⚡ TL;DR
Essential strategies and practice techniques for this IELTS Reading passage. Learn question types, timing, and how to secure the answers.
Published 3 July 2026.
The Blog post contains the following IELTS Reading Questions:
IELTS Reading Matching Sentence Ending
IELTS Reading Yes/No/Not Given
IELTS Reading Summary Completion
Stay informed and prepared for success – Explore our comprehensive Reading Test Info page to get valuable insights, exam format details, and expert tips for mastering the IELTS Reading section.
Keep Taking the Tablets Reading Passage
Keep Taking the Tablets
A. Aspirin, which was first called “one of the most astonishing medical breakthroughs” by Diarmuid Jeffreys, “is incredibly versatile, curing some of the most dangerous human maladies, reducing headaches, and repairing limbs.” It can ease your pain.
B. There is widespread agreement on its worth due to its long history of recognition. Willow tree extract was a common pain reliever in ancient Egypt. Centuries later, the Greek physician Hippocrates advocated willow bark as a treatment for labour pains and as an antipyretic. However, from the 17th century until the 19th century, salicylates, chemicals found in willow trees, were not the subject of much scientific research. There was a passion for discovering and synthesizing active chemicals. Aspirin, or acetylsalicylic acid, was first discovered and improved in the late 19th century by Friedrich Bayer, a German pharmaceutical business.
C. There were many reasons why the scientific community of the late nineteenth century was open to experimenting. First, they were eager to find answers to some of the biggest questions in their field. Today, even the most fundamental scientific endeavours, like sequencing the human genome, require a team of experts, a network of computers, and many millions of dollars whereas once a lone researcher with a few chemicals and a test tube can discover new knowledge.
D. However, a knowledge of science and academic inquiry alone is insufficient to account for social innovation. The 19th century saw an intensification of both scientific progress and the rise of industry. People back then had resources, energy, and the determination to follow through on their adventures. The discovery of aspirin was a long process with many small milestones leading up to the big announcement. The great scientific, medical, and economic breakthroughs of this century are responsible for all of this.
E. There is an astonishing correlation between enormous wealth and advances in the pharmaceutical industry. Huge sums of money were spent on advertising to ensure its continued viability as a popular pain reliever during its first 70 years of existence. In the 1970s, pharmaceutical companies devoted resources to promoting new pain relievers such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen. As these findings unfold, new information becomes available about aspirin’s ability to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and other problems. may have been lost forever.
F. Against this background, the relationship between huge amounts of money and drugs is puzzling. Continuous access to our products for innovation and scientific research is built on commercial success. In contrast, the commercial market can eliminate products as much as more desirable ones emerge. Aspirin is an example of a potential ‘miracle drug’ that has existed for over 70 years without any clear knowledge of its mechanism of action, yet is highly profitable. If ibuprofen and paracetamol were on the market ten years before him, aspirin might not exist today. The drug had been lying around for some time, so no one had looked into it.
G. The relatively recently discovered benefits of aspirin have been identified by public sector scientists, not by multinational pharmaceutical companies. That’s why. The pharmaceutical industry, which “only invests in profitable research,” has decided that aspirin is no longer profitable. With low production costs, low-profit margins, and no patent protection, anyone can make one. This could lead to a drop in sales of more expensive products and bankruptcy, so pharmaceutical companies have put a strong brake on promoting the drug.
H. So how can we get more drug companies interested in the medical use of aspirin? Jeffreys argues that more federal funding should be spent on clinical research. If I was in healthcare, I would make a different decision. That said, “This drug is really affordable. It could potentially be used in a variety of other situations.” You’d have to spend a lot more money to find out.I. In addition to describing the creation of the “wonder medication,” Jeffries’s book investigates the necessity of such study by analysing the nature of the innovation and the roles played by major corporations, public funding, and regulation.
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IELTS Reading Questions – Keep Taking the Tablets
Questions 27‐32
Complete each sentence with the correct ending A-H from the box below. Write the correct letter A-H in boxes 27-32 on your answer sheet.
the discovery of new medical applications.
the negative effects of publicity.
the large pharmaceutical companies.
the industrial revolution.
the medical uses of a particular tree
the limited availability of new drugs.
the chemical found in the willow tree.
commercial advertising campaigns.
