● A high salary is more important than job satisfaction. Do you agree or disagree?
● Some people feel that the private lives of celebrities should not be openly shared by the media. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
● Schools should use films, computers and games instead of books. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
● Some people believe that engaging in an active pastime does more to develop children’s life skills than time spent reading. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
● Some people think eating meat is bad for health. Do you agree or disagree?
● Some experts say for road safety cyclists should pass a test before being allowed on public roads. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
● Some argue that music mainly serves as a way for individuals to reduce their stress and anxiety. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
● Many people today would argue that cinemas are becoming irrelevant due to new streaming services. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
● Some people believe that violent media directly results in violent behaviour. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
● News stories on TV and in newspapers are very often accompanied by pictures. Some people say that these pictures are more effective than words. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
● Some feel that good entertainers are as important to society as scientists. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
● Many people believe that film is a less important art than other forms such as literature and painting. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
● Watching a live performance such as a play, concert, or sporting event is more enjoyable than watching the same event on television. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
● Schools should focus on academic success and passing examinations. Skills such as cookery, dressmaking and woodworking should not be taught at school as it is better to learn these from family. To that extent do you agree or disagree?
● Some people think that social networking sites have a huge negative impact on both individuals and society. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
● People living in the 21st century have a better quality of life than people who lived in previous times. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
● Some people think the main purpose of school is to turn children into good citizens and workers, rather than to benefit them as individuals. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
● Some believe it is important for cities and towns to invest heavily in building large outdoor public spaces. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
● Some think the current generation should take steps to protect the environment for the next generation. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
● It is better for children if the whole family including aunts, uncles and so on are involved in a child’s upbringing, rather than just their parents. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
● Friendships that take place online are not as meaningful as those where people meet each other face to face. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
● The best way to reduce poverty in developing countries is by giving up to six years of free education, so that they can at least read, write and use numbers. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
● The governments should give each citizen a basic income so that they have enough money to live on, even if they are unemployed. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
● Some countries are considering imposing curfews in which teenagers will not be allowed outdoors at night unless they are accompanied by an adult. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this policy?
● Some people believe that smartphones are destroying social interaction today. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
● Many people today would argue that cinemas are becoming irrelevant due to new streaming services. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
● The most important aim of science ought to be to improve people’s lives. To what extent do you agree or disagree? (Cambridge 18)
● Some people believe that professional athletes serve as positive role models for young people, while others argue that their behaviour both on and off the field has a negative influence. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
● In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of oil drilling operations in remote locations around the world. This has brought economic benefits to some countries, though it has also raised concerns about the environmental impact of these operations. Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.
● Some feel that individuals should try to assimilate completely to the country where they live while others feel it is more important to preserve their native culture. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
● The increasing availability of low-cost airlines now lets people travel around the world. Some feel this is a positive development while others think it is negative overall. Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.
● Many university students want to learn about different subjects in addition to their main subjects. Others feel it is more important to give all their time and attention to studying for their qualification. Discuss both views and give your opinion. (Cambridge 18)
● 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.
● Some people think the manufacturers and shopping malls should sell fewer packaged products while others argue that people have the responsibility to buy products with less packaging. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
● Some people think personal happiness is directly related to economic success, while others believe this depends on other factors. Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.
● Some people think that individuals today are more dependent on each other. Others believe people have become more independent. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
● Some people believe that professionals, such as doctors and engineers, should be required to work in the country where they did their training. Others believe they should be free to work in another country if they wish. Discuss views and give your own opinion. (Cambridge 17)
● Some people think that sports play an important role in society. Others think they are nothing more than a leisure activity. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
● Movies and computer games containing violence are popular. Some people say they have a negative effect on society and should be censored. Others say they are just harmless relaxation. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
● Some people think that famous people can help international aid organisations to draw attention to important problems. Others believe that the celebrities can make the problems seem less important. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
● Some believe that it is beneficial to show foreign films while others feel this can have a negative impact on local culture. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
● In recent years, there has been growing interest in the relationship between equality and personal achievement. Some people believe that individuals can achieve more in egalitarian societies. Others believe that high levels of personal achievement are possible only if individuals are free to succeed or fail according to their individual merits. Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.
