work related essay for ielts

50 Latest Job IELTS Topics

• Unlimited Task 1 checks Get all the feedback you need to keep improving your charts and letters.
• Unlimited Task 2 checks Practice and perfect your skills with essays.
• Personalized suggestions Know how to boost your score.
• 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.
• Progress tracking Track your writing improvements.

IELTS Essay: Working Life and Job Security

by Dave | General Training | 0 Comment

This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of working life and job security from the general training IELTS exam.

Please consider supporting me on Patreon.com/howtodoielts to receive my full, exclusive IELTS Ebooks!

Some people say that individuals should change jobs during their working life often while others believe that doing the same job has advantages to individuals, companies, and society.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Many are of the opinion that it is preferable for individuals, corporations and society more generally for workers to remain in the same position long-term. Although such a contention has transparent benefits, I am largely in disagreement.

Those who argue against employment mobility point out how it can facilitate consistent progress for all parties involved. Firstly, companies are the most likely to profit since they will not have to hire and train new employees and will be able to cultivate a positive company ethos. As companies flourish, it necessarily follows that individuals will be able to gain promotions and raises. This will enable a higher standard of living. Finally, society itself will benefit as the private and public world can achieve a balanced system of mutual benefits. There is then less likelihood of unemployment and civil unrest.

However, I would argue the opportunities that individuals may miss by not changing jobs are more significant. A worker who is unhappy in their job has the power to improve the situation. For instance, if a person is under-utilized and underpaid in their current position, they could apply for a new job or move to a new sector. If the move is successful, they will not regret their decision and if not they can always apply for another job. In the aggregate, citizens finding more satisfying jobs and taking full advantage of their latent abilities will lead to a happier society. This will in turn grow the economy and corporations are likely to be more productive with an engaged workforce.

In conclusion, the tangible impact of remaining in a single job does not outweigh the potential gain for individuals, and society by extension, when seeking a varied career path. There are exceptions to this but most workers should be willing to switch jobs when possible.

1. Many are of the opinion that it is preferable for individuals, corporations and society more generally for workers to remain in the same position long-term. 2. Although such a contention has transparent benefits, I am largely in disagreement.

• Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
• Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here .

1. Those who argue against employment mobility point out how it can facilitate consistent progress for all parties involved. 2. Firstly, companies are the most likely to profit since they will not have to hire and train new employees and will be able to cultivate a positive company ethos. 3. As companies flourish, it necessarily follows that individuals will be able to gain promotions and raises. 4. This will enable a higher standard of living. 5. Finally, society itself will benefit as the private and public world can achieve a balanced system of mutual benefits. 6. There is then less likelihood of unemployment and civil unrest.

• Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
• Explain your main idea.
• Develop it with specific or hypothetical examples.
• Keep developing it fully.
• Finish development.
• Make sure you have dealt with all points in the topic.

1. However, I would argue the opportunities that individuals may miss by not changing jobs are more significant. 2. A worker who is unhappy in their job has the power to improve the situation. 3. For instance, if a person is under-utilized and underpaid in their current position, they could apply for a new job or move to a new sector. 4. If the move is successful, they will not regret their decision and if not they can always apply for another job. 5. In the aggregate, citizens finding more satisfying jobs and taking full advantage of their latent abilities will lead to a happier society. 6. This will in turn grow the economy and corporations are likely to be more productive with an engaged workforce.

• Write a new topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
• Explain your new main idea.
• Include specific details and examples.
• Add as much information as you can and make sure it links logically.
• Develop the example fully.
• Finish the paragraph strong.

1. In conclusion, the tangible impact of remaining in a single job does not outweigh the potential gain for individuals, and society by extension, when seeking a varied career path. 2. There are exceptions to this but most workers should be willing to switch jobs when possible.

• Summarise your main ideas.
• Include a final thought. Read more about conclusions here .

What do the words in bold below mean? Make some notes on paper to aid memory and then check below.

Many are of the opinion that it is preferable for individuals , corporations and society more generally for workers to remain in the same position long-term . Although such a contention has transparent benefits , I am largely in disagreement.

Those who argue against employment mobility point out how it can facilitate consistent progress for all parties involved . Firstly, companies are the most likely to profit since they will not have to hire and train new employees and will be able to cultivate a positive company ethos . As companies flourish , it necessarily follows that individuals will be able to gain promotions and raises . This will enable a higher standard of living . Finally, society itself will benefit as the private and public world can achieve a balanced system of mutual benefits . There is then less likelihood of unemployment and civil unrest .

However, I would argue the opportunities that individuals may miss by not changing jobs are more significant . A worker who is unhappy in their job has the power to improve the situation . For instance, if a person is under-utilized and underpaid in their current position, they could apply for a new job or move to a new sector . If the move is successful, they will not regret their decision and if not they can always apply for another job. In the aggregate , citizens finding more satisfying jobs and taking full advantage of their latent abilities will lead to a happier society. This will in turn grow the economy and corporations are likely to be more productive with an engaged workforce .

In conclusion, the tangible impact of remaining in a single job does not outweigh the potential gain for individuals, and society by extension , when seeking a varied career path . There are exceptions to this but most workers should be willing to switch jobs when possible .

For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:

preferable better

individuals people

corporations companies

society more generally all people in country

workers employees

remain stay

position long-term job for a long time

although however

contention belief

transparent benefits clear advantages

largely mostly

those who argue against people who disagree with

employment mobility changing jobs

point out argue

facilitate consistent progress enable continued growth

parties involved groups, people engaged with this

hire give a job

train teach about

cultivate help grow

positive company ethos good environment

flourish do really well

necessarily follows of necessity causes

gain promotions get a new job

raises increases

enable allow for

higher standard of living better quality of life

private and public personal and society

achieve a balanced system of mutual benefits good social order

less likelihood not as much of a chance

unemployment no job

civil unrest people unhappy in society

opportunities chances

significant meaningful

improve the situation make things better

under-utilized not used enough

underpaid not paid enough money

current right now

new sector different field

regret feel bad about, wish it was different

in the aggregate combined

citizens residents, people in a country

satisfying fulfilling

taking full advantage do the most to enjoy

latent abilities what you are capable of doing

in turn then

productive efficient

engaged workforce workers who care

tangible impact real effect

outweigh stronger than

potential possible

by extension included in this

seeking a varied career path try different jobs

exceptions cases outside the norm

willing happy to

switch change

when possible if they can

Pronunciation

Practice saying the vocabulary below and use this tip about Google voice search :

ˈprɛfərəbl   ˌɪndɪˈvɪdjʊəlz ˌkɔːpəˈreɪʃənz   səˈsaɪəti mɔː ˈʤɛnərəli   ˈwɜːkəz   rɪˈmeɪn   pəˈzɪʃən ˈlɒŋtɜːm ɔːlˈðəʊ   kənˈtɛnʃən   trænsˈpeərənt ˈbɛnɪfɪts ˈlɑːʤli   ðəʊz huː ˈɑːgjuː əˈgɛnst   ɪmˈplɔɪmənt məʊˈbɪlɪti   pɔɪnt aʊt   fəˈsɪlɪteɪt kənˈsɪstənt ˈprəʊgrəs   ˈpɑːtiz ɪnˈvɒlvd ˈhaɪə   treɪn   ˈkʌltɪveɪt   ˈpɒzətɪv ˈkʌmpəni ˈiːθɒs   ˈflʌrɪʃ , ˈnɛsɪsərɪli ˈfɒləʊz   geɪn prəˈməʊʃənz   ˈreɪzɪz ɪˈneɪbl   ˈhaɪə ˈstændəd ɒv ˈlɪvɪŋ ˈpraɪvɪt ænd ˈpʌblɪk   əˈʧiːv ə ˈbælənst ˈsɪstɪm ɒv ˈmjuːtjʊəl ˈbɛnɪfɪts lɛs ˈlaɪklɪhʊd   ˌʌnɪmˈplɔɪmənt   ˈsɪvl ʌnˈrɛst ˌɒpəˈtjuːnɪtiz   sɪgˈnɪfɪkənt ɪmˈpruːv ðə ˌsɪtjʊˈeɪʃən ˈʌndə-ˈjuːtɪˌlaɪzd   ˌʌndəˈpeɪd   ˈkʌrənt   njuː ˈsɛktə rɪˈgrɛt   ɪn ði ˈægrɪgɪt ˈsɪtɪznz   ˈsætɪsfaɪɪŋ   ˈteɪkɪŋ fʊl ədˈvɑːntɪʤ   ˈleɪtənt əˈbɪlɪtiz   ɪn tɜːn   prəˈdʌktɪv   ɪnˈgeɪʤd ˈwɜːkˌfɔːs ˈtænʤəbl ˈɪmpækt   aʊtˈweɪ   pəʊˈtɛnʃəl   baɪ ɪksˈtɛnʃən , ˈsiːkɪŋ ə ˈveərɪd kəˈrɪə pɑːθ ɪkˈsɛpʃənz   ˈwɪlɪŋ   swɪʧ   wɛn ˈpɒsəbl

Vocabulary Practice

I recommend getting a pencil and piece of paper because that aids memory. Then write down the missing vocabulary from my sample answer in your notebook:

Many are of the opinion that it is p____________e for i___________s , c__________s and s______________________y for w_________s to r________n in the same p_________________m . A__________h such a c________n has t_________________s , I am l_______y in disagreement.

T________________________________t e___________________y p____________t how it can f___________e c__________________s for all p_______________d . Firstly, companies are the most likely to profit since they will not have to h____e and t______n new employees and will be able to c__________e a p___________________s . As companies f________h , it n____________s that individuals will be able to g___________________s and r________s . This will e_______e a h________________g . Finally, society itself will benefit as the p__________________c world can a_________________________________________s . There is then less l___________d of u____________t and c____________t .

However, I would argue the o_______________s that individuals may miss by not changing jobs are more s___________t . A worker who is unhappy in their job has the power to i___________________n . For instance, if a person is u________d and u__________d in their c________t position, they could apply for a new job or move to a n__________r . If the move is successful, they will not r________t their decision and if not they can always apply for another job. I______________e , c_______s finding more s____________g jobs and t____________________e of their l_____________s will lead to a happier society. This will i________n grow the economy and corporations are likely to be more p___________e with an e___________________e .

In conclusion, the t______________t of remaining in a single job does not o________h the p_________l gain for individuals, and society b__________n , when s___________________________h . There are e________s to this but most workers should be w_______g to s______h jobs w_____________e .

Listening Practice

Learn more about this topic by watching from YouTube below and practice with these activities :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JaUCiKTNBxQ

Reading Practice

Read more about this topic and use these ideas to practice :

https://www.glassdoor.com/blog/interview-questions-to-ask-to-evaluate-a-companys-work-life-balance/

Speaking Practice

Practice with the following speaking questions from the real IELTS speaking exam :

Work  (Model answer available on my  Patreon )

• Are you student or are you working now?
• What do you like about your job/school at the moment?
• What job would you like to do in the future?

Writing Practice

Practice with the related IELTS essay topic below:

Many people try to balance work and other parts of their life. However, this is very difficult to do.

What are the problems associated with this?

What is the best way to achieve a better balance?

IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer: Work-Life Balance

Recommended For You

Latest IELTS Writing Task 1 2024 (Graphs, Charts, Maps, Processes)

by Dave | Sample Answers | 147 Comments

These are the most recent/latest IELTS Writing Task 1 Task topics and questions starting in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and continuing into 2024. ...

Recent IELTS Writing Topics and Questions 2024

by Dave | Sample Answers | 342 Comments

Read here all the newest IELTS questions and topics from 2024 and previous years with sample answers/essays. Be sure to check out my ...

Find my Newest IELTS Post Here – Updated Daily!

by Dave | IELTS FAQ | 18 Comments

IELTS Task 2 Question Types: Positive Negative Development

by Dave | Understanding Task 2 Writing | 3 Comments

I have collected here a variety of positive or negative development question task types from the real IELTS test. Enjoy and consider signing ...

IELTS Task 2 Question Types: Problems and Solutions

by Dave | Understanding Task 2 Writing | 0 Comment

I have collected here a variety of problems and solutions essays from the real IELTS test. Enjoy and consider signing up for my ...

IELTS Task 2 Question Types: Opinion Essays (Agree or Disagree)

by Dave | Understanding Task 2 Writing | 13 Comments

Here I have collected actual IELTS opinion essays (agree or disagree question) from the last several years - enjoy learning about this task type! ...

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Exclusive Ebooks, PDFs and more from me!

Sign up for patreon.

Don't miss out!

"The highest quality materials anywhere on the internet! Dave improved my writing and vocabulary so much. Really affordable options you don't want to miss out on!"

Minh, Vietnam

Hi, I’m Dave! Welcome to my IELTS exclusive resources! Before you commit I want to explain very clearly why there’s no one better to help you learn about IELTS and improve your English at the same time... Read more

Patreon Exclusive Ebooks Available Now!

8+ IELTS essay topics with Answers, Writing Task 2 Samples

• IELTS eligibility
• IELTS exam pattern
• IELTS reading
• IELTS listening
• IELTS writing task
• IELTS writing tips
• IELTS speaking test
• Idioms for IELTS
• IELTS pie chart task 1
• IELTS Speaking questions
• IELTS vocabulary words
• Introduction questions
• IELTS registration
• IELTS Slot Booking
• IELTS writing score calculator
• IELTS reading academic score
• IELTS listening band score
• IELTS general writing task 1
• IELTS general writing task 2
• IELTS letter writing samples
• Complex sentences for IELTS
• IELTS academic writing task 1
• IELTS essay topics
• Cue card topic 1
• Cue card topic 2
• Cue card topic 3
• Cue card topic 4
• Cue card topic 5
• Cue card topic 6
• Cue card topic 7

The IELTS writing section is one of the essential components of the IELTS exam as it evaluates your ability to express yourself effectively in written English.

Consisting of two tasks, Writing Task 1 and Writing Task 2 , this section aims to measure your skills in presenting information and opinions, as well as your capacity to organise and articulate ideas coherently.

As a result, it's important to know the most common essay topics for IELTS that are likely to come up.

Wish to score high in your IELTS? Download our comprehensive 30-day study guide for free

In this guide, we will discuss the latest IELTS essay topics for 2024 and give you some tips on how to approach them.

Table of Contents

Ielts writing task 2 for academic, 1. opinion essays, 2. discussion essays, 3. solution essays, 4. advantage or disadvantage essays, 5. direct question essays, 1. education, 2. technology, 3. environment, what are the topics for ielts writing, what is the most important essay for ielts, what are the common essay topics for ielts task 2, can i write 400 words in an ielts essay, is 7.0 a good ielts writing score, what happens if i don't write 250 words in ielts, what are the 3 essay types in ielts writing.

These topics are often repeated in IELTS exams , so make sure you are prepared for them!

Read also: IELTS tips and tricks to score high

IELTS Writing Task 2 for Academic assesses your ability to present and support an argument or opinion on a specific topic related to academic subjects or general issues. 

It consists of 2 tasks:

• IELTS Writing Task 1: It assesses your ability to interpret and describe visual information accurately. In this task, you are presented with a graph, chart, table, diagram, or process, and are required to write a short report summarising the information presented.
• IELTS Writing Task 2 : It assesses your ability to present and support an argument or opinion on a specific topic related to academic subjects or general issues. It requires you to express ideas coherently, use relevant examples, and maintain a well-structured essay format.

Types of IELTS essays

IELTS essays are divided into 5 main categories. These are:

Opinion essays require you to express your viewpoint on a given topic. You need to clearly state whether you agree or disagree with a statement and support your opinion with relevant arguments and examples.

“You say if you agree or disagree, back it up with good reasons.”

