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200 Topics for IELTS Writing Task 2
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Task 2 Questions
1. Nowadays, almost everyone has access to television on a wide basis. However, the
eIIects oI television are not always positive. What are some oI the negative eIIects oI
television? What can be done to minimize the bad eIIects? Give reasons Ior your
answer.
2. Many young people choose to continue their educations abroad. What are the beneIits
oI studying abroad? What arc some oI the problems students might experience when
studying in a Ioreign country and how might these problems be minimized?
3. In many countries the problems oI drug-taking is increasing. Governments and the
general public arc particularly concerned about young people using illegal drugs such as
heroin, ecstasy and marijuana. What methods could be used to prevent young people
Irom taking drugs? Is it appropriate to send young drug-users to prison? Give reasons
Ior your answer.
4. The average British child between the ages oI 4 and 15 watches more than 20 hours oI
television a week. Studies show he/she only spends about 7 hours a week on physical
exercise. How does this compare with the situation in your country? How can parents
make sure children get enough exercise? Give reasons Ior your answer.
5. Some workplaces do not ensure the saIety oI workers who use dangerous equipment
or work around dangerous substances. What can be done about this problem?
6. People who watch a lot oI violent television will Iind it inIluences their behaviour
when they are angry or upset. Do you agree?
7. There are many people these days with disabilities which make movement and work
in the society diIIicult. How can society reduce the problems oI people with disabilities?
8. Students must absorb a great deal oI inIormation in order to get good grades and go
on to university studies. Describe some good study habits that can help in this regard.
9. It is the responsibility oI the government to protect its citizens Irom natural disasters.
How Iar do you agree with this statement ?
10. Many businesses Iind it very diIIicult to assign enough time and resources to
research and development (R&D). How important is such research and what could a
government do to encourage more company spending in this area`?
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11. Eating a balanced diet is the key to a healthy liIe. To what extent do you agree or
disagree with this statement? Are there other Iactors that are more important? Give
reasons Ior your answer.
12. Can computerized data collection be justiIied even though it endangers the rights oI
individuals? Give reasons Ior your answer.
13. To solve traIIic problems governments should tax Private car owners heavily and
use the money to improve public transportation. Discuss the advantages and
disadvantages oI such a system.
14. Discuss what you believe to be the most common Iactors that cause people to Iail in
their lives. Include some suggestions about how Iailure can best be avoided.
15. It is inevitable that as technology develops traditional cultures will be lost.
Technology and tradition are incompatible-you cannot have both together. To what
extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
16. The private motor vehicle has greatly improved individual Ireedom oI movement.
Yet, the use oI private motor vehicles has contributed to some oI today`s most serious
problems. Discuss some oI the problems caused by private motor vehicle use and how
their use can be reduced eIIectively.
17. There are many diIIerent types oI music in the world today. Why do we need music?
Is the traditional music oI a country more important and should it be preserved or is
international music that is heard everywhere nowadays more useIul to a society?
18. Government investment in the arts, such as music and theatre, is a waste oI money.
Governments must invest this money in public services instead. How Iar do you agree
with these statements?
19. Some people believe that computers are more oI a hindrance than a help in today`s
world. Others Ieel that they are such indispensable tools that they would not be able to
live or work without them. In what ways are computers a hindrance? What is your
opinion?
20. Too much attention is paid to and too much money is spent on keeping pets, while
people throughout the world are starving. Discuss the arguments Ior and against keeping
pets. To what extent do you agree?
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21. Some people Ieel that the responsibility Ior providing education should be borne
only by the government and that private education should be limited. What are the main
advantages oI banning private education? What is your opinion on the matter?
22. Do the dangers derived Irom the use oI chemicals in Iood production and
preservation outweigh the disadvantages?
23. More and more qualiIied people are moving Irom poor to rich countries to Iill
vacancies in specialist areas like engineering, computing and medicine. Some people
believe that by encouraging the movement oI such people rich countries are stealing
Irom poor countries. Others Ieel that this is only part oI the natural movement oI
workers around the world. What is your opinion? Whatmeasures c ould rich countries
take to encourage qualiIied people to stay and help develop their own countries?
24. As populations grow and cities become more crowded, there is pressure throughout
the world to construct ever taller buildings to provide accommodation and oIIices. Many
people object to such developments, citing the social as well as the physical dangers.
What beneIits do skyscrapers bring? Do you agree with the objections to skyscrapers?
25. Technology creates more and more leisure time by replacing many oI the tasks we
do at home and at work. Discuss the beneIits this will bring and also the problems it
could cause.
26. High technology is now being harnessed to help the elderly by providing
monitoring, tracking and perhaps one day robots as companions. Whilst there are
obvious beneIits Ior the elderly in these developments, some people are uneasy about
the social consequences, What are the negative consequences? What is your opinion on
the matter?
27. Trees are essential Ior the existence oI the human race as they provide the oxygen
that we need to survive. Yet, daily all around the globe large areas oI woodland are
being destroyed. Many people Ieel that they as individuals can do nothing and that only
governments and large companies can halt the destruction. What are the risks associated
with logging? Do you agree that individuals can do nothing?
28. University lecturers are now able to put their lectures on the Internet Ior students to
read and so the importance oI attending Iace-to-Iace lectures has been reduced. Do you
believe the use oI the Internet in Iormal education is a good idea? What Iuture eIIects
might the Internet have on academic study?
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29. Smokers should be allowed to smoke in public places. Smokers have rights, too.
How Iar do you agree with this statement?
30. Describe some oI the problems that overpopulation causes and suggest at least one
possible solution.
31. Some people believe that children`s leisure activities must be educational otherwise
they arc a complete waste oI time. Do you agree or disagree? Give reasons Ior your
answer and include any relevant examples Iorm your experience.
32. The threat oI nuclear weapons maintains world peace and provides cheap and clean
energy. The beneIits oI nuclear power Iar outweigh the disadvantages. Do you agree or
disagree? To what extent do you believe that nuclear technology is a danger to live on
earth?
33. Too much education can be dangerous. When people receive more education than
they need to Iunction in their job, it only breeds dissatisIaction, how Iar do you agree?
34, Nowadays we are said to have a 'throw away society where we use things once and
throw them away. Outline the problems that are caused by this liIestyle and what might
happen iI we continue to dump large quantities oI trash. Propose some solutions to the
problem.
35. In this age oI violence, British mothers are asking Ior stricter controls on TV. Do
you agree that this will help decrease violent crimes committed by young people?
36. Many oI the medical problems which aIIlict people who do oIIice jobs are the direct
result oI a sedentary liIestyle. Do you agree? What can be done to minimize the eIIects
oI this problem?
37. Do road accidents cause many deaths each year in your country? Why do so many
road accidents occur? Make recommendations that would help to reduce the number oI
road accidents and save lives.
38. What are the advantages and disadvantages oI a vegetarian diet?
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39. What technological development do you think has been most important in the last
century? How has it changed people`s lives? have all the changes been positive?
40. In some newspapers and magazines there are stories about the private lives oI
Iamous people. We know what they eat, where they buy their clothes and whom they
love. We also oIten see pictures oI them in private situations, Is it appropriate Ior a
magazine or newspaper to give this kind oI private inIormation about people? Give
reasons Ior your answer.
41. Should developing countries concentrate on improving industrial skills or should
they promote education Iirst? What is your opinion?
42. Will modern technology, such as the Internet ever replace the book or the written
word as the main source oI inIormation?
43. Genetic engineering is a signiIicant issue in the world today. Some people believe it
can improve liIe in many ways. Others believe it may be a threat to liIe on Earth. What
are the beneIits and risks involved in genetic engineering? What is your opinion?
44. Air pollution is endangering lives especially in some areas. Outline some oI the
problems caused by air pollution and some oI the possible solutions to the problem.
45. Modern liIe is very busy and stressIul. People are under pressure to plan their time
very careIully in order to accomplish their work. With the shortage oI Iree time, how can
individuals and employers ensure that the negative eIIects oI stress will not prevent
them Irom carrying out their work?
46. Some people believe that governments must invest in research and development in
order to improve their economies. Others Ieel that this money is more appropriately
spent other programs. What is
your opinion?
47. In many countries the problems oI drug-taking is increasing. Governments and the
general public are particularly concerned about young people using illegal drugs such as
heroin, ecstasy and marijuana. What methods could be used to prevent young people
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Irom taking drugs? Is it appropriate to send young drug users to prison? Give reasons Ior
your answer.
48. Nowadays many people have access to computers on a wide basis and a large
number oI children play computer games. What arc the negative and positive eIIects oI
use oI computer games and what can be done to minimize the bad eIIects? Give reasons
Ior your answer.
49. In many countries where capital punishment has been abolished, there has been a
corresponding rise in violent crime rates. For this reason, many governments are
considering its reintroduction as a Iorm oI deterrent. Should capital punishment be
reintroduced? Discuss.
50. Television is a very powerIul medium oI inIluence over large populations. There are
many positive aspects to television. For example, it is an educational tool. However
many people Ieel that it is doing
irreparable harm. Present argumentation to highlight your opinion on this matter.
51. Outdoor recreation such as mountain climbing, camping and hiking bring us closer
to nature and are ideal activities to encourage Iamily bonding. Discuss.
52. The younger generation is up-to-date with new techniques and advances in Science.
They are oIten better able to make important decisions than their parents are. Discuss.
53. Over the past twenty to thirty years there has been a noticeable trend away Irom
many Iorms oI discipline within the Iamily. A recent survey highlighted the Iact that
most people Ieel that parents are
too permissive with their children. Discuss this issue and what you consider to be the
best Iorms oI discipline.
54. As a result oI countries becoming more and more industrialized, pollution has
become a serious problem. Discuss some ways that this problem may be addressed.
55. Many are oI the opinion that the Internet is inundating our children with dangerous
inIormation. There is however no doubt that the Internet represents great advances in
communication and the dissemination oI inIormation. Discuss the pros and cons oI the
internet.
56. Salaries paid to employees are an accurate reIlection oI their value to society.
Discuss. In approaching this task, consider in particular salaries paid to nurses, doctors,
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sports persons, movie stars, teachers and Iarmers.
57.some people Ieel that certain workers, like nurses, doctors and teachers, are
undervalued and should be paid more, especially when other people like Iilm actors or
company bosses are paid huge sums oI money that are out oI proportion to the
importance oI the work that they do. How Iar do you agree? What criteria should be
used to decide how much people are paid?
58. Although there is no longer an immediate threat oI nuclear war, peace agreements
as elusive as ever. In order to address this problem, the United Nations should be given a
stronger role in global aIIairs in order to bring about world peace.
59. Good health is a basic human right; however, in a growing number oI countries
today, access to health care depends on socio-economic status. This is discriminatory
and should not be the basis Ior access to good health care. Discuss.
60. Spending money on scientiIic research should only be authorized by governments
when there are economic beneIits resulting Irom the research. Discuss.
61. Women have been disadvantaged in the workplace Ior decades and so they should
now receive special assistance in the Iorm oI education and incentives, etc. Discuss.
62. Going on strike is commonly used as a catalyst to resolve industrial disputes. Many
conservative governments are strongly opposed to this mechanism Ior bringing about
change. Discuss the pros and cons oI this action in resolving disputes.
63. Since World War II there has been an increase in cooperation between many eastern
and western countries. This has led to a desire amongst students to undertake study in
Ioreign countries. Write a brieI account oI the advantages and disadvantages oI studying
abroad.
64. Since reading is important Ior a good education we should encourage our children to
read extensively. However, as there is an abundance oI undesirable reading matter, there
should be heavy censorship to restrict access to it. Discuss.
65. Pollution is a very serious problem today. What level oI pollution should we
tolerate? Discuss examples oI the diIIerent types oI pollution.
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66. What are the causes and eIIects oI global worming? Make some recommendations to
minimize the eIIects.
67. Smoking has long been known to cause health problems Ior smokers; however, the
eIIect oI passive smoking is becoming an important health issue. Discuss the dangers oI
smoking to smokers and nonsmokers.
68. Passive smoking kills. The most vulnerable sections oI the population are both the
unborn and the very young children as their lungs are still developing. For this reason,
smoking in public places should be prohibited. Discuss.
69. The level oI serious crime is escalating alarmingly. Give some suggestions to control
this trend.
70. Most psychologists today believe that a strong sense oI parental discipline is
necessary to bring up socially well adjusted and selI-conIident children. Discuss.
71. Although many beneIits may result Irom space exploration, the costs involved are
enormous. There is some debate as to whether this money could be more wisely spent to
provide Ior the basic needs oI mankind such as Iood, clean water, contraception, etc. For
this reason space exploration should be restricted. How Iar do you agree or disagree?
72. How can we address the problem oI the increasing illiteracy t rend in many highly
developed countries such as the United Slates and the United Kingdom?
73. How can the ever-increasing gap between rich and poor be narrowed?
74. In countries like Japan, stress is becoming a major problem. Suggest some ways to
control this trend.
75. RainIorests are a valuable resource and as such we should phase out indiscriminate
logging. Discuss.
76. What are the pros and cons oI co-educational schooling?
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77. Compare the beneIits oI a vegetarian diet over a conventional Western diet.
78. Forests are the Lungs oI the earth. Their destruction will accelerate extinction oI
animals and ultimately mankind. For this reason, logging in the world`s rainIorests
should be phased out over the next decade. Discuss.
79. Aquariums and zoos are seen as sources oI education and entertainment Ior Iamilies.
They are also essential to conduct liIe-saving research. However, there is opposition to
conIining animals in this way. Discuss some oI the arguments Ior and against the
maintenance oI zoos.
80. Tourism is seen as a major industry Ior many countries. However, it tends to have a
deterious eIIect on the environment and should be strictly monitored. Discuss.
81. Technology is making it possible to stay at home and work. Discuss the advantages
and disadvantages oI this trend.
82. Learning would be improved through the extensive use oI computers in the
classroom. This would reduce the number oI teachers required which would be an
advantage. Discuss.
83. Society is experiencing an increase in many problems such as crime and drug abuse
due to urbanization. Give some suggestions to control this trend.
84. Discuss the possible causes Ior the worldwide increase in crime and violence. What
has been the eIIect oI these adverse trends on society?
85. One day the world`s oil and gas reserves will run out. The search For alternative
energy sources like wind power, solar power, burning waste, and water power are
causing as much environmental damage as the oil and nuclear power sources they are
intended to replace. How Iar do you agree with this latter statement? What possible
beneIits do the alternative energy sources bring?
86. Only Iormal examinations, written or practical, can give a clear picture oI students`
true knowledge and ability at university level. Continuous assessment like course work
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and projects are poor measures oI student ability. How Iar do you agree with this latter
statement?
87. Although tourists in many countries are a signiIicant source oI revenue, they are
Irowned upon Ior
various reasons. For the tourist, however, traveling is supposed to broaden the mind and
be an educational experience. In what ways do you think traveling does this? In what
ways can traveling narrow a person`s mind?
88. The Internet is becoming more and more central to our lives as it provides more and
more inIormation, acts as interactive entertainment, and as a means oI voting, etc. These
Iunctions have obvious beneIits,
but there arc dangers involved in the control the Internet is exerting over our lives. What
beneIits and dangers are involved? How Iar do you agree or disagree with the opinion
expressed?
89. The wealth oI a nation is said to depend on the health oI its citizens. Yet, in the
modem knowledge-based economics oI the world, education is more and more being
seen as the main Iorce in the development oI all countries. Which do you consider to be
more important? Are there other Iactors involved that are oI more importance?
90. Popular events like the Iootball World Cup and other international sporting
occasions are essential in easinginternational tensions and releasing patriotic emotions
in a saIe way. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
91. In many countries children are engaged in some kind oI paid work. Some people
regard this as completely wrong, while others consider it as valuable work experience
important Ior learning and taking responsibility in society. What are your opinions on
this?
92. Improvements in health, education and trade are essential Ior the development oI
poorer nations. However, the governments oI richer nations should take more
responsibility Ior helping the poorer
nations in such areas. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
93. It is generally accepted that Iamilies are not as close as they used to be. Give some
reasons why this change has happened and suggest how Iamilies could be brought closer
together. Include any relevant
examples Irom your experience.
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94. What are the Iactors which contribute to anxiety in high school students? What are
the eIIects oI high anxiety in schools? Suggest some ways to minimize anxiety?
95. What are the arguments Ior and against the tropical logging industry?
96. Overpopulation is a serious global problem today. In your opinion, should
governments intervene in the rights oI the individual with regard to Iamily planning?
97. To what extent should economic planning be inIluenced by the need Ior
environmental conservation?
98. Voluntary euthanasia should be legalized. To what extent do you agree with this
statement?
99. To what extent should university curriculum be geared to the economic needs oI
society?
100. Under British and Australian laws a jury in a criminal case has no access to
inIormation about the deIendant`s past criminal record. This protects the person who is
being accused oI the crime. Some
lawyers have suggested that this practice should be changed and that a jury should be
given all the past Iacts beIore they reach their decision about the case. Do you agree or
disagree?
101. Some employers reward members oI their staIIs Ior their exceptional contributions
to the company by giving them bonuses. This practice can act as an incentive Ior some,
but may also have a negative impact on others. To what extent is this style oI
management eIIective? Are there better ways oI encouraging employees to be more
eIIicient?
102. Popular hobbies and interests change over time and are more a reIlection oI trends
and Iashions than an indication oI what individuals really want to do in their spare time.
To what extent do you agree with
this statement? Give reasons Ior your answer.
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103. Enormous eIIort is sometimes put into researching and marketing the perIect
product. On the other hand, research into improving working conditions oI employees is
ignored. How important are staII working conditions? Should employers research and
improve the working conditions oI their staII or should they concentrate more on their
product?
104. The age oI InIormation Technology has taken a lot oI people by surprise. While it
has become a way oI liIe Ior some, many others know very little about it and likely will
not learn in the Iuture. Eventually we will have a polarized society and this will lead to
serious social problems. To what extent do you agree with this statement?
105. Have newspapers become a medium oI the or will they continue to play an
important role in people`s lives?
106. Should parents be obliged to immunize their children against common childhood
diseases or do individuals have the right to choose not to immunize their children?
107. These days, due to economic trends, governments are cutting budgets Ior medical
treatment oI the needy. However, large sums oI money arc spent on medical research.
What are your opinions on this matter?
108. Do young people today make good use oI their leisure time or do they spend too
much time watching television and playing video games instead oI taking part in more
productive activities? Use your own ideas and experience and support your arguments
with examples.
109. The government spends about 220 million pounds a year supporting museums and
galleries in the UK, and a similar amount subsidizing the visual and perIorming arts.
This is a huge sum oI money to spend on minority interests, and the money would be
better spent on more important things. It should be up to the people who enjoy cultural
attractions to pay Ior them. What are your views?
110. According to a recent study, the more time people use the Internet, the less time
they spend with real human beings. Should we worry about the eIIect this is having on
social interaction or should we see the Internet as a way oI opining up new
communication possibilities worldwide? What are your views?
111. Advances in science and technology and other areas oI society in the last 100 years
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have transIormed the way we live as well as postponing the day we die. There is no
better time to be alive than now. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this
opinion?
112. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages oI building dams.
113. What are the causes and eIIects oI acid rain and how can this problem be
minimized?

114. Some people believe that the use oI animals in scientiIic research is vital to
improving health and wellbeing. Others Ieel that animals have rights as living creatures
and should not be tormented or killed Ior scientiIic advancement. Explore the pros and
eons oI this issue and discuss your own opinion.
115. What are the causes and principal eIIects oI the increase in Iast-Iood consumption
in your country?
116. Stress is becoming a major problem in many workplaces. Discuss this problem and
some ways that employers can decrease stress in the workplace.
117. In modern times environmental problems are becoming very complex. As a result,
governments and individuals cannot solve the problems and there must be an
international organization established to handle the problems. How Iar do you agree?
118. The costs oI medical health care are increasing all the time. Governments are
Iinding it diIIicult to balance the health care budget. Should citizens be totally
responsible Ior their own health costs and take out private insurance or should there be a
comprehensive healthcare system that provides Iree health services Ior all? Discuss.