● Some people believe that children of all ages should have extra responsibilities (for example, helping at home or at work). Others believe that, outside of school, children should be free to enjoy their lives. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
● In some places, old age is valued, while in other cultures youth is considered more important. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
● Many people who care for the elderly do not have enough time to look after them. What are the problems related to this? What are some possible solutions?
● Some young people like to copy the behaviour and clothes of famous people today. Why might this be the case? What problems can it cause?
● A rise in the standard of living in a country often only seems to benefit cities rather than rural areas. What problems can this cause? How might these problems be reduced?
● Many people feel that media coverage has become increasingly biassed today. Why is this? What can be done to fix this problem?
● Many young people today know more about international pop or movie stars than aboutfamous people in the history of their own country. Why is this? What can be done to increase young people’s interest in famous people in the history of their country?
● Not many young people in countries around the world go to and enjoy concerts and plays. Why is this the case? How should they be encouraged to attend?
● Nowadays more and more older people who need employment have to compete with younger people for the same jobs. What problems does this cause? What are the solutions?
● Nowadays children watch much more television than they did in the past and spend less time being active or creative. What is the reason for this? What measures should be taken to encourage children to be more active?
● Today, many people do not know their neighbours. Why is this? What can be done about this?
● In some parts of the world traditional festivals and celebrations have disappeared or are disappearing. What problems is this causing? What measures could be taken to counter this situation?
- Young people are often influenced in their behaviours by others in the same age group. Some argue that peer pressure is important while others feel it has distinct disadvantages. Do the disadvantages of peer pressure outweigh the advantages?
● It is important for people to take risks, in both their professional lives and personal lives. Do the advantages of taking these risks outweigh the disadvantages? (Cambridge 17)
● Around the world, people are now living longer than ever before in the past. Some say an ageing population creates problems for governments. Others believe there are benefits to society having more elderly people. (Cambridge 18)
- In some countries today, children are taught from a young age that competition is important and that winning is everything. Is this a positive or a negative development?
● Nowadays some older people choose to live in retirement communities and centres with other people, rather than living with their adult children. Is this a positive or negative development?
● Fossil fuels are the main source of energy around the world today. In some countries, the use of alternative sources of energy is replacing fossil fuels. Is this a positive or negative development?
● Around the world, rural people are moving to cities and urban areas, so populations in the countryside are decreasing. Is this a positive or negative development? (Cambridge 18)
● Nowadays, there is more and more competition for getting into university. Is this a positive or negative development?
● Film stars and celebrities often share their views on public matters that have little to do with their profession. Is this a positive or negative development?
● Due to television and the internet it is easier today for a large number of people to become famous. Is this a positive or negative development?
● Nowadays, an increasing number of people with health problems are using alternative medicines and treatments instead of visiting their normal doctor. Do you think this is a positive or negative development? (Cambridge 17)
● Today different types of robots are being developed which can serve as companions and workers to help at work and at home. Is this a positive or negative development?
- Many adults nowadays prefer spending their free time playing computer games. Why do they do this? Is this a positive or negative development?
● Some children spend hours every day on smartphones. Why is this the case? Do you think this is a positive or negative development? (Cambridge 17)
● Some think that ambition is a good quality. Is it important to be ambitious? Is it a positive or negative characteristic?
● Some countries have introduced laws to limit the working hours that an employer can ask from an employee. Why are these law introduced? Is this a positive or negative trend?
● In many countries, people increasingly talk about money such as how much they earn or how much they pay for things in their daily conversations. Why? Is this a positive or negative trend?
● Online currencies have become more common in recent years. Why is this? Is this a positive or negative development?
● Nowadays, entertainers get paid more than politicians. What are the reasons for this? Is this a negative or positive development?
● There is more and more outrage and anger common in society today. Why is this? Is this a positive or a negative development?
● Weddings are getting bigger and more expensive. What is the reason for this? Is it a positive or negative development?