Sample IELTS essay writing topics:

• In your opinion, should the government invest more in space exploration or environmental conservation?
• Do you believe that social media has a positive impact on mental health?
• Some people argue that zoos are essential for animal conservation. What is your opinion on this matter?
• Is it better to raise children in a single-parent family or a two-parent family? Give reasons for your opinion.
• In your opinion, should school uniforms be mandatory for all students?
• Do you think that violent video games contribute to aggressive behavior in children?
• Some people believe that professional athletes are overpaid. Do you agree or disagree with this view?

Discussion essays demand a balanced analysis of a topic by exploring both sides of an argument. You need to present the main points for each perspective and provide a thoughtful discussion.

“You need to show both sides of a topic and talk about them fairly.”

• Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using renewable energy sources over fossil fuels.
• What are the benefits and drawbacks of online education compared to traditional classroom learning?"
• Examine the impact of globalisation on local cultures and traditions.
• Discuss the pros and cons of the growing popularity of online shopping.
• Compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of living in a city versus living in a rural area.
• Examine the impact of technology on interpersonal communication in today's society.
• Discuss the positive and negative effects of immigration on a country's economy.

Solution essays require you to identify a problem and propose effective solutions to address it. You need to analyse the causes of the issue and present practical remedies.

“You talk about a problem and give practical ideas to fix it.”

• What are the main causes of traffic congestion in urban areas, and what measures can be taken to alleviate it?
• Discuss the steps that can be taken to reduce the use of plastic and promote eco-friendly alternatives.
• Explain how governments can encourage citizens to adopt healthier eating habits and combat obesity.
• What can be done to address the issue of unemployment among young people?
• "Discuss the measures that can be implemented to reduce air pollution in major cities.
• How can governments promote renewable energy adoption and decrease reliance on fossil fuels?
• Explain the steps that individuals can take to reduce their carbon footprint and combat climate change.

Advantage or disadvantage essays involve analyzing the positive and negative aspects of a particular subject or situation.

“You look at the good and bad parts of something.”

• Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using artificial intelligence in various industries.
• What are the pros and cons of globalisation on the economies of developing countries?
• Examine the benefits and drawbacks of studying abroad for higher education.
• Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using social media for personal communication.
• What are the positive and negative effects of tourism on local communities and the environment?
• Explain the advantages and disadvantages of using nuclear power as a source of energy.
• Discuss the benefits and drawbacks of the increasing reliance on online banking and digital transactions.

Also read: 12 best books for IELTS exam preparation

Direct question essays consist of several direct questions related to a specific topic. You need to answer these questions comprehensively.

“You answer specific questions about a topic.”

• Should governments invest more in public transportation or road infrastructure? Why?
• Do you believe that the use of animals for scientific research is justified? Why or why not?
• What are the key factors that contribute to job satisfaction? How can job satisfaction be improved?
• Should children be given access to smartphones at a young age? What are the potential consequences?
• Do you think that the death penalty should be abolished worldwide? Why or why not?
• What are the challenges of an ageing population, and how can societies address them?
• Should fast-food advertising be restricted to combat the rise in obesity rates among children? Why?

Also read: List of IELTS vocabulary words

8 Common IELTS Essay Topics

Here are the common IELTS essay topics

• Environment

IELTS essays can cover a wide range of topics, but some topics often appear in the exam. Let's explore The 8 most common IELTS essay topics:

Education is one of the most popular and influential topics for IELTS essays.

Education can take many forms, from formal education in a classroom to informal education through life experiences.

For example, in an essay about education, you could discuss the importance of formal education, the benefits and drawbacks of different types of schooling or teaching methods, or even the impact of technology on education.

Education is a complex and interesting subject. When writing an education-related essay, make sure you research different education systems around the world and provide examples to support your assertions.

Additionally, consider how education can affect different aspects of life, such as economic development or social mobility.

Depending on the question prompt and your personal opinion, you can craft compelling essays that make strong statements about education in general or focus more narrowly on particular aspects, such as technology's role in modern classroom settings.

Additionally, it helps to have a few concrete examples for supporting evidence so that your argument is convincing and well-rounded. Education is a broad topic, but with careful thought, any student can write an essay that impresses the IELTS examiners.

🎥 Watch our IELTS Lessons Playlist on YouTube . Our expert instructor covers all modules: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.

Technology is one of the ten common IELTS essay topics and is becoming increasingly relevant in modern society.

Technology-related essays ask you to discuss the potential impact of technological solutions on an issue or analyze how technology has been used for progress in a particular field.

Technology can be used as both a positive and negative force, so it's important to consider both sides when tackling these types of IELTS essays. Be sure to explore various opinions and provide reliable evidence to support your points.

Technology should also be discussed regarding its implications for the future, particularly within the context of global development goals. In any case, keep in mind that technology should always be analyzed with a critical eye and thoughtful insight into its impacts on society.

When writing IELTS essays on technology, always use clear and thoughtful language that considers the future implications of this dynamic force.

By understanding the various facets of technology and approaching essay topics with an open mind, you'll be well-prepared to tackle any tech-related IELTS essay you encounter.

The environment is a popular topic for IELTS essays, and it's no surprise why.

Environment-related issues are growing in importance due to the impacts of climate change, pollution, and resource depletion.

As such, there are various IELTS essay topics that may focus on these issues. Examples include:

• Discussing ways to protect our environment from pollution
• Identifying strategies for reducing waste
• Examining the effects of global warming
• Studying methods of sustainable development
• Exploring how to conserve natural resources
• Investigating approaches to preserving biodiversity
• Analyzing the impact of climate change
• Evaluating renewable energy sources
• Proposing solutions to environmental problems
• Comparing environmental protection strategies in different countries.

It is important to keep up with current events and research related to environmental protection to provide relevant examples when writing your essays.

With the right preparation, you can ensure that your IELTS essay stands out from the crowd!

Wish to study abroad? Get started with your application while you prepare for the IELTS!

Work is an important topic in both Work & Study essays, which are commonly seen on IELTS exams.

Work can refer to any job or career someone has chosen to pursue, whether they are paid or unpaid. Work essays typically end with a discussion of future trends related to the topic. It would be best if you explored both sides of this issue before concluding.

Work-related topics that often appear in IELTS essays include globalization and its effect on labour markets, automation and technological advances in the workplace, new forms of employment such as freelancing or gig economy jobs, part-time or flexible working, and the ethical implications of unpaid labour.

Brainstorming different perspectives on these topics is important to develop a well-rounded essay.

Work is an interesting and often contentious topic that many students are passionate about, so it's important to ensure your arguments are clear and persuasive. Work essays require much thought and research to earn a high score on IELTS exams.

Achieve your highest IELTS score! Signup for your free IELTS masterclass with Edvoy. Learn from the best of the best teacher with over 17 years of experience. Sign up now!

Culture is a popular IELTS essay topic due to its broad scope and complexity.

Culture can include anything from national traditions, customs, lifestyles, artwork, holidays, and cuisine. Culture also reflects a country's history and values, making it an important topic of discussion in the IELTS exam.

Essays on culture may ask you to discuss how culture affects society or how particular cultural aspects have changed over time. In addition, you may be asked about your own cultural experiences or views on certain cultures worldwide.

To prepare for this type of essay, you should research different cultures and be familiar with key elements such as language, religious beliefs, values, and rituals.

Being able to draw examples from various countries will help demonstrate your understanding of the complex nature of culture.

Also read: Describe a daily routine that you enjoy

Crime is a popular topic among IELTS essay questions.

Crime involves any behaviour that goes against social norms and laws, such as robbery, theft, murder, assault or even drug trafficking.

Therefore, it is important to consider both sides of an argument when writing about crime; for example, looking at both the benefits and drawbacks of harsher punishments or greater law enforcement.

Crime essay topics may include discussing the causes and effects of crime, how to tackle it, or its impact on society.

Examples of crime essay questions could involve researching the increase in juvenile delinquency, discussing effective strategies to reduce cybercrime, or providing solutions for tackling alcohol-related offences.

It is also important to provide evidence from reliable sources to support your opinion and make a compelling argument. The more informed you are about current issues concerning crime, the better prepared you will be when tackling this question type.

Ensure that your conclusion summarizes your views on crime and provides reasoned arguments that support them.

Related article: IELTS preparation books

Health is a common topic in IELTS essays, as health and well-being are integral parts of our lives.

You might be asked about health services, health care systems, health promotion, or health education. You may also be asked to discuss the causes and effects of public health issues such as obesity.

To answer these questions successfully, you need to understand health policies and current global health trends.

You should also include sound arguments explaining why certain approaches should be used to address health problems. Citing examples from your own experience or research can help strengthen your essay and make it more convincing.

Moreover, if you can provide health-related statistics, this can also help to illustrate the seriousness of health issues.

Health is an important topic in IELTS essays, and by properly researching and understanding health policies and global health trends, you can write effective essays on the subject.

You might also like: Score high on IELTS Speaking Exam

Family is another common IELTS essay topic.

Addressing issues such as nuclear versus extended families, parenting styles, gender roles in the home, or traditional versus modern family dynamics are all valid approaches when writing about this topic.

In any case, make sure you use relevant examples to illustrate your point and develop a logical and well-structured argument.

Family can be explored from different angles, ranging from exploring changes in family structure and values to discussing the roles of parents and children within the family dynamic.

It is also possible to write about how families interact with society or how they have adapted over generations to produce a unique culture.

Another important issue to consider when writing about family is how it has been affected by technological and social advancements. Exploring topics such as technology's impact on family life or how a changing society has led to different expectations of parents can provide interesting insights into the topic of family.

With such a wide range of possibilities, family can make for an interesting and thought-provoking essay topic on the IELTS exam.

The IELTS essays cover a wide range of topics and have been designed to test students' writing abilities.

These above-mentioned topics are the eight most common for IELTS essays, but many other potential topics could come up in your exam.

With practice and commitment, any student can become skilled in writing compelling content for the IELTS exam.

Frequently asked questions

IELTS writing topics cover a wide range of subjects, including education, health, technology, environment, society, work, and more. 

Both Task 1 and Task 2 essays hold importance in IELTS writing. However, Task 2 is often considered more crucial as it contributes more to your overall writing score and requires you to present and support your viewpoint on a relevant topic.

Common IELTS Task 2 essay topics include subjects like climate change, technology's impact, education systems, health, social issues, and cultural diversity.

While there's no strict word limit, it's advisable to aim for around 250 to 300 words for Task 2 essays. Writing excessively, such as 400 words, might lead to less focused and coherent content. It's essential to prioritize clarity and quality over word count.

A writing score of 7.0 in IELTS is generally considered good and reflects a strong level of language proficiency. 

Not meeting the recommended word count of around 250 words in Task 2 essays could potentially lead to a lower score. 

The three main essay types in IELTS writing Task 2 are opinion essays, discussion essays, and solution essays.

Want to study abroad?

Related exams.

• A Beginner’s Guide to IELTS
• Common Grammar Mistakes [for IELTS Writing Candidates]

Writing Correction Service

• Free IELTS Resources
• Practice Speaking Test

Select Page

IELTS Essay on Employment

Posted by David S. Wills | Aug 6, 2020 | Model Essays | 0

There are many IELTS writing topics but one of the common ones is employment . This means anything relating to the idea of working. (Of course, it could also be the opposite: unemployment .) In any case, today I will explain how to write an IELTS essay on employment.

We are going to look at two examples of IELTS writing task 2 questions about employment and then I will show you my two sample answers.

IELTS Writing Questions about Employment

The topic of employment could arise almost anywhere in the IELTS exam but it is quite common in task 2 of the writing test. In fact, the scope for what sort of question you could be asked is immense! You could be asked about employment and:

• Environment
• and much more

In short, you cannot really prepare for this by guessing the questions or having any expectation of a particular topic. Just know that you might have to write an essay about employment and that you will need to read it carefully.

IELTS Essay #1: Self-Employment vs Traditional Employment

First of all, let’s look at an IELTS writing question about self-employment.

Nowadays many people choose to be self-employed, rather than to work for a company or organization. Why might this be the case? What could be the disadvantages of being self-employed?

This is a two-part question , which means you should aim to answer both questions in the body of your essay. In a sense, this makes it much easier to understand the question and structure your answer.

However, let’s make sure that we understand it perfectly.

Question analysis

Premise: In the modern era, many people work for themselves. This is different from the past, when they worked for companies.

We have to write about two things:

• Why this has happened.
• What are the disadvantages.

In a sense, this is a rare instance where the two-part question and the advantages-and-disadvantages question come together! You can see how #1 is sort of asking for the advantages, and #2 specifically asks for disadvantages.

How interesting!

Common Problems

I have often seen my writing correction students make the mistake of confusing freelancing, self-employment, and working from home. There can obviously be some overlap between these but there are also important distinctions:

To answer this question, I would take a pretty simple, four-paragraph structure for my approach. It would look like this:

Sample Band 9 Answer

It is quite common nowadays for people to be self-employed, rather than working for a company or organization. This essay will look into the reasons for that change, and then discuss some of the disadvantages of being self-employed.

In the information era, it is quite possible for people to work at home on their computer. The internet has opened up all sorts of possibilities in terms of making money, and so people may work as freelancers or start their own company. It has never been easier to do this because in the past working for yourself required renting an office or shop, whereas now you can simply set up a website or social media profile. People typically prefer this because it allows them a great deal of freedom. A person who prefers nights and loathes waking up early might choose to conduct their business at night, whereas someone who likes to travel might work from a laptop while visiting different places.

Of course, there are some disadvantages to being unemployed. This sort of employment lacks the security of a traditional job. In most countries, workers are protected by laws that guarantee them certain rights. However, with no employer and no workplace, these laws do not apply. Similarly, traditional jobs provide pension plans and health insurance, but when you work for yourself you have to provide these yourself, and they are not cheap. In fact, most self-employed people simply forego these things and take the risk as a part of their comparatively free life.

In conclusion, being self-employed allows people a far greater degree of freedom in their life, but there are several significant drawbacks that mean this sort of work is not suitable for everyone.

Note: This essay originally appeared here .

IELTS Essay #2: Job Satisfaction

Next, we will look at an IELTS essay on employment that deals specifically with the interesting issue of job satisfaction:

As most people spend a major part of their adult life at work, job satisfaction is an important element of individual wellbeing. What factors contribute to job satisfaction? How realistic is the expectation of job satisfaction for all workers?

This is another two-part question. What a coincidence!

Question Analysis

In order to understand this question, we can again look closely at its premise:

Premise: Job satisfaction is important for a person’s wellbeing.

You have to write about:

• The factors that make people satisfied with their work
• Whether or not it is realistic for everyone to achieve job satisfaction

You should aim to write about all of this without straying off topic.

A lot of people seem to misunderstand or overlook the second question, which asks whether it is realistic for everyone to have job satisfaction . This can be a difficult thing to discuss with any depth, but you need to address it as best you can.

Here is how I will plan my IELTS essay about job satisfaction:

Although some people think that a high salary is the most important part of a job, the truth is that job satisfaction is probably more important. This essay will look at some of the factors contributing to this, and then argue that it is a reasonable expectation to have some degree of job satisfaction.

Every person is different and so defining job satisfaction is not an easy task. However, it could be stated that in order to provide this to employees, employers must give them a good justification for doing their job. The reason for this is that having a sense of satisfaction with one’s job largely comes from feeling a sense of purpose. People who feel that their efforts are useless or unappreciated invariably feel no job satisfaction. In addition to this, it is important that a person is given some degree of responsibility and autonomy with their tasks. Having a supervisor monitoring every single action presents a lack of trust and creates an atmosphere of oppression. When these two factors are met, they can result in workers who feel satisfied with their positions.

It may seem unlikely that people can achieve this because ever since the industrial revolution, it has been normal for people to work long hours in order to make money to survive, with little thought given to making workers happy or comfortable. However, in the modern world there is no good reason why this cannot be a new target. Employers should strive to give their employees dignity in the workplace, instead of maximizing productivity. Whether this is likely or not depends on social expectations and workplace laws, but it is certainly possible if the effort were made.

