Welfare – Word of the Day for IELTS Writing & Speaking

If you're aiming for a high band score in IELTS Writing and Speaking, mastering advanced IELTS Vocabulary is essential. Today’s Word of the Day is “Welfare”—a powerful and versatile noun often used in both academic writing and social discussions.

What Does “Welfare” Mean?

Welfare (noun) /ˈwelfeə(r)/
Definition 1: The general health, happiness, and safety of a person, animal, or group.
Definition 2: Government financial support given to people in need due to unemployment, illness, or poverty.

Synonym: Well-being

How to Use “Welfare” in IELTS Speaking?

In IELTS Speaking, "welfare" is ideal for questions about social issues, government responsibility, or quality of life.

Sample Speaking Answers:

IELTS Speaking Part 1:

Q: Do you think governments should help people in need?
A: Absolutely. I believe that promoting public welfare is one of the government’s primary responsibilities.

IELTS Speaking Part 2 – Cue Card:

Describe a public service you think is important.
"I would say social welfare programs are extremely important. They provide financial assistance to people who are unemployed or disabled, ensuring that no one is left behind in society."

IELTS Speaking Part 3:

Q: What are the disadvantages of relying on government welfare?
A: Some people argue that prolonged dependence on welfare reduces motivation to work. However, for many, it's a temporary lifeline.

Using “Welfare” in IELTS Writing Task 2

“Welfare” is an excellent academic word to include in IELTS Writing Task 2 discussions about government policies, social justice, and economic support.

Sample Task 2 Sentence Starters:

• Welfare policies play a crucial role in reducing social inequality.
• The welfare system ensures that vulnerable groups are not left without support.
• While some abuse the system, the majority depend on welfare for survival during tough times.

Sample IELTS Writing Task 2 Answer

Topic: Although abuse of the system is inevitable, social welfare payments are essential to protect citizens' rights to a guaranteed minimum income in a democratic society. Discuss.

Sample Response:
Social welfare is an essential element of an advanced society. While some may abuse these systems, it does not mean the systems themselves are flawed. In my opinion, there are two main reasons why welfare payments remain necessary.

Firstly, welfare includes more than just support for the unemployed. It helps disabled individuals, single parents, and the elderly—groups who cannot support themselves through traditional employment. Secondly, the absence of welfare may lead to a rise in crime, as desperate people may resort to illegal activities just to survive.

Critics often argue that welfare breeds dependency. However, this is usually a short-term solution while people look for jobs. In fact, many recipients are past taxpayers entitled to this assistance. Overall, a democratic society must ensure that its citizens have access to basic financial support.

Common Collocations with “Welfare”

Learning how "welfare" is used in common phrases can improve fluency and coherence in your responses.

Noun Collocations:

• Child welfare
• Animal welfare
• Community welfare
• Welfare services
• Welfare benefits/payments/budget

Verb Collocations:

• Promote welfare
  “The government must promote the welfare of its citizens.”
• Improve welfare
  “New health programs aim to improve employee welfare.”

Prepositions:

• On welfare
  “Many families are living on welfare due to rising unemployment.”

Exercise: Use “Welfare” in Your Own IELTS Essay

Try incorporating the word “welfare” into your own answer for this prompt:

• “Some people believe welfare payments reduce work motivation. Do you agree or disagree?”

Tip: Include balanced arguments, use the word accurately, and support your ideas with examples.

Related Words to Expand Your Vocabulary

Here are more words to use in essays and discussions about society and government: