IELTS Essay Topics for 2026

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IELTS Writing Task 2 essay topics for 2026. As usual, topics are trending topics, predicted topics, and repeated common topics. IELTS nearly always basis their essay topics on current world issues. This essay list is applicable to both GT and Academic IELTS.

On this page, you will find:

  • IELTS Essay Types Overview
  • Essay Topics & Questions List for 2026
  • Useful Links for IELTS Writing Task 2

IELTS Essay Types in 2026

There are five types of essay questions in IELTS Writing Task 2. You will not know which type of essay you will be given. So, you must prepare for all types. You must be prepared that essay questions that are recycled might be reworded or be a different types of essay, for example what was a discussion essay might one day be presented as an opinion essay.

  1. Opinion Essay – agree/disagree/ partial agreement
  2. Discussion Essay – discuss both sides
  3. Advantage / Disadvantage – includes outweigh essay
  4. Cause / Problem / Solution Essays
  5. Direct Question Essays – Positive . Negative Development / one question / two question / three question essays

Sometimes, when essay questions are recycled, the instructions might change. While the topic is the same, the instructions will result in you writing a very different essay. Here is an example:

  1. Some people think that art is no longer important and funding should be diverted to the development of science and technology. Do you agree or disagree?
  2. Some people think the funding for art should be diverted to science and technology, but others disgree. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
  3. Some people think that art is no longer important and funding should be diverted to the development of science and technology. Do you think art is important? Should art still be funded as much as it is?

So, keep this in mind when you prepare the essay topics below. Learn about how instructions can be written and how to spot which type of essay you have: IELTS Essay Types. To see model essays for each type of essay, click here: IELTS FREE MODEL ESSAYS AND MORE TIPS

IELTS Essay Topics for 2026

I’ve organised the IELTS essay questions according to main topic. Also remember that IELTS mostly chooses topics that are trending in the world today so follow the news and keep up to date with current world issues.

Art Essay Topic

  1. Art is not as important in today’s world as science. To what extent do you agree?
  2. International art and literature is esssential in today’s world. Do you agree?
  3. Many people support the arts. Why is that? 
  4. The goverment should spend more money supporting the arts, while others think funding should go on health care and education. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
  5. Traditional arts should be preserved better. Do you agree? How can this be done?
  6. Many people believe the arts should be censored. Do you agree?
  7. Social media is changing the way we appreciate art. Is this a positive or negative trend?
  8. Art is a healthy hobby and more people should be encouraged to take it up as a hobby. What is your opinion?

Books & Reading Essay Topics

  1. Schools and parents should encourage children to read more. 
  2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of e-books?
  3. The government should stop supporting public libraries because most information is available online.

Business & Money Essay Topic

  1. It is better to work for youself than for a company. What are the advantages and disadvantages of doing so?
  2. Many people are spending money rather than saving it. Is this a positive or negative trend?
  3. Small local business are being threated by large chain stores. Why is this? What can be done about it?
  4. People should be encouraged to buy only domestic products, not foreign products. Other people think we should be able to buy what we prefer. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
  5. No children should learn school without learning how to manage money. Do you agree?
  6. Many people go into personal debt. Why is this? What can be done about it?
  7. Many people spend too much money on luxury goods and special events. Why is this? Is it a positive or negative trend?
  8. Having a good product is the best way to be successful in business. Do you agree?
  9. Many companies use open-plan office spaces. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this?

Character & People Essay Topic

  1. Some people work harder than others. Why is this? Can someone learn how to work hard?
  2. Old people have a better understanding of life. To what extent do you agree?
  3. Old people are becoming less respected by society and by the younger generation. Why is this happening? What can be done about it?
  4. Some people follow trends, while other people set them. Why do you think this is? Do you think it is better to set trends or follow them?
  5. Some people are born to be successful. Do you agree?
  6. Do you think character is innate or something we can cultivate? How can we develop our character?
  7. Should schools encourage individuality or conformity? Which one is most beneficial for a child’s future?

Crime & Punishment Essay Topic

  1. It would be quicker if there was the same punishment for the same crimes, but some people think this is not a good policy because circumstances should be considered. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
  2. Too many criminals leave prison only to reoffend. Why is this? What measures can be introduced to solve this problem?
  3. Crime rates are increasing in many cities. Why is this? How can this be tackled?
  4. Some people think violent films encourage criminal behaviour. To what extent do you agree?
  5. Some teenagers commit serious crime. Some people think they should get the same punishment as adults, while others disagree. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
  6. Why are crime shows so popular on TV? Do you think this is a positive or negative trend?
  7. Is personal safety a government responsibility or the responsibility of the individual?

Culture & Tourism Essay Topic

  1. Nearly all cities have museums or art galleries. Some people think they are a waste of funds, others disagree. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
  2. Social media has brought with it globilisation. Do you think it is a positive or negative trend?
  3. Traditional lifestyles are slowly being forgotten. Do you think this is a bad thing? What can be done about it?
  4. Tourism to remote areas in the world is becoming more popular. Why is this? What impact does this have on local cultures?
  5. Some people think the world will one day have only one language. To what extent do you agree? Would this be a good thing?
  6. All countries around the world celebrate national holidays. What role do they play? How important are they? 
  7. People should be encouraged to take holidays in their own country to boost the economy. To what extent do you agree?

Education Essay Topic

  1. Schools should do more to instill discipline in students. How should this be done? Do you think the parents should take some responsibility for this?
  2. Some people think children should be grouped together into classes, others do not agree. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
  3. More and more people are choosing to educate themselves online? What are the advantages and disadvantages of this?
  4. Some people think that traditional subjects at school are a waste of time because soft skills and experience are more important to get a good job? Do you agree?
  5. Some people think the best way to get a good job is to have a university education. To what extent do you agree?
  6. Schools should give children more homework to help their academic learning. Do you think this is a good idea? 
  7. As children grow up they spend time both at school and at home. Do you think parents or teachers influence a child most?
  8. Some people think schools should teach children right from wrong, while other people think this responsibility should fall on the parents. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
  9. Education should be free for everyone. To what extent do you agree?
  10. Some people think that history is a useful subject to learn, while others think it is a waste of time. What do you think?
  11. Education in rural areas is often not as good as in cities. Why is that? What do you think can be done about it?
  12. Many children think school is boring which impacts their ability to focus and negatively impacts their academic performance. What causes this problem? What solutions can you suggest for this problem?
  13. Having a gap year between school and university is a popular choice for many students. Do you think this is a positive trend?