In conclusion, job satisfaction occurs when people are given tasks that matter and then offered some degree of responsibility. This could be given to everyone with the right motivation, although it is also possible that it may not happen.

Ok folks, I hope that was helpful for you. Now you can go and write your own IELTS essay on employment. Remember that there are many possible questions and so you should not assume that these two will appear in your next test. Also note that the topic of employment could appear in task 1 as a line graph of employment rates or any other sort of visual representation of employment and unemployment.

About The Author

David S. Wills

David S. Wills is the author of Scientologist! William S. Burroughs and the 'Weird Cult' and the founder/editor of Beatdom literary journal. He lives and works in rural Cambodia and loves to travel. He has worked as an IELTS tutor since 2010, has completed both TEFL and CELTA courses, and has a certificate from Cambridge for Teaching Writing. David has worked in many different countries, and for several years designed a writing course for the University of Worcester. In 2018, he wrote the popular IELTS handbook, Grammar for IELTS Writing and he has since written two other books about IELTS. His other IELTS website is called IELTS Teaching.

Related Posts

A Difficult Task 2 Sample Essay

December 26, 2017

A Very, Very Difficult IELTS Question [Sample Answer]

June 18, 2021

Animal Rights Essay

January 20, 2023

The Effects of Media Influence [IELTS Sample Essay]

January 14, 2020

Leave a reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Download my IELTS Books

Recent Posts

• Ambition and Success: Sample IELTS Essay
• Do the Advantages Outweigh the Disadvantages? – Advice About This Question Type
• Exams vs Continual Assessement [Model Essay]
• British vs American Spelling
• How to Improve your IELTS Writing Score

Recent Comments

• David S. Wills on Writing Correction Service
• raquel on Writing Correction Service
• Lesson Plans
• Model Essays
• TED Video Lessons
• Weekly Roundup

english-practice.net

Practice English Exercises to Improve Your Skills

english-exercises.net

Practice More English Exercises to Improve Your Skills

englishpracticetest.net

Practice More English Tests to Improve Your Skills

Cambridge Practice Test

Practice Cam Listening Test with Answer & Transcript

Listening Practice Test

Practice Listening Test with Answer & Transcript

Practice Cambridge Reading Test with Answer

Practice Reading Test

Practice Reading Test with Answer

Practice Reading Mock Test with Answer

Speaking Practice Test

Speaking Practice Test with with Band 8-9 Samples

42 Common Topics for ielts Speaking Part 1

100 TOPICS for ielts Speaking Part 2 with Band 8 Sample

70 TOPICS for ielts Speaking Part 2 with Band 8+ Sample Recordings

Vocabulary Words

Most Common Vocabulary Topics for ielts Speaking

Writing Practice Test

Writing Practice Test with Band 8-9 Samples

Writing Mock Test with Band 8-9 Samples

Writing Task 2 Topics with Band 7-8-9 Samples

General Reading Tests

Practice General Reading Test with Answer

IELTS Writing Task 2 – Topic: JOB

ielts writing topics 2019

1.  Some people prefer to work for a large company. Others prefer to work for a small company. Which would you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your choice.  

Sample Answer

The issue whether working for a large company is better than working for a small  company is a controversial one. From my everyday experience and observation I think  that every option has its advantages and disadvantages. I base my opinion on the  following points.

From the one side working for a large company brings many benefits. First of all, one  has better medical insurance, higher salary. Often employees of a large company have  less responsibility. Moreover, they feel more secure because their company has more  clients and this means better chance to survive on the modern market. However, one  working for a large company has less chance to be promoted because one’s manager  does not want to lose his or her job unless she or he is promoted too. Also, from my  observation, managers of a large company do not pay much attention to one’s solutions  and suggestions.

From the other side working for a small company has many advantages too. Firstly, one  has better chance to be promoted. Secondly, one can talk to the owner of the company  about any improvements that can be done in order to get more profit. Another important  aspect of working for a small company is the opportunities to find out more about how  company works. As a result of this one can gain more experience and get better  recommendations. However, this also has some disadvantages. For instance, one can  get less salary, worse medical benefits, etc.

To sum up, I think that every person chooses for himself what he or she wants. If one  wants better career and more responsibilities then a small company is better choice.  Otherwise, working for a large company may be a good option too.

 (286 words)

2.  We all work or will work in our jobs with many different kinds of people. In your opinion, what are some important characteristics of a co-worker (someone you work closely with)? Use reasons and specific examples to explain why these characteristics are important.

A large number of people spend most of their time at work. Our life is divided into three  equal parts: 8 hours – sleep, 8 hours – work, 8 hours – family time. So, in the most cases,  one’s co-worker plays an important role in one’s life. From my opinion, the essential  characteristics of a co-worker are the following.

First of all, a person who works closely with me must like his job. I think it is very important for a person to feel satisfaction with his job. My husband is a software  developer. He is fond of his job and people enjoy working with him because they see  how many energy he puts into his job.

Second of all, my co-worker must be persistent and never give up. I like when people  who came across a problem try to solve it, find a good decision instead of looking for  another person to hand it over. Another important aspect of this is that a good worker  should always ask himself “What can be improved?” and suggests new solutions.

In addition, he must be a good team player. In the modern world good communication  skills and the ability to work in a team are among the common position requirements.  Personally, I think it is great to help each other, share new ideas, develop new  solutions, etc. It helps to create a team spirit and improve labor productivity.

Finally, my co-worker must be punctual. He or she should finish the job on time I think  that It is unacceptable to make the rest of a team wait while a person finishes his or her  job. Also, my “ideal co-worker” should always be ready to offer his or her help and be  supportive.

To summarize, I think if a co-worker possesses all of these qualities mentioned above  he can make work with him really enjoyable and productive.

 (314 words)

3.  What are some important qualities of a good supervisor (boss)? Use specific details and examples to explain why these qualities are important.

Many people have to work under somebody’s supervision. In most cases an employee  does not choose his or her boss, unless a supervisor is elected. In the following  paragraphs I will list the most important qualities of my “ideal boss”.

First of all, he must be impartial. I believe that it is very important to make a technical  decision, think about somebody’s promotion, etc. impartially. For instance, my friend is a  supervisor on a dairy mill. It is his family’s business so a lot of his relatives work there.  But he never promotes someone because he or she is his family. I think it is a good  quality for a boss.

Second of all, my “ideal boss” must be honest, patient and attentive. He should pay  attention to people’s feelings, encourage them by increasing their salary, listen to their  suggestions about improving labor conditions and productivity. For instance, if he does  not satisfied with the result he should understand the origin of the problem and explain  people how to fix it. In addition, he must know how to solve conflicts that can arise  between employees.

Another important quality of a boss is the ability to choose the right decisions and to  learn on somebody’s mistakes.

Finally, I think a good boss must value his or her employees because the profit directly  depends on the people who work there.

In conclusion, I think a good boss should be able to make his people enjoy the work  they are doing and encourage their diligence.

 (252 words)

4.  Businesses should hire employees for their entire lives. Do you agree or disagree? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

I would have to completely disagree with the statement above. In the following  paragraphs I will outline the basic concepts of my position.

First of all, I will least the major disadvantages for employers. On the today’s market a  company must be very flexible in order to compete with other firms. So, imagine the  situation when a company can not fire its employees to stay on the market. It will lead to  loosing not only a profit, but the clients, market share and competitive ability. Now,  imagine the situation when a company is growing fast, everything is good and the next  few years are going to be excellent. So, employers need more people to extend the  production. However, nobody can tell what will happen in a few years. In this case,  employers will be afraid to hire new people and extend their business because they will  not be able to fire them if something goes wrong. Another important aspect of this is that  a company can not have the best employees. It can not hire the better one without  dismissing another employee.

What kind of disadvantages will have an employee in exchange for this kind of job  security? First of all, it will be very difficult to find a job if one is not the best, because an  employer does not want to spend money on one’s education. Besides, employer will not  have a chance to fire one if he does not do his job well. Second of all, employees with  this kind of security tend not to perfect themselves because after they are hired they can  not lose their job.

In conclusion, I would like to add that this statement has some positive aspects too such  as constancy, a strong spirit of the company, etc. This system takes place in Japan and  some companies succeeded in it. But I think that the reason of it subsists in the  Japanese traditions, the particular cultural features, habits and customs. However, on  today’s market here in the United States a company can not afford to hire employees for  their entire life.

 (349 words)

5.  Some people like to do only what they already do well. Other people prefer to try new things and take risks. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your choice.

Form my everyday experience and observation I think that all people who succeeded in  life had to work hard and gain more knowledge and experience in order to reach their  goals. From the other hand, people who all their life do things they already do well and  do not improve their knowledge do not move forward. I base my statement on the  following points.

First of all, people who want to succeed must constantly improve their knowledge and  gain more experience. Moreover, they must be the best at their profession. So, they  need to try new things, take risks sometimes and work hard.

Second of all, it is impossible to live without trying new things. Imagine one wants to  learn how to drive. He will never be able to do it without learning new things such as  driving rules.

Personally, I think that it is very interesting to learn new, to gain more experience, to  make new goals and reach them. Life is too short to stay on one place. People need  changes because they make our lives more beautiful and exiting. We find out new  things, learn new things and dream to know other things. People need challenges  because while overcoming obstacles we make new discoveries, become stronger,  perfect ourselves and move forward.

To sum up, I believe that people’s aspiration for learning new things is the main reason  the way we live now. People make many discoveries and inventions that make our lives  easier, happier and longer.

 (249 words)

6.  Companies should encourage employees who work in a high position to leave at the age of 55 in order to give opportunities to the new generation. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

I totally disagree with the idea of high-level employees leaving at the age of 55 to make  room for the upcoming generation. While it is true that the energy level and fresh ideas  of youth can rejuvenate a company, the steady hand of experience can still best guide a  company in most cases.

In English there is a saying, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” In the fast-paced  world of business, bolstered by even faster hi-tech innovations, a younger more pliant  mind would seem to be able to adapt with greater flexibility, while such an environment  might boggle an older more set-in-its-ways mind. Take, for example, Microsoft’s Bill  Gates, whose energy and brilliant insights as a youth helped him to pioneer new territory in the computer software world and establish a digital empire. Now as a more  mature CEO, this king of the “computer” mountain is constantly on the verge of being  knocked down by upcoming digerati entrepreneurs. However, it is now the experience  he has accumulated as an older man which keeps him on top. So, combining the vigour  and innovation of younger workers with the experience of older workers would seem to  be the winning hand in the world of business.

The assertion is to give opportunities to the younger generation. If everyone retires at  55, there will be smaller pool of experience at the company. So, who will show them the  ropes of the trade? It would be as if we lopped off the last few chapters of a textbook.  On this point the argument would seem to be built on false presumptions.

And think of all the other problems retirement at 55 would create. With life expectancy in  many advanced nations at 70-plus years, how would the state along with private  enterprises be able to support their retirement pensions? The economic repercussions  of such an idea could be great.

Besides, the Western form of capitalism is built on competition and merit and not  seniority according to age, and democracy is built on equality for all regardless of one’s  age, so the argument clearly goes against these two pillars of Western society.

Granted, my counter-arguments are perhaps as simplistic as the original assertion itself,  but without qualifying the assertion with greater supporting evidence or background  information, both sides can be argued. Nevertheless, even after thoroughly considering  the argument, I believe I would still adhere to my viewpoint that the assertion lacks merit  for the aforementioned reasons. Besides, when I am 55 I do not fancy the idea of being  put out to pasture. I think I will still be full of vitality and have a desire to work, so I hope  my workplace will view me as a treasure house of valuable experience to pass along to  the next generation and keep me on until I am at least 65 if not older.

 (478 words)

7.  In some countries the average worker is obliged to retire at the age of 50, while in others people can work until they are 65 or 70. Meanwhile, we see some politicians enjoying power well into their eighties. Clearly, there is little agreement on an appropriate retirement age. Until what age do you think people should be encouraged to remain in paid employment?

Mandatory retirement age varies from society to society, perhaps a reflection of economics,  population pressures or simply value systems. Indeed, retirement at 50 can probably be as  easily justified as that at 70. It is my belief, however, that the longer an able person is allowed to work, the better for both the individual worker and the employer.

Chronological age is not always a true indicator of ability. While some 65¬ year-olds may not  perform as well as they did in their past, many workers at this age do just as well or better than  they used to. People’s suitability for a position should be a reflection of their performance in the  job, rather than the number of wrinkles or grey hairs they have. Employers concerned about the  increasing age of their employees need only observe their work records. Those doing poorly  may be asked to retire, but those as yet unaffected by age should stay on. Indeed, it would  appear economical for an organisation to retain its older employees when possible rather than  spend time and money on training new workers. 

Remaining in one’s job for as long as one is able makes sense as life expectancies increase  aro und the world. As people live longer, they are longer able to contribute to society in the form  of meaningful work. But they are also in need of income for a longer period, so a mandatory  retirement age of 55 for someone who is statistically likely to live to 77 becomes increasingly  difficult to justify. At a time when populations are ageing, governments are less able to provide  for their senior citizens, so by keeping able workers in paid employment for as long as is  practicable, public expenditures are less strained.

Thus, workers who can still demonstrate their capacity to carry out their work should not be  asked to retire simply because they have reached a certain age. Societies that insist on early  retirement may do well to look again at their policies.

 (333 words)

8.  When should people be made to retire? 55? 65? Should there be a compulsory retirement age?  

Many old people work well into their 70s and 80s, running families, countries or  corporations. Other people, however, despite being fit and highly talented, are forced to  retire in their or even earlier because of company or national regulations. This essay will  examine whether people should be allowed to continue working for as long as they want  or whether they should be encouraged to retire at a particular stage.

There are several arguments for allowing older people to continue working as long as  they are able. First of all, older employees have an immense amount of knowledge and  experience which can be lost to a business or organization if they are made to retire. A  second point is that older employees are often extremely loyal employees and are more  willing to implement company policies than younger less committed staff. However, a  more important point is regarding the attitudes in society to old people. To force  someone to resign or retire at 60 or 65 indicates that the society does not value the  input of these people and that effectively their useful life is over.

Allowing older people to work indefinitely however is not always a good policy. Age  alone is no guarantee of ability. Many younger employees have more experience or  skills than older staff, who may have been stuck in one area or unit for most of their  working lives. Having compulsory retirement allows new ideas in an organization. In addition, without age limits, however arbitrary, many people would continue to work  purely because they did not have any other plans or roles. A third point of view is that  older people should be rewarded by society for their life’s labor by being given generous  pensions and the freedom to enjoy their leisure.

With many young people unemployed or frustrated in low-level positions, there are often  calls to compulsorily retire older workers. However, this can affect the older individual’s  freedom – and right – to work and can deprive society of valuable experience and  insights. I feel that giving workers more flexibility and choice over their retirement age  will benefit society and the individual.

 (355 words)

9. Many people think that nowadays people are being subjected to more and more pressure in their work, and thus are having less and less time to relax. What is your opinion?

In modern society, especially in big cities, undoubtedly hard work has become a very  important feature of ordinary people’s everyday life. It seems that many people are  under the impression that their work is becoming more pressing and urgent, and thus they sacrifice more and more leisure time.

In the first place, with the rapid development of science and technology, work today is  more demanding than it used to be. For example, college graduates nowadays have to  master English, computer science and driving skills before they can find decent jobs.  People have to spend more time acquiring new techniques and skills. And their spare  time tends to be fully occupied, not with leisure pursuit, but with work-related pursuits.

In the second place, competition is becoming more intense. Many people feel anxious that they may be “laid-off” if they can’t work as hard as others. And they also feel at a  disadvantage before new graduates. Therefore, it is understandable that people keep  themselves involved in intensely hard work in order to preserve their positions.

In my opinion, the worst aspect of this phenomenon is that the huge pressure of work  will gradually affect people’s mental health. Excessively hard work means that people  can never get rid of the fatigue of their work, even in their leisure time. This means that  they can not enjoy a normal life.

