Technology & The Digital World (15 Topics)
- (Discussion) Some believe that quantum computing will solve humanity’s greatest problems, while others fear it will create insurmountable security risks. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
- (Opinion) The rise of deepfake technology makes it impossible to trust digital evidence. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- (Problem/Solution) Widespread biometric data collection (e.g., facial recognition, fingerprint scanning) poses a significant threat to personal liberty. What are the problems arising from this, and how can they be addressed?
- (Double Question) Many people are now using AI-powered chatbots for therapy and emotional support. Why is this trend emerging? Is it a positive or negative development?
- (Advantage/Disadvantage) The “metaverse” promises a new frontier for social and professional interaction. Do the advantages of this virtual reality outweigh the disadvantages?
- (Opinion) Governments should have the authority to temporarily shut down social media platforms during times of civil unrest to prevent the spread of misinformation. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- (Discussion) Some argue that children should be taught coding from primary school, while others think it adds unnecessary pressure. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
- (Problem/Solution) The constant demand for the newest model of smartphone creates significant electronic waste. What problems does this cause, and what solutions can be implemented?
- (Opinion) Digital currencies (e.g., Bitcoin) will eventually replace physical cash. Do you think this is a positive or negative trend?
- (Double Question) “Digital minimalism” is a growing lifestyle trend. What are the causes of this? What effects might it have on individuals and society?
- (Discussion) Some believe that AI should be used to grade high-stakes exams like the IELTS, while others think human judgment is essential. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
- (Advantage/Disadvantage) The integration of brain-computer interfaces to help people with disabilities offers new possibilities. Do the benefits of this technology outweigh its risks?
- (Opinion) Universal access to high-speed internet should be considered a fundamental human right. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- (Problem/Solution) Automation is predicted to displace a significant number of jobs in the service sector. What problems will this cause, and how can individuals and governments prepare?
- (Double Question) The concept of “digital sovereignty,” where countries control their own internet, is gaining traction. Why is this happening? What could the consequences be for global communication?
Environment & Sustainability (15 Topics)
- (Opinion) The responsibility for solving environmental problems lies with governments rather than individuals. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- (Discussion) Some argue for de-growth (reducing economic activity) to save the planet, while others believe in green technological innovation. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
- (Problem/Solution) The increasing frequency of extreme weather events is overwhelming national disaster response systems. What problems does this pose, and how can we improve our resilience?
- ** (Advantage/Disadvantage)** Implementing a circular economy model, where waste is eliminated and resources are reused, has significant implications. Do the advantages of this model outweigh the disadvantages?
- ** (Double Question)** “Climate anxiety” is a growing phenomenon among young people. What are its causes, and what measures can be taken to address it?
- ** (Opinion)** Protecting endangered species is a waste of resources that could be used to help humans. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- ** (Problem/Solution)** Urban noise pollution is a severely underestimated environmental threat. What problems stem from this, and how can cities mitigate them?
- ** (Discussion)** Some believe that space exploration is essential for humanity’s survival, while others think the money should be spent solving Earth’s problems. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
- ** (Opinion)** Individuals who choose not to have children for environmental reasons are making a responsible decision. Do you agree or disagree?
- ** (Advantage/Disadvantage)** The shift towards remote work has had a significant impact on the environment. Do the environmental benefits of this trend outweigh the drawbacks?
- ** (Double Question)** What is “greenwashing”? How can consumers and regulators combat this practice effectively?
- ** (Problem/Solution)** The decline of global insect populations poses a severe threat to food security. What are the causes of this problem, and what solutions can be implemented?
- ** (Opinion)** International sporting events like the Olympics or World Cup should be permanently hosted by a single location to reduce their carbon footprint. To what extent do you agree?
- ** (Discussion)** Some argue that national parks should be left completely wild, while others believe they should be developed for eco-tourism. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
- ** (Double Question)** Describe the concept of “carbon capture and storage.” Is it a viable solution to climate change, or a distraction from reducing emissions?
Society & Social Structures (20 Topics)
- ** (Opinion)** The concept of a universal basic income (UBI) is necessary to combat job displacement from automation. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- ** (Discussion)** Some believe that multicultural societies are more successful, while others think single-culture nations are more cohesive. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
- ** (Problem/Solution)** Many developed countries are facing a “loneliness epidemic,” particularly among the elderly. What are the causes of this, and what measures can be taken?
