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IELTS Writing Task 2 – Topic: EDUCATION

ielts writing topics 2019

1.  As computers are being used more and more in education, there will be soon no role for teachers in the classroom.

Sample Answer 1

There have been immense advances in technology in most aspects of people’s lives, especially  in the field of education. Nowadays, an increasing number of students rely on computers to  research for information and to produce a perfect paper for school purposes. Others have  decided to leave the original way of learning to get knowledge through online schools. These  changes in the learning process have brought a special concern regarding the possible  decrease of importance of teachers in the classroom.

Some people believe the role of teachers started to fade because computers have been helping  some students to progress in their studies quicker than when compared with an original  classroom. For example, in the same classroom, students have different intellectual capacities,  thus some would be tied to a slow advance in their studies because of others‟ incapacity of  understanding. In this way, pupils could progress in their acquisition of knowledge at their own  pace using computers instead of learning from teachers.

However, the presence of a teacher is essential for students because the human contact  influences them in positive ways. Firstly, students realize that they are not dealing with a  machine but with a human being who deserves attention and respect. They also learn the  importance of studying in group and respect other students, which helps them to improve their  social skills.

Moreover, teachers are required in the learning process because they acknowledge some  student’s deficiencies and help them to solve their problems by repeating the same explanation,  giving extra exercises or even suggesting a private tutor. Hence, students can have a bigger  chance not to fail in a subject.

In conclusion, the role for teachers in the learning process is still very important and it will  continue to be in the future because no machine can replace the human interaction and its  consequences.

 (303 words)

Sample Answer 2

Nobody can argue that the acquisition of knowledge is more fun and easier with  computers. The mere activity of touching and exploring this device constitutes an  enjoyable task for a kid. This, accompanied with the relaxing attitude and software  interactivity, usually conduce to a better grasping of new knowledge. At a higher  educational level; the availability of digital books, simulator and other academic  materials, provide the student with an ever accessible source of information, that  otherwise would not be at hand.

But, besides the increasing complexity and behavior of intelligent software, which is  usually embedded in the academic digital material, the need of human interaction in the  learning process will always be present, at least in the foreseeable future. There is the  necessity for a human being to be able to determine what the specifics needs of each  individual are. The expertise of a teacher in how to explain and adapt complex concepts  to different individuals can hardly be mimicked by a computer, no matter how  sophisticated its software is.

As computers are becoming a common tool for teaching, teachers should be more  aware of their role as guides in the acquisition of knowledge rather than transmitters of  facts. They have to be open minded to the changes that are taking places, keep  updated and serve as a problem solvers in the learning process, thus allowing students  to discover the fact for themselves.

To summarize, in my personal view, teachers play and will() play an important role in  the classroom, especially at the primary level. No matter how complex computers  become, there will be no replacement for the human interaction, but in the way haw this  interaction takes place.

 (279 words)

2. In some countries young people are encouraged to work or travel for a year between finishing high school and starting university studies. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages for young people who decide to do this.

Sample Answer

It is quite common these days for young people in many countries to have a break from  studying after graduating from high school. This trend is not restricted to rich students  who have the money to travel, but is also evident among poorer students who choose to  work and become economically independent for a period of time.

The reasons for this trend may involve the recognition that a young adult who passes  directly from school to university is rather restricted in terms of general knowledge and  experience of the world. By contrast, those who have spent some time earning a living  or traveling to other places have a broader view of life and better personal resources to  draw on. They tend to be more independent, which is a very important factor in  academic study and research, as well as giving them an advantage in terms of coping  with the challenges of student life.

However, there are certainly dangers in taking time off at that important age. Young  adults may end up never returning to their studies or finding it difficult to readapt to an  academic environment. They may think that it is better to continue in a particular job, or  to do something completely different from a university course. But overall, I think this is  less likely today, when academic qualifications are essential for getting a reasonable  career.

My view is that young people should be encouraged to broaden their horizons. That is  the best way for them to get a clear perspective of what they are hoping to do with their  lives and why. Students with such a perspective are usually the most effective and  motivated ones and taking a year off may be the best way to gain this.

 (291 words)

3. Some people believe that a college or university education should be available to all students. Others believe that higher education should be available only to good students. Discuss these views. Which view do you agree with? Explain why.

People learn through their entire lives. They constantly improve their knowledge and  develop. I think that a college or university education should be available to all students  because every person has the right to choose the way to self-perfection. Bellow I will  give some of my reasons to support my position.

First of all, every person should have the chance to get a higher degree, gain new  knowledge and experience. However, some people believe that higher education should  be available only to good students. I think it is silly. It is like to make unavailable  traveling for one who does not have IQ high enough.

Second of all, some young people do not do well at school but they have great  personality and ability to learn. They are self-confident, persistent and patient. With  these qualities they can get higher grades then their classmates who are talented but  lazy. Imagine for example situation when a teenager gets high grades because his or  her parents constantly make him or her study and help to do most of the homework. In  this case a child does very well at school but I think a college can show the opposite  results.

Finally, it is a discrimination against students to make available higher education only  for good ones.  So, if a student does poor and gets low grades he/she should be sent down. But if a  person was never given a chance to try himself/herself at college, what to do in this  case?

To sum up, I think that all young people should have the chance to get a higher  education. To take or not this chance must be up to them.

 (277 words)

4. Some people believe that the best way of learning about life is by listening to the advice of family and friends. Other people believe that the best way of learning about life is through personal experience. Compare the advantages of these two different ways of learning about life. Which do you think is preferable? Use specific examples to support your preference.

From my everyday experience and observation I can stand that the best way of learning  about life is through personal experience. However, some people think that it is wiser to  learn about life through listening to the advice of family and friends. It does not mean I  totally disagree with this way of learning. Moreover, I think that it is wise for a person to take an intermediate position because each of these ways has its own advantages.  Bellow I will give my reasons to support my point of view.

From the one side, learning through one’s personal experience brings many benefits.  First of all, scientists say that personal experience has greater impact on a person. I  have to agree with this. Take for example children. They will not believe their parents  that something can hurt them until they try it and make sure in it. Furthermore, most  likely they will remember this experience longer. Second of all, people learn how to  analyze their mistakes, make conclusions and next time try to avoid them. So, I think it  is a great experience that makes people stronger, more self-confident and persistent.  They gain more knowledge and experience that will be very helpful and valuable in the future.

From the other side, listening to the advice of family and friends brings many benefits  too. Parents with great patience pass down their knowledge and experience to their  children. They teach them all they know and they want their children do not make the  same mistakes. In addition to those practical benefits, learning from someone’s advice  is painless. For example, parents nowadays very often talk to their children about drugs.  I think it is a great example when one should not try drugs in order to gain new  experience. I think it is a case when children must trust their parents.

To sum up, I think it is wise to combine both of these ways to learn and try to analyze  personal mistakes as well as not personal. I think together they can greatly simplify  one’s life and make the way to success shorter.

 (350 words)

5. With the pressures on today’s young people to succeed academically, some people believe that non-academic subjects at school (eg: physical education and cookery) should be removed from the syllabus so that children can concentrate wholly on academic subjects. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

What young people should study at school has long been the subject of intense debate  and this is a question that certainly does not have one correct answer.

We need to provide young people the best possible chance of doing well at school. In  traditional curriculum there is a wide variety of subjects with a mix of academic and nonacademic subjects. In this way a young person is formed with a rounded education.  Non-academic subjects would include sports, cooking, woodwork and metalwork. I  believe this is the best form of education. A young person should learn things other than  academic subjects. Sport is particularly important. Young people have to learn to love  sport so that they can be fit and healthy later in life. If not we will be raising an obese  and unfit generation.

I totally understand the point of view that education is so important that students must  be pushed as hard as possible to achieve their best. It sounds a good idea to only  expose the students to academic subjects as then they can spend all of their school  hours on studying areas that will get them into university and good jobs later in life. I just  feel a more rounded education would produce a better individual. We must remember  too that a lot of people, maybe even most people, aren‛t academically minded and  would benefit more from a more vocationally based education. Forcing academic  studies onto them would lead to failure and the student leaving school too early.

Therefore I agree that although a wholly academic curriculum would suit and benefit  some young people, I believe that for most students non-academic subjects are  important inclusions still in today‛s syllabuses.

 (283 words)

6. In many countries, sports and exercise classes are replaced with the academic subjects. Discuss the effects of this trend.

Over the past few decades, academic subjects have become increasingly important in  this fast-changing information-based society. Nowadays, there has been a growing  debate as to whether it would be more effective to replace physical education classes  with academic subjects. Despite the importance of sports, I highly believe that it is  inevitable and more efficient to focus more on academic subjects for several reasons.

Those who argue that sports and exercise classes are needed in school base their case  on the following arguments. First of all, sports are a good way to build character and  develop personality. That is, there are necessary for learning about competition,  cooperation, and good sportsmanship. In addition, as a majority of children these days  are addicted to the Internet, they find it hard to leave their computer. Consequently, a  growing number of children are becoming overweight or obese due to a lack of  exercise. So, if schools foster an environment that deprives students of getting a proper  physical education, it will have a long-term negative effect on children both mentally and  physically.

Nevertheless, people should not ignore the fact that devoting more time and energy to  academic subjects will benefit students more in the long run. The time devoted to  physical education now would be better spent teaching students English. This is  because speaking fluent English will give young people an advantage over other college  applicants and job seekers in the near future. Besides, science will undoubtedly benefit  youth more than physical education as well. The principles learned in science will  provide the necessary foundation for solving and difficult problems that are sure to arise  in students’ futures.

In summary, there are high hopes that educators and parents exercise wisdom in  teaching young generations.

 (288 words)

7. Some people think high school graduates should travel or work for a period of time instead of going directly to study at university. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of both approaches. Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

High school students face many decisions as they prepare to graduate, including what  they are going to do after graduation. Some high school students go directly to college  or university after graduation. Others prefer to travel or work for some time before going  to university.

For those who choose to go college or university after graduation, there are advantages  and disadvantages. One of the big advantages of going directly from high school to  college is that you are still in the habit of studying. By going to college after graduation,  you do not lose the study skills that you developed during high school. The big  disadvantages, however, is that you may not be ready for college. You may not know  exactly what you want to study, or you may be more interested in freedom and parties  than in your courses. At that age, it is often difficult for students to take on the  responsibilities of college.

There are also advantages and disadvantages to working or traveling before starting  college. Working or traveling allows you a better idea of what you want to do with your  life. You gain practical experience that helps you define what you want to study. You  also are well prepared for the responsibilities of college or university studies. On the  other hand, by the time you start college, you will probably have obligations, like a job or  spouse, which keep you from focusing on studies. In addition, travelling or working  before college may cause you to spend enough time out of school that you forget how  to study.

The desicion of what to do after high school graduation can be a difficult one. Deciding  whether to go straight into college or university or take time to work or travel is  something that faces every high school student. After thinking about the advantages  and disadvantages of both options, the decision should be based on what is best for  you.

 (322 words)

8. The student who study from the school to university get benefit less and contribute less too, than those of student who go to travel or job and get skills and experience before going high. Do you agree or disagree?

Nowadays, in our competitive world, to succeed, knowledge from school and university  is not enough. Therefore, the student who study from the school to university get benefit  less and contribute less too, than those of student who go to travel or job and get  experience and skills before going high. There are two following reasons to prove for my  opinion. I call the group of people who study from school to university is group A and the other group is group B.

Firstly, at school and university, what group A gain is almost theory, theory and theory.  Of course, theory is very necessary, however, you can’t do everything with theory. You  must have practicable experience. This is what group A lack very much. Although in the  third of fourth year at university, group A can be apprentices in some companies, to help  them approach their future jobs, they aren’t trained well because of short time. And the  real job is still very strange with them. After graduating, without experience, group A  can’t accomplish their work perfectly. On the other hand, it take them time and money to  keep up with other experienced ones and may be scorned. Therefore, group A can  contribute less than group B who have the most two important things: skills and  experience.

Secondly, as group A is contribute less, they surely get less benefit. Moreover, many  companies which employ people in group A have to train them from the back-ground.  These companies take this cost from group A‟s salary to get rid of the fact that their  employees may leave after being trained to other companies. So, less benefit is  unavoidable and certain, Whereas group B are more loyal and effective workers. They  also have useful experience and skills. Besides, their education is the same as or even  higher than group A. As the result, group B get more benefit absolutely.

In conclusion, I think student should go to travel or job before going high. Therefore,  they can’t only have basic knowledge but also skills and experience which are useful for  them to get a good job and a brilliant future.

 (355 words)

9. Disruptive school students have a negative influence on others. Students who are noisy and disobedient should be grouped together and taught separately. Do you agree or disagree?

There is no doubt that some students in schools behave badly and their behaviour  causes difficulty for others either because it has a negative effect on the group or  because ordinary students find it difficult to study with them.

One solution is to take these students away and teach them on their own. However, if  we simply have them removed after one or two warnings, we are limiting their  educational opportunities because it seems to me that a school which caters for difficult  students is a sort of “prison” whatever name you give it and the people who go there may never recover from the experience. This can then cause problems for the wider  society.

Perhaps we need to look at why the disruptive students behave badly before we  separate them. Disruptive students may be very intelligent and find the classes boring  because the work is too easy. Perhaps these students need extra lessons rather than  separate lessons. Or perhaps the teachers are uninspiring and this results in  behavioural problems so we need better teachers. On the other hand, most studentsput  up with this situation rather than cause trouble, and some people argue that we have to  learn to suffer bad teachers and boring situations and that students who can’t learn this  lesson need to be taught separately.

So before we condemn the students to a special school, we should look at factors such  as the teaching, because once the children have been separated, it is very unlikely that  they will be brought back.

 (254 words)

10. Some people think that universities should not provide so much theoretical knowledge but give more practical training throughout their courses. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

In the past, a majority of academics have held the opinion that universities should only  offer a theoretically-based approach to teaching throughout their courses, as opposed  to the more recent trend towards empirical acquisition of knowledge involving more  “hands on” experience. Is this the most effective way for students to learn vital  academic information while undertaking their degrees? Undoubtedly, advantages and  disadvantages of both academic learning styles have to be evaluated.

Firstly, on the one hand, despite being the more traditional educational approach,  learning from theory in relevant academic discourses to identify established knowledge  allows us to gain a professional insight. For example, students can easily identify facts  and opinions from past discourses. In addition, students acquire knowledge more easily  when given relative theoretical examples to build upon. For instance, in subjects such  as history or sociology, studying textbook examples allows students to unravel complex  academic theories which they could expand on. Alternatively, there are some  disadvantages for students.

On the other hand, there is no doubt that students could find themselves reading  tedious and monotonous academic papers. For instance, university degrees involving  the evaluation of numerous „long-winded‟ academic discourses provide little inspiration  for students, discouraging enthusiasm. Obviously, interest can be stimulated through  empirical research in class. By this I mean that „the human brain learns best by doing‟.  Although time-consuming, there is no substitute for learning from making mistakes.

In conclusion, while both approaches have benefits and drawbacks in our ever- changing academic world, I honestly believe that a more practical approach promotes a  stronger acquisition of academic knowledge. In spite of the comprehensive nature which  theoretical teaching can possibly provide, practical learning equals more positive  learning for future generations.

 (281 words)

11. People attend college or university for many defferent reasons (for example, new experiences, career preparation, increased knowledge). Why do you think people attend college or university?

People attend college for a lot of different reasons. I believe that the three most common  reasons are to prepare for a career, to have new experiences, and to increase their knowledge  of themselves and of the world around them.

Career preparation is probably the primary reason that people attend college. These days, the  job market is very competitive. Careers such as information technology will need many new  workers in the near future. At college, students can learn new skills for these careers and  increase their opportunities for the future.

Students also go to college to have new experiences. For many, it is their first time away from  home. At college, they can meet new people from many different places. They can see what life  is like in a different city. They can learn to live on their own and take care of themselves without  having their family always nearby.

At college, students have the opportunity to increase their knowledge. As they decide what they  want to study, pursue their studies, and interact with their classmates, they learn a lot about  themselves. They also, of course, have the opportunity to learn about many subjects in their  classes. In addition to the skills and knowledge related to their career, college students also  have the chance to take classes in other areas. For many, this will be their last chance to study  different subjects.

Colleges offer much more than career preparation. They offer the opportunity to have new  experiences and to learn many kinds of things. I think all of these are reasons why people  attend college.

 (265 words)

People attend colleges or universities for a lot of different reasons. I believe that the  three most common reasons are to prepare for a career, to have new experiences, and  to increase their knowledge of themselves and the world around them.

Career preparation is becoming more and more important to young people. For many, this is the primary reason to go to college. They know that the job market is competitive.  At college, they can learn new skill for careers with a lot of opportunities. This means  careers, such as information technology, that are expected to need a large workforce in  the coming years.

Also, students go to colleges and universities to have new experiences. This often  means having the opportunity to meet people different from those in their hometowns.  For most students, going to college is the first time they’ve been away from home by  themselves. In additions, this is the first time they’ve had to make decisions on their  own. Making these decisions increases their knowledge of themselves.

Besides looking for self-knowledge, people also attend a university or college to expand  their knowledge in subjects they find interesting. For many, this will be their last chance  for a long time to learn about something that doesn’t relate to their career.

I would recommend that people not be so focused on a career. They should go to  college to have new experiences and learn about themselves and the world they live in.

 (243 words)

12. Nowadays, education overseas has become more accessible and growing numbers of people send their offspring to study in other countries. However, this trend has its detractors. I strongly believe that the pros far outweigh the cons, and will examine both below.

One of the greatest advantages is that the children learn to be independent. Having to cook,  clean, and pay bills instills this in them. Often they have to work part-time to make ends meet,  and this impresses upon them the importance of work and money management.

Another important factor is that these children will be exposed to different cultures and ways of  thinking. They will become more open-minded and tolerant and are likely to become more  adaptable individuals.

One of the main motives for sending young people abroad to study is that it enhances their  employment prospects. In my experience of living in foreign countries and speaking to various  youths, it seems that a foreign education is regarded as something desirable and helpful in  getting a decent job. A degree from Britain, for example, is seen as being of a higher standard  than one from a developing country. Furthermore, living in a foreign country may lead to fluency  in a second language, which is another selling point for prospective employers. In addition,  many companies are keen to recruit people with a global outlook.

There are a few drawbacks however. For instance, without parental supervision, the new found freedom children experience may lead to harmful practices such as drug-taking and drinking.  Reluctance or inability to reintegrate into their mother country is another. To sum up, it can be  seen that the advantages of studying abroad for children are more numerous than the  disadvantages. Of course a lot depends on the age of the child, but I believe that for most  teenagers it would be a positive experience.

 (266 words)

13. It has been said, “Not everything that is learned is contained in books.” Compare and contrast knowledge gained from experience with knowledge gained from books. In your opinion, which source is more important? Why?

“Experience is the best teacher” is an old cliché, but I agree with it. We can learn a lot of  important things from books, but the most important lessons in life come from our own  experiences. Throughout the different stages of life, from primary school to university to  adulthood, experience teaches us many skills we need for life.

As children in primary school, we learn facts and information from books, but that is not all we  learn in school. On the playground we learn how to make friends. In our class work, we learn  how it feels to succeed and what we do when we fail. We start to learn about the things we like  to do and the things we don’t. We don’t learn these things from books, but from our experiences  with our friends and classmates.

