Sample Essays

DISCUSSION TYPE
(Education)
Some people think that parents should teach their children how to be good
members of society. Others, however, believe that school is the best place to
learn this. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Some people believe that children should be taught by their parents about how to function as useful
members of society, while others believe that sending children to educational institutions is the
best way for them to study this. Although the latter opinion can be beneficial in some cases, I
believe that family upbringing plays a more important role in educating children to be good parts
of the community.

Schools can be considered suitable places for children to learn to be good citizens. With
standardized educational methods, schools can foster children’s cognitive development so that
they are able to contribute to society in the future. For example, Trung Vuong School and
Vinschool are well known for having nurtured successful alumni such as Professor Ngo Bao and
Professor Nguyen Hung, who have devoted their talents to the development of the country.
However, these people only represent a small fraction of the total number of students attending
schools, and thus, sending children to schools cannot be the best method of educating them to be
good members of society.

I believe that parents play a more important role in teaching them how to be good citizens. In
Vietnam, the average class size is 20 students, which makes it difficult for educators to provide
proper schooling for each student. One-to-one lessons at home, on the other hand, allow children
to progress faster. Furthermore, parents form stronger bonds with their offspring, and thus, it is
easier for them to shape children’s personalities at an early age. For example, by telling stories
such as Robin Hood and Cinderella before bedtime, parents can instil a sense of compassion and
integrity into them. These children are likely to become good members of society when they grow
up.

In conclusion, although sending children to schools can be seen as a way of teaching them how to
be good citizens, I believe that domestic upbringing has a bigger impact on determining who they
are in the future.
DISCUSSION TYPE
(Education)
Some people think that all university students should study whatever they like.
Others believe that they should only be allowed to study subjects that will be
useful in the future, such as those related to science and technology. Discuss
both these views and give your own opinion.
Some would argue that all students in universities have to study the subject they like, while others
think that they have to only study something useful for their future, for example, those related to
science and technology sectors. Although learning about the latter subjects is crucial to secure a
good job and salary, I believe that enrollment in whatever subject they favor leads to students being
successful in their fields.

Studying science and technology during third-level education makes students able to easily find a
job that pays high wages. That is to say, working in the majority of modern workplaces requires
up-to-date technological information aiming to improve the quality of work and to compete with
others, and, in turn, those employees will earn good remuneration. For instance, many IT graduates
from the University of Toronto were able to have high positions and good wages in many renowned
business companies. However, I think that the passion for what students study is more important
than how much their earnings are in the future.

It is very important for university students to study the subjects they like because this is the reason
behind a successful career. That is because the love for this particular subject allows them to go
beyond their limits, be creative, and be eager to improve, and thus, they might be promoted. For
instance, many well-known musicians decided to study music because they were passionate about
it, and this positive spirit helps them climb their professional ladder. Therefore, I support this
school of thought because studying a favorite subject is more important.

To conclude, despite the fact that a course in science and technology can provide postgraduates
with a good future career and enough income, in my view, studying whatever they prefer is better
because this leads to success in their field.

DISCUSSION TYPE
(Health)
Some people say that the best way to improve public health is by increasing the
number of sports facilities. Others, however, say that this would have little
effect on public health and that other measures are required. Discuss both these
views and give your own opinion.
It is argued that sports facilities should be increased in number to improve citizens’ health, while
others claim that other initiatives are more essential to be conducted. While I support the idea that
installing more sports facilities would help ordinary people enhance their general health, I am more
convinced that other effective measures should be taken.

On the one hand, people’s general health status could be improved greatly via exercising. It is
proven that working out increases the amount of oxygen to the brain, helping people be more
concentrated and optimistic. Therefore, lack of physical exercise or insufficient physical
movement may impact one’s working performance and make them less productive. For example,
Hanoi citizens are reported to be healthier than they were because of the availability of exercise
equipment right in local parks. However, I believe that this measure just improves health partially,
not the public’s health as a whole.

