05.01.

08
Nowadays, people get information through news and papers, but meanwhile are uncertain about
the truth of these news. Should we believe the journalists? What qualities should a good journalist
or correspondent have?
05.01.15
Some teachers say students should be organised into groups to study. Others argue students should
be made to study alone. Tell the benefits of each study method. Which one do you think is more
effective?
05.01.22
Recent years, the number of crimes committed by young people in major cities throughout the
world is increasing. Discuss this issue. Give reasons and suggest some solutions.
05.02.05
Food can be produced much more cheaply today because of improved fertilisers and better
machinery. However, some of the methods used to do this may be dangerous to human health and
may have negative effects on local communities. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
05.02.19
Leisure is a growing industry, but people no longer entertain themselves as much as they used to
because the use of modern technology has made them less creative. Do you agree or disagree?
05.02.26
People can perform everyday tasks, such as shopping and banking as well as business transactions,
without meeting other people face-to-face. What are the effects of this on individual and society as
a whole?
05.03.05
Some people think visitors to others countries should imitate local customers and behaviours.
Some people disagree; they think the host country should welcome cultural differences. Discuss
the two views and give your opinion.
05.03.12
It is generally believed that education is of vital importance to the development of individuals and
the well-being of societies. What should education consist of to fulfil both these functions?
05.03.19
Some people think that cultural traditions may be destroyed when they are used as money-making
attractions aimed at tourists. Others believe it is the only way to save these traditions. Discuss on
both sides and give your opinion.
05.04.02
Pressure on the school and university students is increasing and students are pushed too hard work
when they are young. Do you think it is a positive or negative development?
05.04.09
Nowadays education quality is very low. Some people think we should encourage our students to
evaluate and criticise their teachers. Others believe that it will result in a loss of respect and
discipline in the classroom. Discuss on both sides.
05.04.16
The advantages brought by the spread of English as a “global language” will outweigh the
disadvantages. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this view?
05.05.14
Some school leavers travel or work for a period of time instead of going directly to university.
What are the advantages and disadvantages?
05.05.21
many people are optimistic of the 21st century and see it as an opportunity to make positive
changes to the world. To what extent do you share their optimism? What changes would you like
to see in the new century?
05.05.28
Nowadays, some universities offer graduate students skills that assist to find employment, but
some people believe the main function of a university should be to access knowledge for its sake.
What’s your opinion?
05.06.11
The government is responsible for protecting a nation’s cultural identity. Thus, some people
believe new buildings should be built in traditional styles. To what extent do you agree or disagree
with this opinion?
05.06.18
Sending criminals to prison is not the best method of dealing with them. Education and job
training are better ways to help them. Do you agree or disagree?
05.06.25
Some people think that the news media nowadays have influenced people’s lives in negative ways.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
05.07.09
Some people think the government should pay for health care and education, but other people
think it is not the government’s responsibility. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
05.07.16
Many employees may work at home with the modern technology. Some people claim that it can
benefit only the workers, not the employers. Do you agree or disagree?
05.07.23
The detailed description about crime will affect the people and cause many social problems. Some
people say that the media should be strictly controlled. Do you agree or disagree?
05.08.06
Many people say that we have developed into a “throw-away” culture, because we are filling up
our environment with so many plastic bags and rubbish that we cannot fully dispose of. To what
extent do you agree with this opinion and what measures can you recommend reducing this
problem?
05.08.13
Some scientists believe that studying the behaviour of 3-year-old children can tell which children
would grow up to be criminals. To what extent in your opinion is crime a product of human nature
or is it possible to stop children from growing up to be criminals?
05.08.20
Some people think that people moving to a new country should accept new culture in the foreign
country rather than living as a separate minority group with different lifestyle. Do you agree or
disagree?
05.09.03
Children who grow up in families which are short of money are better prepared with the problems
of adult life than children who are brought up by wealthy parents. To what extent do you agree or
disagree?
05.09.10
The only way to improve the safety on our own road is to have stricter punishment for driving
offenders. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
05.09.17
Some people think that using animals for experimentation purpose is cruel, but other people think
that is necessary for the development of science. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
05.10.15
In many countries, good schools and medical facilities are available only in cities. Some people
think new teachers and doctors should work in rural areas for a few years, but others think
everyone should be free to choose where they work. Discuss and give your own opinion.
05.10.22
The speeding up of life in many areas such as travel and communication has negative effects on
society at all levels—individual, national and global. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
05.10.29
Some people think the increasing business and cultural contact between countries brings many
positive effects. Others say it causes the loss of national identities. Discuss on both sides and give
your opinion.
05.11.12
As global trade increases between different countries, many daily necessities are produced in other
countries. Such goods are usually transported a long distance. Do the benefits of this trend
outweigh its drawbacks?
05.11.19
Advertising encourages consumers to buy in quantity rather than promoting quality. To what
extent do you agree or disagree?
05.11.26
The main purpose of public libraries is to provide books and they shouldn’t waste their limited
resources and space on providing expensive hi-tech media such as computer software, videos and
DVDs. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
05.12.03
Far too little has been done to prevent animals and plants from dying out, although people have
been aware of this problem for a long time. Why do people do so little about it? Give your
suggestions on how to solve this problem.