In our university classes, we learn a lot of information and skills we will need for our future  careers, but we also learn a lot that is not in our textbooks. In our daily lives both in class and  out of class, we learn to make decisions for ourselves. We learn to take on responsibilities. We  learn to get along with our classmates, our roommates, and our workmates. Our successes and  failures help us develop skills we will need in our adult lives. They are skills that no book can  teach us.

Throughout our adulthood, experience remains a constant teacher. We may continue to read or  take classes for professional development. However, our experiences at work, at home, and  with our friends teach us more. The triumphs and disasters of our lives teach us how to improve  our careers and also how to improve our relationships and how to be the person each one of us  wants to be.

Books teach us a lot, but there is a limit to what they teach. They can give us information or  show us another person’s experiences. These are valuable things, but the lessons we learn  from our own experiences, from childhood through adulthood, are the most important ones we  learn.

 (346 words)

People are learning and practicing through their entire life. I believe that life  experience and practice are the basic reasons of the humankind’s evolution. However,  in my opinion, knowledge gained from books plays a very important role in the modern  life.

The most obviously important advantage of books is that they hold all knowledge gained  by previous generations. People write books about their discoveries and inventions,  which are gained through practice and experience. This knowledge is accumulated in  books that are passed from generation to generation. So, basically, people get all  knowledge about the previous achievements from books, analyze it and than, according  to their experience and new data, write new books. In this case, books are the holders  of humankind’s experience.

For example, at old times people thought that the Earth was flat. It was concluded from  observations and studying. However, the next generations, using the experience of  their ancestors, proved that the Earth was round.

Personally, I think that books are very important because they are able to give people  the basic and fundamental knowledge. Books store history, the important events and  discoveries. Without them it is difficult and sometimes impossible to move forward,  make new discoveries and inventions.

To summarize, I think a person should take basic knowledge from books because it will  help him to make his own inventions, conclusions and discoveries. Only using both  books and one’s experience one can move forward.

 (237 words)

14. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? People should read only those books that are about real events, real people, and established facts. Use specific reasons and details to support your opinion .

Some people think that fiction books have no use at all. They claim that people should  read about real events that took place, real people, and established facts. I have to  totally disagree with this statement. From my everyday experience and observation I  can stand that fiction, miracles and fairy tails are required in our life. For several  reasons, which I will mention below, I believe that fiction books play an essential role in  our life.

First of all, it is kind of difficult to imagine a six year old child reading about politics or  history with the real facts that are not always pleasant. I think that children need  miracles and Santa Claus because the real world is too complicated for them. They are  too innocent and inexperienced to know the real facts and understand what a real life is  about. In addition, I am sure that making a child read only non-fiction books can result in  shock.

Second of all, following this statement about refusing from reading books about fiction  events we also should refuse from festivals, parades, and celebration such holidays as Halloween because most of the characters there are fictional. Moreover, comic books  will disappear as well as animated films and fiction movies. The disadvantage of nonfiction lies in the facts that nothing happens to excite the mind and spirit. From the other side, fiction provides a great slope for a mind to think creatively.

In conclusion, I think that people need miracles. We can not be satisfied with only naked  truth. Human kind must believe in something and this belief helps people break limits and make new inventions.

 (273 words)

15. Going overseas for university study is an exciting prospect for many people. But while it may offer some advantages, it is probably better to stay home because of the difficulties a student inevitably encounters living and studying in a different culture. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

There is no doubt that going to study in a foreign country, with its different language and culture,  can be a frustrating and sometimes painful experience. But while overseas study has its  drawbacks, the difficulties are far outweighed by the advantages. Indeed, people who go abroad  for study open themselves up to experiences that those who stay at home will never have.

The most obvious advantage to overseas university study is real-life use of a different language.  While a person can study a foreign language in his or her own country, it cannot compare with  constant use of the language in academic and everyday life. There is no better opportunity to  improve second-language skills than living in the country in which it is spoken. Moreover, having  used the language during one’s studies offers a distinct advantage when one is applying for jobs  back home that require the language.

On a university campus, the foreign student is not alone in having come from far away. He or  she will likely encounter many others from overseas and it is possible to make friends from all  around the world. This is not only exciting on a social level, but could lead to important overseas  contacts in later professional life.

Finally, living and studying abroad offers one a new and different perspective of the world and,  perhaps most important, of one’s own country. Once beyond the initial shock of being in a new  culture, the student slowly begins to get a meaningful understanding of the host society. On  returning home, one inevitably sees one’s own country in a new, often more appreciative, light.

In conclusion, while any anxiety about going overseas for university study is certainly  understandable, it is important to remember that the benefits offered by the experience make it  well worthwhile.

 (299 words)

16. Many students do not finish school. Why is this, and how can the problem be solved? School Drop-Outs: Problems and Solutions

Today, although most students in the UAE complete school, a large number still drop  out because of family, social and work pressures. This problem requires serious action  from both individuals and the government.

Most students who do not complete school do so because of family problems. Girls,  especially, want to get married and start a family. Some parents are not interested in  education and do not support their children in studying. Social problems are also a  contributing factor. Education is compulsory but, despite this, some people do not take it  seriously. Furthermore, jobs are available even if students do not have a good  education. The third reason is work pressure. Some families are poor and need their  children to work in order to increase the income. All these problems will create young  people who do not have any skills and who will not be able to improve their lives for the  family and the country.

There are several things that can be done about these problems. Parents should be  encouraged to send their children to school. Schools with baby-minding facilities should  be opened specially for married students. The government needs to stress the  importance of education and even offer financial support to students to continue. This  will encourage students to stay at school rather than start working.

In conclusion, there are several things that the government can do to allow more people  to finish school. However, a number of society attitudes also have to change if the  country’s young people are to achieve their full potential.

 (256 words)

17. Does a university education lead to success in life?

It is very difficult to answer the claim that a person needs a university education to be  successful in life because success in life means different things to different people. This  essay starts by defining three different ideas of success. Following this, it looks at which  types of success are dependent on a university education.

Success in life can be achieved in different ways. Many magazines and television  programmes tell us that success means having a lot of money, having a fulfilling career,  and being powerful. In contrast, most religious and spiritual organizations claim that  success means finding spiritual happiness and being at peace with God and with yourself. Another idea of success focuses on relationships – being surrounded by  people who love you and care about you, spending time with family and friends.

A university education can help you achieve some types of success, but it makes little  or no difference to whether or not you are successful in other areas of life. Undoubtedly,  a university education is essential if you want to have a career in a profession such as  law, engineering, teaching, or medicine. However, you do not need a university degree  to become a wealthy and powerful movie star, sports star or business person. In fact, a  university education does not generally enable you to achieve spiritual happiness, or to  have successful relationships with family and friends.

In conclusion, there are many different types of success. A university education may  help you to achieve professional success in some careers. However, it will not help you  to achieve success in other areas of your life such as your spiritual life or your  relationships.

 (275 words)

18. Education: Losing its Value

Today, it seems to be universally accepted that increased education is a good thing.  Thousands of colleges and millions of students spend vast amounts of time and money  chasing pieces of paper. But what is the value of these qualifications? This essay will  discuss whether education has been devalued.

Supporters of education (usually teachers or educators, or those who have an interest  in stopping people thinking for themselves) say that increased levels of education will  open doors for students. Certificates, diplomas, and degrees are held up as a status  symbol, a passport to a private club of money and power.

However, the truly powerful are not those who have taken degrees, but people who  have stood back and looked at what is really important in life. They have seen  opportunity and followed dreams. These people are found in every part of society. Like  many brilliant people, Einstein was a weak student at math. Like many successful  businessmen, Bill Gates never completed college. Like many inventive and creative  people, Edison never went to school. The greatest religious teachers do not have letters  after their name, but have looked into their hearts for meaning. Similarly, the world’s  political leaders do not have master’s degrees or doctorates. These are the people who  shaped our century, and they are too busy with real life to spend time in the paper  chase.

Students in college are being sold an illusion. They are made to believe that self-understanding and society approval will come with the acquisition of a piece of paper.  Instead of thinking for themselves, and finding their own personality and strengths, they  are fitted like square pegs into round holes.

The role of education is to prepare masses of people to operate at low levels of ability in  a very limited and restricted range of activities. Some of these activities are more  challenging than perhaps the assembly lines of the past, but still the ultimate purpose is  equally uninteresting. More worryingly, despite the increased level of education, people  are still not genuinely expected to think for themselves. In fact, the longer years of  schooling make the job of brainwashing even easier.

There is still a role for study, research, and education. However, we need to examine  our emphasis on education for the sake of a piece of paper, and to learn the real  meaning and revolutionary challenge of knowledge.

 (395 words)

19. Education: Still Invaluable!

In the past, degrees were very unusual in my family. I remember the day my uncle  graduated. We had a huge party, and for many years my mother called him “the genius”  and listened to his opinion. Today, in comparison five of my brothers and sisters have  degrees, and two are studying for their masters’. However, some people think that this  increased access to education is devaluing degrees. In this essay, I will look at some of  the arguments for and against the increased emphasis on degrees in our society.

People have several arguments against the need for degrees. They say that having so  many graduates devalues a degree. People lose respect for the degree holder. It is also  claimed that education has become a rat race. Graduates have to compete for jobs  even after years of studying. Another point is that studying for such a long time leads to  learners becoming inflexible. They know a lot about one narrow subject, but are unable  to apply their skills. Employers prefer more flexible and adaptable workers.

However, I feel strongly that this move to having more qualifications is a positive  development. In the past education was only for the rich and powerful. Now it is  available to everyone, and this will have many advantages for the country and the  individual. First of all, it is impossible to be overeducated. The more people are  educated, the better the world will be, because people will be able to discuss and  exchange ideas. A further point is that people with degrees have many more  opportunities. They can take a wider variety of jobs and do what they enjoy doing,  instead of being forced to take a job they dislike. Finally, a highly educated workforce is  good for the economy of the country. It attracts foreign investment.

In conclusion, although there are undoubtedly some problems with increased levels of  education, I feel strongly that the country can only progress if all its people are educated  to the maximum of their ability.

 (336 words)

20. It is often said that the subjects taught in schools are too academic in orientation and that it would be more useful for children to learn about practical matters such as home management, work and interpersonal skills. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

A criticism often heard these days is that the subjects taught in schools tend to be too  academic, and contribute little to preparing a young person for the real-life tasks he or she will  have to perform after graduation. They say that academic subjects are rooted in the past, and  are not useful for solving modern problems. I disagree with this point of view for three reasons.

My first reason is that it is the duty of parents, not teachers, to prepare their children to deal with  the practical affairs of life. The home, not the classroom, is the ideal place to learn about home  management and interpersonal skills. As for work abilities and attitudes, they are best learned  “on the job” and under the supervision of an experienced older worker.

My second reason is that academic subjects have withstood the test of time. They represent the  accumulated wisdom of our ancestors down through the ages, and, far from being impractical,  they equip us with the knowledge and confidence to make sound judgements about any  problems which may crop up. In addition, academic subjects are good for training us in mental  discipline, while practical subjects are weak in this regard.

My third reason is based on the saying “Man does not live by bread alone.” Schooldays devoted  solely to instruction in down-to-earth practical matters would be dull indeed! Lessons in the best  literature of the world, and the epoch-making scientific and geographical discoveries of the past  enrich our lives and make us feel that we are part of the great family of mankind.

All in all, the teaching of academic subjects in schools is entirely appropriate. It is my firmly held  view that practical subjects have no place in the classroom. On the contrary, the curriculum  should be more academic!

 (300 words)

21. It has been said, “Not every thing that is learned is contained in books.” Compare and contrast knowledge gained from experience with knowledge gained from books. In your opinion, which source is more important? Why?

“Experience is the best teacher” is an old cliché, but I agree with it. The most important,  and sometimes the hardest, lessons we learn in life come from our participation in  situations. You can‟ learn everything from a book.

Of course, learning from books in a formal educational setting is also valuable. It’s in  schools that we learn the information we need to function in our society. We learn how  to speak and write and understand mathematical equations. This is all information that  we need to live in our communities and earn a living.

Nevertheless, I think that the most important lessons can’t be taught; they have to be  experienced. No one can teach us how to get along with others or how to have self-respect. As we grow from children into teenagers, no one can teach us how to deal with peer pressure. As we leave adolescence behind and enter adult life, no one can teach us how to fall in love and get married.

This shouldn’t stop us from looking for guidelines along the way. Teachers and parents  are valuable sources of advice when we’re young. As we enter into new stages in our  lives, the advice we receive from them is very helpful because they have already bad  similar experiences. But experiencing our own triumphs and disasters is really the only  way to learn how to deal with life.

 (232 words)

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• Education Vocabulary

It’s very common for candidates to be asked about their school, college or university experience, so a good range of education vocabulary is something you definitely need to develop.

This page should make that easy for you as it contains over 150 everyday words and phrases related to study, education and teaching. For each, I’ve included an explanation and added a sample sentence to show it in context. This will help you to learn how to use it correctly.

Don’t try to learn them all. Look at my suggestions below as to the best way to use this extensive list of education vocabulary.

Here are some of the categories covered:

• Educational institutions
• Course types & levels
• Qualifications
• People in education
• Subjects & facilities
• Academic work

As well as your own experience of education, you could be asked your opinion on wider issues such as the quality of teaching or education system in your country, equal opportunities, technology in schools and many other related topics. The list of education vocabulary will equip you to create answers for these types of subjects as well.

Also on this page are three other things that will help you prepare for questions about education:

• IELTS-style questions on the topic of education
• Sample answers
• Links to online reading & listening resources

You’ll find PDF downloads of both the questions and sample answers and the education vocabulary list at the bottom of the respective sections.

The questions relate to the Speaking test because this part of the exam offers the broadest range of possible questions on the topic of education. They give the best opportunity for me to demonstrate the vocabulary and for you to practise using it.

I’ve included IELTS-style questions and answers for all three parts of the Speaking test. I've highlighted key words and phrases in  bold .

You'll find these words and phrases, and many others, in the vocabulary list beneath. There’s an audio to listen to their pronunciation.

The education vocabulary list contains words and phrases relevant to all parts of the IELTS exam.

Finally, at the bottom of the page I've added links to topical articles, short videos and podcasts that will help you to improve both your education vocabulary and your reading and listening skills.

Let’s begin with the sample questions.

IELTS-Style Speaking Test Questions and Answers

Common education vocabulary is highlighted in  bold .

1) At what age do children begin school in your country?

Formal education starts at five years of age but most children go to preschool when they are around three. This isn’t compulsory but really helps them to develop socially.

2) What kind of school did you go to as a child?

My family moved around a lot when I was growing up so I went to many different schools including three primary schools , a grammar school and a co-educational comprehensive school . I even attended a private school for a year.

3) Did you enjoy your time at school?

I can’t say that I particularly enjoyed my early education . With changing schools so often, I was always the new kid which I found hard.

4) Would you say you were a good student?

Yes, I was definitely a good pupil . I was a quiet, shy child who never caused my teachers any trouble or played truant . I worked hard on my coursework and got on well with my peers .

5) Did you do any extra-curricular activities?

Back in my day, there weren’t many opportunities to do extra-curricular activities . However, I was in the school choir at my secondary school . We use to put on concerts and one year we did a tour of Germany.

Describe a subject you enjoyed studying at school.

You should say:

• when and where you started studying it
• what lessons were like
• what made it different from other subjects

and explain why you enjoyed the subject.

There There were three subjects I particularly enjoyed at school, English , geography and P.E. but if I had to choose a favourite, I guess it would be geography .

I suppose you start learning about the natural features around you and other countries in primary school but geography first appeared on the curriculum as a specific subject in secondary school . I’d been fascinated with other places and cultures for as long as I could remember. My dad had travelled a lot and had a large map on the wall with pins in all the countries he’d been to. I loved looking at it so perhaps that’s where my interest in geography first started.

The geography classroom was great; full of globes, atlases and books about places that were very different to where I lived. We had a nice teacher called Mrs Rose who used lots of pictures and maps in her lessons . This was perfect for me as I’m a visual learner. If Mrs Rose had just talked all the time, as some of our teachers did, I probably wouldn’t have enjoyed the subject so much or learnt so easily.

I even liked doing geography homework . I can remember sitting at my desk at home spending hours carefully drawing maps and adding all the features. When my mum took me to the library on a Saturday morning, I’d look for adventure stories set around the world or books on how people live in other countries.

When I reached the sixth form and had to choose just three subjects to study, geography was one of them, although I actually failed my final exam. My family moved house yet again just before I took it and I was very unsettled. I had a private tutor for a few months then retook the exam and got a good grade.

At university ,  I trained as a  teacher myself. I chose primary education so taught geography along with many other subjects. However, during one of my training placements, the headteacher asked me to spend three weeks teaching the subject to every class in the small village school, from 5 year olds up to 11 year olds. It was one of the happiest times in the whole of my career even though I hadn’t even got my teaching qualification yet.

1) What impact do universities have on the places where they’re located?

I believe that the presence of a university in a town or city has a significant positive impact on the area. For a start, it's often the largest employer, offering jobs at all levels from cleaners and maintenance staff to lecturers and top academics .

Large educational institutions like this bring in lots of investment from around the world from foreign students and for important research projects. The presence of thousands of students during term times is also a massive boost to the local economy.

In addition to the financial benefits, there several ways in which universities contribute socially. For example, university towns and cities tend to be vibrant, with a great social life due to the large numbers of young adults living there. What’s more, the campus itself usually has a number of facilities that can be used by local people. A university city I used to live in had an excellent theatre that attracted top plays, shows and performers from around the country.

2) What is it more important for academics to do, research or teaching?

It was only recently, after reading an article about a local university , that I realised just how much research goes on in them. It was about a new facility in the medical faculty and outlined the important research they will now be able to carry out on stem cells and brain tumours. This type of work is vital if we are to combat illness and disease in the future.

For most people though, universities are places of learning where you go to get your degree and prepare for your future career, so teaching must have a high priority. As teachers , academics have the role of passing on knowledge to the next generation.

Weighing it up, I think that the teaching side of their work is the most important because unless they instruct and inspire their students , there will be no-one to fill the most important jobs in society or to carry on the research work the academics do.

3) What are the advantages of studying a distance learning course?

For many people, especially mature students who work, distance learning is the ideal way to study. There are several benefits that immediately come to mind. Firstly, the cost is far less than it would be to attend a college or university with their high tuition fees .

Secondly, you can study anywhere and in your own time and at your own pace. Some students , myself included, find that this method of learning suits them better than sitting in lectures or going to tutorials . You do have to be self-motivated to keep up with the coursework though, and you still get assignments to write and sometimes a dissertation , but you can fit these around your daily life.

Thirdly, there’s a huge range of correspondence courses and online courses available these days so you can take almost any subject you want to and even study for a degree qualification this way. So all in all, distance learning courses have many advantages over other methods of study.

Click this link to get a PDF download of these practise questions & sample answers.

Download PDF Now

*  Important

• Do  not  try and learn this list of education vocabulary.
• Identify the vocabulary you find useful for answering practise questions about this topic.
• Record it in your vocabulary notebook and practise using it regularly.

I recommend that you create your own answers to the Speaking questions on this page. You will find many other IELTS-style practise questions by searching online. 