In a word, in modern society overwork is stealing our leisure time. however, I believe  this problem will be settled eventually with the development of science and technology.

 (254 words)

10.  People have different job expectations for jobs. Some people prefer to do the same job for the same company, whereas others prefer to change jobs frequently. Write about the advantages and disadvantages of each viewpoint?

In the modern workplace there is no longer the attitude that „a job is for life‟. Nowadays, many  people take the option to change jobs, while others prefer not to. In my essay, I will explore the  good and bad points of the above attitudes.

One of the main benefits of staying in one job is security. Changing employer often means a  period of instability, where one may have to think about moving house, or temporarily losing a  steady source of income. Staying in one job means these problems are avoided.

Another benefit of not changing occupation is that one is able to gain a lot of experience and  expertise in his specific profession, thus enhancing job security. One’s company may recognize  their loyalty and reward their service. On the other hand, those who often change jobs may be  seen as unreliable, lacking in experience and employers might be reluctant to hire and invest  training in them.

However, there are arguments in favour of changing job frequently. One is that a worker  improves his employability. Working in several different jobs often means that the individual has  more skills. Such people are seen as more dynamic and versatile.  Another benefit of changing jobs frequently is that one never gets stuck in a rut. From my own  experience, I got bored when I spent too long in a job. Following this, the quality of my work  would suffer. I also believe that employers generally don’t tend to greatly reward loyalty or  commitment. Increased wages and promotion are often easier to attain by changing jobs.

Overall, it can be said that the disadvantages of changing jobs are the advantages of staying  put, and vice versa… In my opinion, I feel that changing jobs every once in a while is of more  benefit.

 (299 words)

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

IELTS essay Work and Careers

Work and careers.

This blog teaches you how to write essays on the topic of 🆆🅾🆁🅺 🅰🅽🅳 🅲🅰🆁🅴🅴🆁🆂.

It includes the following:

𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐕𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐛𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐲:

𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞:

𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐫𝐠𝐮𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐞𝐛𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬:

𝐄𝐱𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐂𝐮𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬:

𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐥 𝐄𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐲:

• Automation: the use of largely automatic equipment in a system of manufacturing or other production process.
• Career Longevity: the length of time an individual spends in their career or workforce.
• Entrepreneurship: the activity of setting up a business or businesses, taking on financial risks in the hope of profit.
• Flexibility: willingness to change or compromise in the workplace, often related to work hours or location.
• Gig Economy: a labour market characterised by the prevalence of short-term contracts or freelance work as opposed to permanent jobs.
• Job Security: the probability that an individual will keep their job; a secure job is one from which they are unlikely to be fired or laid off.
• Networking: interacting with others to exchange information and develop professional or social contacts.
• Remote Work: work done outside of a traditional office environment, often from home or a location of the worker’s choosing.
• Skill Set: a particular set of skills or competencies that an individual has acquired, which are considered valuable in the workforce.
• Work-Life Balance: the equilibrium or balance that an individual needs between time allocated for work and other aspects of life.

The world of work and careers is continually evolving, shaped by technological advancements, economic shifts, and changing societal values. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for individuals navigating their career paths and for policymakers designing labor laws and education systems to meet future needs. The transition to remote work, the rise of the gig economy, and debates over work-life balance are just a few of the current trends influencing how we think about careers and employment.

Key debates in the field of work and careers often center on the impact of technology, particularly automation and AI, on employment. Some argue that these technologies will displace many traditional jobs, creating job insecurity and economic instability. Others believe that technology will lead to the creation of new jobs and industries, ultimately boosting employment opportunities. Discussions about remote work and its effects on productivity and work-life balance are also prominent.

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the shift to remote work, making it a norm for millions worldwide and sparking debates about its long-term viability and effects on worker productivity and satisfaction. The rise of platforms like Uber and freelance websites also highlights the growing impact of the gig economy on traditional employment models.

The balance between work and personal life is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain. What are the reasons for this? What can employers and employees do to ensure that this balance is maintained?

# 3 Model Essay:

Achieving an equilibrium between professional responsibilities and personal interests is becoming progressively challenging. This essay examines the reasons for this growing difficulty and discusses strategies that can be implemented to preserve this balance.

A significant factor contributing to the erosion of work-life balance is the pervasive reach of technology in our lives. With the advent of smartphones and other digital devices, employees often find themselves continuously connected to their workplaces. Another contributing factor is the increasing demands of a globalised economy. Employees are often required to work irregular schedules across various time zones to remain competitive. This can lead to employment hours that interfere significantly with having sufficient time for rest and relaxation.

To remedy these issues, there are several steps that can be taken. Firstly, introducing ‘right to disconnect’ policies would ensure that employees are not expected to engage in work-related communications during off-hours. This would establish boundaries to prevent jobs from interfering with family life. Moreover, employers should consider adopting flexible working arrangements that allow for a better adjustment of schedules to accommodate personal responsibilities. Also, when possible, managers should offer their staff the option of telecommuting.

In conclusion, the blurring of lines between work and private lives due to the demands of a global economy is key to the growing difficulty of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. However, by implementing flexible employment policies and setting clear personal boundaries, both employers and employees can work together to create a more sustainable balance between professional responsibilities and personal well-being.

𝐒𝐞𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞:

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

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.

Free IELTS lessons signup

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

Jobs and Employment essay questions for IELTS

Here you can find common IELTS essay questions for "Employment and Business" topic.

Some people say that teenagers should work part-time and earn money. This way they will learn basic lessons about work and become more disciplined. Others argue that teenagers shouldn't sacrifice their rest and after-school activities to work.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Many people think that to become a successful specialist it's better to choose a career early in life and never change it later.

To what extent do you agree with this view?

Support your opinion with relevant examples.

What do you think are the main causes of unemployment?

What solutions can you suggest?

A lot of people spend a major part of their adult life at work, so job satisfaction is very important for individual happiness.

What are the main factors that contribute to job satisfaction?

What are the possible solutions for people who are unsatisfied with their jobs?

Big salary is much more important than job satisfaction.

Do you agree or disagree?

Provide relevant examples if necessary.

Some people hesitate between getting a job and starting their own business. While the idea of not having a boss and working on one's own schedule may sound tempting, financial risks and stress sometimes outweigh these advantages.

In your opinion what are the pros and cons of working in a company?

Famous sportsmen often earn a lot more money than people in other professions. Although sport is important in our lives, everyone should be equal and such big incomes of sport professionals are unjustified.

IELTS Mentor "IELTS Preparation & Sample Answer"

• Skip to content
• Jump to main navigation and login

Nav view search

• IELTS Sample

Writing Task 2 Sample

IELTS Writing Task 2 ( also known as IELTS Essay Writing ) is the second task of your IELTS Writing test. Here, you will be presented with an essay topic and you will be scored based on your ability to respond to the topic.

You need to write at least 250 words and justify your opinion with arguments, discussion, examples, problem outlining, proposing possible solutions and supporting your position. You will have approximately 40 minutes to finish your Essay Writing. IELTS Writing Task 2 carries more weights than Writing Task 1.

Are you planning to take your IELTS Exam soon? Take an online course and achieve your dream score on your IELTS test.

Page 1 of 77

IELTS Materials

• IELTS Bar Graph
• IELTS Line Graph
• IELTS Table Chart
• IELTS Flow Chart
• IELTS Pie Chart
• IELTS Letter Writing
• IELTS Essay
• Academic Reading

Useful Links

• IELTS Secrets
• Band Score Calculator
• Exam Specific Tips
• Useful Websites
• IELTS Preparation Tips
• Academic Reading Tips
• Academic Writing Tips
• GT Writing Tips
• Listening Tips
• Speaking Tips
• IELTS Grammar Review
• IELTS Vocabulary
• IELTS Cue Cards
• IELTS Life Skills
• Letter Types

• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Policy
• Copyright Notice
• HTML Sitemap

50+ Recent IELTS Writing Topics with Answers: Essays & Letters

14 min read

Updated On Aug 22, 2024

Share on Whatsapp

Share on Email

Share on Linkedin

This article lists recent IELTS Writing topics for Academic and General Training exams, covering Task 1 visual data and essays on themes like health, education, environment, and more. It also offers sample questions to aid in effective exam preparation.

Table of Contents

Ielts writing topics for academic writing task 1, ielts writing topics for general writing task 1, common ielts writing topics for writing task 2.

Limited-Time Offer : Access a FREE 10-Day IELTS Study Plan!

IELTS Writing topics are one of the most essential study resources for IELTS exam preparation. There are two reasons for this: firstly, topics are often repeated in the IELTS exam and secondly, practising these IELTS Writing questions will help test-takers familiarise themselves with the format and requirements of the exam.

While the first task for the IELTS Writing exam has different versions of IELTS Academic and IELTS General , the second task is essay-writing for both. Even with differences in format or difficulty levels, both these tasks revolve around common IELTS writing topics like health, environment, education, travel, family and children, etc.

In this blog, we have compiled a list of the most popular and recent IELTS Writing topics based on the different tasks in this section and recurrent themes. Also, get hold of the IELTS writing questions and answers PDF that will help you practice at your own pace.

In the IELTS Writing Task 1 of the Academic exam, candidates have to summarize important visual information presented in graphs, charts, tables, maps, or diagrams in at least 150 words within 20 minutes.

Below are some IELTS Writing Task 1 topics with answers for each type of graphs and diagrams in IELTS Academic.

Line Graphs

Check out the list of IELTS Writing Task 1 - Line graph with IELTS writing questions and answers. Make sure to use appropriate IELTS Writing Task 1 Line Graph Vocabulary to write effective answers.

• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 - Shops that Closed
• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Topic: Different sources of air pollutants - Line Graph
• IELTS Writing Task 1 - The Graph Below Shows Different Sources of Air Pollutants in the UK Sample Answers
• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Topic : Price changes for fresh fruits and vegetables - Line Graph
• The Percentage Of The Population In Four Asian Countries - IELTS Writing Task 1
• The Changes In Ownership Of Electrical Appliances And Amount Of Time Spent Doing Housework In Households - IELTS Writing Task 1
• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Topic 38: Paris Metro station passengers - Line Graph
• Projected Population Growth of China and India- Line Graph
• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Topic : Percentage of Car Ownership in Great Britain - Line Graph
• Waste Recycling Rates in the US From 1960 to 2011- Line Graph
• Weekday Volume of Passenger Activity on the Toronto Metro system- Line Graph
• US Consumers' Average Annual Expenditures on Cell Phone- Line Graph
• Consumption of Fish and Different kinds of Meat in a European Country- Line Graph
• Demographic Trends in Scotland- Line Graph

Here is a list of IELTS Writing topics with answers on the IELTS bar chart .

• People Who Ate Five Portions of Fruits and Vegetables Per Day in the UK - IELTS Writing Task 1
• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Topic : People affected by four types of noise pollution - Bar graph
• How Families in One Country Spent their Weekly Income - IELTS Writing Task 1
• Division of Household Tasks by Gender in Great Britain- Bar Graph
• Annual Pay for Doctors and Other Workers - IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Bar Chart
• Estimated World Illiteracy Rates by Region and by Gender - IELTS Writing Task 1
• Southland’s Main Exports in 2000 and Future Projections For 2025 - IELTS Writing Task 1
• Carbon Emissions in Different Countries - IELTS Writing Task 1
• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Topic 22: Railway system in six cities in Europe – Bar Chart
• IELTS Writing Task 1 Test On 28th July With Band 8.0-9.0 Sample
• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Topic: Percentage of people living alone in 5 different age groups in the US - Bar Chart
• Amount of Leisure Time Enjoyed by Men and Women of Different Employment Statuses – Bar Chart
• USA Marriage and Divorce Rates Between 1970 and 2000 and the Marital Status of Adult Americans- Bar Graph
• Top Ten Rice-Producing Countries in the World in 2015- Bar Graph
• Rural Households that Had Internet Access Between 1999 and 2004- Bar Graph
• Information About Underground Railway Systems in Six Cities - IELTS Writing Task 1

Explore the list of IELTS writing topics related to pie charts and solve them with the help of pie chart vocabulary for IELTS preparation.

• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Topic : Survey conducted by a university library - Pie chart
• Methods of Transportation for People Traveling to a University - Pie Chart
• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Topic 13: Percentage of housing owned and rented in the UK – Pie Chart
• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Topic : The percentage of water used by different sectors - Pie chart
• Online shopping sales for retail sectors in Canada - IELTS Writing Task 1 Pie chart
• Percentage of Water Used for Different Purposes in Six Areas of the World- Pie Chart
• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Topic 18: Average Consumption of food in the world – Pie Chart
• Main Reasons Why Students Chose to Study at a Particular UK University - IELTS Writing Task 1 Academic Pie Chart
• Composition Of Household Rubbish In The United Kingdom - IELTS Writing Task 1

Here is a list of IELTS Writing topics with answers on the IELTS table chart .

• Fishing Industry in a European Country - IELTS Writing Task 1 Academic
• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1: Social and economic indicators for four countries - Table
• The Situation of Marriage and Age from 1960 to 2000 in Australia - IELTS Writing Task 1
• Past And Projected Population Figures In Various Countries - IELTS Writing Task 1
• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Topic 35: Number of travelers using three major German airports - Table
• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Topic 05: Size of US households over a number of years
• Changes in Modes of Travel in England Between 1985 and 2000- IELTS Writing Task 1 (Table)
• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Topic 12: Internet use in six categories by age group – Table
• Cinema Viewing Figures for Films by Country, in Millions- Table
• Number of Medals Won by the Top Ten Countries in the London 2012 Olympic Games- Table
• Sales at a Small Restaurant in a Downtown Business District- Table

Here is a list of IELTS Writing topics 2024 with answers on the IELTS Map Diagram .

• Paradise Island Map – IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Answers
• Floor Plan of a Public Library 20 years ago and now - IELTS Writing Task 1
• A School in 1985 and the School Now - IELTS Writing Task 1
• Village of Stokeford in 1930 and 2010 - IELTS Writing Task 1 Map
• Map of the Centre of a Small Town Before and After - IELTS Writing Task 1
• Plan A & B shows a Health Centre in 2005 and in Present Day - IELTS Writing Task 1
• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Example 9 : Chorleywood is a village near London whose population has increased steadily - Map
• Two possible sites for the supermarket Sample Answers
• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Topic : Cross-sections of two tunnels
• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1: Local industrial village in England called Stamdorf - Map
• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 : Hawaiian island chain in the centre of the Pacific Ocean - Map

Process Diagrams

Here is a list of IELTS Writing topics with answers on the IELTS Process diagram .

• Process of Making Soft Cheese - IELTS Writing Task 1
• Growing and Preparing Pineapples and Pineapple Products – IELTS Writing Task 1 Diagram
• Ceramic Pots Process - IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Diagram
• How Orange Juice is Produced - IELTS Academic Writing Task 1
• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Topic 09 : Consequence of deforestation
• The Diagram Shows the Manufacturing Process of Sugar- IELTS Writing Task 1
• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Topic 10: How apple is canned - Diagram
• Life Cycle of the Salmon - IELTS Writing Task 1
• Academic IELTS Writing Task 1 Recycling process of wasted glass bottles Sample Answers
• Production of Potato Chips - IELTS Writing Task 1
• The Process of Milk Production - IELTS Writing Task 1
• Process of Making Pulp and Paper - IELTS Writing Task 1 Diagram
• Stages of Processing Cocoa Beans - IELTS Writing Task 1

Mixed/Combination Diagrams

The following is a list of IELTS Writing topics 2024 with answers on IELTS mixed or combination diagrams, practising which will aid in mastering these visual presentations for a top IELTS band score .

• Anthropology Graduates From One University - IELTS Writing Task 1
• Water use Worldwide and Water Consumption- Line Graph and Table
• Transport and Car Use in Edmonton- Pie Chart + Table
• Demand for Electricity in England- Line Graph and Pie Chart
• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Topic : Newly graduated students in the UK and their proportions - Multiple Graphs
• The table and charts below give information on the police budget - IELTS Writing Task 1

Practice IELTS Writing topics with expert guidance!

Book a free trial & talk to our Experts !

In the IELTS General Writing Task 1 , test-takers are required to write a letter in response to a given situation. The letters are of three types depending on the context, namely formal, semi-formal and informal.

Below are some common IELTS Letter Writing topics that cover all the 3 ielts writing questions types of letters.

Formal Letters

Have a look at the list of IELTS General Writing Task 1 Sample Formal Letters that will help IELTS candidates prepare for the IELTS Writing questions for the actual exam.

• An Article in an International Travel Magazine - IELTS Writing Task 1
• A Magazine Wants to Include Contributions from its Readers - IELTS Writing Task 1
• Recently Booked a Part-Time Course at a College Now Need to Cancel Your Booking - IELTS Writing Task 1 General Formal Letter
• Advertisement From a Couple Who Live in Australia - IELTS Writing Task 1 General Formal Letter
• You Found You had Left Some Important Papers at the Hotel – IELTS General Writing Task 1
• Advertisement for a Training Course which will be Useful – IELTS Writing Task 1
• Write a Letter to Your Manager about a Party that You Want to Organize at the Office – IELTS General Writing Task 1
• A Feedback for a Short Cookery Course – IELTS General Writing Task 1
• Letter to the Local Authority about Construction of an Airport - IELTS Writing Task 1
• You Are Soon Going to Spend Three Months Doing Work Experience in an Organisation - IELTS Writing Task 1

Semi - formal Letters

The following is a list of IELTS General Writing Task 1 Sample Semi-Formal Letters with answers.

• A Friend Of Yours Is Thinking About Applying For The Same Course - IELTS Writing Task 1 General Semi-Formal Letter
• Letter to Neighbour About Barking Dog - IELTS Writing Task 1
• A Letter to Your Friend Who Lives in Another Town and Invite - IELTS Writing Task 1
• Letter to a Singer about His/Her Performance – IELTS General Writing Task 1
• You Have a Full-time Job and Doing a Part-time Evening Course - IELTS Writing Task 1
• Letter to Neighbor About the Damaged Car While Parking - IELTS Writing Task 1
• You Work for an International Company- Semi-formal letter
• You and Your Family are Living in Rented Accommodation- Semiformal Letter

Informal Letters

Here is a list of IELTS Writing topics with answers on the IELTS General Writing Task 1 Informal Letters that will help you to learn how to write an IELTS informal letter and brush up your writing skills.

• A Friend is Thinking of Going on a Camping Holiday - IELTS Writing Task 1
• Advice about Learning a New Sport – IELTS Writing Task 1 (Informal Letter)
• Help with a College Project - IELTS Writing Task 1 from Cambridge IELTS General 18
• Write a Letter to Your Friend Planning a Weekend Trip - IELTS General Writing Task 1
• Your Parents will be Celebrating their 50th Anniversary Next Month- Informal letter
• You are Studying English at a Private Language School- Informal Letter
• You Have a Friend Who has always Liked the Car you Currently Drive- Informal Letter
• You Have Recently Started Work in a New Company- Informal letter
• A friend Asking for Advice About a Problem at Work- Informal letter
• A Friend has Agreed to Look After your House- Informal Letter

Looking for some genuine study material for IELTS writing? Wait is over!

Check out the offers !

IELTS Writing Task 2 is similar for both IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training with minor differences in the difficulty level. Therefore, let us have a look at the compilation of IELTS writing topics with answers for different IELTS Writing Task 2 sample essays based on the common common IELTS Writing topics 2024.

Business, Work & Talent

Work-related topics often cover issues such as work-life balance, the gig economy, and the impact of automation on employment. Also, business topics may include discussions on corporate responsibility, entrepreneurship, and the impact of globalization on local businesses.

• Some people are born with certain talents - IELTS Writing Task 2
• Women Should be Allowed to Join the Army, the Navy and the Air Force just like Men - IELTS Writing Task 2
• IELTS Writing Task 2: Until What Age Do You Think People Should be Encouraged to Remain in Paid Employment?
• IELTS Writing Task 2 - Top Level Authorities Should Take Suggestions From Employees
• How Realistic is the Expectation of Job Satisfaction for all Workers - IELTS Writing Task 2
• Men and Women Can Be Equally Suited to Do Any Type of Work - IELTS Writing Task 2
• People Work Long Hours Leaving Little Time for Leisure - IELTS Writing task 2
• Some People Say that it is Better to Work for a Larger Company than a Small One - IELTS Writing Task 2

Education topics often focus on the role of technology in education, the importance of higher education, and the debate over traditional vs. modern teaching methods.

• IELTS Writing Task 2: Nowadays it is More Difficult for Children to Concentrate to Pay Attention in School
• Placing Advertisements in Schools is a Great Resource for Public Schools - IELTS Writing Task 2
• IELTS Writing Task 2: Giving Homework Daily to School Children Works Well
• Very Few School Children Learn About the Value of Money: IELTS Writing Task 2
• Traditional Examination Are Not Often True to Students Ability - IELTS Writing Task 2
• Secondary School Children Should Study International News - IELTS Writing Task 2

Environment

Environmental issues are increasingly prominent in IELTS Writing, with topics covering pollution, climate change, and the conservation of natural resources.

• IELTS Writing Task 2 - Some people say domestic animals, like cats, should not be reared in cities
• We No Longer Need to have Animals Kept in Zoos - IELTS Writing Task 2
• The Importance of Biodiversity is Being More Widely Recognised - IELTS Writing Task 2
• People Should Use Public Transport to Support Pollution Control Initiatives - IELTS Writing Task 2
• International Community Must Act Immediately to Reduce Consumption of Fossil Fuels - IELTS Writing Task 2

Family and Children

IELTS Writing questions related to family and children often explore the changing dynamics of family life, parenting styles, and the impact of technology on children.

• IELTS Writing Task 2 - Young Single People No Longer Stay With Their Parents Until They Are Married
• Is it Better to Rear Children in Joint Family or in Nuclear Family - IELTS Writing Task 2
• IELTS Writing Task 2: Majority of Children are Raised by their Grandparents Due to the Fact that their Parents are Busy
• IELTS Writing Task 2: In Some Countries Children Have Very Strict Rules of Behaviour
• Some People Spend Their Lives Living Close to Where They Were Born - IELTS Writing Task 2
• Should Parents Read or Tell Stories to Their Children - IELTS Writing Task 2
• Women Make Better Parents than Men - IELTS Writing Task 2
• The Older Generations Tend to Have very Traditional Ideas - IELTS Writing Task 2

Food, Lifestyle and Entertainment

Food and entertainment related IELTS writing topics often discuss issues related to diet, the global food industry, and cultural food practices.

• Explain Why the Movies are As Popular As a Means of Entertainment - IELTS Writing Task 2
• IELTS Writing Task 2: Popular Hobbies and Interests Change Over Time
• IELTS Writing Task 2 - Which Do You Prefer Planning or Not Planning For Leisure Time?
• IELTS Writing Task 2: People Always Throw the Old Things Away When they Buy New Things
• Food Can Be Produced Much More Cheaply Today | IELTS Writing Task 2
• IELTS Writing Task 2: The Era of the Silver Screen is Coming to an End
• Why is Music Important for Many People - IELTS Writing Task 2
• IELTS Writing Task 2: Why is the Circus Still a Popular Form of Entertainment
• Crime Novels and TV Crime Dramas are Becoming Popular - IELTS Writing Task 2

Health-related topics are a staple in the IELTS Writing section, focusing on public health issues, diet, and the impact of modern lifestyles on health.

• Discuss the cause and effects of widespread drug abuse by young people - IELTS Writing Task 2
• Obesity is a Major Disease Prevalent among Children - IELTS Writing Task 2
• Exercise is the Key to Health while Others Feel that Having a Balanced Diet is More Important - IELTS Writing Task 2
• Advantages and Disadvantages of Government Providing Free Healthcare - IELTS Writing Task 2
• Tobacco and Alcohol are Drugs that Cause Addiction and Health Problems - IELTS Writing Task 2
• Many People Complain that They Have Difficulties Getting Enough Sleep - IELTS Writing Task 2
• and More People are Hiring a Personal Fitness Trainer - IELTS Writing Task 2

Language and Culture

Topics related to language and literature often explore the importance of preserving cultural heritage, language learning, and the impact of globalization on languages.

• Many Old Cities Around the World are Going Through a Major Process of Modernization - IELTS Writing Task 2
• Reading for Pleasure Develops Imagination and Better Language Skills - IELTS Writing Task 2
• IELTS Writing Task 2 - Traditional Festivals and Celebrations Have Disappeared
• Globalization will Inevitably Lead to the Total Loss of Cultural Identity - IELTS Writing Task 2

Societal issues such as violence, social inequality, and media influence are common in IELTS Writing topics.

• Individual Greed and Selfishness Have Been the Basis of Modern Society - IELTS Writing Task 2
• IELTS Writing Task 2 - Individuals Should Not Be Allowed To Carry Guns
• Nowadays We are Living in a Throwaway Society - IELTS Writing Task 2
• Different People Have Different Approaches to Life - IELTS Writing Task 2
• Violence and Conflict were more Evident under Male Leadership than under Female Leadership - IELTS Writing Task 2
• What Changes Do You Think this New Century Will Bring - IELTS Writing Task 2
• People Remember Special Gifts or Presents they Receive - IELTS Writing Task 2

Sports topics in IELTS Writing often cover the role of sports in education, the impact of professional sports on society, and issues related to sportsmanship.

• Many People Think Olympic Games and World Cup are an Enormous Waste of Money- IELTS Writing Task 2
• Cricket has Become More Popular than the National Sports - IELTS Writing Task 2
• Sports Today is Turning into a Business - IELTS Writing Task 2

Technology & Science

Technology is a rapidly evolving field, and its impact on society, work, and communication is a common topic in IELTS Writing. Media-related topics also come under this section and often focus on the influence of mass media, the ethics of journalism, and the role of the internet in modern communication.

• Internet and Computers Will Ever Replace the Book or the Written Word - IELTS Writing Task 2
• IELTS Writing Task 2: More and More People are Choosing to Read Ebooks Rather than Paper Books
• Some People Think That Mobile Phones Should Be Banned in Public Places - IELTS Writing Task 2
• Persuade More People to Embrace Electric Cars – IELTS Writing
• The most important aim of science should be to improve people's lives - IELTS Writing Task 2
• People May No Longer Be Able to Pay for Things Using Cash - IELTS Writing Task 2
• Mobile Phones and the Internet could have Many Benefits for Old People - IELTS Writing Task 2

Tourism and Travel

Tourism and travel topics may include discussions on the impact of tourism on local cultures, the environment, and the global economy.

• Foreign Visitors Should Pay More Than Local Visitors for Cultural and Historical Attractions - IELTS Writing Task 2
• IELTS Writing Task 2: What Do You Think are the Benefits of Going Away on Holidays?
• In the Future More People Will Go On Holiday in Their Own Country - IELTS Writing Task 2

Download the IELTS writing topics PDF that contain all the IELTS writing topics with answers to fasttrack your IELTS preparation!

Being familiar with these IELTS Writing topics and practicing your writing skills within these themes can help you prepare more effectively for the IELTS Writing test. Moreover, understanding the issues and arguments related to each topic will enable you to write well-rounded essays that meet the IELTS criteria. So, if you need further guidance through a free demo session or sign up for free IELTS webinars .

Additional Reads

• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1: Useful Tips and Vocabulary to Describe a Graph or Chart
• Recent Writing Task 2 Essay Topics for IELTS 2024
• IELTS Band 9 Essay Samples: Writing Task 2 Insights for IELTS Learners
• Visuals: Writing About Graphs, Tables and Diagrams for IELTS Writing Task 1 (Ebook)
• How to Plan an IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay (Best Strategy)
• IELTS Writing Task 2 Preparation Tips/Tricks

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main topics in IELTS Writing?

What is the topic of IELTS general writing?

Does IELTS writing topics repeat?

Explore IELTS Writing

Start Preparing for IELTS: Get Your 10-Day Study Plan Today!

Kasturika Samanta

Explore other reading articles.

Janice Thompson

Post your Comments

Recent articles.

Nehasri Ravishenbagam

Whitney Houston

Raajdeep Saha

IELTSMaterial Master Program

1:1 Live Training with Band 9 Teachers

4.9 ( 3452 Reviews )

Our Offices

Gurgaon city scape, gurgaon bptp.

Step 1 of 3

Great going .

Get a free session from trainer

Have you taken test before?

Please select any option

Email test -->

Please enter Email ID

Mobile Band 9 trainer -->

Please enter phone number

Application

Please select any one

Already Registered?

Select a date

Please select a date

Select a time (IST Time Zone)

Please select a time

Mark Your Calendar: Free Session with Expert on

Which exam are you preparing?

Great Going!

IELTS Preparation with Liz: Free IELTS Tips and Lessons, 2024

• Test Information FAQ
• Band Scores
• IELTS Candidate Success Tips
• Computer IELTS: Pros & Cons
• How to Prepare
• Useful Links & Resources
• Recommended Books
• Speaking Part 1 Topics
• Speaking Part 2 Topics
• Speaking Part 3 Topics
• 100 Essay Questions
• On The Day Tips
• Top Results
• Advanced IELTS

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)
• Media & Advertising   (12 essay questions)
• Reading  (5 essay questions)
• Society   (10 essay questions)
• Space Exploration (3 questions)
• Sport & Exercise   (6 essay questions)
• Technology  (6 essay questions)
• Tourism and Travel   (11 essay questions)
• Transport  (7 essay questions)
• Work (17 essay questions)

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.

FREE SUBSCRIBE Subscribe to get new lessons & tips by email. Email Address Subscribe

ADVANCED IELTS

Recent New Lessons

Ideas in ielts essays & in ielts speaking, test yourself with linking words, ielts speaking part 2 cue card topics – 2024, new reading exercise for you (july 2024), ielts gt writing task 1 letter: using the prompts for a high score.

Click Below to Learn:

• IELTS Test Information
• Writing Task 1
• Writing Task 2

Copyright Notice

Copyright © Elizabeth Ferguson, 2014 – 2024

All rights reserved.

Privacy Policy & Disclaimer

• Click here:  Privacy Policy 
• Click here: Disclaimer

Return to top of page

Copyright © 2024 · Prose on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

IELTS Advantage

IELTS Preparation Courses

IELTS Writing Task 2: ✍️ Everything You Need to Know

When helping students prepare for the IELTS test, one of the biggest fears is how to do well in IELTS Writing Task 2. 

IELTS Writing Task 2 is the second part of the writing test, where you are presented with a point of view, argument or problem and asked to write an essay in response. Your essay should be in a formal style, at least 250 words in length and you should aim to complete it in under 40 minutes. 

IELTS Writing Task 2: Everything You Need to Know

In this video, I’ll outline exactly what you must do to create an IELTS Writing Task 2 essay that could score a Band 7, 8 or 9.

It doesn’t matter if you’re new to IELTS or if you’ve failed the exam before – I’ve broken everything down into a simple 3-step process that anyone can use to improve their scores! Watch the video above to find out what they are.

5 Steps to a Band 7 in IELTS Writing Task 2

1. Understand the question.

You must understand the question before you attempt to answer it. This way, you’ll know exactly what the examiner is looking for. One of the biggest mistakes students make is not answering the question fully, which stops them from getting a score higher than a Band 5.

To analyse the question , you must first identify the question type, then identify the keywords in the question and finally identify the instructions words. This will help you understand exactly what the examiner wants you to do with the question.

