IELTS Writing Task 2, Business and Economy Essay Questions (40+ questions)

Here are some of the updated IELTS Writing task 2 questions with the topic of Business and Economy, categorized based on the essay types:

Opinion Essay (Agree/Disagree)

1. Opinion: Large companies are often expected to contribute to society through higher taxes. Do you agree or disagree?
2. Opinion: Many believe that advertising manipulates consumers into buying unnecessary products. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
3. Opinion: Some argue that employers should give their staff at least four weeks’ holiday a year. Do you agree or disagree?
4. Opinion: Multinational companies have a significant impact on developing countries. Do you think this impact is more positive or negative?
5. Opinion: As sustainability becomes a major concern, some argue that businesses should prioritize it over profit. Do you agree or disagree?
6. Opinion: With the rise of e-commerce, some believe that online shopping will eventually replace traditional shopping. Do you agree or disagree?
7. Opinion: Governments sometimes provide financial assistance to new businesses. Do you think this is a good idea?
8. Opinion: The growth of the e-commerce industry has posed challenges for small businesses. Do you agree or disagree that it is detrimental?
9. Opinion: The trend of working from home has been increasing. Do you think it is beneficial for both employees and employers?
10. Opinion: Some believe that business leaders should prioritize employee welfare over shareholder profits. Do you agree or disagree?

Advantages and Disadvantages Essay

11. Advantages/Disadvantages: Globalization has enabled businesses to operate internationally. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of globalization for businesses. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
12. Advantages/Disadvantages: Starting a business at a young age can be both rewarding and challenging. What are the advantages and disadvantages of starting a business at a young age?
13. Advantages/Disadvantages: Technology has revolutionized the way businesses operate. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using technology in business. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
14. Advantages/Disadvantages: A cashless society is becoming more common in many countries. What are the advantages and disadvantages of a cashless society? Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
15. Advantages/Disadvantages: Outsourcing workforce from other parties is often seen to bring more productivity in business activities. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of outsourcing business processes.
16. Advantages/Disadvantages: Family-owned businesses are prevalent in many economies. What are the advantages and disadvantages of family-owned businesses?
17. Advantages/Disadvantages: Franchising is a popular business model for expansion. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of franchising.
18. Advantages/Disadvantages: A free market economy allows businesses to operate with little government intervention. What are the advantages and disadvantages of a free market economy? Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?

Discussion Essay (Perspective/Both Sides)

19. Discussion: Some people think that the main purpose of a business is to make money, while others believe it should also address social and environmental concerns. Discuss both perspectives!
20. Discussion: The success of a business is often attributed to either the quality of its products or the effectiveness of its marketing. Discuss both views.
21. Discussion: Some people believe that small businesses are the backbone of the economy, while others think large corporations are more important. Discuss both sides!
22. Discussion: Businesses can choose to focus on research and development to innovate or on marketing strategies. Discuss both perspectives!
23. Discussion: Having a wide variety of products can be good for consumers but also overwhelming. Discuss both views.
24. Discussion: Financial success is often seen as the best measure of a business’s success, while others argue that social responsibility is more important. Discuss both sides!
25. Discussion: Businesses can choose to provide high salaries to employees or invest in employee development and benefits. Discuss both perspectives!
26. Discussion: Local businesses sometimes need protection and support from the government, while others think that free market competition should be encouraged. Discuss both views!

Problem/Solutions Essay

27. Problem/Solutions: Many businesses struggle to survive in a competitive market. What are the main reasons for this, and what solutions can you suggest?
28. Problem/Solutions: Small businesses often find it difficult to compete with large corporations. What problems does this create, and how can these problems be solved?
29. Problem/Solutions: The rise of automation and artificial intelligence poses challenges for the job market. What are these challenges, and how can they be addressed?
30. Problem/Solutions: Many young entrepreneurs face difficulties when starting a new business. What are the main problems they encounter, and what solutions can you suggest?
31. Problem/Solutions: High levels of unemployment are a major issue in many countries. What are the causes of this problem, and what measures can be taken to solve it?
32. Problem/Solutions: The informal economy is a significant part of many developing countries. What problems does this cause, and how can these problems be solved?
33. Problem/Solutions: The COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted many businesses. What problems has this caused, and what solutions can you suggest?
34. Problem/Solutions: Many companies struggle with maintaining ethical standards in their operations. What are the main problems, and what solutions can you suggest?

Two-part Questions Essay

35. Two-part Questions: Many people aspire to start their own business. What are the benefits of owning a business? What challenges do entrepreneurs face?
36. Two-part Questions: The gig economy is becoming increasingly popular. What are the reasons for its rise? Do you think this is a positive or negative development?
37. Two-part Questions: Online businesses are growing rapidly. Why are they becoming more popular? What impact do they have on traditional businesses?
38. Two-part Questions: Corporate social responsibility is becoming more important for businesses. Why is this the case? How can companies effectively implement it?
39. Two-part Questions: Employee satisfaction is crucial for business success. What factors contribute to employee satisfaction? How can companies improve it?
40. Two-part Questions: Many companies are investing in environmentally sustainable practices. Why are they doing this? What are the potential benefits for these companies?
41. Two-part Questions: The role of women in business is evolving. What changes have occurred in recent years? What further changes are needed?
42. Two-part Questions: Many businesses are expanding globally. What are the reasons for this trend? What challenges do they face in the process?
43. Two-part Questions: Startups are becoming a significant part of the economy. What factors contribute to the success of startups? What challenges do they typically encounter?
44. Two-part Questions: Technology has changed the way businesses operate. How has it impacted business practices? What future changes can we expect?
45. Two-part Questions: In recent years, remote work has become more prevalent. What are the benefits of remote work? What challenges does it present to employers and employees?