Environment, Nature & Wildlife Essay Topic

  1. Many species are become extinct. Do you think this is a problem? What can be done about it?
  2. Do you think it is the government’s or the individual’s responsibility to protect the environment?
  3. Many people throw litter on to the streets or in green spaces. Why is this a problem? What solutions can you suggest?
  4. Many drug companies and make up companies test their products on animals. Do you think this is right? 
  5. Beauty spots are often tourist attractions. What problems does this cause? What can be done about it?
  6. Many people are concerned about Climate Change. What problems does it cause? What solutions are there?

Family Essay Topic

  1. Children have less respect for their elders than in the past. Why is this? What can be done about it?
  2. Some people think grandparents have a lot to teach their grandchildren, while others think they are too out of date to connect with them. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
  3. Some people think the government should take care of the elderly, while others think the family should. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
  4. In the modern world, fewer families are eating their meals together. Why is this? Is it a positive or negative trend?
  5. Many families do not spend much time communicating with each other. What are the reasons for this? What can be done about it?
  6. Some women choose not to have children. Why is this? Is it this a positive or negative trend?
  7. Some people think parents should be strict, but others think children need more freedom to make their own choices. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.

Food Essay Topic

  1. Traditional food is becoming less popular. Do you think this is a problem? What can be done about it?
  2. More and more children are eating junk food. What are the reasons for this? What can be done to solve this?
  3. Some people eat only organic food. What is the reason for this? Do you think it is a positive or negative trend?
  4. Some people think cooking should be taught in schools, while other people think children should learn this at home. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.

Health & Exercise Essay Topic

  1. Schools should increase the number of sports and exercises class to help children develop into health adults. What is your opinion?
  2. It is the schools responsibility, not the parent’s responsibility to teach children what healthy food is. To what extent do you agree?
  3. Too many children are spend most of their free time using screens. Why is this a problem? What solutions can you suggest?
  4. Many schools teach team sports in schools. Why is this? 
  5. More and more adults are starting to prioritise their mental health? Why is this? Do you think this is a positive or negative trend?
  6. Many people commute to work by car or public transport, but not by cycling or walking. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this?
  7. The government should spend less money on trying to cure illnesses and more money on preventing them. Do you agree?
  8. Health care should be free for all people? To what extent do you agree?
  9. Some sports professionals earn more money than doctors or nurses. Do you think this is right?
  10. International sporting events are very popular. Why is this? 
  11. Hobbies are healthy activities all adults should have. Do you agree?

Language & Communication Essay Topics

  1. More and more people are doing business and conducting meetings through video call online. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this?
  2. Globalisation has brought the world closer together. Some people think countries will eventually become very similar. To what extent do you agree?
  3. The world will one day have only one language. To what extent do you agree?
  4. Children should all learn a foreign language to thrive in today’s modern world. Do you agree?

Media & The Internet Essay Topics

  1. The internet has changed the way we shop. Do you think this is a positive or negative trend?
  2. Has the internet made our world less safe? What is your opinion?
  3. More people are watching Netflix and other streaming services online. Why is this? Do you think this is a good change?
  4. Some people get their news from the internet, while other people do not trust the news they read online. Discuss boths side and give your opinion.
  5. Some people think newspapers will one day die out in favour of online news. To what extent do you agree?
  6. More people are becoming famous because of reality shows. Do you think this is a positive or negative trend?
  7. Many young children look up to actors and actresses as role models. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this?
  8. Children enjoy socialising online. Is this a positive of negative trend?
  9. Many celebrities complain about their lack of privacy from the media. Do you think celebrities have the right to privacy? 
  10. Many celebrities have cosmetic surgery. Is this a positive or negative trend?
  11. Adverts for products often entice people to buy products their do not need. Why is this? Is this a problem? 

Technology Essay Topic

  1. Some people think that teachers will one day be replaced in the classroom by technology. To what extent do you agree?
  2. Some people think that the more technology develops, the few jobs there will be. To what extent do you agree?
  3. Most people own a smart phone. What are the benefits of a smart phone? Are there any disadvantages?
  4. Some images and videos online are created by AI. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this?
  5. Some people think that AI will one day dominate humanity. To what extent do you agree?
  6. Some countries spend a lot of money on space exploration. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this?

Transport Essay Topic

  1. More and more cities are struggling with air pollution. Why is this? What solutions can you suggest?
  2. Budget air travel has become increasingly popular. What problems has this caused? 
  3. Electric cars are the way forward to a cleaner world. Do you agree? 
  4. City centres often have traffic congestion. What problems does this cause? How can traffic congestion be resolved?
  5. Some countries invest more money on public transport, while other countries invest more money on expanding roads for private vehicles. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.

World Issues & Social Issues Essay Topics

  1. Poor countries need financial aid from richer countries. Do you think rich countries have an obligation to financially support poorer countries?
  2. People are living longer than in the past. Why is this? What problems does this cause?
  3. Some schools encourage children to do volunteer work. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this?
  4. In some countries, many people are moving out of cities to the countryside. Why is this? Is this a positive or negative trend?
  5. The government should focus on building new housing for the growing population, not renovating existing old buildings. To what extent do you agree?
  6. Due to the growing population, some people think that companies should be relocated to the countryside. Do you agree?
  7. In some countries, many workers move to the city to find work. Is this a positive or negative trend?
  8. Many major cities have a problem with homelessness. How can this be solved?
  9. migration of workers from rural to urban areas.

Work Essay Topic

  1. Working hard is the only way to be successful. Do you agree?
  2. Why do so many people prefer working remotely from home or elsewhere? Are there any downsides to this?
  3. Many people around the world work very long hours. Why is this? Do you think this is a good thing?
  4. Some people do work they love, others do work solely for money. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
  5. Some companies seek people who are team players, while other companies prefer people who are independent workers. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
  6. In many families, both parents work. How does this impact their children? Is this a positive or negative trend?

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Art vs The Arts – The Difference – Useful Vocabulary – Model Answers

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What is the difference between Art and The Arts? A common IELTS topics – see useful vocabulary, questions and model answers. Art and the Arts appear in IELTS Speaking Part 1, part 2 and part 3. They also appear in IELTS Writing Task 2. Most people struggle to know the difference between the two words. Below you will find the meaning and a useful vocabulary list to help you talk about and writing about this topic. Also, find some model answers.

What’s the difference between Art and The Arts?

