposal would help the town most , giving reasons in support of your answer.

C1 - Essay Topic / Question 13 | Advanced (CAE)

You attended a meeting at a local school where possible new additions to the curriculum were discussed. You have made the notes below:

What subjects can we add to our school curriculum?

• computer programming
• home decoration and repair

Some opinions expressed during the meeting:

“We need to consider those who won’t go to university.” “Learn Latin and you’re halfway to learning any other language.” “We need to prepare our children for the modern world they live in!”

Write an essay , discussing two of the subjects in your notes. You should explain which subject would help students most , giving reasons in support of your answer.

C1 - Essay Topic / Question 14 | Advanced (CAE)

You have listened to a radio discussion programme about what can be done to increase participation in sports by people of all ages. You have made the notes below.

Ways of increasing participation in sports

• advertising
•  famous sportspeople

“Campaigns involving famous sportspeople are very effective because they are role models for young people.” “If people know what is available to them, more of them might take facilities” “What people need to get started in sports is enough free or cheap up sports.”

Write an essay for your tutor discussing two of the ways in your notes. You should explain which way you think is likely to be the most effective for increasing participation in sports and provide reasons to support your opinion.

C1 - Essay Topic / Question 15 | Advanced (CAE)

Your class has attended a lecture on what governments could do to minimise the use of fossil fuels, You have made the notes below.

Methods of minimising the use of fossil fuels

• increasing taxes on petrol
• increasing use of nuclear energy

“Is the technology for recycling adequately developed?” “Increased taxation will not be a sufficient deterrent.’ “Nuclear energy is too risky.”

Write an essay for your tutor discussing two of the methods in your notes. You should explain which method you think is more important for governments to consider, and provide reasons to support your opinion.

Entonces, comprar priligy generico online ¿funciona el priligy genérico? Si está leyendo este artículo, probablemente esté buscando respuestas sobre la eficacia de las farmacias online y los medicamentos genéricos.

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C1 - essay topic / question 16 | advanced (cae).

You recently heard a discussion about the benefits of school uniforms. These are the notes you took.

Pros and Cons:

• Shared identity.
• Expensive for parents.
• Discrimination

Notes on Opinions expressed:

• Could give students a positive identity boost.
• Some parents may not be able to afford them.
• Students with cheaper uniforms could face discrimination

Write an  essay  discussing  two  of the ideas in an appropriate style. You should  explain   which  idea you think is  more   important , giving reasons to support your opinion.

C1 - Essay Topic / Question 17 | Advanced (CAE)

You recently heard a discussion about the behavioural problems of some children. These are the notes you took.

• Stricter teachers.
• Parental responsibility.
• Government action.
• Teaching is difficult if too strict.
• Parents should exercise control.
• Government should introduce Laws to make parents liable for their children.

Write an  essay  discussing  two  of the ideas in an appropriate style, using 220 – 260 words. You should  explain   which  idea you think is  more   important , giving reasons to support your opinion.

C1 - Essay Topic / Question 18 | Advanced (CAE)

You recently heard a discussion about the low level of reading skills in schools. These are the notes you took.

• Extra reading work at school.
• Reading time with parents.
• Special teachers.
• No extra time available at school.
• Parents have very busy lives.
• Difficult to organise.

C1 - Essay Topic / Question 19 | Advanced (CAE)

Your class has attended a panel discussion about the ‘race to space’ and who should be funding it. You have made the notes below:

Who should be funding the race to space?

• private companies
• the government
• we should not spend money on this
• In the future, we will need a new planet to live on
• The race to space is important for scientific development
• It’s a waste of money to explore space.

C1 - Essay Topic / Question 20 | Advanced (CAE)

You recently heard a discussion about bullying at school. These are the notes you took.

Responsibility:

Notes on opinions expressed:

• Teachers should control their environment.
• Students should be taught about the dangers
• The police should offer protection.

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Test Resources

TOEFL® Resources by Michael Goodine

Toefl writing questions (2023 edition) – sample essays and questions for the new toefl, about these toefl ® writing samples, sample toefl integrated essays.

On test day, you’ll first get a TOEFL Integrated Writing Question.  You will first read an article, then listen to a lecture, and finally write an essay combining information from both.

Complete Samples (with reading and lecture) and Responses!

• Colonizing Asteroids  
• Protecting Peregrine Falcons  
• Paradox of Choice  
• The Phoenicians  
• Bronze Age Collapse (new) 
• Quick Decline Syndrome (new) 
• Living on the Moon (new)
• Machu Picchu
• Moai of Easter Island

Writing for an Academic Discussion Questions

Next, you’ll get a “Writing for an Academic Discussion” question.  This will ask you to answer a question that looks like it was posted to a university discussion group.  Each link below includes a complete sample question and two possible responses.

