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IELTS Topic Related Vocabulary

This IELTS Topic Related Vocabulary will help you to learn useful words and phrases that may come up in the IELTS test or that can be used in essays or speaking.

Each IELTS vocabulary list consists of:

• The Definition
• An Example Sentence

All vocabulary is useful for IELTS as the test is essentially just testing your English skills, so don't get too focused on specific words that you may need for the test.

However, there are certain topics that come up in the test so it's useful to know different words and phrases connected to them so you can potentially demonstrate a wide range of vocabulary and express yourself in the best way possible.

They could be useful for all modules of the test.

You could get these kinds of topics in your speaking test in Section Three and you may get an essay topic related to them.

And of course it helps with your reading to know as many words as possible as they are very complex, and with the final sections of the listening test, which again are likely to have higher level vocabulary.  

Words in Context

It's always better to see words as they are used in a sentence rather than just learning a single word or phrase on its own and having no idea how it is used.

If you follow the links, you'll the examples of the words in a sentence, but after each list of words you'll also see a link to essays on the same topic so you can see some of the words in context.

This will help improve your knowledge of the words and show you how they can be used.

Essential Vocabulary for IELTS

Education Vocabulary

 Crime Vocabulary

Diet, Health & Fitness  Vocabulary

 Work  Vocabulary

Information Technology  Vocabulary

 Environment  Vocabulary

 Science  Vocabulary

 The Arts  Vocabulary

Children & The Family  Vocabulary

Travel and Tourism Vocabulary

History and Heritage Vocabulary

More on IELTS Vocabulary:

Ultimate Vocabulary Builder for IELTS

Ultimate IELTS vocabulary building course to help you learn over 400 words for IELTS.

Using Idioms in the IELTS Test

Using idioms in the IELTS test can help you to boost your score if you know how to use them correctly, but you need to take care.

Collocation in the IELTS Test

Using collocations in IELTS can improve your score as it will show you have a good understanding of how to use lexis or vocabulary.

Using Phrasal Verbs in IELTS

Learn how phrasal verbs can be used in the IELTS Test. The meaning of these verbs are explained and there are quizzes to practice them.

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IELTS Writing Task 2 Vocabulary – Advanced words for learners

The art of effective communication lies at the heart of IELTS Writing Task 2 , and a well-crafted vocabulary serves as a key to unlocking its potential. This compilation of vocabulary offers a comprehensive toolkit to enhance the quality and depth of your essay responses. 

From thought-provoking introductions to seamlessly connected paragraphs, and impactful conclusions, this vocabulary enriches every aspect of your writing. It equips you with the means to express intricate ideas, substantiate arguments, and navigate through the intricacies of diverse topics. By integrating the IELTS writing task 2 vocabulary , you empower yourself to articulate your thoughts with precision and clarity, elevating your IELTS Task 2 performance.

1. What is on the IELTS writing task 2? 

IELTS Writing Task 2 is an essay-writing task that assesses your ability to present and support an argument or opinion on a given topic. In this task, you are required to write a coherent and well-structured essay of at least 250 words . 

The task typically presents a statement or question related to a social, cultural, or contemporary issue. Your goal is to express your opinion, provide relevant examples, and support your arguments with reasons and evidence. You must address all aspects of the task, present a clear position, and offer a balanced discussion of the topic. Your essay should have an introduction, body paragraphs with supporting points, and a conclusion. The task aims to evaluate your writing skills, including your ability to organize ideas, use appropriate vocabulary and grammar, and present a well-reasoned argument.

2. IELTS writing task 2 vocabulary

2.1. ielts writing task 2 vocabulary – introduction.

Certainly, here are some vocabulary and phrases that can be useful when writing the introduction for IELTS Writing Task 2 :

• The issue/topic under discussion is: Introduce the main subject of the essay.
• In today’s modern society/world: Set the context for the discussion.
• It is a well-known fact that: Begin with a common knowledge statement.
• Nowadays/Currently: Indicate the present time frame.
• In recent years/decades: Introduce a time period relevant to the topic.
• There is ongoing debate/discussion about: Highlight that the topic is a subject of contention.
• One of the most controversial topics is: Introduce a contentious subject.
• With the advent of technology/advancements in science: Mention technological or scientific advancements relevant to the topic.
• The concept/idea of [topic] has garnered significant attention: Highlight the relevance and attention the topic has received.
• The purpose of this essay is to discuss/analyze/examine: Specify the purpose of your essay.
• This essay will explore various aspects of [topic]: Indicate that you will cover different facets of the topic.
• This essay will delve into the implications of [topic]: Mention that you will discuss the consequences or effects.
• This essay will critically evaluate the argument that: Specify that you will critically assess a particular argument.
• It is worth noting that: Draw attention to an important detail.
• The aim/objective of this essay is to: Clearly state your objective.
• This essay intends to shed light on: Indicate your intention to provide insight.
• This essay aims to address the question of: Specify the question you will address.
• The following paragraphs will discuss/analyze: Preview the content of your essay.
• This essay will consider both sides of the argument: Indicate a balanced approach.
• In the subsequent sections, the arguments for and against [topic] will be examined: Outline your approach to analyzing arguments.

Remember, the introduction is your chance to set the tone for your essay and clearly state your position or approach. Utilize these vocabulary items appropriately to craft an engaging and informative introduction for your IELTS Writing Task 2 essay.

2.2. IELTS writing task 2 vocabulary – paragraphs 

Certainly, here’s a list of vocabulary and phrases that can be useful when writing paragraphs in IELTS Writing Task 2:

Introducing Your Point:

• First and foremost: Begin a paragraph by introducing a primary point.
• To begin with: Start discussing a new aspect of the topic.
• One key aspect to consider is: Introduce an important point.
• A significant factor to note is: Highlight an essential element.
• Another crucial point is: Introduce another important point.
• Presenting Examples and Evidence:
• For instance: Provide an example to support your point.
• As an illustration: Introduce an example to clarify your argument.
• To exemplify this: Present evidence or an example.
• As evidence suggests: Use evidence to strengthen your argument.
• Supporting this, [quote/refer to source]: Use a reference or quote to validate your point.

Contrasting Ideas:

• On the other hand: Introduce a contrasting viewpoint or argument.
• However, it’s important to consider: Acknowledge a counterargument.
• Despite this, it’s essential to recognize: Address opposing viewpoints.
• Nevertheless: Transition to a contrasting perspective.
• Providing Analysis and Explanation:
• This can be attributed to: Explain the cause of a certain phenomenon.
• This is indicative of: Explain the significance of an observation.
• This phenomenon can be explained by: Provide a rational explanation.
• The reason behind this is: Explain the underlying cause.

Concluding a Point:

• In conclusion: Sum up the main idea of the paragraph.
• To sum up: Provide a concise summary of the point.
• In summary: Present a brief overview of the discussion.
• As a result: Show the consequence of the discussed point.

Transitioning to the Next Point:

• Moving on to the next point: Transition to a new aspect of the topic.
• Turning to the second/main point: Shift focus to another key point.
• Next, let’s consider: Introduce the next point for discussion.

Remember to use these vocabulary items appropriately to structure your paragraphs coherently and effectively. Each paragraph should present a clear point, support it with examples or evidence, and contribute to the overall flow of your IELTS Writing Task 2 essay.

2.3. IELTS writing task 2 vocabulary – conclusion

Here’s a list of vocabulary and phrases that can be useful when writing the conclusion for IELTS Writing Task 2:

Summarizing Main Points:

• In summary: Present a concise summary of the key points discussed.
• To sum up: Provide an overview of the main arguments.
• Overall: Offer a general reflection on the topic.
• Taking everything into account: Consider all aspects discussed.
• Reiterating Your Position:
• In conclusion: Introduce your final thoughts on the topic.
• To conclude: Present your final viewpoint or stance.
• Ultimately: State the ultimate outcome or perspective.

Providing a Balanced View:

• While both sides have valid points: Acknowledge the validity of different perspectives.
• Balancing the arguments: Show that you’ve considered multiple viewpoints.
• In considering these aspects: Highlight the importance of considering all aspects.

Reflecting on Implications:

• This has implications for: Discuss the broader consequences of the topic.
• The implications of this are significant: Highlight the importance of your discussion.
• This highlights the importance of: Emphasize the relevance of the topic.

Making a Final Assertion:

• In light of these arguments, it is evident that: Present a clear conclusion based on the arguments.
• It is clear that: Express a straightforward conclusion.
• It can be concluded that: Provide a statement of finality.

Offering a Call to Action or Future Consideration:

• This issue demands further consideration: Suggest that the topic requires ongoing attention.
• It is essential that we: Present a call to action or recommendation.
• As we move forward, it’s crucial to: Suggest future considerations.

Ending on a Thoughtful Note:

• Food for thought: Offer something for the reader to reflect upon.
• The topic prompts us to ponder: Encourage deeper reflection on the topic.
• The topic remains a subject of ongoing discourse: Indicate that the conversation continues.

Remember to use these vocabulary items appropriately to craft a strong conclusion that effectively summarizes your main points and leaves a lasting impression on the reader. A well-structured conclusion should restate your position, recap key arguments, and potentially suggest future implications or considerations.

>> Read more on: IELTS Writing Task 1 Vocabulary  

3. IELTS writing task 2 advanced vocabulary 

Check out now the list of advanced vocabulary that you can use in IELTS Writing Task 2 to enhance the sophistication of your language and express your ideas more eloquently:

3.1. Introduction

• In the contemporary era: In the modern age.
• A prevailing trend: A dominant pattern.
• A multifaceted issue: A complex and multi-dimensional problem.
• An intricate dilemma: A complicated challenge.
• A pertinent concern: A relevant issue.

3.2. Presenting Arguments

• Substantiating this viewpoint: Providing substantial evidence for this perspective.
• It is imperative to acknowledge: It is crucial to recognize.
• It can be surmised that: It can be inferred that.
• This conjecture is underscored by: This assumption is supported by.
• A compelling case can be made for: A strong argument can be formulated in favor of.

3.3. Counterarguments and Refutation

• It is not unfounded to assert: It is not without reason to claim.
• While this holds true to a certain extent: Although this is valid up to a point.
• It must be conceded that: It should be acknowledged that.
• However, this notion is counterbalanced by: Nevertheless, this idea is counteracted by.
• Yet, it is pertinent to consider: However, it is relevant to take into account

3.4. Providing Examples and Evidence

• To illustrate this concept: To clarify this idea.
• An exemplar of this can be seen in: A prime example of this can be observed in.
• This is substantiated by empirical data: This is supported by factual information.
• A notable instance is: A significant case is.
• Statistical evidence underscores: Statistical data emphasizes

3.5. Emphasizing Importance and Consequences

• It bears profound implications for: It has significant consequences for.
• This phenomenon engenders a ripple effect: This occurrence generates a chain reaction.
• The ramifications are far-reaching: The consequences extend widely.
• This factor carries considerable weight: This element holds significant importance.
• This issue is fraught with potential ramifications: This topic is filled with possible consequences.

Remember that while advanced vocabulary can enhance your writing, it’s essential to use it appropriately and ensure that your sentences remain clear and coherent. Strive for clarity, precision, and coherence in your writing to effectively convey your ideas to the reader. Practice IELTS writing part 2 now!

4. IELTS writing task 2 vocabulary – Linking Words, Phrases, and Paraphrasing

Here’s a list of linking words, phrases, and paraphrasing techniques that can enhance the coherence and cohesion of your IELTS Writing Task 2 essay:

Linking Words and Phrases:

• Additionally: Furthermore, besides.
• Moreover: Furthermore, what’s more.
• In addition to: Besides, as well as.
• Furthermore: Moreover, additionally.
• On the other hand: Conversely, in contrast.
• However: Nevertheless, nonetheless.
• Nonetheless: However, still.
• In contrast to: Unlike, in comparison.
• Similarly: Likewise, in the same way.
• Likewise: Similarly, in a similar vein.
• Consequently: As a result, therefore.
• As a result: Hence, thus.
• Therefore: Consequently, accordingly.
• In conclusion: To sum up, ultimately.
• To summarize: In brief, in short.

Paraphrasing Techniques:

• Rewording with Synonyms: Replace words with similar meanings.
• Using Different Grammatical Structures: Change sentence structures while retaining the meaning.
• Changing Verb Tenses: Modify verb tenses to convey the same information.
• Using Passive Voice: Shift from active to passive voice or vice versa.
• Altering Word Forms: Change nouns to verbs or adjectives to adverbs, and vice versa.
• Replacing Clauses: Transform complex clauses into simpler ones.
• Adjusting Word Order: Rearrange words without changing the meaning.
• Adding Modifiers: Include adjectives, adverbs, or phrases to elaborate.
• Substituting Part of the Sentence: Replace a phrase or clause while maintaining context.
• Expanding or Condensing: Elaborate on a point or condense information.

These linking words, phrases, and paraphrasing techniques are instrumental in creating a smooth flow between ideas and expressing yourself more effectively in your IELTS Writing Task 2 essay. Remember to use them judiciously, ensuring your writing remains coherent and easily comprehensible.

Mastering a diverse and advanced vocabulary is pivotal to excelling in IELTS Writing Task 2. This collection of vocabulary empowers candidates to craft introductions that captivate, paragraphs that seamlessly connect ideas, and conclusions that leave a lasting impact. 

In conclusion, mastering a diverse and sophisticated vocabulary is an indispensable tool for excelling in the IELTS Writing Task 2. The ability to express your thoughts with precision and nuance not only enhances the clarity of your arguments but also portrays a strong command of the English language. By incorporating a wide range of vocabulary, from synonyms and idiomatic expressions to advanced academic terminology, you can elevate the quality of your essay and impress the examiners. Let’s do IELTS practice test today to get 9.0 IELTS!!

IELTS Writing Vocabulary - Topic Wise Word List

11 April, 2024

Are you going to appear in IELTS Writing? In IELTS writing, vocabulary is the secret ingredient for acing your examination. Using a good vocabulary helps you to assess your ability to use a wide range of appropriate vocabulary and use those words accurately. You combine classic nouns, tangy adverbs and adjectives with the seasoning of phrasal verbs, making it the exotic IELTS Writing dish.

To learn this vocabulary recipe, go through this comprehensive blog based on vocabulary for IELTS writing. We are sure this blog will help you sail through the IELTS Writing task by unlocking the power of your words.

IELTS Writing Vocabulary Pattern

Ielts writing vocabulary list, ielts academic task 1, ielts academic task 2, ielts writing vocabulary tips, ielts writing vocabulary based on general topics, ielts writing vocabulary general list.

The IELTS Exam is divided into two types: Academic IELTS and General IELTS. Both these exams have writing tasks entailing different formats. Let’s look through the elements of writing in both:

Academic IELTS

Writing Task 1

In this, students are given visual representations in the form of graphs and diagrams, and they have to report the information after understanding the given data. This part is marked on three criteria: introduction, overview, and supporting figures from the given diagram.

Writing Task 2

In this task, questions can be asked about the environment, culture, immigration, and much more. In this segment, questions are based on a particular scenario, and students must present their point of view. They may be asked to discuss the given topic's benefits or drawbacks and present feasible solutions. IELTS academic writing task 2 is structured in an essay format.

IELTS General Writing Test

In this task, students get a situation they must explain and enquire about further information through a letter.

In this task, students must present their answers in essay format using relevant arguments, factual evidence and proper justification.

Marking Criteria for IELTS Writing Vocabulary:

Grammatical Range and Accuracy

Task Achievement

Lexical Resource

Coherence and Cohesion

Now that we have an insight into the different formats of the IELTS Writing Task, let’s review the vocabulary for IELTS Writing Task 1 and the vocabulary for IELTS Writing Task 2.

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Academic Task 1 follows this format: introduction, general trends, detailed description, and optional summary. Equipping yourself with the appropriate vocabulary for each section will help you be more efficient and save time when crafting a well-structured response.

Also Read: Scholarships for IELTS in 2024: Everything You Need To Know

After learning the vocabulary of Task 1, you must also understand IELTS Task 2 vocabulary well to achieve a better band score. The table below will walk you through the vocabulary for improving essays and meeting the evaluation standards comprehensively.

After the highlights of the IELTS writing vocabulary of task 1 and task 2, let’s take a look at the following key vocabulary tips for IELTS writing that will undoubtedly help you:

Paraphrasing

Learning the correct way to paraphrase is essential for the IELTS Writing Task . Students need to identify the appropriate words to repeat and paraphrase. Apart from this, using synonyms, passive voice, and rearranging the word form and sentence structure are key components to paraphrasing accurately.

Uncountable Nouns

Generally, students need to correct the most common mistakes in using uncountable nouns. For instance, information is an uncountable noun and can not have a plural “s” or an article, nor can a number quantify it. So, you must check out some of the most common uncountable nouns to provide errors thoroughly.

Understand the Context

Knowledge of a particular world and understanding of the context are two different things. For this, a student must first understand the meaning and usage of the word to fit it in the right context. Also, overstuffing heavy vocabulary words to make a sentence rich sometimes alters the meaning. Hence, students should be alert about that.

Information from Different Sources

To enhance your IELTS writing vocabulary, you can start consuming information from various sources, such as reading newspapers, watching English movies, and reading books. Also, make sure to take note of new words and search for synonyms and acronyms related to that word to enrich your vocabulary further.

Practice Smartly

Working in the right direction is the only way to succeed. As a result, you should make learning new words a daily habit. Avoid memorising the words because they can cause confusion when the context changes. Instead, use mnemonics, which involves connecting two words with visual or auditory cues. This technique aids in long-term retention of the words.

Also Read: IELTS Exam Syllabus: Exam Format and More

Although various topics have been asked during your IELTS Writing Task, we have mentioned basic vocabulary for IELTS Writing based on common topics. Have a look at the table mentioned below:

Now that we've covered specific vocabulary for IELTS writing, let's look at some general vocabulary for IELTS .

Also Read: MBA Colleges Accepting IELTS Scores

To conclude, proficiency in vocabulary for IELTS writing tasks is essential to ace the exam. Moreover, vocabulary forms 25% of your IELTS writing and speaking marks. It also plays a crucial role in IELTS Listening and reading tasks . Hence, students need to start working on their IELTS writing vocabulary in order to perform well.

