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In MET Writing Task 2, aim for 250–320 words in about 30 minutes: state a clear position in your introduction, develop two concrete body paragraphs with real-world examples, and leave 3 minutes to check grammar and mechanics.
8 original MET Writing Task 2 essay prompts
Every prompt below is written in the MET Task 2 style: an everyday educational, workplace, or civic issue where you must take a clear stand and support it with reasons and examples in at least 250 words.
Sample B2–C1 body paragraph (Hybrid work): “A structured hybrid schedule serves both organisations and staff better than mandatory daily attendance because different tasks require different environments. Analytical work—such as drafting client proposals, auditing spreadsheets, or writing code—demands long blocks of quiet concentration that open-plan offices rarely allow. When employees complete those tasks at home two days a week, they avoid ninety minutes of crowded transit and arrive at their desks with more energy. Meanwhile, reserving three fixed office days for project kick-offs, junior staff mentoring, and cross-team problem solving preserves the spontaneous collaboration that remote video calls often miss.”
1. Hybrid vs. full-time office work
Many companies now ask employees to work in the office three days a week and from home two days a week, while others prefer everyone on site every day. Which arrangement is more beneficial for workers and organisations? Planning tip: Compare deep-focus individual tasks at home with in-person mentoring and coordination at the office.
2. Cashless shops and public transit
In many cities, buses, trains, and cafés now accept only cards or mobile payments and no longer take cash. Do the benefits of a cashless system outweigh the drawbacks? Planning tip: Weigh speed and accounting accuracy against access for older residents or people without bank cards.
3. Practical life skills in secondary school
Some educators argue that secondary schools should require a course in personal finance, cooking, and basic home repair, even if it reduces time for elective academic subjects. Do you agree or disagree? Planning tip: Explain how budgeting and nutrition affect young adults leaving home, and how schools can balance timetable space.
4. Car-free city centres on weekends
Several municipal governments close their downtown streets to private cars every weekend to encourage walking, cycling, and outdoor dining. Is this policy a good idea for most cities? Planning tip: Consider air quality and foot traffic for small cafés versus delivery access and mobility for residents.
5. Gap year before university
Some high school graduates work or volunteer for a year before starting university, while others begin their degree immediately. Which path better prepares young people for future success? Planning tip: Discuss maturity, clearer major selection, and savings versus losing study momentum.
6. Public libraries in the digital era
Because e-books and online courses are widely available, some taxpayers question whether cities should continue funding physical public libraries. Should local governments keep investing in neighbourhood library branches? Planning tip: Highlight quiet study space, free internet access, children’s literacy programmes, and community workshops.
7. Four-day workweek trials
A growing number of employers are testing a four-day workweek with no reduction in pay. Can a shorter workweek succeed across most industries, or does it only fit certain jobs? Planning tip: Contrast project-based office roles with shift-based healthcare, retail, and public transport.
8. Extending product warranties by law
To reduce electronic waste, some lawmakers propose requiring manufacturers to provide a free five-year repair warranty on all phones and home appliances. Do you support or oppose this proposal? Planning tip: Weigh durability and waste reduction against higher upfront retail prices for consumers.
How to split your 45-minute MET Writing clock
| Stage | Minutes | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Task 1 (3 short answers) | 13–15 min | Write 35–60 words per question (~120–160 words total) and move on. |
| Task 2 outline | 3–4 min | Pick your thesis, two distinct reasons, and one concrete example for each body paragraph. |
| Task 2 drafting | 22–24 min | Write 4 paragraphs (intro, 2 body paragraphs, conclusion) totalling 260–320 words. |
| Proofreading | 3–4 min | Check subject-verb agreement, articles, punctuation, and word count. |
Questions, answered
What happens if my MET Task 2 essay is under 250 words?
The official MET Task 2 prompt asks for at least 250 words. Responses significantly below 250 words usually lack fully developed examples and receive a lower score on Task Completion and Cohesion & Organization.