05.12.10
Many people believe that scientific research should be carried out and controlled by the
governments rather than private companies. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this
opinion?
05.12.17
It is more important for a building to serve a purpose than to look beautiful. Architects shouldn’t
worry about producing building as a work of art. Do you agree or disagree?
06.01.07
Some people believe they should keep all the money they have earned and should not pay tax to
the state. Do you agree or disagree?
06.01.14
There are social, medical and technical problems associated with the use of mobile phones. What
forms do they take? Do you agree that the problems outweigh the benefits of mobile phones?
06.01.21
Today, the advanced science and technology have made great changes to people’s life, but artists
such as musicians, painters and writers are still highly valued. What can arts tell us about life that
science and technology cannot?
06.02.11
In many countries, the proportion of older people is steadily increasing. Does this trend have more
positive or negative effects on the society?
06.02.18
Some people believe that air travel should be restricted because it causes serious pollution and
uses up the world’s fuel resources. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
06.02.25
More and more measures to improve the security in large urban areas have been introduced in
many countries because of the increased crime. Do the benefits of these measures outweigh the
drawbacks?
06.03.11
In many countries more and more young people are leaving school but unable to find jobs. What
problems do you think youth unemployment causes for individuals and the society? What
measures should be taken to reduce the level of unemployment among youngsters?
06.03.18
Some people think that teachers should be responsible for teaching students to judge what is right
and wrong so that they can behave well. Others say that teachers should only teach students
academic subjects. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
06.03.25
One long-distance flight consumes fuel which a car uses in several years’ time, but they cause the
same amount of pollution. So some people think that we should discourage non-essential flights,
such as tourist travel, rather than to limit the use of cars. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
06.04.08
In the past century when a human astronaut first arrived on the Moon, he said, ‘It is a big step for
mankind.’ But some people think it makes little difference to our daily life. To what extent do you
agree or disagree?
06.04.22
Some people think history has nothing or little to tell us, but others think that studying the past
history can help us better understand the present. Please discuss the two views and give your own
opinion.
06.04.29
Some people think that national sports teams and individual men and women who represent their
country should be financially supported by the government. However, others argue that they
should be funded by non-government sources (e.g. Business, scholarships, etc. ) Discuss both
views and give your opinion.
06.05.13
Housing shortage in big cities can cause severe social consequences. Some people think only
government action can solve this problem. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
06.05.20
International tourism has become a huge industry in the world. Do the problems of international
travel outweigh its advantages?
06.05.27
Some people think that using animals for experimentation purpose is cruel, but other people think
that it is necessary for the development of science. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
06.06.10
Some people prefer to provide help and support directly to those in the local community who need
it. Others, however, prefer to give money to national and international charitable organisations.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
06.06.17
The best way to solve the world’s environmental problem is to increase the price of fuel. To what
extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
06.06.24
Some people think that students benefit from going to private secondary schools. Others, however,
feel that private secondary schools can have a negative effect on society as a whole. Discuss both
these views and give your own opinion.
06.07.08
In many countries today there is insufficient respect to old people. What are the reasons? What
problems might it bring to the society?
06.07.22
It is better for students at university to live far away from home than to live at home with their
parents. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
06.07.29
Earlier technological developments brought more benefits and changed the lives of ordinary
people more than recent technological developments. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
06.08.05
Some people think museums should be enjoyable places to attract and entertain young people,
while others think the purpose of museums should be to educate, not entertain. Discuss both sides
and give your own opinion.
06.08.12
In order to learn a language well, we should also learn about the country as well as the cultures
and lifestyles of the people who speak this language. To what extent do you agree or disagree with
this opinion?
06.08.25
Multi-cultural societies, in which there is a mixture of different ethnic peoples, bring more
benefits than drawbacks to a country. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
06.09.02
There is an increasing amount of advertising directed at children which encourages them to buy
goods such as toys and snacks. Many parents are worried that these advertisements put too much
pressure on children, while some advertisers claim that they provide useful information to
children. Discuss both vies and give your opinion.
06.09.16
Some people think that the government should decide which subjects students should study at the
university, while others think that students should be allowed to apply for the subject they prefer.
Discuss the two vies and give your opinion.
06.09.23
It is suggested that all the young adults should undertake a period of unpaid work helping people
in the community. Does it bring more benefits or drawbacks to the community and the young
people?
06.10.14
Some people think the main purpose of schools is to turn the children into good citizens and
workers, rather than to benefit them as individuals. To what extent do you agree or disagree with
this opinion?
06.10.21
A country becomes more interesting and develops more quickly when its population includes a
mixture of nationalities and cultures. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
06.10.28
As most people spend a major part of their adult life at work, job satisfaction is an important
element of individual well-being. What are the factors that contribute to job satisfaction? How
realistic is the expectation of job satisfaction for all workers?
06.11.04
Some people think that good health is a basic human need, so the medical service should not be
run by profit-making companies. Do you think the disadvantages of the private health care
outweigh the advantages?
06.11.18
Some people think secondary school students should study international news as one of their
subjects. Other people say this is a waste of valuable school time. Discuss both views and give
your opinion.
06.11.25
Exposure to international media such as films, TV and magazines has a significant impact on local
cultures. What do you think has been the impact? Do you think its advantages outweigh the
disadvantages?
