IELTS Writing Preparation: Predicted Questions and Sample Answers [2025-2026 Edition]

IELTS Writing is said to be one of the most difficult sections for many candidates, because it requires you to structure logical writing within a limited time and handle a wide range of topics. In particular, from 2025 to 2026, social changes such as the spread of AI, climate change, and the rise of remote work are expected to be reflected in exam questions. In addition to the traditional standard themes, preparation for more contemporary topics is therefore essential.

This article introduces a “predicted question list” based on the latest question trends, along with corresponding “sample answers.” It covers both Task 1 (Academic / General Training) and Task 2 (essay questions), and compiles concrete expressions and structural tips useful in the real exam. It is useful not only for those studying on their own but also for anyone aiming to raise their score in a short time.

Use the predicted questions and sample answers introduced here as a reference, and practice by combining them with your own ideas to build the ability to aim consistently for a high score in IELTS Writing.

While IELTS Writing tends to use similar themes and formats every year, new topics are also added in line with the times. For 2025 to 2026, the following trends are expected.

Task 1 (Academic)

• Main formats: graphs (line, bar, pie), tables, maps, process diagrams
• Direction of questions: centered on fields attracting international attention, such as the environment, energy, and urban development
• Features: rather than simply describing data, the ability to summarize “comparisons, changes, and trends” logically is tested

Task 1 (General Training)

• Main format: letters (Formal / Semi-formal / Informal)
• Direction of questions: practical situations related to daily life, the workplace, and social activities
• Features: the key is switching tone and expressions to suit the situation

Task 2 (common to Academic and General Training)

• Standard topics: education, the environment, health, social issues, urbanization, technology
• New trends: contemporary issues such as AI, remote work, climate change measures, and international inequality
• Features: rather than simply stating an opinion, whether you can “discuss from multiple perspectives” is assessed

Understanding these trends makes it easier to prepare ideas and vocabulary by topic in advance. Because Task 2 in particular reflects social conditions, taking in the latest news and current-affairs English also helps raise your score.

Here we introduce themes expected to appear in IELTS Writing from 2025 to 2026, divided into Task 1 and Task 2. Based on past question trends, we focus on topics that reflect modern social trends.

Task 1 (Academic)

• Graph questions: Changes in renewable energy usage rates by country Comparison of the share of transport modes used in major cities around the world
• Map questions: Changes in a city before and after the introduction of a new railway line Comparison of a park's layout before and after redevelopment
• Process questions: The flow of manufacturing a product using AI Step-by-step explanation of a recycling process

Task 1 (General Training)

• Formal Letter: A letter to the city hall requesting improvements to waste disposal A complaint to a bank, or a request about a procedure
• Semi-formal Letter: A letter inviting a colleague to an event A letter asking neighbors for their cooperation
• Informal Letter: Asking a friend for advice about travel plans A letter sharing your experiences while studying abroad

Task 2 (Essay)

• Education “Should university education be completely online?” “Are school exams necessary, or is practical assessment more important?”
• Environment “Should environmental problems be solved by governments rather than individuals?” “Should the introduction of renewable energy be made mandatory?”
• Social issues “Does remote work reduce employee productivity?” “Does urbanization improve people's lives?”
• Technology “Is AI a threat to employment?” “Is social media doing more harm than good to society?”
• Health and lifestyle “Should the government regulate fast food?” “Is maintaining health an individual responsibility or the responsibility of society as a whole?”

By actually practicing these predicted questions, you can train your thinking and expression in a form close to the real test. Task 2 in particular has many questions asking about social debate, so it is important to be prepared to organize your opinion from a wide range of perspectives.

Here we take representative Task 1 and Task 2 examples from the predicted questions and introduce model answers designed with the real exam in mind. The word counts are aimed at levels that are well regarded in the real IELTS exam (Task 1: about 150-180 words, Task 2: about 250-280 words).

Task 1 (Academic: Graph Question)

Predicted question: “The graph below shows changes in renewable energy usage rates from 2010 to 2025. Compare the four main countries and summarize the key features.”