Art 

The word art refers to the creative forms that you often learn in school. For example, painting, drawing, sculpture, and pottery. These mediums are most often used to evoke emotion, to illustrate beauty, to reflect an aspect of nature or the world we live in, to tell a story or to express an opinion.

The Arts

However, the word the arts, as you can see, is plural. This means the arts involves a more diverse range of artistic and creative works and outlets. These can involve the performing arts, such as theatre and films. It can include literature as well. People can be creative in all kinds of ways. It covers a broad range of subjects, skills and interests under the main heading: the arts. Please note, that grammatically, when referring to the arts, you must always use the article “the”.

Question for you:

Below you will find a list of subjects, which of them are not found in the arts? The answer is at the bottom of the page.

  1. fashion design
  2. drama
  3. opera
  4. calligraphy
  5. poetry
  6. ballet
  7. film making
  8. reading literature
  9. photography
  10. jewellery making

Visual, Literature and Performing Arts

The Visual Arts

  • appealing to the eye
  • to stimulate visual experience
  • to expressing ideas, messages and emotions through visual means
  • to provoke feeling
  • it relies on the manipulation of form, colour, texture, and space
  • traditional mediums: paintings, sculptures, ceramics
  • modern mediums: photography, film, graphic design
  • other mediums: jewellery, textiles, interior design, fashion design
  • visual arts can be decorative
  • some architecture can fall within this classification

The Performing Arts

  • these are creative arts requiring body, time, space, energy and movement.
  • they encompass theatre, dance, drama, stand-up comedy, circus arts, and music.
  • expression comes from the movements of the body or through the voice
  • dance involves rhythmic and choreographed movements
  • dance could be classical ballet or contemporary dance
  • for performing arts, the artists body, voice and their presence are the tools
  • performing arts are designed, scripted, stage managed, often with the use of lighting and sometimes cast support

Literature

  • a form of creative expression using writing
  • it evokes emotion / it convey ideas and messages
  • genres include fiction, non-fiction, poetry, plays
  • it is a way to explore human experiences
  • the written word can portray characters, vivid scenes and interesting settings
  • it can perserve cultural values
  • through literature we can learn about our past, our present and our potential future
  • calligraphy blurs the lines between written communication and visual artistry

IELTS Speaking Questions: Art & The Arts

Questions with some model answers. However, please note, there are many ways these questions can be answered. The examples below illustrate the range of language possible, typical length of answers and technique for the IELTS Speaking Test.

  • Did you learn art at school when you were younger?
    • Most of my art lessons were focused on drawing and painting. It wasn’t very inspiring. I wish I’d had a chance to learn more interesting art such as pottery and sculpture.
  • What can someone gain from art?
    • So many things. At the very least, art can help them relax and enjoy life. But with deeper reflection, it can inspire people to achieve greater things in life. It can enlighten them, bringing insight or meditative calm. Art can also challenge people’s values and their perspectives. And it can educate  people through ideas, messages and beliefs.
  • Why do some people spend so much money on art?
    • Well, I think you’d have to ask each individual person because their motives probably differ widely. I suppose some people buy art as a status symbol, and others spend money on it for pure enjoyment.
  • Describe a piece of art you like.
    • I don’t have one single piece of art that I prefer. But generally, I like art that helps me enter a meditative state of being, such as some Japanese block prints that depict beautiful temples in the snow or in the rain. I like the imagery of aesthetically pleasing buildings that blend into and compliment the surrounding nature. I think the Japanese do this incredibly well. It definitely helps you feel at one with the world around you.
  • Which of the arts do you enjoy the most?
    • I think that’s a really tricky question because it depends on the occasion and my mood. If I feel like relaxing, I’d probably go for some classical visual arts, such as paintings and sculptures, which help me take my mind off things. But if I want enterainment, I might prefer the performing arts because I really do enjoy the cinema or going to the theatre.
  • Do you think the arts are important for society?
    • There is no doubt they are essential. Since the early days of man, we have used visual arts as a way to record our history, our culture and our experiences. Since then, we have developed more sophisticated art forms, such as film, graphic design, literature and others, which help us make sense of our lives. It is an essential form of our expression as human beings.
  • Do you think the government should support the arts and provide more funding for struggling artists?
    • Yes, because I think the arts and artists play a very important role in a country’s history and culture so they need to be supported by the government. Many artists scrape by on a pittance so being supported financially by the government is the only way they can do their work.
  • Do you think the arts should be censored?
    • This is a tough question because in an ideal world, the answer would be no. But in our current world today, I would say yes. Art can portray ideas and messages, and evoke emotions. If these ideas and emotions incite violent or prejudice, then they need to be controlled. So, a degree of cencorship is necessary.
  • What can people and society gain from the arts?
    • I think one of the main things is a sense of identity. We can identify as a community or a nation through national art forms. Nearly all countries have traditional music, traditional dress and traditional art forms. It helps us feel connected to our country and each other. I think national pride stems from such things.
  • Do you think there is a downside to the arts?
    • If there is one, I can’t think of it. I really see the arts are offering so much, whether it be in the form of appreciation, pleasure and enjoyment, or education and cultural identity.

Note: when you read the model answers above, I want you to note the language used, and also the natural way the questions are answered. The speaking test is 100% informal. It is a chat with the examiner.

 Writing Task 2 Essay Questions: art and the arts?

The Writing Task 2 essay questions on this topic are similar to the speaking questions above. If you prepare ideas and vocabulary for the questions listed above, you can adapt those ideas for your essay. However, you can find some essay questions about art on this page: ART ESSAY QUESTIONS

ANSWER

Which of the list given above weren’t part of The Arts?

Answers

Only number 8 (reading literature) is not part of the arts. While literature is part of the arts, reading literature is not. All the others on the list are part of the arts: fashion design, drama, opera, calligraphy, poetry, ballet, film making, photography, jewellery making.

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New Video – Paragraphs in IELTS Essays

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PARAGRAPH LENGTH FOR WRITING TASK 2 

Learn how many words and sentences you need for each paragraph in your IELTS essay. 

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This is my first and only video for 2025 due to health problems. It feels great to be finishing the year on a good note. So, I hope you find the video useful and informative. 

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Wishing you all the best

Liz

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Ideas in IELTS Essays & in IELTS Speaking

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Are your ideas marked in IELTS Writing and IELTS Speaking? How do you find and prepare ideas for your IELTS essays and for IELTS Speaking topics? Certainly, both IELTS writing and speaking tests are topic based and require you to have ideas to write about and talk about, but are those ideas marked and how do you prepare properly?