2. Plan your answer.

The students who get the highest marks in Writing Task 2 always plan their answers for up to 10 minutes. Planning helps you organise your ideas and structure your essay before you write it, saving you time and helping you produce a clear and coherent essay.

3. Write an introduction.

The introduction should answer the question directly. This tells the examiner that you know what you are doing straight away and helps you write your main body paragraphs.

4. Write the main body paragraphs.

This is where you give the examiner more detail . You do this by stating your main points and supporting these with explanations and relevant examples.

5. Write a conclusion.

In your conclusion , you should provide a summary of what you already said in the rest of your essay.

4 Ways to Improve your Score in IELTS Writing Task 2

Many people know they need to improve their writing skills but don’t know how to do it. Here are 4 ways you can boost your score in Writing Task 2:

1. Understand the exam.

You must first understand what IELTS Writing Task 2 is, what you are expected to do and how to give the examiners what they want. This is the first stage and one that is often overlooked.

There are many online resources, often with conflicting and poor-quality information, so finding a reliable source of information is key.

2. Identify your weak areas.

If your car breaks down, you would try and identify which part caused the problem. If you get sick, your doctor will run tests to determine the exact cause of your symptoms.

IELTS Writing Task 2 is the same. We must first identify WHY you are not getting the score you need before we can help you improve.

However, be very careful! You wouldn’t ask the average man on the street for medical advice, so make sure you find someone who knows what they are doing and has the expertise to help you with this.

3. Fix the problems.

Now that we know what the problems are, we must fix them.

If your grammar needs work, fix those issues. If your vocabulary is lacking, work on fixing this issue.

Just as a good doctor can help you fix a medical problem, a good IELTS teacher can help you fix your specific issues.

4. Practice and get feedback.

Practice alone will not help you. It is an essential part of your preparation, but you must also get feedback on your work if you are really going to improve.

You wouldn’t try to teach yourself how to drive without an instructor, would you?

Find someone who will give you accurate and helpful feedback on your work. Otherwise, you will not be able to move to the last stage.

Now that you have understood what you need to do, identified the exact areas you need to work on, improved those areas, and received feedback on your work, you are now ready to get the IELTS Writing Task 2 score you deserve.

Writing Task 2 Structures 

I want to warn you about structures because they are not a magic wand that will help you automatically get a higher score. They WILL help you, but please realise that they are just a small part of your overall score.

These structures provide a sentence-by-sentence template for all the main Task 2 question types, making your job much easier on exam day.

• Task 2 Essay Structures

Essential Writing Task 2 Skills 

No matter how good your English is, you must still learn IELTS writing skills before taking the Writing Task 2 test. These helpful guides will take you through each of these skills step-by-step:

• How to Plan an Essay

Making a good plan actually saves you time when you write your essay. This guide will show you how to plan and write a clear essay every time.

• How to Think of Relevant Ideas

This guide provides 5 different methods to help you quickly think of relevant ideas that are directly linked to the question.

• How to Write a Complex Sentence

Complex sentences help you boost your score for grammar. They are actually very simple to write and are not complex at all.

• How to Paraphrase

Paraphrasing is one of the essential IELTS skills for all parts of the IELTS test. You should paraphrase the question in the very first sentence of your essay to help boost your vocabulary score in Writing Task 2.

• How to Write a Supporting Paragraph

Supporting paragraphs are the main body paragraphs and are the meat in the sandwich. This is where you provide the detail the examiner is looking for in the form of explanations and examples.

• How to Write a Thesis Statement

A thesis statement tells the examiner your opinion. Many IELTS Writing Task 2 questions specifically ask for your opinion, and if you don’t write it clearly, you have not answered the question properly. This article shows you how, where and when to give your opinion.

How many words should I write?

Around 250 words? Exactly 250 words or over 250 words? How many words over? How do I know how many words I have? Will I lose marks if I write too many words? This article answers all those questions.

• How to Understand and Analyse Any Question

A critical part of answering any question. This article shows you how to break down any Task 2 question and identify the keywords, micro-keywords and instruction words to help you answer the question effectively.

• How to Write a Great Introduction

The introduction is the first thing the examiner reads; therefore, we must give them a good first impression. I share a very specific sentence-by-sentence structure in this article to help you write introductions quickly and effectively.

• Task 2 Marking Criteria 

Do you know how Task 2 is marked? What is the difference between a Band 5 and a Band 8 answer? This article breaks down the marking criteria and explains it in simple language so you can give the IELTS examiners exactly what they want.

• How to Write a Conclusion

A good conclusion should be a summary of your main points. The conclusion is the last thing the examiner reads, and if you can write a good one, you will leave them with a very good impression.

• Using Examples

Each of your supporting paragraphs should have a specific example that supports and illustrates your main point. This is an essential skill to learn if you want to get one of the higher band scores.

• Cohesive Devices

Cohesive devices (sometimes called linking words) are one of the most misunderstood and misused elements of writing. Therefore, you must learn how to use them and when to use them.

• The Danger of Synonyms

While synonyms are very important, they can also really reduce your mark if used incorrectly.

• Paragraphing and Editing

This article will show you how to make your writing as clear and as easy to read as possible. It will also advise you on whether to use a pen or pencil.

• IELTS Writing Task 2: 8 Steps to Success

Read this blog now to access our 61-page Task 2 strategy.

• IELTS Writing Tips

I have compiled these tips after years of teaching IELTS, and all of them have been approved by IELTS examiners.

• Coherence and Cohesion

This is a video lesson that shows you in practical terms how to improve your coherence and cohesion score.

Writing Task 2 Common Topics 

Knowing the common topics can help you prepare for the test more efficiently. Here are the 10 most common topics over the last few years. Studying hard is great, but don’t forget to study smart.

The article below will show you the top 10 most common IELTS topics.

• Most Common Task 2 Topics 

Full IELTS Writing Task 2 Practice Lessons 

Here are some lessons that I have used when teaching students about IELTS Writing Task 2. I have changed them so that you can easily learn from home. They are very long but contain all the necessary information combined with the skills above.

• Agree or Disagree (Opinion) Lesson

In this lesson, we look at how to tackle an ‘agree or disagree’ question. Many people worry about whether to take one side of the other or discuss both sides. Additionally, people also worry about how to deal with ‘To what extent’ question types. We allay all of these fears in this lesson.

• Discussion Essay Lesson

‘Discuss both views’ questions often confuse people because you are asked to do many things in one essay. As such, it is very important to remember that the question asks you to discuss BOTH views AND give YOUR opinion.

• Problem and Solution Essay Lesson

These questions are much easier than you think. You probably discuss problems and solutions in your day-to-day life all the time. Keep it simple.

• Advantages and Disadvantages Lesson 

There are a couple of different types of advantages and disadvantages questions. This lesson will show you how to answer them.

• Writing Task 2 Exercise with Video

Writing is a skill, and just like any other skill, it is important to practice to improve.

• From Band 6.5 to 8 Demo Lesson

This is my most comprehensive free lesson on IELTS Writing Task 2. We show you how we took one VIP student from Band 6.5 to an amazing 8.

Sample Answers

You must have some good examples to compare your writing and see if you are on the right track. Click the link below for lots of sample answers and over 100 questions.

Task 2 Sample Answers

• Agree or Disagree Sample Essays
• Task 2 Band 9 Sample Essay
• Latest Real Task 2 Questions
• Official Sample Test Questions
• Cambridge Sample Questions
• Free Practice Test
• How To Use Task 2 Samples
• Recent Confusing Questions
• IELTS Writing Practice Guide

IELTS Writing Task 2 Essential Information

• You must write an essay in response to a question.
• You must write 250 words or more.
• Task 2 is worth 2/3 of your total mark on the Writing test.
• You should spend around 40 minutes on this part of the test.
• General Training and Academic are essentially the same for Task 2. However, they are different for Task 1.
• There are certain types of questions that you will be asked, for example, opinion, discussion etc. See below for more detail on these.
• Task Achievement (25%)
• Coherence and Cohesion (25%)
• Lexical Resource (25%)
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (25%)

Grammar and Vocabulary

Grammar is one of the four things you will be marked on in the Writing Task 2 test. Finding out what your common grammar mistakes are and then fixing them is a very powerful way to boost your score in this area. Here are some common grammar mistakes I have found after making hundreds of tests.

• Top 10 Grammar Mistakes

For most IELTS students, the problem is not grammar in general. In fact, it is usually just 1-2 problem areas. Therefore, when you fix these main weaknesses, you’ll be able to improve your grammar and your writing score dramatically.

• Using Personal Pronouns

Hint- They aren’t as big of a deal as you think.

See the interactive tool below for the answers to the most commonly asked questions we receive about IELTS Writing Task 2: 

IELTS Writing Task 2 FAQs

How can i improve my writing.

You will find all the resources you need on our Writing Task 2 page. Click the link below:

Writing Task 2

We also have two Task 2 courses for those that need to improve their Task 2 skills and strategy. They are both based online and completely free of charge. Learn more about them below:

Task 2 5 Day Challenge

Task 2 Essay Builder

If you need serious help or personalised feedback, you should check out our VIP Course. There is a waiting list, but you can add your name here:

How can I get a Band 7, 8 or 9?

The answer to this question is different for every individual IELTS student, as it depends on a number of factors, including your work ethic, English skills and exam strategy. You'll find a guide to answering this question in this article

If you need serious help with improving your IELTS scores, you should check out our online writing course. There is a waiting list, but you can add your name by clicking the link below:

Can you correct my writing?

Please click the link below and it will give you all the information you need about our writing correction service:

Writing Correction Service

Do you have any sample answers?

Yes, you will find them at the link below:

Will using 'high level' or 'academic' words help me improve my score?

Probably not.

Read my recent article about IELTS vocabulary here:

5 Things You Need to Know about IELTS Vocabulary

Can I use idioms?

No, you should not write idioms for Task 2.

Can I use personal pronouns?

You should avoid using personal pronouns, but it is fine to use them when giving your personal opinion.

Do you write a conclusion for Task 2?

Yes, it is very difficult to get a good score in Task 2 if you haven't finished your essay with a conclusion. You will find an in-depth lesson on conclusions here:

How to Write an Effective Task 2 Conclusion

How many paragraphs should I write?

Most IELTS task 2 essays follow the same basic four paragraph structure:

• Introduction
• Supporting Paragraph 1
• Supporting Paragraph 2

However, you can find more comprehensive help with structuring your Task 2 essays here:

5 Day Challenge

Do I need to plan my essay?

I would highly recommend planning your essay. A good plan acts like a map that guides you through the essay, ensuring that you give the examiner exactly what they need to award you the score you need. You can find help with planning your essays here: How to Plan an IELTS Essay

You must write at least 250 words in Writing Task 2.

I would suggest that you aim to write around 270-280 words in total. Aiming for 20-30 words more than the required amount makes you more likely to reach the word limit without setting an unrealistic goal.

Will I lose marks if I don't write enough words?

Yes, if you don't write the required number of words, you will lose marks in 'Task Achievement' for not answering the question fully. Read more here .

Can I use contractions?

No, should not use contractions when you are writing an academic essay.

• TOEFL Writing Correction Topics
• OET Mock Tests
• Writing Correction
• Speaking Mock Test
• Reading Course
• Listening Practice Tests
• FREE Practice Tests
• IELTS Writing Correction
• IELTS Speaking Practice
• OET Writing Correction
• OET Reading Course
• OET Speaking Mock Test
• TOEFL Writing Correction
• PTE Writing Correction
• OET Listening Practice Tests
• OET (Occupational English Test)
• PTE (Pearson Test of English)

IELTS Vocabulary – Jobs & Work

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

Considering that most people work for a large part of their life, the topic of work and jobs is extremely common on the IELTS speaking and writing sections. This page contains some of the most commonly used IELTS words and phrases you will need when talking about work. There are also some practice activities for you to practice using the words in context.

Table of Contents

• Work/Jobs Vocabulary
• Work/Jobs Vocabulary Activity
• Work/Jobs Collocations, Idioms, and Phrasal Verbs
• Work/Jobs Collocations, Idioms, and Phrasal Verbs Activity

1. Work/Jobs Vocabulary

These are some general words and phrases used to talk generally about jobs/employment. There is an exercise for you to practice using the words in context.

• A nine-to-five – A term used for a typical office-based job where the working hours are 9 am till 5 pm
• A steady job – A job that offers constant work and a good income.
• Annual leave/Holiday – The paid time when a worker is entitled to not attend work
• Be made redundant – Dismissal from a job because the employer needs to reduce costs/workforce etc… Being made redundant does not mean that the employee did something wrong, rather, the job does not exist anymore
• Benefits – The additional extras that an employer provides aside from salary. For example, a car, healthcare, gym membership etc…
• Bonus – An additional remuneration given as extra to a normal salary. It is often based on performance.
• Candidates – The people applying for a job vacancy
• Career – An occupation performed for a large part of someone’s life, often with progression and advancement
• Career prospects – The chance of progression and advancement in a job
• Colleagues – The other people who work with you
• Commute – The journey to and from work
• Commuters – People making the journey to and from work
• Dismiss/Fire/Sack – To remove a person from a position of employment for either not performing well or committing a breach of rules
• Employer – The person or company that provides a job
• Employment – Paid work
• Employee – A person performing a job
• Entrepreneur – A person who starts one or multiple businesses
• Flexitime – The process where the employee chooses the hours they work
• Full-time – A job that involves working around 40 hours per week
• Interview – Part of the selection process consisting of questions used to choose from the different candidates for a specific position
• Maternity/Paternity leave – The time that a woman/man takes off from work following the birth of their child
• Minimum wage – The lowest amount of money an employee can legally be paid
• Morning/Night shift – Related to working hours
• Overtime – Time worked that is additional to what is normal
• Part-time – A job that typically involves 20 hours or less per week
• Private sector – Companies/organisations that are not owned or funded by the government
• Profession – A paid occupation, especially one that involves extensive training and qualifications
• Public sector – Organisations/bodies owned and funded by the government
• Resign – To voluntarily leave a position of employment
• Retire – Leave a job and stop working, usually because you have reached retirement age
• Salary – The money an employee receives for working
• Unemployment – The state of not having a job
• Working environment – The place and the conditions (salary/benefits etc) provided by a job

IELTS Writing

Ielts writing correction & grading.

Improve Your IELTS Score

• 24-Hour Turnaround
• Open 365 Days
• 1 Year Validity
• Handwritten Essays Accepted

2. Work/Jobs Vocabulary Activity

Ielts vocabulary – jobs-work.

IELTS Speaking

Ielts speaking practice.

• One-on-one Zoom Session
• Instant Feedback & Band Score
• Includes Part 1, Cue-card, Part 3
• Exam-based Speaking Topics

3. Work/Jobs Collocations, Idioms, and Phrasal Verbs

Work/Jobs Collocations, Idioms, and Phrasal Verbs – There are many different situations in which you may be required to talk about work/jobs. Therefore you must learn the correct collocations, idioms, and phrasal verbs to accurately discuss jobs and employment characteristics and trends. These are some of the most commonly used words and phrases, followed by an activity for you to practice using the words and phrases in context.

• A desk job – A job that involves spending all or most of the time sitting at a desk
• A heavy workload – A lot of work
• A perk of the job – A benefit of the job
• In the rat race – Competing with others for money or power
• Labour-intensive – Something that requires a lot of work
• Land a job – To be offered a job
• Lay-off – To make redundant
• Job satisfaction – How content or satisfied an employee feels working in a particular job
• Living wage – A salary that pays for the necessities of life. For example, rent, food, transport etc…
• Move up the career ladder – To progress in a job/Gain promotion
• Moving forwards – In the future
• Homeworking/ Work from home– People who work from their house rather than a traditional style office
• Pull a sickie – To pretend to be sick to not go to work
• Put into practice – Put learnt knowledge into practical use
• Stuck behind a desk – Working in a job that involves a long time sitting at a desk
• Think on your feet – Think spontaneously
• Start-up – A new business
• To be a good team player – To get on well with other employees
• To be well-paid – To receive a high salary
• To gain experience – To spend time doing a particular job so that it becomes familiar
• Unemployment benefits – The money/support given to the unemployed by the government
• Working like a dog – Working a lot or extremely hard

4. Work/Jobs Collocations, Idioms, and Phrasal Verbs Activity

For more practice, Visit IELTS vocabulary for health .