If you are also ready to appear for IELTS, we suggest you sign up for our IELTS Courses designed by our experts. Please contact Prepare IELTS Exam (PI) expert counsellors if you need further guidance. Our team of education experts is dedicated to providing you with the best guidance in the IELTS exam. You can also get a one-on-one counselling session online via our platform. Contact us at [email protected] or call us at +91 9773398388 .

Vocabulary is important for IELTS writing because it shows your ability to express ideas effectively and accurately. It improves your lexical resource score and lets you express complex ideas clearly, improving your overall band score.

You can enhance your IELTS Writing vocabulary by reading extensively, taking notes on new terms, and learning synonyms and related phrases. Writing essays and letters with new vocabulary regularly will help to reinforce your understanding.

If you're unsure about the meaning or usage of a word, don't use it. Remember to consider word forms and context. Before incorporating words into your writing, ensure you understand their nuance and appropriateness.

While memorising vocabulary lists can be useful, learning words in context and actively applying them to your writing is more effective. To use words correctly, focus on understanding their meanings, synonyms, and how they are used in sentences.

Begin by identifying the vocabulary required for specific topics and task types. Try using these words naturally in sentences and essays. Gradually incorporate advanced vocabulary into your writing to improve coherence and lexical scope.

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• Academic practice
• General practice
• Task 1 Academic
• Task 1 General
• Task 2 (essay)

IELTS essay vocabulary

• In my opinion, …
• Personally, I think that …
• It seems to me that ...
• I believe/suppose that ...
• I cannot deny that …
• As I see it, …
• As far as I'm concerned, …
• I would argue that ...
• I'd like to point out that …
• In my experience, ...
• I am sure that …
• I am convinced that ...
• I am certain that ...

Example : I would argue that computers are rather beneficial for kids.

• to attest, ...
• to prove, ...
• this (fact) is attested/proven by ...
• this (fact) is evidenced by ...
• this (fact) is testified by ...
• this (fact) is endorsed/supported by...
• this (evidence) establishes that ...

Example : Consuming moderate amounts of sweets can be good for health. This is evidenced by a number of cases when people improved their health conditions by eating chocolate.

• It is (generally) claimed that …
• It is (generally) said that …
• It is (generally) thought that ...
• It is (generally) considered that ...
• A common opinion is that ...
• A popular belief is that ...

Example : It is considered that rigorous diets are very unhealthy.

• The fact is that …
• It is obvious that …
• It is clear that …
• There is no doubt that …
• This proves that …

Example : It is obvious that deforestation has no positive effects.

• Generally speaking, ...
• On the whole, ...
• Typically, ...
• By and large ...

Example : Generally speaking, smoking is a bad habit.

• For example, ...
• For instance, ...
• A good illustration of this is ...
• Evidence for this is provided by ...
• We can see this when ...

Example : A lot of wild animals are endangered. Evidence for this is proved by decreasing number of species.

• To summarise, ...
• In conclusion, ...
• Overall, ...
• On balance, ...
• Taking everything into consideration, ...

Example : Overall, no parents should neglect their children.

50 Latest Vocabulary IELTS Topics

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• Detailed mistakes analysis Get instant feedback. Spot every mistake.
• Topic ideas generator Get topic-specific ideas to enhance your writing.
• Vocabulary helper Get the right words for any topic.
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Vocabulary for IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay

• Finance & Money
• Communication
• Climate Change
• Social Media
• Entertainment
• Transportation
• Environment
• Crime and Policing
• IELTS Vocab

Learning new vocabulary and understanding how your Lexical resource band score is determined in the IELTS test will help you to achieve the best possible result. This vocabulary guide will show you useful tips and strategies to improve your vocabulary, and point you in the right direction of our other vocabulary guides on common IELTS writing topics .

Table of Contents

• What is Lexical Resource?

2.1 Avoiding repetition

2.2 using common and uncommon vocabulary, 2.3 avoiding spelling mistakes, 2.4 accurately using collocations.

• 2.5 Using topic-specific vocabulary

2.6 Communicating clearly

3.1 discovering new words, 3.2 deciding which words to practice, 3.3 reviewing new words, 1. what is lexical resource.

Vocabulary in the IELTS writing test is referred to as your Lexical resource and it makes up 25% of your overall score in both the writing and speaking parts of the exam.

Many candidates say their biggest problem when preparing for the IELTS test is their vocabulary . Have you ever found yourself trying to learn long lists of words? Or trying to cram in as many words as you can into your memory moments before the test? We are going to share some advice on the best ways to learn and remember vocabulary effectively.

2. How Your Lexical Resource Score is Decided

The examiner will mainly focus on the range and accuracy of vocabulary you use in your speaking and writing. This means that you need to:

• Avoid repetition
• Use a mixture of common and uncommon vocabulary
• Avoid spelling mistakes

There are also other things the examiner will be looking for. These are:

• Accurate use of collocations
• Range and accurate use of topic-specific vocabulary
• Clear communication

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Using a range of vocabulary also includes avoiding words and phrases given to you in an IELTS statement , as well as repeating your own ideas .

Being able to paraphrase is a key skill to help you avoid repetition throughout your writing and speaking.

Take a look at our guide to paraphrasing for top tips and examples.

You also need to refer back or forward to people, places and things you mention in your responses. Compare these two examples:

• Children should be able to choose the subjects children want to study.
• Children should be able to choose the subjects they want to study.

In the second example, we have used the pronoun ‘they’ to replace the noun ‘children’. This is a simple example, but it is often the case that test takers do not take the time to look through their work to notice the repetition of words and phrases that could be replaced with a synonym or pronoun. Five minutes at the end of the test could make a big difference.

The reason we are mentioning both common and uncommon vocabulary here is that it is unnatural to use only uncommon or academic vocabulary in your speech and writing. Have a look at these examples:

• The threat of nuclear weapons maintains world peace.
• The intimidation of atomic accouterments cultivates global reconciliation.

In the second example, we have run nearly every word through a thesaurus. Note how it sounds very unnatural, even though ‘uncommon vocabulary’ has been used. You need to feel confident using this language and strike a balance between common and more unusual vocabulary.

Uncommon vocabulary, like idioms and phrasal verbs , are more appropriate in the speaking section of the exam than writing. For the writing section of the exam, we suggest you avoid phrasal verbs and idioms (although some idiomatic expressions may be appropriate for writing task 2).

Spelling is important in the written section of the exam. The fewer spelling mistakes you make, the higher your score in Lexical resources could be.

Candidates often ask ‘ how many spelling mistakes ’ they can make for each band score, but the answer is not as simple as this. Basically, If you make so many spelling mistakes that it causes difficulty for the examiner to understand your writing then you will likely score a band score 5.0 in Lexical resources . If your spelling errors are very infrequent , you may be able to achieve a band score 7.0 and above .

Your spelling mistakes are something that you need to take responsibility for. A teacher can highlight your mistakes, but you need to put in the hard work to learn the correct spelling. Spelling errors are often referred to as ‘ fossilised errors ’ which means that, just like the fossil of a dinosaur, the mistake has been formed a long time ago and can only be changed through practice and repetition .

To improve your spelling you could consider:

• Recording your mistakes in a notebook
• Creating flashcards of common errors
• Ask a teacher, or even a family member or friend to test you on your mistakes

Remember, it is a great idea to look at common spelling mistakes made by IELTS candidates, but some errors will be unique to you… write them down, memorise, hide the word, write… repeat . Repetition is really helpful to undo fossilised errors.

Collocation just means a frequent/common combination of words .

A typical example would be that you ‘make’ your bed (the verb ‘make’ and the noun ‘bed’ are a verb-noun collocation). However, you don’t ‘do your bed’… this is an incorrect verb-noun pairing.

Collocations are a relationship between words that need to be practiced and learned. There is no specific ‘rule’ to learn… practice makes perfect and will help you to sound more natural (as well as increase your Lexical resource score in the IELTS test.

One tip to learn collocations is to practice by topic . A common error is to try and learn long lists of collocations from memory. This will be overwhelming and often ineffective. When the exam comes and you get given a topic, you want to recall the vocabulary and collocations that are linked to the topic, not try to sift through long lists (that you will likely not remember under pressure).

2.5 Using  topic-specific vocabulary

You need to prepare yourself with vocabulary that is relevant to the topic you are given. We have put together comprehensive guides on a range of common IELTS topics to help you do just this.

Take a look at the following topics :

• Jobs & Work
• Government/Politics
• Pets and Animals
• News and Media
• Money and Finance
• Science and Technology
• The Environment

Being able to communicate clearly in your writing (and speaking) means that the examiner can understand the meaning you are trying to convey.

One way that vocabulary causes confusion for the reader is the wrong choice of word. You could have used the wrong word which has made the meaning of your sentence  unclear. Some candidates often take a risk in the test and decide to use words that they are not exactly sure of the meaning of. This could result in you using the word incorrectly and causing difficulty for the reader. Don’t use the test to try using words for the first time, it is more important to communicate clearly and accurately.

Reference is often an issue, for example, you may have referred back to a previous part of your paragraph or speech using the pronoun ‘it’, but it is not clear what ‘it’ refers to.

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3. Learning New Vocabulary

As soon as you have decided that you are taking your IELTS test, you should be actively looking to expand your vocabulary

We recommend that you create a book or electronic copy of all your new words and phrases.