Ideas & Knowledge in IELTS Writing Task 2?

In IELTS Writing Task 2, you will be marked on

  1. Task Response (addressing the task, ideas, developing ideas and relevancy)
  2. Coherence & Cohesion (organisation & linking)
  3. Grammar
  4. Vocabulary

As you see, the key marking criterion for ideas is Task Response. That is all about your answer and the ideas you use in your answer. It counts for 25% of your writing task 2 marks. For more information & tips, see this page: IELTS Writing Task 1 Marking Criteria & Band Score Tips.

Let me explain more about Task Response:

Task Response: Your Answer & Ideas

This is about answering the question with relevant ideas, which are well-developed and supported. This means the ideas you present are marked. How relevant and developed your ideas are will affect your band score:

Band Score 8ideas are relevant, well-extended and supported
Band Score 7ideas are extended and support, but may be over-generalised or slightly lacking in focus.
Band Score 6ideas are relevant but may not be sufficiently developed and may lack clarity
Band Score 5ideas are limited, not developed enough and may contain irrelevant details

As you see, the more relevant, focused, detailed and well developed your ideas are, the higher your band score. People who get a low score present ideas that aren’t explained well or connected to the task or that lack focus.

Finding Ideas for IELTS Essays

Here are some things you should do to improve your band score relating to ideas:

Step 1: Have knowledge of common IELTS Writing Task 2 topics. You must know what type of topics you are likely to be given and what the questions are likely to be. You must check if there are any topics that you don’t know much about. If there are topics you don’t know about, learn about them before your test. For example, are you familiar with these topics: factory farming (intensive farming), package foods and preservatives in foods? All these topics are part of the main topic of Food for IELTS essays. See this page for a list of topics and essay questions: 100 IELTS Essay Questions

Step 2: You must prepare ideas for as many topics as you can. In the writing test, you only have around 40 mins for writing task 2 so you can’t waste time thinking about ideas – you must have those ideas already in your mind. You can learn ideas for topics from looking at model essays online, but that takes time.

To speed up learning ideas for topics, I created an e-book to help you. You can find it in my store: IELTS Essay Topics E-books. This e-book contains ideas for over 150 common essay topics with relevant vocabulary so you can learn ideas for topics. Click here to see a sample: Ebook Ideas for Topics Sample Chapter

Ideas for IELTS Essay Topics E-book

Step 3: You must be ready to think about how to present those ideas to address the points in your essay. This means you think carefully how to explain those ideas and link them to the task given. This means both ideas and how you present them are important. 

Step 4: You must explain those ideas thoroughly in your essay. You can add extra details, further information, more explanation, illustrations, examples and more. You add whatever you need to add to explain the idea fully. This is required for a high score.

Step 5: Planning your essay before you start writing is essential. Because you are marked on your ideas, you should spend time to think carefully about which ideas you will use and how you will present them. You should also plan how to explain those ideas fully for a high score. Plan all mains ideas and supporting points, then start writing.

Do you get a higher score for interesting ideas in IELTS Essays?

 

This video is an oldie but a goodie. It is still 100% relevant today.

Don’t get side tracked thinking ideas need to be juicy.

Ideas & Knowledge in IELTS Speaking?

In the IELTS Speaking test, you are marked only on your language skills. You are marked on your Fluency, your Grammar, your Vocabulary and your Pronunciation (each one is worth 25% of your marks). Ideas are not marked, but ideas or topic knowledge are still crucial to a high score. Why? To understand, you must look at each part of the test:

Ideas in IELTS Part 1 Speaking

For part 1, it is common to be asked many questions relating to usually three different topics. This will require you to have ideas for those topics. However, the questions are about your personal life or popular things in your country. This means you don’t really need ideas and knowledge for the topics, but you do need to know all the topics and prepare your opinions, past experiences etc. 

Ideas in Part 2 Speaking:

For part 2, you’ll be given a topic card (a cue card). You should aim to speak for 2 mins about the topic. Most topics are about your past or your present, such as your favourite book, your favourite place to relax, a childhood friend or a time you were late for something. Yes, you will need ideas but the ideas are more about your personal life (similar to part 1). Occasionally, you might get a more difficult topic such as a museum or a good law. For such topics, you will need vocabulary for those topics and relevant vocabulary. But your ideas are not marked and ideas are still about your own personal thoughts and experiences.

Ideas in Speaking Part 3:

This part of the test is different. This part is no longer about your personal experiences. It is about world issues and broader topics such as the environment, communication, skills, education, crime etc. You definitely need ideas and vocabulary to be able to speak about these topics. The questions are similar to writing task 2 essay questions so it’s easy to use ideas from writing task 2 for your speaking part 3. Your ideas and knowledge are not marked – but they are both needed to be able to speak easily in the test.

Preparing Ideas for IELTS Speaking

  1. Get used to all the past, current and trending topics for IELTS Speaking. The more topics you prepare for the better. I often have lists of trending topics for IELTS Speaking, but those lists are never complete and you must prepare common topics as well. IELTS does not release the topics to the public. Topics are kept confidential and secure for the test.
  2. Remember, you only have time to prepare your answer in part 2. For part 1 and part 3, your answers must be immediate, which is why knowledge of topics is crucial.
  3. Click below to access common topics:
  4. For part 1 and part 2 of the IELTS Speaking Test, you should prepare the following for each topic:
    • your favourites / likes / dislikes
    • your abilities (things you can do or not do)
    • your habits & routines (how often and when you do things)
    • your childhood memories
    • your past experiences as an adult
    • your future hopes and goal
    • popular choices in your country
    • your personal opinions about common topics
  5. For part 3, you should prepare the following for each topic:
    • your personal opinions (based on your knowledge and experience of the world, not your personal life)
    • popular opinions in your country 
    • evaluations – deciding the pros and cons of something – deciding if something is a good idea or not
    • comparing the past with the present such as “do people holiday differently today than in the past”. Think about all the ways your country has changed over the last few decades for all topics.
    • predicting future trends such as “how will people holiday in the future?”
    • comparisons between age groups and categories (such as the difference between independent travel and package holidays)

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IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay Topics 2024

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Below are essay topics and questions for IELTS Writing Task 2. They comprise of previous topics, common topics and trending topics in the world today. You must prepare all topics fully because ideas for topics are marked in the IELTS writing task 2 test. 