06.12.02
Throughout history, male leaders always lead us to violence and conflict. If a society is governed
by female leaders it will be more peaceful. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this
opinion?
06.12.09
Modern buildings change the character and appearance of towns and cities. The government
should insist that new buildings be built in traditional styles to protect cultural identity. To what
extent do you agree or disagree?
06.12.16
Some people think that personal happiness is directly related to economic success. Others argue
that happiness depends on different factors. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
07.01.06
The world of work is changing rapidly. Working conditions today are not the same as before and
people no longer rely on taking one job for life. Discuss the possible causes for these changes and
give your suggestions on how people should prepare for work in the future.
07.01.13
Some people think universities should provide graduates with the knowledge and skills needed in
the workplace in the future. Others think the true function of the university is to give access to
knowledge for its own sake. What do you think are the main functions of a university?
07.01.20 =05.07.09
Some people say the government should pay for the health care and education, but others say that
it is not the government’s responsibility. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
07.02.03 =04.02.28
Individuals can do nothing to improve the environment. Only governments and large companies
can make a difference. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
07.02.10 ≈05.11.26
Maintaining public libraries is a waste of money since computer technology is now replacing their
functions. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
07.03.03 ≈04.12.04
Some people think that schools should select pupils according to their academic abilities, while
others believe that it is better to have pupils with different abilities study together. Discuss both
views and give your own opinion.
07.03.10
With the increase in the use of mobile phones and computers, fewer people are writing letters.
Some people think that the traditional skill of writing letters will disappear completely. To what
extent do you agree or disagree? How important do you think is letter-writing?
07.03.22
Some people think that the government should provide assistance to all kinds of artists including
painters, musicians and poets, etc. However, other people think that is a waste of money. Discuss
both views and give your opinion.
07.03.31 =05.02.26
People can perform everyday tasks, such as shopping and banking as well as business transactions,
without meeting other people face-to-face. What are the effects of this on an individual and the
society as a whole?
07.04.14
The society would benefit from a ban on all forms of advertising because it serves no useful
purpose, and can even be damaging. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
07.04.21 =06.09.02
Consumers are faced with increasing numbers of advertisements from competing companies. To
what extent do you think are consumers influenced by advertisements? What measures can be
taken to protect them?
07.04.28 =04.09.18
Air transport is increasingly used to export types of fruits and vegetables to countries where they
cannot be grown or are out of season. Some people say it is a good thing, but other people think it
can’t be justified. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
07.05.12 ≈06.09.23
Some people believe that some unpaid community service should be a compulsory part of high
school programmes (e.g. working in a charity, improving the relationship of neighbourhood or
teaching sports to children) To what extent do you agree or disagree?
07.05.19
Computers are increasingly used in education. In which areas do you think are computers more
important and in which areas are teachers more important?
07.06.02 ≈ 06.05.20
Many developing countries are currently expanding their tourist industries Why is this the case? Is
it a positive development?
07.06.09
Some people claim that public museums and art galleries will not be needed because people can
see historical objects and works of art by using a computer. Do you agree or disagree with this
opinion?
07.06.16
In many countries traditional foods are being replaced by international fast foods. This is having a
negative effect on both families and societies. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
07.06.28
The natural resources such as oil, forests and fresh water are being consumed at an alarming rate.
What problems does it cause? How can we solve these problems?
07.07.07
In some countries, secondary schools aim to provide a general education across a range of
subjects. In others, children focus on a narrow range of subjects related to a particular career. For
today’s world, which system is appropriate?
07.07.14
In the last, lecture lectures were used as a way of teaching large numbers of student, but now with
the development of technology for education, many people think there is no justification for
attending lectures. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
07.07.21
As we are facing more and more problems which affect the whole planet, good relationships
between different countries are becoming more important than ever before. To what extent do you
agree or disagree?
07.07.26
Team activities can teach more skills for life than those activities which are played alone. To what
extent do you agree or disagree?
07.08.11
It is known to all that the technological and scientific advances have made greater changes to the
range and quality of our food. Some people regard it as an improvement while others believe that
the change is harmful. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
07.08.16
The consumption of the resources on the earth is increasing at an alarming rate and above a
dangerous level. What are the causes of this? What can be done to reduce it?
07·08.18
Some people think that we should invent a new language for international communication. Do the
benefits of this outweigh the problems?
07.08.25
Some people say that it is the responsibility of individuals to save money for their own care after
they retire. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
07.09.01
Some people think that studying in a college or university is the best way for students to prepare
for their future career. But others think they should leave school as soon as possible to develop
their career through work experience. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
07.09.08
The unlimited use of cars may cause many problems. What are those problems? In order to reduce
the problems, should we discourage people to use cars?
07.09.20
Many countries spend a lot of money in art. Some people think investment in art is necessary, but
others say money is better spent on improving health and education. Discuss both these views and
give your own opinion.
07.09.22
Higher education can be funded in several ways including the following three:
1. All costs are paid by the government.
2. All costs are paid by the student.
3. All costs are paid by the student using loans from the government that must be repaid after
graduation.
Discuss the benefits of each option. Which is the best one?
07.10.06
Today’s children are living under more pressure from the society than children in the past. To what
extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
07.10.13
Some employers think that formal academic qualifications are more important than life
experiences and personal qualities when they look for an employee. Why is it the case? Is it a
positive or negative development?