You should also read or listen to English texts as often as you can. These texts could be:

• Newspaper articles
• Youtube videos (preferably with English subtitles to improve your reading skills)

Do not simply add every new word you read to your list of vocabulary. Also, be careful when using a thesaurus. It is often difficult to find exact synonyms in English, and a thesaurus will give you a long list of similar words that may not be appropriate in the context you want to use them. For example, two synonyms of‘ big ’ taken from a thesaurus of  are:

If we want to replace big in the sentence ‘ the building is big ’, it is correct to say ‘the building is enormous’ but the sentence ‘ the building is boastful ’ is not appropriate .

We recommend you always create an example sentence of new words in context and a definition . A Learner Dictionary is a great place to find clear definitions for learners of English.

A good example of new words to note down are words that you have seen a few times before in a text, but do not fully understand. The frequency of these words show that they are common in English.

A great way to learn new vocabulary is by topic . Group new words, phrases, collocations, and uncommon vocabulary linked to a common theme. This will make it much easier to remember under pressure.

Do not try to learn a list of technical language or specialist words and phrases . Although topics, such as science or technology, might come up during the test, you are not expected to have specific knowledge of these subjects. Remember, the IELTS exam is a test of your English language ability.

Reviewing new vocabulary is the key to remembering it, and a step that candidates often miss.

It would be very rare to just write down new words, look at them once and be able to recall them in the exam. You need to review new words regularly to commit them to memory .

You also need to actively use a new vocabulary: set yourself a goal of using words and phrases you have learned in real life.

Here are just some ideas to review new vocabulary:

• Create flashcards
• Make a new vocabulary notebook
• Create a mind map
• Put posters around your home
• Record yourself using new vocabulary

There is no right or wrong way to review language, do what works for you .

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IELTS Writing Task 1 Vocabulary List With Examples

In this tutorial, we discuss IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Vocabulary with examples of them in sentences.

Find out why writing ‘this means’ could be the key to a better score, how to better introduce an overview – and the keywords in the question that you should ALWAYS change!

What is IELTS Writing Task 1?

IELTS Writing Task 1 is part of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam. You need to write in a formal, academic style of English.

There is a visual, such as a map, chart, table, or process diagram, and you will write a report based on the information presented.

The report should be at least 150 words in length and there are two main things that you need to do:

• Describe the main trends, patterns, or features shown in the diagram.
• Make comparisons between the data.

Therefore, Writing Task 1 is designed to test your ability to present information clearly and accurately, as well as to show you understand the main idea (this is an overview).

Why is vocabulary so important for IELTS Writing Task 1 and how do you improve your answer?

1. word choice affects the clarity of an essay.

Word choice can affect the clarity and complexity of an essay. To score well on task achievement as well as coherence and cohesion, you must communicate clearly.

For a band 7 or above, most phrases in your answer need to be used accurately. Too many complex words can make your writing confusing and difficult to understand.

Good paraphrasing is also important, below we have detailed the three ways you can paraphrase and a good essay will include all of them.

2. Vocabulary helps express complex ideas clearly

By knowing the right words to use, you will be able to communicate complex ideas effectively. This will help you achieve a higher band score on the IELTS Writing Task 1 exam since clarity (coherence) is one of the 4 elements scored by examiners.

3. High-level vocabulary helps to achieve a high IELTS score

By memorising more complex phrases and using them accurately in their writing, students can improve their Lexical Resource band score. Here’s a great example:

For an overview, many students write something like, ‘Overall, sales of bottled water increased during the period studied while customers bought less soda’

The word ‘Overall’ signals an overview. That’s fine, but try this! Overall, what stands out from the diagram is that…

Overall, what stands out from the diagram is that sales of bottled water increased during the period studied while consumers bought less soda.’

It’s a much more complex sentence and shows off more than one tense in a sentence which is hard to do accurately. This trick works for pretty much any task 1 diagram.

4. Vocabulary is needed to construct complex sentences

Using a range of adverbs and adjectives allows for more descriptive sentences while understanding how prepositions work can help improve sentence structure and clarity.

Your sentences need to be grammatically accurate as well as complex.

The easiest way to improve your grammar score is to practice using useful complex phrases that you can prepare in advance (lots of examples below!).

5. Vocabulary is needed to paraphrase the question – change these keywords.

Vocabulary, or lexis, plays a significant role in IELTS Writing Task 1, as it is responsible for 25% of the final task 1 grade.

A lot of students will lose marks by basically repeating the question in the first sentence of their answer.

An easy way around this is to memorise your three keywords: Illustrates, depicts, and presents which all mean ‘shows’.

Then start with, The diagram illustrates ….

If the question says ‘the diagram shows’ but it is a line graph, then say ‘The line graph illustrates’

If the question says ‘The bar graph illustrates’ then you write ‘The diagram depicts’.

Change the word for ‘diagram’ and the word for ‘shows’ to start your answer well with good paraphrasing.

TOP TIP – Never change a fixed expression!!

A lot of students try to do this, and it’s always a disaster..

For example. Marnie learned the phrase ‘Turning to the details’ for introducing a new paragraph in a task 1 essay. She couldn’t remember it exactly in the test and so she wrote, ‘Around the detail’ which sounded right to her but doesn’t make any sense.

Fixed expressions mean just that – don’t try to paraphrase any part of a fixed expression. Learn and use them accurately or write something more simple.

How to build a better vocabulary list for IELTS Writing Task 1

1. adjective/noun and verb/adverb examples.

To really show off your vocabulary in the test, make sure you use at least TWO adjective/noun and verb/adverb examples.

• In the second year, there was a slight increase in sales of coffee . Slight increase is an adjective/noun combination.
• However, in the third year, sales dropped dramatically. Dropped dramatically is a verb/adverb phrase.

Not all combinations work well together, so be sure to look at a lot of examples and choose your favourites.

Dropped slightly, dropped suddenly, dropped dramatically, dropped significantly, A significant increase, a marginal increase, a steady increase, a dramatic increase all work well.

2. Word lists and collocations

Word lists are collections of words that can be used to express a particular idea or concept in an IELTS Task 1 essay.

These word lists can be formed into collocations, words that typically go together. For example, “increased significantly” could be used as part of a collocation with “price” or “number” .

The price increased significantly in the second year.

However, you couldn’t say ‘people increased significantly’ as this doesn’t collocate naturally. You would have to write ‘the number of people buying soda increased significantly’

To improve your collocation skills:

• Identify words that are commonly used together, such as ‘increase’ and ‘from’.
• Make a list of commonly used collocations for each word you identified. For example, for ‘increase’, your list could include phrases such as increase to, increase from, increase by and increase until.
• Practice using these collocations in writing and speaking exercises to help build your vocabulary for IELTS Writing Task 1.
• Identify the keywords in the topic sentence of your essay and add them to a vocabulary list. For example, price and sales, in the USA.
• Look for verb and noun forms, as well as adverbs and adjectives that can be used to avoid repetition in your essay. For the price you could use, It was priced at, sales price, cost. For sales you could use sold, total sales, and the amount sold. For the USA you could use America, The US, and American customers. Note these next to the question before you start writing your answer so you don’t forget to use them.
• Research any unfamiliar words or phrases you come across so you can better understand their meanings if you see them again in another essay.

4. Get better at paraphrasing

Did you know there are three main ways to paraphrase in the IELTS test?

• Synonyms – we saw a few examples above, remember to switch up illustrates, depicts and presents.
• Change the form of the word. Sometimes, words like ‘sales’ are hard to find a synonym for. Changing the form counts as paraphrasing! Sold, was sold, selling, and total sales are all acceptable examples of paraphrasing.
• Reference! This, that, which, it. If you’re struggling to think of a synonym or another word form, reference. For example, In 2005, coffee was the most popular beverage of the three studied. By 2008, however, it was the third most popular product. We are using ‘it’ as a way to paraphrase ‘coffee’. Use a dictionary or online resources such as Merriam-Webster Dictionary or Thesaurus Online to find relevant synonyms for each word on your list if necessary; this will help ensure that all of your phrases are accurate and suitable for use in an academic setting such as IELTS Writing Task 1.