On the other hand, there is a wide range of actions to prevent poor health conditions. Improving
diet quality is one of the effective measures that should not be neglected. Good physical health is
indeed contributed to by many elements, and a full nutrient meal makes consumers stronger and
more resistant to some diseases. In Vietnam, there used to be a program of introducing milk into
daily meals to deter malnutrition among children. After 2 years of conducting this campaign, the
number of underweight children was noticeably reduced. Therefore, I completely advocate other
solutions to implement to ensure the public’s general health.

In conclusion, although launching more sports facilities would benefit the overall health of
citizens, I think that this matter could be addressed better by other methods

PROBLEM/SOLUTION TYPE
(Government/Politics)
In some countries, younger people are neglecting their right to vote.

What problems does this cause and what are some of the possible solutions?

It is argued that in certain nations, youth are not using their right to vote. This would hinder
political change, and it would also result in policies being made that are not beneficial for these
young people. The most viable solutions would be to create awareness among the younger
generation and to promote their participation in politics.

Not participating in elections would mean that it would be difficult to change the government,
which is necessary for some countries across the globe. This is because, in any functional
democracy, the only way to change the ruling party is by casting votes in the electoral process.
Furthermore, if young individuals forgo their right to vote, it would result in policies being made
that do not benefit them. As a result, they would feel that the state is not addressing their concerns
and might end up leaving the country. For instance, every year, thousands of young adults from
developing countries immigrate to Europe and North America because they are unhappy with their
government’s performance.
One way to tackle these issues is to inform these people about the power of the vote. Campaigns
should be held in universities and colleges to educate youth about their political rights. Another
solution is to promote these young people to enter politics. Doing this would ensure their
representation and their voices being heard. For example, Nelson Mandela was a young political
activist who successfully fought against racism and became the first black President of South
Africa.

In conclusion, neglecting to vote by the younger generation would delay the necessary government
change and result in laws that are not in their favor. However, encouraging youth participation in
politics and awareness campaigns can be effective solutions to tackle these problems.

PROBLEM/SOLUTION TYPE
(Crime)
In some countries, even though the rates of serious crimes are decreasing,
people feel less safe than ever before. What do you think are the causes of this
problem and what measures could be taken to solve it?
Although grievous offences are reducing, some people feel more insecure than they used to. The
main reason behind this is the increase of cyberbullying and hate crimes, and the solution would
be to raise general awareness among the masses and to promulgate new laws.

The primary cause of people not feeling as safe as they used to is that the arena of crime has
changed. More people are interacting virtually over the internet, which is mostly unregulated.
Therefore, people are easily subject to harassment and bullying on social media. Moreover, people
are also subject to hate crimes, which is a consequence of the constant portrayal of a certain group
of people as evil by the media. For example, labeling the activities of criminals who profess the
Islamic faith as terrorists has resulted in an increase in hate crimes against Muslims across
America.

The solution to such problems would be in educating the general public so that they are more
aware. This will allow them to act more responsibly. Also, the government can play its part by
enacting new laws that address the needs of the time. This will make citizens feel more secure
because they can have their problems redressed. For instance, the government of Bangladesh
recently enacted the Digital Security Act, 2018, and Digital Security Rules, 2020, in order to
penalize offences that take place in cyberspace, as crimes like online harassment and cyberbullying
were not previously defined as offences.

In conclusion, insecurity among some sections of the population is still prevailing due to the
change in the nature of crimes that are being committed nowadays. However, this can easily be
addressed by making people aware and also by introducing new laws.
AGREE/DISAGREE TYPE
(Government/Politics)
Details of politicians’ private lives should not be published in newspapers. To
what extent do you agree or disagree?

It is being argued that media houses should not disclose the personal lives of statesmen. I
completely agree with this statement because it will not only violate their right to privacy, but also
because they should focus their resources on more pressing issues that need immediate attention,
such as poverty.

