Introduction

IELTS tests your ability to express opinions on everyday social issues — not on specialist knowledge.
That’s why the same 10 major topic areas are recycled year after year.

✅ Band 8 Tip: The examiner isn’t testing what you know — they’re testing how clearly you can explain, justify, and organise your ideas.

🔹 1. Education & Learning

Common Questions:

• Should parents be responsible for teaching their children good behaviour?
• Is it better to study online or in traditional classrooms?

Key Vocabulary:
education system, curriculum, discipline, lifelong learning, online platforms, self-study

Band 8 Idea:
Education develops not only academic ability but also social responsibility. Schools and families share equal roles in shaping character.

🔹 2. Work & Employment

Common Questions:

• Do you agree that job satisfaction is more important than salary?
• Should retirement age be increased?

Key Vocabulary:
career growth, job security, work-life balance, productivity, retirement, promotion

Band 9 Tip:
Use precise collocations like career progression, professional development, employee motivation, not vague words like good job.

🔹 3. Technology & Communication

Common Questions:

• Has technology improved communication between people?
• Do social media platforms create more harm than good?

Key Vocabulary:
digital devices, online interaction, privacy concerns, screen time, automation, innovation

Band 8 Idea:
While technology connects people globally, overreliance on screens can weaken real-world relationships.

🔹 4. Health & Lifestyle

Common Questions:

• Should governments encourage people to exercise more?
• Do modern diets cause more health problems than in the past?

Key Vocabulary:
nutrition, fitness, obesity, balanced diet, healthcare system, prevention, well-being

Useful Example:

Regular exercise not only prevents disease but also improves mental health and work performance.

🔹 5. Environment & Sustainability

Common Questions:

• Who should take responsibility for protecting the environment — individuals or governments?
• Should companies be punished for polluting?

Key Vocabulary:
climate change, renewable energy, recycling, conservation, carbon footprint, global warming

Band 9 Tip:
Avoid repetition — use synonyms such as eco-friendly, sustainable, environmentally responsible.

🔹 6. Society & Culture

Common Questions:

• Should older traditions be preserved in modern society?
• Is cultural diversity a positive or negative trend?

Key Vocabulary:
heritage, globalisation, multiculturalism, customs, identity, values, community

Band 8 Idea:
Cultural diversity enriches societies by encouraging understanding and tolerance.

🔹 7. Government & Law

Common Questions:

• Should governments spend more on education than defence?
• Is stricter law enforcement the best way to reduce crime?

Key Vocabulary:
public policy, taxation, regulation, crime prevention, justice system, public spending

Example:

Governments must balance national security with public welfare when allocating budgets.

🔹 8. Media & Advertising

Common Questions:

• Does advertising encourage people to buy unnecessary things?
• Should children be protected from online advertisements?

Key Vocabulary:
consumerism, influence, marketing strategy, misleading, social media promotion

Band 9 Tip:
Avoid emotional words (ads are bad) — use analytical expressions like advertising manipulates consumer preferences.

🔹 9. Family & Relationships

Common Questions:

• Should both parents work or should one stay at home?
• Are modern families closer or more distant than before?

Key Vocabulary:
parenting, household responsibilities, emotional support, upbringing, family bond

Band 8 Idea:
Modern families may spend less time together physically, but digital communication helps maintain emotional closeness.

🔹 10. Crime & Safety

Common Questions:

• What are the causes of youth crime?
• Should violent media content be restricted?

Key Vocabulary:
offence, rehabilitation, punishment, juvenile delinquency, deterrence, law enforcement

Example Sentence:

Rather than imposing harsh sentences, governments should focus on education and rehabilitation to reduce reoffending rates.

Bonus Topic — Travel & Globalisation

Common Questions:

• Has tourism brought more benefits or problems to local communities?
• Is international travel essential for cultural understanding?

Key Vocabulary:
tourism industry, cultural exchange, local economy, global citizen, sustainability

Band 8 Tip:
Include both positive and negative effects — balance your essay for higher Task Response marks.