A comprehensive list of IELTS Writing Task 1 vocabulary

Here is a list of vocabulary that may be useful for IELTS Writing Task 1, along with some example sentences:

• Describe : to give a detailed account of something. “The data describes the changes in the number of visitors to the park over the past 2 years.”
• Show : to present or display something “The table shows the average monthly temperatures in London for the past year.”
• Present : to make something available or visible “The chart presents data on the number of international students studying at four universities in the USA.”
• Illustrate : to represent or show something in a visual way “The diagram illustrates the water purification process of how water at a treatment plant.”
• Depict : to represent or describe something in a visual way “The graph depicts changes in the price of oil over the past 35 years.”
• Reveal : to make something known or visible that was previously unknown or hidden “The data reveals a strong correlation between the amount of exercise a person does and their overall health.”
• Indicate : to show or point out something “ The chart indicates that there has been a steady increase in the number of Japanese tourists visiting the island in recent years.”
• Demonstrate : to show or prove something through evidence or an example “The data demonstrates a clear relationship between the amount of time spent studying and test performance.”
• Display : to show or present something in a way that is visible to others “The table displays the results of the survey, showing the percentage of residents who agreed with each statement.”
• Trend Analysis: the process of identifying and describing trends in data or events ” The trend analysis of the data illustrates that there has been a steady increase in the number of students using public transportation in the city over the past eight years.”
• Decline: to reduce or lessen in amount, intensity, or degree. “House prices in Smalltown went into a sharp decline between 1980 and 1985 but increased significantly from 1986 to 1990.”
• Fluctuated: rise and fall irregularly in number or amount. “Over the whole time period studied, there was a steady growth in the number of women choosing to study part-time but for men, the figures fluctuated.”
• Difference: to be distinct or different in some way. “The difference in temperature between the two cities is quite significant. In the coastal city, the average temperature in August is 28 degrees celsius, while in the inland city, the average temperature is 34 degrees Celsius.”
• Decrease in: to reduce or become smaller in size, amount, or degree. ” The bar chart illustrates a decrease in the number of reported accidents in the supermarket warehouse over the past six months. In January, there were 50 accidents reported, but by June, this number had fallen to 30.”
• Little or no change in data: means that the data remains relatively constant or unchanged over a period of time. “The data shows that there was little or no change in the number of people using the city’s tool-sharing program over the past year. In 2020, the average number of daily program participants was 50, and in 2021, it remained at around the same level at 52.”
• Increase to: This collocation means that something has increased in amount or number. “The population of the country has increased to 35 million people since 2019.”
• Increase from : indicates an increase from a previous amount or number, usually over a period of time. “The population of the country has increased from 24 million people ten years ago to 26 million today.”
• Increase by: This collocation indicates that something has increased by a certain amount or percentage since its last measurement or estimate was made. “The population of Fiji has increased by three per cent since last year’s census results were announced.”
• TOP TIP – Try to use ‘This means’: Use this phrase to indicate that you are making comparisons. For example, “ This means that potatoes were higher than sales of other food products. or This means that it had increased by 34%.”

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Some of these questions were already covered in this blog post but I will still list them here (because not everyone carefully reads every paragraph) so here’s the TL;DR version

What is IELTS Writing Task 1 Vocabulary?

It’s vocabulary that can be useful in the Academic IELTS exam. It includes adjectives, adverbs, verbs, collocations and other useful phrases that can help students better express their ideas in the test.

What kind of vocabulary is used in the IELTS Writing Task 1?

In IELTS Writing Task 1, vocabulary is assessed on two levels: static and dynamic. Static vocabulary refers to words or phrases that do not change over time, such as “shop” or “house”.

Dynamic vocabulary refers to words or phrases that change over time, such as “increase” or “decrease”.

Both types of vocabulary are used in the IELTS writing test and can be found in graphs, charts, tables and other diagrams.

The marking scheme for lexis accounts for 25% of your overall score on the writing test so it’s important to have a good grasp of both types of vocabulary when preparing for the exam.

How can I use the IELTS Writing Task 1 Vocabulary?

• Familiarize yourself with the IELTS Writing Task 1 Vocabulary, by reviewing the list of words and their definitions.
• Practice using this vocabulary in mock IELTS Writing tests, to add variety to your responses and improve your score.
• Paraphrase words like ‘small’ and ‘large’ and use a mix of verb/adverb and adjective/noun phrases.
• Use these words every time you practice mock IELTS Writing tests so that they become part of your natural vocabulary for Task 1 writing.

What are the different types of graphs used in the IELTS Writing Task 1?

The types of graphs used in the IELTS Writing Task 1 include

• Diagrams (pie charts, bar graphs, line graphs, tables or a combination of the above.
• Maps – these can be both in the past, a past/present, present/future or a combination of the above
• Process Diagrams: Process diagrams show how something works from start to finish (e .g., from customer order through the production line) or a cyclical process.

What are the common mistakes to avoid while using IELTS Writing Task 1 Vocabulary?

Common mistakes to avoid while using IELTS Writing Task 1 Vocabulary include:

• Repeating the same words too often – if a word is hard to find a synonym for, remember, change the form or use referencing.
• Not using words that imply more or less, such as “increase” or “decrease”
• Trying to paraphrase a fixed expression.

More Writing Task 1 Tutorials

• How to get band 9 in Task 1
• 5-step plan for Task 1
• How to paraphrase in Task 1
• Academic task 1 marking criteria
• Five essential writing skills for Task 1
• What tense to use in Task 1
• How to describe percentages
• Vocabulary to describe a map
• Academic task 1 sample essays and answers
• Task 1 sample charts and graph questions
• Academic Task 1 sample diagram questions
• How to score well on a bar chart question in writing task 1
• IELTS academic task 1 sample question
• IELTS academic task 1 sample question – bar chart showing interest
• IELTS Academic writing task 1 question – pie chart showing usage

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IELTS Essay Topics

Most people doing IELTS Writing Task 2 get stressed out about which IELTS essay topics they will face. They worry about getting an unfamiliar topic and not having any good ideas or enough vocabulary to complete the task.

This article will help you by giving you the most common IELTS essay topics  and showing you how to use these to get higher scores.

Why is it important to know the IELTS essay topics?

If you are familiar with the most common topics you will have a huge advantage because you will be better at two of the most important things:

• Thinking of relevant ideas

Idea Generation

Of all the things people worry about when doing Task 2 , not having enough ideas to complete the essay is normally top of the list. However, you should remember that IELTS is not a test of your knowledge, it is a test of your English. The examiners do not expect you to be an expert on the essay topic, they just want you to show that you can write clearly and persuasively in English.

You should also realise that IELTS is a global exam and when the writers of the exam are making the questions, their main concern is writing questions that can be understood by nearly everyone in the world. For example, common IELTS essay topics are education, crime and health. Everyone in the world has an opinion on these everyday topics and you need to understand that the examiners are not looking for the ‘best’ ideas, they are just looking for relevant ideas.

Let’s look at an example question on the topic of international aid:

Rich countries should help poorer countries when they suffer natural disasters. Do you agree?

You don’t have to think of the ‘best’ ideas, you just have to think of two ideas that are relevant to this question. Reasons why rich countries should help are:

• It is the morally correct thing to do.
• They have legal obligations under international law.
• Not helping will result in many deaths and suffering.
• They have more than enough money to do this.
• It is in their interests to do so for the peace and security of the world.
• Some of their own people might be involved in the disaster.
• Every rich country has a fund for disaster relief within their budget.
• They might suffer a disaster one day too and need help from the international community.

You obviously do not need to think of this many ideas and some of the ideas are better than others, but the point I am trying to make is that there are lots of ‘relevant’ ideas you could think of.

Despite this, you will obviously be more confident and be able to think of ideas more quickly if you are familiar with the common topics. Below I will show you how you can use the common IELTS essay topics to learn about the general topics and improve your English at the same time.

25% of your marks come from vocabulary and this is directly linked to IELTS essay topics. One of the main ways the examiner will judge your vocabulary is something called ‘topic-specific vocabulary’. The idea is that someone with a wide-ranging vocabulary should be able to talk about any of the common essay topics easily using words that are specific to that topic.

For example, if the question was the same as above, you would be expected to use words like ‘international aid’, ‘wealthy’, ‘developed’, ‘developing’, ‘earthquake’, ‘hurricane’, ‘relief fund’, ‘obligation’, ‘moral’ etc. These are words that you use specifically to talk about the essay topic. You don’t have to use these words, but they would help.

Therefore, the more familiar you are with the topic, the more ‘topic-specific’ vocabulary you will know and the higher your score will be. Knowing the most common IELTS essay topics allows you to focus on the most important vocabulary . Below I will show you the most common topics and some of the more important words you should know.

Are IELTS essay topics predictable?

Yes and no. You will obviously not be able to predict the exact topic that will come up. There are just too many to do this and it would be a very easy test if you knew what the exact topic was going to be.

However, there are between 10 common topics that come up more than others. You should focus on these first, especially if you don’t have much time before the test.

The most common IELTS essay topics are:

• Environment
• International Development
• Globalisation
• Public Transport
• Criminal Justice
• Youth Crime
• Government Spending
• Traditional Culture

I think that technology, health, education and the environment are the most important topics and will feature regularly in the future.

For more information on the most common topics, please visit my most common topics page .

How can I use the most common topics?

There are two main ways you can use the most common IELTS essay topics to your advantage. The first is to familiarise yourself with them while practising and improving your English and the second is to focus on topic-specific vocabulary.

Common Topic Familiarisation

If you are going to do well in the IELTS test you need to be using and exposing yourself to English every day. You should be reading, listening, writing and speaking in English as much as possible. You should make sure that if you are listening to or reading something in English you do it within the common topics. For example, you could listen to a podcast on technology one day and then read a newspaper report about education or health the next day. Most of the questions are on current topics, therefore staying up to date with what is happening in the world will really help you think of ideas.

For example, three of the biggest news stories of 2015 were the refugee crisis, terrorism and internet privacy issues. These topics have, unsurprisingly, already appeared on the IELTS writing paper this year.

Please check out my 25 online language learning tools for lots of ways you can study within the common topics at home for free.

If you really want to get advanced, you could also try making up your own questions based on the news of the day and then give these questions to a study partner. This is something that I do with my classes. They go to a popular news site like the BBC and write a Task 2 question based on one of the stories they were reading about and then they give it to a classmate who does the essay for homework.