27. Ancient Greeks and Egyptians had practical knowledge28. Successful replication made Frederick Bayer & Co. possible.29. Aspirin’s success can be traced in part to the results of30. Aspirin achieved market penetration as an analgesic31. Aspirin availability may have been compromised if.32. No one has studied how aspirin actually works.
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Questions 33-37
Do the following statements agree with the views of the writer in the Reading Passage? In boxes 33-37 on your answer sheet write –
YES – if the statement agrees with the views of the writer
NO – if the statement contradicts the views of the writer
NOT GIVEN – if it is impossible to say what the writer thinks about this
33. Nineteenth-century scientists were able to make important discoveries through small-scale studies.34. The industrial revolution of the 19th century changed where scientists look for answers.35. The discovery and development of aspirin in the 19th century followed a set schedule.36. New pain relievers surpassed aspirin in the 1970s.37. The availability of pharmaceuticals may be affected, for better or worse, by the actions of commercial firms.
Want to excel in identifying the writer’s views and claims? Click here to explore our in-depth guide on how to accurately determine Yes, No, or Not Given in the IELTS Reading section.
Questions 38‐40
Complete the summary below using the list of words A-I below. Write the correct letter A-l in boxes 38-40 on your answer sheet
useful
cheap
state
international
major drug companies
profitable
commercial
public sector scientists
health officials
Jeffreys argues that the reason why 38. ……. did not find out about new uses of aspirin is that aspirin is no longer a 39. ….. He, therefore, suggests that there should be 40. …………… support for further research into the possible applications of the drug.
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Keep Taking the Tablets Reading Answers
27. E 28. G 29. D30. H 31. A32. C 33. Yes 34. Not Given35. No36. Not Given 37. Yes38. E39. F40. C
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⚡ TL;DRUrbanisation and housing is a growing IELTS topic covering city planning, housing affordability, rural-to-urban migration, transport, and quality of life. This guide provides 50+ essential words with definitions, examples, and collocations for balanced essay writing on urban challenges and solutions.
Originally published July 2026. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
Why Urbanisation Vocabulary Matters for IELTS
Urbanisation questions appear in Writing Task 2 (e.g. “What problems does urbanisation cause and how can they be solved?”) and are also common in Task 1 Academic (describing population growth charts). Speaking Part 3 may ask about city vs rural life. The topic connects to environment, transport, government, and society, making it highly versatile.
Urbanisation and Population
| Word / Phrase |
Definition |
Example Sentence |
| urbanisation (n.) |
The process of population shift from rural to urban areas |
Rapid urbanisation in developing countries has overwhelmed existing infrastructure. |
| rural-to-urban migration (n.) |
The movement of people from the countryside to cities |
Rural-to-urban migration is driven by the search for better employment and education opportunities. |
| population density (n.) |
The number of people per unit of area |
High population density in megacities creates challenges for sanitation and transport. |
| urban sprawl (n.) |
The uncontrolled expansion of urban areas into surrounding countryside |
Urban sprawl increases commuting times and destroys agricultural land and natural habitats. |
| megacity (n.) |
A city with a population exceeding 10 million |
The number of megacities worldwide has tripled since 1990. |
| overpopulation (n.) |
An excessively large population relative to available resources |
Overpopulation strains water supplies, housing, and public services in many capital cities. |
Housing and Living Conditions
| Word / Phrase |
Definition |
Example Sentence |
| affordable housing (n.) |
Housing that costs no more than a reasonable proportion of household income |
The shortage of affordable housing forces many families into overcrowded or substandard accommodation. |
| homelessness (n.) |
The condition of lacking stable, permanent housing |
Rising property prices and stagnant wages have contributed to increasing homelessness. |