It is the fundamental right of every human being to have their privacy. Even though they are public
figures, their private lives should be kept away from the eyes of the media. They should only be
judged based on their service towards their countries and not for what is happening in their day-
to-day affairs. The prime example of this can be seen in the Constitution of the USA, which gives
its citizens the right to privacy.

In addition to this, it is the responsibility of newspapers to address important matters, including

poverty. Media can be a very powerful medium, so rather than talking about other people’s lives,
resources should be diverted towards putting pressure on public officials to engage them in solving
real-life problems. Using their influence for the benefit of the general public should be the main
focus of newspapers. For example, during the Great Depression, The Guardian was the main voice
of people in protesting against poor living conditions.

In conclusion, I do not support the argument of newspapers publishing the personal information
of government officials. This is because it will result in the violation of their privacy, and also the
primary focus of news agencies should be to highlight key issues concerning the nation.

AGREE/DISAGREE TYPE
(Education)
Some say that music, art and drama are as important as other school subjects,
especially at the primary level. Do you agree or disagree?

Some people believe that arts-related subjects are as important as other school subjects, especially
for primary school children. I totally agree with this statement because this can help children
discover their talents from an early age and can increase their confidence.

One of the reasons I agree that creative subjects have the same importance as other school courses
in primary school is that it allows students to find out their potential talents early on. That is to say,
school age is the most convenient time for students to learn more about their interests by trying
different activities, as they are young enough to pursue their hobbies. They will probably not have
any other chance later in their lives to discover that because they will be busy with difficult exams
when they get older. For example, most famous singers were discovered by their music teachers
at school from a young age, and they claimed that they could not have been that successful if their
teachers had not found out their talents when they were young.

Moreover, music, art, and drama subjects help students boost their confidence. That is because
creative lessons teach students how to perform in front of lots of people and give them a chance to
socialise with other students. As a result, students can realise their real potential and act more
confidently. For instance, many psychologists suggest that students who are struggling with social
anxiety take drama lessons, as it helps to enhance confidence.

In conclusion, this essay completely agrees that music, art, and drama have the same value as other
subjects in primary school because it allows children to discover their hidden talents early on and
increases their self-confidence.

ADVANTAGES/DISADVANTAGES TYPE
(Technology)
Nowadays the way many people interact with each other has changed because
of technology. In what ways has technology affected the types of relationships
people make? Is this a positive or negative development?

In recent years, advancements in technology have changed how people connect with each other.
This has turned people into making much more friends but has also reduced the depth of those
relationships. In my opinion, this is a harmful change due to the fact that it makes humans less able
to communicate their personal feelings.

Technology’s influence has enabled people to make much more friends than they possibly could
in the past. This is largely owing to social media, which revolutionizes communication and helps
people to keep in touch with each other regardless of their geographical locations. Another change
in human relationships caused by modern technology is that the number of intimate relationships
made has been substantially less significant. With so many people to care about, social media
deters users from strengthening bonds. For instance, a stark difference can be observed in Vietnam,
where most young adults 20 years ago – when the internet was underdeveloped – had much deeper
connections than their modern counterparts.

The changes made to the types of relationships people make nowadays is largely a disadvantageous
one, for it deters people from having deep connections. Lacking valuable bonds means that they
have almost no one to confide in during depressive episodes that are inevitable for most humans,
and thereby increase the possibility of making unwise decisions. Examples of this can be found all
over the world, where cases of depression that cause suicidal behaviors are becoming more and
more common, and one of the primary contributing factors is victims having no one to share their
burdens with.
In conclusion, despite having much more ability to connect, people are making less meaningful
relationships; thus, the quality of relationships diminishes and harms their wellbeing.

ADVANTAGES/DISADVANTAGES TYPE
(Government/Politics)
In many countries, the government prioritizes economic growth above all other
concerns. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this.

In many nations, governments put more focus on improving their economies than improving other
sectors. Although residents’ earnings will increase, I personally believe that the main drawback
outweighs the main benefit, as this will cause environmental pollution.