119. It is important that children study hard at school. Time spent playing sport is time
wasted. How Iar do you agree or disagree?
120: Give advantages and disadvantages oI using public transport instead oI private
cars.
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121. In some countries very Iew people vote in elections. How can people be
encouraged to take part in the election process and is it necessary Ior them to do so?
122. The needs and experiences oI disabled people can sometimes be unknown to the
able-bodied. How can greater understanding between these two groups oI people be
promoted?
123. In most countries disabled people are not catered Ior adequately. Governments rely
too heavily on charities and voluntary organizations to provide assistance. What Iurther
measures could be taken to assist disabled people?
124. In some countries children have strict rules oI behavior. In other countries they are
allowed to do almost anything. To what extent should children have to Iollow rules?
125. Disruptive school students have a negative inIluence on others. Students who arc
noisy and disobedient should be grouped together and taught separately. Do you agree?
126. There are many diIIerent methods Ior bringing up children these days. Describe
what you consider to be the ideal way to bring up children.
I27. These days people spend too much time and money on their looks. What is your
opinion?
128 Nowadays some companies are using hidden cameras to Iilm their employees in an
attempt to bring more eIIiciency to the workplace. Others object strongly that this
technology is a blatant violation oI personal privacy. What are your opinions about this
matter?
129. What are the key problems Iacing the world`s large cities in the 21st century and
what can be done about these problems?
130. Motorcycles are said to be the cause oI a large percentage oI serious Iatal traIIic
accidents. As a result, motorcycles should be banned to reduce the death toll Ior
accidents. How Iar do you agree?
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131. In western countries people spend a lot oI money on their pets. They buy special
Iood Ior their cats or dogs, buy them toys and oIten pay high Iees Ior medical treatment.
Some people think this is a waste oI money and argue that pets are dirty and dangerous.
What are the advantages and disadvantages oI having a pet? Do people spend too much
money on pets?
132. Some people preIer to study a Ioreign language in the country where that language
is spoken (e.g. learn French in France, German in Germany and so on). They say one
can learn the language better and quicker. Give you opinion and reasons on this subject.
133. According to those in the travel business, the nature oI the average holiday is
changing. Rather than, seeking a relaxing break in a Iar-away place, people now want
excitement on their holidays and are keen to participate in unusual and challenging
activities. Do you agree or not?
134. There has been a lot oI technological advancement in modern times, but all oI the
eIIects have not been beneIicial. Some weaknesses in writing and mathematics have
been caused due to the use oI computers and calculators in schools. Should computers
and calculators be used in schools? To what extent do you agree or disagree?
135. Some people believe that the best part oI their liIe is their childhood days but others
believe that their young adult stage is the best part oI their liIe. Give your opinion and
reasons about which is the best stage.
136. Many students have a part time job while studying at university to help with their
expenses. Do you think this is a good idea or not?
137. Discuss the causes and some eIIects oI widespread drug use by young people in
modern day society. Give necessary recommendations to Iight youth drug abuse.
138. Some governments say how many children a Iamily can have and may control the
number oI children through taxes. Sometimes it is necessary and right Ior a government
to control population in this way. Do you agree or disagree?
139. The highway toil is robbing our society oI many people who could otherwise be
leading useIul and productive lives. How can society protect itselI Irom these losses?
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140. A country`s Iirst duly to its citizens is to protect them. ThereIore it is logical that
deIense should take up a signiIicant proportion oI the national budget. Do you agree or
disagree with the statement?
141. Some businesses now say that no one can smoke cigarettes in any oI their oIIices.
Some governments have banned smoking in all public places. Do you agree or disagree?
Give reasons.
142. In what ways has inIormation technology changed work and working practices in
the past 10 years? We are becoming increasingly dependent on computers. They are
used in businesses, hospitals, crime detection and even to Ily planes. What things will
they be used Ior in Iuture? Is this dependence on computers a good thing or should we
be more suspicious oI their beneIits?
143. Should the same laws which prohibit the sale and consumption oI heroin be applied
to tobacco?
