IELTS Essay Topics on Government and Politics: 30+ Questions

Quick Answer: Government and politics is a common theme in IELTS Writing Task 2, covering topics like government spending, taxation, censorship, public services, and political leadership. To score well, you need to discuss both sides of an issue, give specific examples, and use formal, precise language. Below you’ll find 30+ past and predicted essay questions organised by subtopic, plus sample answers for Band 7, 8, and 9, a band score comparison table, and common mistakes to avoid.

Table of Contents

Why Government & Politics Appear in IELTS

30+ IELTS Essay Topics on Government and Politics

Band Score Comparison Table

Why Government & Politics Appear in IELTS

IELTS examiners love government and politics topics because they are universal, debatable, and relevant to everyday life. You don’t need to be a political expert – you just need to show you can analyse a problem, compare viewpoints, and express your opinion clearly. Common areas include:

Government spending (healthcare, education, defence, arts)

Taxation (flat tax, progressive tax, sin taxes)

Censorship & freedom of speech

Public services (privatisation, efficiency)

Political leadership (qualities, term limits)

International relations (aid, trade, immigration)

Environment & government policy

30+ IELTS Essay Topics on Government and Politics

Below are questions organised by subtopic. Use them for practice – try writing a 40-minute essay for each.

Government Spending & Budgeting

Some people think governments should spend more money on public services (healthcare, education) than on the arts. To what extent do you agree?

Many governments spend huge sums on space exploration. Is this a waste of money, or does it bring long-term benefits?

Should governments prioritise funding for renewable energy over fossil fuels? Discuss both views.

Some argue that governments should subsidise sports and cultural activities for citizens. Do you agree or disagree?

Governments often spend money on large infrastructure projects (high-speed trains, airports). Is this a wise investment?

Taxation

Flat tax (the same percentage for everyone) is fairer than progressive tax (higher rates for higher earners). Do you agree?

Some people think governments should increase taxes on junk food and sugary drinks to improve public health. Discuss.

Should wealthy individuals and corporations be taxed at a higher rate to reduce inequality? Give your opinion.

Instead of income tax, should governments rely more on consumption tax (VAT)? What are the advantages and disadvantages?

Many countries are considering a “wealth tax”. What are the potential benefits and drawbacks?

Censorship & Freedom of Speech

Governments should censor the internet to protect children from harmful content. Others believe this is a violation of freedom. Discuss both views.

Should governments have the power to ban political parties that promote violence? Why or why not?

Some people argue that media (newspapers, TV) should be strictly controlled by the state. To what extent do you agree?

In a democracy, is it ever acceptable for the government to limit free speech during a crisis? Explain.

Should governments require social media platforms to remove “fake news”? What are the challenges?

Public Services & Privatisation

Should governments provide free healthcare for all citizens, or should private companies be involved? Give your opinion.

Many governments are privatising state-owned industries (transport, energy). Is this a good or bad development?

Some believe that public services (like schools and hospitals) should be run by local communities rather than central government. Discuss.

Governments should invest more in public transport to reduce traffic congestion. Do you agree?

Is it the government’s responsibility to provide housing for the homeless, or should charities and individuals do more?

Political Leadership & Elections

What qualities should a good political leader have? Use specific examples.

Some people think that voting should be compulsory in elections. To what extent do you agree?

Should political leaders be required to have a university degree? Why or why not?

Term limits for political leaders (e.g., maximum two terms) are necessary to prevent abuse of power. Discuss.

In some countries, young people (16-18) are allowed to vote. Is this a good idea?

International Relations & Global Issues

Should wealthy countries give more financial aid to poorer nations, or is this not effective? Discuss.

Some people argue that governments should prioritise national interests over international cooperation. Do you agree?

International trade agreements benefit large corporations more than ordinary citizens. To what extent is this true?

Should governments work together to tackle climate change, or should each country deal with it independently?

Immigration policies: should governments strictly control the number of immigrants, or should they be more open?

Environment & Government Policy

Governments should impose heavy fines on companies that pollute the environment. Do you agree?

Some people think that individuals, not governments, should take responsibility for protecting the environment. Discuss.

Should governments ban single-use plastics entirely? What are the pros and cons?

Many governments offer tax breaks for electric vehicles. Is this an effective policy?

Is it more effective for governments to invest in public awareness campaigns or in direct environmental regulations?

Band Score Comparison Table

Band	What Examiner Wants
6	Addresses the question but may lack depth. Ideas are simple with some repetition. Vocabulary is basic but understandable. Grammar has frequent errors that don’t completely obscure meaning. Structure is present but may be formulaic.
7	Clearly addresses all parts of the question. Main ideas are well-developed with relevant examples. Uses a range of vocabulary (including some less common words) and a mix of sentence structures. Errors are rare and do not affect clarity. Cohesion is good (logical paragraphing, linking words).
8	Fully addresses the question with a clear position throughout. Ideas are well-developed with specific, relevant examples. Wide range of vocabulary used naturally and precisely. Frequent use of complex structures with few errors. Cohesion is smooth and sophisticated.
9	Complete, precise, and persuasive response. All ideas are fully extended and supported. Vocabulary is used with perfect nuance and style. A wide range of complex structures with no noticeable errors. The essay flows effortlessly and is completely coherent.