For help on how to learn vocabulary, what to learn and how to record it, visit these pages:

How to Learn Vocabulary for IELTS

Top 6 Types of IELTS Vocabulary & Topic Word Lists

Education Vocabulary  –  Common Words & Phrases

Education Vocabulary Set 1: Key Definitions

education – the process of teaching or learning, especially in a school, college or university, or the knowledge that you get from this

- Education is a low priority for the governments of some developing countries.

- Most children receive their education in schools but some are taught at home.

to educate – to give someone intellectual, moral or social instruction, typically at a school, college or university

- At the school I visited in Kenya the children are educated in classes of over 60 pupils.

educational – relating to the provision of education

- When I was at school we had an educational visit to the British Museum in London to see Tutankhamun’s treasures.

educational institution – a place where people gain an education, such as a school

- We are fortunate to have many excellent educational institutions in our area.

formal education – education  normally delivered by trained teachers in a systematic way in a school, college or university.

- In Norway, formal education starts when children reach the age of six.

compulsory education – the legally-required period of time that children are expected to attend school. In the western world, these laws generally require that children attend school from the ages of 5 to 16 or 18.

- One day, a formal education will hopefully be compulsory for all children.

Education Vocabulary Pronunciation

Education Vocabulary Set 2: Educational institutions

preschool – a school for children who are too young to begin their formal education

- Most children in the UK go to a preschool but it isn’t compulsory.

nursery school (UK)/ kindergarten (US) – preschool education

- In the UK, most children begin nursery school at the age of four.

primary school (UK)/ elementary school (US) – the type of school for children ages 5-11

- Bindi was so excited about starting primary school when the new term started in September.

primary education – the education of 5-11 year olds

- In an ideal world, primary education would be compulsory in every country.

secondary school (UK)/ high school (US)  – the type of school for children age 11 to 16, sometimes 18

- I want to teach in a secondary school when I finish my teacher training as I really enjoy working with older pupils.

co-educational/mixed – a school where girls and boys are taught together.

- These days, most schools in the UK are co-educational .

single-sex school – a school for either male or female students but not both

- Both my parents went to single-sex schools but it’s more normal these days to go to a mixed school.

state school – a school that is funded and controlled by the government and for which no fees are charged

- The government is facing growing criticism for the underfunding of state schools .

comprehensive school – a state school that accepts pupils regardless of their level of academic ability or achievement

- There is an ongoing debate as to whether all young people should attend comprehensive schools or if schools that select pupils on academic ability are still relevant.

grammar school (UK) – state secondary  school  that selects their pupils by means of an examination taken by children at age 11

- Although many people are against selective education where some school places go to the most academically able pupils, grammar schools are still popular.

private school – a school that is not supported by government money, where education must be paid for by the children’s parents

- Jonah’s parents decided to pay for him to go to a private school because most classes only had 20 pupils in.

private education – education parents have to pay for

- Only a small percentage of parents can afford to give their children a private education .

public school (UK) – an exclusive, expensive school, run independently

public school (US) – a school which is free and paid for by the government

higher education (also called tertiary education ) – education beyond the age at which it is compulsory, usually in a college or university

- Most of Vijay’s friends wanted to leave school and get a job as soon as possible but he was determined to go on to higher education to improve his career prospects.

boarding school – a school where students live and study during the school term.

- Yu Yang hated boarding school as she missed her family and felt very homesick.

college – a place of higher education where people study specialized subjects or undertake vocational training for a skilled job

- Hugo applied for a place at the local college to train to be a chef.

university – a high-level educational institution where students study for degrees and academic research is done.

- Fuyuko wanted to study nursing at university in Australia but had to get a band 7 in her IELTS exam to be accepted.

Education  Vocabulary Pronunciation

Education Vocabulary Set 3: Course types & levels

course – a series of lessons in a particular subject

undergraduate – studying for a degree but having not yet achieved it.

postgraduate – having achieved a degree and now studying for a higher qualification, possibly a professions qualification

vocational – education or training directed at a particular occupation and its skills, often requiring practical skills

intensive – fast-paced courses which give a lot of information quickly and in a short time

Education Vocabulary Set 4:  Qualifications

qualification – an official record showing that you have achieved a certain level of education or skill in a particular subject or skill area

- Riya was determined to leave school with good qualifications so she could get a well-paid job to support her family.

certificate – an official record of achievement, generally issued for a short course

- Shona was delighted to be presented her TEFL certificate on passing her course to become an English teacher.

diploma – issued for a higher education course that is shorter than a degree

- Greg did so well in his two-year engineering diploma that his tutor persuaded him to study for another year to qualify for a degree.

bachelor’s degree / or just degree ( BA/BSc etc) – qualification issued by a university or college at the end of three or four years of study

- I’m studying for a bachelor’s degree in marine biology.

- I’m studying for a BA in history.

master’s degree /or just master’s ( MA/MSc etc) – qualification issued by a university when the student has completed further study beyond a degree, often in a more specialisn'ted field than a bachelor’s degree

- Alonso wanted to stay on at university an extra year to study for his master’s but his parents couldn't afford the fees.

doctorate ( PhD ) – the highest level of degree qualification issued by a university

- I’m so proud of my sister for achieving a PhD in biochemistry.

fellowship – a teaching or research post given to a person studying for an advanced degree.

- Being awarded a research fellowship at my university is a dream come true as it enables me to stay on and study for my doctorate.

Education vocabulary Pronunciation

Education Vocabulary Set 5:  People in education

headteacher/ principal  – the person in charge of a school

- Our headteacher had been principal for 12 years when he retired.

teacher – a person who teaches, especially in a school

- My favourite teacher at school was Mr Webber because he made lessons so interesting.

tutor – a teacher who works privately with one student or a small group

- Our son struggles with maths so we’ve got him a private tutor to help him with his work.

lecturer – a person who teaches at a college or university.

- My cousin is a lecturer in physics at the University of London.

professor – a teacher of the highest rank in a department of a British university, or a teacher of high rank in an American university or college

-  Professor Stephen Hawking  was one of the most influential figures in modern science.

an academic – a person who teaches in a college or university and continues to research and increase knowledge about their specialist subject

- She was such a bookworm at school and always in the library researching some topic or other, so it’s no surprise that she became an academic .

pupil – a person, usually a child at school, who is being taught

- The pupils loved Miss Lefebvre’s French lessons as she gave them fun learning games to play.

student – a person, usually a college or university, who is being taught

- The beginning of the academic year was so busy with all the new students starting their college courses.

mature student – an adult student who attends college or university some years after leaving school

- Jose was so grateful for the chance to study for a degree as a mature student having left school with very few qualifications.

a graduate – a person who has finished their college or university education

- University graduates can usually get higher paid jobs than people with vocational skills.

peer – a person who is in the same class, age group or social group as someone else

Pupils these days are under a lot of pressure to dress and behave like their peers .

Education Vocabulary Set 6: School subjects

curriculum – the subjects comprising a course of study in a school or college

- Her parents chose the school because it offered a broad curriculum including drama and dance which were her favourite subjects.

syllabus – an outline or summary of the subjects to be covered in a course

- The new syllabus included environmental science which was becoming more popular as a school subject.

maths/math/mathematics – the study of numbers, shapes and space

literature – the study of written works (such as poems, plays, and novels) that are considered to be very good and to have lasting importance

the three R's – the basic educational skills of r eading, w r iting and a r ithmetic (maths)

- Most schools put a high priority on teaching the three R's .

language – a system of communication used by a particular country or community often studied as a subject by non-native speakers

- To her surprise, Jenna found that she was quite good at languages at school.

humanities – studies about human culture, such as literature, languages, philosophy, and history.

- Tuma couldn’t decide whether to study history or philosophy at university so opted for a degree in humanities .

science – the study of the structure and behaviour of the physical world, divided into subjects such as physics, biology and chemistry

• physics – the branch of science concerned with the nature and properties of matter and energy
• biology – the study of living organisms
• chemistry – the branch of science concerned with the substances of which matter is composed

geography  – the study of the physical features of the earth and its atmosphere, and of human activity as it affects and is affected by these

religious studies  – the study of religion and belief systems

history  – the study of past events, particularly in human affairs

information technology  (IT or ICT)  –   the study of the development, maintenance, and use of computer systems, software, and networks for the processing and distribution of data

physical education  (PE)  – instruction in physical exercise and games, especially in schools

art  – the study of artistic techniques such as drawing, painting, sculpture, etc. or the appreciation of works of art

music  – the study of how to play a musical instrument or sing, how to read music, how to compose music, etc

drama   – the study of acting and theatrical performance

home economics  –   cooking and other aspects of household management, especially as taught at school

Education Vocabulary Set 7: School vocabulary

to play truant – to be absent without permission from parents or teachers

- Helios was always playing truant from school which he regretted when he failed his exams and struggled to find a good job.

to skip classes – to be absent from lessons you are supposed to attend

- I was never brave enough to skip classes as my parents would have been furious if they’d found out.

bookworm – a person who loves reading and/or studying

- My best friend is a real bookworm but is a great person to have on your quiz team because his general knowledge is excellent.

rote learning – a teaching style based on learning by memorisation through repetition

- My parents’ education was based on rote learning but there was more emphasis on learning by investigation by the time I went to school.

literacy – the ability to read and write, sometimes use as a subject title for reading and writing

- Afghanistan has one of the lowest literacy rates in the world with just 28% of people able to read and write.

literate – to be able to read and write

- In the past 20 years, the proportion of adults in the world who are literate has increased from 75% to 84 % which is a great improvement.

illiterate –  to be unable to read and write

- There are many children in the poorest countries of the world who have little or no access to education and are  illiterate .

remedial – involving pupils who need extra help with a particular area of study or subject

- Pupils who got poor grades use to be put in a remedial class but now they are given extra support from a learning assistant.

additional needs/ special needs  – related to students who need special help due to a learning or physical difficulty

- Shona spend the later part of her teaching career working in a school for students with additional needs .

extra-curricular activities – activities or subjects offered in addition to the normal curriculum usually offered outside normal class hours, such as art, cooking or computer clubs and extra sporting activities

- The most popular extra-curricular activities at Westcroft School were pottery, badminton and computer programming.

school uniform – a particular set of clothes that has to be worn by pupils

- Do Hyan looked so smarting setting off for school on his first day wearing his new school uniform .

discipline – a set of rules governing conduct or behaviour

- Schools where a high level of discipline is maintained, generally have above average exam results

• impose discipline
• maintain discipline
• lack of discipline

timetable – a chart showing times of particular events, such as lesson times in the school day

- Ruby wasn’t very happy with her new timetable as she had double maths followed by double science on a Monday, both subjects she found hard.

Education Vocabulary Set  8:  Facilities

classroom – where lessons take place in a school

- The noisy classroom fell silent when the headteacher walked through the door.

lecture  theatre/ hall  – a room or hall for lectures with seats in tiers

- There was excitement in the lecture theatre as the famous actor stood up to give the drama students a lecture on method acting.

studio – a room where students studying art, photography, media studies, etc. create work

- The studio was set up with recording equipment for the students to practice editing techniques.

library – a building or room containing collections of books, professional journals and other academic literature and material relevant to student's studies

- Sabiha spent all day in the university library doing research for her essay on globalisation.

laboratory – a room or building with scientific equipment for doing scientific tests or for teaching science

- Kate’s favourite part of her degree course in molecular biology was the laboratory work.

campus – the buildings and grounds of a university or college

- It took me a long time to find my way around the campus when I first started at university.

halls of residence – a college or university building where students live

- In his first year at college, Somchai lived in a hall of residence , but in his second year, he rented a house with some other students.

student accommodation – living accommodation for college or university students

- The university offered a range of student accommodation including studio apartments, flats, halls of residence and shared houses.

Education Vocabulary Set 9: Academic work 

assignment – a piece of work given to someone as part of their studies

- I have three more written assignments to complete this term.

coursework – written or practical work done by a student during a course of study, often assessed in order to count towards a final mark or grade

- Helga was really bad at exams so she chose a course where 50 per cent of the overall marks came from assessed coursework .

dissertation – is a long formal piece of writing on a particular subject, especially for a university degree.

- It was hard getting my dissertation finished by the deadline and I handed it in on the very last day.

thesis – a long piece of writing on a particular subject, especially one that is done for a higher degree

- Adao wrote his PhD thesis on the effect of organic fertilizers on soil fertility in tropical climates.

presentation – a speech or talk given in front of an audience

- As part of their end of year assessment, the students had to give a presentation on the theories of learning for children under 3 years of age.

lecture – a formal talk on a subject given to a large group of students who would normally take notes

- She was so pleased that the lecture was cancelled as it gave her time to catch up on some coursework.

tuition – teaching or instruction, especially of individual pupils or small groups

- Dana was unable to get to lectures after breaking her leg but the college provided individual tuition for her until she recovered.

tutorial – a small group study session with a tutor often following a lecture

- He always found tutorials helpful as it was a chance to ask questions about what they’d heard in the lecture.

seminar – a class at university in which a specific topic is discussed by a teacher and a small group of students

- At university, I found seminars far more useful than lectures as I learn best in a small group.

lesson – a period of learning or teaching, usually in a school

- Walter was late for the history lesson and got into trouble with the teacher.

homework – additional coursework work given to pupils to complete in their own time outside school hours

- Most pupils hate homework as they’d rather be out with their friends or playing computer games than studying.

correspondence course – a course of study in which student and tutors communicate by post

- Juan’s local college didn’t offer a course in accountancy but he found a good correspondence course to give him the qualification he needed.

distance learning – a way of studying in which lectures are broadcast or lessons are conducted by post or via the internet without the student needing to attend a school or college or have in-person teacher interaction

- I prefer to study by distance learning as I can work when I want and at the pace I want.

online learning – Similar to distance learning but done 100% via the internet and often involving in-person interaction with a teacher online

- I find online learning ideal for preparing for my IELTS exam and enjoy connecting with my teacher via Skype.

to sit an exam – to take an exam.

- I want to carry on learning for the rest of my life but after I finish my training I hope I never have to sit an exam again.

Education Vocabulary Set 10: The cost of education

tuition fees – the money paid for a course of study, especially at a private school or a college or university

- High tuition fees mean that many young people can’t afford to go to university.

a grant – money given by the government to support a student while studying

- Bernice was successful in her application for a grant which meant that she could attend her local university.

a student loan – money which a student can borrow while they are studying, but which has to be repaid

- Geraint took out student loans of £9000 a year to pay for his tuition of fees and left university heavily in debt.

a scholarship – money given to someone, often by the institution they are studying at, to help pay for their tuition

- He was overjoyed to receive a scholarship to Oxford University as his parents couldn’t afford to pay the fees.

internship – a period of work experience (often unpaid) offered by an employer to give students and graduates experience of working in an industry related to their field of study

- All students on the course were expected to secure an internship during the long vacation between the second and third years of their degree course.

Education Vocabulary  Set 11: Common terms related to college or university

unconditional offer – the offer of a place at an educational institution for which you already meet the entry requirements

- Mustafa was delighted to receive an unconditional offer from his first choice university and accepted immediately.

conditional offer – the offer of a place at an educational institution which requires you to meet certain entry requirements, usually specific exam grades

- She was fairly confident that she would get the exam grades she needed to take up the conditional offer at Bristol University.

to major in – to choose as your main subject

- I want to major in primary education with a specialism in science.

to read (a subject) – to study a specific subject

- Hans read geology at university and is now working for an oil company in the States.

faculty – department in a university that specialises in a specific subject

- It was a proud day for the university when the faculty of science move into the new, state-of-the-art building.

research – a detailed study of a particular subject

- I’m really enjoying this research project on the migratory behaviour of the golden eagle.

• conduct research
• carry out research

Education Vocabulary Set 12:  More common words, phrases & expressions

to work your way through university – to have a paid job while studying to support yourself financially

- With the steep increase in tuition fees, many students are forced to work their way through university .

to keep up with your studies – to not fall behind with your work

- Giang would have to limit his time socializing with his friends if he was going to keep up with his studies .

to fall behind with your studies – to not get your coursework and assignments done in the time allowed

- She was a hard-working student but fell behind with her studies after catching pneumonia and having to spend time in hospital.

to learn something by heart – to memorise it

- By the end of his first week learning English, Elisha had learnt all the days of the weeks and months of the year by heart .

gap year – a period, typically an academic year, taken by a student as a break between school and university or college education

- Many students spend their gap year travelling to get more experience of life before they settle down to studying for a degree.

to take a year out – to take a gap year

- Before going to the university, I took a year out to travel and also earn some money.

to enrol – to officially register on a course at a college or university

- She didn’t know an old friend had enrolled on the same course until they met up on the first day.

sign up for – to commit to something for a specific period such as the duration of a course

- Having signed up for the photography course, she now had to ask her brother if she could borrow his camera.

to drop out –  to leave a course before completing it

- Hiran was forced to drop out of university when his father became ill and he had to take over the family business to support his family.

a dropout – a student who fails to complete a course of study and leaves the educational institution with no qualifications

- Many famous and very wealthy entrepreneurs are college dropouts , which proves that you don’t need a degree to succeed in life.

well-educated  – someone who has received a high level or good standard of education

- You could tell that he was  well-educated  by the way he spoke.

to meet a deadline  – to complete a piece of work by the required date

- I didn’t think I’d get my essay written in time but I just  met the deadline .

note-taking  – to take notes in a lesson or lecture when the teacher is talking

- I find  note-taking  in a lecture really difficult as I miss much of what is being said while I’m writing.

to revise  – study or read something again in order to remember it better, often before exams

- No matter how hard I  revise , my mind goes blank as soon as I get into the exam room.

to review  – to read over something again. Similar to revise, but generally done just after a lesson or lecture rather than in preparation for an exam

- Bella found that  reviewing  her notes just before going to sleep helped her to remember the key points.

workload  – the amount of work that has to be done

- The course  workload  felt overwhelming at first but became more manageable once the students had covered the theory and moved on to the more practical part of the course.

to pass with flying colours   –  to pass an exam or test easily and with excellent result

- He was sure he was going to fail his maths exam but  passed with flying colours .

scrape through  – to just pass an exam

- She ran out of time in the exam and left many questions unanswered but just  scraped through  with a pass mark.

to resit/retake an exam   – to take an exam again in order to get a better result

- Madee needed band 7 in her IELTS Speaking test but only got 6.5, so she had to  retake the exam .

Click this link to get a PDF download of this list of education vocabulary.

Other Useful Education Vocabulary

It’s also a good idea to create your own list of education vocabulary related to any courses you are currently taking so that you are ready to talk about them if asked.

Ways to Improve Your Education Vocabulary

One of the best ways to improve your vocabulary is through reading. Watching topic related YouTube videos and listening to podcasts is also hugely beneficial.

Here are some online resources I recommend.

Education Articles

BBC News – Education

The Independent

New York Times

The Conversation

I love TED Talks. They are short videos with a powerful message and are generally very interesting. They’re ideal for improving your vocabulary and give valuable listening skills practise.

Search  YouTube TED Talks - Education  to help you improve your education vocabulary.

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Vocabulary for IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay

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• IELTS Vocab

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

Table of Contents

• What is Lexical Resource?

2.1 Avoiding repetition

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

• 2.5 Using topic-specific vocabulary

2.6 Communicating clearly

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

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

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

2. How Your Lexical Resource Score is Decided

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

To improve your spelling you could consider:

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

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

Collocation just means a frequent/common combination of words .

