Traditions and identity
| Word or phrase | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| cultural identity | the sense of belonging to a culture | Language is a key part of cultural identity. |
| traditional customs | long-established ways of behaving | Traditional customs are passed down from grandparents. |
| preserve | protect so it does not disappear | Museums help preserve local crafts. |
| cultural diversity | the presence of many cultures | Cultural diversity enriches city life. |
| heritage site | a place protected for its historic value | The ancient city was named a heritage site. |
| folk music | traditional music of ordinary people | Folk music reflects a region's history. |
| ceremony | a formal event on a special occasion | The wedding ceremony lasted three days. |
Social change and globalisation
| Word or phrase | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| globalisation | growing connection between countries | Globalisation has made products and ideas travel faster. |
| assimilate | become part of a new culture | Immigrants often assimilate within a few generations. |
| generation gap | differences in outlook between old and young | The generation gap is wider when technology changes rapidly. |
| social norms | unwritten rules of behaviour | Social norms about dress differ between countries. |
| urbanisation | growth of towns and cities | Rapid urbanisation has changed family life. |
| lose touch with | no longer be connected to | Young city dwellers may lose touch with their roots. |
| westernisation | adoption of Western habits | Some people fear the westernisation of local food. |
Family and community
| Word or phrase | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| extended family | relatives beyond parents and children | Living in an extended family provides practical support. |
| nuclear family | parents and their children only | The nuclear family is more common in cities. |
| sense of community | feeling of belonging to a neighbourhood | A sense of community makes older people feel safe. |
| social bonds | relationships holding a group together | Festivals strengthen social bonds between neighbours. |
| upbringing | the way a child is raised | My upbringing taught me to respect elders. |
| role model | a person others copy | A teacher can be a powerful role model. |
| single-parent household | a home with one parent | A single-parent household needs extra social support. |
Social issues
| Word or phrase | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| social inequality | unfair gaps between groups in society | Education is a key tool against social inequality. |
| discrimination | unfair treatment of a group | Laws should prohibit discrimination in hiring. |
| stereotype | a fixed, oversimplified idea about a group | Films sometimes reinforce stereotypes about older people. |
| marginalised | pushed to the edges of society | Marginalised communities need better access to services. |
| social cohesion | unity within a community | Shared public spaces improve social cohesion. |
| volunteer | do unpaid work to help others | Many students volunteer at animal shelters. |
| charitable organisation | a group that helps people in need | Charitable organisations depend on public donations. |
How to use these words well
- Use balanced verbs: cultural diversity can enrich, strengthen or challenge a society.
- Avoid sweeping statements about nationalities; refer to groups with neutral phrases such as some communities.
- Use globalisation only when you can explain its effect on the topic, for example on food or language.
- Prepare one personal example of a family tradition for Speaking Part 2.
Study guides
Computer-Delivered IELTS: What Changes and What Stays the Same
Thinking about taking IELTS on a computer? Here is what stays the same, what feels different in Writing, Reading and Listening, and how to prepare for the screen.
IELTS Writing Task 1 Vocabulary for Graphs, Charts and Processes
Useful verbs, nouns, adverbs and sentence patterns for describing line graphs, bar charts, tables and processes in IELTS Task 1, with more than twelve example sentences.
Linking Words for IELTS and How to Use Them Correctly
A practical list of IELTS linking words grouped by function, with correct and incorrect examples, punctuation rules and a warning about overusing connectors.