Vocabulary – Notebook

There are two things you can do here: start a vocabulary notebook and focus on key topic-specific vocabulary.

As mentioned above, you should be listening to and reading English as much as possible before your test. This will not only improve your listening and reading skills but will, more importantly, expand your vocabulary.

When you are reading or listening you will always notice words that you don’t know. Most students simply look these up immediately in the dictionary and then forget about them. I think this is a total waste of time because the words do not stay in your head and you never use them again. A much better thing to do is to start a vocabulary notebook. This is the single most effective way to improve your vocabulary. Follow the steps below:

• Buy a notebook that you will only use for vocabulary.
• When you see or hear a new word try to guess the meaning from the context of the sentence or paragraph. This step is very important because it is an essential skill to develop and will help you remember the words.
• Check the meaning after you have guessed it in the dictionary.
• Note the new word and the definition in your vocabulary notebook.
• Pronunciation
• Review the list of words and test yourself on these words after one week, two weeks, one month and two months. Soon you will have expanded your vocabulary dramatically.

You can also do this by using apps like Memrise  to record and review vocabulary.

Vocabulary- Topic Specific Words

As mentioned above, one of the ways in which the examiner judges your vocabulary is how many topic-specific words you use. Learning these words before the exam for the most common essay topics should help you get a higher vocabulary score.

However, one of the worst things you could do is simply learn a list of words and insert them into your essay. This is not how good vocabulary works and the examiners are trained to spot this. Your focus should always be on accuracy i.e. using words correctly. Because of this I advise my students to use the 100% rule.

You should never use any word or phrase in IELTS essays if you are not 100% sure about it. By 100% I mean that you are sure about its:

• Collocations

If you are not 100% sure about the things above, then do not use it. If you do, you will probably get it wrong and this will lower your band score.

Vocabulary for Three Most Common Topics

Below are some keywords and phrases for the three most common IELTS Task 2 essay topics:

Word Circles

For all of the words above I have made word circles like the one below:

These will help you remember them and they are based on the 100% rule I mentioned above.

Click these links below to access all of them:

About Christopher Pell

My name is Christopher Pell and I'm the Managing Director of IELTS Advantage.

I started IELTS Advantage as a simple blog to help 16 students in my class. Several years later, I am very humbled that my VIP Course has been able to help thousands of people around the world to score a Band 7+ in their IELTS tests.

If you need my help with your IELTS preparation, you can send me an email using the contact us page.

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100 IELTS Essay Questions

Below are practice IELTS essay questions and topics for writing task 2. The 100 essay questions have been used many times over the years. The questions are organised under common topics and essay types. IELTS often use the similar topics for their essays but change the wording of the essay question.

In order to prepare well for writing task 2, you should prepare ideas for common topics and then practise applying them to the tasks given (to the essay questions). Also see model essays and tips  for writing task 2.

Below you will find:

• Essay Questions By Topic
• Essay Questions by Essay Type (for example Opinion, Discussion etc)

Please also note that my new Grammar E-book is now available in my store along with my Ideas for Essay Topics E-book and Advanced Writing Lessons. To visit store, click here: IELTS LIZ STORE

1) Common IELTS Essay Questions

IELTS practice essay questions divided by topic. These topics have been reported by IELTS students in their tests. Essay questions have been recreated as accurately as possible.

• Art   (5 essay questions)
• Business & Money   (17 essay questions)
• Communication & Personality   (20 essay questions)
• Crime & Punishment   (12 essay questions)
• Education   (17 essay questions)
• Environment   (12 essay questions)
• Family & Children   (8 essay questions)
• Food & Diet (13 essay questions)
• Government (6 essay questions)
• Health   (9 essay questions)
• Housing, Buildings & Urban Planning (8 essay questions)
• Language (6 essay questions)
• Leisure (1 essay question)
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2) IELTS Essay Questions by Essay Type 

There are 5 main types of essay questions in IELTS writing task 2 (opinion essays, discussion essay, advantage/disadvantage essays, solution essay and direct question essays). Click on the links below to see some sample essay questions for you to practice with at home.

• Opinion Essay Model Answer with Useful Tips
• Discussion Essay Model Answer with Useful Tips
• Solution Essay Model Answer with Useful Tips
• Direct Questions Model Essay 
• Adv/Disadv Model Essay with Useful Tips

3) Recent Essay Topics

You can also track recent essay topics on this page: IELTS ESSAY TOPICS 2024

Note: you must also prepare all other topics on the page above because questions are recycled each year.

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IELTS Essay Topics

Different essay topics.

Learn how to write essays on the top 15 topics that occur in the IELTS writing test.

This webpage covers a wide array of subjects, from discussions on culture and tradition to debates about technology and globalization, to help you familiarize yourself with potential essay prompts.

Each section explores a specific theme, providing insights, examples, and potential essay questions to aid your understanding and preparation. Whether you’re studying for the Academic or General Training module, these topics are relevant for both versions of the IELTS exam.

Navigating through my webpage, you’ll find valuable information to enhance your understanding of each topic, equipping you with the knowledge and vocabulary necessary to tackle essay questions effectively. Whether you’re a student aiming for a high band score or a professional seeking to improve your English proficiency, my resource is designed to support your IELTS preparation journey.

Click on each of the headings below to see The following:

• 𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐕𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐛𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐲:
• 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞:
• 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐫𝐠𝐮𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐞𝐛𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬:
• 𝐄𝐱𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐂𝐮𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬:
• 𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐥 𝐄𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐲:

Culture & Tradition

Crime and Punishment

Economics and Consumerism

Environment

Family and Relationships

Globalisation

Government and Society

Science & Innovation

Social Issues

Transportation

Work and Careers

You may also like to see the six different types of questions that are asked in the IELTS writing test.

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About Mike I’m Mike Wattie from Australia. I have been teaching IELTS for over 20 years in Asia and Australia.

I have written IELTS books and this enables me to be an effective tutor. This is because I understand the main problems that students have taking the test and also the ways to overcome them.

Maybe you would like me to teach you the necessary skills and strategies to pass your test.

IELTS is a registered trademark of University of Cambridge ESOL, the British Council, and IDP Education Australia and they jointly manage the IELTS test. This website is for test preparation only and has nothing to do with the administration of IELTS tests This website is not affiliated, approved or endorsed by the University of Cambridge ESOL, the British Council, and IDP Education Australia.

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Vocabulary For Academic IELTS Writing Task 1 (part 1)

Introduction + Basic/ General Trends + Details Description + Summary (optional) .

Vocabulary for the introduction part:.

General Statement Part:

Vocabulary for the general trend part:, 1. in general... 2. in common... 3. generally speaking... 4. overall... 5. it is obvious... 6. as it is observed... 7. as a general trend... 8. as can be seen... 9. as an overall trend/ as overall trend... 10. as it is presented... 11. it can be clearly seen that... 12. at the first glance... 13. it is clear, 14. at the onset... 15. it is clear that... 16. a glance at the graph(s) reveals that..., the structure of the ielts academic writing task 1 (report writing):, introduction:, reporting details:, conclusion:.

 Vocabulary to Start the Report Body:

1. as it is presented in the diagram(s)/ graph(s)/ pie chart(s)/ table... 2. as (it is) shown in the illustration... 3. as can be seen in the... 4. as the diagrams suggest... 5. according to the... 6. categorically speaking... 7. getting back to the details... 8. now, turning to the details... 9. the table data clearly shows that... 10. the diagram reveals that... 11. the data suggest that... 12. the graph gives the figure... 13. it is interesting to note that... 14. it is apparently seen that... 15. it is conspicuous that... 16. it is explicitly observed that... 17. it is obvious... 18. it is clear from the data... 19. it is worth noticing that... 20. it is crystal clear/ lucid that... 21. it can be clearly observed that... 22. it could be plainly viewed that... 23. it could be noticed that... 24. we can see that...,  vocabulary to show the changes:.

Vocabulary to represent changes in graphs:

Types of Changes/ Differences and Vocabulary to present them: 

Dates, months & years related vocabulary and grammar: , percentage, portion and numbers:, words/ phrases of approximation - vocabulary:, what criteria would a band 9 graph response satisfy.

Next »» Graph Writing Vocabulary (Part 2)»

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Common IELTS Writing Task 2 topics

در این صفحه, environment, government spending.

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Although you never know what your question for writing Task 2 on the IELTS exam is going to be, there are often certain topics that come up repeatedly when practicing sample questions. Here is a list of common writing Task 2 topics and some strategies to become familiar with them.

Education is a topic that most IELTS candidates can relate to and it is a common theme for the IELTS Writing Task 2. Questions can range from topics such as the classroom to the curriculum.

Many feel that the common educational system of teachers and students in a classroom will be replaced by the year 2050.

Do you agree with this view? Give your opinion.

Education should be free to all people and should be paid for and managed by the government.

Do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Much of our world today is heavily influenced by technology and so many aspects of our lives are impacted by this topic. Various Task 2 questions have technology as the main idea.

Nowadays, children watch a lot of TV and play video games. However, some think that these activities are not beneficial for a child’s mental health.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Modern technology now allows rapid and uncontrolled access to information in many countries. This is a danger to our societies.

