IELTS Writing Task 2 Predictions 2026: Fresh Topics + Essay Ideas

Preparing for IELTS Writing Task 2 can be challenging—especially when test questions increasingly focus on modern, unfamiliar issues. Many candidates struggle not because of grammar, but because they run out of ideas or fail to develop balanced arguments under time pressure.

To help you stay ahead, this article presents 20 brand-new IELTS Writing Task 2 topics predicted for 2026, carefully designed to reflect current global trends such as technology, education, work culture, mental health, and sustainability. 

1. Cities should introduce “quiet zones” where phones and talking are restricted.

Pros:

• Reduces noise pollution and stress in urban areas

• Improves focus and mental well-being

• Creates inclusive spaces for studying and relaxation

Cons:

• Difficult to enforce consistently

• Limits personal freedom in public spaces

• Inconvenient for emergencies or work-related calls

2. Schools should ban all AI-assisted homework.

Pros:

• Encourages independent thinking and originality

• Prevents over-reliance on technology

• Protects academic integrity

Cons:

• Ignores the educational potential of AI tools

• Difficult to monitor and enforce

• Reduces students’ digital literacy

3. Governments should tax unhealthy digital habits, such as excessive gaming.

Pros:

• Discourages addictive online behavior

• Generates revenue for public health programs

• Raises awareness of digital well-being

Cons:

• Hard to define “excessive” usage

• Penalizes personal lifestyle choices

• May disproportionately affect young people

4. People should have a legal right to disconnect from work messages after hours.

Pros:

• Improves work-life balance

• Reduces burnout and stress

• Protects employees’ mental health

Cons:

• Not suitable for emergency-based professions

• Reduces workplace flexibility

• Could slow communication in global companies

5. Universities should admit students based solely on skills, not academic grades.

Pros:

• Encourages practical ability over exam performance

• Supports diverse talents and learning styles

• Reduces pressure from standardized testing

Cons:

• Difficult to measure skills objectively

• May lower academic standards

• Increases subjectivity in admissions

6. Public libraries should prioritise digital collections over printed books.

Pros:

• Increases accessibility and convenience

• Reduces storage and maintenance costs

• Appeals to younger generations

Cons:

• Excludes people without digital access

• Reduces traditional reading experience

• Risks data loss or technical issues

7. Companies should be required to offer four-day work weeks.

Pros:

• Increases employee productivity and satisfaction

• Reduces stress and burnout

• Improves work-life balance

Cons:

• Not suitable for all industries

• May reduce overall output

• Requires major restructuring

8. Schools should teach students how to detect online misinformation.

Pros:

• Improves critical thinking skills

• Reduces spread of fake news

• Prepares students for digital citizenship

Cons:

• Requires teacher training and resources

• Curriculum overload

• Risk of political bias

9. Parents should not share photos of their children online.

Pros:

• Protects children’s privacy

• Prevents digital identity misuse

• Reduces online safety risks

Cons:

• Limits parents’ freedom of expression

• Difficult to regulate

• Cultural resistance in social-media-driven societies

10. Cities should limit the number of short-term rentals (e.g., Airbnb).

Pros:

• Increases housing availability for residents

• Controls rising rental prices

• Reduces disruption in local communities

Cons:

• Hurts tourism-related income

• Reduces property owners’ profits

• Requires strict monitoring and enforcement

11. People should be encouraged to grow part of their own food at home.

Pros:

• Promotes healthier eating habits

• Reduces dependence on industrial food systems

• Environmentally friendly and cost-saving

Cons:

• Not practical in urban areas

• Requires time, space, and knowledge

• Limited food variety can be produced

12. Electric vehicles should receive more government support than public transport.

Pros:

• Reduces carbon emissions

• Encourages green innovation

• Supports transition to clean energy

Cons:

• Benefits mainly wealthier citizens

• Public transport is more efficient overall

• High infrastructure and subsidy costs

13. Children should choose their own school subjects from an early age.

Pros:

• Increases motivation and engagement

• Allows students to develop individual talents

• Encourages independent decision-making

Cons:

• Children may lack long-term judgment

• Risk of narrow skill development

• Reduced exposure to essential subjects

14. Virtual reality will become a major form of education in the future.

Pros:

• Enhances immersive learning experiences

• Improves understanding of complex concepts

• Increases student engagement

Cons:

• High cost of equipment

• Health concerns such as eye strain

• Reduced human interaction

15. Companies should be fined for producing products with short lifespans.

Pros:

• Reduces waste and pollution

• Encourages sustainable manufacturing

• Protects consumer rights

Cons:

• Difficult to define product lifespan

• Increases production costs

• May slow technological innovation

16. Citizens should vote online instead of going to polling stations.

Pros:

• Increases voter participation

• Convenient and time-saving

• Reduces administrative costs

Cons:

• Cybersecurity risks

• Excludes elderly or digitally illiterate voters

• Risk of reduced trust in election integrity

17. Public funding should prioritise mental health over physical healthcare.

Pros:

• Addresses rising mental health issues

• Improves long-term societal productivity

• Reduces stigma around mental illness

Cons:

• Physical healthcare remains essential

• Limited public budgets

• Difficult to measure outcomes

18. Workplaces should remove all meetings under 15 minutes.

Pros:

• Reduces unnecessary interruptions

• Improves productivity

• Encourages clearer communication

Cons:

• Short meetings can be efficient

• Not suitable for all teams

• May reduce collaboration

19. People should be required to learn financial management in school.

Pros:

• Improves money management skills

• Reduces future debt problems

• Prepares students for adult life

Cons:

• Adds pressure to school curriculum

• Requires trained teachers

• Some financial knowledge changes over time

20. Robots should be allowed to care for elderly people without human supervision.

Pros:

• Addresses caregiver shortages

• Provides consistent assistance

• Reduces care costs

Cons:

• Lacks emotional connection

• Ethical concerns

• Risk of technical failure

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