COMMON TOPICS

In this post, we will look at the common topics that are seen again and again in the
IELTS writing task 2 test. Students often ask if the questions are repeated year after
year and the answer is no, but the topics are. There are so many questions written each
year, you may find you practice answering various questions on different topics. For
example, you could write essays to answer questions about education or the
environment, which benefits you because you learn vocabulary associated with those
topics and develop ideas that can help you in your writing test.

Practicing writing IELTS task 2 essays on a range of topics is a great way to learn new
vocabulary for those topics, but also to practice your essay structures. You begin to
develop your ideas around those topics, thinking of examples and giving your opinions.

Writing Task 2 Common Topics

The list below shows you the common topics that are seen every year.

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There is quite a range of writing task 2 topics, with many subtopics. Take a look at the
list below and look for questions in each area when you are completing your IELTS
preparation >

Environment

 Government legislation
 Environmental problems
 Climate Change
 Animals

Health

 Obesity
 Hospitals
 The elderly
 Funding
 Poor countries vs. rich countries
 Health education
 Exercise

Education

 The rise of technology

 Subjects/curriculum changes
 Uniforms
 The role of teachers
 Discipline
 Funding
 Rules

Government

 Change to laws
 Rules that affect groups of individuals

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  International laws
 Benefits to individuals and society
 Funding

Society

 Poverty
 Overpopulation
 Homelessness
 Modern lifestyles
 Funding
 Public services

Crime

 Youth crime
 Punishment
 Repeat offenders
 Major vs minor crimes
 Prisons

Technology

 The role of technology in our lives/in society

 The internet
 Social media
 Children online / safety measures
 Hacking/data protection

Economics

 World spending
 Cash vs credit cards
 Economic progress and success

Communication

 Technology
 Family
 Social media
 Types of personalities
 Characters in society

Work

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  Women in the workplace
 The role of the employee
 Employer vs employee issues
 Types of jobs
 Salary
 Equality

Family and Children

 Family roles
 Family size
 Role models
 Discipline (parents to children)
 Education

Transport

 Different forms of transport

 Comparisons
 Problems
 Environmental issues

Travel

 Culture differences
 Travelling benefits/drawbacks
 Meeting people
 Forms of travel

There are many other topics that you can also prepare for, including art, business,
marketing, sport, reading, language and food/diet.

Top Tips For Preparation

TIP >> When you are preparing for your IELTS writing task 2 test, practice answering
questions on topics that you find difficult, as this is really good practice.

TIP >> Learn vocabulary associated with the topic. Make word lists and learn the
meanings of those words.

TIP >> Read around the topic, take a look at news websites or journals and read about
these topics. What is happening in the news? Can the news stories give you ideas for
examples that you can use in your essay?

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TIP >> Listen to TED Talks, podcasts, the news or documentaries related to the
common topics and develop ideas, vocabulary and your opinions.

TIP >> Practice talking about these topics with a friend. Ask them their opinion about
something you have seen in the news and give them your opinion, discuss the latest
news and events related to the common topics.

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