| slum / informal settlement (n.) |
A densely populated area with substandard housing and inadequate services |
Improving conditions in informal settlements requires investment in sanitation, electricity, and roads. |
| gentrification (n.) |
The renovation of urban areas attracting wealthier residents and displacing existing communities |
Gentrification improves infrastructure but often forces low-income residents out of their neighbourhoods. |
| cost of living (n.) |
The amount of money needed to cover basic expenses in a particular place |
The high cost of living in major cities disproportionately affects young workers and families. |
Transport and Infrastructure
| Word / Phrase |
Definition |
Example Sentence |
| public transport (n.) |
Shared transport systems available to the general public (buses, trains, metro) |
Investing in public transport reduces traffic congestion and carbon emissions. |
| traffic congestion (n.) |
Overcrowding of roads resulting in slow-moving or stationary traffic |
Traffic congestion wastes productive time and increases air pollution in urban centres. |
| urban planning (n.) |
The design and regulation of land use in urban areas |
Good urban planning integrates green spaces, transport links, and mixed-use development. |
| green spaces (n.) |
Parks, gardens, and open areas within urban environments |
Access to green spaces improves physical and mental health for city residents. |
| sustainable city (n.) |
An urban area designed to minimise environmental impact while maximising quality of life |
A sustainable city prioritises renewable energy, efficient transport, and waste reduction. |
Useful Collocations
Urbanisation collocations include: cope with rapid growth, address the housing crisis, alleviate traffic congestion, invest in public infrastructure, develop brownfield sites, preserve green belts, regenerate deprived areas, provide adequate sanitation, promote mixed-use development, and improve the standard of living.
Sample Writing Task 2 Sentences
- “Rapid urbanisation in developing countries has led to the growth of informal settlements where residents lack access to clean water and sanitation.”
- “Governments should invest in public infrastructure and affordable housing to ensure that cities remain liveable for all income groups.”
- “Urban sprawl can be contained through urban planning policies that promote high-density, mixed-use development near transport hubs.”
- “While gentrification brings economic renewal, it must be managed carefully to avoid displacing long-standing communities.”
🔑 Key Takeaways
- Urbanisation vocabulary covers population, housing, transport, infrastructure, and quality of life.
- Learn both problem vocabulary (urban sprawl, traffic congestion, homelessness) and solution vocabulary (urban planning, sustainable city, green spaces).
- Use “gentrification” instead of “rich people moving in” and “population density” instead of “too many people” for higher scores.
- Urbanisation connects strongly to environment (pollution, green spaces), government (planning, housing policy), and globalisation (migration).
- This topic frequently appears in Writing Task 1 Academic as population growth charts and maps.
Frequently Asked Questions
What urbanisation topics appear most often in IELTS?
Common urbanisation essay topics include: causes and effects of rural-to-urban migration, the housing crisis in major cities, whether cities should expand outward or build upward, traffic congestion solutions, and the advantages and disadvantages of living in cities vs the countryside.
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⚡ TL;DRWork and employment is a high-frequency IELTS topic covering job satisfaction, unemployment, the gig economy, work-life balance, and career development. This guide provides 50+ essential words with definitions, examples, and collocations for Writing Task 2 and Speaking.
Originally published July 2026. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
Why Work Vocabulary Matters for IELTS
Employment topics appear frequently across IELTS sections. Writing Task 2 questions ask about job satisfaction, unemployment, the changing nature of work, and gender in the workplace. Speaking Part 1 asks about your current job, and Part 3 explores broader employment issues. Strong vocabulary here also supports essays on education, technology, and globalisation.