However, you must review these essay topics as well:  100 REPEATED ESSAY TOPICS FOR IELTS.

IELTS Essays Topics for 2024

These essay questions may be reworded and the tasks changed (for example an opinion essay changed to a discussion essay). These are guides for your preparation this year. The essay question changes with each test and different questions are used each day.

Advertising

  1. Some people think that adverts control what we purchase, while others think they are useful sources of information on products. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
  2. Fast food advertisements can be found on TV and throughout social media which tempts people to eat unhealthy food. Should fast food ads be banned?
  3. Many adverts target children. What problems does this create? And how can these problems be solved?

Buildings

Business

  1. More companies should employ older people. Do you agree?
  2. More business meetings are being conducted online rather than person to person. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this trend?
  3. Some companies use a lot of packaging when selling their products. Why is this? Is it a good thing?
  4. Some people think that next day delivery services are a good thing, while others think such services are having a negative impact on the environment and so should be stopped. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
  5. Companies should relocate their factories to rural areas. Is this a good idea?
  6. Some companies encourage workers to be competitive, while others encourage teamwork. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
  7. Large supermarkets will be the death of small, local shops. Do you agree?

Crime and Punishment

  1. Parents should be punished for the crimes of their children. To what extent do you agree?
    1. (note: frequent topic in IELTS and also a real life case in US of a parent being found guilty of a crime committed by their child this year: read article)
  2. Do developments in technology make crime easier to detect or do they make people more vulnerable to crime? Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
  3. Many people who commit crime have a low level of education. Are education courses in prison the best way to reduce crime rates?
  4. Some people think that teenagers should be given the same punishment for crimes as adults. What is your opinion?
  5. Some films glorify criminal behaviour which might tempt some people into crime. Do you think such films should be banned?

Culture

  1. Tourism is increasing in many far to reach places around the world. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages of this trend?
  2. Traditional ways of life are being lost in the modern world. Why is this happening? Do you think it is a positive or negative trend?
  3. The government should support local artists financially. Do you agree?
  4. People should adapt how they live to fit into a new country. Do you agree?
  5. The world would be a better place with only one culture and no cultural misunderstandings. Do you agree?

Family

  1. Children can benefit from spending more time with their grandparents. Do you agree?
  2. Parents have a responsibility to help children with their homework, but others believe children should do it on their own. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
  3. Adult children are choosing to live with their parents longer. Why is this happening. Is it a positive or negative trend?
  4. Parents should be solely responsible to keep their children safe online. To what extent do you agree?

Food

Education

Note, most of these questions are repeated each year.

  1. More people are educating themselves with online educational sources. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
  2. Schools, not parents, should be responsible for teaching children good behaviour. Who should be responsible for teaching children good behaviour? What can be done to promote good behaviour in children?
  3. Some schools no longer teach children handwriting skills. Do you think this is a positive or negative trend?
  4. Online education is better than classroom education. Discuss both methods of education and give your opinion.
  5. University education should be free for all. Do you agree?
  6. Having a university education is the best way to guarantee a successful career. To what extent do you agree?
  7. While some parents think homework puts too much pressure on children, others believe it is essential for a child’s educational development. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
  8. Some people think that children who fail in school will have a limited future. Do you agree?
  9. Computers and smart phones will be the death of handwriting, grammar and spelling. Do you agree?
  10. Schools should put more emphasis on sport and exercise, while others believe that schools should focus on science subjects. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
  11. Some people think tests are better than continual assessment as a way to evaluate school children. What is your opinion?
  12. Many children and adults enjoy watching historical films and serial dramas. What are the advantages and disadvantages of learning about historical events or characters from such sources?
  13. Some children are home schooled. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages of home schooling?
  14. Reading books is essential for a child’s development. Do you agree?

Environment

  1. Recycling is an important part of protecting the environment. Why is this? How could more people be encouraged to recycle?
  2. Environmental problems should be tackled internationally, not nationally. Do you agree?
  3. The government should take full responsibility for environmental issues, but others believe it ought to be the responsibility of individuals. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
  4. Plant and animal diversity is declining around the world. Why is this happening? Why is this a problem? (this question might also be a cause/solution essay)
  5. Some people believe the world is getting hotter. What are the causes and possible solutions for global warming?
  6. The government should encourage people to use electric cars. What are the advantages and disadvantages of electric cars?
  7. Low-cost airline travel is damaging the environment. Do you agree?

Health

  1. Obesity is a growing problem around the world. Why is this? What can be done about it?
  2. Mental health problems are having a greater impact on people. Why is this? What solutions can you suggest?
  3. Having a good work-life balance is the key to a healthy life. Do you agree?
  4. To ensure children’s health, schools should provide free nutritious meals. To what extent do you agree?

Language

Life & Lifestyle

  1. People were happier in previous generations compared to now. To what extent do you agree. Note: This question can also be about stress.
  2. Some people think that teenagers are happier than adults, but others do not agree. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
  3. People should donate part of their income to charity. Do you agree?
  4. Some people like change, while others prefer stability. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
  5. Some people live in the moment, while others prefer to plan for the future. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
  6. People living in communities are less socially connected with each other than in the past. Do you agree?
  7. Fewer people are visiting shops to make their purchases. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this trend?
  8. People knew how to relax in a healthier way in the past than now. Do you agree?
  9. People in the past had more hobbies which made their lives interesting compared to people today. Do you agree?
  10. More and more elderly people are living at home alone with very little social contact. Why is this happening? What can be done to improve the situation?

Media & News

  1. Some people think national news is more important than international news, while others disagree. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
  2. More and more people are accessing the news online. Is all online news trustworthy?
  3. Celebrities are often in the press. Should they have the right to total privacy whenever they want?
  4. Some people think celebrities are poor roles models for children? Do you agree?
  5. Social media promotes luxurious lifestyles. Is this a bad thing?
  6. Social media promotes appearance over character. Do you agree?
  7. Social media provides a convenient outlet for people to vent their negative feelings about a situation or a person. Do you think this is a positive or negative development?
  8. More and more people are streaming films and serial dramas online. Is this a positive or negative development?

Money

  1. Some people think saving money is the most important thing, while others believe it is better to spend money and enjoy life. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
  2. Spending money on luxury items or special occasions is very expensive. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
  3. Money management should be taught in schools. Do you agree?
  4. Schools should be responsible to teach children money management. Do you agree with this?