- ** (Advantage/Disadvantage)** The rise of the “gig economy” (e.g., Uber, Deliveroo) has changed the nature of work. Do the benefits of this flexible work model outweigh the drawbacks for workers?
- ** (Double Question)** “Slow living” is a cultural rebellion against modern busyness. Why is this movement gaining popularity? What impact might it have?
- ** (Opinion)** Governments should tax unhealthy foods and subsidize healthy ones to combat obesity. Do you agree or disagree?
- ** (Problem/Solution)** The high cost of living in major cities is forcing young people to move away. What problems does this “youth exodus” create for cities, and how can it be addressed?
- ** (Discussion)** Some argue that celebrities are justified in using their platform to speak about political issues, while others believe they should stay out of politics. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
- ** (Opinion)** The traditional 9-to-5 workday is an outdated concept. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- ** (Advantage/Disadvantage)** There is a growing trend of people choosing to live in “tiny homes.” Do the advantages of this lifestyle outweigh the disadvantages?
- ** (Double Question)** What is “generational trauma”? How can societies break these cycles?
- ** (Problem/Solution)** The decline of local community spirit, such as knowing one’s neighbours, is a feature of modern life. What has caused this, and how can communities be strengthened?
- ** (Opinion)** Museums should return all historical artifacts to their countries of origin. Do you agree or disagree?
- ** (Discussion)** Some believe that social media has made us more connected, while others argue it has made us more isolated. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
- ** (Double Question)** Describe the concept of “ethical consumerism.” Why is it becoming more popular, and is it truly effective?
- ** (Opinion)** Mandatory national service (military or community) for young adults would be beneficial for society. To what extent do you agree?
- ** (Problem/Solution)** The “mental health crisis” among teenagers is often linked to digital culture. What are the specific problems, and what solutions can parents and schools implement?
- ** (Advantage/Disadvantage)** The increasing use of drones for delivery services in cities offers new conveniences. Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages, such as privacy and safety concerns?
- ** (Opinion)** Individuals have a moral responsibility to donate a portion of their wealth to charity. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- ** (Double Question)** What is “analysis paralysis” in the context of modern consumer choice? What are its potential consequences?
Education & Knowledge (15 Topics)
- ** (Opinion)** The university lecture is an obsolete method of teaching. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- ** (Discussion)** Some people believe that education should focus on practical life skills (e.g., taxes, cooking), while others think academic subjects are more important. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
- ** (Problem/Solution)** Many students graduate with a significant amount of debt. What problems does this cause for individuals and society, and how can they be solved?
- ** (Advantage/Disadvantage)** The trend of “unschooling,” where children direct their own learning without a formal curriculum, is growing. Do the advantages of this approach outweigh the disadvantages?
- ** (Double Question)** Why is “critical thinking” considered a crucial 21st-century skill? How can it best be taught in schools?
- ** (Opinion)** Grades and exam scores are a poor way to assess a student’s abilities. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- ** (Problem/Solution)** There is a significant shortage of students pursuing degrees in skilled trades (e.g., plumbing, electrical work). What are the causes of this, and what can be done to make these careers more attractive?
- ** (Discussion)** Some argue that learning a foreign language is a waste of time due to improving translation technology, while others believe it is more important than ever. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
- ** (Opinion)** Parents should be held legally responsible for the crimes of their minor children. Do you agree or disagree?
- ** (Advantage/Disadvantage)** The use of virtual reality (VR) for educational field trips (e.g., to ancient Rome, the bottom of the ocean) offers new experiences. Do the benefits of VR in education outweigh the drawbacks?
- ** (Double Question)** What is “emotional intelligence”? Why is it increasingly valued in the workplace?
- ** (Problem/Solution)** The quality of physical education (PE) in schools is often poor, contributing to sedentary lifestyles. What are the problems with current PE programs, and how can they be improved?
- ** (Opinion)** History should be mandatory throughout secondary school, as it is more important than science for creating good citizens. To what extent do you agree?
- ** (Discussion)** Some believe that all scientific research should be freely available to the public, while others think companies should be able to profit from their discoveries. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
- ** (Double Question)** Describe the concept of “lifelong learning.” What are the driving forces behind its growing necessity?