• Targeted Advertising
• Social Media
• Grading Students
• Taxing Unhealthy Products
• University Spending
• Economic Growth vs the Environment
• City Spending
• Corporate Impact
• Work From Home
• Online Classes
• Smart Phones
• Learning Styles
• Influencers
• Starting a Business
• More Question from ETS

More Integrated Essays

These essays are all based on questions from famous books. I can’t give you the reading and listening, but you might like looking at their structure and organization.

• Television Appearances by University Professors (casting doubt)
• Portrait of an Elderly Woman in a White Bonnet (casting doubt)
• Incan Fortress of Sacsayhuaman (casting doubt)
• Iron Fertilization (solution and problem)
• The Usefulness of Coal (casting doubt)
• Monarch Butterflies (casting doubt)
• Large Animals (casting doubt)
• Wheat and Beer (from Princeton Review)
• Forest Fires (from Princeton Review)
• Endotherms (from “Official Collection”)
• Online Encyclopedias (from “Official Collection”)
• Buying a Franchise (from “Official Collection”)
• Great Houses (from “Official Collection”)
• Smart Cars (from “Official Collection”)
• Eco-Friendly Wood (from “TOEFL Quick Prep”)
• The Chevalier (from “TOEFL Sample Test”)
• Wave Farms (from “Hackers Actual Test”)
• The Anasazi (from “Hackers Actual Test”)
• Trans Lunar Phenomena (from “Hackers Actual Test”)
• Four-day Workweek

TOEFL Writing Guides and Templates

• Complete templates for each essay task .
• A detailed master guide to the integrated essay task .
• A detailed master guide to the independent essay task .

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Genuine Exam Past Questions and Answers Online Bookshop – PDF and MS Word Download

WAEC English Essay Theory Past Questions and Answers 2023

Download Now! WASSCE WAEC English Essay/Theory Past Questions – Comprehension Passage, Letter Writing, Summary Passage, Article – essay competition

we at stcharlesedu.com has compiled a good number of WASSCE/WAEC Essay Past Questions into PDF

What Others are Downloading WAEC Past Questions for all Subjects English Language NECO Past Questions.

Table of Contents

• 1 WASSCE English Essay Questions
• 2 WAEC English Letter Writing Questions
• 3 WAEC English Comprehension Passages with questions and answers
• 4 WAEC English Comprehension Past Questions
• 5 WAEC WASSCE English Summary Questions
• 6 WAEC Past Questions on Summary
• 7 Free WAEC Essay Past Questions

WASSCE English Essay Questions

Answer three questions in all; one questions from Section A and all the questions in Section B and C

SECTION A ESSAY

Answer one question only from this section. All questions carry equal marks. Your answer should not be less than – 450 words.

You are advised to spend about 50 minutes on this section.

WAEC English Letter Writing Questions

1. Write a letter to your friend in another school telling him or her about your future career and how it will be beneficial to your country.

2. The National Scholarship Secretariat is organizing an essay competition on the topic: The menace of fake drugs in the society. Write your entry.

3. As a former senior prefect, write a letter to the principal of your school on the occasion of its 60th anniversary celebration, congratulating him and offering three suggestions for the improvement of the school.

4. A new principal has just been posted to your school. As the senior prefect, write a welcome address on behalf of the students, pointing out three areas of need in the school.

5. Write a story which illustrates the saying: Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown.

Want more WASSCE Past Exam Questions? Get the Complete WAEC Eng Language Objectives, Essay and Test of Oral Past Questions and answers in pdf or ms word from us. whatsapp +2348051311885

WAEC English Comprehension Passages with questions and answers

SECTION B COMPREHENSION [20 mark] You are advised to speed about 30 minutes on this section.

• Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions on it.

Alani was the seventh child of his family When lie was growing up, there was scarcely enough to go round, His mother was a petty trader while his father worked as a clerk in one of the ministries. But Alani was an intelligent child and performed brilliantly at school. This endeared him to his teachers. He represented the school at all competitions and won many laurels. While he was in Basic Six, he won a scholarship to studs at any school of his choice to university level. The future was indeed bright for him However, having to constantly struggle with his siblings for the little sustenance provided by their parents turned him into an aggressive child.

After graduation, Alain got a job with a reputable accounting firm. He travelled far and wide and was trained extensively. He rose through the ranks and became one of the top executives. After a while, he decided to establish his own firm. His firm flourished because of his hard work, dedication and the huge amount of money and time he invested in the venture. After just a few years, the firm became a household name.

However, things look a bad turn. Alani’’s success went to his head. He became pompous. He would get angry at the slightest provocation. He refused to take the advice of his employees, considering them all beneath him. Even when his workers had good suggestions for improvement, he would not listen. Often times, he would treat even his clients shabbily. He began to lose clients one by one and his profits dwindled. His firm was on the rocks and he started to blame his employees for the downturn in his business. He became suspicious of every move made and action taken by his workers. Soon, Alani became a bitter man. He lost the respect of his workers because lie often quarrelled with them.

However. Alani’s secretary, who was his pioneer staff, did not give up on him. She tried to talk to him and refused to resign when other members of staff were putting in their letters. When five of his workers resigned on the same day. that decided it! He realized that he just had to turn his life around. He went for counselling and began to turn over a new leaf. It was during one of the counselling sessions dial lie met a business mogul. They got talking and the man was impressed with Alani’s knowledge and expertise. They formed a partnership and Alani’s business began to grow again. Alani had learnt a useful lesson: those who are endowed with success should nurture it with humility.

WAEC English Comprehension Past Questions

(a) What endeared Alani to his teachers? (b) Mention two factors that accounted for Alani’s success in business. (c) Why did Alani’s business almost collapse? (d) What was ironical in Alani’s blaming his employees lor the downturn in his business? (e) What incident made Alani have a rethink? (f) …… on the rocks. What is the meaning of this expression? (g) …… who was his pioneer staff (i) What grammatical name is given to this expression as it is used in the passage? (ii) What is its function? (h) for each of the following words, find another word or phrase which means the same and which can replace it as it is used in the passage: i. laurels; ii. sustenance iii. reputable iv. venture; v. pompous vi. dwindled 

WAEC WASSCE English Summary Questions

SECTION C SUMMARY [30 mark]

You are advised to speed about 40 minutes on this section.

6. Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions on it.

Armed robbery is one of the most condemnable crimes in contemporary society. People have been maimed or killed for their money or belongings in the past, but never has robbery with violence been experienced on such a large scale as observed recently. Armed robbery is typically motivated by the desire to obtain money and valuables. However, some armed robbers engage in the crime with the intention of boosting their status. Whatever the motivation, the act is inhumane and can result in injury and sometimes the death of the victims.

It is rather unfortunate that in almost all modem societies there are always groups of unemployed young people. Some are unemployable because they have little or no education and lack skills.

What is even worse, these young people are often unprepared for and unwilling to do any manual work to earn an honest living. They tend to blame society for their plight and retaliate by indulging in acts of crime and lawlessness. They grab money and valuable properties of their victims to enable them to survive in a society which seems to ignore them. To reduce the instances of armed robbers, parents should do their best to nurture their children in the right way because charity begins at home. They should instill good values in them and should not hesitate to correct them early in life when they bring home something that does not belong In them.

WAEC Past Questions on Summary

The rich, on the other hand, who are mostly the target or armed robbers provide another cause. Some show of their wealth ostentatiously, live flamboyantly, go about in flashy and sophisticated cars, hop from one exotic island to another on holidays, and brag about all their escapades on social media much to the annoyance and envy of the unemployed youth. To bridge the gap between the haves and the have-nots, the government should provide the basic necessities for its citizens. Social services should be made available to those without jobs. The provision of such amenities to eater for the entire populace would help to improve the living conditions of the unemployed and underemployed. The adequate provision of infrastructure would ensure that every individual has access to the basic comforts of life.

The breakdown of traditional systems, resulting in the loss of moral and spiritual values, has made wealth the only thing of value in the eyes of the youth. The ostentatious display of ill-gotten wealth is applauded and the society hardly questions its source. Many young people therefore engage in all manner of nefarious activities including armed robbery to make money in order to enjoy the delights and comforts of modern life and above all, be celebrated by their society. Law enforcement authorities can further reduce the spate of armed robberies by monitoring places known for high incidence of the crime. Constant and intrusive patrols of crime-prone areas can deter potential offenders.

(a) In three sentences, one for each, summarize the factors that make some youths go into armed robbery.

(b) In three sentences, one for each, summarize how armed robbery’ can be reduced.

Free WAEC Essay Past Questions

Click to Download your free Past Question on English Essay WAEC Link 1: WAEC English Letter Writing Past Questions Link 2: English Comprehension Past Questions Link 3: WASSCE English Summary Questions

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