People & Personality

Space

  • For this topic, see the essay questions on this page: Space 
    • Note, even though this topic might not appear in the GT test, it could appear in IELTS Speaking Part 3 so everyone should prepare ideas and vocabulary for it.

Technology

  1. In many areas of work, robots are being given more roles. Is this a positive or negative trend?
  2. Smart phones provide an instant way to video record or photograph someone. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this development?
  3. People are spending too much time on their smart phones. Why is this? Is it a positive or negative trend?
  4. Online translations will one day make learning foreign languages obsolete. What is your opinion?
  5. Some companies rely 100% on technology for calculations and other such functions. What advantages does technology bring to the workplace? Is there a downside to relying too much on technology?

Travel and Tourism

World Issues

Note, these topics appear most years in the test.

  1. The gap between rich and poor countries is expanding. How can it be resolved?
  2. With the growing gap between rich and poor countries around the world, some people think that rich countries should economically support poorer countries more than they have in the past. Do you agree?
  3. Homelessness is a problem only the government can tackle. To what extent do you agree?
  4. More and more people are migrating from rural to urban areas. Why is this? What problems does it create?
  5. Green spaces should be prioritised in urban areas. Do you agree?
  6. Overpopulation is an increasing problem in urban areas around the world. What is the main reason for this? What could be done to tackle it?
  7. Littering is an increasing problem in many countries. What is the reason for this? What measures can be taken to tackle it?
  8. With a growing population, families should be prepared to take responsibility for their elder family members. To what extent do you agree?

Work

  1. Companies should employ more old people. What are the advantages and disadvantages of doing this?
  2. Having a good education is the best way to secure a good job. Do you agree?
  3. Some people think it is good to socialise with work colleagues, while others believe in maintaining a professional distance. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
  4. Some companies prefer people to work in the office, while others facilitate their employees to work from home. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
  5. Being self-employed is becoming more common these days. Is this a positive or negative development?
  6. Some people think that working fewer days per week actually increases productivity in workers. To what extent do you agree?
  7. Older people make better managers and company directors than younger people. To what extent do you agree?

More IELTS Essay Topics, Model Essays & Tips

For further preparation, see 100 IELTS REPEATED ESSAY QUESTIONS

Click here: ALL FREE Writing Task 2 MODEL ESSAYS & TIPS

For Advanced IELTS Lessons & E-books in my Store: Liz’s Store

Speaking Topics: IELTS Speaking Part 1 Topics 2024

SHARE YOUR TEST EXPERIENCE

Feel free to post your test experienced to share with others in the comments below.

Note:

  • did you take the GT or Academic Test
  • when you took the test
  • what you found challenging
  • was the topic difficult or easy

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Filed Under: IELTS Writing Task 2

IELTS Model Essay -Two Questions Essay Type

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IELTS Writing Task 2 Two Questions Essay is basically a Direct Questions Essay where you are given one, two or three direct questions to answer. Instead of being given task, such as “Discuss both sides.”, you are given specific questions to answer about a given topic.

IELTS Two Question Essay Task Sample

Below you see a two question essay for IELTS Writing Task 2.

More and more adults are playing computer games.

Why is this happening? Is it a positive or negative trend?

As you see, there are two tasks:

  1. to explain what the causes are for this topic
  2. to decide whether you think this is a positive trend or negative trend

These two tasks are of equal importance. This means that for your body paragraphs, you must address each question equally and explain each with equal length. This is actually part of the Task Response marking criterion, which counts for 25% of your writing task 2 marks. Click here: WRITING T2 MARKING CRITERIA WITH TIPS

Useful Tips: IELTS Two Direct Questions Essay

The main topic in the essay question is Technology and the specific topic is Computer Games and Adults.  I’ve provided a list of tips to help you tackle this type of essay question.

  1. There is only one issue to tackle: computer games. This is lucky. It is an easy essay question. Some essay questions are more complex and have two separate issues to tackle.
  2. The issue is specific: This means it is specifically relating to adults and your essay should not discuss why children play computer based. All IELTS essays must be very focused to the precise task you are given.
  3. There are two questions to answer. I call this type of question a “Direct Question Essay”. The first question is about causes of the trend. You might have one main cause or two causes. The second question is about evaluating whether this trend is good or bad. Whenever you are asked to choose, it means you must give your opinion.
  4. Analyse & Brainstorm:
    • Think of some examples of computer games that adults play. You need to spend time on this aspect of the question. The deeper you think about this, the more relevant your main ideas will become. For example, are there any computer games that require intelligence? How have computer games changed over the years? Is this a reason why so many adults now play games? The more you think, the better your ideas for tackling this essay will be.
    • Think about what attracts adults to these computers games. What do they get out of it?
    • Then think about whether you, personally, think this is good or bad. Do adults gain anything from playing computer games or are computer games a complete waste of time for them? Are there any negative consequences of adults doing this?
  5. After you brainstorm, choose the ideas that are the most relevant and the easiest to explain well. You don’t get a high score because you have lots of ideas. You get a higher score for presenting specific ideas which are well developed and highly relevant.
  6. Body Paragraphs: f you have two questions to cover. It is logical to have two body paragraphs. Being logical in your choice of paragraphing is important.
  7. Provide a clear position in your introduction as to whether you think this is a positive or negative point. Being clear in the introduction helps the examiner follow your body paragraphs more easily and this will increase your score. If you think it is positive – make it clear. If you think it is negative – say so. If you think “it depends” – make sure you word it clearly and explain it clearly in the body paragraphs – never sit on the fence when you are asked to choose. The easiest approach is a positive or negative one (a one-sided approach). The “it depends” approach is harder and requires stronger language skills.

Model Essay for IELTS  Two Direct Questions

It seems that the current trend is for an increasing number of adults to enjoy playing computer games in their free time. With the development of game technology, it is hardly surprising that adults are playing games, but whether it is positive or negative depends on the games played and the time spent on them.

In terms of why so many adults are choosing to spend time playing computer games, it is mainly because the technology behind the games is becoming more sophisticated. Initially, when games first came out, they were very simplistic and appealed mainly to children. However, things have moved on since then and games have become visually appealing, very absorbing, require great dexterity and some also have a strategic challenge to them which adults particularly like. Such games can attract professional adults looking to hone tactics and skills to other adults wishing just to relax and switch off.

