IELTS Essay Topics on Society: 50+ Questions and Model Essays

Quick Answer: This article provides 50+ IELTS essay questions on society, organised by subtopic. You’ll also find a full model essay with Band 7, 8, and 9 answers, a band score comparison table, common mistakes, and top tips. Use these to practise and improve your writing for the IELTS Task 2.

Table of Contents

Why Society Topics Are Common in IELTS

50+ IELTS Essay Questions on Society (by Subtopic)

Model Essay: Band 7, 8, 9 Sample Answers

Band Score Comparison Table

Why Society Topics Are Common in IELTS

The IELTS Writing Task 2 often asks you to discuss issues related to society – such as education, crime, family, technology, and the environment. These topics are broad enough to test your vocabulary, organisation, and ability to present a balanced argument. By preparing a wide range of society-related questions and practising model responses, you can become confident in handling any essay prompt.

50+ IELTS Essay Questions on Society (by Subtopic)

Below is a curated list of 50+ society-themed essay questions. Use them for timed practice or to build your idea bank.

Some people think that university education should be free for everyone. Do you agree or disagree?

In many countries, children are becoming overweight and unhealthy. What are the causes and solutions?

Should schools teach children about health and nutrition? Discuss.

Some believe that competitive sports have a negative impact on children. Others disagree. Discuss both views.

The government should invest more in early childhood education rather than universities. To what extent do you agree?

Online education is replacing traditional classrooms. Is this a positive or negative development?

Many students take a gap year between school and university. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages.

Some people think that homework is unnecessary for primary school children. Do you agree?

Should schools focus on academic subjects or also teach practical skills like cooking and budgeting?

The role of teachers is declining because of technology. Do you agree or disagree?

Crime & Law

Why do people commit crimes? What can be done to reduce crime rates?

Some people believe that longer prison sentences are the best way to reduce crime. Others think there are better alternatives. Discuss.

Should young offenders be treated differently from adult criminals?

The death penalty is necessary for serious crimes. To what extent do you agree?

Community service is a better punishment than prison for minor crimes. Do you agree?

Illegal drug use is a serious problem. What are the causes and solutions?

More police officers on the streets is the best way to reduce crime. Discuss.

Should parents be held responsible for crimes committed by their children?

The rise of cybercrime is a growing concern. What measures can be taken?

Some people believe that criminals should be given education and job training in prison. Discuss.

The traditional family structure is changing. Is this a positive or negative trend?

In many countries, the number of single-parent families is increasing. What are the causes and effects?

Should grandparents live with their extended family or in nursing homes?

Some people think that children should be raised in the city, while others prefer the countryside. Discuss.

The role of women in society has changed dramatically. Discuss the causes and effects.

Many young people today are delaying marriage and having children. Why is this happening?

Should parents be allowed to choose their children’s careers? Discuss.

Egalitarian families (where both parents share household duties) are becoming more common. Is this a good development?

The generation gap is a major problem in modern society. What are the causes and solutions?

Some people believe that only children are more selfish. Do you agree?

Technology & Society

Social media has made people more connected but also more isolated. Discuss.

The internet has changed the way we communicate. Is this a positive or negative development?

Should governments regulate the use of social media to protect users?

Many people believe that technology is making us less creative. Do you agree?

Online shopping is replacing traditional retail. What are the effects on society?

The use of smartphones among young children should be banned. Discuss.

Artificial intelligence will replace many jobs in the future. Is this a good or bad thing?

Some people think that technology is widening the gap between rich and poor. Discuss.

Telecommuting (working from home) is becoming more common. What are the advantages and disadvantages?

The influence of technology on family relationships is mainly negative. To what extent do you agree?

Environment & Community

Climate change is the biggest threat to society today. Do you agree?

What can individuals do to help protect the environment?

The government should pay for the cleanup of polluted areas. Discuss.

Some people believe that economic growth is more important than environmental protection. Do you agree?

Recycling is not enough to solve the waste problem. What other measures are needed?