The main benefit of prioritizing economic growth rather than other issues by governments is that
people will earn higher income. This is because governments will support companies to run their
businesses more effectively. As a result, companies will gain more profits and consequentially pay
their employees bigger bonuses or higher wages. For instance, in China, businesses make huge
revenue due to its strong economy. Therefore, Chinese citizens are paid higher and can spend
money on luxury products and travelling abroad. However, I personally believe that earning more
money cannot offset pollution problems that happen after economic growth prioritization.

The primary downside of putting more focus on economic development than other concerns by
governments is that environments will be polluted. This is because there will be far more newly
built factories for supporting the economic expansion. Without ecological concerns, the air will be
polluted from carbon dioxide and fumes which are emitted from these factories, and rivers will be
polluted by industrial sewage from manufacturing and chemical processes. For example, Beijing,
China, is facing a hazardous level of air pollution caused by fuel burning and chemical reactions
from industrial areas. As a clean environment is extremely vital for human life, I therefore think
that the main drawback outweighs its key benefit.

To conclude, although people will earn higher income if the government prioritizes the economic
sector rather than other sectors, the serious drawback of pollution problems far outweighs the
advantage.

ADVANTAGES/DISADVANTAGES TYPE
Some companies have uniforms for their staff which must be worn at all times.
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this.

Some organizations force their employees to wear uniforms whenever they are at work. The
advantages of this approach are creating a sense of discipline and displaying their professionalism.
The disadvantages are that it may hurt employees’ confidence and cause them to feel stressed.
One benefit of this measure is that it would result in them being more disciplined. Every time they
put on that suit or dress, they would be reminded that they are working as part of the company and
that they have a job to take care of, making them more responsible. Moreover, these employees
will come across as more professional when they meet clients. This is because uniforms are often
designed to be more suitable for business than casual clothes. For example, how appropriate staff
members’ outfits are is often cited by clients as one of the reasons they choose to do or not do
business with a company.

One drawback of this policy is that it tends to make each individual feel less confident. This is
because they all have their own styles of fashion, so they may feel uncomfortable putting on
something that had been chosen for them. This is compounded by the fact that they must wear
these outfits daily, which can be highly stressful. In other words, it is terribly frustrating having to
wear the same thing for a long period of time. For instance, many major companies in Vietnam
have a scheme to change the design of their uniforms every six months to slightly reduce the
frustration caused by wearing the same outfit repeatedly.

In conclusion, while having a dress code can instill a sense of discipline in the workforce and make
them appear more professional in the eyes of customers, this may also come with a drop in
employees’ self-esteem and an increase in their levels of frustration.

DIRECT QUESTION TYPE

In modern times, children are spending less time with their families and more
time with their friends. Why has this change occurred? Do you think parents
should force their children to spend more time at home?
Nowadays, children spend more time with their friends than with their families. This change has
occurred because children do not want to feel left out among their peers, and parents should not
force children to stay home because they will resent their parents for it.

Young ones do not want to miss out on social activities with their friends. Since the invention of
technology, many activities that people carry out, especially teenagers, are now being posted
online. As a result, children want to engage more in activities with their peers so they would also
have fun stories to post on their social media pages and not be the odd one among their peers. For
example, many young people in South Korea are known to shop and visit fun places with their
friends rather than their parents, so as to show off the fun activities they engage in on WeChat, a
popular social media platform.

Children whose parents mandate spending more time at home might hold a grudge against their
parents. This is because if children are forced by their parents to spend more time at home, they
may interpret this as a form of punishment and develop a negative attitude towards their parents,
which defeats the goal of family time. However, if they are encouraged to play with their siblings
and bond with the family, children will be more willing to stay at home. For example, most children
in Nigeria, even though they spend time with their friends, look forward to family time because
parents in Nigeria emphasize the benefits of spending more time with family.
In conclusion, children want to engage in activities with their friends and not be left out, and
parents should encourage their children to stay at home more, rather than force them, so that their
children will not resent them.