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40 ESL Essay Writing Topics + Prompts

By VIPKid  |  April 20, 2018

Ready to start teaching English online?

Writing ESL essay writing is hard for most students and many will struggle at first before learning to write well.

However, writing skills are a crucial part of learning a new language . 

In this piece, we’ll share some ESL writing prompts and ESL essay topics for five different kinds of essays. They should help your students develop their grammar and vocabulary skills  while teaching them how to write coherently.

(While they work for all kinds of students, we’ve found these topics are especially handy for  teaching English to kids .) 

Writing practice should never be boring! When you’re done this article, check out the 10 most engaging writing activities here .

Descriptive ESL Writing Topics

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Explanatory ESL Essay Topics

igcse esl essay topics

ESL Essays Topics to Practice Verb Tenses

essay topics

Argumentative ESL Essay Topics

argumentative ESL essay topics

Hypothetical ESL Essay Topics

essay topics

Some General ESL Essay Tips

When checking ESL essays, pay attention to the following key points:

A good essay typically has the following parts:

How Do You Teach Writing?

It doesn’t matter if you teach English online or if you’re a classroom teacher, we want to know about your  teaching styles.  Do you use writing prompts,  games and activities, or something else entirely?

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22 Engaging ESL Essay Topics You Can Use to Improve Your Writing Skills

Text Version:

The only way to get better at anything is to do it—over and over again. In addition to practicing your English conversational skills, you should also practice your writing skills on a regular basis.

igcse esl essay topics

Here are twenty-two potential essay topics to get you started, but don’t be afraid to branch out and come up with your own topics, as well.

Descriptive topics

Instructions

Verb tense practice

Practical vocabulary practice

Persuasive writing practice

What are some great ESL essay topics you've encountered? Let us know in the comments.

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Comments on this post (6 comments)

Eliakim balle says....

igcse esl essay topics

Here’s a topic:

write about what your ideal weekend would look like if you could do anything you want.

On April 01, 2019

Ndate Thabo says...

igcse esl essay topics

¨Write about when u took the risk to do the right thing.¨ Good prompt . . and something to live by.

El sari says...

igcse esl essay topics

Interesting question Jessica …according to me to find someone to teach you and guide you better than trying thanks by your own ..

On March 11, 2016

Jessica Bordelon says...

igcse esl essay topics

What is the best way to learn: by experiencing something on your own, or from someone explaining it to you? What brings the most happiness: buying things or having experiences?

On March 03, 2016

Bindi kanyal says...

igcse esl essay topics

Niceee…..

On December 08, 2015

dayo says...

igcse esl essay topics

Write about when u took the risk to do the right thing

On December 05, 2014

Leave a comment

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igcse esl essay topics

Descriptive Essay Topics: Objects

Descriptive Essay Topics: Memories

Looking for more essay topics? Compare and Contrast Essay Topics Cause and Effect Essay Topics Narrative Essay Topics Persuasive Essay and Speech Topics

igcse esl essay topics

30 Opinion Essay Topics

Table of Contents

It is extremely difficult to have creative juices flowing all the time. Writer’s block also makes it harder for students to bring their creativity to fruition. When writing an opinion essay on any topic or subject, the first thing that writers need to come up with is the topic itself. A great opinion topic can be compared to an excellent prompt, which gives an accurate description of the opinion paper.

How to Select the Best Opinion Essay Topic?

Selecting an impeccable and appropriate opinion essay topic is simple and subjective. This implies that writers do not necessarily need to conduct thorough research before coming up with a great topic. Nevertheless, opinion papers are still academic papers that require evidential support from reputable and credible scholastic sources. This means that in the process of writing the entire paper, writers will have to conduct some research.

Before selecting a befitting opinion paper topic, it is crucial for writers to always keep in mind some of the fundamental tips for choosing a great essay topic. For beginners, an appropriate topic should be on a subject that an individual is genuinely passionate about. The writer’s opinion on that particular subject should be incredibly strong. Having a strong opinion is the most effective way of making the work compelling and convincing enough to hold the audience’s attention

A List of Opinion Essay Topics

The opinion essay topics listed above are an excellent way for students to learn how to select perfect topics for their papers.

