21 topics IELTS in IELTS Writing

21 Topics IELTS in IELTS Writing

1- CUSTOMS and CULTURE: the decline of traditional customs. Are cultures becoming more alike? The impact of computers/technology on culture; the impact of tourism on host countries

2- CRIME: much less common now but still asked. Views on crime and punishment. Drug use.

3- GOVERNMENT: this can come in many different forms – when talking about schools, the environment, charities, health, advertising. The question is really always the same: What role should the state play in society. This is quite tough to answer at first but once you grasp it you will pray you are asked a government question.

4- ADVERTISING: your favorite advert. An advert you remember as a child. An advert that influenced you to buy something. The morality of advertising, particularly in relation to children.

5- TRANSPORT: traffic. The use of public transport.

6- GLOBALISATION: usually looked at from the point of view of the developing nation: how does tourism affect developing countries. Immigration is commonly asked too.

7- ENVIRONMENT: what can be done to lessen environmental damage. People’s role and government’s role.

8- FAMILY: more common in speaking and General IELTS. Care for the elderly. The size of the family.

9- GENDER: less common now than in the past, questions on gender and education still common in speaking and writing.

10- HEALTH: role of government in promoting health: state health systems, private healthcare. How to reduce the use of alcohol.

11- SCIENCE: a very broad topic admittedly but one that is easy to learn: what is science’s role in society. Should we encourage more science/maths in schools? Why has science declined as a subject at university level? The humanities versus science.

12- SHOPPING: favourite shops and shopping malls. Materialistic society.

13- SPORT: sports you have played. The state of professional sport. The role of sport in society.

14- TECHNOLOGY: the internet and mobile phones: how have they changed communication? Describe a piece of technology you own.

15- TOURISM: holidays you have been on; positives and negatives of tourism, for the individual tourist, and for the host country.

16- URBANISATION – CITY LIFE: do you live in a city. Why are cities more popular with young people? City life is more stressful than life in small towns and villages – discuss.

17- HOUSING – BUILDINGS: Do you live in a house or apartment. Name a building you like. Should governments build more housing?

18- WATER: water supply – should government regulate the supply of water.

19- WORK: work/life balance; work for young people; globalisation and the workplace.

20- PEOPLE and PERSONAL EXPERIENCE: mostly in IELTS Speaking. Tell about a (famous) person and the interaction between you and that person. The positive – negative experience in the past. Past/ Future Achievement.

21- EDUCATION: probably the most common topic 2013. Areas to cover include: the role of the teacher in educating the child. The topics children should study in schools. What is the role of schools/university: to educate, help business or create the best society possible. The use of technology in education. Co-education versus single sex education. Setting according to ability versus mixed ability classes.

KTDC IELTS Team