Sample answer (about 170 words)

The chart compares the percentage of renewable energy consumption in four countries between 2010 and 2025.

Overall, it is clear that while all four nations increased their use of renewable energy during this period, the pace and scale of growth varied considerably.

In 2010, Country A had the lowest figure, around 10%, but it rose steadily to reach 35% by 2025. In contrast, Country B started at a relatively high level (25%) but experienced only a moderate increase, reaching 30% in the final year. Country C showed the most dramatic rise, doubling from 15% to 40%. Meanwhile, Country D remained relatively stable, fluctuating slightly around 20%.

In summary, renewable energy usage became more widespread in all countries, with Country C demonstrating the most significant improvement.

Task 2 (Essay: AI and Employment)

Predicted question: “Some people think that the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) will create more job opportunities, while others believe it will cause unemployment. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.”

Sample answer (about 270 words, Band 7 level)

The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) has sparked debate about its impact on employment. While some argue that AI will generate new types of work, others fear it will lead to widespread unemployment.

On the one hand, AI has the potential to create numerous job opportunities. As technology advances, new industries emerge, requiring specialists in AI programming, system management, and data analysis. For instance, the growth of self-driving vehicles may reduce the need for drivers, but it simultaneously increases the demand for engineers, safety regulators, and maintenance staff.

On the other hand, critics argue that AI will replace human labor in many traditional fields. Routine tasks in manufacturing, banking, and customer service are increasingly being automated, which may leave workers with fewer employment options. Low-skilled employees are particularly vulnerable, as they may lack the resources to retrain for more technical roles.

In my opinion, although AI will inevitably displace certain jobs, its overall impact can be positive if societies adapt effectively. Governments and educational institutions should invest in reskilling programs to prepare workers for the future economy.

In conclusion, AI should not be seen solely as a threat to employment but rather as a driver of transformation. By embracing technological change and supporting workers in transition, societies can ensure that AI contributes to economic growth and human progress.

By using samples like these, you can learn essay structure and how to use vocabulary while applying them to your own answers.

Beyond using predicted questions and sample answers, you can greatly improve your Writing score by refining your daily study methods. Here we introduce practical and effective study methods.

1. Mock practice with predicted questions

• Answer **under timed conditions**, as in the real test
• After writing, **check your word count**, keeping 150 words (Task 1) and 250 words (Task 2) in mind
• Getting used to the actual question format reduces nerves on test day

2. Analyze the sample answers

• Break down and understand the **structure (introduction, body, conclusion)** of the model answers
• Note down **frequently used phrases and linking words** and incorporate them into your own writing
• Compare your own answer with the sample to find areas to improve

3. Make use of feedback

• Use corrections from native-speaker teachers or online writing correction services
• **AI writing correction tools** have become more accurate in recent years, so they are also useful for self-study learners
• When your mistakes are pointed out, always rewrite a corrected version

4. Strengthen background knowledge with current-affairs English

• Task 2 often touches on **social issues and current topics**
• Make a habit of reading news articles from sources such as the BBC and The Guardian
• You can stock up on vocabulary and examples useful for forming opinions in English

5. Continuous self-assessment

• Regularly save your own writing and review it a few weeks later
• Self-check grammatical accuracy, range of vocabulary, and logic
• Seeing gradual improvement also raises your motivation

By combining these study methods, you can aim to raise your score efficiently even in a short time.

IELTS Writing is characterized by similar formats appearing each time, while new themes reflecting the times are also added. In 2025-2026, fields of high social interest such as AI, remote work, and environmental issues are expected to be covered often.

• For Task 1, the ability to summarize graphs, tables, maps, and process diagrams logically is important
• Task 2 tests your ability to discuss a wide range of themes such as education, the environment, society, and technology
• By analyzing sample answers and comparing them with your own writing, areas to improve become easier to see
• With correction services and AI feedback, you can raise your score efficiently even through self-study

As last-minute preparation before the exam, **mock practice using predicted questions** is the most effective. By referring to the sample questions and answers introduced in this article, adding your own ideas, and repeating the training, you will build the ability to aim consistently for a high score on test day.