07.10.20
Some people think it is better for children to begin to learn a foreign language at primary school
than at secondary school. What’s your opinion? Do you think the advantages outweigh the
disadvantages?
07.10.25
Some people think the only purpose of prison is to punish crime. Others think it has other
functions. Discuss the two views and give your opinions.
07.11.03
The government should pay for the course fees for everyone who wants to study at the university.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
07.11.17
Nowadays, a large amount of advertising is aimed at children, some people think there are lots of
negative effects for children, and should ban it. To what extent you agree or disagree?
07.11.24
Some people believe that giving aid to poorer countries has more negative effects than the positive
effects. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
07.12.01
We have entered a throw-away society and fill the environment with rubbish. What are the causes
and what are your solutions?
07.12.08
Many people believe that main aim for university education is help graduates to find better job,
while some people believe that university education has wider benefit for individual and society.
Discuss both view and give your opinion.
07.12.15
Today, it is common that TV news programmes show the images of disasters and violence to the
public. Discuss the reasons and the effects on the individual and the society.
08.01.10
Some people believe that time spent on television, video and computer games can be valuable for
children. Others believe this has negative effects on a child. Discuss both views and give your own
opinion.
08.01.12
Some people think the best way of reducing crime is to give longer prison sentences. Others,
however, think there are other better ways to reduce crime. Discuss both views and give your own
opinion.
08.01.19
The older generations have very traditional ideas about the correct ways of life, thinking and
behaviour. However, some people think that these ideas are not helpful for the young generation to
prepare for modern life. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
08.01.26
In countries where there is a high rate of unemployment, most pupils should be offered only
primary education. There is no point in offering secondary education to those who have no hope of
finding a job. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
08.02.02
Some people think it is acceptable to use animals for the benefit of humans. Other people think it
is wrong to exploit animals for human purposes. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
08.02.14
People living in big cities face many problems today. What are the problems? Should the
government encourage people to live in regional towns?
08.02.16
“ Tomorrow is the most important thing in life. ” – US movie actor & director John Wayne
Why is it important for individuals and countries to think about the future rather than focusing on
the present?
08.02.23
In some countries, it is now possible for people to buy a wide variety of foods transported from all
over the world. To what extent do the benefits of this development outweigh the drawbacks?
08.03.01
Most countries spend much money on education, as they start to realize the importance of
education. In your opinion which two subjects are the most important for young people and which
one is the least important?
subjects: Literature Sports
Mathematics Economy
Physics History
Music Geography
08.03.08
As the number of cars increases, more money has to be spent on road systems. Some people think
the government should pay for this. Others, however, think that the user should pay for the cost.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
08.03.13
People should look after their health as a duty to the society they live in rather than personal
benefits. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
08.03.29
Some people think it is the responsibility for government to ensure that people have healthy
lifestyles. Others think people should have a free for their own lifestyles decisions. Discuss both
views and give your own opinion.
08.04.05 ＝ 06.03.25
One long-distance flight consumes fuel which a car uses in several years’ time, but they cause the
same amount of pollution. So some people think that we should discourage non-essential flights,
such as tourist travel, rather than to limit the use of cars. To what extent do you agree or disagree
with this view?
08.04.12
Many people are busy with work and do not have enough time to spend with families and friends.
Why does this happen? What are the effects of this on family life and society as a whole?
08.04.19
Some countries have an ever-increasing proportion of population who are aged 15 and younger.
What is your opinion of the current and future effects it may have in those countries?
08.04.24
School teachers used to be the source of information; however, some people argue that teachers
are not as important as before as the increasing variety of information resources. What is your
opinion?
08.05.10
Children can learn efficiently by watching television, so they should be encouraged to watch
television regularly both at home and in school. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
08.05.22 ＝ 04.10.23
Schools should teach children some academic subjects which will be beneficial to their future
careers. Therefore, other subjects such as music and sports are not important. To what extent do
you agree or disagree with this opinion?
08.05.31
Some people believe that the fittest and strongest individuals and teams always success in sports.
Others think that success in sports depends on mental attitudes. Discuss both views and give your
opinions.
08.06.05
University students always focus on one specialist subject, but some people think universities
should encourage their students to study a range of subjects in addition to their own subject. To
what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
08.06.14
Many people think cheap air travel should be encouraged because it gives ordinary people
freedom to travel further. However, others think this leads to environmental problem, so air travel
should be more expensive in order to discourage people from having it. Discuss the both sides and
give your own opinion.
08.06.21
Some people think that children should obey the rules or do what their parents and teachers want
them to do. Other people think that children controlled too much can’t deal with problem
themselves. Discuss both views and state your own opinion.
08.06.28
Mobile phones and the Internet are very useful. However, it is rare for old people to use them.
What ways could mobile phone and the Internet be useful to old people? How does the old people
to be encouraged using this new technology?
08.07.05
Nowadays, more university students choose to study some practical subjects ( such as marketing,
computer programming, etc.) instead of theoretical subjects (such as economy, math, chemistry).
Some people suggest that universities should focus on practical subjects, but not theoretical
subjects. Do you agree or disagree?
08.07.12
Some people support the developments in agriculture such as factory farming and creations of new
types of fruits and vegetables, while others oppose this view. Discuss both views and give your
opinion
08.07.26
Some people think international cooperation has brought benefits to world environment
protection, while some people think more benefits has been brought to international business.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
08.08.09 ≈ 04.04.17
In some countries, governments are encouraging industries and businesses to move out of large
cities and into regional areas. Do you think the advantages of this development outweigh its
disadvantages? Give reasons for you answer and include examples from your knowledge or
experiences.
08.08.16 = 05.07.23
Detailed description of crimes on newspaper and TV can have bad consequences on society, so
this kind of information should be restricted on media. To what extent do you agree or disagree
with this statement?
08.08.21
International travel sometimes makes people more prejudiced rather than board-minded. Give out
reasons why it cannot bring benefits to those visitors. Do you have ways to improve people’s
understanding of the countries they visit?
08.08.30 = 05.01.15
Some teachers think it is effective for students to study in group while others think it is better to
study alone. What are the benefits of each way and which one do you think is more effective?
08.09.06
Once children start school, teachers have more influence than parents on their intellectual and
social development. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
08.09.13
Many people think it is very important to protect environment but they make no effort to do it
themselves. Why does it happen? How to solve this problem?
08.09.18 = 05.06.18
Putting criminals into prisons is not so effective in dealing with them. Instead, education and job
training should be offered to them. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
08.09.27
Students from poor background such as rural areas often find it difficult to access to university
education, so people think universities should make it specially easy for them to study at. To what
extent do you agree or disagree?
08.10.04 = 04.09.11
Many people are afraid to leave home because of crime. Some believe that more action should be
taken to prevent crime, but others feel little can be done. What’s your view?
08.10.11
Society is based on rules and laws. It could not function if individuals were free to do whatever
they want. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
08.10.23 = 04.11.13
Many people use distance-learning programmes (study material post, TV, Internet, etc.) to study at
home, but some people think that it cannot bring the benefit as much as attending college or
university. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
08.10.25
Economic progress is one way to measure the success of one country, while some people think
there are other factors. What other factors should be considered? Within these factors, do you
think anyone is more important than the others?
08.11.08
In modern society, fashion is becoming more and more popular in people’s choice of clothes.
Why? Do you think it is positive development or negative development?
08.11.15
There are more workers working at home and more students studying at home, because the
computer technology is more and more easily accessible and cheaper. Do you think it is a positive
or negative development?
08.11.20
International travel is becoming cheaper, and more and more countries open their door and with
more and more tourists. Do the advantages of the increased tourism outweigh its disadvantages?
08.11.29
Some people say modern children’s games do not develop a wide range of skills, while traditional
games can be much better for developing such skills. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
08.12.04 ≈ 05.11.12
As global trade increases, many goods, even some daily goods, are exported to another country,
which includes long-distance transport during shipping. Do you think its benefits outweigh its
drawbacks?
08.12.06
Memorization of information by frequent repetition (rote learning) plays a role in most education
systems. Does the usefulness of this method of learning outweigh its limitations?
08.12.13
Some people believe that a country benefits greatly with a high percentage of young people who
go to university, while others argue that it only leads to graduate unemployment. Discuss both
views and give your opinion.
08.12.20
Nowadays, a lot of charities and organisations have to publicize their activities by setting up a
number of special days, like ‘National Children’s Day’, for encouraging good care of children, and
‘National Non-smoking Day’, for encouraging person to pay more attention to health. Why do
these organisations take these activities, and what will the effect be?
09.01.10
Some people believe that the range of technology available to individuals today is increasing the
gap between the poor people and the rich people, while some others say this has an opposite
effect. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
09.01.15 ≈ 04.11.13, 08.10.23
Students at schools and universities learn far more from lessons with teachers than from other
sources (such as the Internet and television). To what extent do you agree or disagree?
09.01.17 ≈ 08.11.15
Today, people in many countries can live and work anywhere they choose, because of improved
communication technology and transport. Do the advantages outweigh its disadvantages?
09.02.07 ≈ 07.11.24
Rich countries often give financial aid to poor countries, but it does not solve poverty, so rich
countries should give other types of help to the poor countries rather than financial aid. To what
extent do you agree or disagree?
09.02.12
Developments of technology are causing environmental problems. Some people think the solution
is that everyone accept a simpler life, while others believe that technology can solve these
problems. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
09.02.21
Some people believe that environmental problems are too big for individuals to deal with, while
others think that individuals should take some action. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
09.02.28
Some people believe that public health should be improved by increasing the number of sports
facilities, while others believe that it has little effects other measures should be taken to solve this
problem. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
09.03.05
Newspapers have an enormous influence on people’s ideas and opinions. Why is this the case? Do
you think it is positive or negative?
09.03.07
Some people think music plays an important role in society. Others think it is only a form of
individual entertainment. Discuss both sides of this argument and give your own opinion.
09.03.14
More and more students choose to go to another country for higher education. Do you think the
benefits outweigh the problems?
09.03.21
Some people think it is more important for government to spend money on promoting healthy
lifestyle in order to prevent illnesses than the treatment for people who are already ill. To what
extent do you agree or disagree?
09.04.04
Nowadays people live in the society where consumer goods are relatively cheaper to buy. Do you
think its advantages outweigh its disadvantages?
