UK US Spelling Main Differences

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There are key differences between UK and US spelling. In IELTS, you should not mix your spelling. You should choose either British English or American English spelling. This is not the case with accents in the speaking test. In the speaking test, mixed accents are fine.

British and American Spelling Differences

Below are the key differences in spelling between American English and British English writing. However, please note this is not a complete list.I have listed some of the main words that are commonly used in English and IELTS. The list below are organised as UK spelling first and US spelling second.

1) – ise / -ize

In British English spelling, some words end with -ise whereas they end with -ize in American English spelling.

  • realise / realize
  • sympathise / sympathize
  • organise / organize
  • specialise / specialize
  • authorise / authorize
  • criticise / criticize
  • recognise / recognize
  • characterise / characterize
  • standardise / standardize

Also note words ending -yse and -yze, such as analyse / analyze and paralyse / paralyze are spelled differently.

Please note there are exceptions. Nowadays, the following words are spelled the same in both UK and US spelling: surprise, exercise, prize, seize, advise, advertise. There may be other words, but these are the most common. 

3) -re / -er

  • centre / center
  • theatre / theater
  • litre / liter
  • metre / meter (this also applies to other measurements – km, cm, mm)
  • fibre / fiber

4) ller / ler

Note that British English words ending ller have a double “l” compared to the US spelling which is only one “l”.

  • traveller / traveler
  • levelled / leveled
  • cancelled / canceled
  • fuelled / fueled
  • jewellery / jewelry (jewelery)

This same rule applies to other forms of words such as travelled, travelling.

5) -l / -ll

Now we see the opposite rule to the one above. With UK spelling, some words have one “l”, while in US spelling they have two.

  • fulfil / fulfill
  • appal / appall 
  • skilful / skillfull
  • unskilful / unskillful
  • enrol / enroll
  • instil / instill

However, the rule above is limited. Most words are actually spelled the same in both UK and US English: successful, refill, harmful, resourceful, meaningful, thoughtful. 

6) -our / -or

  • colour / color
  • behaviour / behavior
  • favourite / favorite
  • honour / honor
  • flavour / flavor
  • neighbour / neighbor
  • humour / humor
  • labour / labor

Note the word “hour” is spelled the same.

7) -ogue / -og

  • dialogue / dialog
  • catalogue / catalog
  • travelogue / travelog

I hope you found this page useful 🙂 All the best, Liz

………………………………..

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Filed Under: IELTS Writing Task 2

Interesting Speaking Part 1 Topics for 2022

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Below are some predicted IELTS Speaking Part 1 topics that could appear this year. Please do not just jump to the list of topics. Please read all the information given below before you read the list of topics. The best way to learn is to be attentive to detail.

Preparation

As you see, I have not written questions, only topics. This is because it is important that you answer naturally in your IELTS Speaking Test without using memorised answers or memorised sentences. Instead, just prepare the following:

  • key vocabulary
  • comparisons
  • your childhood memories
  • your recent past memories
  • your current situation or opinions
  • popular activities or opinions in your country
  • things you can do /  don’t do / do often / would like to do
  • your future hopes

You can prepare for your Speaking Test on your own at home. See this video: How to Develop Your IELTS Speaking at Home for Free

Common Topics

You must prepare all common topics for IELTS Speaking Part 1 as well as predicted topics. Many common topics will definitely be used in 2022. Click here: IELTS Speaking Part 1 Common Topics

Predictions for Speaking Part 1 2022

Please note that within each topic below, there are subtopics. You might be given a subtopic. For example, within the topic of Clothing, you will find the subtopics of Fashion or Accessories. You could get any of those subtopics.

