If you’re aiming for Band 7 or higher in IELTS Writing Task 2, the key is not just grammar—but having strong ideas, topic-specific vocabulary, and balanced arguments. IELTS Simon’s famous topic bank is a goldmine for learners. In this guide, we’ve expanded and organized Simon’s ideas into clear, actionable themes for you to review and practice.
Why Focus on Ideas?
Many IELTS students struggle to generate content quickly. Knowing common themes and preparing ideas in advance can:
- Boost your confidence and coherence
- Help you avoid off-topic answers
- Improve your Task Response score
- Support vocabulary development through topic-specific lexis
24 Common IELTS Writing Task 2 Topics (with Expanded Ideas)
1. Advertising
Positives: Drives consumer choice, supports the economy, provides employment
Negatives: Manipulates consumers, promotes unhealthy body image, targets children
Vocabulary: brand awareness, consumer culture, advertising campaign, subliminal messaging
Sample Question: Should advertisements directed at children be banned?
2. Animal Rights
- Animal Testing: Ethical vs. medical necessity
- Vegetarianism: Moral and health motivations
- Zoos: Conservation vs. captivity
Vocabulary: ethical dilemma, humane treatment, biodiversity
Sample Question: Is animal testing justified for scientific purposes?
3. Cities and Urbanization
Benefits: More job opportunities, better infrastructure
Problems: Pollution, expensive housing, overcrowding
Vocabulary: urban sprawl, cost of living, quality of life
Sample Question: Is life in cities better than in rural areas?
4. Crime and Punishment
Themes: Police, prison vs. rehabilitation, juvenile crime
Vocabulary: deterrent, reoffend, rehabilitation, criminal justice
Sample Question: Should criminals be punished or rehabilitated?
5. Education
Topics: Discipline, online vs. traditional, curriculum design
Debates: Streaming, homeschooling, single-sex education
Vocabulary: coeducational, pedagogy, curriculum, academic achievement
Sample Question: Is homeschooling better than traditional schooling?
6. Environment
Topics: Global warming, pollution, recycling, green energy
Vocabulary: greenhouse effect, fossil fuels, carbon footprint
Sample Question: What are the most effective ways to protect the environment?
7. Family
Trends: Smaller families, dual-income households
Issues: Less family time, parenting roles
Vocabulary: nuclear family, breadwinner, family cohesion
Sample Question: How has the modern family changed?
8. Gender
Education: Equal access to opportunities
Work: Pay gap, maternity leave, househusbands
Vocabulary: gender roles, equality, empowerment
Sample Question: Should men and women be treated equally at work?
9. Genetic Engineering
Pros: Cures diseases, improves crops
Cons: Ethics, cloning, GM food risks
Vocabulary: DNA modification, bioethics, cloning
Sample Question: Should genetic engineering be used in humans?
10. Global Issues
Topics: Poverty, development aid, globalization
Vocabulary: humanitarian aid, infrastructure, standard of living
Sample Question: How can developed nations help poorer ones?
11. Government & Society
Responsibilities: Health, education, regulation
Opinions: Censorship, public vs. private services
Vocabulary: governance, public sector, state-funded
Sample Question: Should healthcare be free?
12. Immigration
Pros: Economic contribution, cultural diversity
Cons: Job competition, social tension
Vocabulary: multiculturalism, integration, emigration
Sample Question: Does immigration benefit or harm a country?
13. Housing & Architecture
Topics: Public housing, heritage buildings, green buildings
Vocabulary: sustainable design, insulation, restoration
Sample Question: Should old buildings be preserved?
14. Money & Consumerism
Trends: Materialism, advertising influence
Issues: Greed, waste, throwaway culture
Vocabulary: consumer goods, status symbols, minimalism
Sample Question: Has money become too important in society?
15. Language
Themes: English as a global language, language loss
Vocabulary: lingua franca, bilingualism, language preservation
Sample Question: Is it a problem if one language dominates?
16. Personality and Happiness
Sources: Family, work, religion
Debates: Nature vs. nurture
Vocabulary: fulfillment, well-being, purpose
Sample Question: What makes people happy?
17. Sport and Leisure
Themes: Salaries, role models, competitive spirit
Vocabulary: sponsorship, doping, amateur sport
Sample Question: Are athletes overpaid?
18. Science and Technology
Topics: Impact on life, AI, working life
Vocabulary: innovation, digital transformation, automation
Sample Question: Has technology improved our lives?
19. Media and Communication
Topics: TV, internet, smartphones
Issues: Misinformation, addiction, digital divide
Vocabulary: screen time, digital literacy, media influence
Sample Question: Is television harmful to children?
20. Tourism
Benefits: Economic growth, cultural exchange
Problems: Environmental damage, commercialization
Vocabulary: ecotourism, mass tourism, tourist attraction
Sample Question: Should tourism be limited in some areas?
21. Tradition vs. Modernity
Themes: Skill loss, global products, heritage
Vocabulary: craftsmanship, heritage, modernization
Sample Question: Are traditional skills still important?
22. Transport
Issues: Congestion, road safety, pollution
Solutions: Public transport, cycling, remote work
Vocabulary: infrastructure, traffic flow, congestion charge
Sample Question: How can we reduce traffic problems?
23. Water
Themes: Clean water, scarcity, politics
Vocabulary: sanitation, water crisis, desalination
Sample Question: Should water be free for everyone?
24. Work & Employment
Topics: Unemployment, work-life balance, job-hopping
Vocabulary: retraining, remote work, job satisfaction
Sample Question: Should people change jobs regularly?
How to Use These Topics for IELTS Prep
- Create a vocabulary list for each theme
- Practice writing body paragraphs using PEEL (Point, Example, Explanation, Link)
- Do speaking drills using these topics for Part 3 practice
- Outline essays weekly even if you don’t write them in full
- Analyze model essays and identify how ideas are supported
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use memorized examples?
A: Yes, but they must sound natural and relevant. Avoid robotic or overly generic examples.
Q: What if I don’t know the topic well?
A: Prepare broad, flexible arguments that can be adapted. Focus on clarity, not depth of technical detail.
Q: Should I use personal or global examples?
A: Both are acceptable. Use whichever supports your argument effectively.
Final Tips
- Don’t memorize essays — memorize idea frameworks
- Practice brainstorming under time pressure
- Learn to develop 1–2 ideas in depth rather than listing many
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