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1. In some countries, owning a home rather than renting one is very important for people.

Why might this be the case?

Do you think this is a positive or negative situation?   (8 Answers)

2. In the future, nobody will buy printed newspapers or books because they will be able to read everything they want online without paying.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?  (6 Answers)

3. Some people say that advertising is extremely successful at persuading us to buy things. Other people think that advertising is so common that we no longer pay attention to it.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.   (7 Answers)

4. In some cultures, children are often told that they can achieve anything if they try hard enough.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of giving children this message?   (5 Answers)

5. Some people believe that it is best to accept a bad situation, such as an unsatisfactory job or shortage of money. Others argue that it is better to try and improve such situations.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.   (8 Answers)

6. Some people say that the main environmental problem of our time is the loss of particular species of plants and animals. Others say that there are more important environmental problems.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.  (6 Answers)

7. Some people say that music is a good way of bringing people of different cultures and ages together.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?   (6 Answers)

8. Nowadays many people choose to be self-employed, rather than to work for a company or organization.

Why might this be the case?

What could be the disadvantages of being self-employed?    (5 Answers)

9. Living in a country where you have to speak a foreign language can cause serious social problems, as well as practical problems.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?    (5 Answers)

10. Some people believe that we have too many choices these days.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?    (3 Answers)

11. Some people say History is one of the most important school subjects. Other people think that, in today’s world, subjects like Science and Technology are more important than history.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.   (5 Answers)

12. In spite of the advances made in agriculture, many people around the world still go hungry.

Why is this the case?

What can be done about this problem?   (3 Answers)

13. Some people believe that it is good to share as much information as possible in scientific research, business and the academic world. Others believe that some information is too important or too valuable to be shared freely.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.   (4 Answers)

14. At the present time, the population of some countries includes a relatively large no. of young adults compared with the no. of older people.

Do the advantages of this situation outweigh the disadvantages?  (1 Answer)

15. In a number of countries, some people think it is necessary to spend large sums of money on constructing new railway lines for very fast trains between cities. Others believe the money should be spent on improving existing public transport.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.   (3 Answers)

16. Some people think that allowing children to make their own choices on everyday matters such as food, clothes and entertainment is likely to result in a society of individuals who only think about their own wishes. Other people believe that it is important for children to make decision about matters that affect them.

 Discuss both views and give your opinion.   (1 Answer)

17. Governments should spend money on railways rather than roads.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?   (1 Answer)

18. Some people claim that not enough of the waste from homes is recycled. They say that the only way to increase recycling is for governments to make it a legal requirement.

To what extent do you think laws are needed to make people recycle more of their waste?  (1 Answer)

19. Some people say that the only reason for learning a foreign language is in order to travel to or work in a foreign country. Others say that these are not the only reasons why someone should learn a foreign language.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.  (1 Answer)

20. Many governments think that economic progress is their most important goal. Some people, however, think that other types of progress are equally important for a country.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.   (4 Answers)

21. It is important for children to learn the difference between right and wrong at an early age. Punishment is necessary to help them learn this distinction.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

What sort of punishment should parents and teachers be allowed to use to teach good behaviour to children?    (1 Answer)

22. Some people think that all university students should study whatever they like. Others believe that they should only be allowed to study subjects that will be useful in the future, such as those related to science and technology.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.    (2 Answers)

23. Countries are becoming more and more similar because people are able to buy the same products anywhere in the world.

Do you think this is a positive or negative development?    (1 Answer)

24. Many museums charge for admission while others are free.

Do you think the advantages of charging people for admission to museums outweigh the disadvantages?

25. Some experts believe that it is better for children to begin learning a foreign language at primary school rather than secondary school.

Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?    (2 Answers)

26. Some people believe that unpaid community service should be a compulsory part of high school programmers (for example working for a charity, improving the neighbourhood or teaching sports to younger children).

To what extent do you agree or disagree?    (1 Answer)

27. Some people say that the best way to improve public health is by increasing the number of sports facilities.Others, however,say that this would have little effect on public health and that other measures are required.

Discuss both views and give your own opinion.   (5 Answers)

28. Every year several languages die out. Some people think that this is not important because life will be easier if there are fewer languages in the world.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?    (5 Answers)

29. Some people think that parents should teach children how to be good members of society. Others, however, believe that school is the place to learn this.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.  (5 Answers)

30. Nowadays the way many people interact with each other has changed because of technology. 

In what ways has technology affected personal relationships?

Has this become a positive or negative development?  (3 Answers)

31. Increasing the price of petrol is the best way to solve the growing traffic and pollution problems.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with the statement?