Employment and the Job Market
| Word / Phrase |
Definition |
Example Sentence |
| unemployment (n.) |
The state of being without paid work while actively seeking employment |
Youth unemployment remains a pressing challenge in many economies. |
| job security (n.) |
The assurance that one’s employment will continue without risk of dismissal |
The rise of short-term contracts has reduced job security for many workers. |
| gig economy (n.) |
A labour market characterised by short-term, freelance, or contract work |
The gig economy offers flexibility but often lacks benefits such as healthcare and paid leave. |
| minimum wage (n.) |
The lowest legal hourly pay rate set by the government |
Raising the minimum wage can reduce poverty but may also increase operating costs for small businesses. |
| labour market (n.) |
The supply and demand for workers in an economy |
Graduates entering the labour market face intense competition for a limited number of positions. |
| career progression (n.) |
Advancement through increasingly senior roles |
Mentoring programmes can accelerate career progression for early-career professionals. |
Workplace Culture and Conditions
| Word / Phrase |
Definition |
Example Sentence |
| job satisfaction (n.) |
The level of contentment a person feels about their work |
Research shows that job satisfaction depends more on autonomy and purpose than salary alone. |
| work-life balance (n.) |
The equilibrium between professional and personal time |
Companies that promote work-life balance tend to have lower staff turnover. |
| burnout (n.) |
Physical and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged workplace stress |
Burnout is increasingly recognised as a serious occupational health issue. |
| glass ceiling (n.) |
An invisible barrier preventing certain groups from advancing to senior roles |
Despite progress, the glass ceiling continues to limit women’s advancement in many industries. |
| staff turnover (n.) |
The rate at which employees leave and are replaced |
High staff turnover is costly and often indicates poor management or working conditions. |
| flexible working (n.) |
Arrangements allowing employees to adjust their hours or location |
Flexible working arrangements can improve productivity and employee well-being. |
Skills and Professional Development
| Word / Phrase |
Definition |
Example Sentence |
| transferable skills (n.) |
Skills applicable across different jobs and industries |
Communication and problem-solving are transferable skills valued by employers in every sector. |
| professional development (n.) |
Training and education to improve professional skills |
Employers should invest in professional development to retain talented staff. |
| entrepreneurship (n.) |
The activity of starting and running businesses |
Entrepreneurship is increasingly seen as a viable career path for graduates. |
| internship (n.) |
A temporary position providing work experience, often for students |
Unpaid internships can disadvantage students from lower-income backgrounds. |
Useful Collocations
Work and employment collocations include: seek employment, gain work experience, secure a position, pursue a career in, face redundancy, bridge the skills gap, foster a positive work environment, climb the career ladder, enter the job market, and strike a balance between work and personal life.
Sample Writing Task 2 Sentences
- “While the gig economy provides flexible working opportunities, it often comes at the cost of job security and employee benefits.”
- “Companies that invest in professional development and promote work-life balance experience lower staff turnover.”
- “Youth unemployment can be addressed by strengthening the connection between education and the labour market through internships and vocational training.”
- “Breaking the glass ceiling requires both policy changes and a shift in organisational culture.”
🔑 Key Takeaways
- Work vocabulary connects to education, technology, globalisation, and government topics.
- Learn vocabulary for modern work trends: gig economy, remote working, flexible working, burnout.
- Use “job satisfaction” instead of “being happy at work” and “staff turnover” instead of “people leaving” for higher scores.
- Employment sub-topics to prepare: youth unemployment, gender in the workplace, automation and jobs, work-life balance.
- Collocations like “bridge the skills gap” and “foster a positive work environment” demonstrate sophistication.
Frequently Asked Questions
What work topics appear most often in IELTS Writing Task 2?
Common work-related essay topics include: whether job satisfaction or salary is more important, causes and solutions for unemployment, the impact of technology on employment, work-life balance, and whether university education or work experience is more valuable.
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⚡ TL;DRGovernment and society is a core IELTS topic spanning public spending, social welfare, individual rights, and civic responsibility. This guide covers 50+ essential words and phrases for Writing Task 2 and Speaking discussions on policy, taxation, inequality, and the role of the state.
Originally published July 2026. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
Why Government Vocabulary Matters for IELTS
Government and society questions are among the most common in IELTS Writing Task 2 (e.g. “Should governments spend more on healthcare or education?”) and Speaking Part 3 (e.g. “What role should governments play in protecting the environment?”). This vocabulary overlaps with health, education, crime, and environment — making it essential for versatile essay writing.