09.04.18
If a product is of good quality and meets people’s needs, people will buy it. Therefore, advertising
is unnecessary and is no more than a type of entertainment. To what extent do you agree or
disagree?
09.04.25
Some people think computer and Internet are important in children’s study, but others think
students can learn more effectively in schools and with teachers. Discuss both views and give your
own opinion.
09.04.30
Some people think museums should be enjoyable places to attract and entertain young people.
Other think the purpose of museums is to educate, not to entertain. Discuss both views and give
your own opinion.
09.05.09
Some people believe that teenagers should concentrate on all school subjects, while others claim
that students should focus on the subject that they are best at or that they find interesting. Discuss
both views and give your opinion.
09.05.16
It has been believed that people who read for pleasure have developed imagination and good
language skills than those who prefer to watch TV. Do you agree or disagree?
09.05.21
A hundred years ago, people think that human race is steadily improving in every area of life.
Nowadays, there is no certainty of this case. In which areas do you think we have made important
progress nowadays? In which areas do you think we still need to make progress?
09.05.30
Fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, natural gas, are used in many countries. But in some countries, the
use of alternative sources of energy, including wind and solar power, are encouraged. Is this trend
a positive or a negative development?
09.06.11
Food travels thousands of miles from farm to consumer. Some people think that it would be better
to our environment and economic if people only ate local produced food. What extents the
disadvantage outweigh the advantage?
09.06.13
Research suggests that the majority of criminals who are sent to prison would commit crimes
when set free. Why do you think is the case? What can be done to solve this problem?
09.06.20
Some people think that all school students should learn a foreign language. Others think that a
student should not be required to learn a foreign language if he or she does not have talent for it.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
09.06.27
Developing countries require international organization’s help. Some people prefer financial aid
while others think practical aid and advice are better. Discuss both views and give your own
opinion.
09.07.04
Money for postgraduate research is limited. Therefore some people think financial support from
governments should be only provided for scientific research rather than research for less useful
subjects. Do you agree or disagree?
09.07.11 ≈07.02.03, 04.02.08
Some people think that companies and individuals, rather than the government, should pay for
cleaning pollution. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
09.07.23
Many people are optimistic about the 21st century and see it as an opportunity to make positive
changes to the world. To what extent do you agree or disagree with their optimism? What changes
would you like to see in the new century?
09.07.25
Nowadays sending children to boarding school is becoming increasingly popular. What is the
reason? Do you think it is a positive development?
09.08.08
The development of technology changes the way people connect with each other. In which way
does the development of technology change the types of relationships among people? Does it have
positive or negative effects on the relationships?
09.08.13
The subjects and lesson contents are decided by the authorities such as the government. Some
people argue that teachers should make the choice. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
09.08.22
News media is more influential nowadays. Some people think it is a negative development. To
what extent do you agree or disagree?
09.08.29
In the past, people used to travel to see the difference from their home country. However, the
sceneries in places around the world seem similar nowadays. What are the causes of these
similarities? Do you think that the advantages of this similarity outweigh the disadvantages?
09.09.05
Some people think young people should go to university to further their education while others
think they should be encouraged to work as car mechanics or builders etc. to serve society.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
09.09.12
Caring for children is probably the most important thing of the society. It is suggested that all
mothers and fathers should be required to take the childcare training courses. To what extent do
you agree or disagree with the statement?
09.09.17
Some people think that all the lawbreakers should be sent into the jail, while others believe that
they should also be made to do some work or learn some skills in the community. What is your
opinion?
09.09.26
In some countries ， some high school leavers are choosing to work or travel for a period of time
before going to the university. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages for those school leavers’
decision. Give your own opinion and reasons using your own experience.
09.10.08
Some people think that family life and parents have great influence on children’s development,
while others consider that external influence plays a more important role in children’s life, discuss
both views and give your own opinion.
09.10.10
An increase in production of consumer goods results in damage of the natural environment. What
are the causes and possible solutions?
09.10.24
Some people think university education should prepare students for employment. Other people
think university has other functions. Discuss both views and what do you think the function of
university education.
09.10.31
The environment problems facing today’s world are so great that there is little ordinary people can
do to improve the situation. Government and large companies should be responsible for reducing
the amount of damage being done to the environment. To what extend do you agree or disagree?
09.11.14
Some people say that professional workers such as doctors, nurses and teachers who make greater
contribution to the society should be paid more than those people in the field of sports and
entertainment. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
09.11.21
Individuals and countries cannot help everyone who needs help in the world, so they should only
be concerned about their own communities and countries. To what extent do you agree or
disagree?
09.12.03
Some people tend to take contemporary jobs, for they have the time to do other things they are
interested in. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
09.12.05
Nowadays, people always throw the old things away when they buy new things; whereas in the
past, old things were repaired and used again. What factors cause this phenomenon? What effects
the phenomenon leads to?
09.12.12
Recently some people can work from home using modern technology. Some say this only benefits
the workers, but not the employers. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
09.12.19
Crime is a problem all over the world and there is nothing to do to prevent it. To what extent do
you agree or disagree?
10.01.09
Some people believe that the charity organisations should give aid to those in greatest
need ， wherever they live. Some people believe that the charity organisations would better
concentrate on helping people who live in own country instead. Discuss both views and give your
opinion.