However, whether this trend in adults towards computer games is beneficial or not can be challenged. Some adults use complex, challenging games as a form of escapism which keeps their mind sharp and helps them relax at the same time. As long as the time spent on such games is balanced with other healthier pursuits, it can be constructive. Unfortunately, adults who ignore their physical health and spend too much time on mindless, repetitive games develop a sedentary lifestyle which can be detrimental to their wellbeing.

In conclusion, computer games have become more fascinating and tempting to adults. While games that help develop tactics and knowledge might be advantageous, no game, particularly senseless games, should be played to excess and certainly should not replace healthier leisure activities.

Word count = 276

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Filed Under: IELTS Writing Task 2

IELTS Topic: Urban Planning

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The IELTS topic of Urban Planning in IELTS Speaking and Writing Task 2. This topic has appeared in the IELTS test a number of times. For this reason, it is a good topic to prepare for. Many people find this topic challenging because they don’t have many ideas about it. Below you will find:

  • What urban planning means
  • Speaking Part 3 Questions
  • Speaking Model Answers
  • Writing Task 2 Essay Questions
  • Useful Vocabulary and Ideas

This topic might also be called Urban Design.

What is Urban Planning / Urban Design

Before we look at questions and model answers, lets first understand what urban planning is.

  • Urban planning is about planning where houses and buildings are located in a city.
  • It is about ensuring there will be enough housing for the residents both now and in the future.
  • It is about planning the infrastructure of roads, bridges, overpasses etc to ensure a good flow of traffic.
  • It is also about the design of buildings and their function.
  • It’s about protecting some buildings and knocking others down.
  • It’s about how space is used in a city.
  • It helps ensure that a city can meet the needs of its citizens.
  • Before someone builds a house, it means they would require building permission which ensures their plans are acceptable.

IELTS Speaking Part 3: Urban Planning

Speaking Part Questions for Urban Planning with Model Answers. As you can see from the title of this section, this is most likely to appear in Speaking Part 3. If you had a topic in part 2 about your city, an interesting place in your country, or a crowded place, it is very possible to get this topic in part 3. Below are some questions:

  1. Is urban planning useful? (Why do we need urban planning?)
    1. I think it’s essential for any growing city. If there wasn’t any planning, people would be able to build what they want, where they want. There would be chaos, blocked traffic and unsafe buildings. I think that if any city wants to become successful in the modern world, it needs careful planning so that it remains efficient and appealing.
      1. Alternative answer: I think urban planning is really important, but too much control isn’t good. What I mean is, planning is important for big buildings, historical buildings and the infrastructure, but I think people should still be able to build the house they want for themselves without the government saying no.
      2. I’ve been to cities with good urban planning. They are really a joy to be in. There are wonderful city gardens, cycle paths, well-spaced buildings, trees and roads wide enough for the traffic, good facilities all easily accessible and much more. I think urban planning is essential if a city is to attract visitors, residents and businesses.
  2. Do you think it is interesting living in a crowded area?
    1. Personally, I’m not very keen on crowds. I mean, crowds are ok for concerts or festivals because they are exciting. But I wouldn’t want to live that way on a daily basis. I prefer cities that are more tranquil.
      1. For me, I think all modern cities with the best job opportunities are crowded. You can’t get away from that. It shows how popular the city is. Also, the more crowded it is, the more facilities and entertainments there probably are. I’d love to live in a bustling city. Such cities, feel really alive and fun.
  3. Are cities better to live in than the countryside?
    1. I suppose it depends on who you are talking to. I mean, people who have a family might prefer to live in the countryside where it’s more peaceful and also cheaper. But young people who are trying to get ahead with their careers might prefer a city because there are so many more opportunities and the salaries would be higher.
  4. Is it important for a city to have facilities for amusements?
    1. I think all cities should be designed to have amusements. I can’t imagine so many people living in a city that had nothing to offer for their free time. I mean, cities are the best places to go for nightclubs, cinemas, restaurants and concerts. Also, people come to the city to earn money and most of them probably would want to enjoy their income in their leisure time.
  5. Does urban planning make a city more boring? (Does urban planning take the character out of a city?
    1. I think it depends on the government and the aims of their urban planning. That is to say, some governments are only interested in cheap, unattractive, functional buildings which have no character and no charm. This would definitely make a city pretty boring to visit and live in. But other governments understand that a city should be appealing, with impressive buildings, historical buildings and beautiful parks. So, if urban planning is done correctly, it can make a city more attractive, not only to the residents there, but also to foreigner travellers. After all, tourism is good for the economy.

IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay Questions: Urban Planning

Below are examples of essay questions that have appeared in the IELTS test about buildings and city planning.

Some people think that cities should be designed to be beautiful rather than functional. Do you agree?

Some people think urban centres need more green spaces, while others believe more housing is needed. What do you think?

As cities have increased in size and building work has expanded in a haphazard way, there should be more careful planning. Do you agree or disagree?

Some people think it is better to pull down old buildings and replace them with modern ones. However, others believe old buildings still have value. Discuss bot sides and give your opinion.

Some cities locate shops, housing, schools and entertainment in different areas of the city. What are the advantages and disadvantages of doing so?

Useful Vocabulary for Buildings and Urban Planning Topic

  • requalify existing city buildings
  • create new urbanisations
  • improve the quality of life of the inhabitants / residents
  • ensure a logical and efficient city layout
  • plan commercial centres
  • ensure building safety
  • plan infrastructure, such as roads, airports, railways, public transport system, cycle paths etc
  • planning for the increase in traffic on roads to avoid congestion
  • make educational and health care facilities easy to access
  • without planning, future city growth might become unsustainable
  • protect heritage sites and places of historic significance
  • create national pride through buildings and layout of key buildings
  • plan parks and other green spaces for health benefits
  • ensure that housing and buildings do not encroach on natural resources, places of beauty and other protected areas
  • prohibit development that might threated wildlife and natural habitats
  • to ensure the capacity for future urban growth
  • relocating business outside urban areas
  • decentralising services, such as schools, shops and companies
  • helping with carbon emissions by developing cycle paths and efficient public transport
  • to ensure a good urban landscape
  • waste management and sanitation must be well planned for hygiene reasons
  • it makes a city more liveable / more accessible / more interesting / more appealing
  • people will feel more prosperous in a well planned city
  • it attracts investment for business
  • ensures that the city is well connected with other cities and other countries

IELTS Writing Task 2 Useful Links

Click here for: IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Essays, Tips and Lessons

Click here for: IELTS Writing Task 1: Model Answers, Tips and Lessons

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Vocabulary for Government Topic

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Below is a list of vocabulary relating to the topic of “Government”. This word list will help refresh your memory and also expand your range to learn new words. Although the topic of politics doesn’t appear in IELTS, questions relating to general government policies do appear frequently in both IELTS Writing and IELTS Speaking.