144. To what extent is the use oI animals in scientiIic research acceptable?
145. Human beings do not need to eat meat in order to maintain good health because
they can get all their Iood needs Irom meatless products and meatless substances. A
vegetarian diet is as healthy as a diet containing meat. Argue Ior or against the opinion
above.
146. Forests are the lungs oI the earth. Destruction oI the worlds Iorests amounts to
death oI the world we currently know. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
147. Are our zoos cruel to wild animals? Discuss.
148. Zoos are sometimes seen as necessary but not poor alternatives to a natural
environment. Discuss some oI the arguments Ior and against keeping animals in zoos.
149. To what extent should economic planning be inIluenced by the need Ior
environmental conservation?
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150. Damage oI the environment is an inevitable consequence oI worldwide
improvements in the standard oI living. Discuss this statement andsome ways to
decrease this negative trend.
151. The rising levels oI congestion and air pollution Iound in most oI the world cities
can be attributed directly to the rapidly increasing number oI private cars in use. In order
to reverse this decline in the quality oI liIe in cities, attempts must be made to encourage
people to use their cars less and public transport more. Discuss possible ways to
encourage the use oI public transport.
152. Education is the single most important Iactor in the development oI a country. Do
you agree?
153. What are Iactors which arc related to academic success in high school students?
Discuss and include some inIormation Irom your own experience.
154. Do the beneIits oI study abroad justiIy the diIIiculties? What advice would you
oIIer to a prospective student?
155. The idea oI going overseas Ior university study is an exciting prospect Ior many
people. But while it may oIIer some advantages, it is probably better to stay home
because oI the diIIiculties a student
inevitably encounters living and studying in a diIIerent culture. To what extent do you
agree or disagree with this statement? Give reasons Ior your answer.
156. Education is recognized as vital to the Iuture oI any society in today`s world.
Governments throughout the world should make education compulsory Ior all children
between the ages oI and I5. Towhat extent do you agree or disagree with this
statement?
157. Foreign language instruction should begin in kindergarten. Discuss.
18. Children should never be educated at home by their parents. Do you agree or
disagree?
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159. To what extent should universities Iunction as training grounds Ior employment?
160. To what extent should university courses be geared to the economic needs oI
society?
161. Should wealthy nations be required to share their wealth among poorer nations by
providing such things as Iood and education? Or is it a responsibility oI the governments
oI poorer nations to look aIter
their citizens themselves?
I 62. In Britain, when someone get old, they oIten go to live in a home with other old
people where there are nurses to look aIter them. Sometimes the government has to pay
Ior this care. Who should be responsible Ior our old people? Give reasons.
163. In some countries the average worker is obliged to retire at the age oI 50, while in
others people can work until they are 65 or 70. Until what age do you think people
should be encouraged to remain in paid employment? Give reasons Ior your answer.
164. In your opinion, in this age oI overpopulation and shortage oI resources should
governments intervene directly in the rights oI individuals with regard to Iamily
planning?
165. Many people believe that women make better parents than men and that this is why
they have the greater role in raising children in most societies. Others claim that men are
just as good as Women at parenting. Write an essay expressing your point oI view. Give
reasons Ior your answer.
166. The Iirst car appeared on British roads in 1888. By the year 2000there may be as
many as 29 million vehicles on British roads. Alternative Iorms oI transport should be
encouraged and international laws introduced to control car ownership and use. What do
you think?
167. The best way to reduce the number oI traIIic accidents is to make all young drivers
complete a saIe driving education course beIore being licensed to drive. How Iar do you
agree or disagree?
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168. The rising levels oI congestion and air pollution Iound in most oI the world cities
can be attributed directly to the rapidly increasing number oI private cars in use. Discuss
possible ways to encourage the use oI public transport.
169. The threat oI nuclear weapons maintains world peace. Nuclear power provides
cheap and clean energy. The beneIits oI nuclear technology Iar overweigh the
disadvantages. Do you agree or disagree? Give reasons Ior your answer.
170. The mass media, including TV, radio, and newspapers have great inIluence in
shaping people`s ideas. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Give reasons Ior your answer.
171. Tourism is becoming increasingly important as a source oI revenue to many
countries but its disadvantages should not be overlooked. What are some oI the
problems oI tourism?