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

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

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

2.5 Using  topic-specific vocabulary

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

Take a look at the following topics :

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

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

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

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

3. Learning New Vocabulary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here are just some ideas to review new vocabulary:

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

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

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IELTS Writing Task 2: Tips, Lessons & Models

Success in IELTS writing task 2 is based on using the right techniques. These free tips, model essays, lessons, videos and information will help develop the skills for writing task 2. This page will teach you how to maximise your IELTS writing task 2 score.

All lessons are on this page are for both GT and Academic writing task 2.

On this page, you will find for free:

• Test Information for Writing Task 2
• Practice essay questions
• Essential tips for IELTS writing task 2
• Free video lessons
• Model essays
• Practice lessons to improve your IELTS essay writing (paraphrasing, skills, ideas, spelling etc

Although some lessons are dated from years ago, all lessons and tips are 100% relevant to IELTS writing task 2 today. 

1. IELTS Writing Task 2 Test Information

Learn about your IELTS writing task 2 test.

• IELTS recommend you spend no more than 40 mins on writing task 2. However, the time is yours to manage as you wish.
• You should write  over 250 words. In the lessons below you will learn about word count and essay length.
• Learn how your total writing score is calculated: Total Writing Score Calculations
• Task Response (25%)
• Coherence & Cohesion (25%)
• Vocabulary (25%)
• Grammar (25%)
• For band score tips and details, see this page: IELTS Writing Task 2 Band Scores 
• Academic writing task 2 is a formal essay. The common types of essays are: Opinion, Discussion, Advantage/Disadvantage, Direct Questions, Solutions. These categorisations will differ from teacher to teacher depending on how they like to teach. See below for 100 IELTS Essay Questions to practise at home.
• GT writing task 2 is the same as Academic IELTS. The essay is written in the same way and the scoring is the same. The only difference is that GT essay questions are often easier and topics are simpler.
• All words will be counted, even small or repeated words. See this page: How Words are Counted
• COMPUTER DELIVERED IELTS: See the following link to read Pros and Cons of Computer Based IELTS : 
• For more information about IELTS test rules and info, see this page: IELTS  Test FAQ

2. IELTS Practice Essay Questions

Practice essay questions to help you prepare ideas for topics in IELTS writing task 2. These questions have been written based on questions reported by IELTS students. They are not IELTS tests.

Over 100 IELTS Essay Questions

3. Essential IELTS Writing Task 2 Tips

The most important writing tips for a strong IELTS essay in writing task 2. Learn about the recommended essay length, how to plan your essay, when to give your opinion and how to write an introduction etc.

How many paragraphs for an IELTS essay? : Essay structure

Key Linking Words List : Academic Vocabulary

Types of IELTS Essays : Main Essay Types in Writing Task 2

Video:  How to write an introduction paragraph : Complete lesson

Essay Planning Tips : How to plan your IELTS essay

Common Essay Topics : 20 Most Common Essay Topics

Video:  Essay Length Advice : How long should your essay be?

Video:  Official Writing Answer Sheet Tips : Using the answer sheet

When to give your opinion : Opinion Essay Tips

Video  Using the last 5 minutes : Exam technique tips

Video: Paraphrasing Tips

Finding Ideas : Developing ideas for essay topics

4. More Video & Tips for Writing Task 2

• Deleting Words in your Essay
• Should I indent the first word of my paragraphs?
• 10 sentences to avoid in your IELTS essay
• Video:  How to add examples to your essay
• Tips: Under Words Penalty
• Do advantages outweigh disadvantages tips?
• Video:   How to give your opinion
• Can you use quotes, idioms or proverbs in your essay?
• Handwriting: Using cursive writing or not
• Essay Questions from 2016
• Writing a Long Introduction: Good or Bad?
• Video : Single-sex & Mixed Schools 
• Video : Grammar – How to Add a Clause
• Video : Grammar – Connecting Sentences
• Video : Conclusion Linkers
• Video : Discussion Essay Useful Language
• Video : Using the Last 5 Minutes Tips
• Video : Should Ideas be Interesting?
• New Essay Topics for 2023

All Free IELTS Writing Task 2 Videos Lessons

5. Model Essays

Sample essays for IELTS writing task 2. These high score model essays will help you understand how to answer the essay questions and how to structure your writing.

• Agree Disagree Opinion Essay: Health
• Advantages & Disadvantages Essay: Language
• Cause  Solution Essay: Crime & Punishment
• Direct Questions Essay: Happiness
• Opinion Essay: Social Media
• Discussion Essay: Work
• Direct Questions Essay: Family
• Direct Questions Essay: Art
• Positive or Negative Development: Social Media
• 2 Model Essays about Economy & Money /Buildings
• Model Essay & Question for Topic of Education
• Two Question Essay: Technology

6. Practice Lessons for Writing Task 2

Develop your IELTS writing skills and get useful ideas for many essay questions. Lessons are in order of date and new lessons will be added over time.

• New Essay Topics in 2023 (these are new topics only. You also need to prepare all common topics as well)
• IELTS Essay Topics Prediction 2022
• Grammar Test : Using “the” with countries and nationalities
• Paraphrasing Practice 1
• Paraphrasing Practice 2
• Paraphrasing Practice 3
• Essay Questions for 2017 – questions reported in the test this year.
• Using Passive Voice for Giving Opinions
• Essay Ideas: Employment Competition
• Writing Skills: Paraphrasing Practice
• Writing Skills: Improving Sentences (2)
• Essay Ideas: The Importance of History
• Essay Ideas: Housing & Trees 
• Essay Ideas: International Aid
• Essay Ideas: City Transport
• Essay Ideas: Salaries
• Essay Ideas: Function of Schools
• Essay Ideas: Female Staff in Senior Positions
• Writing Skills: Punctuation Practice
• Writing Skills: Linking Word Practice
• Essay Ideas: Littering in Cities
• Listen and Write Dictation: Natural Disasters
• Discussion Essay with Feedback: Music Topic
• Writing Skills: Improving Sentences: Ebooks Topic
• Essay Ideas: Banning Mobile Phones
• Two Question Essay with Feedback: Judging Business Success
• Essay Ideas: Tourism and Local Communities
• Essay Ideas: Traffic & Pollution
• Writing Skills: Improving a Thesis Statement
• Writing Skills: Improving Sentences (1)
• Essay Ideas: Handwriting Skills
• Essay Ideas: Promoting to Children
• Essay Ideas: Older or Younger Leaders
• Writing Skills: Introduction Feedback
• Writing Skill: Opinion Essay Introduction Feedback
• Writing Skills: Opinion Essay Body Paragraphs
• Writing Skills: Opinion Essay Introduction
• Writing Skills: Opinion Essay Finding Main Points
• Writing Skills: Thesis Statement
• Essay Ideas: Public Services .

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IELTS Writing Task 2 Introduction and Vocabulary

• What to do and what not to do for the introduction to Task 2
• Opening/paraphrasing vocabulary terms
• Vocabulary words for stating an opinion
• Overview words and phrases

Do’s and Don’ts of Writing the IELTS Task 2 Introduction

• Write at least 60 words in your introduction
• Be as specific as possible
• Plan before you write
• Paraphrase the topic
• Clearly state your opinion in a thesis statement
• Give an overview of the essay

DON’T:

• Write too much—you need to save time and energy for the body paragraphs! Aim for a maximum of 80 words
• Restate the task question exactly as it appears in the prompt
• Try to take “both sides” in your thesis statement
• Spend more than five minutes writing the introduction on test day
• Forget to use formal language

IELTS Writing Task 2 Introduction Vocabulary

Though IELTS Writing Task 2 topics can vary widely, you can still use the same basic IELTS Writing Task 2 introduction vocabulary to introduce your ideas. Here, I’ll use the following sample prompt to show words you can use for all types of prompts, as well as examples of how you could respond to this prompt specifically.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Opening: Paraphrasing the Topic

First, you’ll need to restate the topic. Be careful! You want to make sure that you use different words than the original prompt.

IELTS Writing Task 2 Introduction Vocabulary That Works For Many Prompts

• Experts have hotly debated the issue of X.
• It appears that…
• It may seem that…
• Some people may think that…
• People have very divided opinions about X.

Examples for This Prompt

• Experts have hotly debated the issue of social media’s effect on human psychology.
• It appears that social media may, in some cases, have detrimental effects on human emotions.
• It may seem that social media websites, like Facebook and Twitter, have an overall negative influence on our psychology.
• Some people may think that using social media sites and apps is a benign hobby.
• People have very divided opinions about how social media affects the brain.

Stating an Opinion

Next, you need to give your opinion clearly!

• I/This essay will show that…
• I/This essay agree/s that…
• I/This essay disagree/s that…
• I/This essay will argue that…
• As I/this essay will show/argue,
• I will show that the overuse of social media can have harmful effects on how we feel and act.
• This essay agrees that using social media can negatively impact our emotions.
• I disagree that spending time on social media has any unfavorable effects on our psychology.
• This essay will argue that , in moderation, social media does not harm us, but in fact provides extensive mental health benefits.
• As I will show , use of social media sites has very little effect on human psychology, either positive or negative.

Overview of the Essay

• This essay will first…before…
• To examine this issue, this essay will examine both….and…
• Firstly, this essay will…and secondly, it will….
• To discuss this issue, this essay will both…and…
• This essay will first examine how social media affects our emotions before discussing how it affects our actions.
• To examine this issue , this essay will examine both personal and social effects of social media use.
• Firstly, this essay will discuss social media use in teenagers and secondly, it will discuss social media use in adults.
• To discuss this issue, this essay will both use examples and provide reasoning to support the point that social media use has little to no psychological effects.

Example Introduction

Let’s look at a whole introduction now. Here’s what an introduction could look like for the prompt:

Experts have hotly debated the issue of social media’s effect on human psychology. I will show that the overuse of social media can have harmful effects on how we feel and act. To examine this issue, this essay will examine both personal and social effects of social media use.

More Resources for IELTS Writing Task 2 Vocabulary

Want even more resources for IELTS Writing Task 2 introduction vocabulary? First, check out Eliot’s top tips in this video!

• Then, brush up on IELTS Writing Task 2 general vocabulary and advanced vocabulary . Or, take a look at Advantages/Disadvantages essay vocabulary if you need word ideas for this essay type.
• Make sure that you’re fully prepared to tackle all aspects of Writing Task 2 by looking at the IELTS rubric .
• 
Finally, take a deep dive into IELTS vocabulary for Writing Task 2 with Eliot!

Eliot Friesen-Meyers is the Senior Curriculum Manager for Magoosh IELTS and TOEFL. He attended Goshen College (B.A.), New York University (M.A.), and Harvard University (M.T.S.), gaining experience and skills in curriculum development, ESOL instruction, online teaching and learning, and IELTS and TOEFL test prep education. Eliot’s teaching career started with Literacy Americorps in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and later, taught ESL programs at Northeastern University, University of California-Irvine, and Harold Washington College. Eliot was also a speaker at the 2019 TESOL International Conference . With over 10 years of experience, he understands the challenges students face and loves helping them overcome those challenges. Come join Eliot on Youtube , Facebook , and Instagram . Recent blog posts Complete Guide to IELTS Writing Task 1 Complete Guide to IELTS Writing Task 2

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IELTS Writing Task 2 Vocabulary – Advanced words for learners

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

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

1. What is on the IELTS writing task 2? 

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

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

2. IELTS writing task 2 vocabulary

2.1. ielts writing task 2 vocabulary – introduction.

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

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

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

2.2. IELTS writing task 2 vocabulary – paragraphs 

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

Introducing Your Point:

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

Contrasting Ideas:

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

Concluding a Point:

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

Transitioning to the Next Point:

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

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

2.3. IELTS writing task 2 vocabulary – conclusion

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

Summarizing Main Points:

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

Providing a Balanced View:

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

Reflecting on Implications:

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

Making a Final Assertion:

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

Offering a Call to Action or Future Consideration:

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

Ending on a Thoughtful Note:

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

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

>> Read more on: IELTS Writing Task 1 Vocabulary  

3. IELTS writing task 2 advanced vocabulary 

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

3.1. Introduction

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

3.2. Presenting Arguments

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

3.3. Counterarguments and Refutation

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

3.4. Providing Examples and Evidence

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

3.5. Emphasizing Importance and Consequences

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

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

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

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

Linking Words and Phrases:

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

Paraphrasing Techniques:

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

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

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

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

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Vocabulary for Academic IELTS Writing Task 2 (part 1)

The general format for writing academic writing task 2/ ielts essay is as follows:, many/some people claim/opine/believe that... there is no denying that... it is often said that... these days.../ nowadays.../ in this day and age... it goes without saying that... it is universally accepted that... we live in an age when many of us are... people are divided in their opinion regarding... .... is one of the most important issues... whether .... or .... is a controversial issue..., let us examine both views before reaching a concrete decision. the following paragraphs discuss whether ...... or ...... and reach a reasonable conclusion. the following essay takes a look at both sides of the argument. my two cents go for... however, i strongly believe that... i oppose the view and my reasons will be explained in the following paragraphs. i will support this view with arguments in the following paragraphs. i personally believe that... thus the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages... i wholeheartedly believe that this trend should be changed., in my opinion... i strongly opine that... i strongly agree with the idea that... i strongly disagree with the given topic... i think... my opinion is that... personally speaking... in my view... i believe... apparently... personally speaking... according to me... from my point of view... ( not 'in my point of view') as far as i am concerned... from my perspective... i realise... to my way of thinking... it seems to me that... to me... to my mind... my own view on the matter is... it appears that... i feel that... i understand... i suppose..., it is true that... first... first of all... firstly... first and foremost... initially... to begin with... to start with... let us take a look at... it is worth considering... in the first place... though it is true that... some people believe that... many people think that... according to many... some people believe that... many support the view that... on the one hand..., second(ly)...  ( not 'second of all') third(ly)... then... next... after that... and... again... also... besides... likewise... in addition... consequently... what’s more... furthermore... moreover... other people think that... other people believe that... on the other hand... apart from that... finally... last but not least..., in the same way... likewise... similarly... like the previous point... similar to... also... at the same time... just as..., on the other hand... on the contrary... however... nevertheless.../ nonetheless... but... nonetheless/ nevertheless... oppositely... alternatively... unlike... while... whilst... although... though... even though... despite... / in spite of... in spite of the fact that... alternatively... in contrast to this... then again... on the other hand... despite the fact that... even so... yet... meanwhile..., as an example... as an illustration... as an instance... as for instance... for instance... for example... as for example... by way of illustration... by way of example... to illustrate... to paraphrase... to show an example... to give an example... to cite an example... to cite an instance... take one example... take one instance... like... as... that is... among others... such as... particularly... specifically... regarding... in particular... including/ to include... namely... with respect to... as far .... is concerned... as a piece of evidence... an example is... ...could be a good/ideal example here a case... when it comes to... as a model..., research shows that... research has found that... when it comes to... with respect to... not only... but also... in terms of..., furthermore... in addition... on top of that... besides... what is more... another point worth noting is... another factor to consider is... furthermore... not only .... but also... also..., as a result... consequently... as a consequence... as an effect... thus... so... the reason why... therefore... on account of... because of... hence... eventually... for this/that reason... thereby... due to... owing to..., as a result... as a result of... due to... one reason behind this is... ... has led to/ ... has resulted in... consequently... therefore..., to sum up... in short... in a word... to put it simply... that is to say... to repeat in short... to summarise..., it goes without saying that... obviously... needless to say... there is little doubt that... although... thought... nonetheless... nevertheless... still... yet... must... after after all... even if... therefore... thus....., to put it simply... to put it in another way... that is to say... in other words..., then... else... otherwise... besides... as soon as... as much as......

In conclusion... In summary... To conclude... To conclude with... In closing... To sum up... In general... To summarise... In short... All in all... Overall... On the whole... To draw the conclusion... Given these points... Ultimately... In a nutshell... To elucidate... ('To elucidate' means - 'make something clear' or 'to explain'.) All things considered... By and large... Taking everything into consideration... Taking everything into account... In light of these arguments... Weighing up both sides of the argument...

Next (Vocabulary-Writing Task 2 - part 2) »

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Useful phrases for IELTS writing task two

Home  »  IELTS writing task 2  »  Useful phrases for IELTS writing task two

This tutorial contains useful phrases and vocabulary for  IELTS writing task 2 .

When students ask for general lines for writing task 2, they are looking for phrases that are going to impress the examiner but can be used flexibly.

Use these phrases for introductions, body paragraphs, and supporting sentences.  Copy and adapt them . This is perfectly legitimate, however, you absolutely must  adapt  the phrases to your essay topic in the  IELTS exam !

1. Useful phrase best for introductions

This essay will analyse this issue using the examples from… to demonstrate points and support arguments.

You will need to supply examples in accordance with your particular topic. For instance:

This essay will analyse this issue using examples from wartime countries and conflict zones to demonstrate points and support arguments.

This essay will analyse this issue using examples from Canada, Australia and Rwanda to demonstrate points and support arguments.

If you need further help to start writing your introductions, check our  writing task 2 tutorial  for examples of writing complex sentences.

Many students struggle with starters for writing task 2, but there is no need to memorise more than one or two. One of the best starting lines for writing task 2 is:

It is undeniable that ___(insert problem from question)___ is one of the most challenging issues in the western world.

You can adapt this slightly to become:

In the modern world… (insert problem from question)___ is one of the most challenging issues of our time.

2. A phrase best for body paragraphs showing opinions

When injecting an opposing thought, the best general line for task 2 is that instead of using only “However,” you can use:

However, it should not be forgotten  (that)… and add the opposing point. Even if you strongly disagree, you must object in a proper way and using good vocabulary as practiced in higher education.

Same idea, much higher level of vocabulary.

3. A phrase best for body paragraphs showing examples

A great way to boost your IELTS writing task 2 vocabulary (lexical resource) score is to cite examples from research or studies made, using the phrase,

“For example, a recent study by _________ showed…”

“There are also studies being performed on a global level to discover the source of these important problems. One solution proposed by the _ (insert global organisation) ___ is to_________.”

For instance:

Cite examples from research or studies made, using the phrase,

“For example, numerous studies by _________ showed that people support…”

“There are also studies being performed on a global level such as those concerning global warming, to discover the source of these important problems. One solution proposed by the _ (insert global organisation) ___ is to_________.”

For example,  a recent study by the  WTO  (or  U.K. government ) showed pressing issues…  (then supply the details of the findings).

4. Best for body paragraphs

It is fairly easy to comprehend the arguments as to why this proposal has been made.

There would be at least two facets to this proposal.

There is also, however, a strong argument not to implement this proposal.

The issue of __X__ in western / African countries has  grown  in importance over the past few  decades .

The issue of __X__ in most continents has  fallen  in importance over the past few  years .

5. Best for supporting sentences

Instead of saying “There is proof that…” you can say, instead:

There is ample evidence to suggest that…

There is ample evidence  to suggest that scientists will promptly discover…

There is ample evidence  to suggest that local governments will be implementing …

6. Best for supporting conclusions 

Give your findings a supportive introduction using the phrase:

Numerous studies have consistently found that …

Then provide your conclusion, for instance:

Numerous studies have consistently found that children from economically advanced countries…

Numerous studies have consistently found  that students who learn three languages have a reduced chance of contracting Alzheimer’s.

7. A phrase best for strengthening an argument by being specific

It’s also useful to memorise some general lines for IELTS writing task 2 that can be used flexibly anywhere in the body paragraphs.