  • Animals
    • pets, wild animals, common species, company for people
  • Buildings
    • the prefect home: rooms, views, outdoor area
    • neighbourhood buildings
    • old buildings, famous buildings in your country
    • style of buildings: modern, old, classical, traditional
  •  Clothes
    • buying clothes, traditional clothes, uniforms
    • spending money, fashion, functional wear
    • accessories: bags, shoes, belts, wrist watches, hats, jewelry
    • vanity, using mirrors, your image
  • Communication
    • phone calls, emails, online chat, texts – best way to communicate
    • facebook, social media – pros and cons
    • special chats with friends or family
  • Daily Habits
    • your daily routine
    • your usual schedule
    • time with friends and family
    • doing new things, meeting new people
  • Education
    • subjects, teachers, school friends, 
    • sports, extra curricular activities
    • school rules, uniforms
  •  Environment
    • your neighbourhood, nature in your country
    • outdoor activities, outdoor sports
    • parks, gardens, trees, flowers, bees 
    • recycling, wildlife
  • Family & Friends
    • spending quality time, activities together, socialising online or in person
    • favourite people in your life
    • old members of your family, age of friends
  • Free time
    • days off / holidays 
    • reading, magazines, films, passive activities, lockdown activities, hobbies
    • importance of free time, too much free time
  • Food & Drink
    • meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
    • snacks, fruit, chocolate, cakes, junk food
    • tea, coffee, alcoholic drinks, celebration drinks
    • home cooked vs restaurant food
  • Health
    • Keeping fit (gym/at home), sport, 
    • mental health (nature, meditation)
    • finding ways to relax, remaining positive (anxiety, happiness)
    • free time activities, hobbies
    • healthy diet
  • Helping People
    • donating money, charities
    • helping neighbours, relationships with friends and neighbours
    • supporting the elderly
  • Home
    • house / apartment
    • favourite room, furniture, decoration
    • neighbourhood, neighbours
    • home improvements
  • Internet
    • using phones or laptop, life without computers
    • pros and cons of internet
    • meeting people online, communication online
    • favourite website. popular websites or apps
  • Languages
    • learning a foreign language: books, app, teachers, visiting a country
    • children learning foreign language – school
    • subtitles on films, foreign films
  • Music
    • songs, singers, places for music
    • foreign songs, lyrics
    • children and music, music in school
  • News
    • domestic and international news – how often you read, what type you prefer
    • how you get your news – newspaper, online etc
    • reading headlines or articles
  • Outdoor Activities
    • popular types: picnics, sport, hobbies, photography etc
    • with friends and family
    • importance and changes over time
    • childhood outdoor activities / games
  • Phone
    • how often you use it and why you use it
    • special features: cameras, calendars, clock, weather etc
    • texting people, calling people, accessing the internet
    • children using smart phones
  • Photography
    • your experience taking photos
    • types of photos (the type of picture – family/scene etc)
    • the way photos are taken – different gadgets
  • Reading
    • types of books / magazines / websites / news
    • children’s books
    • foreign books, books converted into films / books vs movies
  • Remembering
    • how to focus, being tired
    • remembering numbers, remembering birthdays / dates
    • using calendars or notes or reminder apps on your phone
  •  Transport
    • trains, planes, buses, bike, walking
    • public / private transport / popular options
    • comparisons, your frequent habits, your past experiences, your opinions
  • Sleeping
    • your habits
    • your dreams / importance of dreams
    • importance of sleep for health
  • Study (only for students)
    • your course, your subject, your daily schedule
    • equipment you use, projects, working with others
    • first day memories, future goals, future career
  • Sport
    • favourite sport, popular sport, watching sports on TV
    • sport in schools, exercise
    • exciting sports
  • Sunshine
    • Spending time in the sun / activites
    • using sunscreen, tanning,  suitable clothing
    • weather in your country, seasons, rain, clouds
  • Work (only for working people)
    • your job, roles, tasks
    • your first day memories
    • your goals, plans, development, promotion
    • equipment used

FREE TIPS AND MODEL ANSWERS FOR IELTS SPEAKING

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Answers to Mole Listening Practice

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Below you will find the answers and transcript to the Multiple Choice Listening Practice about Moles.

If you haven’t completed this lesson yet, please do so before you look at the answers. Click here for the lesson: MOLES Listening Practice

Transcript and Audio

Listen again to the audio and read the transcript at the same time. It will help you to check your answers and also improve your pronunciation. The actual answers are listed below.