Health is another common topic on the IELTS writing Task 2 as healthcare is becoming more complex with people in many countries becoming more concerned with their health and having varying opinions on how to care for themselves.

Doctors recommend that older people exercise regularly. However, many of them do not get enough exercise.

What are the reasons?

What can be done to encourage them to exercise more?

Health care costs are increasing and many governments are finding it difficult to balance their healthcare budget. Should citizens be totally responsible for their own health with private health insurance or should the government provide free healthcare for all?

Discuss your viewpoint on this issue.

The environment is a worldwide issue that affects everyone. For this reason, it is a common topic on writing Task 2.

Some feel that it is impossible for a country to be economically progressive and environmentally friendly at the same time. Others disagree with this view.

Discuss both points of view and give your opinion.

Water pollution has become an increasing problem over the past few decades.

What causes water pollution?

How can we prevent this problem?

Government spending affects everyone within a country, so many citizens have strong opinions on how government funds are allocated. For writing Task 2, questions could discuss government spending on a wide range of topics.

Governments should lower budgets for arts in order to allocate more money to education.

Do you agree with this view?

Some believe governments should spend more money on improving roads and highways, while some think money should be spent improving public transportation, such as buses, trains, and subways.

People and the way they behave in different situations is the focus of many questions. This is why sociology is a common topic on the writing section of the IELTS exam.

Many parents put a lot of pressure on their children to succeed.

To what extent do you agree?

Most societies are based on rules and laws. If individuals were free to do whatever they wanted, society could not function.

Now that you know some common topics, here are some strategies to feel comfortable writing about any of them:

Read the news

All of these topics are commonly found in the news, in various types of stories and articles. Reading the news is a good way to get a sense of each topic and the vocabulary that is commonly associated with each of these topics.

Develop common vocabulary for each topic

Reading the news will allow you to see what words are common across these topics. Writing this vocabulary down and noting how to use it will help develop your writing skills. When you practice writing Task 2 essays, try to use this vocabulary in the correct form and in different questions.

Practice writing about these topics

Although this is not an inclusive list of topics, it's a good place to start. Look at common questions about these topics and practice writing them. This will allow you to get more comfortable with writing a Task 2 essay as well as using more advanced, topic-specific vocabulary.

Know these topics in different essay types

When you look at Task 2 questions, think about all essay types because you never know what kind of essay you are going to have to write on the IELTS test. If you read a topic about sports, think about your opinion, how you would discuss both views, what are the advantages and disadvantages of differing views, any problems or solutions associated with the topic, etc. Following this advice will help you understand how you would answer any type of essay question and aid in your success with writing Task 2.

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The digital era / the computer age / new media age. It is our time, the time of technology and gadgets, Facebook addiction, and knowledge-based society.

Example : The arrival of the digital era was so rapid that we have not yet managed to cope with all the consequences.

Another 3 words which you are very likely to use in you writing or speaking section on technology are:

Innovation / Breakthrough / Revolution

Innovation is an act of introducing something new. And if we observe rapid dramatic changes, we use revolution. As for technological revolution, it could often be triggered by a breakthrough – an act of making important discoveries.

The internet revolution changed the way that people got and shared information, affecting everything from social relations to the way they work.

Although always with risk, technological breakthroughs promise the most pressing global challenges of our time.

Now let’s discuss some useful word combinations.

Cutting-edge / rocket science / tech-savvy

The adjective cutting-edge basically means the most advanced, the latest. For example, cutting-edge technologies. As for rocket science , it is a slightly less formal expression which means an activity requiring considerable intelligence and ability.

Example : We also work with universities and other experts to ensure that we remain at the cutting edge of technology.

Example : Millennials are tech-savvy , thrifty, and more likely to stream entertainment online than other Americans.

Our next term is Cloud computing . Over the recent decades it has become a buzzword in the IT world. I will explain this term as easily as possible. Cloud computing means that instead of using all the applications physically installed on your computer you can access them over the Internet. They are provided as service by another company. And it applies not only to computer programs, but also to hardware capacity.

Example : The Google Docs service allows users to upload documents, spreadsheets, and presentations to Google’s data servers and serves as an example of cloud computing.

And here’re 2 more words: wireless and mobile. Do they have the same meaning? Yes and no. Sometimes you can use either, but they represent different concepts. Let me explain.

Mobile is a word to describe the nature of devices. A mobile device is one that can be taken anywhere. Usually these devices need a battery to work. But wireless does not mean mobile. Many non-mobile devices can connect to wireless networks as well as mobile devices. I hope you feel the difference.

I have also prepared a list of other useful tech related words and phrases. You probably know most of them. But I encourage you to think whether you normally use them while speaking or writing. Do you feel comfortable with them? If some of them confuse you, come up with several sentences to practice their usage. And remember to return to these words after a while.

• user-friendly – easy to learn, use, understand, or deal with;
• computer literate – able to use computers and related technology efficiently;
• o bsolete / outdated – no longer used because something newer exists : replaced by something newer;
• gadget / equipment (a piece of equipment) / appliance / device / hardware
• e-commerce – activities that relate to the buying and selling of goods and services over the Internet;
• social media – forms of electronic communication through which users create online communities to share information, ideas, personal messages, and other content;
• blogs – a Web site on which someone writes about personal opinions, activities, and experiences;
• viral – quickly and widely circulated from one Internet user to another, as in “a viral video”;
• to browse – to use a special program (called a browser) to find and look at information on the Internet;
• to download – to move or copy a file, program, etc., from a usually larger computer system to another computer or device;
• connection – the state when two or more devices are connected through the Internet or a network;
• cyber – of, relating to, or involving computers or computer networks (as the Internet);
• privacy – is the ability of an individual or group to seclude themselves, or information about themselves, and thereby express themselves selectively;
• applications / apps – is a computer program designed to perform a group of coordinated functions, tasks, or activities for the benefit of the user;
• software – the programs that run on a computer and perform certain functions.

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IELTS Speaking Part 1: Types, Commonly Asked Topics & Tips

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Bonus IELTS Speaking part questions with Answers

“Prepare to impress in IELTS Speaking Part 1 with this 2024 edition guide. Explore the structure, common questions, and detailed expert strategies. “

In this blog, we'll dive deep into the nuances of IELTS Speaking Part 1, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of what to expect and how to prepare effectively, from exploring the types of questions to sharing valuable tips and addressing the crucial parts of the IELTS Speaking test.

What is IELTS Speaking Part 1?

IELTS Speaking Part 1, also known as the "Interview" section, is the first part of the IELTS Speaking test. In this section, the examiner will ask you a series of questions about familiar topics related to your personal life, interests, and experiences. The format is relatively straightforward: you will engage in a short conversation with the examiner, who will ask you questions and expect you to provide comprehensive yet concise responses.

Know about the ‘ Introduction to IELTS Speaking. ’

Types of Questions in IELTS Speaking Part 1

Before we jump right into the topics and questions, it's essential to understand the different types of part 1 speaking questions. The questions can be broadly categorized into the following:

Open-ended questions

These questions require you to provide detailed responses, allowing you to showcase your ability to express yourself fluently and coherently.

Follow-up questions

Based on your initial response, the examiner may ask follow-up questions to probe further or clarify certain points.

Situational questions

These questions may present hypothetical scenarios or situations, requiring you to express your thoughts and opinions.

Here are two helpful interview videos that provide an overview of the IELTS Speaking Part 1:

• IELTS Speaking Practice Test 2024 | BAND 7.0 | FULL IELTS Speaking Interview 2024
• IELTS Speaking Practice Test 2024 | BAND 6.0 | FULL IELTS Speaking Interview

Commonly Asked IELTS Speaking Topics Part 1

In IELTS Speaking Part 1, the questions typically revolve around familiar topics related to your personal life, hobbies, and interests.

Below listed are some of the commonly asked IELTS speaking topics of part 1:

Work and Study

• Your job or studies
• Your typical day
• Your future plans
• Skills and qualifications

Home and Family

• Your family members
• Your living situation
• Household chores and responsibilities
• Childhood memories

Hobbies and Interests

• Sports and activities you enjoy
• Books, movies, or TV shows you like
• Music preferences
• Travel experiences

Daily Life and Routines

• Your morning routine
• Eating habits and food preferences
• Weekend activities
• Transportation and commuting

Remember, these topics serve as a general guide, and the actual questions may vary depending on your specific context and the examiner's approach.

Explore the numerous topics in Speaking Part 1. First impressions count. Don’t miss out on creating your best impression. Do practice these questions -  Speaking Part 1 Topics

Do you panic when you introduce yourself or when someone asks you a question about your habits and lifestyle? Do take a look at them and boost your confidence -  Band 8 Sample Answers

Tips for Nailing IELTS Speaking Part 1 in 2024

To excel in part 1 speaking questions, it's essential to be well-prepared and adopt effective strategies. Here are some tips to help you succeed:

• Practice speaking fluently

Example: Engage in regular conversations with friends or join an English-speaking club to build confidence and fluency.

• Expand your vocabulary

Example: Read extensively, listen to English audio/video materials, and learn new words in context to enhance your lexical range.

• Provide detailed responses

Example: When asked about your hobbies, don't just say "I like reading." Instead, elaborate on the types of books you enjoy, your favorite authors, and why you find reading fulfilling.