Opinion Essay Topics for High School Students

Some Great Examples of Opinion Essay Questions

The questions outlined above should give students an idea of how to formulate their own without any difficulties.

A Few Examples of Opinion Essay Ideas

Students who are struggling with getting ideas for their opinion essays can find the above list useful in coming up with great ideas for their papers.

With the topics outlined in this article, students should get an idea of how to select impeccable topics when writing their opinion essays. If a student is still facing difficulties with selecting perfect topics for their work they are advised to consult professional writers. Getting the help of professional writers is rather easy and straight-forward. The students are only required to place an order in our essay writer service and get comprehensive assistance in choosing perfect essay topics.

George Lynch

igcse esl essay topics

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

igcse esl essay topics

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

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

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

‘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:

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:

“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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Get Your (CAE) Essay Checked!

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:

“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:

“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:

“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?

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?

“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?

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?

“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?

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

“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

“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.

Get Your (FCE) Essay Checked!

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:

Notes on Opinions expressed:

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.

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.

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?

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:

Practice, Write & Improve

C1 advanced (cae) essay: download (pdf).

Download C1 Advanced (CAE) Essay: Questions (PDF)

Practice Tests Online

Would you pass c1 advanced (cae).

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Journal Buddies Jill | February 20, 2023 February 20, 2023 | Special Writing Topics

49 Excellent ESL Writing Prompts and Topics

Yes, we have some ESL writing prompts for you and your writers. Oh yeah! Developing good writing skills is an essential part of learning a new language. While many students enjoy learning a second language, some struggle especially as they begin trying to write ESL essays. However…

ESL Writing Prompts

Encouraging ESL students to write — essays or other formats of writing — not only helps them learn to write more coherently but also aids in the development of their vocabulary and grammar skills. 

Although you don’t want your student’s writing practice to be boring, sticking with easy and fun prompts is recommended for ESL students.

Of course…

Creativity is a critical part of English composition, but it’s not always a good idea to ask these students to come up with their writing topics as they’re learning a new language. 

Offering a framework, even if it’s something as basic as a title or short prompt, can help your ESL students open up, and explore themes and ideas they may not have thought of on their own. 

To begin with, it’s a good idea to get students started with short writing assignments of about 100 words. Over time, they can work up to writing longer pieces. Hopefully these suggestion have been helpful.

Ok, let’s get t those ESL writing prompts and topics for your writers. Enjoy!

49 ESL Writing Prompts and Topics

Here are a few helpful ESL writing prompts and topics that will help your students begin to build their writing skills. 

ESL Writing Prompts

I hope you enjoyed these ESL writing prompts and ESL writing topics and use them in your lesson plans,

Related Teaching Resources & Links

I hope you enjoy and use these free resources.

Closing Thoughts

Whether you’re teaching ESL online or in a classroom, getting your students comfortable writing is critical. With these easy ESL writing prompts, you’ll be able to work with your students to build grammar, vocabulary, and more.

Just remember the key to helping lower-level ESL students with writing is to ensure tasks are kept structured. Stick with short assignments to ensure they master basic sentence-level writing skills before moving on to working on more ambitious pieces. In no time, your English language learners will excel in their writing skill development

Ok, that’s all for today..

Until next time, write on…

If you enjoyed these ESL Writing Prompts and Topics , please share them on Facebook, Twitter, and/or Pinterest. I appreciate it!

Sincerely, Jill journalbuddies.com creator and curator

ESL Writing Prompts

Tap to See Prompts 52 Easy Writing Prompts 36 Easy to Write About Topics for Essays Story Writing Topics for Grade 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 Grade 1 Grade 2 Grade 3 Grade 4 Grade 5 Grade 6 Grade 7-8 Grade 9-12 All Ages ------------End of Om Added --------- Tags Easy ESL writing topics , easy prompts , ESL , ESL prompts , ESL students , ESL Writing , ESL writing prompts , ESL writing topics , Good Writing , good writing skills , learn to write , teaching ESL , topics , write , write ESL , writing , writing practice , writing prompts , writing skills , writing topics div#postbottom { margin-top: 12px; } Featured Posts

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