What other measures do you think might be effective?  (2 Answers)

32. In some countries the average weight of people is increasing and their levels of health and fitness are decreasing.

What do you think are the causes of these problems and what measures could be taken to solve them?(2 Answers)

33. It is generally believed that some people are born with certain talents, for instance for music and sport, and others are not. However, it's sometimes claimed that any child can be taught to become a good sports person or musician.

Discuss both ideas by giving your opinion. (3 Answers)

34. Some people believe that there should be fixed punishments for each type of crime. Others, however, argue that the circumstances of an individual crime, and the motivation for committing it, should always be taken into account when deciding on punishment.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.  (2 Answers)

35. As most people spend a major part of their adult life at work, job satisfaction is an important element of individual well-being.

What factors contribute to job satisfaction?

How realistic is the expectation of job satisfaction for all workers? (1 Answer)

36. Some people think that universities should provide graduates with the knowledge and skills needed in the workplace. Others think that the true function of a university should be to give access to knowledge for its own sake, regardless of whether the course is useful to an employer.

What, in your opinion, should be the main function of a university?  (3 Answers)

37. Today, the high sales of popular consumer goods reflect the power of advertising and not the real needs of the society in which they are sold.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?  (1 Answer)

38. Successful sports professionals can earn a great deal more money than people in other important professions. Some people think this is fully justified while others think it is not fair.

Discuss both these views and give your opinion. (4 Answers)

39. Some people believe that visitors to other countries should follow local customs and behaviour. Others disagree and think that the host country should welcome cultural differences.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.  (4 Answers)

40. Some people prefer to spend their lives doing the same things and avoiding change. Others, however, think that change is always a good thing.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.  (3 Answers)

41. Universities should accept equal numbers of male and female students in every subject.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?  (3 Answers)

42. In some countries, young people are encouraged to work or travel for a year between finishing high school and starting university studies.

Discuss advantages and disadvantages for young people who decide to do this.  (4 Answers)

43. Some people think that a sense of competition in children should be encouraged. Others believe that children who are taught to co-operate rather than compete become more useful adults.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.  (3 Answers)

44. Research indicates that the characteristics we are born with have much more influence on our personality and development than any lifetime experiences.

Which do you consider to be the major influence?  (2 Answers)

45. Compare the advantages and disadvantages of three of the following as media for communicating information. State which you consider to be the most effective.

Comics, books, radio, television, film, theatre (1 Answer)

46. Happiness is considered very important in life.

Why is it difficult to define?

What factors are important in achieving happiness? (1 Answer)

47. Creative artists should always be given the freedom to express their own ideas (in words, pictures, music, film) in whichever way they wish. There should be no public or government restrictions on what they do.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?  (1 Answer)

48. In many countries schools have severe problems with student behaviour.

What do you think are the causes of this?

What solutions can you suggest?  (3 Answers)

49. Popular events like the football world cup and other international sporting occasions are essential in easing international tensions and releasing patriotic emotions in a safe way.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion? (2 Answers)

50. When a country develops its technology, the traditional skills and ways of life die out. It is pointless to try and keep them alive.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion? (3 Answers)

Student's Section

51. A government’s role is only to provide defence capability and urban infrastructure (roads, water supplies, etc.). All other services (education, health, social security) should be provided by private groups or individuals in the community. (1 Answer)

52. Some people think parents should control the behaviour of children from a very young age but others think we should give them more freedom. 

Discuss both views and give your own opinion. (4 Answers)

53. Some people think that having a set retirement age (e.g. 65 years) for everybody, regardless of occupation, is unfair. They believe that certain workers deserve to retire and receive a pension at an earlier age.

Do you agree or disagree?

Which types of workers do you think should benefit from early retirement? (2 Answers)

54. Many countries have compulsory military service for men after they leave school. It would be a good idea to adopt this system, for men and possibly women. 

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? (1 Answer)

55. Improvements in health, education and trade are essential for the development of poorer nations. However, the governments of richer nations should take more responsibility for helping the poorer nations in such areas.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?  (1 Answer)

56. Nowadays, there are more opportunities for women than there were in the past. Some people think this situation has caused more problems than it has solved. 

What are your opinions on this?  (1 Answer)

57. News editors decide what to broadcast on television and what to print in newspapers. What factors do you think influence these decisions? Do we become used to bad news? Would it be better if more good news was reported?  (2 Answers)

58. Today more people are travelling than ever before. 

Why is this the case? 

What are the benefits of travelling for the traveller?  (1 Answer)

59. Many countries have compulsory military service for men after they leave school. It would be a good idea to adopt this system, for men and possibly women. 