On this page, you will find:

  1. Word Forms
  2. Synonyms and Types of Government
  3. Useful Government Vocabulary
  4. IELTS Speaking Questions & Model Answers
  5. IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay Questions

1. Word Forms:

  • government (n)
  • to govern (vb)
  • governmental (adj)

Common Errors 

There are two common errors when using the word “government”.

  1. “n” – don’t forget the spelling – goverNment.
  2. article “the” – when we refer to the government, we usually use the article “the”.
    1. For example:
    2. Wrong = Many people think government should improve the infrastructure in rural areas.
    3. Correct = Many people think the government should improve the infrastructure in rural areas.

2. Synonyms & Types of Government

Below is a useful word list for synonyms. However, please note that is fine to repeat the word “government” in your essay even for high band score candidates.

  • the political system
  • the administration
  • the central government
  • the local government
  • the authorities
  • the people in authority
  • the leadership
  • those in power

Note, as with all synonyms, they cannot all be used in the same context in the same way. They do differ.

Types of Government and Governing

Below are words relating to types of government and the way countries are run.

  • republic = a country with no monarch and has an elected leader, usually a president
  • democracy = the government is elected by the people, each person has a single vote
  • autonomy = a self-governing country or region
  • dictatorship = a country ruled by one person who has not been elected and uses force to keep control
  • totalitarian state = a country with only one political power and people are forced to do what the government tells them
  • regime = an authoritarian government
  • capitalist = a free-market country
  • communist = a political and economic system with a classless society where business, factories, farms etc are publicly owned
  • monarchy = a country has a king or queen – in traditional monarchies, the monarch has absolute power but in a a constitutional monarchy (such as the UK), there is a democratic government, and the monarch is largely symbolic and politically neutral
  • anarchy = a situation where there is no government
  • constitutional government = a government which is limited in its power by a constitution
  • coalition government = with no direct winner after elections, a government can be formed in which two or more parties cooperate

3. Useful Government Vocabulary

Within a Government

  • politicians = people who hold an office within politics
  • branches of government- legislative, executive and judicial
  • executive branch = this is the part of the government which carries out the law
  • legislative branch = this part of the government makes the laws and raises money to run the government
  • judicial branch = this part of the government decides laws and settles disputes
  • state government = a local government within a particular region or area of a country
  • enforcement agencies = bodies within a government which can enforce the law, for example, the police
  • political party = a group of people with similar political aims that hopes to have a member elected to government
  • diplomats = people who represent their country in communication with other countries

 Useful Government Vocabulary

  • to pass a law / to enable a law / to bring in a new law = to have a law accepted
  • to abide by a law = to follow a law without breaking it
  • to elect = to choose
  • to have political influence / political power = the extent of a group’s or person’s ability to change the way political decisions are made
  • a citizen = a person living within a country
  • election = the process of voting for someone to come into power or into a role
  • laws = rules for governing a country
  • liberty = freedom
  • maintain order = providing organisation and safety for the people of a country
  • rights = freedoms which are protected and should be guaranteed
  • taxes = money paid by citizens to run and maintain a country
  • raise / lower taxes – to increase or decrease the money paid by citizens to the government
  • budget = money that is allocated to spend in a particular area
  • to increase the budget on X = to give more money to X
  • defence spending = the money that the government spends on the defence of its country
    • note that the word “defence” can also be spelled as “defense” in American English
  • policies = action proposed by an organisation
  • charismatic = a characteristic that attracts and appeals to other people – many successful politicians are charismatic
  • long term / short term goals
  •  to be proactive = doing something rather than just waiting for something to happen

Citizen’s Actions

  • campaign for something
  • demonstrations
  • to be involved in protests
  • organise a petition
  • speak at public meetings
  • put up posters
  • organise a public meeting
  • write to politicians

4. Government Topic Questions for IELTS Speaking 

IELTS Speaking doesn’t have one single topic called “the Government”. But most topics in IELTS Speaking, do contain questions that relate to how official organisations, such as the government, can improve aspects of life. Below are some examples of questions with model answers. Most of these questions are more likely to appear in Speaking part 3 which deals with broader issues.

  • Q) What is the role of a government?
  • A) A government is responsible to decide how a country is run and for managing how it is run. It rules and governs a body of people to make sure that those people abide by laws.
  • Q) Do you think the government should be responsible for public health?
  • A) While the government should be proactive in opening more exercise facilities for the public and to raise awareness of public health, I think it is ultimately the role of the individual to improve their own health.
  • Q) Do you think the government should pay to support the Arts?
  • A) Yes, in a way. I think the government should definitely provide some support for the Arts as a way to promote our cultural heritage. For example, local people can learn about their own culture from watching the dramatic arts and also from paintings and sculptures. This is also a huge draw for visiting tourists who wish to experience local culture. However, I do think that artists also need to be responsible for ensuring their own income and not just rely on the government.
  • Q) What do you think the government could do to protect natural beauty spots in your country?
  • A) Well, I suppose one of the key things that those in power could do is to establish stricter laws to ensure people treat places of natural beauty with respect. For example, littering is a huge problem in my country and this needs to be taken more seriously. Another thing is for the government to spend more money on conservation as well as raising awareness among the local population of the importance of these places.

5. IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay Questions Samples

  1. Many people think people should pay for their education, while others think the government should fund all education. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
  2. Some people believe the government should be responsible for the homeless and that society is not responsible. Do you agree?
  3. Do you think artists should have the right to express any opinion through their work or do you think the government should censor their work?
  4. Do you think the government should focus on supporting science or the Arts?
  5. Do you think the government should be solely responsible for public safety or do you think individuals should also be held responsible for their own safety?
  6. Some people believe that the government should spend more money on protecting wildlife. Do you agree or disagree?
  7. Some people think that the government is wasting essential funds on space research and that these funds would be better allocated to health care. To what extend do you agree?

Tip: Don’t suggest in your essay that the government could introduce a particular law if there is already one in place. If you know a law is already in place, then you can suggest that the law serves harsher punishments and give examples of that. Try to keep your essay real. Think your ideas through and be sincere in your essay for a high score.

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