Instead of generalising, enumerate or cite samples. For instance:

Recent electronic gadgets have…

Electronic gadgets such as the smartphone, the laptop, and the 3D printer have drastically increased worker productivity.

Serious diseases are a recurring matter…

Serious diseases such as malaria, ebola and dengue fever bring about a considerable amount of expenses.

8. Useful phrase 8 -best for conclusions

As such it can be concluded that…

This phrase is specifically useful during a closing argument, it ties together every trail of thought. Example:  As such it can be concluded that in the era and age of technology, globalisation and the need to be trendy, social media marketing can influence what consumers buy.  Therefore,  when it comes to starting your conclusion, there is no need to memorise several general lines for task 2 on different topics. This one works for every essay type and topic.

These may be little additions of 3-9 words per phrase but many little phrases go a long way toward a complete error free essay. Using the phrases above are going to be much more useful than searching for a ‘phrases for IELTS writing task 2 pdf’  or ‘common lines for IELTS essay pdf’ because we have worked hard to make sure these phrases can be used with any essay type.

Warning! When using these useful phrases for IELTS writing task two…

• Make sure you have adapted them to your specific essay topic. General lines for task 2 are all over the internet and if you just write them down as a list you will not get credit for them.
• To improve your grammatical range and accuracy experiment with these same structures but using different  verbs  and nouns.
• You can find more structures by reading academic material and copying phrases you think you could adapt in your essays. Academic material is easily found by searching in Google like this:  Your topic (crime) + .edu + pdf  -this will usually pull up academic reports about your given topic. You may also find some new phrases to expand your writing task 2 vocabulary.
• If you need need more sentence structures and don’t know how to organise all these sentence structures then have a look at the  online IELTS course here .
• We also have a useful resource of  IELTS Writing task 2 questions  to help you prepare which contains even more phrases for writing task 2.

A quick guide on how to find useful phrases for IELTS writing task two (60 seconds!)

Now you need to take notes and exercise using the relevant examples and phrases in your own sentences for better retention. Note that these phrases need not necessarily be copied. Merely copying can cause you trouble in the future. You must make sure that the way you use the phrases and other words fit your essay perfectly to maintain coherent thought and correct grammatical structures as you would find in an English-speaking country.

  If you have questions about the IELTS writing exam don’t hesitate to send me an email at struggling -at sign- ieltspodcast.com.  

As I’ve always said, “The important thing is to take action, do something every day, and little by little, you will get there.” To master the IELTS essay, IELTS Exam test takers need to practice writing skills such as our IELTS writing tasks, essay writing, opinion essays and IELTS test.

For an introduction to how to start IELTS Writing task 2 click here .

For Band 9 IELTS writing samples, click here  and boost your band score!

IELTS writing task 2 vocabulary 

If you think that you can get through the IELTS without bumping up your vocabulary a few notches, you might find yourself disappointed. To avoid this, check out our  list  of  IELTS vocabulary .

Audio tutorial

Audio tutorial about useful vocabulary for Task 2

|  Download  |  Stitcher  |  iTunes |

Tutorials and Tips to Prepare for Task 2

• How to Get Ideas for Task 2
• Band 9 Sample Essay
• Extremely Useful Sentences for Task 2
• Five Powerful Sentence Structures to use in your IELTS Writing test
• How to use comparisons in Task 2
• Concession Paragraphs for “do I agree/disagree essays”
• How to write an IELTS Essay Conclusion
• IELTS Cohesion and Coherence
• 3 ways to paraphrase for your Task 2 introduction
• Marking Criteria for IELTS Writing
• Topics Sentences for Your Essays
• 7 Ways to Improve your Sentences in Your IELTS Essays
• Grammar for IELTS Writing
• Academic Collocations for Task 2
• Nine Band 9 Verbs For IELTS Writing

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IELTS Vocabulary Mastery: Essential Words, Tips & Techniques

IELTS Vocabulary is not assessed as a separate module on the test but does comprise 25% of your total score on the Writing and Speaking tests, and is therefore essential. The examiners will assess your ability to use a wide range of appropriate vocabulary and use those words accurately. 

What Does Band 9 IELTS Vocabulary Look Like? 

IELTS Vocabulary: Free Mini-Course

In this free 3-day mini-course, I’ll teach you everything you need to know about IELTS Vocabulary so that you can improve your skills from home and get the score you need.

By the end of this mini-course, you’ll understand:

• Why your vocabulary is so important.
• Myths that could LOWER your IELTS score (and how to avoid them).
• What Band 7 vocabulary looks like.
• How to use vocabulary to score a Band 7, 8 or 9.

Watch until the end to get my free Vocabulary Improvement Plan!

Learn IELTS Vocabulary in 6 Steps

• Find a source you enjoy. Choose a book, TV show, radio show, podcast, YouTube series or magazine that interests you. People learn more effectively when they enjoy what they are doing, so don’t pick something boring!
• Get a new notebook. It doesn’t have to be expensive, just somewhere for you to record your notes every day.
• Consume your source. Read/watch/listen to whatever you chose in Step 1, and pick out 15 words you don’t understand. Try to guess what they mean from the context. (This step is very important because it will help you remember the new words.)
• Note down new words. Note the 15 new words in your notebook.
• Look up the meaning. Look up the new words in an online dictionary. Beside each word, note the meaning, an example sentence or two, collocations, synonyms, antonyms, and pronunciation. You can also draw pictures – whatever helps you to remember the word.
• Review your new words. Review the new words after one week, two weeks and then one month. Practice using them in a sentence.

Follow this simple strategy for 5 days a week, and you will have 300+ new words in your notebook after just 1 month. After 6 months, you will have learned almost 2000 new words!

How Word Lists Can Lower your Score

If you type ‘IELTS vocabulary’ into Google, you’ll find 1000s of websites with long lists of complicated words. Most of these websites will let you believe that their ‘Word Lists’ or ‘Band 7 Vocabulary’ will boost your IELTS score…

But these websites are NOT helping you.

After years of marking IELTS essays, I can promise you that learning a few words from a list you found online will never increase your score.

The only way to effectively learn new words and use them properly is by learning them from context, or in other words, from real sources of information. NOT lists.

Did you know?

The human mind can only effectively remember around 15 new words in a foreign language per day – any more, and you won’t learn them properly and make mistakes.

What happens if I learn IELTS word lists?

In the past, many of my students have downloaded long lists of words or ‘Band 7 Vocabulary’ with the hopes that they could learn new words by memorising them. The result was always the same: they would try to use these new words in a sentence and get them completely wrong.

It doesn’t matter how ‘complicated’ your vocabulary is – IELTS examiners can tell when you use a word incorrectly and will give you a lower mark if you make lots of mistakes.

How should I learn new IELTS Vocabulary?

In my experience, the 6-Step Plan above is the most effective way of improving your IELTS Vocabulary. It has helped thousands of my students get the scores they need!

You can also click the button below to download my FREE IELTS Vocabulary Improvement Plan:

IELTS Vocabulary Word Circles

I analysed all of the Task 2 papers from the last few years and established that there are 10 common topics.

Below you will find a list of these common topics – click on them to find 20 words linked to each.

Here is an example:

Each word is visually represented, and I have also included synonyms, antonyms, meanings, collocations and example sentences.

Below is a list of topics of common IELTS vocabulary: 

• Technology Vocabulary 
• Education Vocabulary
• Environment Vocabulary
• Health Vocabulary 

Note that these are not definitive lists or a complete set of words that will help you get a high score in the test. These are to demonstrate how I use the vocabulary improvement methods outlined on this page to analyse common topics.

Is Vocabulary Important?

Vocabulary makes up 25% of your total mark in the Writing and Speaking tests, so the answer is yes.

Also, did you know that the Listening and Reading tests are really vocabulary tests too? Take a look at the table below:

You’ll find words in the question from an official IELTS reading test in the left column. On the right, you’ll find words that were used in the text.

As you can see, many synonyms are used in the IELTS exam and are needed to answer the question. Therefore, you MUST have a wide-ranging vocabulary to do well on the Listening and Reading tests.

Get more help with synonyms here.

Do Idioms Improve Your IELTS Score? 

We’ve helped hundreds of students get a Band 9. We analysed their practice tests and found 18 common idioms, but did they improve their score? Check out the article below to find out. 

Idioms for IELTS Speaking

Online Sources of Information

I know that many of you might live in countries with a limited number of good English bookshops. However, there are lots of online sources that you can use. The great thing about using online materials is that you can choose exactly what you want and never get bored.

Below are a few of my favourite websites for reading online, and all of them are connected to the most common topics :

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC

NEW SCIENTIST

THE ECONOMIST

HISTORY TODAY

COSMOPOLITAN

You can also keep up to date with current events by reading the news every day. The news always uses relevant vocabulary:

BBC WORLD NEWS

Finally, podcasts are an invaluable and entertaining source of information. Check out my article below on how you can use podcasts to help you improve your English (it also includes a list of my favourites!).

BEST PODCASTS FOR ENGLISH LEARNERS

The infographic below is a quick summary of how to learn new vocabulary before your IELTS test.

You might also be interested in: 

5 Things You Need to Know About IELTS Vocabulary

What Band 7 Vocabulary Looks Like

Writing Task 1 Vocabulary and Grammar Guide

For more personalised help with your vocabulary skills, email me at [email protected], and I’ll be happy to help you out.

I also recently created a comprehensive step-by-step Vocabulary Course for my VIP students. Get in touch to hear more about it!

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

Education writing task 2 questions for IELTS

Here you can find common IELTS essay questions for "Education" topic.

Some students work while studying. This often results in lacking time for education and constantly feeling under pressure.

What do you think are the causes of this?

What solutions can you suggest?

Children are generally more successful in foreign language studies than adults. Thus, it is better to learn languages in childhood.

Do you agree or disagree?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Online education is becoming more and more popular. Some people claim that e-learning has so many benefits that it will replace face-to-face education soon. Others say that traditional education is irreplaceable.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

In contemporary society, everyone should have equal opportunities in education. Therefore, universities should accept equal numbers of male and female students in every subject.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Everyone deserves to be educated. It's unfair that intelligent people are not admitted to private universities because of their financial background. University education should be free for everyone.

Provide relevant examples if necessary.

Some people argue that girls and boys should be educated separately, while others think that it is more advantageous for children to study at the same school.

What is your opinion?

Nowadays university education is considered very important for people's future. However, there are a lot of successful people who didn't get higher education.

Do you think that higher education is necessary to succeed in life?

Justify your opinion with relevant examples.

Students should focus on learning in the classroom rather than show their status by wearing fashionable clothes. Therefore, all students have to wear school uniforms.

Do you agree or disagree with this statement?

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• Speaking Part 1
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Vocabulary for IELTS Writing Task 2 Band 8+

In the IELTS academic or general writing task 2, you will need to write an essay of at least 250 words on a topic that requires you to present an argument in a format that the instructions lay down. This Task takes about 40 minutes.

The topics are primarily abstract, with no correct answer. The point to note here is that this task is worth twice as much as IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 . So, developing a relevant vocabulary for presenting your views will be a wise investment.

This article will provide some commonly used vocabulary for IELTS writing task 2 . Read the article till the end to learn IELTS writing task 2 vocabulary words that can help you shine brighter.

Vocabulary for IELTS Writing Task 2

The general format for writing academic writing task 2

Introduction + your opinion/ your viewpoint/ what you think about the statement/ whether you agree or disagree/ main advantages or disadvantages  +

2nd paragraph with an example, and/or explanation, and/or evidence ( and/or extra details)  +

3rd paragraph with an example, and/or explanation, and/or evidence ( and/or extra details)  +

(4th paragraph with an example, and/or explanation, and/or evidence ( and/or extra details)  +

…………….. …………….. …………….. ……………..)

Conclusion + restating the main point of your discussion/ your position on the issue/ proposing a solution.

Vocabulary for the Introduction Part

In the introduction part of your IELTS essay, you should write sentences relevant to the topic given and generally accepted ideas about it. Use your best English here, as it will attract or bore your reader with the writing. You will make or break your impression in this paragraph. Be very cautious about the introduction part. Never just copy the sentence of the question. If you need to, use synonyms and different sentence structures.

Examples: 

1) Mobile phones and the Internet are two fantastic innovations of science for communication and have facilitated people for a long time. These two technologies are widely used almost worldwide and have become a part of our daily lives. We can’t deny the usefulness of these technologies as they have made our life more accessible than ever before. In my opinion, these two devices’ advantages far outweigh their demerits.

2) Every human being who aims to acquire higher knowledge requires attending colleges or universities. The main reason for attending universities or colleges may differ from man to man. Someone may aspire to achieve more excellent knowledge; someone may just want to earn a certificate, or someone might attribute it as a step towards career development.

3) Compared with people in the past, we concern far less about food preparation today, thanks to the development of agriculture and scientific technology. A fair amount of beneficial influence is occurring to us consequently.

Useful vocabulary/phrases to open/start the essay:

• Many/some people claim/opine/believe that…
• There is no denying that…
• It is often said that…
• These days…/ Nowadays…/ In this day and age…
• It goes without saying that…
• It is universally accepted that…
• We live in an age when many of us are…
• People are divided in their opinion regarding…
• …. is one of the most important issues…
• Whether …. or …. is a controversial issue…

Useful vocabulary/phrases to end the Introduction part:

• Let us examine both views before reaching a concrete decision.
• The following paragraphs discuss whether …… or …… and reach a reasonable conclusion.
• The following essay takes a look at both sides of the argument.
• My two cents go for…
• However, I strongly believe that…
• I oppose the view and my reasons will be explained in the following paragraphs.
• I will support this view with arguments in the following paragraphs.
• I personally believe that…
• Thus the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages…
• I wholeheartedly believe that this trend should be changed.

Vocabulary for the opinion part: 

According to the essay types (learn what the IELTS essay types are), use one of the following connective words/ linking phrases to write down your opinion. However, remember that if the question does not ask you to give your opinion but to compare advantages and disadvantages, you should not strongly express your opinion. An opinion should only be written for opinion essays.  

• In my opinion…
• I strongly opine that…
• I strongly agree with the idea that…
• I strongly disagree with the given topic…
• I think…
• My opinion is that…
• Personally speaking…
• In my view…
• I believe…
• Apparently…
• According to me…
• From my point of view… (Not ‘In my point of view’)
• As far as I am concerned…
• From my perspective…
• I realise…
• To my way of thinking…
• It seems to me that…
• To me…
• To my mind…
• My own view on the matter is…
• It appears that…
• I feel that…
• I understand…
• I suppose…

1) But in my opinion, giving every unemployed person access to a mobile phone & the internet is a matter of great dispute. I believe this idea can help countries with sufficient funds for the whole fiscal year and have already adopted technologies like the internet for a very long period. But this might be a complete loss for an undeveloped country.

2) I believe parents always teach us in many ways, intentionally and unintentionally; however, teachers’ contributions to our learning process cannot be ignored.

3) I strongly agree that the gender issue is only a determinant in the battle of the sexes, not the battles among nations and peoples. It is, therefore, impertinent, if not irrational, to conclude that world conflicts result from the rule of a particular gender and that the more delicate sex would do a better job at prevailing peace if selectively put at the helm of human nations.

Vocabulary for the 2nd paragraph Part

• It is true that…
• First…
• First of all…
• Firstly…
• First and foremost…
• Initially…
• To begin with…
• To start with…
• Let us take a look at…
• It is worth considering…
• In the first place…
• Though it is true that…
• Some people believe that…
• Many people think that…
• According to many…
• Many support the view that…
• On the one hand…

1) It is true that an unemployed educated person with a mobile phone and an internet connection can get more access to the local and foreign job sectors and can use these technologies to get a job or become self-employed.

2) First of all, the maximum number of cars are owned by rich people, and fuel prices would not restrain them from using cars. The fuel price increased significantly over the past 12 years, which has done nothing to reduce car usage.

3) To begin with, houses constructed by those in the lower-income groups look like the most cost-effective option. In this process, they invariably explore cheaper options that include a compromise on material and construction quality.

Vocabulary for the 3rd, 4th …… paragraph Part

• Second(ly)…  (Not ‘Second of all’)
• Third(ly)…
• Then…
• Next…
• After that…
• Again…
• Also…
• Besides…
• Likewise…
• In addition…
• Consequently…
• What’s more…
• Furthermore…
• Moreover…
• Other people think that…
• Other people believe that…
• On the other hand…
• Apart from that…
• Finally…
• Last but not least…

1) Besides, unemployed persons living in urban areas; can quickly get information related to the job-offering companies with these technologies……………. Furthermore, the use of these technologies gives them advantages over others…….

2) Besides, people would learn more about outer space as the experiment and scientific research in outer space is going on more steadily than ever.

3) Apart from that, computers would become more powerful and have superior artificial intelligence. We will have robots for hazardous work like mining and outer space research. Surprisingly, e-commerce would be more convenient, and most people will purchase online rather than go to shops in person.

Vocabulary to show the comparison:

• In the same way…
• Similarly…
• Like the previous point…
• Similar to…
• At the same time…
• Just as…

1) Similarly, all the companies and offices are becoming automated and using computers, the internet and other technologies vastly than any other time in history……. 

2) At the same time, the software could be used for many purposes, such as learning through computers, accounting in computers, drawing, storing information, sending information from one person to another, etc.

3) Also, reading books is like peeking into the minds of the most incredible people. A book is like a conversation with the writer and reading many books gives us an insight into the thinking process of different writers.

Vocabulary to show contrast:

• On the contrary…
• However…
• Nevertheless…/ Nonetheless…
• Nonetheless/ Nevertheless…
• Oppositely…
• Alternatively…
• Unlike…
• While…
• Whilst…
• Although…
• Though…
• Even though…
• Despite… / In spite of…
• In spite of the fact that…
• In contrast to this…
• Then again…
• Despite the fact that…
• Even so…
• Meanwhile…

1) On the contrary, poor countries suffer from the lack of sufficient budgets to ensure some fundamental needs of people like health, education, medicines etc. Then again, those countries don’t have a chance to spend a lot of money to initiate a simple project……..

2) Unlike a TV, a radio cannot display an image or a video, and communication is limited to voice only. Typically, a radio is used for access information such as news and live traffic updates………

3) In contrast, the consumption of fuel to run the car contributes to the rise of global warming and affects the ozone layer. So, using bicycles in cities would be a better alternative………

Vocabulary to show an example:

• As an example…
• As an illustration…
• As an instance…
• As for instance…
• For instance…
• For example…
• As for example…
• By way of illustration…
• By way of example…
• To illustrate…
• To paraphrase…
• To show an example…
• To give an example…
• To cite an example…
• To cite an instance…
• Take one example…
• Take one instance…
• Like…
• That is…
• Among others…
• Such as…
• Particularly…
• Specifically…
• Regarding…
• In particular…
• Including/ To include…
• Namely…
• With respect to…
• As far …. is concerned…
• As a piece of evidence…
• An example is…
• …could be a good/ideal example here
• A case…
• When it comes to…
• As a model…

1) For instance, there is no guarantee that all unemployed people will use technology positively……..

2) As an example, many governments of the first world countries have initiated other projects like:………

3) For example, if a public bus gets busted in the middle of the road, the passenger can quickly leave it a look for another one.

Always use a comma (,) after ‘For example, ‘for instance’ etc.

