IELTS Speaking Practice Question Set on Society

I live in a fairly diverse suburban neighbourhood — a mix of young families and older residents, which creates a nice balance. There’s a small park where people gather at weekends, a strong sense of community, and good schools and shops within walking distance.

Useful language:diversea strong sense of communitywithin walking distance

Very much. Parents make big sacrifices for their children’s education, and a university degree is seen as the key to a good job, sometimes perhaps too much so.

Useful language:make big sacrifices

I enjoy meeting friends for dinner, playing in a weekend football league and occasionally going to community events like local markets.

Useful language:football league

People stay in touch much more through messaging apps, and many friendships are maintained online. But some people say face-to-face visits have become less frequent.

Useful language:face-to-face

I like the tradition of bringing food to neighbours when someone moves in or is ill. It’s a small gesture, but it really builds community.

Useful language:a small gesture

More conscious, especially young people. Recycling is more common and people talk about climate change, although habits like driving short distances are slow to change.

Useful language:slow to change

With big family gatherings and lots of food. Weddings in particular can have hundreds of guests, and birthdays usually involve the whole extended family.

Useful language:extended family

It’s growing, particularly among students. Many people volunteer at food banks, animal shelters or during disasters, but it’s less organised than in some other countries.

Useful language:food banks

The social issue I’d like to talk about is the growing problem of income inequality in my country.

It’s important because it affects a large part of the population and has far-reaching consequences for society as a whole. Over the last twenty years, the incomes of the richest people have grown much faster than those of ordinary workers, and the cost of housing has risen dramatically.

Income inequality leads to unequal access to education, healthcare and housing, which can trap families in a cycle of poverty. Children from poorer families often attend schools with fewer resources and can’t afford extra tuition, so their chances of going to university are lower. It also limits social mobility and creates a sense of unfairness and frustration among people who feel left behind, which can increase social tension and reduce trust in institutions.

To address it, I believe we need a multi-faceted approach. First, improving access to quality education and job training would give people better opportunities. Second, ensuring a living wage and a more progressive tax system would ask more from those who have benefited most from economic growth. Third, investing in affordable housing and public healthcare would reduce the financial strain on many families.

Tackling income inequality isn’t only about helping people who are struggling; it’s crucial for creating a fairer, more stable society for everyone.

Useful language:far-reaching consequencesa cycle of povertysocial mobilityleft behinda multi-faceted approacha living wage

Social media has had a profound and complex impact. It has increased awareness of global issues and helped social movements grow. However, it has also polarised opinions, as people find themselves in echo chambers, and constant exposure to curated lives has shaped values around success and appearance, sometimes creating unrealistic expectations. It challenges us to think critically about what we see online.

Useful language:polarised opinionsecho chamberscurated lives

Governments have a major role: providing quality public education and healthcare, fair taxation, social security and anti-discrimination laws. They can also invest in disadvantaged regions so that opportunities don’t depend on where people are born.

Useful language:social securitydisadvantaged regions

Both. It has brought new ideas, foods and opportunities and connected people worldwide, but it has also spread a uniform consumer culture that can weaken local traditions and languages.

Useful language:uniform consumer culture

Ageing populations in many countries will increase pressure on pensions and healthcare and may cause labour shortages. Migration will make societies more diverse, which brings economic benefits but also requires good integration policies.

Useful language:ageing populationsintegration policies

Programmes that bring generations together help — for example, students teaching older people digital skills, or older people mentoring young professionals. Shared community spaces and family traditions also encourage understanding.

Useful language:mentoringshared community spaces

Through laws that protect personal freedoms while setting limits where actions harm others, as with public health rules. Open public debate and independent courts help maintain that balance fairly.

Useful language:personal freedomsindependent courts

They should focus more on critical thinking, digital literacy, teamwork and adaptability rather than memorisation, and include topics like sustainability and financial skills. Lifelong learning opportunities for adults will also be important.

Useful language:critical thinkinglifelong learning