Transcript: Moles and Mole Hills. The earliest species of mole was found more or less 55 million years ago. Since then, they have developed into 42 species all of which are categorised as insectivores. Nowadays, most people in the UK come across moles when they discover mole hills on their lawns. It is from these mole hills that the idiom “making a mountain out of a mole hill” was formed. This is a very common idiom used by most native English speakers and means exaggerating something that is in fact quite small and trivial. Mole hills are created by the mole digging out earth to create tunnels and throwing the earth outwards into the garden which creates little mounds of earth on the surface. These mole hills do not cause the garden much damage but many people think they are unsightly. Moles can carry rabies which can cause serious illness if someone is bitten, but as most people rarely come into contact with a living mole, they are hardly considered a health risk. As people, particularly in the UK, are very proud of their gardens, the unsightly mole hills result in them laying down traps which kill the moles. Some people think moles are blind which is why they live underground in the dark. However, this is a myth. Although, it’s true that their eyes are very small and play little role in their life underground. They rely mostly on their sense of smell and hearing which they use to find food, such as worms. They are particularly sensitive to vibrations in the soil. A mole is capable of digging upward of 200 yards in a day, which considering that a mole only grows to about 15cm is a great achievement. They often use their tunnels as highways to travel from one place to another. They can run down their tunnels, go backwards and even do little somersaults all inside their tunnels. Their tunnel systems are also used to connect subterranean living chambers such as bedrooms and birthing chambers. The birthing chamber is about the size of a football and the female mole lines it with dry grass and leaves for the young. It’s easy to spot the breeding chamber because the mole hill above it is the biggest. She is the only adult mole who is responsible for taking care of the young. Moles are sweet looking creatures with massive hands, short limbs and strong claws all designed as excellent digging tools. Unfortunately, for moles, their skins used to be prized highly by British High Society for clothing which meant that many moles died for the vanity of people.

Audio

.

Answers

  1. The mole hill idiom means …
    • Answer: A
    • To exaggerate mean to make something small appear bigger than it is. Such as acting like a small spot on your face, it is huge tumour.
    • Also note, IELTS listening never tests your understanding of idioms. But in this question the meaning as given so it tested only your listening.
    • This isn’t a realistic question for IELTS listening because many of you could guess the answer. This isn’t normal for IELTS listening questions. But I thought you’d all enjoy the question anyway 🙂 
  2. Most people are worried that mole hills ….
    • Answer: B
    • The recording says “mole hills don’t cause much damage”. This means option A is wrong. Just because you hear the word “damage” which is also found in the question doesn’t mean it is the answer. Don’t try to match words.
    • The recording says “many people think they are unsightly”. The word “unsightly” means ugly. 
    • The recording says “Moles can carry rabies which can cause serious illness if someone is bitten, but as most people rarely come into contact with a living mole, they are hardly considered a health risk” This means that while moles can carry disease, they aren’t actually a risk.
  3. Moles …
    • Answer: C
    • The recording says that blind moles “are a myth”. This means it is not true.
    • The recording says they eat worms. But it does not say they eat “ONLY” worms. Pay attention to the word “only”. It means they eat worms and nothing else. 
    • The answer is found here “They are particularly sensitive to vibrations in the soil. ” This means they can feel movement in the earth.
  4. Moles can dig …
    • Answer: A
    • The recording says “A mole is capable of digging upward of 200 yards in a day”. The word “upward of” means “over”.
  5. Moles give birth ….
    • Answer: B
    • The recording says “Their tunnel systems are also used to connect subterranean living chambers such as bedrooms and birthing chambers. “. 
    • This was a difficult question. The birthing chamber is where moles give birth and the recording shows it is also one of the “subterranean living chamber”. This means “underground”.
    • You could also arrive at this answer by process of elimination. This means to delete the wrong answers. They don’t give birth in a bedroom, but in a birthing chamber and definitely not in a tunnel.
  6. The birthing chamber is …
    • Answer: A
    • the recording says “The birthing chamber is about the size of a football and the female mole lines it with dry grass and leaves for the young. It’s easy to spot the breeding chamber because the mole hill above it is the biggest. She is the only adult mole who is responsible for taking care of the young.”. This shows it is not specifically larger than a football and the “she mole” (not the males) cares for the young. This provides the only answer which is 100% accurate: “the mole hill above is the biggest” which means the chamber is below the biggest mole hill.
  7. Moles are equipped with …
    • Answer: C
    • The recording showed that moles have “massive hands, short limbs and strong claws all designed as excellent digging tools. “
    • Limbs are said to be short, no mention about strength. So, answer A is wrong.
    • Claws (nails) are strong, but no mention of being curved. So, answer B is wrong.
    • The word “immense” is the same as: huge, very big, massive.