• Stay relevant

Example: While it's essential to provide comprehensive responses, ensure that your answers remain relevant to the question asked.

• Maintain a positive attitude

Example: Approach the test with confidence and a friendly demeanor. Remember, the examiner is evaluating your English proficiency, not your personality.

• Use appropriate body language and eye contact

Example: Maintain eye contact with the examiner, nod to show understanding, and use natural gestures to enhance your communication.

• Clarify if needed

Example: If you don't understand a question, politely ask the examiner to repeat or rephrase it.

• Manage your time effectively

Example: Be mindful of the time and avoid prolonged pauses or rambling, as this may negatively impact your fluency score.

• Practice with sample questions

Example: Familiarize yourself with sample questions and practice responding to them within the time constraints.

• Stay calm and focused

Example: If you stumble or make a mistake, don't dwell on it. Maintain your composure and move on to the next question.

IELTS Speaking Part 1 Questions and Answers - Topics

So here is the list of topics for IELTS speaking part 1 questions and answers:

• Topic: advertisements
• Topic: bags
• Topic: Celebrities
• Topic: Chocolate
• Topic: cooking food
• Topic: dream
• Topic: flowers
• Topic: hats
• Topic: holidays
• Topic: hometown
• Topic: House
• Topic: jobs
• Topic: mirrors
• Topic: noise
• Topic: politeness
• Topic: public transport
• Topic: Study
• Topic: Walking
• Topic: sports
• Topic: rain with
• Topic: teachers
• Topic: Birds
• Topic: bringing things
• Topic: dreams
• Topic: drinking water with
• Topic: Fashion
• Topic: food
• Topic: handwriting
• Topic: holiday
• Topic: jewellery
• Topic: leisure time
• Topic: names
• Topic: patience
• Topic: Photography
• Topic: rain
• Topic: robots
• Topic: Television
• Topic: toys
• Topic: weather
• Topic: reading

IELTS Speaking Part 1 Questions with Band 9 Sample Answers

Below are the links to score Band 9 in Speaking Part 1 with sample answers.

• Topic: Music
• Topic: travel festival
• Topic: accommodation
• Topic: travel
• Topic: running
• Topic: makeup
• Topic: street markets
• Topic: alone
• Topic: efficiency
• Topic: Morning
• Topic: physical exercise
• Topic: Dance
• Topic: shoes
• Topic: Sleep
• Topic: parks and public gardens
• Topic: animals pets
• Topic: City
• Topic: crowded places
• Topic: neighbors
• Topic: Pollution
• Topic: sharing
• Topic: sunglasses
• Topic: Swimming
• Topic: tea coffee
• Topic: housework
• Topic: film movie
• Topic: social network
• Topic: rubbish garbage

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Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking Part 1 is to be well-prepared, confident, and able to communicate effectively in English. With dedicated practice and the right strategies, you can ace this section and increase your chances of achieving your desired IELTS score.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I choose my questions in part 1?

Is Speaking Part 1 important?

Are the questions personal or general?

Should I use American or British English?

What kind of topics will be asked in Speaking Part 1?

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IELTS Writing Task 2: The Impact of Global Trade on Environmental Sustainability – Sample Essays and Analysis

Global trade and its effects on environmental sustainability have become increasingly prominent topics in IELTS Writing Task 2. This theme combines economic and environmental issues, making it a complex and relevant subject for test-takers to address. Based on recent trends, we can expect this topic to appear more frequently in future IELTS exams. Let’s explore a sample question and provide model essays to help you prepare for this challenging task.

Table of Contents

• 1 Analyzing the Question
• 2 Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
• 3 Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
• 4 Key Points to Remember When Writing
• 5 Vocabulary to Remember

Analyzing the Question

Let’s examine a typical IELTS Writing Task 2 question on this topic:

Some people argue that the growth of international trade has a negative impact on the environment. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give reasons for your answer and include relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

This question requires you to:

• Present your opinion on the relationship between international trade and environmental impact
• Provide reasons and examples to support your stance
• Discuss both positive and negative aspects of the issue
• Structure your essay coherently with clear arguments and logical progression

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

International trade has undoubtedly become a cornerstone of the global economy, facilitating the exchange of goods and services across borders. However, the environmental consequences of this expansive network have raised significant concerns. While I acknowledge that global trade has contributed to economic growth and improved living standards in many countries, I largely agree that its rapid expansion has had detrimental effects on the environment.

The negative environmental impact of international trade is evident in several areas. Firstly, the transportation of goods across vast distances contributes significantly to carbon emissions. Ships, planes, and trucks used in global logistics are major sources of greenhouse gases , exacerbating climate change. For instance, the International Maritime Organization reports that shipping alone accounts for about 2.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Secondly, the intensification of production to meet global demand often leads to unsustainable practices. Deforestation in the Amazon rainforest, driven partly by international demand for beef and soy, is a stark example of how trade can accelerate environmental degradation .

Moreover, the race to remain competitive in the global market can lead to the relaxation of environmental standards in some countries. This “race to the bottom” phenomenon can result in pollution havens, where industries with high environmental costs relocate to areas with lax regulations. The electronic waste dumping grounds in countries like Ghana and India exemplify the environmental injustice perpetuated by global trade imbalances.

However, it would be remiss to ignore the potential for international trade to foster environmental innovations. The global exchange of green technologies and sustainable practices can accelerate the adoption of eco-friendly solutions worldwide . For example, the international market for renewable energy technologies has driven down costs and increased accessibility, promoting a shift towards cleaner energy sources globally.

In conclusion, while international trade has brought economic benefits, its rapid growth has indeed had a predominantly negative impact on the environment. To mitigate these effects, it is crucial to implement stricter environmental regulations in trade agreements, promote sustainable production methods, and invest in cleaner transportation technologies. Only through concerted global efforts can we hope to balance the economic advantages of international trade with the imperative of environmental preservation.

(Word count: 345)

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

The growth of international trade has become a big topic of discussion when it comes to its effects on the environment. In my opinion, I mostly agree that global trade has had a negative impact on our planet, although there are some positive aspects to consider as well.

One of the main reasons why international trade is bad for the environment is because of transportation. When goods are shipped all around the world, it uses a lot of fuel and causes pollution . For example, big cargo ships and planes release a lot of CO2 into the atmosphere, which contributes to global warming. This is a big problem that gets worse as trade increases.

Another issue is that some countries might lower their environmental standards to produce goods more cheaply for the global market. This can lead to more pollution and damage to natural resources. We can see this happening in some developing countries where factories dump waste into rivers or cut down forests to make space for farms that grow export crops.

However, it’s important to note that international trade isn’t all bad for the environment. Sometimes, it can help spread green technologies to different parts of the world. For instance, solar panels made in one country can be sold to others, helping more places use clean energy. This sharing of eco-friendly ideas and products could be seen as a positive effect of global trade .

In conclusion, while there are some benefits, I believe that the growth of international trade has mostly had a negative impact on the environment. To fix this, countries need to work together to make stricter rules about pollution and find cleaner ways to transport goods. It’s important to balance economic growth with protecting our planet.

(Word count: 282)

Key Points to Remember When Writing

Structure : Both essays follow a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The Band 8-9 essay has more sophisticated paragraph transitions and a more nuanced argument.

Language : The Band 8-9 essay uses more advanced vocabulary and complex sentence structures, while the Band 6-7 essay uses simpler language but still conveys the main points effectively.

Examples : Both essays provide relevant examples, but the Band 8-9 essay includes more specific data and a wider range of examples.

Balanced view : While both essays predominantly agree with the statement, they also acknowledge counterarguments, which is essential for a well-rounded response.

Coherence : Ensure your essay flows logically from one point to the next, using appropriate linking words and phrases.

Vocabulary to Remember

Here are some key vocabulary items related to this topic:

Environmental sustainability (noun): The responsible interaction with the environment to avoid depletion or degradation of natural resources. Pronunciation: /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/

Carbon emissions (noun): The release of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Pronunciation: /ˈkɑːbən ɪˈmɪʃənz/

Deforestation (noun): The clearing or destruction of forests. Pronunciation: /diːˌfɒrɪˈsteɪʃn/

Eco-friendly (adjective): Not harmful to the environment. Pronunciation: /ˈiːkəʊ ˈfrendli/

Greenhouse gases (noun): Gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect by absorbing infrared radiation. Pronunciation: /ˈɡriːnhaʊs ˈɡæsɪz/

Sustainable (adjective): Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting natural resources. Pronunciation: /səˈsteɪnəbl/

Biodiversity (noun): The variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat or ecosystem. Pronunciation: /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/

Renewable energy (noun): Energy from a source that is not depleted when used, such as wind or solar power. Pronunciation: /rɪˈnjuːəbl ˈenədʒi/

In conclusion, The Impact Of Global Trade On Environmental Sustainability is a complex and important topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. By understanding the key issues, structuring your essay effectively, and using appropriate vocabulary, you can craft a strong response to questions on this theme. Remember to practice writing essays on similar topics, such as ethical business practices in a global market or the importance of fair trade for global equality . These related subjects will help you develop a broader understanding of global economic and environmental issues.

To further improve your skills, try writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This practice will help you apply what you’ve learned and receive feedback from others preparing for the IELTS exam.

• IELTS essay samples
• Sample Essay
• Vocabulary List

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