IELTS Writing Task 2 society and family questions: ideas, vocabulary and a model essay
Society and family questions cover how families, cities and communities are changing: older people, young people, living alone, urbanisation, tradition and globalisation. They often ask whether a change is positive or negative, so prepare to weigh both sides.
Updated 2026-10-23
Common society and family themes
- Family: caring for elderly parents, smaller families, parents' roles, children's independence
- Generations: the generation gap, respect for older people, young people's values
- Cities: urbanisation, living alone, housing, community spirit
- Culture: traditions, globalisation, tourism, languages disappearing
- Influence: celebrities, advertising, social media on young people
Topic vocabulary
| Word or phrase | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| nuclear family | parents and children only | The nuclear family has replaced larger households. |
| extended family | grandparents, aunts, cousins and so on | Extended families once lived together. |
| care home | a residence providing care for elderly people | Care homes must be regularly inspected. |
| generation gap | differences between old and young | Technology has widened the generation gap. |
| urbanisation | movement of people into cities | Rapid urbanisation strains housing. |
| community spirit | people supporting their neighbours | Community spirit is weaker in big cities. |
| social isolation | lack of contact with others | Social isolation harms older people's health. |
| cultural identity | a sense of belonging to a culture | Festivals preserve cultural identity. |
| globalisation | the world becoming more connected | Globalisation spreads the same brands everywhere. |
| role model | a person others copy | Celebrities are role models for teenagers. |
| dependent on | needing support from | Many elderly parents are dependent on their children. |
| a sense of belonging | feeling part of a group | Clubs give young people a sense of belonging. |
10 society and family questions to practise
- In many countries, more elderly people are living in care homes rather than with their families. Is this a positive or negative development? (advantages and disadvantages; model essay below)
- More and more people are choosing to live alone. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages? (advantages and disadvantages)
- Some people think that parents should teach children how to be good members of society. Others believe that schools should do this. Discuss both views and give your opinion. (discussion)
- Many traditions are disappearing because of globalisation. Why is this happening, and is it a negative development? (two-part)
- Celebrities have too much influence on young people. To what extent do you agree or disagree? (opinion)
- In many cities, people do not know their neighbours. What are the causes, and how can communities be strengthened? (problem and solution)
- Families today are smaller than in the past. What are the effects of this on society? (two-part)
- Older people should give way to younger people in leadership positions. Do you agree or disagree? (opinion)
- International tourism has led to tension between tourists and local people. Why is this, and what can be done? (problem and solution)
- Children today have too much freedom. To what extent do you agree or disagree? (opinion)
Ideas for the most common questions
Care homes or family care for the elderly?
| Care homes | Family care |
|---|---|
| Trained staff and medical equipment for complex needs | Familiar surroundings and daily contact with loved ones |
| Relieves exhausted family carers, who often give up work | A cultural duty and a way to repay parents |
| Company of peers and organised activities | Cheaper for the state and often for families |
Living alone: positive or negative?
| Positive | Negative |
|---|---|
| Independence and privacy | Loneliness, especially in old age |
| Reflects higher incomes and choice | More homes needed, raising housing demand and prices |
| Time and space for personal goals | Higher cost per person for energy and rent |
Who should teach children social values?
| Parents | Schools |
|---|---|
| Children learn most from example at home | Some parents lack time or skills |
| Values are personal and cultural | Schools teach shared values to everyone equally |
| Parents spend the early, formative years with children | Children practise social skills with peers at school |
Band 9 model essay
Question: In many countries, more elderly people are living in care homes rather than with their families. Is this a positive or negative development?
In many countries, it is becoming less common for elderly parents to live with their adult children, and more older people now move into care homes when they can no longer manage alone. Although some see this as a sign that families care less than they used to, I believe it is, on the whole, a positive development, provided that care homes are well regulated.
The strongest argument in favour of care homes is the quality of care they can provide. Many older people develop conditions such as dementia or limited mobility that require round-the-clock attention and specialist skills. A family member, however loving, may not be able to lift a patient safely, manage complex medication or stay awake through the night. Care homes have trained staff and suitable equipment, so residents are often safer than they would be at home.
Care homes can also benefit families and residents' social lives. Adult children who care for a parent full time frequently have to give up work, and the stress can damage their own health and relationships. When professional care is available, they can visit as sons and daughters rather than as exhausted carers. Residents, meanwhile, live among people of their own age and can take part in organised activities, which may reduce the loneliness of spending long days alone while the rest of the family is at work or school.
There are, however, real risks. Some care homes are understaffed or poorly run, and residents may feel abandoned if their families rarely visit. These problems call for strict inspection and sufficient funding rather than a return to family care alone.
In conclusion, moving elderly people into care homes is not a sign of indifference. When homes are properly regulated and families stay involved, this trend allows older people to receive better care and helps families to cope.
Word count: 307
Why this essay works
The writer answers "positive or negative" directly in the introduction, with a condition (good regulation). Two benefit paragraphs, one about care and one about families and loneliness, are followed by a shorter paragraph that admits the risks and shows how to deal with them, so the position stays consistent. See the advantages and disadvantages guide.
Related practice
- Health questions, for ageing populations
- Crime questions, for communities and young people
- Reading passages on society: IELTS Reading society topic
Frequently asked questions
What society topics come up in IELTS Writing?
Care for the elderly, family size and structure, living alone, the generation gap, urbanisation and city life, traditions and globalisation, international tourism, and the influence of celebrities on young people.
How can I avoid generalisations in society essays?
Use qualifiers such as 'many', 'in some countries' or 'often', and give a specific example. 'Families care less than in the past' is a generalisation; 'adult children who work full time often cannot provide daily care' is a supported point.