I hope you’ve all enjoyed this listening test and have learned some new aspects of how to spot correct answers. 

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED 

Click below:

All the best

Liz 

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Listening Multiple Choice Practice: Moles

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Below is a listening practice lesson for IELTS preparation. The questions are multiple choice questions which require you to pay very close attention to the paraphrases used and to pay close attention to the differences in the options given. Don’t expect only one option to be mentioned in the recording. You will likely hear words that relate to all options, but only one will be the real answer.

Instructions for Multiple Choice Listening

  • Always pay attention to the topic of the listening test which will help prepare you for the language in the recording. There will usually be a title given.
  • Read the questions before you listen to the recording.
  • Pay attention to keywords in the questions and the answer options.
  • Notice the similarity and differences between options. Sometimes the answer options can appear similar so spot the differences.
  • You might hear words for all answer options but only one answer option will be correct.
  • The questions will come in order but the answer options will not.
  • Be ready to listen only once. You can’t pause the recording in the real test.
  • Make sure you write a letter, not words, for your answer.

IELTS Listening Multiple Choice Questions 1-7

Choose the correct option for the statements below from a choice of A-C. Your answer will be a letter.

Moles & Mole Hills

  • 1. The mole hill idiom means …
    • a) making small things seem big.
    • b) make facts seem small.
    • c) making big things seem small.
  • 2. Most people are worried that mole hills …
    • a) damage lawns.
    • b) look ugly.
    • c) are a health concern.
  • 3. Moles …
    • a) are blind.
    • b) only eat worms.
    • c) can sense movement in the earth.
  • 4. Moles can dig …
    • a) over 200 yards daily.
    • b) just under 200 yards a day.
    • c) in an upward direction.
  • 5. Moles give birth ….
    • a) in a bedroom.
    • b) underground.
    • c) in a tunnel.
  • 6. The birthing chamber is …
    • a) below the largest mound of earth.
    • b) larger than a football.
    • c) where the male takes care of the young.
  • 7. Moles are equipped with ….
    • a) strong limbs for digging.
    • b) curved nails for digging.
    • c) immense hands for digging.

Recording

.

TRANSCRIPT & ANSWERS

CLICK BELOW:

TRANSCRIPT

I give transcripts on my website to help you review your answers and analyse why you got an answer right or wrong. The transcript is not given with the multiple choice questions – it is given with the answers only. You won’t have access to the transcript in your listening test. You can also use the transcript to listen and repeat out loud to improve your pronunciation.

Transcript: Moles and Mole Hills. The earliest species of mole was found more or less 55 million years ago. Since then, they have developed into 42 species all of which are categorised as insectivores. Nowadays, most people in the UK come across moles when they discover mole hills on their lawns. It is from these mole hills that the idiom “making a mountain out of a mole hill” was formed. This is a very common idiom used by most native English speakers and means exaggerating something that is in fact quite small and trivial. Mole hills are created by the mole digging out earth to create tunnels and throwing the earth outwards into the garden which creates little mounds of earth on the surface. These mole hills do not cause the garden much damage but many people think they are unsightly. Moles can carry rabies which can cause serious illness if someone is bitten, but as most people rarely come into contact with a living mole, they are hardly considered a health risk. As people, particularly in the UK, are very proud of their gardens, the unsightly mole hills result in them laying down traps which kill the moles. Some people think moles are blind which is why they live underground in the dark. However, this is a myth. Although, it’s true that their eyes are very small and play little role in their life underground. They rely mostly on their sense of smell and hearing which they use to find food, such as worms. They are particularly sensitive to vibrations in the soil. A mole is capable of digging upward of 200 yards in a day, which considering that a mole only grows to about 15cm is a great achievement. They often use their tunnels as highways to travel from one place to another. They can run down their tunnels, go backwards and even do little somersaults all inside their tunnels. Their tunnel systems are also used to connect subterranean living chambers such as bedrooms and birthing chambers. The birthing chamber is about the size of a football and the female mole lines it with dry grass and leaves for the young. It’s easy to spot the breeding chamber because the mole hill above it is the biggest. She is the only adult mole who is responsible for taking care of the young. Moles are sweet looking creatures with massive hands, short limbs and strong claws all designed as excellent digging tools. Unfortunately, for moles, their skins used to be prized highly by British High Society for clothing which meant that many moles died for the vanity of people.

