IELTS Writing Task 2 Work and Economy Topics: Vocabulary, Questions & Model Answers
Everything you need for IELTS Writing Task 2 work essays - key themes (remote working, four-day week, gender pay gap, gig economy, automation), 8 topic-specific vocabulary words, question angles for all 5 essay types, and links to all work practice essays with Band 7.5 model answers.
Writing guide series
IELTS Writing PracticeWork is one of the most tested IELTS Writing Task 2 topic areas.
This page covers the key themes, essential vocabulary, common question types, and links to every practice question in this category with Band 7.5+ model answers.
IELTS Writing Task 2. Technology · Education · Environment · Society · Health
Key Takeaways
- For remote work essays, distinguish between knowledge workers (who can work remotely) and essential workers (who cannot) - this nuance raises your Task Achievement.
- For automation essays, avoid claiming all jobs will disappear - argue instead about which types of roles are at risk and which are not.
- For gender equality essays, address structural causes (childcare costs, career breaks) not just attitudes - this signals Band 7+ analytical thinking.
- Work-life balance questions often need you to define what 'balance' means before arguing whether it is achievable - set this up in your introduction.
Why Work Topics Matter in IELTS
Work and employment topics appear frequently in IELTS Writing Task 2, covering remote working, automation and job displacement, gender pay gaps, work-life balance, and the changing nature of employment in the digital economy. These questions often connect to broader economic and social themes, rewarding candidates who can discuss labour market dynamics rather than simply stating that 'work is important'. The most competitive answers show understanding of how employment policies, technology, and demographic change interact.
Key Themes to Prepare
Remote working and work-life balance
Automation and job displacement
Gender equality in the workplace
Minimum wage and workers' rights
The gig economy and precarious employment
Changing careers and lifelong learning
Four-day work week and productivity
Practice Questions by Type
"Remote working has become common in many industries. What are the advantages and disadvantages for employers and employees?"
"Workers today should be prepared to change careers multiple times during their working life. To what extent do you agree?"
"Some think women should prioritise family over career. Others disagree. Discuss both views and give your opinion."
"The gender pay gap persists in most countries. What causes this and what can governments and employers do to close it?"
Essential Vocabulary for Work Essays
labour market flexibility
ease with which workers and employers can adjust employment conditions
gender pay gap
average difference in earnings between male and female workers
precarious employment
work that is insecure, low-paid, and lacking employee protections
collective bargaining
negotiation between employers and trade unions over pay and conditions
skills mismatch
when workers' abilities do not match what employers require
productivity growth
increases in economic output per worker over time
automation-displaced workers
employees whose jobs have been taken over by machines or AI
four-day work week
a schedule reducing working time without cutting pay
How to Approach Work Essays
Identify the specific angle
Work questions rarely ask about 'work' in general. They ask about a specific issue. Read the question carefully and identify exactly what problem, trend, or policy is being discussed before you plan your response.
Prepare 2 specific examples in advance
Before the exam, prepare 2 to 3 specific, named examples from work: a country policy, a statistic, a real event. Specific examples always score higher than vague claims. You can adapt the same examples to multiple question angles.
Use the right vocabulary
Work questions reward candidates who use topic-specific vocabulary accurately. Review the key words above and ensure you understand their collocations - not just their definitions.
Write and compare to a model answer
Read the model answers in the practice topics below and identify: which arguments did they choose that you missed? Which vocabulary is more precise than yours? Active comparison is more useful than passive reading.
All Work Practice Topics (7)
The rise of remote working has changed the way people think about employment. What are the advantages and disadvantages of working from home for both employees and employers?
Problem and SolutionMany people today find it difficult to maintain a healthy work-life balance. What problems does this cause and what solutions can you suggest?
Advantages and DisadvantagesSome companies have introduced a four-day working week with no reduction in pay. Do the advantages of this policy outweigh the disadvantages?
Discuss Both ViewsSome economists argue that raising the minimum wage increases unemployment. Others disagree. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Advantages and DisadvantagesThe growth of the gig economy, where people work on short-term contracts or as freelancers, has changed employment patterns significantly. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this development.
Agree / DisagreeRemote working has become much more common since the pandemic. To what extent do you think this is a positive development for workers and employers?
Problem and SolutionThe gender pay gap persists in most countries despite decades of equal pay legislation. What are the causes of this gap and what can governments and employers do to close it?
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