Globalization & Culture (15 Topics)
- ** (Opinion)** The global spread of streaming services like Netflix will ultimately lead to the death of local film industries. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- ** (Discussion)** Some argue that globalization has made the world a safer place, while others believe it has created new global conflicts. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
- ** (Problem/Solution)** The increasing power of multinational corporations challenges the authority of national governments. What problems does this create, and how can they be addressed?
- ** (Advantage/Disadvantage)** The globalization of the food market means we can eat any cuisine at any time of year. Do the advantages of this outweigh the environmental costs?
- ** (Double Question)** What is “cultural appropriation”? Why is it a topic of such heated debate in today’s globalized world?
- ** (Opinion)** International aid does more harm than good to developing countries. Do you agree or disagree?
- ** (Problem/Solution)** The loss of indigenous languages is accelerating globally. What are the causes of this, and what can be done to preserve this intangible cultural heritage?
- ** (Discussion)** Some believe that English becoming a global language is positive for international understanding, while others see it as linguistic imperialism. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
- ** (Opinion)** Tourism should be strictly limited in environmentally or culturally sensitive areas. To what extent do you agree?
- ** (Advantage/Disadvantage)** The ability to work remotely from anywhere in the world, known as “digital nomadism,” is a growing trend. Do the advantages of this lifestyle outweigh the disadvantages for the host countries?
- ** (Double Question)** What are “sanctions”? How effective are they as a tool of foreign policy?
- ** (Problem/Solution)** The global trade in plastic waste often shifts the pollution problem from developed to developing nations. What problems does this cause, and what are the solutions?
- ** (Opinion)** Sporting events should not be held in countries with poor human rights records. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- ** (Discussion)** Some argue that global travel broadens the mind and reduces prejudice, while others believe it is a privileged and environmentally destructive activity. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
- ** (Double Question)** What is “soft power”? How do nations use it to achieve their international goals?
Health & Well-being (10 Topics)
- ** (Opinion)** Preventive healthcare should be prioritised over treatment in national health budgets. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- ** (Discussion)** Some people believe that individuals are responsible for their own health, while others think governments should ensure the health of their citizens. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
- ** (Problem/Solution)** Mental health issues are placing an increasing burden on public health systems. What are the causes of this rising demand, and how can it be met effectively?
- ** (Advantage/Disadvantage)** The use of telemedicine (online doctor consultations) has expanded rapidly. Do the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?
- ** (Double Question)** What is the “wellness industry”? Why has it become a multi-billion dollar global phenomenon?
- ** (Opinion)** Alternative medicine (e.g., acupuncture, homeopathy) should be discounted entirely in favour of evidence-based Western medicine. To what extent do you agree?
- ** (Problem/Solution)** Antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest threats to global health. What are the causes of this problem, and what measures can be taken to combat it?
- ** (Discussion)** Some believe that governments should legalize and regulate all drugs to reduce harm, while others think this would lead to increased addiction. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
- ** (Opinion)** “Big Pharma” (large pharmaceutical companies) prioritizes profit over patient health. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- ** (Double Question)** What are “ultra-processed foods”? What is their impact on public health?
Government & Economics (10 Topics)
- ** (Opinion)** A nation’s wealth should be measured by the happiness of its citizens, not its GDP. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- ** (Discussion)** Some argue that lower taxes stimulate economic growth, while others believe higher taxes are necessary to fund public services. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
- ** (Problem/Solution)** Voter apathy and declining trust in politicians are features of many modern democracies. What are the causes of this problem, and how can civic engagement be improved?
- ** (Advantage/Disadvantage)** Implementing a four-day workweek nationally has been proposed by some governments. Do the potential advantages of this policy outweigh the disadvantages?
- ** (Double Question)** What is “modern monetary theory” (MMT)? Why is it a controversial economic idea?
- ** (Opinion)** Lobbying by large corporations should be made illegal, as it undermines democracy. Do you agree or disagree?
- ** (Problem/Solution)** The rising cost of housing in urban centres is creating a generation of permanent renters. What are the solutions to this housing affordability crisis?
- ** (Discussion)** Some believe that a strong welfare state creates dependency, while others argue it is a hallmark of a civilized society. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
- ** (Opinion)** The voting age should be lowered to 16. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- (Double Question) What is “universal basic services” (UBS) as an alternative to universal basic income (UBI)? What are its potential benefits?
This comprehensive list provides a vast resource for advanced IELTS preparation, ensuring students encounter a wide array of modern, challenging, and exam-relevant prompts.