ANSWERS

Below are the answers to the multiple choice questions:

  1. The mole hill idiom means …
    • A
      • To exaggerate mean to make something small appear bigger than it is. Such as acting like a small spot on your face, it is huge tumour.
      • Also note, IELTS listening never tests your understanding of idioms. But in this question the meaning as given so it tested only your listening.
      • This isn’t a realistic question for IELTS listening because many of you could guess the answer. This isn’t normal for IELTS listening questions. But I thought you’d all enjoy the question anyway 🙂 
  2. Most people are worried that mole hills ….
    • B
      • The recording says “mole hills don’t cause much damage”. This means option A is wrong. Just because you hear the word “damage” which is also found in the question doesn’t mean it is the answer. Don’t try to match words.
      • The recording says “many people think they are unsightly”. The word “unsightly” means ugly. 
      • The recording says “Moles can carry rabies which can cause serious illness if someone is bitten, but as most people rarely come into contact with a living mole, they are hardly considered a health risk” This means that while moles can carry disease, they aren’t actually a risk.
  3. Moles …
    • C
      • The recording says that blind moles “are a myth”. This means it is not true.
      • The recording says they eat worms. But it does not say they eat “ONLY” worms. Pay attention to the word “only”. It means they eat worms and nothing else. 
      • The answer is found here “They are particularly sensitive to vibrations in the soil. ” This means they can feel movement in the earth.
  4. Moles can dig …
    • A
      • The recording says “A mole is capable of digging upward of 200 yards in a day”. The word “upward of” means “over”.
  5. Moles give birth ….
    • B
      • The recording says “Their tunnel systems are also used to connect subterranean living chambers such as bedrooms and birthing chambers. “. 
      • This was a difficult question. The birthing chamber is where moles give birth and the recording shows it is also one of the “subterranean living chamber”. This means “underground”.
      • You could also arrive at this answer by process of elimination. This means to delete the wrong answers. They don’t give birth in a bedroom, but in a birthing chamber and definitely not in a tunnel.
  6. The birthing chamber is …
    • A
      • the recording says “The birthing chamber is about the size of a football and the female mole lines it with dry grass and leaves for the young. It’s easy to spot the breeding chamber because the mole hill above it is the biggest. She is the only adult mole who is responsible for taking care of the young.”. This shows it is not specifically larger than a football and the “she mole” (not the males) cares for the young. This provides the only answer which is 100% accurate: “the mole hill above is the biggest” which means the chamber is below the biggest mole hill.
  7. Moles are equipped with …
    • C
      • The recording showed that moles have “massive hands, short limbs and strong claws all designed as excellent digging tools. “
      • Limbs are said to be short, no mention about strength. So, answer A is wrong.
      • Claws (nails) are strong, but no mention of being curved. So, answer B is wrong.
      • The word “immense” is the same as: huge, very big, massive.

.

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Filed Under: IELTS Listening

Answers to Misunderstanding the Cue Card

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I’ve posted the answers about misunderstanding or misreading the IELTS Speaking Part 2 Cue Card back on the original page. Click here to see the answers and explanation: Misunderstanding the Cue Card

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Misunderstanding the IELTS Speaking Cue Card

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What happens if you misunderstand or misread your IELTS cue card in Speaking Part 2? Does it mean you will get a lower score? How do the band scores relate to this?