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?  (1 Answer)

60. Are computers an essential feature of modern education? What subjects can be better taught using computers? Are there aspects of a good education that cannot be taught using computers? (1 Answer)

61. Some people say that universities should be concerned with educating people so that they will have wide general knowledge and be able to consider important matters from an informed viewpoint. Other people say that universities should simply train students to do the jobs required by society and not concern themselves with broader issues. 

What do you think? (2 Answers)

62. Success is something which most people try to achieve. What can success mean to different people? What is your view of success?  (1 Answer)

63. With all the troubles in the world today money spent on space exploration is a complete waste. The money could be better spent on other things. 

To what extent do you agree or disagree?  (1 Answer)

64. In many countries, children are engaged in some kind of paid work. Some people regard this as completely wrong, while others consider it as valuable work experience, important for learning and taking responsibility. 

What are your opinions on this issue?  (1 Answer)

65. Nowadays shops have extended opening hours almost every day of the week in many countries. Is it a positive or negative development for shoppers and local community? (1 Answer)

66. Today our communications, medicine and transport system all depend on computer technology. Our reliance on computer technology has created a dangerous situation. 

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement.  (1 Answer)

67. Many people believe that the increasing number of cars in cities is the biggest source of pollution and waste. Others think that industries are the ones causing pollution. 

Discuss both views and give your opinion.  (1 Answer)

68. It is now possible for scientists and tourists to travel to remote natural environment, such as the South Pole. 

Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?  (1 Answer)

69. The idea of having a single career is becoming an old fashioned one. The new fashion will be to have several careers or ways of earning money and further education will be something that continues throughout life. (1 Answer)

70. Some people think that the modern communication technology has a negative impact on social relationships. 

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? (1 Answer)

71. Some people think that radio is the best way to get news while others think that television is better for this purpose. Discuss both views and give your opinion.  (1 Answer)

72. In their advertising, businesses nowadays usually emphasise that their products are new in some way. Why is this? 

Do you think it is a positive or negative development?  (1 Answer)

73. In some countries, more and more people are becoming interested in finding out about the history of the house or building they live in.  What are the reasons for this? 

How can people research this? (1 Answer)

74. Many manufactured food and drink products contain high level off sugar, which causes many health problems. Sugary products should be made more expensive to encourage people to consume less sugar. 

Do you agree or disagree?  (1 Answer)

75. In the future all cars, buses and trucks will be driverless. The only people travelling inside these vehicles will be passengers.

Do you think the advantages of driverless vehicles outweigh the disadvantages?  (1 Answer)

76. Air traffic is increasingly leading to more noise, pollution and airport construction. One reason for this is the growth in low-cost passenger flights, often to holiday destinations. Some people might say that governments should try to reduce air traffic by taxing it more heavily. 

Do you agree or disagree? 

77. Traffic and accommodation problems are increasing and government should encourage businesses to move from cities to rural areas. 

Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?  (2 Answers)

78. Many governments are now trying to prevent global warming and the effect it has on our environment. They are trying to reduce the things which contribute to global warming such as pollution from cars and destruction of the rain forests.

Describe what you think the problem is and the actions you think your government should take to solve it.  (1 Answer)

79. With modern transportation, workers and students are increasingly mobile, and have more and more opportunities to   study and work abroad. 

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this development.  (1 Answer)

80. Nowadays, many people drive to work or school instead of walking, cycling or using public transport. 

Does this trend have more advantages or more disadvantages? (1 Answer)

81. The internet will never replace traditional course books in schools.

How far do you agree with this prediction? (1 Answer)

82. Many university students live with their families, while others live away from home because their universities are in different places.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of both situations? (1 Answer)

83. Nowadays, more people would rather purchase food than cook at home. 

What are the advantages and disadvantages of this trend?  (1 Answer)

84. Online education is becoming more and more popular. Some people claim that e-learning has so many benefit that it will replace face - to - face education. Others say that traditional education is irreplaceable. 

Discuss both view and give your opinion. (1 Answer)

85. Many inhabited areas of the world have been affected by severe flooding in recent years. 

What are some of the causes of this phenomenon? What can be done to prevent if from happening? (1 Answer)

86. Today more people are overweight than ever before.

What in your opinion are the primary causes of this?

What are the main effects of this epidemic?  (1 Answer)

87. Some people think that the teenage years are the happiest time of the most people's life. Others think that adult life brings more happiness in spite of greater responsibilities.

Discuss both the views and give your opinion. (1 Answer)

88. In some countries children start full time school at the age of four.

What are the advantages of this situation? (1 Answer)

89. Many people work long hours. leaving very little time for leisure activities.

Does this situation have more advantages or more disadvantages? (1 Answer)