Vocabulary to present an idea:

• Research shows that…
• Research has found that…
• Not only… but also…
• In terms of…

1) Research shows that the employment opportunity and crime ratio in a city has a deep underlying relationship, and that is why… 2) When it comes to deciding who should be responsible for teaching children discipline… 3) With respect to mix-school classrooms, it is quite evident that…

Phrases to introduce more ideas/ examples:

• On top of that…
• What is more…
• Another point worth noting is…
• Another factor to consider is…
• Not only …. but also…

1) On top of that, rich countries emit more CO2 than the rest of the world, which is why they have greater responsibilities. 2) Another point worth noting is the number of TV channels we have these days. 3) What is more, leaders are born, not made.

Vocabulary to show consequence, effects or result:

• As a result…
• As a consequence…
• As an effect…
• Thus…
• The reason why…
• Therefore…
• On account of…
• Because of…
• Hence…
• Eventually…
• For this/that reason…
• Thereby…
• Due to…
• Owing to…

1) Therefore, we should avoid using our budget on an uncertain project……..

2) As a result, people are struggling to lead a healthy and secure life………

3) Consequently, residents will be able to find more job opportunities in this factory and have a better socio-economic status………

Vocabulary to show result & reason:

• As a result of…
• One reason behind this is…
• … has led to/ … has resulted in…

1) The overuse of natural resources has already resulted in the scarcity of such valuable resources that we can not do without… 2) This has led to moral degradation, and we are much behind at a challenging time looking back. 3) One reason behind this is the negligence of individuals already suffering from minor health-related issues.

Vocabulary to sum up at the end of a paragraph:

• To sum up…
• In short…
• In a word…
• To put it simply…
• That is to say…
• To repeat in short…
• To summarise…

1) In a word, I think the idea can be beneficial for developing countries, but for us, it might be sinister…

2) That is to say, we must ensure the safety of our children first………

3) In short, the overall infrastructure of the area will develop.

N.B. The above vocabulary is specifically useful while finishing a paragraph. You can use these words/ phrases to re-state the paragraph’s topic.

Vocabulary to make a point stronger/ Adding emphasis:

• Obviously…
• Needless to say…
• There is little doubt that…
• Thought…
• Nonetheless…
• Nevertheless…
• Still…
• Must… After
• After all…
• Even if…
• Thus…..

1)  Although parents are essential teachers in our lives, and none can deny their invaluable role in making us what we are, they aren’t always the best teachers…….

2) Thus air and water pollution caused by this factory will ruin the local environment and wildlife fundamentally………

3) Although industrialisation is necessary for the growth of a country it must be regulated. The proper measures must be in place to reduce the negative impacts of byproducts on the environment.

Vocabulary for clarifying or rephrasing:

• To put it in another way…
• In other words…

1) To put it in another way, nuclear power has great potential to provide the power requirement of industries worldwide.

2) In other words, fathers have a significant role to play when it properly comes to the upbringing of children.

3) To put it simply, co-education can bring advantages far outweigh its demerits.

Vocabulary for generalising a statement: 

Whenever you need to show a generalisation or general idea, you can use these vocabularies to present your point. 

• Generally……
• Generally speaking……
• In general……
• Overall……
• All in all……
• By and large……
• Basically……
• As a rule……
• Essentially……
• On the whole……
• All things considered……

1) All things considered, a certain reserved position for women in high-level jobs is a good idea to empower women towards the overall betterment of the organisation and society.

2) In general, it can be stated that in the upcoming few years humans will be blessed with adequate facilities, which definitely will make their lives quite easier, due to advanced technology.

3) As a rule, in most countries, a zoological garden is monitored strictly and the health, treatment and food are properly ensured for the animals they keep.

Vocabulary for expressing condition: 

Some arguments and statements in your essay would require you to show that it is dependent on some condition. Following is the list of vocabularies you can use to present conditions in your writing.

• If……
• Provided that……
• Because of that……
• For this reason……
• Unless……
• Providing that……
• So that……
• In case……
• Whether…….

1) If the proper measurements and initiatives are not taken, the pollution will keep on increasing and that would someday threaten the existence of our life.

2) Unless we change our diet and get involved in some sort of outdoor activities and sports, the average weight would keep on increasing.

3) For these reasons, we should preserve a certain percentage of high-level jobs for qualified women.

Vocabulary for expressing Agreement

In an agreement/ disagreement type essay, you will often need to express whether you agree/ disagree or partially agree with a given statement or opinion. The following vocabulary would be helpful to express your agreement with something. 

• I quite agree that……
• I strongly agree……
• I completely agree that……
• I totally agree with the given idea that……
• I agree with the opinion that……
• I am quite inclined to the opinion that……
• I could not agree more……
• I concur with the group who believe that……
• I accept that……
• I accept the fact that……
• I approve of the idea……
• I am in agreement……
• I consent that……

1) I quite agree that owning a car has far more advantages than disadvantages.

2) I am in agreement with the group of people who believe that the government should build more sports facilities to promote public health. 

3) I agree with the opinion that more taxes should be imposed on fast food items.

Vocabulary for expressing Disagreement: 

Following are some useful vocabulary to use whenever you want to express your disagreement with an idea, opinion or statement. You will usually use those in agreement/ disagreement type IELTS essays.

• I disagree with the opinion that……
• I strongly disagree…….
• I completely disagree with…….
• I totally disagree with the given idea that…….
• I disagree with the statement…….
• I quite oppose the opinion that…….
• I disapprove that…….
• I totally do not accept the fact that…….
• My own opinion contradicts…….
• I disagree with the group of people…….
• However, my opinion is different…….

1) I quite disagree that building more roads only can solve the ever-increasing traffic problem in most cities.

2) I oppose the opinion that government has no responsibility for supporting the senior citizens. 

3) My opinion contradicts the group of people who believe that space research has no value for us.

Vocabulary for expressing partial agreement: 

In some cases, you will have an opinion or point of view that would not completely agree or disagree with a given opinion or statement. In this case, you should clearly mention that you partially agree with the opinion but to some extent, you also disagree with this. In these cases, using the following vocabulary will be very helpful.

• To some extent……
• In a way……
• I agree with the given statement to some extent……
• Up to a point, I agree……
• More or less……
• So to speak……

1) In a way, I agree that it is the government’s responsibility to keep the environment clean, but without individual effort, it cannot be achieved.

2) To some extent, I agree with the opinion that space research is a waste of money but the invaluable effects these research works can have could not be denied. 

3) So to speak, mothers play the most important role in the upbringing of children. However, the contribution a father can have to the children can’t be ignored.

Vocabulary for expressing certainty: 

To make a point or argument stronger, you often need to show the certainty of your expression. To do so, use the following list of vocabularies:

• Certainly…….
• Definitely…….
• No doubt…….
• Of course…….
• Doubtlessly…….
• Without any doubt…….
• Undoubtedly…….

1) Of course, learning from books in a formal educational institution and learning from books for someone’s own interest are both highly important.

2) Definitely, practical lessons help us to have a deeper understanding, while theory learned from books will be forgotten far easier.

3) Undoubtedly ultimate exhaust of natural resources would create chaos and many wild lives would be endangered as well.

Vocabulary for Adding further information: 

In your essay, you need to present reasons and arguments to make your point of view stronger. For this, you often need to add multiple examples or cases and those examples or cases should be connected using some linking words. Such linking words are given below so that you can use them in your IELTS essay.

• In addition…….
• And…….
• Moreover…….
• Similarly…….
• Furthermore…….
• Also…….
• As well as…….
• Besides…….
• Even…….
• Too…….
• What’s more…….
• Again…….
• In a similar fashion…….
• Likewise…….

1) What’s more, university education should be based on talent and performance, not based on equal gender opportunity.

2) Likewise, if the popular media provides good news such as educational, scientific and so on, this can motivate the young generation to achieve more knowledge.

3) Even, second or third chances to those heinous criminals are often found fruitless, and they commit crimes again.

Vocabulary for presenting time or sequence: 

Expressing the time or sequence is important to show a natural flow in your arguments and paragraphs. Important vocabularies that can be used to show time or sequence are given below.

• First/ Firstly…….
• Second/ Secondly…….
• Third/ Thirdly…….
• Last/ Lastly…….
• At the same time…….
• Meanwhile…….
• Since…….
• As soon as…….
• After this / that…….
• Before…….
• After…….    
• Afterwards ……
• During…….    
• While…….
• Simultaneously…….    
• Following this…….
• When……

1) At the same time, the technological revolution affects all countries around the world in many ways significantly.

2) Meanwhile, we should try our best to put every effort to make our environment clean.

3) Afterwards, these steps could help mass people to be aware of the danger of their fast food intake.

When you are asked to present an argument, you should always look at it from two sides, giving reasons why you agree and disagree before reaching a conclusion. Other words and expressions which you might find useful include:

• I believe that……
• Despite this/ in spite of this……
• Also……
• Thirdly……
• I think……
• Finally……
• In conclusion……
• Nonetheless……
• Admittedly……
• On the contrary……
• At any rate……
• Notwithstanding……
• For all that……
• Even if……

Other transitional words/connective words

• Else…
• Otherwise…
• As soon as…
• As much as…..

1) They take care of the children as much as parents do ………………

2) As soon as we realise the problem ……………… 

3) Otherwise, the number of unemployed graduates will keep on increasing ………………

Some correct and incorrect expressions:

Correct                                        Incorrect In my opinion…                           From my opinion… From my point of view…              In my point of view… Second/ Secondly…                    Second of all… On the other hand…                   On other hand… Last but not least…                 Last but not the least… In conclusion/ To conclude…       In a nutshell…

Vocabulary for the conclusion part

• In conclusion…
• In summary…
• To conclude…
• To conclude with…
• In general…
• All in all…
• Overall…
• On the whole…
• To draw the conclusion…
• In a nutshell…
• To elucidate…(‘To elucidate’ means – ‘make something clear’ or ‘to explain’.)
• All things considered…
• By and large…
• Taking everything into consideration…
• Taking everything into account…
• Weighing up both sides of the argument…

(Useful Tip: Avoid using ‘ In a nutshell ‘  as it is not formal. Use ‘ In conclusion/ to conclude ‘ instead.)

1) In general, even though studying English in an English-speaking country is preferable, a reasonable level of English can be achieved in one’s own country if a student is gifted and dedicated to studying.

2) To sum up, if the population explosion continues, many more people will die of starvation in poor countries. Life in the cities, even in affluent nations, will become increasingly difficult.

3) To conclude, I recommend that the only sensible way to solve this problem is to educate young people about the dangers of drug use and to take steps to reduce the pressure of competition.

4) In conclusion, nuclear technology has positive uses but is nonetheless dangerous. However, it would have been better if it had never been used to create nuclear weapons. If life on Earth continues, all the world’s nuclear nations should agree to disarm it as soon as possible.  

N.B.  The conclusion part of the IELTS Essay or IELTS Academic writing task 2 usually begins with a memorable concluding phrase that links it to the rest of the essay. Notice that a conditional sentence can be very effective in the conclusion. One reason is that it can refer to what might occur due to your suggestions or recommendations. Of course, you can also use conditional sentences elsewhere in your essay. If you use conditionals, be sure that the construction of your sentences is grammatically correct.

Also, in a short essay of approximately 250 words, the conclusion can be just one or two sentences long. The conclusion should briefly summarise what you have said in your essay and does not usually contribute a new idea unless it is a minor point. However, it is an excellent place to make recommendations or suggestions or give advice and offer solutions if asked to do so.

Tips to Master the Vocabulary for IELTS Writing Task 2

Reading the above way of creating an essay out of the IELTS writing task 2 topics might have given you some good things, but at the same time, we have some bonus tips that you can readily use.

Read the question really well. Don’t make the mistake of assuming what you are expected to do. You could be asked to do any of the above types of questions.

Make sure you sound like an academic when arguing and avoid using overtly passionate language like I hate or I would not like.

Do not write in one big paragraph, make sure you break up each section while keeping in mind the cohesiveness of the essay.

Try not to repeat yourself even when trying to reiterate an idea. Use different terms or angles if you feel the need to reiterate in any way.

Take 5 to 10 minutes to plan the essay before you start writing it. This makes all the difference once you begin. It will help you achieve the task in less time.

Make sure to conclude your essay. Even if you are running out of time, write a few concluding lines to your essay.

Avoid using slangs, overtly complicated language or leaving sentences half-done. Make sure you have time to revise and make corrections since the exam is written in pencil.

A Final Word

When it comes to which words to use in IELTS Writing Task 2 , there are a handful of terms you can memorize to set yourself up for success. You must learn vocabulary to make your essay look eloquent with rich English words; one way of doing it is to practice new words. However, more than just learning the most common vocabulary used in IELTS Writing Task 2, practising with that vocabulary will be crucial to your success! So try a few practice sentences each time you learn a new phrase to integrate it before test day better.

Growth in the population in largest cities

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IELTS Writing Task 2: Format, Sample, Tips

The IELTS Writing Task 2: The second portion of the writing test, known as IELTS Writing Task 2, asks you to produce an essay in response to a point of view, argument, or problem. Your essay should be written in a formal tone, be at least 250 words long, and take no more than 40 minutes to finish.

Table of Content

IELTS Writing Task 2- Format

1. task question, 2. word limit, 4. response structure, 5. evaluation criteria, difference between ielts writing task 2- academic vs general, understanding the evaluation criteria, common ielts writing task 2 topics, band descriptors ielts writing task 2, ielts essay types for writing task 2, ielts writing task 2 preparation tips, ielts writing task 2 sample, ielts writing task 2- faqs, what are indigenous cultures and languages, why is it important to protect indigenous cultures and languages, what are some challenges in protecting indigenous cultures and languages, what role can governments play in protecting indigenous cultures and languages, are there any potential drawbacks to prioritizing the protection of indigenous cultures and languages.

• You will be presented with a topic or statement related to a contemporary issue or problem.
• The task question may ask you to discuss a particular problem, present a solution, evaluate a situation, or provide your opinion on a given topic.
• You are expected to write at least 250 words for the IELTS Writing Task 2.
• It is advisable to write within the range of 250300 words, as responses shorter than 250 words are penalized, and longer responses do not necessarily receive higher scores.
• 3. Time Allotment:
• You have 40 minutes to complete the IELTS Writing Task 2.
• Your response should be structured as an essay with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
• The introduction should provide an overview of the topic and outline the main points you will discuss.
• The body paragraphs should develop your ideas and arguments, with one main idea per paragraph supported by relevant examples or evidence.
• The conclusion should summarize your main points and provide a final perspective on the topic.
• Your response will be evaluated based on four criteria: Task Response, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource (vocabulary), and Grammatical Range and Accuracy.
• You should aim to address all parts of the task question, present a clear and coherent argument, use a wide range of vocabulary accurately, and demonstrate a good command of grammar and sentence structures.

Must Read: IELTS Academic vs General Tests – What’s the Difference?

The IELTS Writing Task 2 covers a wide range of topics related to contemporary issues and problems. Here are some common topics that frequently appear in the IELTS Writing Task 2:

1. Education:

• The role of technology in education
• The importance of extracurricular activities
• The advantages and disadvantages of single gender schools

2. Environment:

• Climate change and its impacts
• Sustainable development and environmental conservation
• The use of renewable energy sources
• The impact of lifestyle choices on health
• The role of government in promoting public health
• The advantages and disadvantages of alternative medicine

4. Society and Culture:

• The effects of globalization on local cultures
• The impact of social media on human interactions
• The role of religion in modern society

5. Technology:

• The advantages and disadvantages of artificial intelligence
• The impact of technology on employment and job markets
• The role of technology in communication and information sharing

6. Urbanization and Transportation:

• The challenges of urban growth and city planning
• The benefits and drawbacks of public transportation
• The impact of transportation on the environment

7. Crime and Justice:

• The causes and prevention of crime
• The effectiveness of different types of punishment
• The role of the criminal justice system in society

8. Economics and Business:

• The impact of globalization on international trade
• The role of advertising in influencing consumer behavior
• The advantages and disadvantages of outsourcing

9. Government and Politics:

• The importance of freedom of speech and press
• The role of government in regulating the economy
• The impact of immigration on societies

10. Arts and Culture:

• The importance of preserving cultural heritage
• The role of art in society
• The impact of censorship on artistic expression

In the IELTS Writing Task 2, candidates are required to write an essay in response to a prompt or question. There are several common types of essays that may appear in Task 2:

1. Argumentative/Opinion Essays: These essays require candidates to express their opinion on a given topic and support it with reasons and examples. They often involve discussing both sides of an issue and presenting a clear argument in favor of one viewpoint.

2. Discussion/Two-sided Essays: Similar to argumentative essays, discussion essays require candidates to discuss both sides of an issue before expressing their opinion or preference. They need to provide balanced arguments and consider opposing viewpoints.

3. Advantages and Disadvantages Essays : In these essays, candidates need to discuss the pros and cons of a particular issue, situation, or trend. They should provide examples to illustrate each point and offer a balanced analysis.

4. Problem-Solution Essays: These essays involve identifying a problem or issue, discussing its causes and effects, and proposing possible solutions or measures to address it. Candidates need to present logical arguments and support their solutions with evidence.

5. Cause and Effect Essays: Cause and effect essays focus on analyzing the reasons behind a specific phenomenon or event and its subsequent effects. Candidates should clearly outline the causal relationships and provide relevant examples.

6. Comparison/Contrast Essays: These essays require candidates to compare and contrast two or more ideas, concepts, or approaches. They should highlight similarities and differences and draw conclusions based on their analysis.

7. Process Essays: Process essays explain a sequence of steps or actions involved in a particular process, such as how to do something or how something works. Candidates need to provide clear explanations and use appropriate transition words to guide the reader through each step.

8. Agree/Disagree Essays: In these essays, candidates are given a statement or opinion, and they need to express whether they agree or disagree with it. They should support their stance with reasons and examples.

IELTS Writing Task 2 preparation tips to help you improve your performance:

1. Understand the Task Question

• Read the task question carefully and identify the key components, such as the topic, the instructions (e.g., discuss, evaluate, give your opinion), and any specific aspects to be addressed.
• Underline or highlight the essential elements to ensure you address all parts of the question.

2. Plan Your Essay

• Spend a few minutes planning your essay before you start writing.
• Brainstorm ideas and organize them into an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
• Develop a clear thesis statement and main points to guide your essay.

3. Manage Your Time

• Allocate your time wisely, allowing enough time for planning, writing, and reviewing.
• Aim to spend around 510 minutes planning, 2530 minutes writing, and 5 minutes reviewing and making corrections.

4. Use Appropriate Structure and Paragraphing

• Follow a standard essay structure with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
• Each body paragraph should focus on one main idea and include supporting details, examples, or evidence.
• Use clear topic sentences and logical transitions between paragraphs.

5. Develop Your Ideas

• Provide relevant and welldeveloped ideas to support your main points.
• Use examples, personal experiences, facts, or hypothetical situations to illustrate your arguments.
• Show critical thinking by analyzing different perspectives and addressing counterarguments.

6. Use Appropriate Language and Vocabulary

• Use a range of appropriate vocabulary related to the topic.
• Vary your sentence structures and avoid repetition.
• Demonstrate your ability to use idiomatic expressions and collocations accurately.

7. Pay Attention to Grammar and Accuracy

• Review and proofread your essay for grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and punctuation issues.
• Ensure subjectverb agreement, correct tense usage, and appropriate word forms.
• Avoid overly complex sentences that may increase the risk of errors.