Examples of Misunderstood IELTS Speaking Cue Cards

Below are some cue card topics and examples of how it is possible to misread or misunderstood them:

  1. A piece of equipment you use at home
    1. You talk about a tennis racket or football.
  2. A time someone helped you
    1. You talk about a time when you helped your friend.
  3. A foreign food you would like to eat
    1. You talk about a foreign food you don’t like.
  4. An achievement you celebrated
    1. You talk about your mother’s 60th birthday party.
  5. Something you borrowed
    1. You talk about an item you gave to a friend.
  6. An interesting old person
    1. You talk about someone who is 40 years old.
  7. A type of weather you like
    1. You talk about the sports you enjoy playing when it’s hot.
  8. A film you like
    1. You talk about a sport you enjoy.

All the examples above are from IELTS candidates who went slightly off topic and either didn’t read the cue card properly or misunderstood the topic. 

The Impact of Misreading the IELTS Cue Card

Question to you: Which of the examples given above for the IELTS cue cards in speaking part 2 might be a problem or are they all ok? 

Click below to reveal the answer:

ANSWER

OK. Get ready to read and become more informed. There is no quick answer, only detailed explanations.

As you can see from the examples listed above on this page, all of them go off topic slightly. The reason being that someone in the test was so nervous that they misunderstood or didn’t read the cue card properly. It happens a lot in the speaking test.

There is NO marking criterion called Task Achievement in IELTS Speaking. Task Achievement or Task Response is part of the Writing Test marking, not part of the Speaking test marking. In Speaking, you are marked on:

  • Fluency
  • Grammar
  • Vocabulary
  • Pronunciation

Only your spoken English matters. 

So, with the examples listed above, all examples from 1 to 7 are fine. The candidate has understood the main topic and stayed on the main topic. But they have missed specific details. In example 1, the topic is equipment and the specific detail is equipment in the home. In this case, the candidate didn’t read the card properly and only talked about equipment, missing any mention of “home”. This is not a problem. You won’t lose marks because of this. The examiner might draw your attention to this or might not. In number 5, the candidate has misunderstood the word “borrow” and talked about “lend”. This is very small vocabulary error and won’t have a big impact on your score for vocabulary. Even number 6 is fine. Some people think that being 40 years old is old, while others think that only 70 years and above is old. We all have different understandings of age and it’s ok.

However, the problem is number 8. In this situation the candidate hasn’t misread the cue card and hasn’t misunderstood it either. A film is 100% different to a sport. Even people with only simple English know the difference between a film and a sport. This candidate has actually changed the topic completely. This could be a serious problem. If the examiner thinks you have changed the topic because you prefer a different one that you prepared at home or one you have memorised, you might have your entire talk discounted. It won’t result in minus points because there are no minus points, but your talk might be seen as invalid and not counted towards your marks. You can’t change the topic and you can’t memorise answers. 

Basically, if you misread the cue card, don’t worry about it. Keep talking. No matter the mistake, your talk will count towards your marks. Each word and sentence you say in the test will count towards your marks. But never try to completely change the topic on the cue card.

I hope this gives you more insight into how your talk in IELTS Speaking part 2 is marked.

 

All the best

Liz

 

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IELTS Essay Questions for 2022

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Below is a list of predicted IELTS Writing Task 2 essay topics for this year, 2022. As usual, these topics are based on common topics, current world issues and trending topics. Both GT and Academic candidates should prepare from the list below.

On this page, you will find:

  • List of types of essay questions
  • Essay Topics for 2022
  • Useful Links for lessons & tips

IELTS Essay Types in 2022

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. When you read the 2022 Essay Topics list below, be ready for that topic to be phrased in different ways for different essay types. Be prepared to be flexible!!

  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

Click here to learn how to spot which type of essay you have: IELTS Essay Types

IELTS Essay Topics for 2022

I’ve organised the predicted IELTS essay questions below and highlighted the topics I feel are more likely to appear. All topics in IELTS essays are current world issues and known society concerns. Our world today is mainly focused on health, work, technology, internet and other aspects of life.

