IELTS Topic: Responsibilities (Governments, Corporations and Individuals)

The people who write IELTS questions have a few 'obsessions'. There are some ideas which they return to again and again.

For example, they love to ask if different things can be helpful for international relations. So you can get questions like

- Can big sporting events improve international relations? 
- With so many people travelling abroad nowadays, does this have an  
  effect on international relations?
- Can understanding our history help us to improve international 
  relations today?

If you study international relations at university, this is great news for you! If you don't, then it's a good idea to think about this when you approach different 'predictable IELTS topics'. 

Another thing examiners often ask about is the responsibilities of governments and individuals, and sometimes big companies. This topic may appear in both the Speaking Module and the Writing Module. Here are some examples of questions you might see:

1. Most people believe that individuals are powerless to save the environment, but governments and large companies can make a difference. To what extent to do you agree?

2. Does the government have a role to play in people's eating habits?

3. Solving environmental problems should be the responsibility of one international organisation, not of national governments and individuals. To what extent do you agree with this statement?

4. Some people believe that governments should take full financial responsibility for  health care and education, while others disagree. Discuss both views, and give your own opinion. 

5. Some say it is the government's duty to take care of the disadvantaged members of society, while others disagree. Discuss both views, and give your own opinion. 

6. Do governments have a responsibility to encourage people to use public transport more often and rely on their cars less?


You can practise by writing your answer to one or more of these questions in the comments box below.