IELTS Society Writing Task 2 Questions

In many countries, the gap between the wealthiest and the poorest members of society has grown significantly in recent decades. Some people believe this trend is inevitable in a modern economy, while others argue that it can and should be reversed. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Acknowledge market forces driving inequality; counter with redistribution mechanisms. Conclude clearly — examiners penalise fence-sitting.

Some people argue that governments should prioritise economic growth above all other policy goals, including social equality. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this view? Give reasons for your answer and include relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Strong opinion works here — avoid 'it depends on the country'. Use GDP-versus-Gini evidence. One clear side earns higher Task Response marks.

Many countries are becoming increasingly multicultural. Some people believe that cultural diversity brings significant advantages to a society, while others argue that it also creates serious challenges that are difficult to manage. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of multiculturalism and give your own opinion.

Structure: advantages paragraph, disadvantages paragraph, then opinion paragraph. Avoid personal cultural value judgements — keep analysis structural.

The rapid expansion of social media has had a profound effect on how people interact and communicate in modern society. Many people believe that social media has had an overall negative effect on individuals and communities. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this view?

A nuanced disagreement scores well: concede specific harms (misinformation, isolation) before arguing net benefits. Avoid listing platforms by name.

In many large cities around the world, people feel increasingly disconnected from their neighbours and local communities. What are the main causes of this decline in community spirit, and what measures could be taken to address this problem?

Causes paragraph first (urbanisation, mobility, technology), then solutions (community spaces, volunteering infrastructure). Match scale of solution to scale of cause.

Some people believe that governments are responsible for reducing inequality in society, while others argue that individuals themselves must take responsibility for their own economic situation. What responsibilities do governments and individuals each have in addressing social inequality? Do you think one has greater responsibility than the other?

Answer both sub-questions explicitly — failure to address either part lowers Task Response. Allocate roughly equal space to each before giving your prioritisation.

In many developed countries, the proportion of older people in the population is increasing significantly. What are the main consequences of this demographic shift, and what solutions could governments and individuals adopt to manage the challenges it creates?

Consequences: pension costs, healthcare demand, labour shortages. Solutions: immigration, flexible retirement, preventive healthcare. Avoid vague 'support the elderly' filler.

Children of immigrants often find themselves caught between the cultural values of their parents and the norms of the country in which they have grown up. Some people believe this cultural tension has mainly negative consequences, while others argue it can enrich both the individual and society. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Frame around identity formation, social capital, and code-switching. Both sides are defensible; own your conclusion with specific reasoning.

In some countries, voting in national elections is compulsory, with penalties for those who fail to vote. Some people believe that compulsory voting is necessary to ensure fair democratic representation. Others argue that forcing citizens to vote is an infringement of personal freedom. To what extent do you agree or disagree with compulsory voting?

Both a clear agree and a clear disagree can score Band 7+. Avoid splitting down the middle. Use Australia or Belgium as real-world examples to ground your argument.

Celebrities such as sports stars and entertainers have an enormous influence on the attitudes and behaviour of young people in modern society. Some people consider this a positive development, while others believe it has largely negative effects. To what extent do you agree or disagree that celebrity influence is harmful to young people?

Accessible topic — Band differentiation comes from argument quality, not topic knowledge. Show sophisticated reasoning: distinguish parasocial relationship harm from aspirational modelling.