172. Rich countries should Iorgive all debts Irom poor countries. How Iar do you agree
or disagree?
173. The Internet will bring people oI the world closer together. Discuss your opinions
on this issue.
I74. Should developing countries concentrate on improving industrial skills or should
they promote education Iirst?
175. Especially in earthquake areas, saIety standards are important when building
people`s homes. Who should be responsible Ior enIorcing strict building codesthe
government or the people who build the homes?
176. Does modern technology make liIe more convenient, or was liIe better when
technology was simpler?
177. Does travel and tourism help to promote understanding and communication
between countries?
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178. What should a government do Ior a country to become successIul?
179. Should sports classes be sacriIiced in high school so students can concentrate on
Academic subjects?
180. Nowadays doctors can become very rich. Maybe they should not Iocus on
proIitable activities such as plastic surgery or looking aIter rich patients and concentrate
more on the health oI all patients, no matter how rich they are? Discuss your position on
this matter.
181. Do you think modem technology, such as the Internet will ever replace the book or
the written word as the main source oI inIormation?
182. Should criminals be punished with lengthy jail terms or re-educated and
rehabilitated, using community service programs Ior instance, beIore being reintroduced
to society?
183. Computers can translate all kinds oI languages well. Do our children need to learn
more languages in the Iuture?
184. Many parents use physical punishment to teach the diIIerence between right and
wrong to their children. Many think physical punishment is necessary to help children
learn. To what extent do you agree or disagree. What methods oI discipline do you think
parents and teachers should use?
185. People use computers at work and home to simpliIy their work, but some people
argue that this will make people isolated and decrease social skills. To what extent do
you agree with this viewpoint?
186. Live animals are sometimes used in research. Is this cruel and unnecessary or
justiIied in the interests oI human welIare? Discuss the two views.
187. With the development oI modem science and technology, some aspects oI
traditional culture are being lost, so some people think that traditional cultures will be
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replaced by modem science and technology.
What is your opinion?
188. Some sport events, such as the Olympics and the World Cup, may help reduce
tension and bias between diIIerent countries and keep peace in the world. How Iar do
you agree or disagree?
189. Some people think that the new Millennium will be Iull oI opportunity while others
think it will be Iull oI dangers to liIe on Earth. What do you think about this issue and
what do you expect to happen in the new Millennium?
190. With the development oI market economies, advertisements have become a
dominant Ieature in the television industry, but there exists strong criticism against TV
advertisements. Discuss the negative eIIects oI TV advertisements.
191. Some people think that advertisements have a negative inIluence on young people
and should be Iorbidden. Do you agree?
192. Students who go directly Irom school to university beneIit less Irom their courses
and contribute less to their Iields than those who take a job or travel beIore university to
get more experience in the real world. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this
statement?
193. Modern technology has greatly inIluenced the types oI entertainment people
participate in and this has made people less creative. To what extent do you agree or
disagree?
194. The telephone plays an important role in modern liIe. There is no doubt that it has
improved the quality oI our lives in many ways. In other ways, however, it has had a
negative eIIect on our lives. Discuss both the positive and negative eIIects oI the
telephone on modern liIe. Support your ideas with reasons and examples.
195. Many places have lotteries or prizes where a person may win large sums oI money.
What would be the advantages and disadvantages oI winning a large sum oI money?
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196. Choose an invention, such as the telephone or computer, and discuss how it has
changed our lives and whether or not all the changes are positive.
197. In most parts oI the world, the volume oI traIIic is growing at an alarming rate.
Discuss the main traIIic problems in your country, their causes and possible solutions.
198. Participating in sport is as important Ior psychological health as it is Ior physical
condition and social development, and thereIore governments should expand exercise
and sport in schools. Discuss.
199. Fast Iood is becoming more and more popular. It has sometimes replaced
traditional Ioods. Some people think this is a beneIicial trend, but others disagree. What
is your opinion on this issue?
200. Some people say that it is impossible Ior a woman to be both eIIective at work and
a good mother at the same time. It is also suggested that the government should give
salaries to mothers who stay at home to take care oI their children. What do you think
about this?