Art

  1. is art important
  2. what can children learn from art, drama etc
  3. is literature important to teach in schools
  4. should the government fund artists
  5. what people gain from live events
  6. should art be censored
  7. does art transcend the language barrier

Books & Reading

  1. e-books – pros and cons
  2. are libraries a thing of the past
  3. children reading story books in their free time
  4. adults reading children’s stories

Business & Money

  1. family run businesses – pros and cons
  2. should we save or spend
  3. should companies be responsible for their employees’ health
  4. why some people do not save
  5. should money management be taught in schools
  6. is dress code or uniforms important in a company
  7. why do some people get into debt
  8. spending money on unnecessary items / luxury goods
  9. supporting small local businesses
  10. buying local or foreign products
  11. relocating companies to the countryside away from city centers – pros and cons
  12. factors in business success
  13. is the layout of an office important

Character & People

  1. is leadership innate
  2. factors behind success
  3. are people more impatient than before
  4. are older people as respected as they should be
  5. people who follow fashion trends
  6. keeping up with the Joneses
  7. individuality or conformity in schools 
  8. why do some people struggle with change
  9. are people less respectful of the elderly nowadays
  10. are people becoming less formal

Crime & Punishment

  1. fixed punishment for a crime or should circumstances play a role in deciding punishment
  2. prisons – pros and cons
  3. stopping ex-convicts from re-offending
  4. how to reduce crime in society
  5. do some films encourage criminal behaviour
  6. should teenage offenders get the same punishment as adult offenders
  7. why people watch crime shows on TV
  8. online crimes
  9. is safety a personal or government responsibility

Culture

  1. are museums and art galleries important
  2. can children gain from visiting museums and galleries
  3. should the government support artists
  4. should schools prioritise science over the Arts
  5. importance of traditional clothes and music
  6. how tourism is changing local cultures
  7. how can the government / schools preserve traditional culture
  8. globalisation – will cultures be lost
  9. how has the internet affect culture around the world
  10. are public celebrations important for culture
  11. people spending a lot of money on weddings and celebrations
  12. do foreign films change local culture

Education

  1. discipline in schools
  2. pros and cons of learning online
  3. is science and technology important to teach
  4. are university degrees more important than experience
  5. how can people learn soft skills, such as communication, personal skills etc
  6. homework for children – an aid to learning or too much pressure
  7. who influences children most – teachers or parents
  8. teaching good values – teachers or parents
  9. are children from poor backgrounds disadvantaged in education
  10. is history important to learn
  11. studying abroad
  12. children of different abilities should be taught separately
  13. home schooling pros and cons
  14. education in cities compared to rural areas
  15. how to make learning interesting for children
  16. all education should be free

Environment, Nature & Wildlife

  1. protecting trees/ endangered species – causes / problems / solutions
  2. how to educate people about environmental problems
  3. noise pollution / air pollution / water pollution – causes / solutions
  4. how to tackle littering
  5. importance of tackling climate change – causes, problems, solutions
  6. importance of spending time in nature
  7. are wild animals important
  8. testing consumer products on animals
  9. children having pets
  10. who should protect the environment: individuals or governments

Family

  1. what is the generation gap and how can it be tackled
  2. can children benefit from a close relationship with their grandparents
  3. should women with children go to work
  4. are family roles changing within the family
  5. who should support elderly family members: family or government
  6. is it important for family members to spend time together
  7. why do some couples choose not to have children
  8. parents should give children the freedom to make their own mistakes

Food

  1. is our food culture changing
  2. is it important to keep traditional meals
  3. why do people eat junk food if it is unhealthy
  4. should families eat together
  5. is animal welfare important to know about when buying meat in supermarkets
  6. what information would stop you buying a certain product
  7. what is a balanced diet
  8. why are some people vegetarian 

Health

  1. should all health care be free – pros and cons
  2. is public health a personal responsibility or the responsibility of the government
  3. sugar as a cause of health problems
  4. problems with junk food
  5. importance of mental health
  6. tackling obesity in society / in children
  7. health problems connected to using screens
  8. how to encourage children to do more exercise
  9. why people take up meditation, yoga or taichi
  10. walking, cycling to work pros and cons
  11. funding prevention or treatments

Language & Communication

  1. are text messages / emails / video calls a good form of communication
  2. pros and cons of one global language
  3. how has the internet changed the way we communicate and socialise
  4. should children learn a foreign language at an early age
  5. is handwriting a thing of the past
  6. will snail mail one day disappear
  7. difficulties learning a foreign language