Should cities be designed to be more pedestrian-friendly and less car-oriented?

Community gardens and green spaces are essential for urban living. Discuss.

The loss of biodiversity is a serious issue. What are the causes and solutions?

Many people think that the best way to protect the environment is to adopt a plant-based diet. Discuss.

The role of international organisations in solving environmental problems is critical. To what extent do you agree?

Culture, Work & Society

Globalisation is leading to the loss of cultural identity. Discuss.

Many people move to other countries for work. What are the effects on their home countries?

Should cultural traditions be preserved at all costs, or is it okay to change them?

The rise of the gig economy (freelance/contract work) is changing the nature of employment. Is this positive or negative?

Some people believe that a high salary is more important than job satisfaction. Do you agree?

Overtourism is damaging popular destinations. What can be done?

The media has a powerful influence on public opinion. Is this a good thing?

Sports stars and celebrities earn too much money compared to essential workers. Discuss.

The government should subsidise the arts (music, painting, theatre). Do you agree?

Many people today are experiencing work-life imbalance. What are the causes and solutions?

Model Essay: Band 7, 8, 9 Sample Answers

Essay Question: Some people believe that unpaid community service (e.g. working for a charity, cleaning the neighbourhood, or teaching sports to younger children) should be a compulsory part of high school programmes. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Band 7 Answer

In many countries, there is a growing debate about whether high school students should be required to do unpaid community service. I agree with this idea to a large extent, as it can benefit both the students and the community.

On one hand, making community service compulsory can help students develop important skills. For example, working with a charity teaches teamwork and empathy. It also gives them real-world experience that can be useful for future jobs. Additionally, communities benefit from the extra help, such as having cleaner parks or better-run local events.

However, there are some drawbacks. Some students may feel forced and resentful, which could reduce the positive impact. Also, if students already have busy schedules with homework and part-time jobs, compulsory service might cause stress. Therefore, the programme should be flexible, allowing students to choose activities they enjoy.

In conclusion, I believe that compulsory community service in high school is a good idea, but it must be implemented carefully. Schools should offer a variety of options and ensure it does not overload students. With proper planning, the benefits outweigh the disadvantages.

Band 8 Answer

The proposal that unpaid community service should become a mandatory component of high school curricula has sparked considerable discussion. While I acknowledge potential drawbacks, I largely agree with this initiative, provided it is implemented flexibly.

The primary advantage of compulsory community service is its capacity to foster civic responsibility and practical skills. For instance, a student who tutors younger children develops patience and communication abilities, while a student who cleans a local park learns the value of environmental stewardship. Such experiences can complement academic learning and enhance university applications. Moreover, society gains from the collective effort, with local charities and non-profits receiving much-needed assistance.

Nevertheless, the coercive element of a mandatory programme raises valid concerns. Students who are already overburdened with academic pressure may view community service as a chore rather than a meaningful activity. This could lead to resentment and minimal engagement, thereby defeating the purpose. To mitigate this, schools should allow students to select from a range of options—such as environmental projects, elderly care, or sports coaching—and schedule the service during school hours or holidays.

In conclusion, I firmly believe that compulsory community service can be highly beneficial if it is structured to respect students’ interests and time constraints. When done well, it creates a win-win scenario for both the individual and the community.

Band 9 Answer

The debate over whether unpaid community service should be an obligatory part of secondary education touches upon fundamental questions about the purpose of schooling. In my view, while the concept is laudable, its compulsory nature must be carefully nuanced to avoid undermining the very benefits it seeks to achieve.

On the one hand, the integration of community service into the formal curriculum can yield profound benefits. It serves as a practical vehicle for the development of soft skills—such as empathy, teamwork, and leadership—that are often undervalued in traditional academic settings. Moreover, it exposes students to diverse social realities, fostering a sense of civic duty and social awareness that is crucial for a cohesive society. For example, a student who works in a homeless shelter gains firsthand insight into poverty, which may inspire future advocacy or policy engagement. From a societal perspective, the cumulative effect of thousands of students contributing to local initiatives can significantly enhance community well-being.