Sample Answers

Band 7: Question: Some people think governments should spend more money on public services (healthcare, education) than on the arts. To what extent do you agree?

I strongly agree that governments should prioritise spending on public services like healthcare and education over the arts. This is because these sectors directly affect people’s quality of life and economic productivity. For example, investing in healthcare reduces disease and saves lives, while education helps create a skilled workforce. The arts, while valuable for culture, are often enjoyed by a smaller group of people and can be funded privately. However, I acknowledge that a small portion of the budget could still go to preserving cultural heritage, as it brings long-term identity benefits. Overall, basic needs must come first.

Band 8: Same question

I largely agree with the view that public services should take precedence over the arts in government budgeting, but I believe a balanced approach is necessary. Healthcare and education are fundamental to a society’s well-being and economic development. For instance, countries with universal healthcare, such as Canada, have higher life expectancy, while nations with strong public education systems, like Finland, benefit from high innovation rates. Conversely, the arts contribute to social cohesion, mental health, and tourism. Cutting them entirely could lead to a cultural vacuum. Therefore, while the bulk of the budget should go to essential services, a modest allocation for the arts remains justified. Governments must also seek private sponsorship for cultural projects.

Band 9: Same question

I unequivocally endorse the proposition that governments ought to allocate a greater proportion of their budgets to public services such as healthcare and education, rather than to the arts. The rationale lies in the fundamental role these services play in ensuring societal welfare and economic vitality. For example, empirical evidence from countries like Sweden demonstrates that robust public investment in healthcare yields lower mortality rates and higher levels of public satisfaction. Similarly, education is the bedrock of human capital, fostering innovation and reducing long-term social inequalities. The arts, while culturally enriching, often cater to a niche audience and can be effectively supported through private patronage, philanthropy, or market mechanisms. Nevertheless, I would caution against a complete neglect of the arts, as they contribute to cultural identity and can stimulate tourism and local economies. A prudent government should allocate, say, 80% of relevant spending to health and education, with the remainder reserved for carefully selected cultural initiatives that yield measurable social returns. This targeted approach maximises both public welfare and cultural vitality.

Common Mistakes

❌Ignoring the other side of the argument – Many students only give one viewpoint. IELTS requires you to “discuss both views” or at least acknowledge the opposing position. Even if you strongly agree, mention why others disagree.

❌Using vague examples – “Many countries spend money on health” is too general. Name specific countries (e.g., “The UK spends 10% of GDP on the NHS”) or policies (“Carbon taxes in Sweden reduced emissions by 25%”).

❌Overusing “government should” without analysis – Simply stating “the government should do X” is not enough. Explain why it should, how it could be done, and what the consequences are.

Top Tips

Tip 1: Always break down the question into two parts: what is the issue, and what is the task? For example, “Some people think … others think … Discuss both views and give your opinion.” You must discuss both sides equally before giving your opinion.

Tip 2: Use specific, real-world examples. For government topics, reference recent policies (e.g., New Zealand’s wellbeing budget, Germany’s renewable energy transition, Singapore’s public housing model). This shows you are well-informed.

Tip 3: Learn a few flexible phrases: “It is the government’s responsibility to …”, “Some argue that …”, “On the other hand, …”, “A balanced approach would be to …”, “This is not without its drawbacks, however …”. Use them naturally, not robotically.

Resources

Check out IELTS Active for practice tests, model essays, and vocabulary lists tailored to government and politics topics. You can also find task 2 questions with step-by-step planning guides.

FAQ

Q: Do I need to know the exact political system of a country to write about government topics? A: No. You can use general terms like “the government”, “authorities”, “policymakers”. Avoid referring to specific political parties or leaders unless you are absolutely sure they are well-known. Stick to broad concepts. Q: Can I use first-person pronouns like “I” or “we”? A: Yes, especially when giving your opinion. However, do not overuse them. Use “I believe” or “in my opinion” a few times, but also use impersonal structures like “it is argued that …”. Q: Should I support government intervention or oppose it? A: There is no right or wrong answer. Examiners only care about how well you argue your position. Choose the side you can support with the strongest reasoning and examples. Q: How many examples do I need in a 250-word essay? A: One or two well-developed examples per body paragraph is enough. Quality over quantity. A single example with a clear explanation is better than three vague ones. Q: What if I don’t know any specific examples? A: Use hypothetical examples. For example, “If a government invests heavily in early childhood education, that country is likely to see a reduction in crime and poverty in the long term.” This is still acceptable.

Key Takeaways

✅Government and politics topics are common in IELTS – practice with the 30+ questions above.

✅Always discuss both sides, even if you agree with one – this shows critical thinking.

✅Use specific examples (real or hypothetical) to support your points.

✅Aim for a clear structure: introduction, two body paragraphs, conclusion.

✅Avoid overgeneralised statements – be precise in your language.

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