Government and Public Policy
| Word / Phrase |
Definition |
Example Sentence |
| public spending (n.) |
Government expenditure on services and infrastructure |
Increasing public spending on education is one of the most effective long-term investments a government can make. |
| taxation (n.) |
The system of collecting money from citizens to fund public services |
Progressive taxation ensures that wealthier individuals contribute a larger share of their income. |
| legislation (n.) |
Laws enacted by a government |
Effective legislation can regulate corporate behaviour and protect consumer rights. |
| bureaucracy (n.) |
Complex administrative procedures in government or organisations |
Excessive bureaucracy can slow down the delivery of essential public services. |
| welfare state (n.) |
A system where the government provides social security, healthcare, and education |
The welfare state aims to provide a safety net for the most vulnerable members of society. |
| infrastructure (n.) |
Basic physical systems of a society (roads, bridges, power, water) |
Investment in infrastructure is essential for economic development and quality of life. |
Society and Social Issues
| Word / Phrase |
Definition |
Example Sentence |
| social inequality (n.) |
Unequal distribution of resources, opportunities, and status in society |
Social inequality can lead to resentment, crime, and political instability. |
| poverty line (n.) |
The minimum level of income considered adequate for basic living |
Millions of people worldwide live below the poverty line despite economic growth. |
| civic responsibility (n.) |
The duties and obligations of citizens towards their community |
Voting and paying taxes are fundamental aspects of civic responsibility. |
| gender equality (n.) |
Equal rights and opportunities regardless of gender |
Achieving gender equality in the workplace requires both legislative action and cultural change. |
| social cohesion (n.) |
The bonds that unite members of a society |
Community programmes and shared public spaces promote social cohesion. |
| ageing population (n.) |
A demographic shift where the proportion of older people increases |
An ageing population places increasing demands on healthcare and pension systems. |
Individual Rights and Freedoms
| Word / Phrase |
Definition |
Example Sentence |
| civil liberties (n.) |
Basic rights and freedoms guaranteed to individuals |
Governments must balance national security with the protection of civil liberties. |
| accountability (n.) |
The obligation of officials to explain and justify their actions |
Transparency and accountability are essential for maintaining public trust in government. |
| democracy (n.) |
A system of government where citizens participate in decision-making |
A functioning democracy depends on an informed and engaged citizenry. |
| human rights (n.) |
Fundamental rights to which every person is entitled |
Access to clean water and education are recognised as basic human rights. |
Useful Collocations
Government and society collocations include: allocate resources to, implement policies, address social issues, bridge the gap between rich and poor, uphold democratic values, hold the government accountable, provide a safety net, promote social mobility, enact legislation, and raise the standard of living.
Sample Writing Task 2 Sentences
- “Governments should allocate more resources to public healthcare to ensure that all citizens have access to medical treatment regardless of income.”
- “Progressive taxation can help bridge the gap between rich and poor by redistributing wealth through public services.”
- “An ageing population requires governments to rethink pension systems and invest in elderly care infrastructure.”
- “While civic responsibility demands individual action, systemic change requires government legislation and enforcement.”
🔑 Key Takeaways
- Government vocabulary is essential for IELTS — it appears in questions about education, health, crime, and environment.
- Learn the balance between government responsibility and individual freedom for nuanced essays.
- Use specific terms (legislation, progressive taxation, welfare state) rather than vague language (“the government should do more”).
- Ageing population and social inequality are increasingly common sub-topics.
- Collocations like “implement policies” and “hold accountable” show advanced control.
Frequently Asked Questions
What government topics appear most often in IELTS Writing Task 2?
Common government essay questions ask about: government vs individual responsibility, how public money should be spent, the role of taxation, whether governments should regulate industry, and how to address social inequality and poverty.
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⚡ TL;DRGlobalisation is a common IELTS Writing and Speaking topic covering international trade, cultural exchange, migration, and economic interdependence. This guide provides 50+ essential words and phrases with definitions, example sentences, and collocations for balanced essay writing.
Originally published July 2026. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
Why Globalisation Vocabulary Matters for IELTS
Globalisation questions appear in Writing Task 2 (e.g. “Does globalisation benefit everyone equally?”) and Speaking Part 3 (e.g. “How has globalisation affected your country?”). The topic connects to culture, economics, environment, and employment. Having precise vocabulary for both the benefits and drawbacks of globalisation enables sophisticated, balanced arguments.
