Free Writing Sample

Choose the strongest topic sentence

Read the Task 2 question and the paragraph focus, then choose A, B or C. This free sample contains three questions.

1. Practical skills at school

IELTS Task 2 question

Some people believe that schools should teach practical skills, such as cooking and managing money, while others think academic subjects are more important. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Choose the strongest topic sentence for a body paragraph supporting the teaching of practical skills.

A. Schools should replace all academic subjects with lessons on everyday practical skills.B. Teaching financial skills at school can prepare young people to manage their money responsibly.C. Some people favour practical skills at school, whereas others prefer academic subjects.

2. Working from home

IELTS Task 2 question

An increasing number of people work from home rather than travel to an office. Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?

Choose the strongest topic sentence for a body paragraph about an advantage of working from home.

A. Remote work can give employees more time for family life by reducing daily commuting.B. For example, an employee might spend an extra hour with their children after work.C. Working from home has several advantages as well as a number of disadvantages.

3. Public transport

IELTS Task 2 question

Some people think governments should spend more money on public transport than on building new roads. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Choose the strongest topic sentence for a body paragraph supporting greater investment in public transport.

A. Governments make decisions about buses, trains and roads in many different cities.B. Public transport will completely eliminate traffic congestion in every city.C. Reliable public transport can ease congestion by reducing commuters’ dependence on private cars.

Answer key and explanations

1. Practical skills at school — Answer: B

Teaching financial skills at school can prepare young people to manage their money responsibly.

A: A changes the proposal: teaching practical skills does not require replacing all academic subjects. The absolute claim also needs much stronger justification.
B: B makes a relevant, focused claim about one benefit of practical education. The paragraph can explain budgeting, spending decisions and saving, then give an example.
C: C repeats the two views from the question without developing a reason to support practical education.

2. Working from home — Answer: A

Remote work can give employees more time for family life by reducing daily commuting.

A: A identifies a specific advantage and its cause. The paragraph can explain how commuting time is saved and how that time benefits family life.
B: B is a supporting example. Without a preceding claim, it does not clearly establish the main point of the paragraph.
C: C gives a broad overview of the essay topic rather than identifying the particular advantage the paragraph will develop.

3. Public transport — Answer: C

Reliable public transport can ease congestion by reducing commuters’ dependence on private cars.

A: A is a general observation about government decisions. It does not explain why public transport deserves investment.
B: B makes an absolute prediction that is not reasonably defensible: improved transport does not guarantee that all congestion disappears.
C: C presents a specific, qualified argument and a clear mechanism. It can be developed by explaining how reliable services encourage people to switch from cars.

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