Vocab articles short lists

Ielts vocabulary themes.

• Finance and Money
• Science and Technology

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• ielts writing
• ielts listening
• ielts speaking
• ielts reading
• IELTS Sample Reports
• IELTS Sample Essays
• IELTS Vocabulary
• IELTS Grammar

Recent IELTS Posts

• Guide to Using Grammar Tenses in IELTS Writing & Speaking
• IELTS Grammar Rules for Conditional Sentences
• Grammar Guide to Score High in IELTS Reading
• How to Get a 9 Band in IELTS Speaking
• Guide to IELTS Reading 9 Bands

Exam Updates & Tips!

Signup for preparation and special offers!

You have successfully joined our subscriber list.

Band 8+: People can live and work anywhere they want to choose, because of improved communication technology and transport. Do the advantage of this development outweigh disadvantage.

Modern life and work have been transformed by advancements in communication and transportation. These changes allow people to choose where they live and work, regardless of location. While this brings many benefits, it also comes with some challenges.

On the positive side, professionals now have more opportunities to achieve a better work-life balance. Remote work and the ability to relocate give people greater control over their lifestyles, allowing them to tailor their lives to their preferences. Additionally, improved communication technologies enable collaboration across borders, making workplaces more diverse and inclusive.

However, this highly connected world also has its downsides, such as the potential for isolation in both work and personal life. Being physically distant and relying on virtual meetings can leave people feeling disconnected. Moreover, the blurred boundaries between work and personal time can lead to overwork and burnout.

In summary, the freedom to live and work anywhere offers great flexibility and fosters collaboration. Yet, it’s important to address challenges like isolation and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Ultimately, finding the right balance depends on making thoughtful personal choices and effectively managing these challenges.

Check Your Own Essay On This Topic?

Generate a band-9 sample with your idea, overall band score, task response, coherence & cohesion, lexical resource, grammatical range & accuracy, essays on the same topic:, people can live and work anywhere they want to choose, because of improved communication technology and transport. do the advantage of this development outweigh disadvantage..

It is irrfutable that ,technology is most essnitial royal in today life .on that note , nowadays, individual can work and live many place because of the technology and transport are more develop. While there are certain disadvantages of this trend , I belive that its advantages out strip them. There are lot of advantages […]

Advancements in technology as well as transportation are increasing day by day. This advancement plays an important role in every individual’s life, especially in their work life. We all know today’s generation can work from any part of the world because of the drastic changes in communication technology and transportation. It consists of several advantages […]

With the advance of communication technology and transport, makes that more people can live and work anywhere they want compared to the past. Although it may decrease the productivity on some people need to be push by supervisor, it creates the better life style for anyone. Some of people accustom to supervisors assign tasks and […]

With the advance of communication technology and transport, more people can live and work anywhere they want compared to the past. Although it may decrease the productivity on some people need to be push by supervisor, it creates the better life style for anyone. Some of people accustom to supervisors assign tasks and push them […]

Other Topics:

Some people today prefer to get advice online for medical problems and do not want to visit a doctor. why is this is this a positive or a negative development.

Nowadays, it is debated that some individuals tend to treat their health issues regardless of consulting with any physician. Due to certain factors, I firmly believe that this notion is a detrimental development. In the following paragraphs, I will explain the reasons and highlight my point of view. To commence with, there are various elements […]

Some people say that the main environmental problem of our time is that loss of particular species of plants and animals. Others say that there are more important environmental problems. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion. Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

The debate over the primary environmental issue of our time often centers on whether the loss of specific species of plants and animals is the most critical problem or if there are other, more pressing environmental concerns. Both perspectives offer valuable insights into the complexities of environmental challenges. On one side, the loss of biodiversity […]

some people believe that space exploration is unnecessary while others are in the oppose to that opinion. till what extent do you agree or disagree

the rise in space exploration has evoked a wide range of opinions from the civilians. for many space exploration means nothing except waste of money but for others it feeds the natural curiosity about exploring the unknown. bharpur the opinions are valid pillen extent it is unnecessary to down play the importance of space exploration. […]

‘The Internet will never replace traditional course books in schools.’ How far do you agree with this prediction?

Technological advancements have significantly transformed our daily lives, offering educators a wider array of resources than ever before. While some believe that the Internet will never completely replace traditional academic textbooks in educational institutions, others argue that it may become the sole resource for school curricula in the future. I concur with the former perspective […]

Write about the following topic: Both government investment in public transport systems and reductions in public transport ticket prices would help to reduce transport pollution greatly. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge and experience. Write at least 250 words.

Recently, many people are concerned about the problem of global warming. While some advocates argue that governmental investment in public transport might reduce this issue, others oppose this view and see it as a waste of money. I agree with the former opinion that if the government subsidizes the development of public transport and reduction […]

Plans & Pricing

• IELTS Scores
• Life Skills Test
• Find a Test Centre
• Alternatives to IELTS
• General Training
• Academic Word List
• Topic Vocabulary
• Collocation
• Phrasal Verbs
• Writing eBooks
• Reading eBook
• All eBooks & Courses
• IELTS Vocabulary

IELTS Work Vocabulary

On this page you will find  work vocabulary . These words will help you write, read and speak about the topic in the test.

A mix of common word forms with example sentences is provided, but make sure you do your own research on the words and practice using them.

You will find:

At the bottom of the page you will find links to essays connected to work topics so you can see more work vocabulary in context. 

Work Vocabulary

View model essays that include work vocabulary:

Employing Older People Essay

Competing for Jobs Essay

More Topic Related Vocabulary:

Health Vocabulary

This health vocabulary includes useful words to talk and write about health, ftiness and food

Children and the Family Vocabulary

Children and the Family Vocabulary for IELTS - essential vocabulary to help to improve your score for IELTS

Crime Vocabulary for IELTS

Crime vocabulary to help you with IELTS essays and speaking. Common Crime Words.

Environment Vocabulary for IELTS

Environment vocabulary words and definitions that you can learn in order to increase your score for the IELTS test.

Science Vocabulary for IELTS

Science vocabulary to improve your score for the IELTS test. Learn words that can be used in the test, with examples and definitions.

Education Vocabulary for IELTS

Learn useful education vocabulary for IELTS to help you with your writing, speaking and reading.

The Arts Vocabulary

Learn about the Arts vocabulary to help you in the IELTS test for speaking, writing, reading and listening.

Information Technology Vocabulary for IELTS

Learn information technology vocabulary, which provides you with a new word, a definition, and then the word in context.

Any comments or questions about this page or about IELTS? Post them here. Your email will not be published or shared.

Band 7+ eBooks

"I think these eBooks are FANTASTIC!!! I know that's not academic language, but it's the truth!"

Linda, from Italy, Scored Band 7.5

Bargain eBook Deal! 30% Discount

All 4 Writing eBooks for just  $25.86 Find out more >>

IELTS Modules:

Other resources:.

• All Lessons
• Band Score Calculator
• Writing Feedback
• Speaking Feedback
• Teacher Resources
• Free Downloads
• Recent Essay Exam Questions
• Books for IELTS Prep
• Useful Links

Recent Articles

IELTS Essay: Living with Climate Change

Aug 23, 24 02:37 AM

Grammar in IELTS Listening

Aug 22, 24 02:54 PM

IELTS Line Graph: Governments Expenditure on Research

Jul 23, 24 01:27 PM

Important pages

IELTS Writing IELTS Speaking IELTS Listening   IELTS Reading All Lessons Vocabulary Academic Task 1 Academic Task 2 Practice Tests

Connect with us

Before you go...

30% discount - just $25.86 for all 4 writing ebooks.

Copyright © 2022- IELTSbuddy All Rights Reserved

IELTS is a registered trademark of University of Cambridge, the British Council, and IDP Education Australia. This site and its owners are not affiliated, approved or endorsed by the University of Cambridge ESOL, the British Council, and IDP Education Australia.

• Practice Test
• Useful Tips – Tricks
• Full Writing Review
• General Writing Task
• Writing Task 1
• Writing Task 2
• Writing Exercises
• Writing Sample – Topics
• Writing Vocabulary
• Speaking Vocabulary
• Intro Question
• Speaking Part 1
• Speaking Part 2
• Speaking Part 2 – Audio
• Speaking Part 3
• IELTS Books
• Recent Exams
• IELTS Vocabulary
• Essay from Examiners
• IELTS Ideas

1. Labor productivity

Meaning: the rate at which a worker, a company or a country produces goods, and the amount produced, compared with how much time, work and money is needed to produce them Example: Wage rates depend on levels of labor productivity.

2. Unemployment benefits

Meaning: money paid by the government to somebody who is unemployed Example: In times of economic crisis, the amount paid in unemploymentnbenefits is an added burden on the government budget.

3. To acquire experience/knowledge/skill:

Meaning: to gain experience/knowledge/skill by your own efforts or behavior Example: Some school leavers prefer to acquire experience working in anchosen profession rather than entering university.

4. Put knowledge gained into practice

Meaning: to put to practical use the knowledge that you have acquired Example: Vocational training courses enable students to put the knowledgengained during their studies into practice.

5. Minimum wage

Meaning: the lowest wage that an employer is allowed to pay by law Example: A minimum wage is necessary in order to ensure a decent standard of living for low-paid workers.

6. To job-share

Meaning: to share the hours of work and the pay of one job between two people Example: Many employers are willing to employ people part-time or allow them to job-share, as long as the duties of each person are clear.

7. Flexible working hours

Meaning: hours of work that can be changed by agreement between the employer and the employee Example: For some employees, flexible working hours are more important even than a high salary. Dịch đại ý

8. Health and safety in the workplace

Meaning: Conditions which are safe and are not a danger to health in factories, offices or other places where people work Example: Government inspectors should regularly monitor companies to ensure that standards of health and safety in the workplace are observed.

9. Working mothers

Meaning: Mothers who have to go out to work as well as to look after children Example: Workplace practices such as job-sharing and flexible working hours have made life easier for working mothers.

10.To take early retirement

Meaning: to stop working before reaching the age at which people usually stop working Example: Older employees should take early retirement to give young people a better chance to find work.

11.Aretirement package

Meaning: the money or other benefits that you receive from a company or organization when you stop working there because of your age Example: Companies who value their employees should offer a generous retirement package.

13. Sick leave

Meaning: permission to stay away from work because of illness or injury Example: Important factors when choosing a job include holiday entitlement, sick leave and a company pension scheme.

14. Annual leave

Meaning: a period of time when you are allowed to be away from work for a holiday/vacation Example: Parents often take their annual leave at the same time as the long school holidays.

15. Job prospects

Meaning: the chances of being successful and having more opportunities at work Example: People with qualifications and experience usually have the best job prospects.

16. Promotion opportunities

Meaning: chances to move to a more important position in a company or organization Example: Perhaps the most important factor when choosing a job are the promotion opportunities/promotion prospects.

17. To move up the career ladder

Meaning: a series of stages by which you can make progress in your career Example: Ambitious employees look for a job in which there is a chance to move up the career ladder.

18. To pursue a successful career

Meaning: to have a series of jobs in a particular area of work, with more responsibility as time passes Example: While many people wish to pursue a successful career, for others it is more important to find work which is interesting and enjoyable.

19. To take a career break

Meaning: a period of time when you do not do your usual job, for example because you have children to care for Example: Some companies offer female employees the opportunity to take a career break for a few years if they have young children to care for.

20. To have no career ambitions

Meaning: to have no desire to be successful or to move up the career ladder Example: Those who are content to do the same job and have no career ambitions are often happier in their work and do not suffer from stress.

21. Job satisfaction

Meaning: the good feeling that you get when you have a job that you enjoy Example: A high salary is not necessarily the most important factor in job satisfaction.

22. Working environment

Meaning: the conditions that you work in Example: If work is to be enjoyable, then a friendly working environment is essential.

23. Supportive work colleagues

Meaning: people that you work with who give you help and encouragement Example: A very important aspect of job satisfaction is having supportive work colleagues.

24. To be a good team player

Meaning: to be cooperative and work well as a member of a team Example: In the modern working environment, it is important to be a good team player and communicate with colleagues.

25. A heavy workload

Meaning: a lot of work that an individual employee has to perform Example: While some people enjoy the challenge of a heavy workload, others find too much work very stressful.

26. Labour-intensive

Meaning: (of work) needing a lot of people to do it Example: New technology has replaced the need for workers to do many labour-intensive jobs, such as producing cars.

27. An internship

Meaning: a period of time in which a student or new graduate gets practical experience in a job Example: In order to gain essential professional experience, graduates should do an internship if they have the opportunity.

28. A desk job

Meaning: a job in an office, where you sit and work all day at a table or desk Example: Many young people enjoy the excitement of a dangerous profession to the boring routine of a desk job.

29. To have a steady job

Meaning: to have a job which you are unlikely to lose, but which is usually the same routine Example: Although some people prefer to change jobs, others prefer to have a steady job and a set daily routine at work.

30. To dismiss somebody (from something)

Meaning: to officially remove somebody from their job Example: Employment legislation prevents employers from dismissingan employee without a good reason.

LATEST POSTS

15 of the most common idioms for academic essays , 100 common phrases for ielts academic writing task 2, 12 common phrasal verbs topic travel in ielts speaking.

IELTS App - For Mobile

Ready for the IELTS exam with our IELTS app. Over 2 million downloads

Popular Last 24h

Describe a film that made you laugh, cue card #50: talk about someone who encourages you to achieve goals or someone who encouraged you to achieve a goal, ielts listening practice test 1, describe a person whom you met for the first time and made you happy, essay:a bad workman always blames his tools, ielts speaking part 1: leisure time, describe something difficult you would like to succeed in doing.

• IELTS Test/Skills FAQs
• IELTS Scoring in Detail
• Forecast Speaking – 2023
• List IELTS Speaking Part 3
• List IELTS Speaking Part 1
• IELTS Writing 2023 – Actual Test

Our Telegram

Join our community for IELTS preparation and share and download materials.

The information on this site is for informational purposes only. IELTS is a registered trademark of the University of Cambridge ESOL, the British Council, and IDP Education Australia. This site and its owners are not affiliated, approved or endorsed by University of Cambridge ESOL, the British Council, or IDP Education Australia.

Latest Articles

Ielts speaking part 1: neighbours, writing task 2: knowledge in books/internet, writing task 1: the number of international applicants to the universities, ielts speaking part 1: flowers, c.a.m ielts 19 listening: test 4, most popular, topic: experience is the best teacher, in many countries，today there are many highly qualified graduates without employment..

ieltspracticeonline All Rights Reserved

What are You Looking for?

• Writing Task 1
• Writing Task 2

IELTS Writing Task 2: Supporting Children with Autism in School – Sample Essays and Analysis

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental condition that affects a growing number of children worldwide. As inclusive education becomes more prevalent, the topic of supporting children with autism in schools has gained significant attention. This subject is not only crucial for educators and policymakers but also increasingly relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays.

Based on recent trends, we can expect this topic to appear more frequently in future IELTS exams. Let’s examine a potential question that aligns closely with real IELTS tasks:

Some people believe that children with autism should be educated in special schools, while others argue they should be integrated into mainstream classrooms. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Table of Contents

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

Analysis of the Question

This question presents a classic IELTS Task 2 format, asking candidates to discuss two opposing views and provide their own perspective. The topic is timely and relevant, focusing on the educational approach for children with autism. To answer effectively, candidates must:

• Discuss arguments for special schools
• Explore reasons for integration in mainstream classrooms
• Present a balanced view of both sides
• Provide a clear, well-supported personal opinion

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

The education of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been a subject of intense debate in recent years. While some advocate for specialized educational settings, others argue for integration into mainstream classrooms. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint.