Economic Globalisation
| Word / Phrase |
Definition |
Example Sentence |
| globalisation (n.) |
The process of increasing interconnection between countries economically, culturally, and politically |
Globalisation has created new economic opportunities but also deepened inequality between nations. |
| free trade (n.) |
International trade without tariffs, quotas, or other restrictions |
Free trade agreements have boosted economic growth but also exposed local industries to foreign competition. |
| multinational corporation (n.) |
A company operating in multiple countries |
Multinational corporations generate employment but may exploit cheap labour in developing nations. |
| outsourcing (n.) |
Contracting work to external companies, often in other countries |
Outsourcing manufacturing to countries with lower wages reduces costs but may lead to domestic job losses. |
| economic interdependence (n.) |
The mutual reliance of economies on each other |
Economic interdependence means that a recession in one major economy can affect markets worldwide. |
| developing nation (n.) |
A country with a less industrialised economy and lower standard of living |
Developing nations often bear the environmental costs of globalisation while receiving fewer of its economic benefits. |
Cultural Globalisation
| Word / Phrase |
Definition |
Example Sentence |
| cultural identity (n.) |
The sense of belonging to a particular culture or group |
Globalisation can threaten cultural identity by promoting a homogenised global culture. |
| cultural homogenisation (n.) |
The blending of cultures into a single, uniform global culture |
Critics argue that cultural homogenisation erodes local traditions and languages. |
| cultural exchange (n.) |
The sharing of ideas, traditions, and customs between cultures |
Cultural exchange enriches societies by exposing people to different perspectives and traditions. |
| heritage (n.) |
Traditions, languages, and customs passed down through generations |
Preserving cultural heritage is essential even as societies become more globally connected. |
| multiculturalism (n.) |
The coexistence of diverse cultures within a society |
Multiculturalism can foster tolerance and innovation when supported by inclusive policies. |
| indigenous culture (n.) |
The culture of the original inhabitants of a region |
Globalisation poses a particular risk to indigenous cultures that lack the resources to compete with dominant media. |
Migration and Society
| Word / Phrase |
Definition |
Example Sentence |
| brain drain (n.) |
The emigration of highly skilled professionals from developing to developed countries |
Brain drain deprives developing nations of the talent needed to build their own institutions. |
| integration (n.) |
The process of immigrants becoming part of a new society |
Successful integration requires access to language education, employment, and community support. |
| remittances (n.) |
Money sent by migrant workers back to their home countries |
Remittances represent a significant source of income for many developing economies. |
| diaspora (n.) |
A population dispersed from its original homeland |
The Nepali diaspora maintains strong cultural ties to their homeland while contributing to their host countries. |
Useful Collocations
Globalisation collocations include: bridge cultural divides, erode local traditions, exploit cheap labour, foster international cooperation, narrow the wealth gap, widen economic disparities, promote cultural diversity, adapt to a globalised world, compete on a global scale, and preserve national identity.
Sample Writing Task 2 Sentences
- “While globalisation has lifted millions out of poverty through free trade and investment, it has also widened economic disparities between developed and developing nations.”
- “Cultural homogenisation is not inevitable — countries can preserve their heritage while participating in the global economy.”
- “Brain drain weakens the economies of origin countries, but remittances partially offset this loss by injecting foreign currency.”
- “Multinational corporations should be held accountable for labour practices in their overseas supply chains.”
🔑 Key Takeaways
- Globalisation vocabulary spans economics, culture, migration, and society.
- Learn balanced vocabulary — both benefits (cultural exchange, economic growth) and drawbacks (brain drain, cultural homogenisation).
- Use precise terms like “outsourcing” and “economic interdependence” instead of vague descriptions.
- Globalisation connects to nearly every other IELTS topic — environment, technology, education, employment.
- Collocations like “erode local traditions” and “foster international cooperation” elevate your writing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What globalisation topics appear most often in IELTS Writing Task 2?
Common globalisation essay topics include: whether globalisation benefits or harms developing countries, the impact on local cultures and traditions, the role of multinational corporations, brain drain and migration, and whether free trade helps or hurts local industries.
Should I spell it “globalisation” or “globalization” in IELTS?
Both British English (globalisation) and American English (globalization) spellings are accepted in IELTS. The key rule is consistency — choose one spelling convention and use it throughout your entire essay. Do not mix British and American spellings.
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