Leisure

  1. are holidays important
  2. why is leisure time important
  3. are hobbies important
  4. spending time in nature
  5. children spending time playing together
  6. do people value leisure time more nowadays
  7. why do people watch so much TV in their free time
  8. Is watching TV a good leisure activity
  9. what leisure activities are best for children
  10. should children do homework or have fun in their leisure time

Media & The Internet

  1. social media and our image of beauty
  2. shopping online pros and cons
  3. how the internet has changed the way we work
  4. importance of accuracy in historical films
  5. does the internet make people feel more connected
  6. online streaming for films – pros and cons
  7. problems sharing personal information online
  8. reality TV stars
  9. what makes a film successful – stars, special effects or story
  10. meeting new people online
  11. how advertising influences people – billboards, internet pop ups, brand placement in films, social media
  12. celebrities as role models for children
  13. are newspapers a thing of the past now that news can be found online
  14. unreliable news or information online

Technology

  1. technology makes people lazy
  2. pros and cons of smart phones
  3. technology in the work place results in job losses
  4. technology and solving pollution / environmental problems
  5. technology, science and health
  6. government spending on space exploration or health care social services
  7. how has technology changed our lives / the way we work
  8. how has technology helped mankind

Transport

  1. pros and cons of a traffic free zone in city centers
  2. way to reduce pollution from cars
  3. should driving tests be obligatory every 5 years
  4. how to reduce traffic congestion in city centers
  5. pros and cons of plane travel
  6. how to ensure road safety
  7. should we all use electric cars
  8. people over 80 should not be allowed to drive

Tourism

  1. experiencing foreign countries on TV rather than travelling there
  2. conforming to the culture of the country you are visiting
  3. pros and cons of tourism on the domestic economy
  4. adventure holidays
  5. tourism and environmental factors (including wildlife)
  6. pros and cons of taking holidays on your own country
  7. tourism and its impact on the country

Sport

  1. what children learn from team sports and individual sports
  2. should sports teach competition or cooperation
  3. should schools increase physical education lessons
  4. benefits of exercise, walking, cycling
  5. should sports stars be paid so much
  6. companies sponsor sports events and teams for advertising – pros and cons
  7. sports professionals earning high salaries compared to doctors or nurses
  8. why people do adventure sports
  9. importance of international sports competitions

World Issues & Social Issues

  1. how can homelessness be tackled
  2. should world issues be solved nationally or internationally
  3. closing the gap between rich and poor countries
  4. rich countries should support poor countries at any cost
  5. overpopulation – problems / solutions
  6. people are living longer – pros and cons
  7. should charities help people locally or nationally
  8. are charities important
  9. more people are raising money for charities – why, is this a good thing
  10. living in the countryside or city – pros and cons
  11. food wastage / increase in world food demand
  12. (affordable) housing shortage – solutions
  13. migration of workers from rural to urban areas
  14. taking care of the elderly – family or government responsibility
  15. lack of good education in under-developed countries

Work

  1. pros and cons of working from home
  2. work-life balance
  3. pros and cons of being self-employed / working for a company
  4. bosses contacting people on their days off
  5. importance of holidays from work
  6. both parents working – how it impacts children
  7. is team working skills
  8. job satisfaction or salary
  9. working online pros and cons
  10. work-life balance
  11. pros and cons of technology / machines at work
  • Was this list useful to you?
  • Did you get one of these topics in your test?

USEFUL IELTS WRITING TASK 2 LINKS:

Click below to access some useful lessons and tips for your IELTS essay

How to write an introduction

List of keywords for essay writing

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How long should your essay be

All Free Writing Task 2 Lessons and Tips

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Happy 2022!!

by 114 Comments

Hi guys,

Many countries around the world are seeing in the New Year tonight. I want to wish you all a very Prosperous New Year. I hope that you reach your goals and find much love this coming year.

It’s been a tough few years. For some of you, it may have also been a painful few years. But each year brings new hope. Each tiny step you take from today onward will help shape your future. Take those steps with enthusiasm, joy and determination to never to give up!

My love to you all. Stay safe this year!!

Liz xx

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