8. Practice with Sample Questions

• Familiarize yourself with different types of IELTS Writing Task 2 questions by practicing with sample prompts.
• Set a timer and practice writing complete essays under timed conditions.
• Seek feedback from experienced IELTS teachers or online resources to identify areas for improvement.

9. Learn from Model Answers

• Study highscoring model answers to understand the expected level of writing and the organization of ideas.
• Analyze the structure, language use, and development of arguments in these model answers.
• Incorporate effective strategies and techniques into your own writing practice.

10. Stay UptoDate with Current Affairs

• Stay informed about current events, global issues, and debates related to various topics.
• Read reputable news sources, magazines, or online articles to broaden your knowledge and enhance your ability to discuss contemporary topics.

Here is a practice IELTS Writing Task 2 topic for you: Topic: Some people believe that governments should make more efforts to protect indigenous cultures and languages from disappearing. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write at least 250 words discussing both viewpoints and giving your opinion.

• Make a plan before you start writing. Outline your introduction, body paragraphs and conclusion.
• The introduction should paraphrase the topic and outline what will be discussed.
• Discuss both sides of the argument in the body paragraphs. One paragraph arguing for protecting indigenous cultures/languages, one paragraph arguing against or giving the opposite view.
• Use examples, data or personal experiences to support your arguments.
• The conclusion should summarize your main points and give a clear opinion.
• Use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures. Avoid repetition.
• Check for grammar, spelling and punctuation errors.

In conclusion, while protecting indigenous cultures and languages is undoubtedly important for preserving human diversity and heritage, it should be balanced with practical considerations and the interests of the wider community. A nuanced approach that promotes understanding and appreciation while accommodating evolving societal needs is ideal.

Also Read: IELTS Full Form: Check Its Significance IELTS Average Score: Across Worldwide and India IELTS Minimum Score for Top Universities in 2024 IELTS Exam Pattern 2024: Section-wise IELTS Exam Paper Pattern, Question Types

Indigenous cultures and languages refer to the traditional practices, belief systems, and modes of expression of ethnic groups native to a particular region or country.

Protecting indigenous cultures and languages helps preserve unique identities, traditional knowledge, and cultural diversity, which are valuable aspects of human heritage and can contribute to our understanding of history, societies, and the environment.

Challenges include globalization, urbanization, lack of resources, and a shift towards more dominant cultures and languages, which can lead to the erosion of indigenous practices and languages over time.

Governments can implement policies to support the use and teaching of indigenous languages, provide funding for cultural preservation efforts, and promote awareness and appreciation of indigenous cultures through education and media.

Potential drawbacks include the allocation of limited resources towards this effort at the expense of other priorities, the potential for cultural stagnation or resistance to cultural evolution, and the risk of creating divisions or conflicts within diverse societies.

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Hướng dẫn làm chủ đề Education trong IELTS Writing Task 2

Education (Giáo dục) là một trong những chủ đề phổ biến nhất trong IELTS Writing Task 2. Chủ đề này được đánh là có độ khó ở mức trung bình. Để làm tốt bài viết về chủ đề Education, bạn cần phải có kiến thức tổng quan về giáo dục và các vấn đề tranh luận phổ biến trong chùm chủ đề này.

Trong bài viết này, DOL sẽ cung cấp cho bạn thông tin chi tiết về IELTS Writing Task 2 topic Education , bao gồm: cách thức xây dựng cấu trúc bài viết, ý tưởng cho từng phần cụ thể, từ vựng quan trọng để ghi điểm và bài mẫu để luyện tập.

Cùng DOL tìm hiểu bài viết dưới đây để phát triển ý tưởng cho bài viết IELTS của mình nhé!

IELTS Essay Topic Education: Các dạng bài, bài mẫu & từ vựng

Các đề bài Education trong IELTS Writing Task 2

Chủ đề Giáo dục thường gặp trong IELTS và tưởng chừng dễ dàng vì không đòi hỏi nhiều kiến thức sâu rộng. Tuy nhiên, để đạt điểm cao, bạn cần phải đưa ra các ý tưởng sáng tạo và phân tích chặt chẽ, ngay cả trong những đề bài tưởng chừng như đơn giản.

Đề bài Education Task 2 có thể đề cập đến các vấn đề như sau.

Cấu trúc môn học

Chi phí giáo dục

Cơ hội du học

Các phương pháp giáo dục hiện đại

Vấn đề và hướng giải quyết cho sự phát triển giáo dục

Ảnh hưởng của thầy cô và ba mẹ đến trẻ

Quan điểm về việc học cao học (thạc sĩ, tiến sĩ)

Ảnh hưởng của giáo dục giới tính/chế độ giáo dục dạy chung cho nam và nữ

Dưới đây là một số đề bài liên quan đến chủ đề Education Essay IELTS bạn có thể tham khảo.

University education should be free to everyone, regardless of income. To what extent do you agree or disagree? (Giáo dục đại học nên được miễn phí cho tất cả mọi người, bất kể thu nhập. Bạn đồng ý hay không đồng ý với quan điểm này)

In some countries, young people are encouraged to study abroad What are the advantages and disadvantages of this trend? (Ở một số quốc gia, thanh niên được khuyến khích đi du học nước ngoài. Xu hướng này có những ưu và nhược điểm gì?)

Some high schools require all students to wear school uniforms. Other high schools permit students to decide what to wear to school. Which of these two school policies do you think is better? (Một số trường trung học yêu cầu tất cả học sinh mặc đồng phục. Một số trường trung học khác cho phép học sinh tự quyết định trang phục đến trường. Bạn cho rằng chính sách trường học nào trong hai điều này tốt hơn?)

Government should invest in teaching science subjects rather than other subjects for the country to develop and progress. To what extent do you agree or not agree? (Chính phủ nên đầu tư vào việc dạy các môn khoa học thay vì các môn học khác để đất nước phát triển và tiến bộ. Bạn đồng ý hay không đồng ý với quan điểm này)

Some people think that it is more effective for students to study in a group, while others believe that it is better for them to study alone. Discuss both views and give your own opinion. (Một số người cho rằng học nhóm hiệu quả hơn học cá nhân. Những người khác lại tin rằng học một mình tốt hơn. Thảo luận cả hai quan điểm và đưa ra ý kiến của riêng bạn.)

Các chủ đề bài luận IELTS thường được đưa ra nhằm kiểm tra khả năng suy nghĩ, kiến thức, kỹ năng của thí sinh. IELTS Writing task 2 thường bao gồm các chủ đề về vai trò của giáo dục, giáo dục đại học, môi trường, khoa học & công nghệ thông tin và bình đẳng giới. https://leapscholar.com/blog/ielts-essay-on-education/

Ý tưởng triển khai chủ đề Education

DOL cung cấp cho bạn một số ý tưởng cho subtopic hay gặp trong bài chùm chủ đề Education, gồm.

Homework for children: Bài tập về nhà cho học sinh

Teaching relevant subjects to children (Science subjects, history, art…): Giảng dạy các môn học liên quan (Các môn Khoa học, Lịch sử, Nghệ thuật…)

The influence of technology on education: Ảnh hưởng của công nghệ đối với giáo dục

Studying abroad: Du học

Wearing uniforms: Mặc đồng phục

Funding in education: Tài trợ trong giáo dục

Parents put pressure on students: Cha mẹ gây áp lực lên học sinh

Những idea phát triển cho từng subtopic của chủ đề Education có thể được sắp xếp theo mental model Advantages và Disadvantages như sau.

Giving children homework everyday

Khi phát triển ý tưởng cho subtopic “Giving children homework everyday” dưới góc độ lợi ích và bất lợi, bạn có thể xem xét như sau.

Be forced to work independently away from the environment of schools → proactively apply the knowledge that they have learnt in the classroom → think individually and creatively in correspondence to a particular task → develop an independent study habit → prepare them to work alone as adults.

Have home assignments completed multiple times on a daily basis → serve as an additional practice and revision of the lesson taught to them in the school → retain information more easily → reduce the exam stress considerably.

Have an obligation to complete the homework while having to deal with an excessive load of knowledge at their school + constant examinations → sacrifice their sleep to meet academic demands → exhaust the child + reduce their interest in school studies → suffer from depression.

Return home with excessive amounts of homework → reduce children’s after-school time for other extracurricular and leisure activities → unable to develop necessary soft-skills

Teaching history subjects

Bạn có thể phát triển ý tưởng cho subtopic “Teaching history subjects” dưới góc độ lợi ích và bất lợi như sau.

Have thorough insights into what happened in the past in one’s own country => understand their hometown’s traditional values and develop a national identity => take pride in their origins and treasure the life they know as it is today.

Accumulate knowledge of this particular field at an early age => enhance their understanding about various aspects of the world => to work for foreign enterprises, especially those who highly value company culture.

Learn history => be imposed to memorize dates and events from the past => rarely use them in people’s lives => be of little relevance to future and today’s society.

(historical events) be seen in different perspectives and interpreted in different ways => (students) normally learn the subject through only one source => discount its importance as a subject for learning.

Focusing on Science subjects

Tham khảo cách phát triển ý tưởng cho subtopic “Focusing on Science subjects” dưới góc độ lợi ích và bất lợi sau.

Force people to choose scientific subjects like biology, mathematics, physics and chemistry => ensure that any knowledge and skill gaps in the economy are covered => increase the overall GDP of the nation => improve a country’s future prosperity.

Attain science degrees => be provided with foundational knowledge to adapt to the fast-moving technological development => increase their future employment prospects.

(A major in science) consists of related subjects with a great amount of specialized knowledge and tough experiments => require a lot of diligence + patience + intelligence => put students under great pressure in order to understand and handle the tasks well.

(some countries) have fewer employment opportunities available in science fields => have little chance to get a job after graduation despite spending a huge amount of time and effort on this particular subject => increase the employment rate.

Making art & music compulsory

Để phát triển ý tưởng về subtopic “Making art & music compulsory”, bạn có thể triển khai như sau.

Learn art-related subjects from institutions => enjoy learning through enjoyable and creative methods => enhances fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination and problem-solving skills => assists children in attaining better learning outcomes.

Be more interested in non-academic subjects => get hands on experience in these subjects at an early age => give students a platform where they can develop and perfect their artistic skills => become easier for them to pursue their creative career in future.

Be already burdened with a regular academic curriculum => (perform art) enhance that study load => decrease their academic results.

Be of the mindset that art has no participation in the advancement of human society => be generally considered as a hobby rather than a professional field => opt for other vocational subjects such as science or commerce stream, which have jobs available in abundance.

The influence of technology on education

DOL chia sẻ cho bạn hướng dẫn cách phát triển ý tưởng cho subtopic “The influence of technology on education”.

Incorporate technology in teaching => Example: use visual aids, presentations, video clips… => engage students in the lesson => improve the teaching and learning quality

enable the use of online classes => provide a good education for students from rural areas => improve their career prospects

the development of technological devices (ex: cellphones, ipads, television…) => easily distract students from their study => affect study performance

Studying abroad

Bạn có thể mở rộng ý tưởng cho “Studying abroad” theo cách dưới đây.

Experience a completely different way of living. Ex: try exotic foods and learn about traditions unique to the host culture => more knowledgeable, open-minded and tolerant => become a global citizen of the 21st century

Grant students the opportunity to completely immerse oneself in a new language => receive considerable language practice => see significant improvements in language proficiency

Might struggle to integrate into local opportunities + Lack the emotional support of family => Suffer from social isolation, loneliness, and homesickness => More likely to develop mental health issues such as depression and anxiety

Have to factor in flights, accommodation, travel expenses, and living costs => Otherwise: the price of a year abroad can escalate without you realising. => exacerbate financial stress

Wearing uniforms

Để trả lời cho subtopic “Wearing uniforms”, bạn có thể phát triển như sau.

Wear the same clothes everyday => students do not need to spend time thinking about what to wear => save time on other more useful activities

All students wear the same clothes => bridge the gap between the rich and the poor # have freedom to wear any clothes they want => rich students may show off => widen social gaps

Wear the same clothes => deter students from showcasing their unique personalities => a lack of self-expression Wear the same clothes everyday => boring => demotivate students

Funding in education

Đối với subtopic “Funding in education”, bạn có thể khai thác ý theo cách dưới đây.

government pays for children's education => receive equal education opportunities => attract low-income students => enable unprivileged children to obtain higher paying jobs after graduation => can make greater contributions to the national economy => poverty would evaporate quickly

provide complete financial support for students' education => minimize the amount of time spent on unproductive and harmful activities => prevent the development of social issues among children

provide financial support for a booming student population => the money being spent on each individual drops to a historic low => standards of education are compromised => fail to produce outstanding graduates => struggle to bring about truly revolutionary innovations for society

make education free for children => the government has to cover a variety of expenses. Example: salaries for professors, textbooks for students, modern classroom equipment => drain the state budget => resources for other sectors are depleted

Parents put pressure on students

Áp lực từ phía cha mẹ đối với học sinh là một vấn đề đáng quan tâm trong hệ thống giáo dục hiện đại. Cùng DOL tìm hiểu cách phát triển sau nhé!

Teach students about hard work + encourage them to try harder in life => develop good personality traits in later life (perseverance)

Good academic results => higher chance of getting into good universities => improve future career projects

Encourage their children to acquire an occupation that they do not have passion for => (children) not express their own ideas and desires => not feel the real sense of job satisfaction => have an undesirable life.

Engage their children only for future achievements + omit the entertainment part of the youngsters => (children) be exposed to great stress => affect their mental wellbeing and cause psychological suffering.

Lưu ý : Những câu hỏi về chủ đề này thường liên hệ đến cuộc sống và mang tính chất cảm tính, nên bạn cần đưa ra những ý kiến thường thấy và sau đó là ý kiến của bản thân bạn. Chọn một lý do hợp lý để biện giải cho những ý kiến đó, vì sao bạn cho là đúng và vì sao bạn cảm thấy nó quan trọng. Nhắm trọng tâm vào việc sử dụng kết cấu câu và từ ngữ uyển chuyển, văn phong gọn gàng nhưng diễn tả đầy đủ ý của bạn cũng như việc phân tích vấn đề được đưa ra.

🔎   Bạn có thể xem thêm chủ đề khác.

Gap year IELTS Writing Task 2

IELTS Writing Task 2 topic Studying abroad

Từ vựng và Collocation chủ đề Education

Việc sử dụng được các từ vựng và collocation phong phú sẽ giúp bạn diễn đạt ý tưởng một cách trôi chảy và tự nhiên trong bài thi.

Từ vựng IELTS Writing chủ đề Education

Bảng dưới đây cung cấp một số từ vựng phổ biến ăn điểm trong chủ đề Education.

Collocation chủ đề Education

Bảng dưới đây cung cấp một số collocation phổ biến ăn điểm trong chủ đề Education.

Bài mẫu topic Education IELTS Writing Task 2

Cùng quan sát thử một bài viết mẫu thuộc chủ đề Education, áp dụng các ideas và vocab trong bảng tổng hợp phía trên nhé!

Topic 1 : University education should be free to everyone, regardless of income. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Sample essay.

Some people believe that the government should provide a free university education to all students regardless of how much money they make. From my perspective, while I acknowledge the benefits of doing this, I still believe it is unreasonable for the government to offer an education at no cost.

On the one hand, it is true that there are several benefits that students can reap from receiving a free education. In fact, when the government pays for students' education, it means that all students have equal education opportunities. This can attract low-income students and enable unprivileged students to obtain higher paying jobs after graduation. As a result, it can make greater contributions to the national economy, and therefore poverty would evaporate quickly. In addition, allowing poor students to spend time studying also minimizes the amount of time spent on unproductive and harmful activities. Thus, it can prevent the development of social issues among children

However, I still argue that it is not feasible to provide a free education for everyone. As for the first drawback, since the government has to provide financial support for a booming student population, the money being spent on each individual drops to a historic low. This results in compromised standards of education and the education ultimately fails to produce outstanding graduates. Moreover, making education free for children means that the government has to cover a variety of expenses, such as salaries for professors, textbooks for students, modern classroom equipment… This may drain the state budget and deplete the resources for other sectors.

In conclusion, while I agree that providing a free university education for everyone can be beneficial in some aspects, I still believe that doing this can affect the society in negative ways and thus should not be encouraged.

Topic 2 : Some people believe the aim of university education is to help graduates get better jobs. Others believe there are much wider benefits of university education for both individuals and society. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Essay plan.

Giới thiệu ngắn gọn về để dẫn vào hai ý kiến trong đề. Bạn có thể thay đổi lại ý chính trong đề sao cho nghĩa không đổi.

Đoạn thân bài 1

Trong đoạn đầu tiên của phần thân bài, chúng ta sẽ đưa ra lý do củng cố luận điểm: The aim of university education is to help graduates get better jobs (Mục đích của trường Đại học là giúp sinh viên tốt nghiệp có việc làm tốt hơn).

Many people attend university to appear more attractive towards employers: Nhiều người học đại học để dễ được các nhà tuyển dụng chú ý hơn.

High education is expensive => it wouldn’t be reasonable to attend it without expecting future financial secure: Đại học đắt tiền => Nếu chỉ học mà không kỳ vọng sẽ kiếm được tiền

Đoạn thân bài 2

Trong đoạn này, ta nêu ra các lý do bảo vệ ý: There are much wider benefits of university education for both individuals and society (Học đại học có nhiều lợi ích hơn chỉ để kiếm việc làm)

Studying in university helps the students develop better social skills and improve as a person: Học Đại học giúp sinh viên phát triển được kỹ năng xã hội hơn.

Society is going to benefit from graduates with high knowledge: Xã hội sẽ phát triển khi có nhiều người với học thức cao.

Tóm tắt lại các lý do ở trên và khẳng định điều mình đã khẳng định ở mở bài.

These days, more and more people are making the choice to go to university. While some people are of the opinion that the only purpose of university education is to improve job prospects, others think that society and the individual benefit in much broader ways.

It is certainly true that one of the main aims of university is to secure a better job. The majority of people want to improve their future career prospects and attending university is one of the best ways to do this as it increases a person's marketable skills and attractiveness to potential employers. In addition, further education is very expensive for many people, so most would not consider it if it would not provide them with a more secure future and a higher standard of living. Thus job prospects are very important.

However, there are other benefits for individuals and society. Firstly, the independence of living away from home is a benefit because it helps the students develop better social skills and improve as a person. A case in point is that many students will have to leave their families, live in halls of residence, and meet new friends. As a result, their maturity and confidence will grow to enable them to live more fulfilling lives. Secondly, society will gain from the contribution that graduates can make to the economy. We are living in a very competitive world, so countries need educated people in order to compete and prosper.

Therefore, I believe that although the main aim of university education is to get the best job, there are clearly further benefits. If we continue to promote and encourage university attendance, it will lead to a better future for individuals and society.

Topic 3 : Everyone should stay in school until the age of eighteen. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Mở bài: Giới thiệu ngắn gọn về để dẫn vào hai ý kiến trong đề. Bạn có thể thay đổi lại ý chính trong đề sao cho nghĩa không đổi. Ở bài mẫu này, ta sẽ triển khai bài theo ý disagree.

Luận điểm 1: People leaving school too early might be unskilled at work: Những người rời trường học quá sớm sẽ thiếu nhiều kỹ năng ở công việc.