Proponents of special schools for autistic children argue that these institutions are better equipped to meet the unique needs of students with ASD. Specialized facilities often have smaller class sizes, trained staff, and tailored curricula that can provide individualized attention and support. Moreover, these environments can offer sensory-friendly spaces and specific therapies that may not be readily available in mainstream schools. Such focused care, it is argued, can lead to better academic and social outcomes for children with autism.

On the other hand, those favoring integration into mainstream classrooms contend that this approach promotes inclusivity and better prepares autistic children for life in a diverse society. Exposure to neurotypical peers can enhance social skills and foster understanding and acceptance on both sides. Additionally, integrated settings may challenge autistic children to develop coping strategies and communication skills that will be valuable throughout their lives. Supporters also argue that inclusion benefits all students by teaching empathy and diversity appreciation.

In my opinion, a balanced approach that combines elements of both special education and mainstream integration would be most beneficial. I believe in a flexible system where the level of integration is tailored to each child’s individual needs and abilities. This could involve partial integration, where autistic students spend some time in specialized settings and some in mainstream classrooms. Such an approach would provide the benefits of specialized support while also offering opportunities for social interaction and integration.

In conclusion, while both special schools and mainstream integration have their merits, a nuanced, individualized approach is likely to yield the best outcomes for children with autism. Education systems should strive to provide a range of options to accommodate the diverse needs of autistic students, ensuring that each child receives the support they need to thrive academically and socially.

(Word count: 310)

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

The education of children with autism is a topic that many people have different opinions about. Some think these children should go to special schools, while others believe they should be in regular classrooms with other kids. This essay will look at both sides and give my opinion.

People who support special schools for autistic children say that these schools are better for them. These schools have teachers who know how to work with autistic kids and can give them more attention. They also have special equipment and ways of teaching that help autistic children learn better. In these schools, kids with autism might feel more comfortable and not get bullied.

On the other hand, people who think autistic children should be in regular schools say this is good for everyone. When autistic kids are with other children, they can learn how to make friends and talk to different people. This can help them later in life. Also, other children can learn about autism and how to be kind to everyone. This might make society better in the future.

I think that both ideas have good points. Maybe the best way is to have a mix of both. Some autistic children might do well in regular schools with extra help, while others might need to be in special schools. It’s important to look at each child and see what they need. Some children could spend part of their time in a special class and part in a regular class.

In conclusion, there are good reasons for both special schools and regular schools for autistic children. The most important thing is to make sure each child gets the help they need to learn and be happy. Schools should try to find ways to support all children, whether they have autism or not.

(Word count: 293)

Key Points to Note When Writing

Structure : Both essays follow a clear four-paragraph structure: introduction, two body paragraphs discussing each view, and a conclusion with the writer’s opinion. This organization is crucial for achieving higher band scores.

• Band 8-9 essay uses more sophisticated vocabulary and complex sentence structures.
• Band 6-7 essay uses simpler language but still maintains clarity and coherence.

Coherence and Cohesion :

• Both essays use appropriate linking words and phrases to connect ideas.
• The higher band essay demonstrates more sophisticated paragraph and sentence-level cohesion.

Task Response :

• Both essays address all parts of the question, discussing both views and giving an opinion.
• The Band 8-9 essay provides more nuanced arguments and a more developed personal opinion.

Lexical Resource :

• The Band 8-9 essay showcases a wider range of vocabulary related to education and autism.
• The Band 6-7 essay uses simpler terms but still effectively communicates ideas.

Important Vocabulary to Remember

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) (noun) /ˈɔːtɪzəm ˈspektrəm dɪsˈɔːdə(r)/: A developmental disorder characterized by difficulties with social interaction and communication.

Inclusive education (noun) /ɪnˈkluːsɪv ˌedʒuˈkeɪʃn/: An approach to education that includes all students, regardless of their abilities or disabilities.

Mainstream classroom (noun) /ˈmeɪnstriːm ˈklɑːsruːm/: A regular classroom setting where students of all abilities are taught together.

Individualized attention (noun) /ˌɪndɪˈvɪdʒuəlaɪzd əˈtenʃn/: Personalized focus and support given to each student based on their specific needs.

Sensory-friendly (adjective) /ˈsensəri ˈfrendli/: Designed to be comfortable for individuals with sensory processing difficulties.

Neurotypical (adjective) /ˌnjʊərəʊˈtɪpɪkl/: Describing individuals without autism or other neurological differences.

Coping strategies (noun) /ˈkəʊpɪŋ ˈstrætədʒiz/: Methods used to deal with stress or challenging situations.

Empathy (noun) /ˈempəθi/: The ability to understand and share the feelings of another.

Tailored curricula (noun) /ˈteɪləd kəˈrɪkjələ/: Educational programs designed to meet specific needs or requirements.

Integration (noun) /ˌɪntɪˈɡreɪʃn/: The process of combining or adding parts to make a unified whole.

In conclusion, the topic of supporting children with autism in schools is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. Future questions might explore related themes such as:

• The role of technology in supporting autistic students
• Training teachers to work with children with special needs
• The impact of inclusive education on society

To practice, try writing your own essay on the given topic or one of these related themes. Share your essay in the comments section for feedback and discussion. Remember, regular practice is key to improving your IELTS writing skills!

• IELTS essay samples
• Sample Essay
• Vocabulary List

IELTS Writing Task 2: Mastering Essays on Teaching Children About Healthy Relationships

Teaching Children the Importance of Kindness: A Comprehensive IELTS Writing Guide

Mastering IELTS Writing Task 2: How to Develop Emotional Intelligence in Children – Sample Essays and Analysis

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Your Name *

Email Address *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Submit Comment

If you want this website to work, you must enable javascript.

The Age of Incomplete Religions

B eware the copula “and.” Politics and religion. Church and state. What does it mean to bring these into relationship? Are they immiscible? Soluble? In certain respects, but not others? At certain times, but not others? A host of questions to be considered anew. How did conservatives get here? What prompts them today to wonder aloud if they need to rethink the relationship between church and state, between politics and religion?

First, conservatives have witnessed the appallingly rapid takeover of nearly every American institution by that constellation of phenomena called CRT, wokeness, DEI, cancel culture, and what has been called virtue-signaling, but which is better understood as innocence -signaling. Unable to name the genus to which these species belong, unable to see the underlying logic that gathers all of these phenomena together, they have been unable to fight back against them, save for a minor victory here or there. To win the war, conservatives must first name the enemy. That enemy is identity politics.

Second, conservatives have been unwilling to abandon terms for the enemy that have brought coherence to the conservative movement since the 1950s. The terms “cultural Marxism” and “progressivism” are hopelessly out of date and analytically inadequate to the current crisis, yet they are invoked at every like-minded gathering or convention. We are engaged in a monstrous twenty-first-century struggle. The Cold War is over. We must jettison terms that were fitting seventy years ago. 

Regarding cultural Marxism, the “long slow march through the institutions” never happened. Instead, we have witnessed the breathtakingly rapid sprint of identity politics through our institutions. Bernie Sanders is a Marxist; his thinking has been thrown into the dustbin of history by the identitarians who now rule the left. What about progressivism—the belief that the “expert competence” of elites who have been trained in our best universities can redeem the American regime from the founders’ illusions that citizen competence is enough? That movement has been terminated by the left itself. Today, our best colleges and universities do not teach “expert competence.” Students there are taught identity politics instead. They are taught to think in terms of innocent victimhood and transgressive stain. Why do conservatives acquiesce to the “progressive” self-description coming from the left today, which seeks to link a new and destructive movement to a tradition of thought that, even if mistaken, sought to strengthen America? The left today is not progressive; it is identitarian. It does not want experts to rule; it wants innocent victims to rule. It does not wish to strengthen America; it wishes to destroy it.

Conservatives dare to raise questions about church and state because identity politics has so completely overrun our institutions that they now wonder if the constitutional regime set up by the founders was either faulty from the beginning, or is unfixable now even if initially well-established—hence the emergence of serious thinking about Christian nationalism, a post-liberal order, and pre-modern integralism. Conservatives dare think down these paths because they intimate that America is on the verge of a regime change—the new regime being based on innocent victimhood rather than citizen competence, as the one established by the founders was. We should be under no illusion: that is the project of the left today. 

Here, let us wrestle with our problem not by developing any institutional claims about church and state, or any category claims about politics and religion, but rather by clearing the decks for a moment, and talking about three kinds of debt, and three kinds of economies. Afterward, I will offer some observations about the debilitated state of our regime, and why conservatives have been so impotent in the trench warfare that is upon us.

In the beginning was debt. That’s not the biblical formulation, but debt has been a central consideration from the very beginning of human civilization, so this claim is not far off the mark. Among the oldest written civilizational records is the Code of Hammurabi, which stipulates what payments—debts—are due for what transgressions. No agreed understanding of debt, no civilization. The most important work by mortal hands in Western civilization—Plato’s Republic —begins with the seemingly random claim by Cephalus that justice involves “paying our debts,” and ends with the mysterious claim that “justice is beyond price.” Does Plato introduce this idea of justice at the very beginning of the Republic because he understands that debt is the most primordial experience of man, and that the primitive way of understanding it—every debt must be repaid—does not grasp the deeper mystery of justice? I think he does. What of the great breakthrough of the Hebrews and Christians? Genesis 3 does indeed make a claim about the primordiality of debt. Christians since Paul and Athanasius have understood this chapter to have established that man cannot pay the price to liberate himself from his slavery to sin—hence the “divine ransom” Christ paid, to adopt fallen man and bring him, as an adopted son, into the household of God. 

The left in America today is consumed by the primordiality of debt in human life, while conservatives have little to say about it. Or, rather, conservatives have had little to say about the deeper, more mysterious understanding of debt toward which Plato seems to be pointing, or the understanding of debt that underwrites the central Christian claim about unpayable debt. Since the 1950s, American conservatives have, of course, focused on two more immediately obvious kinds of debt: economic debt, the commercial balance sheet of costs and benefit; and tradition, the debt we owe our fathers. Indeed, it could be said that these have been the two pillars of conservatism, aligned in some measure but never exactly pointing in the same direction.  

To begin to understand the place of this deeper, third kind of debt and economy, which we must grasp if we are to understand the sort of debt that identity politics has in mind, consider Tocqueville’s thinking about religion and its deformation. In 1835, in Democracy in America , he had written the following: “Eighteenth century thinkers believed that religion would die out as enlightenment and freedom spread. It is tiresome that the facts do not fit the theory.” The age of enlightenment would not blot out Christianity. In 1851, in The Old Regime , he added a new twist to his theory: The French Revolution, he wrote, was an “incomplete religion.” Christianity would weaken, and into its place would step one incomplete religion after another. After Christendom would not come “secularism,” but rather the age of incomplete religions. 

What is an incomplete religion? Consider these two characteristics: 

• Second, an idea that follows from the first: The innocent victim is justified (to use not irrelevant theological terms), so that his revolutionary acts—say, guillotining landed aristocrats and churchmen during The Terror; slaughtering whole classes of citizens during the blood sacrifice that was communism; butchering Israelis on October 7; rioting, burning neighborhoods, and destroying livelihoods during the “mostly peaceful protests” in the aftermath of George Floyd’s death; or cheering on a would-be presidential assassin—are “covered over,” to use Christian language to explain the “pass” given to the parishioners of the incomplete religions that have befallen us since 1789. The legal status of what the incomplete religionists do may be criminal, but the legal debt they might owe is discounted or canceled because their act is justified in the third, higher, trans-legal economy of debt within which incomplete religions operate. Whether we are considering the French Revolution, communism, the ghastly simplifications of “post-colonial studies,” or the raging fire of identity politics in America and Western Europe today, the so-called innocent victim is never guilty, no matter how many laws he or she breaks. The stained transgressors, on the other hand, are forever under indictment, and need to vindicate themselves—hence the never-ending acts of performative justice we witness, say, by guilty white liberals, who several years ago painted “Black Lives Matter” on streets across America, did nothing to actually heal wounds and make the lives of the least among us any better, and quivered in the hope that social death would pass them over. More recently, “White Men for Kamala” videos on X display the same sick fawning, in the hope that the debt owed by those with “white privilege” might be eased.

T he incomplete religions that have overshadowed the so-called secular enlightened West for two-and-a-half centuries operate, like Christianity, in a third economy, in which the moneyed economy that conservatives know so well counts as nothing. Judas, the Apostle, received his silver coins for his betrayal, yet took his life because his betrayal could not be atoned for in the moneyed economy. The money of the landed aristocracy and the priests could not buy their pardon during The Terror. The richest members of the bourgeoisie could not cleanse their ledger with gold, and so they were extinguished. Concertgoers pleaded for their lives on October 7. No matter. They carried no guns, but were guilty of being “colonizers,” as our wise young people have declared on elite college campuses across America this past year. And of reparations in the identity politics world, even if Americans reach a consensus on the size of the check, we all know that the debt would continue to be called in.  

Like Christianity, all of the incomplete religions operate within a third, spiritual economy, and assert that the transgressor has an unpayable debt. In Christianity, the transgressor is every member of mankind—and his unpayable debt is canceled by the divine innocent victim, Christ. In all the incomplete religions, the transgressors, too, have an unpayable debt, which they can discharge only by being purged—hence the ongoing cancellation, traceable to the French Revolution, of all those who believe, not in cosmopolitan man and globalism, but their particular nation; hence the hatred of our bourgeois institutions of family and church by the Frankfurt School in the mid-twentieth century, and the project of destroying them; hence the current hatred of Israel because it is simply and unequivocally a “colonizer” who must be eradicated “from the river to the sea”; hence the hatred of “whiteness,” and the language of “toxicity,” applied especially to young white men who have dutifully stayed in the lane afforded them within the identity politics regime—drugs, online gaming, pornography, effeminacy, and so forth.

The categories of these incomplete religions—universalist vs. particularist, oppressed vs. oppressor, colonized vs. colonizer, innocent victim vs. “white straight man”— establish a sharp line of demarcation between the pure and the damned, as does Christianity. But in the case of incomplete religions, there is no repentance, atonement, or forgiveness. The debt accumulates and can only be discharged via violence against the stained transgressor. The innocent victim does not, as in Christianity, “take away the sins of the world.” Rather, only by purging the impure group can the world be made pure again. The purportedly pure innocent victim assures himself that his very survival depends on purging the toxicity he beholds, which is “out there,” but never “in here.” Regarding the upcoming election, identitarians declare that we must “save our democracy” from the deplorables. So goes this dangerous line of thinking, which can be satisfied only with the shedding of blood. Never a thought about the poison that lies within them.

Let me conclude with a number of succinct points:

• Finally, conservatives who dream of Christian nationalism for America are too late. We have an established church, and our elite educational institutions provide its clergy, as they did long ago in America. The spiritual economy of identity politics suffuses all of our institutions. What was once an ecclesiastical matter—how may man lift the burden of his unpayable debt and be redeemed—has now become a political matter. Politics and religion have become one. Identity politics is that unity.

Joshua Mitchell  is professor of political theory at Georgetown University and a fellow of the Claremont Institute’s Center for the American Way of Life. This essay is adapted from a speech delivered at the 2024 National Conservatism Conference.

First Things  depends on its subscribers and supporters. Join the conversation and make a contribution today.

Click  here  to make a donation.

Click  here   to subscribe to  First Things .

Image by Nicolas-Antoine Taunay, provided by  Wikimedia Commons , in the public domain. Image cropped. 

Articles by Joshua Mitchell

Comments are visible to subscribers only. Log in or subscribe to join the conversation.

Filter Web Exclusive Articles

Related articles.

Want more articles like this one delivered directly to your inbox?

Sign up for our email newsletter now!