However, the mandatory element introduces a paradox: mandatory service may elicit compliance rather than genuine altruism, thereby diluting the moral lesson. Research indicates that when individuals are coerced into prosocial behaviour, the intrinsic motivation to help can diminish. This is particularly concerning during adolescence, a critical period for the formation of values. Therefore, a rigid, one-size-fits-all approach risks turning a potentially transformative experience into a bureaucratic hurdle. To counter this, schools should adopt a flexible framework: students could choose from a spectrum of activities, including environmental, social, and cultural projects, and have a say in the timing and duration. Additionally, reflective components—such as journals or group discussions—can help internalise the experience.

In conclusion, I strongly support the principle of community service in high school, but I believe it should be a structured yet optional enrichment programme rather than a compulsory requirement. This approach preserves the spirit of volunteerism while still delivering educational and social benefits.

Band Score Comparison Table

Band	What Examiner Wants
6	Addresses the task but may have a limited range of vocabulary and grammar. Ideas are clear but not well-developed. Some errors in punctuation and word choice. Uses basic linking words.
7	Addresses all parts of the task. Uses a good range of vocabulary and some less common words. Shows clear paragraphing and logic. Has minor errors that do not affect understanding.
8	Fully addresses the task with a sophisticated and nuanced argument. Uses a wide range of vocabulary, collocations, and complex structures. Errors are rare. Cohesion is natural and seamless.
9	Demonstrates full mastery of the language. Arguments are thoroughly developed with precise vocabulary and flawless grammar. The essay flows effortlessly, with perfect cohesion and a natural, academic tone.

Common Mistakes

❌Writing off-topic – Many students misinterpret the question. Always underline key words and plan your response before writing.

❌Using memorised phrases – Examiners can spot “canned” language. Use your own words and adapt structures to the specific question.

❌Lack of examples – Vague claims score lower. Always support your arguments with specific examples, such as studies, statistics, or real-world scenarios.

❌Ignoring the counter-argument – A balanced essay (even if you agree/disagree) shows critical thinking. Acknowledge the other side briefly.

❌Poor paragraph structure – Each paragraph should have one clear main idea, followed by explanation and example. Use topic sentences.

Top Tips

💡 Practise with 3–4 society questions per week. Time yourself (40 minutes per essay) and then review your work against the band descriptors.

💡 Create a personal “idea bank” for common subtopics (education, crime, environment, etc.). Write down 2–3 arguments for and against each subtopic.

💡 For higher bands, use advanced vocabulary naturally: instead of “good” use “beneficial”, “advantageous”, or “laudable” depending on context. Use a thesaurus sparingly.

Resources

Check out IELTS Active for practice tests and study materials.

FAQ

Q: How many society essay questions should I practise before the exam? A: Aim for at least 15–20 full essays on society topics, and brainstorm ideas for 30 more. This will build both speed and confidence. Q: Can I use the same examples for different questions? A: Yes, but adapt them. For example, a statistic about online learning can be used for education, technology, and social change topics. Q: What if I don’t know much about a specific society topic? A: Use common sense and general knowledge. You don’t need specialist knowledge—just a logical argument and a clear example (e.g., “in my country…”). Q: How long should my essay be? A: Aim for 250–300 words. Quality is more important than quantity. A well-structured 280-word essay can score higher than a rambling 400-word essay. Q: Is it okay to use personal examples? A: Yes, but only if they are relevant and illustrative. Avoid overly personal stories; instead, say “For example, in many schools…” rather than “I remember when I…”

Key Takeaways

✅Society topics cover many subtopics: education, crime, family, technology, environment, culture, work.

✅Practise with the 50+ questions provided to build a diverse idea bank.

✅Study the Band 7, 8, 9 model answers to see how vocabulary and structure improve.

✅Avoid common mistakes by planning, using examples, and writing balanced arguments.

✅Use the top tips and resources to refine your skills consistently.

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How to Write a Band 9 IELTS Essay: Step-by-Step Guide