TABLE OF CONTENT

OPINION
DISCUSSIONS
PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS
TWO-PART QUESTIONS
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
 OPINION
1. Some people think that the main purpose of schools is to teach children to be a good
citizen or worker rather than to benefit them as individuals. To what extent do you agree
or disagree?
2. The spread of multinational companies and resulting increase of globalization produces
positive effects for everyone. To what extent to you agree or disagree?
3. Some children think that some subjects such as mathematics and philosophy are too
difficult for them to study at school, so they should be made optional rather than
compulsory. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
4. If a product is good and can meet peoples needs, people will buy it. Advertising in the
media is no more than a form of entertainment. Do you agree or disagree?
5. Many countries are trying to improve the standard of living of their people through
economic development. However, some people think that traditional values are lost as a
result of this. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
6. Nowadays, full- time university students tend to focus on their studying. Some people
think it is essential for university students to be involved in other activities. To what extent
do you agree or disagree?
7. Advertising encourage people to buy in quantity rather than promoting its quality. To
what extent do you agree or disagree?
8. The spread of multinational companies and resulting increase of globalization produces
positive effects for everyone. To what extent to you agree or disagree?
9. If a product is good and can meet peoples needs, people will buy it. Advertising in the
media is no more than a form of entertainment. Do you agree or disagree?
10. Some people think that increasing the number of police officers on the street is the only
effective way to reduce crime. Do you agree or disagree?
11. 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?
12. Women play a bigger part in domestic work than men do in many countries. Some
people say that women are only good at doing housework while others think that women
can do other kinds of work as well as men. Do you agree or disagree?
13. 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?
14. Too much money has been spent on looking after and repairing old buildings. We
should knock down old buildings and build modern ones instead. To what extent do you
agree or disagree?
15. Some people believe that if people are allowed to buy guns, they will be able to protect
themselves and the crime rate can be lower. To what extent do you agree or disagree
16. Governments should focus spending only on public services, not waste on the arts. To
what extent do you agree or disagree?
17. A long-distance flight consumes the same amount of fuel and causes the same
amount of pollution as a car does in several years. Some people think that to reduce
environmental problems, we should discourage non-essential flights, such as tourist
air travel, instead of limiting the use of cars. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
18. Teachers used to convey information, but now with wide resources of information,
there is no role for teachers to play in modern education. Do you agree or disagree?
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?
20. 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?
21. It is no longer necessary that animals should be slaughtered and made into either human
foodstuffs or non-foodstuffs, such as fur and medicine. Do you agree or disagree?
22. The tendency of news reports in the media to focus more on problems and emergencies
than on positive developments is harm to the individuals and the society as a whole. To
what extent do you agree or disagree?
23. Food produced by fertilizers and machines is dangerous to human health and local
communities. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
24. Museums and art galleries are not necessary because people can see the historical
objects and works of art in these places on television or on the Internet. To what extent do
you agree or disagree?
25. Animal testing has been an important part of scientific research, but some people
suggest that it's less practical and it will cause extreme pains to the animals so we should
stop doing it, do you agree or disagree?
26. Some people believe the range of technology available to individuals today is
increasing the gap between poor people and rich people. Others think it is having an
opposite effect. Discuss these points of view. What is your opinion?
27. Many people believe that music plays an important role in the society. Others, however,
believe that music is simply a kind of entertainment for individuals. Whats your opinion?
28. 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?
29. Some people think everyone should be a vegetarian, because we do not need to eat
meat to have a healthy diet. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
30. Advertising discourages people from being different individuals by making us all want
to do the same and look the same. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
31. Some people believe that the government should support the development in agriculture
such as farming and the creation of new types of fruits and vegetables. To what extent do
you agree or disagree?
32. Art classes, such as painting and drawing, are as important as other subjects to a childs
development, and they should be compulsory in high schools. To what extent do you agree
or disagree?
33. As well as making money, businesses should also have social responsibilities. Do you
agree or disagree?
34. Nuclear energy is better than other energy resources in meeting ever-increasing needs
of the globe. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
35. In order to solve traffic jam and air pollution, governments should promote the use of
bicycles and restrict vehicles. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
 DISCUSSIONS
1. Some people think that robots are very important to humans future development. Others
think that they are dangerous and have negative effects on society. Discuss both opinions
and give your personal view.
2. Some people think sports games are important for society, while others believe they
should more be taken as leisure activities. Discuss.
3. Some people think that the government should decide the subject for students to study
in university. Others believe that students should be allowed to apply for the subject they
prefer. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
4. Some people think that governments in developing countries should introduce new
technologies to people in order to improve the quality of life, while others believe that in
order to achieve that governments should offer free education for all. Discuss both these
views and give your own opinion.
5. Some people think individuals are more and more dependent on each other. some people
think individuals are more and more independent. Discuss both views and give your own
opinion.
6. Some people think they have right to use as much fresh water as they want, others believe
government should control the use of fresh water as it is limited resource. Discuss both
views and give your opinion.
7. Some people think watching television is bad for children in all ways. Others say it is
good for children to get knowledge. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
8. Some people think young people should be free to choose their job, while others believe
that they should be realistic and think about their future. Discuss both views and give your
opinion.
9. Some people think that cultural traditions will be destroyed if they are used as money-
making attractions aimed at tourists. Others, however, believe that is the only way to save
these traditions. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
10. Some people say that history can teach us many important values and lessons, but others
think it is unnecessary to learn from the past. Discuss both views and give your own
opinion.
11. In some countries, private car drivers have to pay congestion tax for traffic problems.
Some people think this will be helpful while others think there are better ways to solve
traffic problems. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
12. Some people think that students in single-sex schools perform better academically.
Others, however, believe that mixed schools provide children with better social skills for
adult life. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
13. 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.
14. Some people think that most crimes are the result of circumstances, e.g. Poverty and
other social problems, while others believe that most crimes are caused by people who are
bad by nature. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
15. Some people think that government should establish free libraries in each town, while
others believe that it is a waste of money since people can obtain information from the
Internet at home. Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.
16. Films and computer games containing violence are popular. Some people say they have
negative effects on society and should be banned. Others say they are just harmless
relaxation. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
17. Some people think traveling abroad is a valuable experience for young people. Others
think it wastes too much time and expense. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
18. Some scientists think it is very soon that computers will be more intelligent than human.
Some people think it is a positive development, while others think it is a negative
development. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
19. More and more people choose online shopping. Some people think this trend will have
positive influence (such as creating new jobs), however others think it causes many
problems. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
 PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS
1. In many countries, average life expectancy has been increasing. What problems will this
cause for individuals and for society as a whole? Suggest some solutions.
2. In some countries there is not enough recycling of waste materials (e.g. paper, glass and
cans). What are the reasons and solutions?
3. Many people nowadays do not feel safe either when they are at home or go out. What
are the reasons? What can we do to solve this problem?
4. 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?
5. Today, most of people understand the importance of protecting the environment, while
some people think individuals are too weak to take actions and make a difference. Discuss
why do such people hold this opinion and tell what should be done to solve the problem.
6. Research suggests that majority of criminals who are sent to a prison would commit
crimes when set free, what do you think of this case? What can be done to solve this
problem?
7. Some people say that there is a need to recycle the items that we throw away every day,
what are the reasons and what individuals can do?
 TWO-PART QUESTIONS
1. Do you think how important it is for people to want success in life? Is ambition a
positive or negative characteristic?
2. Young people increasingly admire entertainment and sports stars although some stars do
not set a good example. Is this positive or negative development
3. More and more people want to buy famous brands with clothes, cars and other items.
What are the reasons? Do you think it is a positive or negative development?
4. Science tells us some activities are good for our health and there are some unhealthy
activities. But millions of people still do those unhealthy activities. Why ? what can we do
to change this situation?
5. Today, the qualities of life of people in big cities are worse. What are the causes of this
problem? Any measures should be taken to solve it?
6. Nowadays, not enough students choose science subjects in university in many countries.
What are the reasons for this problem? What are the effects on the society?
7. In many countries, average life expectancy has been increasing. What problems will this
cause for individuals and for society as a whole? Suggest some solutions.
8. Recently, young generations in community are less happy, although they are richer, safer
and healthier. What are the causes? What measures should we take?
9. Report research suggests that majority of criminals who were sent to prison would
commit crimes when set free. What do you think of this case? What to be done to solve
this problem?
10. In some countries boarding schools are getting more popular. Is it a positive or negative
development? What are the reasons behind it?
11. The best way for a country to prepare for the future is to invest more resources in its
young people. How true do you think of it? What is the best way to invest resources?
12. Today there is a great increase in anti-social behaviors and lack of respect to others.
What are the causes of this? Who should take responsibility for dealing with it?
13. The workplace nowadays is trying to employ the equal number of females and males.
Do you think it is a positive or negative trend?
14. In the past, people used to travel to different places to see the differences. Today, the
places around the world seem to be similar. What are the causes of the similarity? Do you
think its advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
 ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
1. Because of improved technologies in communication and transport, people in some
countries can now choose to live and work anywhere they want. Do the advantages
outweigh the disadvantages?
2. Universities and colleges are now offering qualifications through distance learning from
the Internet rather than teachers in the classroom. Do you think the advantages of this
development overweight the disadvantages?
3. Nowadays more and more people have consumer goods, such as refrigerator or washing
machines. Do you think this development has more advantages than its disadvantages?
4. With the increasing demand for energy sources of oil and gas, people should look for
sources of oil and gas in remote areas and untouched places. Do advantages outweigh
disadvantages?
5. In some countries, more and more adults are continuing to live with their parents even
after they have completed education and found jobs. Do the advantages outweigh
disadvantages?
6. It has been suggested that all young adults should be required to undertake a period of
unpaid work helping people in the community. Would the drawbacks be greater than
benefits to the community and the young adults themselves?
7. 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?
8. The increasing demand for oil and gas has made it necessary to look for these sources
of energy in remote and untouched natural places. Do you think the advantages of locating
oil and gas in these areas outweigh the disadvantages of deranging these places?
9. New technologies have changed the way people spend their free time. Do you think the
advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
10. Today, globalization is making a lot of places more and more similar, what are the
reasons? Analyze the advantages and disadvantages of the phenomenon.
11. An increasing number of people choose to travel abroad. To what extent do you think
the problems brought by international travel outweigh its advantages?
12. Some people think governments should protect local companies when they compete
with international companies. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?