Luận điểm 2: School provides moral and social education: Trường học cung cấp nhiều sự hướng dẫn về các vấn đề đạo đức và văn hóa.

Kết bài: Tóm tắt lại các lý do ở trên và khẳng định điều mình đã khẳng định ở mở bài.

It is often said that if you want to succeed in life, you need a proper education. While there may be arguments for making school compulsory until the age of 18, I disagree that this should apply to everyone.

Perhaps the strongest reason for not leaving school early is that it prepares you for your working career. If you leave school early with only a basic education, you are unlikely to be able to find any skilled work. Indeed, the education you receive between the ages of 16 and 18 is crucial for anyone who does not want a lifetime of unskilled work in a factory.

Another compelling reason for remaining in school until 18 is that school provides moral and social education too. This is particularly important for people between 16 and 18 who have many temptations and benefit from the organized framework that school provides. Young people who stay in school until the age of 18 tend to be more responsible and help build a stronger society.

There are, however, equally strong arguments against making school compulsory until the age of 18. One such argument is that not everyone is academic and that some people benefit more from vocational training. For instance, someone who wants to become a car mechanic may find better training and more satisfaction in an apprentice scheme. Another related argument is that, in today’s world, young people are maturing ever more quickly and are able to make their own life decisions by the age of 16.

In my mind, everyone should be encouraged to stay in school until 18 both for social and career reasons. However, I believe it would be a mistake to make this compulsory bearing in mind that different people have different needs and abilities and the possibilities of other forms of vocational training.

Trên đây là hướng dẫn cụ thể của DOL để các bạn viết bài IELTS Writing Task 2 chủ đề Education một cách hiệu quả nhất. Các từ vựng, cấu trúc câu và gợi ý bài mẫu liên quan đến chủ đề Giáo Dục nguồn tài liệu cực kỳ hữu ích giúp bạn trong quá trình luyện tập chuẩn bị cho kỳ thi IELTS. Tuy nhiên, có bao nhiêu nguồn tham khảo đi chăng nữa thì bạn nên chịu bỏ ra thời gian và công sức rất nhiều để đạt được band điểm IELTS như mong đợi nhé.

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Các câu hỏi thường gặp

Why education is important in our life?

Có thể trả lời như sau: Education helps a person to get knowledge and improve confidence in life. It can help you improve your career and your personal growth. An educated person can become a great citizen in society. It helps you to take the right decisions in life.

What is the importance of education essay?

Gợi ý trả lời: Education certainly determines the quality of an individual's life. Education improves one's knowledge, skills and develops the personality and attitude. Most noteworthy, Education affects the chances of employment for people. A highly educated individual is probably very likely to get a good job.

What are the 7 roles of a teacher?

Bạn có thể trả lời như sau. The primary roles of a teacher are:

Providing mentorship

Inspiring learners

Nurturing healthy curiosity in learners

Creating meaningful learning experiences

Leveraging technology to support learning

Mediating and liaising

Researching learning strategies

Bài viết khác

Cách dùng bing ai để tự học ielts writing lên ý tưởng hiệu quả.

Bing AI là một công cụ trí tuệ nhân tạo (AI) tiên tiến được phát triển bởi Microsoft, có khả năng xử lý ngôn ngữ tự nhiên một cách ấn tượng. Đây là một công cụ hỗ trợ viết hiệu quả, giúp bạn lên ý tưởng sáng tạo, sắp xếp logic, sửa lỗi chính tả và ngữ pháp, trau chuốt từ vựng, cung cấp thông tin và dẫn chứng, đồng thời chấm điểm và góp ý chi tiết để bạn nâng tầm kỹ năng viết. Trong bài viết này, DOL sẽ cung cấp cho bạn cách dùng Bing Ai học IELTS Writing cụ thể và những lưu ý quan trọng khi sử dụng. Hãy cùng DOL khám phá bí quyết sử dụng Bing AI để chinh phục điểm cao trong bài thi IELTS Writing. 

Top 10 website sửa bài IELTS Writing uy tín và chất lượng nhất

Trong hành trình học IELTS Writing, việc đạt được band điểm mơ ước đòi hỏi sự nỗ lực và kiên nhẫn từ các thí sinh. Tuy nhiên, nhiều thí sinh vẫn gặp khó khăn trong việc tiến bộ, và lý do chính là thiếu việc luyện tập viết IELTS Writing thường xuyên và không tuân thủ thời gian đủ cho cả hai bài task 1 và 2. Đặc biệt, việc không có người sửa bài Writing thường xuyên cũng là một trong những nguyên nhân chính. Tất nhiên, việc đến trung tâm để có giáo viên chỉnh sửa cũng là một giải pháp hiệu quả. Tuy nhiên, nếu không có đủ thời gian và điều kiện, việc sử dụng công cụ AI sẽ là một lựa chọn hữu ích để rèn luyện và cải thiện kỹ năng viết IELTS của bạn. DOL gợi ý cho bạn 10 website sửa bài IELTS Writing sử dụng công nghệ AI uy tín và chất lượng nhất. 1. Grammarly 2. Write and Improve with Cambridge 3. PaperRater 4. Test Big 5. Google Bard 6. ChatGPT 7. IELTS Answers 8. IELTS Advantage 9. IELTS-Blog 10. IELTS Podcast Hãy cùng DOL điểm qua các website sửa bài IELTS Writing sau nhé!

Cách dùng Chat GPT để tự học IELTS Writing hiệu quả cải thiện kỹ năng viết

ChatGPT là công cụ AI với khả năng tạo ra văn bản tự nhiên, mở ra nhiều cơ hội cho việc học và nâng cao kỹ năng viết trong nhiều lĩnh vực, bao gồm cả IELTS Writing. Cụ thể, Chat GPT có thể giúp bạn phát triển ý tưởng và lập dàn ý theo nhiều hướng khác nhau, tạo ra các đoạn văn theo cấu trúc yêu cầu. Hơn nữa, Chat GPT cũng có khả năng đánh giá và đưa ra lời khuyên để cải thiện điểm số, cũng như cung cấp các bài mẫu để tham khảo. Trong bài viết này, chúng ta sẽ khám phá vai trò quan trọng của ChatGPT trong việc nâng cao kỹ năng viết, cung cấp hướng dẫn cách dùng Chat GPT trong việc học IELTS Writing chi tiết và nhấn mạnh những điều cần lưu ý khi sử dụng công cụ này. Chat GPT có thể hỗ trợ bạn trong việc. 1. Phát triển ý tưởng và lập dàn ý theo nhiều hướng khác nhau. 2. Xây dựng đoạn văn theo cấu trúc cụ thể theo yêu cầu của người học. 3. Học từ vựng theo các chủ đề cụ thể. 4. Đánh giá và cung cấp lời khuyên để cải thiện điểm số. 5. Tham khảo các bài mẫu hay ví dụ để hiểu rõ hơn về cách viết và cấu trúc văn bản. Hãy cùng khám phá chi tiết bài viết để tận dụng ChatGPT trong việc cải thiện kỹ năng IELTS Writing!

Cách dùng QuillBot tự học IELTS Writing hiệu quả

QuillBot là một công cụ trực tuyến, giúp bạn viết lại câu hoặc đoạn văn bản tiếng Anh một cách sáng tạo và tự nhiên, mà vẫn giữ nguyên nghĩa gốc. Không chỉ vậy, QuillBot còn cung cấp nhiều tính năng hữu ích khác như. 1. Tóm tắt nội dung: Giúp bạn rút gọn văn bản dài thành những ý chính ngắn gọn, dễ hiểu. 2. Kiểm tra ngữ pháp: Phát hiện và sửa lỗi ngữ pháp, giúp bạn viết tiếng Anh chính xác hơn. 3. Gợi ý từ vựng: Đề xuất những từ vựng phù hợp để thay thế từ ngữ hiện có, giúp bài viết phong phú và đa dạng hơn. Với những tính năng mạnh mẽ này, QuillBot sẽ hỗ trợ bạn đắc lực trong việc nâng cao kỹ năng viết tiếng Anh và luyện thi IELTS Writing hiệu quả. Hãy cùng DOL khám phá cách dùng QuillBot học IELTS Writing và trải nghiệm những lợi ích tuyệt vời mà công cụ này mang lại!

Cách dùng Grammarly tự học IELTS Writing hiệu quả

Grammarly là một công cụ trực tuyến giúp bạn kiểm tra và sửa lỗi ngữ pháp, chính tả, dấu câu và phong cách viết trong tiếng Anh. Nó sử dụng trí tuệ nhân tạo tiên tiến để phân tích văn bản của bạn và đưa ra những gợi ý sửa lỗi chính xác, giúp bạn viết tiếng Anh trôi chảy và tự tin hơn. Trong bài viết này, DOL sẽ cung cấp các tính năng, hướng dẫn cụ thể và những lưu ý quan trọng khi sử dụng ứng dụng Grammarly. Cùng đọc tiếp bài viết để hiểu được cách dùng Grammarly vào việc học IELTS Writing nhé!

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IELTS Writing Task 2: 7 steps towards a band 7

For many of you, achieving that magic number in your IELTS Writing test can be a big challenge. Sometimes, all you need is a mentor who can guide you on how to approach the test. Here are 7 important steps that will help you achieve a band 7 in Writing.

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Follow these simple guidelines to help improve your writing skills. If you are a visual learner, jump to the bottom of the page for an equally informative video on 7 steps towards a band 7 in Writing Task 2. 

Step 1: Answer all parts of the question

IELTS Writing Task 2 requires you to write an essay in response to a statement, or premise. You must read the question carefully so that all parts are answered. For example, in the question below, you must do 3 things to achieve a higher band, showing the examiner that you are addressing all parts of the task. 

Present one view 

Present the other view 

Present your opinion 

Example question:  

Some people think that wild animals should not be kept in zoos. Others believe that there are good reasons for having zoos.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.  

Present  one view  and then the  other view , and then present  your opinion . 

Wild animals are kept in zoos all over world. At present, zoos are a tourist attraction in many countries and need wild animals to attract vistors. I beleve that wild creatures should not be kept in zoos and there should be alternative ways to see them.  

There are many good reasons for having zoos in our cities. Most importantly, they attract tourists and make money for city. Visitors get chance to see wild animals that they would not see unless they travelled far away. Rare species, like Chinese panda, or Indian tiger, or African rhino for example, are endangered and if we had no zoos they would die. Zoos care for these aminals and give us chance to see them. Therefore, we cannot underestimate teh educational importance of zoos.  

However, many people feel that wild animals should be free. They should not be kept in cages and small areas in zoo. This is cruel for animal and they often die because they is not in natural habitat. We frequently see news story about rare animals dying in zoos or getting sick because area is not big enough or suitable for wild animals like lions or polar bears. Also, these animals are unhappy and sometimes attack humans. Caging wild animals is unhealthy for the animals and is cruel. 

Both views put forward valid points, however, I strongly believe that zoos are no place for wild animals. If animals need to be cared for, they should be looked after in theier natural habitat in game parks or wildlife reserves. Goverments should look after the precious wild animals at their country and should close down zoos that profit from them. 

In conclusion, although people believe that zoos are good places to keep wild animals because they can earn money and educate people, I feel that we do not need zoos anymore. We can look at wild animals on the internet and we can feel happy knowing that they are free. 

Step 2: Present a clear position

Although you are presenting different points of views in your essay, you must present a clear position. This simply means you must let the examiner know what you think about the question. Your position must be clear for the complete essay. Don’t change your mind in the conclusion. 

Both views put forward valid points, however, I strongly believe... 

However, many people feel that... 

I believe that wild creatures should not be kept in zoos... 

Step 3: Structure your essay

Essay writing need not necessarily be a difficult achievement. Present your ideas in a structured manner using paragraphs to present and develop each idea. Make use of the following points to help you structure your essay. 

Show the reader where to start with an introduction paragraph.  

Present ideas that are important and then, elaborate further.  

Conclude the essay with your opinion on the question.  

Develop a clear idea within each paragraph.  

Make it easy for the examiner by leaving a space between each paragraph.  

Essay example 

Introduction 

Wild animals are kept in zoos all over world. At present, zoos are a tourist attraction in many countries and need wild animals to attract vistors. I heire that wild creatures should not be kept in zoos and there should be alternative ways to see them. 

First view 

There are many good reasons for having zoos in our cities. Most importantly, they attract tourists and make money for city. Visitors get chance to see wild animals that they would not see unless they travelled far away. Rare species, like Chinese panda, or Indian tiger, or African rhino for example, are endangered and if we had no zoos they would die. Zoos care for these aminals and give us chance to see them. Therefore, we cannot underestimate he educational importance of zoos. 

Second view 

However, many people feel that wild animals should be free. They should not be kept in cages and small areas in zoo. This is heir for animal and they often die because they is not in natural habitat. We frequently see news story about rare animals dying in zoos or getting sick because area is not big enough or suitable for wild animals like lions or polar bears. Also, these animals are unhappy and sometimes attack humans. Caging wild animals is unhealthy for the animals and is cruel.  

My opinion 

Both views put forward valid points, however, I strongly believe that zoos are no place for wild animals. If animals need to be cared for, they should be looked after in heir natural habitat in game parks or wildlife reserves. Goverments should look after the precious wild animals at their country and should close down zoos that profit from them. 

Conclusion 

In conclusion, although people believe that zoos are good places to keep wild animals because they can earn money and educate people, I feel that we do not need zoos anymore. As far as I am concerned, wild animals should be set free. 

Step 4: Use linking devices

Linking devices or transition words are connecting words and phrases that make your answer cohesive. It is the glue that sticks your sentences and ideas together. The below table shows some linkers that are frequently used in essays. 

Step 5: Use a range of vocabulary

Writing is a means of communicating your thoughts and ideas to the reader. Therefore, make use of vocabulary that is easy to understand. Also, only use words that you can easily spell. Use words that go naturally together – collocation, and include idiomatic language/phrasal verbs in your essay. This proves to the examiner that you can use a range of vocabulary. And finally, check for spelling errors and typos after you complete your writing task. 

Examples of collocation: 

Tourist attraction  

Alternate ways  

Rare species  

Natural habitat  

Examples of idiomatic language and phrasal verbs: 

To be cared for  

Close down  

Make money  

Chance to see  

Looked after

Step 6: Use a range of grammatical structures correctly

When you are aiming for a band 7, you need to master both simple and complex sentences. And remember that you must produce frequent error-free sentences as well. So, how do you think you can achieve that? Yes, with practice. Try out sample test papers and analyse the mistakes you usually make. When you keep practicing different sentence structures, we are sure you are going to improve writing an essay on any given topic. 

Examples of grammatical structures

Step 7: Check your essay thoroughly

Even after you produce a perfect essay, you may make careless spelling and grammatical mistakes. These can easily be eliminated if you check your essay thoroughly. Ask yourself the following questions once you complete your writing task. 

Did I answer all parts? 

Did I use paragraphs? 

Did I use linkers? 

Did I use punctuation? 

Did I check my work? 

Is my spelling correct and did I use a range of vocabulary? 

Did I use complex sentence structures? 

When you can answer to these questions positively, you are surely on your way to a band 7 score! 

Improve IELTS Writing score

While improving your IELTS score entirely depends on your capacity and dedication, choosing the right resources also plays an important role. To make it easy for you, IDP has launched  IELTS Prepare : ielts.idp.com/prepare: a one-stop-shop for all official IDP IELTS preparation materials including Writing. 

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Useful Language for IELTS Graphs

In this lesson we'll look at some useful language for IELTS graphs.

This will be language useful for introducing graphs , so it can be for any type of graph or chart, but also language specifically for graphs over time - language of change , which is commonly needed in the test. 

Some Key Language

You will mostly need to report the information changes. You could describe the increase, decrease or fluctuation of data. 

To obtain a high score for the lexical resources, there is a specific vocabulary that they expect you to use to write about these changes. 

Introducing the Graph

First things first, you need to write an introduction, which is just a paraphrased version of the question. In the question, you’ll notice that they always start by saying something like “the chart shows.” 

Don’t just repeat those words. Use any of the following synonyms instead:

• The graph illustrates...
• The diagram depicts...
• The figures demonstrate...
• The data portrays...
• The visual representation delineates...
• The illustration outlines...
• The graphic presents...
• The statistics reveal...
• The diagram exhibits...
• The chart exemplifies…

Describing the Changes

Once you get to the body of the essay, you’re expected to analyse the data and describe the information depicted on the graph/diagram. 

To describe the data successfully, you need to use the right vocabulary. Let’s look at some useful vocabulary for you to incorporate in your analysis.

After paraphrasing for your introduction (and not omitting your overview!), you need to report on the main features in your main body paragraphs using the above vocabulary. 

It’s important to note that the above words can be used interchangeably depending on your sentence structure. For example, gradual (adj) can change to gradually (adv) and rise (noun) can change to rose (verb). For instance:

• ...a gradual rise...
• ...rose gradually...

You get scored on your ability to use various words flexibly, so ensure you do this correctly. 

Let's look at some examples:

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task .

The chart below shows the number of households in the US by their annual income in 2007, 2011 and 2015.

Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant.

Write at least 150 words.

Paraphrased introduction: 

• The diagram illustrates the annual income of US households during 2007, 2011 and 2015.

Based on this graph, here are some examples of how you can describe the trends. Notice the variation in sentence structures, which is important for a high score:

• From 2007 until 2011, the number of US households earning less than $25,000 annually gradually increased to just below 30 million, but then slightly dropped again in 2015. 
• There was a moderate decrease in households earning over $100,000 from 2007 to 2011; however, the numbers rose considerably again in 2015. 
• From 2007 until 2015, the number of households earning an annual income of $75,000 to $99,999 fluctuated moderately between 14 and 15 million. 
• 2007 saw about 25 million US households earning less than $ 25,000. This increased to 29 million in 2011, but in 2015, there was a slight decline to 27 million households.
• Just under 30 million households in the US earned over $100,000 annually in 2007. By 2011, this number had steadily dropped to 27 million. However, in 2015, we saw a dramatic increase as 33 million households earned over $100,000 annually.

Don't forget that in bar charts like this you can also use language of comparison and contrast such as less than, greater than, the same, the most, in contrast etc.

Learn more about the language to compare and contrast .

It’s important to remember that you don’t want to spend more than 20 minutes on this task as it’s a short 150-word essay. That’s why it’s important to pack as much relevant vocabulary into the article as possible to show off your skills.

More Task 1 Academic Lessons:

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Learn Compare and Contrast Language for IELTS Graphs

Compare and Contrast Language: In the academic IELTS task 1, you have to know the right language if you want to get a band 7 or higher. Practice your IELTS language for bar charts in this task 1 writing lesson.

Tips for Organising an IELTS Line Graph

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Writing Tips for a Graph in the Future in IELTS Academic

Graph in the future: Sometimes graphs in IELTS refer to a future time. You must know the language to write about these. In this lesson, learn how to write about an IELTS graph in the future. Getting the tenses right is an important part of the IELTS writing task 1.

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IELTS Process Diagram: In task 1 of IELTS writing you usually have to describe some kind of graph or chart. But sometimes you get a process. It is therefore crucial that you know how to do this. This easy to follow lesson explains how.

Describing Graph Trends Using the Language of Change

Describing graph trends: In IELTS you must know how to describe the trends that you see in the graph you are given. This lesson provides practice with some common language used to describe trends.

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