10.01.14
In today’s world, it is private companies rather than government who pay for and carry out most
on scientific research. Do you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
10.01.23
The gap between the rich and the poor is becoming more wider, the rich more richer, the poor
even more poorer. What problems can the situation cause and give the solutions?
10.01.30
Many people believe that today there is a general increase in anti-social behaviour and lack of
respect for others. What might have caused this situation? How to improve it?
10.01.23
The gap between the rich and the poor is becoming wider, the rich more richer, the poor even
more poorer. What problems can the situation cause and give the solutions?
10.01.30
Many people believe that today there is a general increase in anti-social behaviour and lack of
respect for others. What might have caused this situation? How to improve it?
10.02.06
Air travel can only benefit the richest people in the world. Ordinary people can get no advantage
with the development of air travel. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
10.02.11
Some people think that politicians have the greatest influence on the world. Other people,
however, believe that scientists have the greatest influence. Discuss both of views and give your
opinion.
10.02.20
Most countries want to improve standard of living through economic development, however,
others think social value is lost as a result. Do you think the advantages of economic development
outweigh the disadvantages?
10.02.27
Technological progress in the past century has its negative effect, despite its remarkable
contribution. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
10.03.06
Surveys show that in many countries, people are living longer but increased life expectancy has
many implications for the aging individuals and for society as a whole. What are the possible
effects of longer living for individuals and society?
10.03.18
Some people think zoos are cruel and all the zoos should be closed. However, some people think
zoos are useful to protect the rare animals. Discuss both these views and give your opinion.
10.03.20
In today’s society, more and more work is done by machines. Do you think the positive effects of
the development overweigh the negative effects on individuals and society?
10.03.27
Studies suggest that children spend more time watching TV than they did in the past and spend
less on doing active or creative things. Why do you think it is the case? What measures and
methods can be used to tackle with it?
10.04.10
Some people think the recent increase in cheap air travel brings benefits, while other people think
it has drawbacks to the environment and the world’s resources. Discuss both views and give your
opinion.
10.04.15
Some people think that men and women have different qualities. Therefore, some certain jobs are
suitable for men and some jobs are suitable for women. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
10.04.17
Some people think the governments should act to decide how people live in order to make a
healthier life. Others think individual should decide their own lifestyle. What do you concern
about? Discuss both views and give your opinion.
10.04.25
It has been suggested that everyone in the world want to own a car, a TV and a fridge. Do you
think disadvantage of such a development outweigh advantages?
10.05.08
Schools should concentrate on teaching students the academic subjects that will be useful for their
future careers. Subjects such as music and sports are not useful. To what extent do you agree or
disagree?
10.05.15
Nowadays, distance-learning programs are such common thing for us (the study material by post,
by internet), but some people argue that courses can never be taken as good as those by attending
in a college or university in person. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
10.05.20
Some people think children should obey the rules their parents and teachers set and listen to them,
but others think less control will help children to deal with their future adult life. Discuss both
views and give your own opinion.
10.05.29
Many people who leave school hold a negative attitude towards learning. Why does this happen?
How to solve the problem?
10.06.05
Some groups, such as poor people and people from rural areas, think universities should make it
especially easy for them to get access to university education. To what extent do you agree or
disagree?
10.06.17
Societies benefit from international tourism and business. To what extent do you agree or
disagree?
10.06.19
An increasing number of people change their career and place of residence several times during
their life time. Is this a positive or negative development?
10.06.26 =08.08.21
International travel often leads people to have some prejudices rather than broad-mind. What are
the main reasons of this phenomenon? What do you think people can do to get better
understanding of the countries they visit?
10.07.10
Nowadays more and more young people hold the important positions in the government. Some
people think that it is a good thing，while others argue that it is not suitable. Discuss both these
views and give your opinion.
10.07.15
Some people think it is not necessary for adults to receive education in class. Self-study is a good
way for them to study more effectively. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
10.07.17
The movement of people from agricultural areas to cities to work can cause serious problems in
both places. What are the serious problems and what measures can be taken to solve this problem?
10.07.31
Some people believe that university students should pay all the cost of studies because university
education only benefit the students themselves not the society as a whole. To what extent do you
agree or disagree?
10.08.05
In many parts of the world children and teenagers are committing more crimes. Why is this case
happening? How should children or teenagers be punished?
10.08.14
The major cities in the world are growing fast, as well as their problems. What are the problems
that young people living in cities are facing with? Give solutions to these problems.
10.08.21
Charities and organizations always give special names to particular days such as ‘National
Children’s Day’ and ‘National Non-smoking Day’. What are the causes of these particular days?
How effective are they?
10.08.28
In many cities, planners tend to arrange shops, schools, offices, and homes in specific areas and
separate them from each other. Do you think the advantages of this policy outweigh the
disadvantages?
10.09.04
Mobile phones have made life easier: anyone can use a mobile phone to answer/make work calls
or home calls at any place 7 days a week. Do you think this development has more positive effects
or negative effects on the individual and society?
10.09.11
Some people think it is necessary to use animals for testing medicines intended for human use.
Others, however, think it is cruel to do that. Discuss both of these views and give you own
opinion.
10.09.16
Society is based on rules and laws. It would not function if individuals are free to do whatever
they want to. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
10.09.25
A report indicated that many children between 7 and 11 spend too much time watching television
and/or play video games. How does the problem affect the children, their families and society?
What measures can be taken to control it?
10.10.09
Some countries have introduced a law to limit working hours for employees. Why is this law
introduced? Do you think it is a positive or a negative development?
10.10.14
In some countries, it is illegal for companies to reject job applicant for their age. Is this a positive
or negative development?
10.10.23
Pollution and other environmental problems are resulting from a country’s developing and
becoming richer. Some think this cannot be avoided. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
10.10.30
Some people think paying taxes is a big enough contribution to their society, while others think
people have more responsibilities as members of society than only paying taxes. Discuss both
views and give your own opinion.
10.11.04
Some people think parents should read or tell stories to children, while others think parents need
not do that, as children can read books, watch TV or movies by themselves. Discuss both views
and give your opinion.
10.11.06
Everyone should stay in school until they reach the age of 18. To what extent do you agree or
disagree?
10.11.20
Some people have benefited from modern communications technology, but some people have not
benefited from it at all. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
10.11.27
In some countries, small town-centre shops are going out of business because people tend to drive
to large out-of-town stores. As a result, people without cars have limited access to out-of town
stores, and it may result in an increase in the use of cars. Do you think the disadvantages of this
change outweigh its advantages?
10.12.04 = 07.06.09
Public museums and art galleries are not needed because people could see historical objects and
works by using computers. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
10.12.11
Scientists say that junk food is harmful to people’s health. Some say the way to ask people to eat
less fast food is to educate them, while others say education does not work. Discuss both sides and
give your own opinion.
10.12.16
Young people are often influenced in their behaviours and situations by others in the same age.
This is called “peer pressure”. Do the disadvantages outweigh the advantages?
10.12.18
Some people think typical teaching of a teacher and students in the class will not exist by the year
2050. Do you agree or disagree?
11.01.08
Some people think that robots are very important to human’s future development, while others
think they are dangerous and have negative effects on society. Discuss both views and give your
opinion.
11.01.15
Nowadays, some workplaces tend to employ equal numbers of men and women workers. Do you
think it is a positive or negative development?
11.01.22
Nowadays some individuals behave in an anti-society way, such as committing a crime. In
general, it is the society to blame. What causes the anti-social behaviours of individuals? Who
should be responsible for dealing with it?
11.01.27
Some people think that it is necessary to travel abroad to learn about other countries, while other
people think that it is not necessary to travel abroad because all the information can be seen on TV
and the Internet. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
11.02.12
Tourism is an excellent way to develop a country, but it can also cause harm. How can countries
ensure that tourism benefits the development.
11.02.17
Some people think that creative artists should be supported financially by the government of their
county, while others believe that they should find financial support from other sources instead.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
11.02.19 = 03.09.20, 040110
Some people believe that women should play an equal role as men in a country’s police force or
military force, such as the army, while others think women are not suitable for these kinds of jobs.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
11.02.26
Some people suggest that a country should try to produce all the food for its population and import
as little food as possible. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
11.03.05
Some people think governments should spend money on measures to save languages with few
speakers from dying out completely. Others think this is a waste of financial resources. Discuss
both views and give your opinion.
11.03.10
Some think that children should start school as early as possible, while others believe that they
should start school at the age of seven.Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
11.03.12
Competitiveness is a positive quality for people in most societies. How does competitiveness
affect individuals? Is it a positive or negative trend?
11.03.19 = 08.11.15
Around the world, more adults can work from home and more children can study from home as
computer technologies become cheaper and more accessible. Do you think it is a positive or
negative development?
11.04.02 = 08.06.14
Many people think cheap air travel should be encouraged because it gives ordinary people
freedom to travel further. However, others think this leads to environmental problem, so air travel
should be more expensive in order to discourage people from having it. Discuss the both sides and
give your own opinion.
11.04.16 = 08.09.13
Many people think it is very important to protect the environment but they make no effort to do it
themselves. Why do you think it is the case? What actions can be done to suggest individuals
protect the environment?
11.04.28 ≈ 04.06.12
Some people think that too much money has been spent looking after and repairing old buildings,
so we should knock down old buildings and build modern ones instead. To what extent do you
agree or disagree?\
11.04.30
Some people think foreign visitors should be charged more than local people when they visit the
cultural and historical attractions in a country. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
11.05.07 = 04.02.28, 04.05.15
Environmental problems are too big for individual countries and individual persons to address. In
other words, we have reached the stage where the only way to protect the environment is at an
international level. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion? (040228, 040515)
11.05.14
Individual greed and selfishness has been the basis of the modern society. Some people think that
we must return to the older and more traditional values of respect for the family and the local
community in order to create a better world to live in. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
11.05.19
The government should control the amount of violence in films and on television in order to
decrease the violent crimes in society. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
11.05.28
Some people think that teachers should be responsible for teaching students to judge what is right
and wrong so that they can behave well. Others say that teachers should only teach students
academic subjects. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
11.06.04
Nowadays, we rely on news for our knowledge, but we are uncertain about the truth of these news.
Should we believe journalists? What qualities should a good journalist or correspondent have?